Written Answers of 26 January 1998

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Lambeth Palace
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what was the annual cost of running and maintaining Lambeth Palace in each of the last three years. [25204]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  Lambeth Palace is the base for the Archbishop of Canterbury's ministry and a listed historic building. The cost of running and maintaining the fabric of Lambeth Palace, which includes not only domestic accommodation but a chapel, meeting rooms and office accommodation, was £440,000 in 1996, the last year for which figures are currently available. The figure includes expenditure on repairs and decorations, other outgoings such as insurance and water rates, garden upkeep and extra provision for security and takes account of rental income from leased accommodation.

  The costs in 1994 and 1995 were £410,000 in each year. Expenditure each year varies depending on the incidence of major repairs.

  Bishops
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to his oral answer of 12 January 1998,Official Report, column 18, what plans he has to reduce the £124,545 spent on average per bishop per year. [25203]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  In 1996 the Commissioners spent 10 per cent. of their total expenditure on supporting episcopal ministry. The Commissioners endeavour to provide the level of support for bishops necessary to enable them to undertake their ministry to the Church efficiently and economically.

  Spending on episcopal housing, staff salaries and expenses is subject to close budgetary control. Repairs to buildings are limited to the minimum which the Commissioners feel is consistent with the proper maintenance of those properties in their care. The Commissioners are engaged in a review of the suitability of diocesan bishops' houses and in many cases steps have been taken to reduce long-term running costs.

  Church Commissioners (Staff)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners how many people work for the Church Commissioners; and what was their total cost in 1996. [24830]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Commissioners' administrative costs in 1996 (inclusive of salaries, staff pensions and office running costs) were £10.6 million, down 8 per cent. in real terms since 1993. £5.2 million were asset 2
  management costs; £5.4 million was the cost of central Church functions for which the Commissioners are responsible. Two hundred and forty-seven staff worked for the Commissioners as at 31 December 1996, down 12 per cent. over the previous three years. I direct the hon. Member to page 22 of the Commissioners' Report and Accounts, a copy of which is in the Library. This shows the Commissioners' efficient cost management record over the last ten years.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer of 15 January 1998,Official Report, column 268, if he will publish the programme of his wife when she accompanied him to Dublin at public expense. [25595]

  The Attorney-General
  My wife's programme on visiting Dublin on 17 and 18 September 1997 was as follows:17 September
  Arrive Dublin.
  Visit British Embassy, to meet HM Ambassador, followed by short tour of Dublin.
  Attend reception, lectures and banquet hosted by the Ambassador of the United States on the occasion of the opening of the Forum for US-EU Legal and Economic Affairs.
  18 September
  Return to London.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he plans to take to strengthen the principle of local justice dispensed through magistrates courts. [25032]

  Mr. Hoon
  My hon. Friend will be aware that on 29 October 1997,Official Report, columns 901–05, I made a statement to the House setting out in some detail the Government's plan for the future structure of the magistrates courts service. As part of that statement, I made clear my commitment to the concept of local justice dispensed through a locally administered magistrates courts service. We will shortly be embarking upon a joint working group with the service and local authorities which will examine the financial and legal relationship between them, define their relative responsibilities and enable the close local relationship which is already in evidence to develop further.

  Civil Justice Reforms
  Mr. Burnett
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) of 19 January 1998,Official Report, column 403, if the implementation of those civil justice reforms and changes intended for completion in April 1999 are progressing as anticipated; and if he will make a statement. [25416]
  3
  Mr. Hoon
  I am pleased to confirm the answer I gave to the question of the hon. Member for Hendon on 19 January that the preparations for implementation of the civil justice reforms in April 1999 are indeed progressing as planned. For example, draft rules for the fast and multi-tracks, revised in the light of responses to the consultation paper issued last year, will be considered by the Rule Committee this month. A similar exercise will follow the closure of consultation on the small claims procedures at the end of this month. Further details can be obtained from the Department's bulletin, "Implementing the Civil Justice Reforms", a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on what date his Department's proposals to introduce the legal aid changes announced by the Lord Chancellor on 18 October 1997 will come into effect. [25340]

  Mr. Hoon
  When my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor announced on 18 October 1997 the Government's proposals for reform of the legal aid system, he indicated his determination to consult widely before reaching any final decisions. We have received a large number of representations, each of which is being carefully considered. We intend to complete this consultation before implementing any changes.

  Jacqui Smith
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what is the total cost to the Legal Aid Board of court fees since January 1997; [24121]

  (2) what is the additional cost to the Legal Aid Board arising from the increase in court fees since January 1997. [24120]

  Mr. Hoon
  From the Legal Aid Board's computer system it is not possible to identify separately the amounts paid in respect of court fees from other disbursements.

  Arbitration
  Jacqui Smith
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions in the last 12 months an application under Order 19 rule 3(2), to rescind an automatic reference to arbitration has(a) been made and (b) been granted. [24123]

  Mr. Hoon
  In the 12 months to 31 December 1997, there were 820 applications made and 650 applications granted.

  Jacqui Smith
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions in the last 12 months an application under Order 19 rule 3(2)(d), to rescind an automatic reference to arbitration where it would be unreasonable for the claim to proceed, having regard to the subject matter, circumstances of the parties or interests of third parties who would be affected, has(a) been made and (b) been granted. [24122]

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

  Small Claims
  Jacqui Smith
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many district and deputy district judges are able to sit as arbitrators in small claims proceedings; and how many of those have received training in handling small claims. [24119]

  Mr. Hoon
  All district judges and deputy district judges, apart from those who sit in the Principal Registry of the Family Division, have the jurisdiction to sit as arbitrators in small claims proceedings. The Judicial Studies Board provides training on handling small claims arbitrations for all Deputy District judges as part of their induction programme.

WALES

  Travellers
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his policy concerning permanent sites for travellers in Flintshire. [24158]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Guidance to local planning authorities in respect of the provision of permanent sites for gipsies in their development plans is set out in Welsh Office Circular 2/94 and in Planning Guidance (Wales) Planning Policy. Local authorities no longer have a statutory duty to provide sites for gipsies, but should have regard to gipsies' accommodation needs in drawing up their development plans. The definition of "gipsies" is contained in Welsh Officer Circular 76/94 and excludes those persons who move from place to place without any connection between their movement and their means of livelihood.

  Integrated Rural Policy
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans his Department has to adopt an integrated rural policy for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [24697]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  My appointment of my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) as Minister with specific responsibility for rural and countryside issues recognises the special needs of people living and working in rural Wales. I am committed to fostering an integrated approach so that there is improved co-ordination across the wide-range of agricultural, environmental and economic policies which affect the interests and well-being of rural communities. I have also initiated discussions with both farming unions in Wales to discuss these matters.

  Subject to legislation, the creation of the new economic development powerhouse, equipped with the combined strengths, skills and expertise of the Welsh Development Agency, the Development Board for Rural Wales and the Land Authority for Wales, will provide for the first time the opportunity for unified policies and programmes for development across the whole of rural Wales. The legislation will also restore the Welsh Development

  5
  Agency's grant-making powers, which will be available to promote business growth and diversification in rural Wales, and the powers to promote initiatives that support social as well as economic regeneration. The new economic development powerhouse, in partnership with the National Assembly and other agencies, will be well equipped to contribute to the promotion of sustainable development in rural Wales.

  The new Agency will have a strong regional presence and a rural policy unit which, in collaboration with other partners, will I hope be able to come forward with effective and innovative proposals for securing the future prosperity of rural communities in Wales.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Road Deaths (Alcohol)
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of deaths caused in each of the last 10 years by drivers who had consumed at least one alcoholic drink in the 12 hours prior to an accident but who had a blood alcohol limit lower than the legal limit at the time of accident. [22821]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This information is not available in the form requested.

  When drivers are breath-tested and found to be within the legal limit their precise breath or blood alcohol content is not normally measured, so no information about their alcohol consumption, if any, is available. It is known that some drivers with blood alcohol below the legal limit, including drivers who cause a death, are prosecuted and convicted of "under the influence" drinking-driving offences, but no estimate can be made of the number of fatalities.

  Where a driver has been killed in a road accident the driver's blood alcohol level may be taken in post mortem examinations on behalf of Coroners and Procurators Fiscal. Figures based on these reports are given in the table. They have been adjusted for under-reporting and include the estimated number of persons other than the driver to have been killed in the accidents concerned. 1995 is the latest year for which sufficient information is currently available.

  These figures do not show when alcohol was last consumed by the drivers in these accidents, nor whether the presence of alcohol played any role in causing or aggravating the accidents. Other things being equal, the lower the concentration of alcohol, the less likely it is the alcohol was the cause of the accident.

  Accidents where the driver had a blood alcohol concentration below 10mg/100m1 are not included in this table because below that level, measurement is unreliable and may indicate natural fermentation rather than consumption of alcohol.
  6

  Fatalities in road accidents involving a motor vehicle driver or rider who was killed with a blood alcohol level between 10 and 80mg/100ml: Great Britain (adjusted for under-reporting)

  Number

  1986

  270

  1987

  310

  1988

  270

  1989

  320

  1990

  270

  1991

  270

  1992

  270

  1993

  200

  1994

  260

  1995

  250

  Bridleways
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 18 November 1997,Official Report, column 133, what factors underlay the decision not to include measures to encourage the re-establishment of ancient bridleways in his plans for increasing access to the countryside. [24082]

  Angela Eagle
  We have a long-standing commitment to give people greater freedom to explore open countryside. However, we have no plans at present to introduce new measures relating to rights of way. Local authorities already have powers to create linear routes.

  Driving Licence
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the new form of driving licence will display the union flag of the United Kingdom; and what consultations he is having regarding the format of the new licence. [24397]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The forthcoming photocard driving licence will, like existing paper licences, not include the Union flag in its design. Proposals for plastic photocard driving licences were the subject of public consultations in 1991 and 1996. No further consultations are proposed on the format of the licence, the main features of which are laid down in the second EC driving licence directive, as amended.

  Diabetic Drivers
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultations were undertaken prior to the decision to exclude insulin-dependent diabetics from holding driving licences for categories C1 and D1 vehicles. [24223]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Department consulted over 100 representative organisations in August 1996 on a number of proposals for implementing the requirements of the Second EC Driving Licence Directive (91/439). These included the proposal that drivers with entitlements to drive vehicles in categories C1 and D1 on the strength of an ordinary car licence should, on expiry of their current licence, have to meet the higher health standards required for those categories by the Directive if they wished to renew those entitlements.
  7
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the number of accidents for each of the last five years involving vehicles in categories C1 and Dl driven by insulin-dependent diabetics. [24222]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  No information is collected nationally on the medical conditions of drivers involved in road accidents. It is not, therefore, possible to supply the information requested.

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Total

  April

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  May

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  1

  June

  2

  0

  2

  0

  0

  4

  July

  1

  2

  1

  2

  0

  6

  August

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  September

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  October

  0

  0

  3

  0

  0

  3

  November

  1

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  December

  2

  2

  1

  1

  0

  6

  January

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  1

  February

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  1

  March

  3

  2

  1

  1

  0

  7

  Total

  11

  8

  9

  5

  2

  35

  The figures cover all railways in Great Britain, and are published in the Chief Inspector of Railways Annual Reports on Railway Safety, copies of which are placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the monthly number of railway fatalities per passenger mile in each of the last five years. [24438]

  Death or injury rate: passenger

  Train accidents per billion passenger miles

  Movement accidents per billion passenger miles

  Non-movement accidents per billion passenger journeys

  Killed

  Major

  Minor

  Killed

  Major

  Minor

  Killed

  Major

  Minor

  1991–92

  0.08

  0.75

  12.01

  1.16

  3.03

  90.65

  0.63

  63.64

  2,091

  1992–93

  0.00

  0.13

  2.67

  0.68

  3.35

  98.93

  1.29

  100.26

  2,395

  1993–94

  0.00

  0.22

  5.67

  0.62

  1.80

  95.37

  1.30

  103.05

  2,793

  1994–95

  0.14

  0.50

  8.17

  0.55

  2.65

  98.41

  1.26

  85.28

  2,685

  1995–96

  0.04

  0.04

  2.24

  0.29

  1.91

  102.91

  1.23

  98.65

  2,819

  Train accidents per passenger miles

  Movement accidents per billion passenger miles

  Non movement accidents per billion passenger journeys

  Killed

  Injured

  Killed

  Injured

  Killed

  Injured

  1996–97

  0.04

  6.50

  0.40

  20.21

  1.80

  1,025.80

  New accident regulations were introduced in 1996–97.

  Under the new regulations—the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995 (RIDDOR 95) there is no distinction between a major and minor injury to a passenger.

  The reporting trigger is that the person is taken from the site of the accident to hospital for treatment.

  Rail Fatalities
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the monthly number of staff fatalities in the railway industry for each of the last five years. [24439]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Details on the number of staff fatalities in the railway industry for the past five years are as follows:

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This information is not available in the for requested. However, annual death and injury rates to passengers per billion passenger miles are published in the Chief Inspector of Railways Annual Report on Railway Safety, copies of which are available in the House of Commons Library. The relevant extract from the report for 1996–97 listing these rates over the past five years is as follows:

  Train accidents are accidents to trains and rolling stock.

  Movement accidents are accidents to people caused by the movement of railway vehicles, but excluding those involved in train accidents.

  Non-movement accidents are accidents to people on railway premises which are not connected with the movement of railway vehicles.

  Green-field Sites
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the proposal by the Civic Trust to introduce a levy of 10 per cent. on the value of green-field sites with planning permission; and if he will make a statement. [24465]

  Mr. Caborn
  We want to stimulate a debate about the scope for using economic instruments to help achieve our planning objectives and we will take further account of the Civic Trust's proposal in that context. It is likely to be one of the items discussed when my hon. Friend the Minister for London and Construction meets the Director of the Civic Trust next week.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take to protect green-field sites in the North East of Chelmsford and the Al2 corridor. [25291]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Government wish to see as much new development as possible allocated to urban areas and existing settlements, and maximum use made of previously developed sites. Any proposals for the development of green-field sites in Essex are, initially, for the local planning authorities to consider. When examining such proposals they, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, should he become involved, will have regard to national policies and the protection of the countryside, and to the need for new development to be suitable and environmentally acceptable.

  Cleaner Vehicles Task Force
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the(a) name of, (b) occupation of and (c) organisation represented by each of the members of the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force; and if he will make a statement. [24467]

  Dr. Strang
  The Cleaner Vehicles Task Force aims to create a new partnership between Government and the private sector to promote environmentally friendly vehicles that people and businesses will want to buy and drive. The task force's members are:

  Name

  Occupation

  Organisation

  Co-Chair

  Gavin Strang

  Minister for Transport

  DETR

  Co-Chair

  Ian McAllister

  President Chairman and Managing Director

  SMMT Ford UK

  John Battle

  Minister for Science, Energy and Industry

  DTI

  Sir Robert May

  Government Chief Scientist

  OST

  Walter Hasselkus

  Chairman and Chief Executive

  Rover Group

  Keith Taylor

  Chairman and Chief Executive

  Esso UK

  Neil Johnson

  Chief Executive

  RAC

  David Lea

  Assistant General Secretary

  TUC

  Nigel Haigh

  Director

  IEEP

  Michael Gwilt

  Chief Executive

  Arriva Group

  David Green

  Director-General

  FTA

  Mike Parker

  Chief Executive

  Nexus

  Mike Baunton

  Managing Director

  Varity Perkins

  Environmental Sustainability
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions to what extent environmental sustainability is included as a quality factor under the new best value replacement to compulsory competitive tendering for local authorities; and if he will make a statement. [24458]

  Ms Armstrong
  It will generally be for local authorities to decide how to reflect environmental sustainability in their performance targets for the different services under the proposed best value regime, following consultation with the local community and in the light of their progress in drawing up Local Agenda 21 strategies.

  Home Zone Sign
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the use of the home zone sign in other European member states in reducing traffic casualties; and if he will make a statement. [24468]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The effectiveness of the "home zone" signs used in some EU member states depends on drivers observing very low speed limits (and being conditioned to give way to pedestrians). My Department has been working with local authorities on schemes and studies to reduce vehicle speeds in residential streets and shopping areas. Our experience in this country so far has been that signs by themselves do not reduce vehicle speeds to 20mph or below, and that other self-enforcing measures are needed. We have no plans at present to change primary legislation to introduce home zones but we think there is scope within the current legislation for further speed reducing measures to be applied.

  Coastguard (Wales)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on coastguard provision in Wales(a) currently and (b) after 2001; and if he will list in each case those stations that will be permanently manned. [24479]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  There are three permanently staffed Coastguard centres in Wales, located at Swansea, Milford Haven and Holyhead.

  There are no plans to change Her Majesty's Coastguard provision in Wales, including the 11 Sector Managers and 47 auxiliary stations, after 2001, with the exception of an increase in the staff complement at Holyhead Coastguard station for the control of the additional radio aerials, following the proposed closure of the Liverpool Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in 2000. A proposed five year strategy for the service was announced on 17 November 1997, Official Report, column 9–10, and a consultation document was issued on 20 January copies of which have gone to all coastal MPs and the House Library.

  Planning (Amble Sewerage Scheme)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to call in the planning application for the Amble sewerage scheme. [24784]
  11
  Mr. Raynsford
  This application has not been referred to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State and he has received no representations about the proposals.

  Greenhouse Gas Reductions
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what specific policy decisions have so far been taken by the Government to deliver the new commitments to the reduction of greenhouse gases that he gave in Tokyo on behalf of the Government. [24707]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Kyoto Protocol set a legally-binding target for the European Union of an 8 per cent. overall reduction in the emissions of six greenhouse gases between 2008 and 2012, compared with 1990. Under our Presidency of the European Union we aim to share out this target between Member States, and to take forward proposals for common and co-ordinated policies and measures. Our priority within the UK will then be to ensure that we achieve our legally binding target.

  We have already taken action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The Chancellor announced in the July Budget, that the real increase in fuel duty would be raised to 6 per cent., a year. Later this year we will be consulting on a programme of policies and measures to meet our legally binding target and launch a national debate on moving towards our domestic aim of a 20 per cent. cut in emissions.

  Unitary Development Plan (Newcastle)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to answer the letter about the City of Newcastle upon Tyne Unitary Development Plan sent to him by the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central. [24657]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I replied to my hon. Friend's letter on 14 January.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to make modifications to the Revised Unitary Development Plan published by the City of Newcastle upon Tyne. [24656]

  Mr. Raynsford
  None. Following very careful consideration of all the relevant issues considered by the Inspector to the UDP Inquiry, the Secretary of State decided not to object to the proposals to delete land from the Green Belt for the Northern Development Area. I understand that Newcastle City Council resolved to adopt their plan on 21 January.

  Key factors which were taken into account in reaching this decision included the City Council's proposal to accommodate 76 per cent. of its housing requirements within the existing built up area and the fact that the Inspector accepted that further development in the built up area would lead to town cramming. In addition, the Inspector found that a continuation of population dispersal from Newcastle to Northumberland and North Tyneside would be less sustainable than the proposed development which lies less than 5km from the city centre and can be readily linked to the public transport network.

  Northern Development Area
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will request the SRB partnership for the Graingertown area of Newcastle upon Tyne city centre to report to him on the effect of the proposed Northern Development Area on office redevelopment prospects. [24658]

  Mr. Raynsford
  It would not be appropriate for the Secretary of State to do so in view of his quasi-judicial role in the planning system. However, there are well-established procedures in place which allow individuals and organisations to make full representations on development proposals at all stages of the planning process. I understand that the issues of the effect of the proposed Northern Development Area on development elsewhere in the local authority area have already been examined in public before an independent planning inspector in the context of Newcastle upon Tyne Unitary Development Plan Public Inquiry.

  Low Flying
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for further legislation regarding low flying to combat aircraft noise. [24699]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are considering whether new legislation may be required in respect of civil aircraft noise disturbance, whether that is attributable to low flying or to other causes.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidelines he has issued to local authorities(a) on dealing with computer systems which are not millennium compliant and (b) on budgeting for the costs of remedying computer systems which are not millennium compliant; and if he will make a statement. [24704]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Local authorities are responsible for their own systems and have access to high quality advice on this issue from the Local Government Management Board, the professional body of local government IT officers (SOCTIM) and other professional bodies. My officials have also kept the Local Government Association (LGA) informed on the steps being taken by central government. In addition, the Government have published best practice guidance on millennium compliance. The LGA's views on the pressures faced by all local authorities were taken into account in our proposals for local government revenue expenditure in 1998–99.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate for each local authority of the costs of dealing with computer systems which are not millennium compliant; and if he will make a statement. [24702]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Local Government Association (LGA) highlighted the possible level of pressures local authorities might face in preparing for millennium computer compliance. Their estimate of £500 million, with spending of at least £100 million required for 1998–99, was based on the overall cost to local authorities. The LGA's
  13
  views on the pressures faced by all local authorities were taken into account in our proposals for local government revenue expenditure in 1998–99.

  Road Lighting
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those roads for which he is responsible where lighting columns are life expired and need replacing. [24280]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 21 January 1998]: The Highways Agency is responsible for lighting columns on the trunk road network. Lighting columns on local roads are the responsibility of the relevant local highway authority.

  The Highways Agency is not aware of any life expired lighting columns on trunk roads as corrective action is taken when problems arise or preventive maintenance identifies signs of defects.

  Motorway Service Areas
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many public inquiries on applications for motorway service areas were completed in the period 1 May to 31 December 1997; and what was the estimated cost of each inquiry to his Department; [24582]

  (2) how many public inquiries are currently in progress in respect of applications for the development of motorway service areas; and what is the estimated cost to date of those inquiries to his Department. [24578]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Three motorway service public inquiries were completed between 1 May and 31 December 1997: M4 Maidenhead area; A1(M) North Yorkshire and M25 Junctions 15–16 (Elk Meadows). The only such public inquiry currently under way is one which opened on 20 January into a motorway service area proposal at Redbourne on the M1 between Junctions 8 and 9.

  A substantial part of the cost of all four inquiries to my Department will be the time spent on them by staff of the Highways Agency as part of their normal duties. The time spent specifically on these cases could not be separately identified.

  Rents
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was(a) the amount of Housing Rent Account surplus used to finance rent rebates, (b) the number of council tenants paying full rent in each local authority area in which Housing Rent Account surpluses are being used and (c) the financial contribution made per week by each tenant paying full rent in each local authority area in the most recent available year. [24710]

  Mr. Raynsford
  In 1997–98, we estimate that £1,228.6 million of notional Housing Revenue Account surpluses will be used to meet the cost of rent rebates granted by housing authorities in England. In the same year, we estimate that 1,038,873 council tenants will not be granted rent rebates, and will therefore pay full rent.
  14
  The full amount of a tenant's rent, irrespective of whether he or she is granted a rebate, is a credit to the Housing Revenue Account and contributes towards any notional rental surplus. In 1997–98 the average weekly unrebated rent per dwelling for all council tenants in England is £41.18.

  Road Accidents
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what financial criteria are used by his Department in determining the cost of a road accident for a(a) fatality, (b) serious injury and (c) slight injury; and in each case what is the current figure. [24485]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 21 January 1998]: The values attributed to the avoidance of deaths and injuries in road accidents in 1996 were (a) fatal £983,710; and (b) serious accident £118,030; (c) slight accident £11,590. These values take account of medical costs, lost production, the cost of police and courts, insurance administration, property damage, and human costs based on the widely accepted concept of "willingness to pay".

  Vehicle Inspectorate
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional resources have been allocated in the financial year 1998–99 to the Vehicle Inspectorate to enhance safety regulation in road transport. [24772]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 22 January 1998]: Additional resources have been allocated to the VI for road safety enforcement activities in the financial year 1998–99. The total available for this activity will be £16,295,000, an increase of £246k over the current year's allocation.

  Driving Standards Agency
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of the regional office of the Driving Standards Agency at Haymarket House, Edinburgh. [24420]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 22 January 1998]: The Driving Standards Agency is currently reviewing its Area Office structure. The Agency's preferred option is to relocate the driving test booking operation from Haymarket House to its Newcastle Office but to retain a number of administrative activities, such as handling examiner deployment, customer service and estates functions, in Edinburgh. We expect to announce the results of that review soon.

  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of the driving test centres at(a) Edinburgh, Newington, (b) Saltcoats, (c) Hamilton, (d) Aberfeldy, (e) Girvan, (f) Cumnock, (g) Callander, (h) Fort Augustus, (i) Tarbert, (j) Bettyhill, (k) Helmsdale and (l) Duns. [24421]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 22 January 1998]: The Driving Standards Agency is currently reviewing its test centre estate across England, Scotland

  15
  and Wales to ascertain whether there is scope for rationalisation while retaining satisfactory levels of service. There are no plans at present to withdraw the driving test service from any of those centres identified by the hon. Member. Any proposals to close particular test centres at a later date would be subject to consultation with local driving instructor groups, local authority interests and the Members within whose constituencies those centres are located.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the plans by the Driving Standards Agency to move the driving test centre in Beeches Road, Chelmsford to another site in the town; and when he expects the move to take place. [25290]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Driving Standards Agency proposes to relocate its driving test centre to a new site at the Chelmar Business Park. Subject to contracts being agreed and the due planning process being completed, a new centre should be opened either later this year or early next year.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when Her Majesty's Government expect to ratify Directive Euratom 96/29 passed by the Council of Ministers in 1996; and what measures he plans to prevent the recycling of nuclear waste into consumer goods. [24817]

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to relax the limits on uncontrolled disposal or release of radioactively contaminated materials; and if he will make a statement. [25493]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 19 January 1998,Official Report, column 376.

  Byways (Vehicle Regulation)
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) of 10 June 1997,Official Report, column 403, when he expects to announce proposals to improve regulation of vehicles on byways. [25070]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 23 January 1998]: We hope to make an announcement next month.

  Official Cars
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many official cars are available for use by Ministers in his Department; and how many new cars have been acquired for the use of Ministers in his Department since 1 May. [25161]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 23 January 1998]: Following the merger of the former Departments of the Environment and Transport the total number of cars available to Ministers has been decreased by one to nine. One new car has been acquired since 1 May.

  Road Traffic Reduction Act
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the provisions of the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 to come into force; and if he will make a statement. [24985]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 23 January 1998]: Guidance to local authorities on implementing the provisions of the Road Traffic Reduction Act was issued in draft on 15 January for public consultation. Comments are sought by 20 April 1998. We envisage that the Act will be brought into force later this year, and be followed by final guidance.

  Great Leighs Bypass
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on funding of the Great Leighs bypass. [25292]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Essex County Council bid for support for this scheme in their Transport Policies and Programme (TPP) submission for 1998–99. Because of financial constraints no new major schemes were accepted in the 1998–99 local transport capital settlement, which was announced on 17 December 1997.

  The guidance for the TPP round of 1999–2000 is due to be published in the Spring. My Department is currently considering the headings under which bids will be invited. It is not possible at this stage to say how much weight will be given to major road schemes such as Great Leighs Bypass.

  Rail Passengers
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will bring forward proposals to reduce overcarrying of passengers on the rail network in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [25077]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Central door locking has appreciably reduced the risk of accidents caused by passengers boarding and alighting from trains when it would be unsafe to do so. It may have increased the risk of overcarrying, but the Health and Safety Executive does not consider overcarrying a safety issue. Measures to prevent overcarrying are for train operators to consider.

  Parachute Flights
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the regulations regarding maximum permitted decibel levels and the environmental impact of private parachuting flights; and if he will make a statement. [25098]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Aircraft used for parachuting are subject to the same noise certification requirements as comparable aircraft used for other purposes. Depending on local airspace constraints and the location of drop zones, the need for the aircraft to climb over a limited area can be a source of nuisance to those below. Aerodromes and aircraft operators should plan their routes, procedures and activities so as to minimise noise nuisance; subject always to the overriding requirements of safety.

  "New Leadership for London"
  Sir Norman Fowler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what analysis his Department has made of the answers to the questions set out in the Government's Consultation Paper, "New Leadership for London"; if he will publish this analysis; and if he will make a statement. [25528]

  Mr. Raynsford
  An analysis of the responses we received to the Green Paper "New Leadership for London" will be set out in the White Paper which we intend to publish in March. A list of names of all the individuals and organisations who responded to the Green Paper was placed in the House of Commons Library on 21 November 1997. On the same day, copies of their letters were made available for inspection by the public, in the library of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3EB.

  Rural Policy
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans his Department has to adopt an integrated rural policy in England; and if he will make a statement. [24695]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government are committed to developing an integrated approach to tackling the problems of rural areas.

  The Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) of Countryside and Rural Policy which is currently being undertaken jointly by DETR and MAFF is considering the aims and delivery of countryside and rural policy for the medium and long term. We expect to make an announcement about how we intend to take forward rural policy in due course, taking account of the work of the CSR.

  Passenger Ferries
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is

  Bilateral aid expenditure

  £ thousand

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Total emergency1 aid all countries

  142,831

  179,544

  208,165

  141,560

  119,934

  of which

  Disaster preparedness all countries

  1,119

  1,939

  2,782

  2,891

  4,303

  Total DFID programme all countries

  1,145,113

  1,177,598

  1,144,066

  1,124,226

  1,078,795

  Total GPEX all countries

  1,353,889

  1,308,743

  1,379,665

  1,421,567

  1,283,224

  Emergency aid as a percentage of DIFD programme

  12.47

  15.25

  18.20

  12.59

  11.12

  Disaster preparedness as percentage of DFID programme

  0.10

  0.16

  0.24

  0.26

  0.40

  Emergency aid as a percentage of GPEX

  10.55

  13.72

  15.09

  9.96

  9.35

  Disaster preparedness as percentage of GPEX

  0.08

  0.15

  0.20

  0.20

  0.34

  Key:

  1 Emergency aid includes disaster relief, emergency food aid, short term refugee relief and disaster preparedness.

  1. DFID programme include all bilateral spending, financial aid, TC, ATP, programme aid, emergency aid and DFID debt relief.

  2. GPEX = Gross Public Expenditure on Development Assistance (includes spending on CDC investments, other (non-DFID) debt relief and small amounts of drug related assistance funded by the Home and Foreign and Commonwealth Offices).
  18
  the frequency of those Marine Safety Agency inspections of passenger ferries at which the MSA inspectors witness emergency drills. [25279]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Marine Safety Agency, Mr. Bradley, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Alisdair Morgan, dated 26 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your Question about the frequency of emergency drills on passenger ferries.
  Emergency drills are witnessed by inspectors of the Marine Safety Agency at least once a year on all passenger ferries inspected in the UK, and on UK registered ferries operating overseas. The frequency may be increased as required by the inspector in the exercise of his professional judgement.

  Air Traffic Control
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the impact on the revenue costs of the National Air Traffic Control over(a) 10 and (b) 20 years of the PFI project for the Air Traffic Control centre at Prestwick. [25464]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Negotiations are still continuing between National Air Traffic Services Ltd., and Sky Solutions, the preferred bidder for the New Scottish Air Traffic Control Centre at Prestwick. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to make a statement on estimated costs at this time.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Emergency Relief
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the proportion of the United Kingdom aid programme devoted to emergency relief operations and disasters preparedness and prevention programmes. [24233]

  Clare Short
  The proportions of our aid programme devoted to emergency relief operations and disaster preparedness and prevention programme are set out in the table.
  19
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what money the Government plan to give(a) bilaterally and (b) multilaterally to (i) Burkina Faso, (ii) Niger, (iii) Mali and (iv) Chad for long-term disaster preparedness and food security in 1997–98 and 1998–99. [24348]

  Clare Short
  We plan to channel DFID assistance to Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad through multilateral agencies, mainly the EU, and through non-governmental organisations.

  We are in close touch with the European Commission on EU plans.

  Food Shortages
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what response she has made to the request for international food aid issued(a) by Niger in November and (b) by Burkina Faso in December. [24349]

  Clare Short
  UK assistance to these countries is provided mainly through the EU. We are in close touch with the European Commission about their plans.

  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations the Government have received from(a) NGOs and (b) UK officials in Burkina Faso and Niger about the impending food shortages in these countries. [24350]

  Clare Short
  We have received an official representation from one NGO on this issue. Our Embassy in Abidjan, which is accredited to Niger and Burkina Faso, has recently received a request from the Nigerien authorities for assistance which is now being considered.

  Development Assistance
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much money has been given in development assistance to(a) Burkina Faso, (b) Niger, (c) Mali and (d) Chad in each year since 1992; and what percentage was (i) bilateral and (ii) multilateral assistance; and what proportion was given for (1) emergency relief and (2) long term disaster preparedness and food security. [24347]

  Clare Short
  Figures for total bilateral assistance (including emergency aid and debt relief) to Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Chad from financial year 1991–92 to

  Table 1b: Bilateral emergency aid 1991–92 to 1996–97

  £ thousands

  Country

  Year

  Food aid1

  Disaster relief2

  Refugee relief

  Disaster preparedness

  Total

  Chad

  1991–92

  —

  90

  —

  —

  90

  1992–93

  —

  —

  80

  —

  80

  1993–94

  —

  222

  65

  —

  287

  1994–95

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1995–96

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1996–97

  —

  14

  —

  —

  14

  Mali

  1991–92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1992–93

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1993–94

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  20
  1996–97 are given in Table 1a. Further details are given in British Aid Statistics which are available in the House Library.

  Figures for bilateral emergency aid to Niger, Mali and Chad (which includes disaster relief, emergency food aid, short-term refugee relief and disaster preparedness) are given in Table lb. No bilateral emergency assistance was provided to Burkina Faso during this period.

  Figures for the imputed UK share of multilateral assistance to these countries for the calendar years 1992–95 (the latest year for which figures are available) are given in Table 2. We have no details of the proportion of this expenditure which was given for emergency relief, and long-term disaster preparedness and food security.

  Table 1a: Total bilateral assistance 1991–92 to 1996–97

  £ thousand

  Country

  Year

  Gross public expenditure1

  Burkina Faso

  1991–92

  969

  1992–93

  345

  1993–94

  248

  1994–95

  168

  1995–96

  325

  1996–97

  204

  Total 2,259

  Chad

  1991–92

  227

  1992–93

  291

  1993–94

  424

  1994–95

  110

  1995–96

  110

  1996–97

  142

  Total 1,303

  Mali

  1991–92

  1,351

  1992–93

  1,223

  1993–94

  811

  1994–95

  921

  1995–96

  1,336

  1996–97

  8,656

  Total 14,299

  Niger

  1991–92

  392

  1992–93

  373

  1993–94

  468

  1994–95

  539

  1995–96

  686

  1996–97

  454

  Total 2,912

  1 Includes non-DFID debt relief.

  21

  Table 1b: Bilateral emergency aid 1991–92 to 1996–97

  £ thousands

  Country

  Year

  Food aid1

  Disaster relief2

  Refugee relief

  Disaster preparedness

  Total

  Mali cont.

  1994–95

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1995–96

  —

  128

  —

  —

  128

  1996–97

  —

  23

  —

  —

  23

  Niger

  1991–92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1992–93

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1993–94

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1994–95

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1995–96

  —

  13

  —

  —

  13

  1996–97

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 DFID uses the World Food Programme as a means of delivering emergency food aid. These amounts are recorded as bilateral food aid as DFID has control over the decision to provide such food aid to a particular destination. Regular non-emergency provisions of food aid are not included in this table.

  2 DFID uses certain UN Agencies as a means of delivering emergency assistance to individual countries. These amounts are recorded as bilateral disaster relief as DFID has influence over the use and destination of funds.

  Table 2: Imputed UK share of net multilateral oda disbursements 1992–1995

  £ millions

  of which

  Total multilateral

  EC

  UN

  Other

  Burkina

  1992

  9.2

  5.8

  0.7

  2.7

  1993

  13.4

  9.2

  0.7

  3.4

  1994

  8.7

  5.1

  0.5

  3.1

  1995

  11.5

  7.7

  0.7

  3.1

  Chad

  1992

  3.7

  1.1

  0.7

  1.9

  1993

  3.3

  0.7

  0.6

  1.9

  1994

  6.9

  4.1

  0.3

  2.6

  1995

  4.8

  2.8

  0.5

  1.6

  Mali

  1992

  9.9

  6.7

  0.9

  2.3

  1993

  9.0

  6.5

  0.8

  1.7

  1994

  10.5

  5.8

  0.5

  4.2

  1995

  12.4

  8.7

  0.7

  3.0

  Niger

  1992

  6.1

  4.1

  1.3

  0.7

  1993

  7.1

  5.5

  1.0

  0.6

  1994

  7.4

  4.8

  0.5

  2.2

  1995

  5.6

  4.3

  0.5

  0.8

  Net Official Development Assistance (oda) is an internationally comparable aid statistic.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Long-term Unemployment
  Mr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how she intends to deploy New Deal Welfare to Work resources relating to Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement; [22735]

  (2) When she proposed to announce the results of the Government's consultation on long-term unemployment; and if she will make a statement; [22743]

  (3) if she will make statement on the New Deal Welfare to Work as it affects lone parents and people with disabilities. [22744]

  Mr. Worthington
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Training and Employment Agency, under its chief executive Mr. Ian Walters. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
  22
  Letter from Ian Walters to Mr. Norman Godman, dated 19 January 1998:

  PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS 22735, 22743 AND 22744
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me as Chief Executive of the Training and Employment Agency to reply to your questions about the New Deal and the recent consultation on long term unemployment in Northern Ireland.
  No 22735
  Northern Ireland has been allocated £140 million from the £3.5 billion being raised from the Windfall levy to fund the New Deals for young people and the long term unemployed. We estimate that 13,000 young people will enter the Gateway in the first full year of operation beginning in April this year, of which 7,000 are likely to take up one of the four New Deal options. Provision is also being made for a further 3,000 young people in the New Deal age category who would otherwise have benefited from existing training and employment programmes. Resource transfers for the latter will be made from existing programmes during 1998/99. In addition we estimate that approximately 3,000 people aged over 25 and unemployed for more than 2 years will be eligible for subsided employment.
  The allocation for the New Deal for the disabled has yet to be apportioned. The allocation for Lone Parents is mentioned below.
  No. 22743
  Work on the review of long-term unemployment was temporarily overtaken during the Autumn by the overriding priority of the New Deal. We have been examining how existing programmes for the long term unemployed could be best aligned with the New Deal while taking account of the outcome of last year's consultation exercise. I expect an announcement will be made shortly on the future shape of existing programmes and services.
  No. 22744
  An additional £9 million has been allocated to Northern Ireland to fund the New Deal for Lone Parents. From April this year, Lone Parents making a first-time claim for Income Support and whose youngest child is of school age will be offered advice and support to overcome the barriers preventing them from taking up employment. All other Lone Parents will be able to avail of this opportunity from October 1998. Personal Advisers will help Lone Parents to identify suitable after-school childcare services, advise them on in-work benefits and where appropriate, arrange pre-employment training as well as providing an in-work support service to ease the transition from Welfare to Work. Similar opportunities for the sick and disabled who are able to take up employment will mirror the arrangements in Great Britain. We will ensure that the launch of this initiative in Northern Ireland will coincide with national implementation.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Fair Employment and Equality Review
  Mr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she expects to respond to the recommendations of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights report on Fair Employment and Equality Review; and if she will make a statement. [22738]

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

  Political Parties (Funding)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps her Department is taking to ensure the inclusion of Northern Ireland in the Government's proposed legislation on the funding of political parties. [22808]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  As my hon. and learned Friend will be aware the Committee on Standards in Public Life—formally the Nolan Committee, now the Neill Committee—has been asked by the Prime Minister to undertake a wide-ranging investigation into the funding of political parties. Northern Ireland will be included in this. My officials will also be keeping in contact with colleagues in the Home Office regarding Government's legislative proposals. We welcome submissions from political parties and other interested groups.

  River Pollution
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria are used to measure pollution in rivers; and which rivers fail to meet the standards. [25020]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Environment and Heritage Service, under its chief executive Mr. Robert C. Martin. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Robert C. Martin to Mr. David Trimble, dated 26 January 1998:
  As Chief Executive of Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), I am responsible for all operational aspects of the environmental policies of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. I am responding to the Parliamentary Question which you put down on 27 January 1998 regarding the criteria used to measure pollution in rivers, and the rivers which fail to meet standards.
  EHS assesses the quality of approximately 2,400 kilometres of rivers in Northern Ireland by sampling and analysing water at just under 300 monitoring stations. On the basis of the analysis results, the waters are classified as of Very Good, Good, Fairly Good, Fair,
  24
  Poor or Bad quality. The classification system employed is the General Quality Assessment (GQA) drawn up by the Environment Agency for England and Wales.
  The policy of EHS with regard to river quality is generally to manage river systems so that water quality is at least Fair under the Chemical GQA system with no downward movement between classes, and to maintain or improve water quality as required by national policy, EC Directives and international agreements. This policy was published in the report River Quality in Northern Ireland 1995 (paragraph 11). A copy of the report is attached. The Chemical GQA scheme is explained in Appendix 1 of the report.
  Under the terms of the EC Directive on the quality of fresh waters needing protection or improvement in order to support fish life (the 'Freshwater Fish Directive', 78/659/EEC), approximately 1,200 kilometres of rivers have been designated as salmonid (suitable for game fish) or cyprinid (suitable for coarse fish). Designated waters are required to comply with the quality standards set out in Annex 1 of the Directive. A copy of the Directive is attached.
  In 1996, the most recent year for which data have been processed, 88 per cent of the length of rivers monitored was of Fair quality or better. Appendix A lists those rivers or reaches which fell below GQA Fair quality.
  Also in 1996, 72 per cent of the length of designated rivers complied with the requirements of the Freshwater Fish Directive. Appendix B lists those designated rivers or reaches which failed to comply.
  I trust you will find this reply helpful.

DEFENCE

  Fleet Air Arm (826 Squadron)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 12 November 1997,Official Report, columns 576–77, on 826 squadron, in which years since 1968 the squadron was based at (a) RNAS Culdrose, Helston, Cornwall and (b) Malta. [24540]

  Dr. Reid
  From 1968 until disbandment in 1993, 826 Naval Air Squadron was a front line Anti-submarine Warfare squadron parented by RNAS CULDROSE where it was based when not embarked or deployed. The squadron was deployed in Malta from 31 October to 12 November 1969 and 3 to 22 March 1971. This and similar information, together with that supplied on 12 November 1997,Official Report, columns 576–77, is obtainable from the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

  Land Command
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel are under the command of each one star and each two star commander of Land Command United Kingdom. [24796]

  Dr. Reid
  The number of service personnel under command of two-star and one-star commanders in land Command in the United Kingdom is as follows:

  Two Stars

  Appointment

  Regular

  TA

  Total

  General Officer Commanding

  2 Division

  10,704

  17,737

  28,441

  3 Division

  8,966

  3,221

  12,187

  4 Division

  17,218

  5,702

  22,920

  5 Division

  5,335

  13,492

  18,827

  London District

  4,620

  714

  5,334

  Scotland

  2,596

  7,084

  9,680

  25

  One star

  Appointment

  Regular

  TA

  Total

  Commander

  1 Mech Bde

  6,280

  0

  6,280

  2 (SE) Bde

  2,843

  1,501

  4,344

  5 AB Bde

  4,599

  208

  4,807

  15 (NE) Bde

  2,401

  8,865

  11,266

  19 Mech Bde

  6,029

  0

  6,029

  24 Airmob Bde

  5,200

  0

  5,200

  42 (NW) Bde

  1,870

  5,690

  7,560

  43 (Wx) Bde

  1,597

  3,221

  4,818

  49 (E) Bde

  2,170

  8,852

  11,022

  51 (H) Bde

  883

  3,183

  4,066

  52 (L) Bde

  1,654

  3,862

  5,516

  143 (WM) Bde

  1,676

  3,069

  4,745

  145 (HC) Bde

  4,525

  3,980

  8,505

  160 (W) Bde

  1,630

  3,584

  5,214

  The figures for service personnel include uniformed non-regular permanent staff. The figures for two-star commands include in total some 8,000 service personnel working in headquarters and other units which are distributed throughout the United Kingdom and do not feature in the figures for one-star commands.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the proposed capital expenditure for United Kingdom Land Command 2nd Division over the next five years. [24795]

  Dr. Reid
  It has been the policy of successive Governments not to publish detailed information on the outcome of the Department's long-term costings, of which planned capital expenditure forms a part. I am, therefore, withholding the information requested under exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual cost of maintaining the (i) Land Command United Kingdom Divisional Headquarters in Edinburgh, (ii) the Brigade Headquarters at Perth and (iii) the Brigade Headquarters at Edinburgh. [24792]

  Dr. Reid
  The estimated cost of maintaining these headquarters next financial year will be:

  (i) HQ Scottish District, Edinburgh: £5,598,000

  (ii) HQ 51 Brigade, Perth: £648,000

  (iii) HQ 52 Brigade, Edinburgh: £930,000.

  These figures include pay and running costs of the headquarters, and maintenance of the buildings. In the case of HQ Scottish District, the figures include the costs of not only the Headquarters but its supporting camp.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) regular and (b) territorial army soldiers are based currently in (i) Scotland and (ii) the 2nd Division; and how many would be based in the English part of the proposed Northern District with its headquarters at Edinburgh being considered by Land Command United Kingdom. [24797]

  Dr. Reid
  Land Command has 2,596 regular and 7,084 territorial army personnel currently based in Scotland; and 10,704 regular and 17,737 territorial army personnel in the 2 Division area. A region covering the North of England would at present include some 10,258 regular and 15,730 territorial army personnel.
  26
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) service and (b) civilian personnel are employed at the Army Brigade Headquarters in (i) Perth and (ii) Edinburgh; and what is the total number of regular and territorial troops under their respective commands. [24790]

  Dr. Reid
  Headquarters 51 Brigade in Perth has an establishment of 12 Service, and nine civilian personnel; Headquarters 52 Brigade in Edinburgh, 12 Service and 15 civilian staff.

  The total established strength of Land Command units under command or administrative control of Headquarters 51 Brigade is 883 regular and 3,183 Territorial Army personnel; and of Headquarters 52 Brigade: 1,654 regular and 3,862 Territorial Army personnel.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) service and (b) civilian personnel are employed at the headquarters of 15 and 49 Army Brigades; and what is the total number of regular and territorial troops under their respective commands. [24798]

  Dr. Reid
  There are currently 33 service and 37 civilian personnel employed in the Headquarters 15 Brigade at York; and 38 service and 37 civilian personnel in the Headquarters of 49 Brigade at Chilwell. The authorised strength of units under command or administrative control of Headquarters 15 Brigade is 2,401 regular and 8,865 territorial army personnel; and of Headquarters of 49 Brigade, 2,170 regular and 8,852 territorial army personnel.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) service and (b) civilian personnel are employed at the United Kingdom Land Command Divisional Headquarters in (i) Edinburgh and (ii) York; and what is the total number of regular and territorial troops under their respective commands. [24791]

  Dr. Reid
  Headquarters Scottish District in Edinburgh has an establishment of 91 Service and 60 civilian staff. The equivalent figures for Headquarters 2 Division at York are 104 and 171 respectively. I regret that the figures for Headquarters 2 Division given in the answer from my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary on 16 January 1998,Official Report, column 349, excluded a number of staff who should have been included.

  The total established strength of units under command or administrative control of Scottish District is 2,596 regular and 7,084 Territorial Army personnel. The figures for 2 Division are 10,704 and 17,737 respectively.

  Defence Council Instructions
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Defence Council instructions have been issued since 1 January 1996; and how many were unclassified. [24507]

  Mr. George Robertson
  A total of 1,920 Defence Council Instructions have been issued since 1 January 1996, of which 1,609 were unclassified.

  Peacekeeping Forces
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries where British peacekeeping forces are currently operating. [25008]
  27
  Dr. Reid
  United Kingdom armed forces are currently deployed in Cyprus, Iraq/Kuwait, Georgia, Bosnia/Herzegovina and Croatia on peacekeeping operations under specific United Nations mandates. UK forces are also engaged in monitoring activities in Northern and Southern Iraq and in the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf, as part of a wider coalition force to monitor Iraqi compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

  Trident
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions were held on the co-ordination of patrols of Trident and Triomphant submarines at the Anglo-French summit in London in November. [24606]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 22 January 1998,Official Report, column 628.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the impact of the introduction of Trident on(a) the availability of the United Kingdom's ballistic missile-carrying submarines to fire their missiles and (b) the number of submarines that can be deployed on patrol at any one time. [24602]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The introduction into service of our Trident submarines has not resulted in any change in the United Kingdom's policy of maintaining continuous deterrent patrols. Submarines on patrol are at a reduced alert state reflecting improved strategic conditions.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the Government's present policy towards disclosing the number of nuclear warheads deployed on Trident submarines and the date they entered service; and if he will make a statement on changes in Government policy in respect of disclosing such information. [24604]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Details of the exact number of warheads deployed on our Trident submarines are covered by exemption 1 of the code of practice on access to government information relating to defence, security and international relations. The Government are considering, in the Strategic Defence Review, whether we can in future be more open about aspects of our nuclear capabilities.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's assessment of the(a) current and (b) future capacity of Russia to track and determine the whereabouts of the United Kingdom's Trident submarines when on patrol; and if he will make a statement. [24603]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Although the most modern Russian submarines might be theoretically capable of detecting UK Trident submarines at close range, the operating arrangements for UK Trident submarines are designed to ensure that they remain undetected.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the number of warheads currently deployed on each of the United Kingdom's Trident submarines relative to the original estimates of the number of warheads required. [24605]
  28
  Mr. George Robertson
  The original requirement for Trident was drawn up at the height of the Cold War based on 16 Trident C4 missiles on each submarine capable of carrying a total of 128 warheads. The previous Government announced in 1994 that they would not deploy more than 96 warheads on each Trident submarine. We are considering future warhead requirements in the Strategic Defence Review.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the relative accuracy of the Trident D5 missile against the Polaris/Chevaline system; and what are his Department's requirements in respect of the accuracy of nuclear weapons. [24594]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The Trident missile system is inherently more accurate than Polaris reflecting technological advances in missile system design. The greater accuracy of Trident has allowed us to plan on our Trident force also undertaking the sub-strategic role allowing the withdrawal of our air delivered WE-177 nuclear bombs without replacement. Details of the performance of Trident are covered by exemption l of the code of practice on access to government information relating to defence, security and international relations.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the warheads on the Trident D5 missile deployed by the United Kingdom are independently targetable. [24596]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Trident warheads are independently targetable within constraints imposed by the missile system and its trajectory.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the relative capability of the anti-missile defence technology employed in the Trident D5 missile system against that of Polaris/ Chevaline. [24597]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Chevaline and Trident utilised different technologies to overcome anti-ballistic missile systems precluding direct comparisons. We are satisfied that Trident could meet any foreseeable requirements against such systems.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the range of the Trident D5 missile system as deployed by the United Kingdom relative to that of the Polaris system. [24595]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Polaris missiles had a range of up to 2,500 miles. The maximum range of the Trident D5 missile is in the region of 6,000 miles. The additional range of the Trident missile ensures that our strategic submarines can operate within a wider area and are therefore less vulnerable to detection.

  Nuclear Arms Control Treaties
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which nuclear arms control treaties that place restrictions on the level of nuclear weapons capability measure that capability in terms of megatonnage. [24592]

  Mr. George Robertson
  We are not aware of any nuclear arms control treaties that place restrictions on the level of nuclear weapons capability which measure that capability in terms of megatonnage. However, the 1974 Treaty on the Limitation of Underground Nuclear Weapon Tests and the 1976 Treaty on Underground Nuclear
  29
  Explosions for Peaceful Purposes limited the yield of underground nuclear weapon test explosions and other underground nuclear explosions. These were both bilateral Treaties between the United States and the Soviet Union, and had no other members. Both are effectively superseded by the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, signed by all the Nuclear Weapon States, which bans any nuclear weapon test explosion and any other nuclear explosion in any environment.

  Nuclear Co-operation
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in the last four years(a) representatives and (b) contractors of the Delegation Generale pour l'Armement, and the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique have visited (i) the United Kingdom to discuss the furtherance of nuclear co-operation and (ii) the atomic weapons establishments at (1) Aldermaston, (2) Burghfield, (3) Cardiff and (4) Foulness. [24608]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Details of the total number of visits are as follows. More precise information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Financial year

  Aldermaston

  Burghfield

  Cardiff

  Foulness

  1993–94

  4

  3

  0

  0

  1994–95

  3

  1

  0

  1

  1995–96

  4

  3

  0

  1

  1996–97

  8

  0

  0

  0

  April 1997 to 21 January 1998

  6

  0

  0

  0

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what activities have been undertaken by the Anglo-French Joint Commission on Nuclear Policy and Doctrine since May 1997; [24609]

  (2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the Anglo-French Joint Commission on Nuclear Policy and Doctrine approved at the Anglo-French summit in London in November. [24610]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Discussions within the Franco-British Joint Commission on Nuclear Policy and Doctrine and reports of the Commission to Ministers are confidential between our two Governments and are covered by exemption 1 of the code of practice on access to government information relating to defence, security and international relations.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in the last four years members of the French armed forces have visited the United Kingdom to discuss nuclear co-operation. [24607]

  Mr. George Robertson
  My Department has regular contacts with members of the French Armed Forces and French officials on defence nuclear matters. These include meetings of the Franco-British Joint Nuclear Commissions, biannual staff talks and visits to the United Kingdom on an ad-hoc basis.

  Sub-strategic Nuclear Capability
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the purpose of the United Kingdom's sub-strategic nuclear capability; and if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's future sub-strategic nuclear capability. [24601]

  Mr. George Robertson
  A sub-strategic capability enhances deterrence by demonstrating that the United Kingdom has a range of nuclear options available for self-defence in extreme circumstances. Our sub-strategic capability will in future be provided solely by our Trident force.

  Nuclear Warheads
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what account his Department takes of the relationship between megatonnage and destructive effect when assessing warheads of different explosive yields. [24600]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Assessments of our deterrence requirements take into account a range of factors that might affect the destructive effect that would result from the use of a nuclear weapon, including the explosive yield.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's assessment of the comparative explosive yields of the warheads currently carried on strategic ballistic missiles deployed by Russia relative to those deployed in the 1960s. [24593]

  Mr. George Robertson
  By the end of the 1960s, we assess the Russian strategic ballistic missile force comprised (approximately) 1,050 single warhead Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) with a total yield of 1,380 megatonnes (Mt), and 215 single warhead Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) with a total yield of 395 Mt. The total explosive yield of both was 1,775 Mt.

  By contrast, in 1997, the Russian strategic ballistic missile force comprised (approximately) 755 ICBMs with single and multiple (3,580) warheads giving a total yield of 2,330 Mt, and 524 SLBMs with multiple (2,314) warheads giving a total yield of 670 Mt. The total explosive yield of both was 3,000 Mt.

  Anti-ballistic Missile Defence Systems
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many anti-ballistic missile defence systems capable of use against strategic ballistic missiles are deployed world-wide, where they are located; how many launchers are involved; and what is his Department's assessment of how soon other states will be capable of deploying such defences. [24599]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Russia has the only deployed strategic ballistic missile defence system. This has up to 100 launchers in the vicinity of Moscow. No other state is known to be developing such systems.

  Agricultural Holdings
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the regional lists of his Department's agricultural holdings, indicating respectively,(a) the number of hectares used for agricultural production and (b) the number of agricultural tenancy agreements involved. [24694]

  Mr. Spellar
  The number of agricultural holdings by Region for my Department is given in the table:

  Number of tenancies

  Number of hectares

  Southern Eastern Region

  78

  2,944

  South Western Region

  155

  24,230

  Eastern Region

  123

  7,342

  Northern Region (including Wales)

  186

  3,863

  Scotland

  13

  1,933

  Total

  555

  40,312

  Anglo-Bahrain Defence Talks
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the latest Anglo-Bahrain defence talks. [25031]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The last round of UK-Bahrain defence talks were held on the 18–19 November 1997 in Bahrain. The UK delegation was led by my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement. The talks addressed issues of mutual defence interest and bilateral defence relations.

  Western European Union
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications of the Amsterdam Treaty for the future of the Western European Union. [25033]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The Treaty of Amsterdam provides for closer practical co-operation between the Western European Union and the European Union but makes clear that the two organisations will remain separate unless all Member States, in accordance with their national constitutional requirements, agree otherwise.

  Missile Defence (Russia)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's current assessment of the efficacy of Russia's missile defence system around Moscow; what is the extent of the geographical area protected by that system; and what is his assessment of Russia's future modernisation plans for that system. [24598]

  Mr. George Robertson
  We assess that the Moscow Anti Ballistic Missile system comprising the short range GAZELLE and longer range GORGON interceptors remains operational and effective. The range of GORGON extends to several hundred kilometres. Deployment of any significant upgrades in the near future appears unlikely.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many project licence applications for animal procedures at Porton Down have been(a) approved unamended for submission to the Home Office, (b) approved in amended form for submission to the Home Office and (c) rejected for each year from 1990 to date. [24832]

  Mr. Spellar
  These are matters for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Norman Baker, dated 26 January 1998:
  As Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) I have been asked to reply to your question about the progress of project licence applications for animal procedures at Porton Down submitted to the Home Office in each year since 1990.
  DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector (CBD) at Porton Down has had a formal, internal, ethical review process for all project licence applications since March 1995. Prior to that date the review process was conducted on a much less formal basis which was not documented. I can, therefore, only provide you with accurate details of the progress of licence applications, prior to submission to the Home Office, since 1995.
  Each project licence application is submitted to an internal, peer group, ethical review meeting which is open to all members of staff. After hearing the licence application details the staff discuss both scientific and ethical issues. The review can result in an application being held over subject to revisions being made, approved without further amendment for submission to the Home Office or it is possible that a licence application could be completely rejected.
  Since the internal ethical process was formalised in 1995, no applications have been totally rejected prior to submission to the Home Office, but all have been amended to a greater or lesser extent. The table below shows the number of project licence applications submitted to the Home Office since March 1995.

  Year

  Number of applications

  1995

  6

  1996

  11

  1997

  13

  I hope this is helpful.

  Search and Rescue
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reviews he has undertaken into the location of search and rescue helicopters in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [24584]

  Mr. Spellar
  The provision of search and rescue capability, along with every other aspect of defence, is being considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review. No decisions have yet been taken.

  RAF Menwith Hill
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 31 July 1997,Official Report, column 472, on RAF Menwith Hill, if a copy of the report resulting from the internal US review was sent to his Department; and which Department within the United States Government carried out this review. [24542]
  33
  Dr. Reid
  The review was conducted by the National Security Agency and looked into US security practices at the site. As such, there was no requirement for the report to be made available to Her Majesty's Government. However, my Department was made aware of the broad recommendations of the report at the time.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the European Commission report Assessing the Technologies of Political Control, and its application to RAF Menwith Hill. [24579]

  Dr. Reid
  I am aware of the report referred to by my hon. Friend, which is not a European Commission report but one that has been prepared for, although not endorsed in any way by, the European Parliament. I have no comments to make on the contents of the report, other than to say that no activity considered inimical to British interests is, or would be, permitted at RAF Menwith Hill, which operates with the full knowledge and consent of Her Majesty's Government.

  Defence Diversification Agency
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to establish a defence diversification agency or similar organisation; and if he will make a statement. [24838]

  Mr. Spellar
  I expect to announce soon the publication date of a consultative Green Paper setting out our proposals for defence diversification.

  Nuclear Weapons (Transport)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 12 November 1997,Official Report, columns 580–81, when his Department expects to produce a new edition of the Local Authority and Emergency Service Information on Nuclear Weapon Transport Contingency Plans. [24541]

  Dr. Reid
  It is planned that the 3rd edition of the Local Authority and Emergency Service Information on Nuclear Weapon Transport Contingency Plans (LAESI) will be published this year.

TREASURY

  Corporate Taxation
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the progress of his review of corporate taxation. [25282]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  We are consulting widely with business and other interested parties on the proposed changes to corporation tax announced in the pre-Budget report. The consultation period ends on 30 January 1998. We shall then take decisions in the light of the responses received.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Schengen Agreement
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if officials were present at the 34
  time agreement was reached at Amsterdam on what voting arrangements will operate for opting into the Schengen area. [25134]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Officials do not attend formal sessions of European Councils. As far as handling of this issue at Amsterdam is concerned, I refer the hon. Member to previous statements I have made to the House, in particular my answer to his question on 20 January 1998,Official Report, column 466.

  Death Penalty
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the dependencies of the United Kingdom that(a) have legislative provision for and (b) carry out the death penalty. [24875]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  All the Dependent Territories have legislative provision for the death penalty, but, with the exception of Bermuda and St. Helena, only in respect of those offences which remain capital offences in the UK. Like the UK, none carries out the death penalty. In Bermuda, where murder remains a capital offence, the death penalty has not been carried out since 1977. In St. Helena there is still provision for the death penalty for piracy.

  Algeria
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will press for an international investigation into(a) massacres and (b) human rights abuses in Algeria. [24841]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I pressed the Algerians to accept a visit by the UN Special Rapporteurs for Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions and for Torture during the EU Troika visit to Algiers on 19–20 January. We regret that they were not ready to agree to this.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last had discussions with the Algerian authorities about the human rights situation in Algeria. [24843]

  Mr. Fatchett
  When I visited Algiers from 19–20 January with my Austrian and Luxembourg colleagues we discussed human rights with the Foreign Minister, Mr. Attaf, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Ouyahia.

  St. Helena
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had on(a) the future of and (b) support to St. Helena. [25028]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Six St. Helena Councillors visited Britain late last year at my invitation. During their visit they had discussions on the future of the island with my noble Friend Baroness Symons, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department and myself.

  A review of policy towards the Dependent Territories, including St. Helena is underway. Separately a team of Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for

  35
  International Development officials are in St. Helena now to review the Country Policy Plan which shapes our aid support.

  Club of Three
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the aims of Club of Three; what was the United Kingdom's financial contribution to the meeting of September last, and what arrangements have been made for the projected London meeting of mid-1998. [25129]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Club of Three is an informal private gathering, not a governmental or intergovernmental organisation. It would not therefore be appropriate for me to make a statement on its aims. We did not make a financial contribution to the meeting in September 1997. The arrangements for meetings are a matter for the organisers.

  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the participants in past Club of Three meetings; and if(a) minutes or (b) conference papers are circulated or deposited. [25128]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Club of Three is an informal private gathering, not a governmental or intergovernmental organisation. We are not therefore in a position to answer the question.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has received concerning the expected shipment of high-level nuclear waste from Cherbourg to Japan. [25060]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Formal representations on the high level nuclear waste shipment presently sailing from France to Japan have been received from the governments of Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Our diplomatic posts have relayed to them, and to the governments of all those countries on its route, details of the voyage and the measures taken to ensure the safety of the ship and its cargo.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Television Licence
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans his Department has to review the present levels of television licence charges; and if he will make a statement. [24653]

  Mr. Fisher
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 11 December 1997,Official Report column 636, the Government have considered the five-year television licence fee formula announced by the previous Government in December 1996, and have concluded that it remains appropriate. The formula, based on advice from independent consultants, provides for cumulative fee increases of just below RPI for the five years from April 1997. The RPI-linkage in individual
  36
  years reflects anticipated spending pressures and, in the latter years, the benefits of BBC efficiency savings and the development of alternative sources of revenue.

  The Government's Agreement with the BBC provides for a review of the arrangements for funding the BBC after 2002. The Government intend to conduct such a review well before that date and to include in that review a detailed consideration of the question of concessions.

  Parthenon Marbles
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many E-mail messages were received in his Department on 5 December calling for the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece. [24820]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 23 January 1998): On 5 December the Department received 2,666 such E-mails.

  Public Buildings (Design)
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress he has made in his plans for an inter-departmental strategy to ensure good quality design in public buildings. [24571]

  Mr. Fisher
  Departments are responsible for their own building programmes and will recognise that good design brings hard economic benefits in better use of space and in low energy and maintenance costs. Well-designed buildings contribute to the public realm and improve the quality of our lives. The main commissioning bodies meet in the Government Construction Clients Panel to share their experience on all aspects of becoming better clients. My colleagues have agreed that this and other review bodies must take account of design quality as a factor in achieving value for money.

  Performing Arts
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals he has for increasing the proportion of lottery finance for the Arts which is made available for running costs, with particular reference to the performing arts. [23524]

  Mr. Fisher
  The Government have made it clear in the White Paper "The People's Lottery" that they intend that Lottery money should be used increasingly to focus on people—and in the arts on revenue support for the art and artists—rather than buildings and capital developments.

  HMS Cavalier
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what export licences(a) currently apply to HMS Cavalier and (b) have been applied for; [24416]

  (2) what valuation has been placed on HMS Cavalier. [24415]

  Mr. Fisher
  If HMS Cavalier were to be exported from the UK it would first require an export licence from the Department of Trade and Industry. Depending on its value, it might also need one from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. It is not yet clear whether the vessel requires an export licence from my Department since there is no firm value for the ship. Whether or not licences have been applied for is commercially
  37
  confidential information. If it is decided that a licence from my Department is required, HMS Cavalier will be subject to the normal considerations as to whether one should be granted or the decision deferred.

  Film Festivals
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the film festivals(a) he and (b) the Minister for Film and Tourism have attended since 1 May 1997. [25550]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have attended the Cannes and London film festivals since 1 May 1997. My right, hon. Friend the Minister for Film and Tourism has attended the Cannes, Venice, Edinburgh, Dinard, London, Bristol and Sundance film festivals.

  Ministerial Engagements
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many official engagements the Minister for Sport has undertaken since his appointment(a) in London and (b) outside London. [22669]

  Mr. Banks
  Since my appointment as Sports Minister, I have attended 81 official engagements in London, and 23 official engagements outside London.

  The number of racial incidents reported to each force in 1989 and each year since 1994

  Forces

  19891

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Avon and Somerset

  71

  159

  286

  318

  310

  Bedfordshire

  25

  60

  41

  43

  77

  Cambridgeshire

  60

  100

  75

  160

  141

  Cheshire

  0

  98

  62

  27

  92

  City of London

  0

  1

  6

  2

  10

  Cleveland

  55

  50

  62

  112

  68

  Cumbria

  4

  17

  24

  27

  37

  Derbyshire

  20

  221

  291

  192

  208

  Devon and Cornwall

  3

  14

  44

  73

  82

  Dorset

  12

  25

  37

  41

  67

  Durham

  23

  32

  26

  23

  24

  Dyfed-Powys

  0

  0

  3

  23

  18

  Essex

  26

  133

  127

  178

  116

  Gloucestershire

  20

  28

  37

  34

  34

  Greater Manchester

  40

  658

  637

  776

  595

  Gwent

  4

  21

  22

  32

  60

  Hampshire

  2n/k

  212

  210

  279

  178

  Hertfordshire

  49

  117

  183

  234

  295

  Humberside

  52

  79

  75

  58

  55

  Kent

  81

  160

  173

  129

  256

  Lancashire

  93

  262

  222

  320

  337

  Leicestershire

  190

  315

  366

  270

  299

  Lincolnshire

  2

  4

  2

  0

  7

  Merseyside

  123

  155

  131

  130

  162

  Metropolitan Police

  2,697

  5,124

  5,480

  5,011

  5,621

  Norfolk

  22

  33

  39

  41

  56

  North Wales

  1

  2

  3

  5

  4

  North Yorkshire

  6

  22

  30

  37

  43

  Northamptonshire

  72

  102

  146

  214

  195

  Northumbria

  217

  405

  508

  475

  488

  Nottinghamshire

  27

  264

  259

  362

  330

  South Wales

  94

  400

  517

  443

  357

  South Yorkshire

  52

  115

  156

  194

  169

  Staffordshire

  44

  117

  164

  253

  225

  Suffolk

  62

  73

  73

  74

  74

  Surrey

  7

  79

  39

  77

  55

  Sussex

  141

  214

  247

  263

  260

  Thames Valley

  128

  166

  233

  266

  233

  38
  Of the engagements attended: 45 are speaking engagements at conferences, photocalls and launches of sports centres, 15 are official lunches and dinners, nine are engagements which involve the disabled, 17 are awards ceremonies and 18 are attendance at various sporting occasions.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Racial Incidents
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, by police area, the number of reported racial incidents in 1989 and each year since 1994 for which figures are available. [24664]

  Mr. Michael
  Racial incidents figures are submitted by each police force to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary at the end of each financial year. The incidents are recorded under the Association of Chief Police Officers' definition of a racial incident:"any incident in which it appears to the reporting or investigating officer that the complaint involves an element of racial motivation, or any incident which includes an allegation of racial motivation made by any person".

  The information requested is given in the table:

  39

  The number of racial incidents reported to each force in 1989 and each year since 1994

  Forces

  19891

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Warwickshire

  21

  87

  114

  99

  66

  West Mercia

  6

  100

  35

  46

  64

  West Midlands

  169

  487

  375

  489

  725

  West Yorkshire

  306

  244

  254

  355

  623

  Wiltshire

  19

  51

  64

  37

  35

  England and Wales total

  5,044

  11,006

  11,878

  12,222

  13,151

  Provincial total

  2,347

  5,882

  6,398

  7,211

  7,530

  1 Until 1993–94 figures were submitted to HMIC every calendar year.

  2 The figure for Hampshire in 1989 is not known.

  It is difficult to be precise about the extent to which rising figures may be partly due to the increasing willingness among ethnic minority communities to report these incidents and an increasing confidence that the police take these matters seriously. Police forces are also taking steps to increase the reporting rate of racial incidents taking place and to discover when and where they are taking place and on whom. Such developments are also likely to be influencing both public confidence and the number of offenders reported.

  Internet (Racially Inflammatory Material)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the use of the Internet for the promotion of anti-semitic propaganda. [24661]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Government deplore the distribution—via the Internet or any other medium—of anti-semitic or racially inflammatory material.

  Material passing over the Internet is subject to the same laws, providing that it falls within our jurisdiction, as material being distributed by other means. The Public Order Act 1986 makes provision to deal with material which is threatening, abusive or insulting and intended or likely to stir up racial hatred.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what experimentation procedures are undergone by animals classified as experiencing the most severe category of suffering and pain. [24418]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Information on the assessment of severity is provided in the Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, sections 4.4 to 4.20. Section 4.11 states that:"Procedures will be regarded as being of substantial severity if they result in a major departure from the animals' usual state of health or well-being. These are likely to include acute toxicity procedures where significant morbidity or death is an endpoint; some efficacy tests of antimicrobial agents and vaccines; some models of disease and major surgery where significant post-operative suffering may result".

  The assessment of severity is a complex matter, as it involves not only the type of procedure involved but the effect of any measures that can be taken to reduce suffering—the use of analgesics or anaesthesia, for example.
  40
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many animals were classified as experiencing the most severe category of pain and suffering during animal experiments in each of the last three years. [24417]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Figures for the number of animals which suffer adverse effects in each of the severity bandings are not collected.

  The number of projects classified as being of substantial severity is published annually in the report of the Animal Procedures Committee. Of the 3,869 project licences in force on 31 December 1996, 66 (1.7 per cent.) were classified as being substantial. The figures for 31 December 1997 are currently being collated.

  Not all animals used in substantial projects will, however, suffer substantial adverse effects, and some animals used in projects classed as being of mild or moderate severity may suffer substantial adverse effects. Section 4.14 of the Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 explains that:
  "The assessment of the overall severity of a project will reflect the cumulative effect of each procedure; the number of animals used in each procedure; the frequency of use of each procedure; the proportion of animals that are expected to be exposed to the upper limits of severity in each procedure; and the length of time that the animals might be exposed to the upper limits of severity".

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) announced and (b) unannounced visits have been made by inspectors to Porton Down under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 for each year from 1990 to date. [24833]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The number of visits(a) to the Chemical and Biological Defence (CBD) establishment at Porton Down, (b) to Departments within CDB that were by appointment and (c) to Departments on an unannounced basis were as follows:

  Year

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  1990

  5

  15

  11

  1991

  9

  34

  10

  1992

  8

  25

  11

  1993

  7

  13

  12

  1994

  6

  9

  5

  1995

  13

  16

  50

  1996

  13

  20

  30

  1997

  11

  18

  31

  Handguns (Compensation)
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total paid out to date in compensation under the terms of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 compensation scheme; what are the projections for future expenditure; and what additional compensation will be given to those whose payments have been delayed. [24511]

  Mr. Michael
  As at 16 January, £30.3 million had been paid. The estimate for the total cost of the compensation schemes under the two 1997 Acts, including administration costs, is £166 million. No payments have been "delayed". It has been made clear from the start that the size and complexity of the compensation arrangements would make this a long process and this Government, like the previous Government, argued in the debates that no guarantees could be given that payments would be made within a particular timescale. The House accepted that position, and accordingly there are no arrangements in the schemes for the payment of additional sums if claims are not settled within a given time.

  Everything possible is being done to process claims in the shortest possible time. Weekend overtime is being worked, casual staff have been appointed and data processing staff have been introduced to enter the payment details on to the computer system, allowing the trained examiners more time to spend on processing the claims.

  We can understand the impatience of those awaiting settlement of their claims, but the position is not helped by the volume of inquiries pressing for early payment, which simply divert staff from their primary task of processing claims, thereby hampering the efforts to reduce turn-round times.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will defer the surrender date of handguns under the Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1997, until all outstanding compensation has been paid for handguns surrendered under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; [25198]

  (2) what action he is taking to expedite the payment of compensation for owners of handguns; and if he will pay interest on all sums not paid within 30 days of surrender. [25072]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 23 January 1998]: It has been made clear from the start that the size and complexity of the compensation arrangements would make this a long process, and this Government, like the previous Government, argued in the debates that no guarantees could be given that payments would be made within a particular timescale. The House accepted that position, and accordingly there are no arrangements in the schemes for the payment of additional sums if claims are not settled within a given time.

  Everything possible is being done to process claims in the shortest possible time. Weekend overtime is being worked, casual staff have been appointed and data processing staff have been introduced to enter the payment details on to the computer system, allowing the trained examiners more time to spend on processing the claims.
  42
  We can understand the impatience of those awaiting settlement of their claims, but the position is not helped by the volume of inquiries pressing for early payment, which simply divert staff from their primary task of processing claims, thereby hampering the efforts to reduce turn-round times.

  Arrangements for the surrender of small-calibre pistols during February are well advanced and by now most certificate holders and dealers will have received details about where and when to hand in their firearms. There are no plans to defer the surrender period. There is no reason to do so and it would cause massive confusion for the police, for shooters and for the general public.

  Police (Disciplinary Inquiries)
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list by police authority the number of police officers suspended from duty(a) pending and (b) during a disciplinary inquiry in (i) 1995–96 and (ii) 1996–97; [24588]

  (2) if he will list by police authority the average length of time taken in respect of inquiries into police discipline since 1995; [24589]

  (3) if he will list by police authority the number of police officers taking early retirement (a) during and (b) following an inquiry into disciplinary matters relating to them since 1995; [24590]

  (4) if he will list the cost of inquiries into disciplinary matters and complaints against the police by police authority in (a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97. [24587]

  Mr. Michael
  Police disciplinary and complaints procedures are managed locally by individual police forces. At present, the information requested is not available centrally. I have today requested this information from each of the 43 police forces in England and Wales. When I have the responses, I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  New Prisons
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many new prisons are at present under construction; where they are sited; and when they are due to be completed. [25436]

  Ms Quin
  There are no prisons under construction at present: construction of the most recently built prison, Her Majesty's Prison Lowdham Grange, which is situated eight miles north-east of Nottingham, was completed on 23 January. It is due to receive prisoners on 16 February 1998.

  Prisoners (Drug Tests)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the results of random mandatory drug testing of prisoners for April to June 1997 and July to September 1997, showing for each establishment the number of tests done, the number of prisoners testing positive for opiates and the number of prisoners testing positive for cannabis in the 13 prisons in which an interview based survey about injectable drug use and HIV risk behaviours was carried out in 1994–95. [25056]
  43
  Mr. George Howarth
  The tables give the results of random mandatory drug tests for the 13 prisons in which the survey about injectable drug use and HIV risk behaviours was carried out in 1994–95.

  Number of tests

  Number positive for opiates

  Number positive for cannabis

  April to June 1997

  Belmarsh

  155

  3

  4

  Bristol

  170

  4

  39

  Cardiff

  215

  2

  57

  Highpoint

  51

  3

  13

  Kingston

  35

  0

  2

  Lancaster

  72

  8

  23

  Liverpool

  219

  22

  32

  Maidstone

  173

  8

  28

  Stafford

  193

  9

  38

  Wealstun1

  149

  9

  45

  Whitemoor

  153

  10

  21

  Woodhill

  198

  9

  50

  Wymott

  168

  18

  12

  July to September 1997

  Belmarsh

  162

  0

  10

  Bristol

  170

  11

  36

  Cardiff

  119

  1

  30

  Highpoint

  0

  0

  0

  Kingston

  24

  0

  3

  Lancaster

  67

  9

  22

  Liverpool

  360

  38

  49

  Maidstone

  166

  5

  13

  Stafford

  155

  11

  18

  Wealstun1

  168

  4

  44

  Whitemoor

  152

  3

  9

  Woodhill

  195

  13

  36

  Wymott

  122

  6

  10

  1 Rudgate has amalgamated with Thorp Arch to form Wealstun prison since the survey was conducted.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the results from random mandatory drugs testing of prisoners for April to June 1997 and July to September 1997, showing for each establishment the number of tests done, the number of prisoners testing positive for opiates and the number of prisoners testing positive for cannabis, for the eight prisons that are participating in willing anonymous salivary HIV/Hepatitis B surveillance studies. [25055]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The tables give the results of random mandatory drug tests for the eight prisons that are participating in the willing anonymous salivary HIV/Hepatitis B surveillance studies.

  Number of tests

  Number positive for opiates

  Number positive for cannabis

  April to June 1997

  Dartmoor

  194

  5

  39

  Feltham

  136

  2

  27

  Ford

  152

  5

  22

  Holloway

  146

  4

  10

  Leyhill

  127

  2

  17

  Littlehey

  161

  1

  31

  Manchester

  349

  27

  63

  Wakefield

  165

  0

  6

  44

  Number of tests

  Number positive for opiates

  Number positive for cannabis

  July to September 1997

  Dartmoor

  168

  5

  21

  Feltham

  129

  1

  25

  Ford

  139

  1

  8

  Holloway

  163

  13

  7

  Leyhill

  126

  4

  15

  Littlehey

  196

  6

  35

  Manchester

  333

  23

  33

  Wakefield

  190

  0

  4

  Special Constables
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the role of special constables. [24583]

  Mr. Michael
  Special constables are unpaid volunteers who serve as police officers in their spare time. They are fully trained and have the same powers as a regular constable.

  The Special Constabulary exist to assist the work of regular officers, not to replace them. They are an additional resource, which also encourage the public to get involved in tackling crime. Special constables are principally deployed on foot patrol, providing a higher visibility on the streets, but they also undertake a wide variety of policing duties.

  The Government fully value the contribution made by these men and women who give up their free time for the benefit of their communities. They play an important role in the partnership between the police and the public in the fight against crime. Building on that partnership is fundamental to the Government's proposals for joint action by police and local authorities in reducing crime and disorder. We are taking forward the recommendations of the Special Constabulary Working Group to improve conditions of service, training and the equipment of special constables.

  12–19 January was also dedicated as "Specials Week" and I visited police forces around the country raising the profile of special constables and encouraging people to volunteer. During "Specials Week", I visited projects in South Yorkshire, Cleveland, Hampshire, Essex, Northamptonshire, Greater Manchester, Gloucestershire and South Wales. I also took part in a recruitment seminar held by Cumbria Constabulary via video link. This launched a three-month long advertising campaign to promote the Special Constabulary. At each event, I was impressed by the demeanour of the Special Constabulary and the very positive relationship they enjoy with regular police officers.

  Prison Visitors (Illegal Drugs)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons visiting prisons during 1997 were(a) found to be in possession of illegal drugs and (b) subsequently charged with an offence; and if he will make a statement. [25437]
  45
  Mr. George Howarth
  In 1997, 1,179 arrests by the police of people visiting prisons in connection with possible drug-related offences were reported to Prison Service headquarters. The Prison Service does not record what action was subsequently taken by the police.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications he has received for licences for research into the therapeutic use of natural cannabis in the last five years; how many have been granted; and to which bodies; and if he will indicate whether each application is for clinical or laboratory research. [24524]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Five; all were granted as listed. Licences do not distinguish between clinical and laboratory research.

  Professor A. Smith, University of Oxford

  Mr. D. Todd, James Paget Hospital

  Dr. R. Pertwee, University of Aberdeen

  Dr. P. Taylor, Bethlem Hospital

  Dr. A. Holdcroft, Hammersmith Hospital.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what form the cannabis supplied by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist and the University of London is made available to medical researchers. [24666]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I understand that the Laboratory of the Government Chemist no longer supplies cannabis in any form to medical researchers, although it has done in the past. The University of London has supplied cannabis extract in capsule form to one medical researcher.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 1998,Official Report, columns 326–27, in respect of the licences granted for medical research of cannabis, if he will make it his policy to collect information on the results of this research. [24735]

  Mr. George Howarth
  No. This is not a licensing requirement.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 1998,Official Report, column 326, concerning the origin of supplies of cannabis, if the Laboratory of the Government Chemist and the University of London grow their own cannabis plants. [24730]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Yes.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 1998,Official Report, column 326, what steps are taken by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist and the University of London to ensure that cannabis offered to medical researchers is of a consistent standard and quality. [25116]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Standard and quality are not matters for the Home Office.

  Police Misconduct
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes he proposes to make to the current position whereby the police investigate allegations of police misconduct. [24668]

  Mr. Michael
  We are committed to finding ways of increasing public confidence in the investigation of complaints against the police including examining the scope for introducing a greater degree of independence into the system. We are currently considering these issues in the light of the Home Affairs Committee's recently published report on the police complaints and discipline system.

  Voting Methods
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to modernise voting methods. [24799]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We have set up a Working Party on Electoral Procedures which will examine and review current electoral arrangements, including legislation where relevant, in the light of the recent general election. The Working Party began this review under my chairmanship last week and will be advising the Home Secretary on recommended changes to electoral practice in due course.

  Young Offenders Institution, Colchester
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list those offences for which offenders have been sentenced to the Young Offenders Institution in Colchester indicating the number of offenders in each category; [24573]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Young Offenders Institution in Colchester; and if he will make a statement; [24572]

  (3) how many offenders have completed their service at the Colchester Young Offenders Institution; and how many of those have since been charged with a further offence. [24574]

  Ms Quin
  (i) The information requested is shown in the table:

  Offences committed by young offenders at Her Majesty's Young Offender Institution (HMYOI) Colchester

  Principal Offence

  Number of young offenders

  Burglary

  21

  Robbery

  16

  Actual bodily harm

  6

  Grievous bodily harm

  5

  Wounding

  4

  Theft

  4

  Arson

  3

  Affray

  3

  Car crime

  3

  Possession of drugs with intent to supply

  1

  (ii) At 20 January 1998, 36 young offenders had completed their sentence at Colchester YOI, and of those one is known to have been reconvicted.
  47
  (iii) I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Castlepoint (Ms Butler) on 22 January 1998, Official Report, columns 639–40.

  The Institute of Criminology at Cambridge has been carrying out an assessment of the experimental regime at Colchester YOI. Preliminary results show that the regime can have a positive effect upon the attitudes of young offenders but do not prove that it deters young offenders from reoffending. However, the test of the effectiveness of the regime will not be known until the recidivism rate on all those who have been released from Colchester is known and cannot be fully known until a considerable period of time has elapsed.

  Gaming Board
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects places on the Gaming Board to become vacant; and what procedure will be adopted for filling such vacancies. [24284]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Chairman of the Gaming Board is due to retire on 30 June 1998. The present terms of the other four Board members will expire on 31 December 1998, 31 August 1999, 31 December 2000 and 31 July 2001 respectively.

  In dealing with appointments to the Board, the Government observe the Code of Practice for public Appointments Procedures. A competition is currently being held to fill the Chairman's post.

  MI5 Files
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will release for public scrutiny the files held by MI5 relating to the Zinoviev letter. [24747]

  Mr. Straw
  The Security Service recently released its records dating from 1909 to 1918 to the Public Records Office. Work has now started within the Service on the review of its files relating to the Second World War, and in due course attention will turn to the records surviving from the inter war period.

  Primates (Imports)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the(a) longest and (b) average recorded journey time endured by non-human primates imported into the United Kingdom for research purposes during (1) 1996 and (2) 1997 from (i) China, (ii) Mauritius, (iii) Indonesia and (iv) Philippines. [24748]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Precise journey times are not available for 1996. When new measures were introduced early in 1996. The Home Office required only that an estimate of total journey time be provided prior to each acquisition and that, after each acquisition, confirmation be provided that the importation was in accordance with what had been authorised.

  The information requested is as follows:

  China:
  1996: Longest—54 hours; Average—not available.

  Mauritius:
  1996 Longest—31 hours; Average—not available.
  1997: Longest—38 hours; Average—31 hours.
  48
  Indonesia:
  1996: Longest—58 hours; Average—not available.
  1997: No importations.

  Philippines:
  1996: Longest—38 hours; Average—not available.
  1997: Longest—38 hours; Average—not available.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will incorporate into section 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 measures to deal with the adverse effects which may be encountered by non-human primates during transport prior to arrival in the United Kingdom. [24745]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Section 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 requires that in determining whether and on what terms to grant a project licence, the likely adverse effects on the animals involved be weighed against the benefits likely to accrue. This is the cost-benefit assessment. It does not provide for measures to deal with adverse effects.

  There are no plans to amend section 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Adverse effects likely to arise from the journey can be considered when carrying out the cost-benefit assessment. In advising the Secretary of State on the acceptability of overseas sources of non-human primates, the Home Office Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate takes into account any adverse effects which may arise during transport.

  Financial Regulation (Islands)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the terms of reference of the review of the system of financial regulation in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands enable it to recommend changes in the law of these territories by means other than legislation in Tynwald and the States. [25413]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  It is not part of the terms of reference for the reviewer to recommend changes in the Island law. The review is basically a mapping exercise to establish clearly with the Islands how the Islands' current laws and regulatory systems operate in practice.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he had with the Isle of Man government and with the authorities in Jersey and in Guernsey before his announcement on 20 January of a review of the financial legislation in Crown dependencies. [25415]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Official letters from the Director of the Constitutional and Community Policy Directorate of the Home Office were sent on 19 January to the Chief Secretary to the Isle of Man Government, the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey and the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey (copied to the Bailiff of Jersey in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor) telling them about the review and giving its proposed terms of reference.

  Shortly before this, Home Office officials had informed the Lieutenant Governors of Guernsey and the Isle of Man, and the Bailiff of Jersey informally and in confidence about the review so that they could brief themselves in advance of the official notification.
  49
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who has been appointed by the government of the Isle of Man and the authorities in the Channel Islands to participate alongside Mr. Andrew Edwards in the review of financial regulation in the Crown dependencies; and if their status in the conduct of that review will be the same as that of Mr. Edwards. [25414]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Mr. Edwards has been engaged as a consultant to conduct the review of financial legislation and regulatory systems in the Crown dependencies. The Island authorities will arrange for him to see all the officials and practitioners in each Island who can be of assistance to him. They have not appointed any particular person to work with him.

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Licence to deal in game

  Volume

  1,825

  1,718

  1,538

  1,384

  1,626

  Value (£)

  7,300

  6,872

  6,152

  5,536

  6,504

  Licence to kill game

  Volume

  38,161

  37,331

  26,938

  22,872

  28,039

  Value (£)

  199,768

  196,184

  143,774

  118,946

  146,842

  Total

  Volume

  39,986

  39,049

  28,476

  24,256

  29,665

  Value (£)

  207,068

  203,056

  149,926

  124,482

  153,346

  Note:

  The licence to kill game includes gamekeeper's licence.

  Source:

  Post Office Counters Ltd.

  I will write to the hon. Member separately on the question of the administration costs of the game licensing system.

  Chelmsford Prison
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the procedures for searching for illegal drugs(a) within Chelmsford Prison and (b) in the visitors area of the prison; and if he will make a statement. [25288]

  Mr. George Howarth
  In the main prison, prisoners' cells and common areas are randomly searched by staff at frequent and irregular intervals. They are regularly aided by the prison's drug dog.

  All prisoners are strip searched when entering and leaving the prison. When leaving a wing or activity area, prisoners are subject to rub down searches. Staff, official visitors and legal representatives are subject to random rub down searches when entering the prison. If there are grounds for suspecting the presence of drugs in a particular area or on a particular person, a targeted search will be conducted.

  In the visits area of Chelmsford prison, social visitors are subject to rub down searches and their baggage is x-rayed before entering the visits area. A drug dog attends on a regular basis and sits with its handler in the entrance to the visits area. This dog is trained to detect discreetly and indicate to is handler if a visitor is carrying drugs. It

  Game Licences
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much the game licence system has cost to administer for(a) game shooters and (b) game dealers in each year since 1992; [24991]

  (2) how many game licences have been issued to (a) game shooters and (b) game dealers in each year since 1992; [24989]

  (3) what was the net revenue from the system of licences for (a) game shooters and (b) game dealers in each year since 1992. [24990]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Information on the number of game licences sold in England and Wales by type, and the gross revenue, is as follows:

  will not attempt to retrieve the drugs or make physical contact with the suspect. Prisoners are subject to rub down or strip searches before leaving the visits area.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times illegal drugs have been found(a) within Chelmsford Prison and (b) in the visitors area of the prison in each of the last five years; and if he will list the types of illegal drugs that have been found. [25289]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Accurate records of occasions when drugs have been found at Chelmsford Prison are available for 1996 and 1997 only. Details are listed in the tables.

  Number

  Drug finds in the prison during 1996

  Cannabis

  47

  Opiate

  11

  Cocaine

  2

  Amphetamine

  3

  LSD

  0

  Methadone

  0

  Drug finds in the visitors area during 1996

  Cannabis

  11

  Opiate

  0

  Cocaine

  0

  Amphetamine

  0

  LSD

  0

  Methadone

  0

  Total drag finds in 1996

  73

  51

  Number

  Drug finds in the prison during 1997

  Cannabis

  73

  Opiate

  7

  Cocaine

  0

  Amphetamine

  4

  LSD

  0

  Methadone

  0

  Drug finds in the visitors area during 1997

  Cannabis

  11

  Opiates

  2

  Cocaine

  0

  Amphetamine

  0

  LSD

  1

  Methadone

  1

  Total drug finds in 1997

  99

  1 January 1996

  1 May 1996

  1 January 1997

  1 May 1997

  1 January 1998

  (a) Asylum

  (i) Applications awaiting initial decision Average waiting time in months for applications decided1:

  69,650

  67,730

  57,405

  54,020

  51,795

  Pre-1993 Act applications

  40.9

  42.6

  47.5

  51.2

  56.1

  Post-1993 Act applications

  9.3

  10.3

  12.4

  13.1

  14.2

  (ii) Appeals

  Awaiting determination2

  11,890

  15,415

  21,000

  24,350

  24,625

  Average waiting time in months for appeals determined3

  6.3

  7.9

  9.5

  10.4

  10.3

  (b) Citizenship

  Applications awaiting decision4

  46,708

  45,167

  58,596

  61,212

  74,328

  Average waiting time for applications granted5

  Naturalisations

  13.8

  14.7

  15.4

  15.6

  19.4

  Registrations

  5.8

  8.3

  7.3

  7.0

  6.9

  (c) Staff posts in IND6

  5,265

  5,327.8

  5,348.9

  5,282.9

  5,077.7

  1 Average of the preceding six months.

  2 Adjudicator and tribunal asylum appeals.

  3 Adjudicator asylum appeals only; average of the preceding six months.

  4 As recorded on the Nationality Directorate computer system.

  5 In the preceding months.

  6 Full-time equivalents.

  Fire Service, Derbyshire
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide the figures for the element within the Derbyshire standard spending assessment which relates to Derbyshire Fire Service for each of the last five years. [25337]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is as follows:

  £ million

  1993–94

  117.067

  1994–95

  118.234

  1995–96

  17.592

  1996–97

  20.308

  1997–98

  21.441

  1998–99

  222.474

  1 Includes civil defence element.

  2 Provisional figure.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of(a) asylum (i) applications and (ii) appeals to be dealt with and the average waiting time, (b) applications for citizenship to be dealt with and the average waiting time and (c) full-time equivalent posts (1) in the Immigration and Nationality Department and (2) not covered by superannuation at 11 (A) 1 January 1996, (B) 1 May 1996, (C) 1 January 1997, 2 (D) 1 May 1997 and (E) 1 January 1998. [24680]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The available information is given in the table. The number of staff not covered by the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme on the dates specified is not readily available and could be identified only at disproportionate cost.

  Lotteries
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will extend the period of consultation on the draft Lotteries (Frequent Draws) Bill; and if he will make a statement. [24995]

  Mr. George Howarth
  In the light of representations, I have decided to extend the consultation by two weeks, that is until 13 February.

  Prison Development Sites
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 January 1998,Official Report, column 514, if he will make available a list of the sites in the north-west assessed for possible future prison development, together with the results of those assessments. [25344]

  Ms Quin
  The majority of the 81 sites involved were rejected as unsuitable at an early stage. Those which offer potential are either being pursued publicly, such as at
  53
  Winwick, or have yet to be assessed in more detail. The Prison Service does not identify possible sites for new prisons until it has reached the stage where it has decided to pursue planning clearance. At this stage, the concerned hon. Member will be informed.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 January,Official Report, column 330, if he will publish the programmes of Lady Williams when she accompanied her husband to (a) Jersey and (b) the Isle of Man at public expense. [25598]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  When Lady Williams accompanied her husband to Jersey, arrangements were made for her to visit the Islands' Crime and Drugs Strategy Unit and hold discussions on the misuse of drugs. This programme was disrupted by the party's late arrival in the Island, because of a defect in the aircraft, but arrangements were made for her to visit the Island's Police Headquarters Drugs Unit.

  In the Isle of Man, Lady Williams visited Santon Primary School and the Life Education Mobile Centre and was given a presentation on their work. After a working lunch, she visited Police Headquarters/Probation Offices and then two Elderly Persons' Complexes.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  China
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what new inward investments to Britain she signed during her visit to China. [23710]

  Mrs. Beckett
  None were under discussion.

  Inward investment activities were not the principal purpose of my visit, the first visit by a cabinet minister to China since the handover of Hong Kong last June. At the invitation of the Chinese government, I chaired a meeting of the Joint Economic Commission with the Chinese Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation. I also met with other senior Chinese ministers including Premier Li Peng and launched a major new initiative, "Britain in China 1998", which will raise awareness of what Britain can offer China. I was accompanied on the visit by a team of senior business people from UK power, aerospace and chemical sectors.

  During my recent visit to China I also addressed audiences at inward investment seminars held in Beijing and Shanghai. Both seminars were chaired by Adair Turner of the CBI. These events, organised by the Invest in Britain Bureau (IBB) with the full support and encouragement of the Chinese government, form part of IBB's annual overseas promotional programme to promote the advantages of a UK location for manufacturing investment. The seminars in China, a new market for IBB, are a long term initiative aimed at raising awareness of the opportunities which the UK offers as an investment location as and when business in China looks to increase its investment overseas.

  Clean Coal Technology
  Mr. Page
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when her Department applied to the European Commission for permission to use NFFO—non-fossile fuel obligation—funds for clean coal technology. [23794]

  Mr. Battle
  Policy on clean coal technology and new and renewable energy, including the non-fossil fuel obligation (NFFO), are under review. Accordingly, no application for permission to provide state aid for clean coal technology demonstration projects using NFFO-type arrangements or otherwise has been made.

  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to assist the progress of clean coal technology; and if she will make a statement. [24965]

  Mr. Battle
  We have already initiated a number of activities to support work in this important area. These include:establishing an industry-led task force as part of the Foresight exercise to identify the UKs research, development and demonstration requirements for the future. My Department is contributing some £50,000 to this £100,000 study by industry and universities which will be completed in the spring;
  supporting a number of trade missions, seminars and workshops in key export markets for UK clean coal technology expertise and components;
  both leading and providing financial support to a number of International Energy Agency initiatives to promote the development of clean coal technologies in developing countries which are expected to be the main market for these technologies over the next decade and beyond

  My Department has just completed a review of clean coal technology which examined what further support the Government should provide to research, development and demonstration. An announcement will be made about the outcome of the review once Ministers have had time to consider the review recommendations alongside those arising from the Department's wider Comprehensive Spending Review exercise.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Page
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many regulations have been abolished by her Department since 1 May; and if she will list them. [23797]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Since 1 May 1997 my Department has revoked the Unichem Limited (Allotment of Shares) Order 1989. In addition we have simplified primary legislation by exempting certain types of radio equipment from licensing under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 and by removing unnecessary requirements from the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976.

  Power Stations
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the impact of the newly agreed sulphur dioxide targets on the amount of coal burned in power stations by 2001. [23708]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The Environment Agency has issued a Consultation Document setting out proposals for new sulphur dioxide targets. My Department is currently considering these.

  Royal Greenwich Observatory
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has for Her Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office if the Royal Greenwich Observatory in Cambridge is closed. [24304]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: The work of the Nautical Almanac Office is carried out by the Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO) under contract to the Ministry of Defence. The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) has confirmed that all the current contracts held by the RGO will be honoured. PPARC is discussing the future of this work with the Ministry of Defence, and with other potential suppliers of the service to the MoD.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she proposes to take with regard to the future of the Royal Greenwich Observatory and its facilities in Cambridge. [24306]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: I have asked the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) to explore every avenue for keeping the institution of the Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO) alive. PPARC has declared itself satisfied that feasible options exist for a viable future for the RGO and is in the midst of detailed negotiations with interested parties over these options. These negotiations also cover the future of the current RGO staff, building and other assets.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will commission an independent assessment of the proposal made by the Royal Greenwich Observatory to the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council for its continuation as a company limited by guarantee. [24305]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: At its meeting on 12 December 1997, the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council concluded that given the costs, uncertainties and associated risks it could not support the proposal to establish a Company Limited by Guarantee as a vehicle for continuing some of the current functions of the Royal Greenwich Observatory and developing a commercial business of telescope design and manufacture. The decision was taken on the basis of the advice offered by PPARC's Implementation Oversight Committee, members of an Audit Group (which included members of its Audit Committee), and its independent financial advisers and does not consider that any further assessment is necessary.

  New Statesman Ltd.
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer of 14 January 1998,Official Report, column 216, on the New Statesman Ltd., if the company has filed its accounts. [24402]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: Accounts for New Statesman Ltd., in respect of period ended 31 March 1997, were delivered to the Registrar of Companies on 13 January 1998.

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she plans to take to assist the coal industry after June. [24410]
  56
  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 10 December 1997, Official Report, column 1003, that we were using the opportunity of the supply arrangements for the period to 30 June 1998 to review the long-term energy requirements of the nation and make sure we have an energy policy consistent with a competitive industry and the long-term energy needs of the country. The role of coal, and the opportunities for the UK coal industry, will be considered in that context.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) when the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry was first informed of the Prime Minister's intention to announce an extension to coal contracts; [24408]

  (2) when the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry was first notified of the decision by the Prime Minister to ask the Paymaster General to negotiate agreement between the coal companies and the generators; and what consultations he had with the Paymaster General before the decision; [24406]

  (3) what consultation the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry held with ministerial colleagues prior to the Prime Minister's announcement of an extension of coal contracts. [24407]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: The Minister for Science, Energy and Industry has worked closely with ministerial colleagues and the Prime Minister at all stages in dealing with matters relating to the coal industry.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment her Department has made of the likely job losses in the coal mining industry over the next two years. [25423]

  Mr. Battle
  Levels of employment in the coal mining industry will depend upon the commercial decisions taken by the private sector coal companies.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the impact of the Prime Minister's pledge to cut CO2 emissions by 20 per cent. on jobs in the mining industry over the next five years. [25419]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government's review of energy sources for power generation will consider the role that coal can play in contributing to the United Kingdom's energy and electricity generation requirements in the context of sustainable development, including the meeting of environmental targets.

  Scott Inquiry
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects to publish her Department's response to the Scott consultation documents. [24959]

  Mrs. Roche
  As I stated in a written answer to my hon. Friend, the Member for Cynon Valley,Official Report, 18 December 1997, column 310, we expect to set out the Government's proposals on the Strategic Export Controls Review during the current parliamentary session. This is likely to take the form of a White Paper.

  Copyright
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the loss of protection afforded by law to copyright holders by computer developments with particular reference to digital copying and Internet Jukebox. [24805]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  United Kingdom copyright law, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, already gives copyright owners protection for uses of their works based on new technology. In particular, the rights to authorise reproduction conferred by the Act apply to digital copying as to other kinds, and the Act also grants rights enabling control over transmissions of music and sound recordings to members of the public on request, as are involved in "Internet jukebox" services. We do not consider, therefore, that recent developments in technology have led to a loss of protection for copyright owners in the UK. Comparable standards of protection overseas also need to be established, however, especially in view of the global nature of the Internet, and accordingly we support EU and international initiatives aimed at achieving this.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what sums have been spent on the provision of renewable energy in the last financial year, giving details of each source of renewable energy. [24966]

  Mr. Battle
  Provision of electricity from renewable sources is primarily supported through the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO), funded by a fossil fuel levy placed on electricity consumers. At 31 December 1997, 221 NFFO renewable energy projects in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were operational, comprising 507 MW of electricity generating capacity. My policy proposals for a fifth (NFFO-5) Renewals Order for England and Wales were announced in November last year and I expect to make a NFFO-5 Order towards the end of 1998.

  Use of levy receipts for renewables amounted to £109 million in the financial year 1996–97. A breakdown of levy expenditure is as shown.

  £ million

  Renewable energy source

  Levy receipts

  Landfill gas

  20.8

  Hydro

  2.0

  Sewage gas

  7.9

  Waste incineration

  28.2

  Wind

  35.8

  Other (mainly poultry litter and tyre burning)

  14.3

  Total

  109.0

  The DTI's new and renewable energy programme supports research, development, demonstration and
  58
  technology transfer activities. Net expenditure on the programme in 1996–97 was £14.8 million. A breakdown of programme expenditure is as shown.

  £ million

  New and renewables

  1996–97

  Biofuels

  2.7

  Fuel cells

  1.0

  Hydro

  0.15

  Solar

  2.0

  Wind

  2.5

  Technology, transfer, programme management, strategy and evaluation and other technologies

  6.5

  Total

  14.8

  In addition, Government support or academic research is provided through the programmes of the Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and support has also been provided for the Foresight SCOLAR photovoltaic programme.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment the Government have made of the likely degree of restoration of differentials following the introduction of a minimum wage. [24758]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 22 January 1998]: Pay differential between groups of workers is a matter for them and their employers to determine in the light of their company's particular circumstances. However, I am sure that, as part of its consideration of the wider economic and social implications of the National Minimum Wage, the Low Pay Commission will consider any effect on pay differentials when formulating its recommendations to Government.

  Human Biotechnology
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on Government policy on limits to genetic manipulation in human biotechnology research. [24676]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 22 January 1998]: Human biotechnology research promises many benefits but can also raise questions of safety and ethics, as can other new technologies. The Government have in place a thorough system of controls to maintain human biotechnology research, including that involving genetic modification, within acceptable boundaries. A framework of expert committees, such as the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee, the UK Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority, and the Human Genetics Advisory Commission (HGAC), consider implications of new research.

  The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 places strict limits on research involving human embryos, including the requirement for such research to be licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
  59
  The Government are also interested in wider views on such issues. For example, a consultation paper on the implications of human cloning is to be launched jointly by the HGAC and the HFEA at the end of this month, and the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry announced in November that he would be seeking views from the public on issues arising from developments in the biosciences.

  Telephone Call Charges
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what evidence the statement by the Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry that it would soon be as cheap to telephone France or Spain as it currently is to make local calls in London was based. [24759]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 22 January 1998]: On 1 January this year, legislation came into force which liberalised telecommunicatins services within the European Union. Our experience on international routes where competition is already allowed has shown that prices can fall considerably—for example between the UK and US, consumers are now being offered calls at as little as 5p a minute. On that basis if there is effective competition and regulation throughout Europe, there is every reason to believe that it should be little or no more expensive to call the rest of Europe than to make a local call in the UK today.

  Arms Sales (Indonesia)
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussion have taken place with the Indonesian Government about payments for arms sold to them with British Government support in relation to the devaluation of their currency; and what assessment he has made of the likely cost to public funds of export credit guarantees needed to cover the agreed purchase price. [25132]

  Mrs. Roche
  No discussions have currently taken place. The Indonesian Government have not indicated that they will not continue to make payments in respect of defence contracts/loans at due date. Payments are due in Sterling or other hard currencies. Consequently there are no rupiah payments which would result in an exchange loss to ECGD.

  Nuclear Waste (Reprocessing)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what technical conditioning and packaging specifications have been established as necessary by foreign energy utilities in respect of the consignments of radioactive reprocessing wastes due to be returned to countries of origin following reprocessing of foreign spent fuel. [25067]

  Mr. Battle
  Packaging requirements for operational wastes arising from reprocessing will be determined in detail by the specifications of the wastes to be returned. These vary according to the particular fuel reprocessed, although they are broadly similar for each category of waste. Details of individual waste specifications are confidential to the organisations concerned. However, all waste transport packages will comply with the relevant internationally agreed safety requirements.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what terms of acceptance were agreed upon by 60
  (a) British Nuclear Fuels and (b) the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority for the return of radioactive waste arising from reprocessing. [25068]

  Mr. Battle
  Details of the contracts between United Kingdom reprocessing companies and their customers are confidential to those organisations.

  However, all reprocessing contracts signed since 1976 contain options for BNFL to return operational wastes to the country of origin. Government policy is that the options should be exercised and that the wastes should be returned.

  Trade Mission (Japan)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she intends to announce the decision on the bid by North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce to organise a trade mission to Japan; and if she will make a statement. [25017]

  Mrs. Roche
  The President of the Board of Trade announced the first stage of the trade mission programme for 1998–99 on 29 September 1997. This first announcement comprised 159 trade missions.

  The announcement for the second stage of trade missions will take place as soon as possible and no later than the end of February.

  Gas-fired Power Station (BP)
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement setting out the reasons for granting BP permission to build a 1,200 MW gas-fired power station. [24766]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 22 January 1998]: The reasons for granting consent to the Saltend project are recorded in the Department's decision letter to the Company of 7 August 1997 and the Department's press notice of the same date.

  Poor People
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will carry out an assessment of the impact of her Department's current policies on the(a) income, (b) employment opportunities and (c) living standards, of the poorest 30 per cent. of the population. [23343]

  Mrs. Beckett
  My Department's policies aim to support the endeavours of business to become as competitive as possible in order to generate higher levels of income and living standards and good jobs and opportunities for all of our people. My department is also working to ensure that the benefits of growth and prosperity are widely shared by, for example, promoting regional competitiveness and through the introduction of a national minimum wage.

  EU Presidency
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are her Department's main objectives during the British presidency of the European Union in 1998. [24075]

  Mrs. Beckett
  In November I wrote to the Trade and Industry Committee [Supplementary Memorandum to Minutes of Evidence, dated 4 November 1997] with a list
  61
  of dossiers on which I hope to make progress during the British Presidency of the Council of the European Union. These are the practical steps which underpin my key priorities for helping business during the UK Presidency.
  Improving competitiveness is a key element in our policies at home. In our Presidency we will bring this approach to Europe, working in partnership with the business community.
  Enhancing the scope and effectiveness of the Single European Market in line with the Action Plan agreed at Amsterdam will be a key objective. We shall also work with our partners in Europe to maintain progress towards greater liberalisation in trade in goods and services.
  Reducing the unacceptably high level of unemployment is one of the Europe's highest priorities. We shall pursue employability as offering better scope for individuals and greater flexibility in the European economy as a whole.
  Our Presidency will also cover a critical period in the negotiations for the next EU Framework Programme for RTD (Research and Technological Development). Our overriding objective will be to forge ahead with negotiations so that the timetable for introducing the new framework in 1999 can be achieved.

  Although the Presidency gives us the opportunity to highlight priority areas, as chair of the Council of Ministers the overarching objective is to manage the full range of European business constructively and impartially in all formations of the Council for which we are responsible (Industry, Internal Market, Research, Consumer Affairs, Energy and Telecommunications). My Department will also liaise with colleagues in other departments where we share responsibility.

  Official Cars
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many official cars are available for use by Ministers in her Department; and how many cars have been acquired for the use of Ministers in her Department since 1 May. [25166]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 23 January 1998]: There are seven official cars available for use by Ministers in this Department. All are operated by the Government Car Service. Two new cars have been acquired since 1 May 1997 to replace existing ones, one of which was ordered under the previous Government.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many times her husband has accompanied her on overseas visits; and what was the cost of his travel and other expenses. [25163]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 23 January 1998]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 20 January 1998, Official Report, column 473.

  Gas-fired Power Stations
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what basis she will consider applications for combined heat and power stations during the moratorium on construction of conventional gas-fired power stations. [24321]
  62
  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 21 January 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade to my hon. Friend, the Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Mr. King) on 22 December 1997, Official Report, columns 519–20.

  Telecom Deregulation
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the recent reported remarks by the Director General of Oftel about Britain's failure to give an international lead on telecom deregulation; and if she will make a statement. [24384]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 21 January 1998]: I am not aware of any such remarks about telecom deregulation.

  Export Credits Guarantee Department
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what regular publications are produced by the Export Credits Guarantee Department; what is the purpose of each; how often each is produced; and what is the security classification of each. [24543]

  Mrs. Roche
  Details of ECGD's regular publications are as follows:

  Title

  Purpose

  Frequency

  Annual Report and Trading Accounts

  To report on business supported and ECGD's financial position.

  Annual

  ECGD Newsletter

  To provide customers and potential customers with up to date information on ECGD cover availability and developments.

  Quarterly

  Global Explorer: The Official ECGD Yearbook1

  To provide comprehensive coverage of ECGD's products, cover availability and general background information.

  Annual

  Risk

  In-house staff magazine

  2–3 times a year

  1 Global Exporter is published by Newsdesk Communications Ltd. on behalf of ECGD, at no cost to ECGD or its customers. Advertising revenue covers the costs.

  In addition to the above ECGD produces 16 product information brochures which are updated as and when required. All ECGD's publications are unclassified.

  Lackenby Picton Electricity Line
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she will announce her decision on the planning application for the Lackenby Picton overhead electricity transmission line. [24512]

  Mr. Battle
  My right hon. Friend will reach her decision as soon as she properly and practically can.

  Debt (Late Payment)
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she is taking to ensure that the Government pay interest on debts outstanding for more than 30 days. [25073]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 23 January 1998]: It is important that Central Government lead by example in creating a better payment culture. Government

  63
  Departments and their agencies are obliged to pay all valid invoices within 30 days or other agreed credit terms and are required to publish their payment performance in their annual or departmental reports.

  The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Bill, which was introduced in the other place on 10 December 1997, will provide suppliers with a statutory right to claim interest on late payments of commercial debts. The Government's commercial debts will be subject to the legislation.

  Utility Regulation
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she will complete the current review of utility regulation; and what plans she has to publish its conclusions. [24323]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 21 January 1998]: I hope to be in a position to publish the conclusions of the review of utility regulation in the near future. Following publication there will be a period of consultation during which all interested parties will have the opportunity to submit representations on any proposals for change.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if those young unemployed people who take up the Welfare-to-Work employer option will be paid the full national minimum wage. [23089]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  It is expected that New Deal employees will receive the normal rates paid to comparable employees of the company.

  We have asked the Low Pay Commission to consider separately the issue of lower rates or exemptions from the National Minimum Wage for all those aged 16 to 25; New Deal participants would be included within this age band.

  Coal (Emission Standards)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the likely impact on total coal-burn in the United Kingdom of the new emissions standard which will operate by 2001. [25485]

  Table 2: Reinstatements ordered tribunal regional office for 1993–97

  Office

  Birmingham

  Bristol and Exeter

  Bury St. Edmunds and Bedford

  Cardiff and Shrewsburry

  Leeds and Sheffield

  London North

  London South (including Ashford)

  Number of reinstatements

  1993–94

  0.00

  3.00

  0.00

  2.00

  1.00

  0.00

  2.00

  1994–95

  3.00

  0.00

  4.00

  1.00

  0.00

  2.00

  2.00

  1995–96

  3.00

  0.00

  4.00

  1.00

  5.00

  3.00

  1.00

  1996–97

  0.00

  3.00

  0.00

  2.00

  7.00

  5.00

  1.00

  Office

  Manchester and Liverpool

  Newcastle

  Nottingham and Leicester

  Southampton and Reading

  Stratford

  Number of reinstatements and re-engagements

  1993–94

  3.00

  0.00

  0.00

  3.00

  0.00

  1994–95

  3.00

  3.00

  2.00

  2.00

  2.00

  1995–96

  1.00

  2.00

  1.00

  0.00

  0.00

  1996–97

  6.00

  2.00

  0.00

  3.00

  0.00

  64
  Mr. Battle
  The Environment Agency has issued a consultation document setting out proposals for new sulphur dioxide targets. My Department is considering these.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire can expect an answer to his letter to her of 28 October on behalf of his constituent Mrs. Tomayan. [25285]

  Mrs. Beckett
  A reply to the right hon. Member's letter was sent on 23 January 1998, after a delay caused primarily by reprinting of brochures.

  Unfair Dismissal
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many reinstatements have been awarded by industrial tribunals in cases of unfair dismissal in the past five years(a) nationally and (b) on a regional basis. [24504]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I have consulted the Chief Executive of the Employment Tribunals Service who tells me that the number of reinstatements ordered by the Industrial Tribunals in the last four years in unfair dismissal cases are as detailed in table 1. Table 2 shows the figures for England and Wales broken down by the tribunal regional office.

  The Agency is able to provide a figure for combined reinstatements and re-engagements only for 1992–93 which is as follows:

  England and Wales: 64

  Scotland: 9.

  Table 1: Reinstatements ordered by the Industrial Tribunals, 1992–97

  Year

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Number of reinstatements

  in England and Wales

  14.00

  24.00

  21.00

  29.00

  in Scotland

  5.00

  17.00

  4.00

  2.00

  Electricity Generating Industry
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the role of Her Majesty's Treasury in negotiating a recent agreement between a mining company and a generator; and on what previous occasions the Treasury has negotiated similar agreements. [24767]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Government have worked closely as a team on coal industry matters in recent months and the Paymaster General was able to help in facilitating discussions between the parties concerned. Ministers have acted as facilitators not negotiators.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Freedom of Information
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will include in his proposed Freedom of Information Bill a provision to make available to public scrutiny all public access agreements to land and buildings issued since 1975 under the conditional exemption scheme. [23517]

  Dr. David Clark
  As explained in the White Paper "Your Right to Know", the proposed Freedom of Information Act will contain provision for access to official information generally. It will not list particular types of information. The information that my hon. Friend refers to will be within the scope of the Act. Its disclosure would depend, as for all information,(a) on decisions on the continuation of any relevant statutory prohibitions to disclosure and (b) on the substantial harm and public interest tests integral to the Act's access provisions.

  2 Marsham Street (Demolition)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when demolition of 2 Marsham Street will commence. [24782]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document to Property Advisers to the Civil Estate. I have asked its Chief Executive, Mr. John Locke, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John C. Locke to Mr. Christopher Chope, dated 26 Janaury 1998:
  I have been asked by the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service, to reply to your Question on the demolition of No. 2 Marsham Street because Property Advisers to the Civil Estate have responsibility for the building.
  2 Marsham Street is occupied by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions. The Department is due to vacate the building in the Spring of 1998. Property Advisers to the Civil Estate are the owners of the building and advertised the demolition contract on 15 December in the Official Journal of the European Community. They expect to be in a position to let the demolition contract by 1 July 1998, provided that such a course represents best value for money at that time.

PRIME MINISTER

  No. 11 Downing Street (Refurbishment)
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the most recent refurbishments of the living accommodation at No. 11 Downing Street; what was its total cost; when it was carried out; what was the tendering process; if he will list the companies to which contracts were awarded; and what was the country of origin of fixtures and fittings. [22024]

  The Prime Minister
  The repairs and refurbishment of No. 11 Downing Street are part of a continuing programme of work to Nos. 10 and 11, covering the domestic accommodation, the offices and the public rooms. Both buildings are Grade 1 listed and, given their historic role, have to be kept at standards appropriate to such buildings, as laid down by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, in consultation with Westminster City Council and English Heritage as appropriate.

  Over the past five years, the total expenditure on No. 10 and No. 11 combined has been respectively £118,000 in 1993–94; £108,000 in 1994–95; £381,000 in 1995–96; £190,000 in 1996–97; and £126,000 in 1997–98. Over this period £155,000 has been spent on the flat in No. 10 and £105,000 on the flat in No. 11. This has included the reconstruction of kitchens in No. 10 and No. 11, redecoration of parts of the flats as part of the rolling programme of refurbishment, rewiring, scaffolding costs, the cost of removing debris, and additional security costs. Both work schedules have been designed to refurbish parts of Nos. 10 and 11, some of which had remained untouched for over 30 years, and in the case of No. 11 to accommodate the fact that previously unused rooms are now used as family bedrooms.

  In every case proper tendering procedures were followed. For security reasons it has not been the practice to name companies who work in Downing Street, but there has been no recent change to the existing list of approved contractors employed on the accommodation work in Nos. 10 and 11.

  No country of origin for materials, fixtures or fittings was specified in the contracts awarded. The only requirement placed on contractors is that all materials, fixtures and fittings should meet current regulations and the performance specifications.

  All expenditure is within existing budgets, both No. 10 and Cabinet Office, as inherited from the last Government.

  Ministerial Code
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister if the term spouse has been replaced or complemented by the word partner in the terms of reference in the(a) ministerial code and (b) internal guidance connected with the code; and when the change in interpretation was made. [24535]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Guildford (Mr. St. Aubyn) on 20 January 1998,Official Report, column 483.

  Correspondence
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) when he intends to answer the letter sent to him by Mr. Graham Horwood of 66 St. Andrews Road, Shoeburyness on the subject of solar thermal projects on 17 August 1997; and if he will make a statement on the procedures which he adopts in dealing with correspondence from the general public; [24502]

  (2) when he received a letter from the hon. Member for Rochford and Southend, East about the absence of a reply to his constituent Mr. Graham Horwood's letter of 17 August 1997; and what action was taken in consequence. [24503]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 22 January 1998]: The letter was forwarded to my hon. Friend the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry for substantive reply. I understand a response has been sent.

  Welfare Reform
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Prime Minister what are the terms of reference and the membership of the new Cabinet committee on welfare reform; when the committee will have its first meeting; and if he will make a statement. [23953]

  The Prime Minister
  I am chairing a group of Ministers considering welfare reform issues. My right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, the Secretary of State for Health, the Secretary of State for Social Security and the Minister for Welfare Reform and my hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Housing are members of the group. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions will also attend as his other commitments allow. The group had its first meeting on 22 January. We had an excellent discussion.

  Cabinet Members
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 19 January 1998,Official Report, column 402, if he will list the variety of factors he took into account when appointing the current Foreign Secretary. [25494]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 19 January 1988,Official Report, column 402.

CABINET OFFICE

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what is his Department's policy in respect of the class and type of air fares to be used when(a) Ministers and (b) officials travel on official business abroad. [24731]

  Mr. Mandelson
  In accordance with the practice of the previous administration, when travelling on official business Ministers of State normally use the best available class for flights lasting longer than 2½ hours. For shorter flights Ministers normally travel by Club or equivalent class, or economy class when an intermediate class is not 68
  available. The detailed rules covering officials' travel are set out in the Department's Management Code, but when travelling with Ministers on official business, officials will generally travel in the same class as the Minister they are accompanying.

MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO

  Millennium Experience
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will make a statement on the current state of plans to use the centre of the Millennium Experience Dome as a space for theatrical performances. [23231]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The content of the Dome will provide a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience for every visitor, on the theme that the millennium represents a "Time to Make a Difference". An integral part of this will be a central attraction which will provide an exciting multi-media event that can be shared by all who visit.

  The centre of the Dome will be opened up to create a large, informal piazza with views across the Dome from every vantage point, utilising to the full the natural contours and scale of this impressive space. The New Millennium Experience Company are still developing and improving the design with the aim of ensuring that maximum resources go into the content rather than the internal structure of the Dome.

  Earlier schemes involved creating an enclosed auditorium at the centre of the Dome, which would in effect have been a separate internal amphitheatre building. The revised plans will still offer people an uplifting central experience without the need for a large and costly central structure.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what kind of outreach participation and by what medium will be available to(a) schools, (b) museums and galleries and (c) the general public from the Millennium Experience. [23709]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company is in the process of establishing 12 regional offices whose staff will be responsible for developing and implementing a broad range of events, activities and programmes under the Millennium Experience theme "Time to Make a Difference". They will directly involve schools, museums and galleries and other agencies and groups across the country and will offer opportunities for everyone in the UK to participate in the Millennium celebrations.

  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio, pursuant to his answer of 15 January 1998,Official Report, column 286, what role he envisages for Norfolk within the Millennium Experience national programme on the theme, time to make a difference. [25281]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 15 January 1998,Official Report, column 286, to his previous question on this subject.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the shortlisted candidates for the Board of the New Millennium Experience Company. [25554]
  69
  Mr. Mandelson
  A range of candidates were considered for the Board of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). All appointments have been announced; but to divulge the details of unsuccessful candidates would be a breach of confidentiality in respect of the individuals concerned.

  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will make a statement on the Millennium Experience national programme theme, Time to Make a Difference. [24823]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 23 January 1998]: The New Millennium Experience Company is currently finalising the comprehensive range of events, programmes and activities which will comprise the national programme of Millennium celebrations under the theme that the Millennium represents a "Time to Make a Difference". Details will be announced in the spring.
  70
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what is the theme and purpose of the Millennium Experience. [23714]

  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will issue a mission statement for the Millennium Experience. [24824]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The overarching theme of the Millennium Experience and its associated national programme of events and activities will be that the Millennium represents "Time to Make a Difference".

  The Millennium Experience will create a focus for Millennium celebrations on a national scale and put the UK at the centre of world celebrations. The Experience will engage, inspire and involve the whole nation in a celebration of which it can be proud, and which will leave a lasting legacy.

HEALTH

  Health Spending
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the health spending per head of the population in the Greater London area in 1996. [24533]

  Mr. Milburn
  Provisional data for 1996–97 show that health spending per head of population in Greater London was £730.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the impact on revenue costs to the NHS over the next(a) 10 and (b) 20 years of all PFI schemes. [25472]

  Mr. Milburn
  We have prioritised 15 major Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes. The schemes at Dartford and Gravesham National Health Service Trust, Carlisle Hospitals NHS Trust, South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust, and Norfolk and Norwich Health Care NHS Trust have reached financial close. Details of the unitary charge payable to the private sector in the remaining eleven schemes are being negotiated and therefore commercially confidential until financial close is achieved.

  Information on the revenue consequences of PFI schemes with a capital value under £10 million is not collected centrally.

  The unitary charge payable by the trusts will vary depending upon the level and standard of service provided by the private sector. The estimated unitary payments over the next 20 years are shown in the table.

  Estimated annual unitary payment

  £ million

  Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust1

  South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust2

  Norfolk and Norwich NHS Trust3

  Carlisle Hospitals NHS Trust1

  1998–99

  —

  3.7

  —

  —

  1999–00

  —

  5.0

  —

  —

  2000–01

  12.5

  8.2

  —

  9.1

  2001–02

  16.6

  8.2

  7.9

  10.9

  2002–03

  16.6

  8.2

  31.7

  10.9

  2003–04

  16.6

  8.2

  31.7

  10.9

  2004–05

  16.6

  8.2

  31.7

  10.9

  2005–06

  16.6

  8.5

  31.7

  10.9

  2006–07

  16.6

  8.5

  31.7

  10.9

  2007–08

  16.6

  8.5

  31.7

  10.9

  2008–09

  16.6

  8.5

  31.7

  10.9

  2009–10

  16.6

  8.5

  31.7

  10.9

  2010–11

  16.6

  8.5

  31.7

  10.9

  2011–12

  16.6

  8.5

  31.7

  10.9

  2012–13

  16.6

  8.5

  31.7

  10.9

  2013–14

  16.6

  8.5

  31.7

  10.9

  2014–15

  16.6

  8.5

  31.7

  10.9

  2015–16

  16.6

  8.9

  31.7

  10.9

  2016–17

  16.6

  8.4

  31.7

  10.9

  2017–18

  16.6

  8.4

  31.7

  10.9

  2018–19

  16.6

  8.4

  31.7

  10.9

  1 Figures in 1996 prices and are subject to indexation.

  2 Figures in 1997 prices and are subject to indexation. Figures assume that the scheme becomes operational during 1999–2000 with the delivery of facilities management service beginning in 1998.

  3 Figures in 1995 prices and are subject to indexation.

  72
  Notes:

  1. Payment for a PFI contract does not commence until the hospital is operational.

  2. The figures assume full availability and performance standards are met throughout.

  Care in the Community
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the total cost of the Government's care in the community programme for 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [25345]

  Mr. Boateng
  It is for health authorities to determine the resources that they allocate to care in the community provision from their overall allocation, in the light of the priority accorded to mental health services in the National Health Service Priorities and Planning Guidance 1998/99 and local circumstances. Similarly, it is for local authorities to determine the level of funding they allocate to services for mentally ill people from their total resources.

  In recognition of the importance which the Government place on mental health, we have increased the Mental Illness Specific Grant by 9 per cent. to £73.3 million for 1998–99.

  These additional resources will be made available through a new £2 million fund for child and adolescent mental health services and through a £4 million local authority mental health partnership fund. This will be matched by a £4 million NHS mental health partnership fund.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to extend the range of residential care for mental health clients in the community; [25343]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on care in the community. [25346]

  Mr. Boateng
  The policy of care in the community has failed to realise the benefits held out to all at the time of its introduction. The majority of people with mental illness have benefited but for a significant number the necessary level of support has not been delivered. This has threatened both the safety of those vulnerable individuals and, on occasions, the public. We want to ensure that the full range of services are available to provide a balanced range of mental health services. This includes an appropriate mix of both hospital places and community support, including more 24 hour nursed care. Mentally ill people must be cared for in safety and security and we must rebuild public trust and confidence in mental health services.

  We have set up an Independent Reference Group to advise us. Its first task is to consider long stay psychiatric hospital closure plans to ensure that no more hospitals are closed without proper and credible alternative services being in place.
  73
  A review of mental health services is also underway, monitoring the level of service provision, and identifying importantly, where there are gaps. We will take the findings of this review into account in future policy developments.

  Bath Mental Health Care Trust
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors led to the appointment of Mrs. Christine Reid as Chairman of the Bath Mental Health Care Trust; and what assessment his Department made of the candidature of the previous incumbent. [24781]

  Mr. Milburn
  All candidates for the chairmanship of Bath Mental Health Care Trust were assessed according to guidance issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All new candidates for the post were seen by an interview panel which included an independent member. An assessment of the candidacy of the previous chairman was made by the South and West Regional Chairman. Following consultation with local Members of Parliament, the Regional Chairman then submitted recommendations to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of state, on the basis of which he decided to appoint Mrs. Reid.

  Hospital Bed Provision (Colchester)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds are available for drug addict patients in the Colchester constituency; how many such patients were treated in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and what was the cost in each year to the National Health Service. [24708]

  Mr. Milburn
  This information is not collected centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact the Chairman of North Essex Health Authority for local information relating to drug addict patients.

  Bed Blocking
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the effect of the proposed social services budget for 1998–99 on the incidence of bed blocking in Shropshire hospitals. [24430]

  Mr. Milburn
  We have received a number of letters from members of the public, local councillors and health and social services professionals on the budget proposals of Shropshire County Council and the possible effects on the delayed discharge of patients.

  Contraception
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has for research into contraception and contraceptive methods. [24027]

  Ms Jowell
  As part of the Government's developing national programme to reduce the rate of unintended and unwanted conceptions, a task group has been established to consider the research necessary to underpin effective programmes to reduce the rate of unintended and unwanted conceptions, particularly among teenagers.
  74
  We collect regular survey information through the General Household Survey and Omnibus Survey. Both surveys include questions on contraception and contraception methods and are commissioned through the Office for National Statistics.

  The National Health Service Research and Development Programme is supporting a number of projects evaluating strategies to change health behaviours in children and adolescents, for example in smoking, drugs and unwanted pregnancies, including contraception. Another project is investigating the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and long-term tolerability of implantable contraceptives.

  University Tuition Fees
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from the BMA concerning the issue of tuition fees for the fourth year of four year degree courses at Scottish universities. [19588]

  Mr. Brian Wilson
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]: I have been asked to reply.

  In July, The Scottish Office invited the British Medical Association to comment on the Dearing and Garrick reports. On 18 September, The Scottish Office received a response from the British Medical Association in Scotland. It made no specific mention of the issue of tuition fees for the fourth year of four year degree courses at Scottish universities.

  On 27 October 1997, I announced that the Government would ensure that the fees contribution from Scottish graduates is equitable with the contribution for comparable qualifications gained elsewhere in the UK. Since then, I have received no representations from the British Medical Association.

SCOTLAND

  Cairn Gorm Funicular Railway
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations had been received by the Government by 30 March(a) for and (b) against the development of the proposed funicular railway on Cairn Gorm. [15655]

  Mr. MacDonald
  [holding answer 12 November 1997]: My right hon. Friend had received 179 letters for and 2,689 letters against the proposed funicular railway development on Cairn Gorm by 30 March 1997.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the level of spending by Scottish local authorities in each year since 1991–92; and if he will indicate the annual percentage change in real terms. [19823]

  Mr. MacDonald
  [holding answer 9 December 1997]: The information requested is set out in the table:

  75

  Year

  Non-housing net current expenditure (cash terms inclusive of specific grant) £ million

  Percentage change on previous year in real terms

  1991–92

  5,498

  1992–93

  5,974

  4.27

  1993–94

  6,038

  -1.78

  1994–95

  6,206

  1.25

  1995–96

  6,593

  3.39

  1996–97

  6,605

  -2.51

  1997–98

  6,524

  -3.82

  Based on local authority reported final outturns for 1991–92 to 1995–96. Final expenditure figures are not yet available beyond 1995–96. Provisional outturn is given for 1996–97 and local authorities' budget estimates for 1997–98.

  No adjustments have been made to take account of transfers of responsibility to and from local government and therefore the real terms percentage changes do not compare expenditure in the relevant years on a like-with-like basis.

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide figures showing the band D council tax increase in the next financial year for each local authority in Scotland(a) in cash terms and (b) in percentage terms, based on the assumption that all councils spend at the provisional capping limit. [22273]

  Mr. Macdonald
  On average, the council tax in Scotland should rise by around 7 per cent. in 1998–99, on the assumption that councils spend at their provisional capping limits. The council tax increase for each council will depend on local circumstances and decisions, and it is not possible to make reliable estimates at the individual council level.

  Consultancy Contracts
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of the budget of(a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise was spent on consultancy contracts in 1996–97; and what was the total value of these contracts. [19794]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: This is a matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise respectively and I have asked the Chairmen to write to the hon. Member.

  Services
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the annual cost of abolishing ferry charges and fares for all public sector ferry services in Scotland. [19796]

  Mr. McLeish
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: As this matter is not under consideration, no estimate of the cost of abolition has been made. The costs of providing public sector ferry services are met through a combination of fares revenue and public subsidies made available by The Scottish Office and local authorities. If no income was raised from fares then all existing operating costs would have to be met by subsidy. In the longer term, the provision of ferry services free of charge to customers could be expected to lead to a substantial increase in demand, with the consequential problems of capacity
  76
  constraint and ensuing demand, for more frequent services, more and larger vessels and a higher requirement for operating subsidies.

  East Lothian District Council
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Controller of Audit requested the opinion of senior counsel concerning his Special Report 97/2 on East Lothian District Council; when that opinion was received at the Controller's office; and when information about that opinion was sent to the Chief Executive of the East Lothian Council. [20986]

  Mr. MacDonald
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]: I understand from the Accounts Commission for Scotland that the Memorandum for the Opinion of Counsel was submitted on 24 September 1996 and the Counsel's Opinion was given on 10 December 1996. Information about the Opinion was given to the Chief Executive of the East Lothian Council on 16 April 1997.

  Chief Scientific Officer
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he plans to fill the post of Chief Scientific Officer for Scotland. [21153]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: I expect to announce a decision, on the Garrick recommendation that the Government should consider filling the vacant post of Chief Scientific Adviser to the Secretary of State, shortly.

  Nursery Vouchers
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds of abolishing the nursery voucher scheme in Scotland. [22041]

  Mr. Wilson
  The cost to public funds of abolishing the pre-school education voucher system in Scotland will be part of the termination fee negotiated by Government with Capita Managed Services Ltd., the operators of the Pre-School Administration Agency. The amount is commercial in confidence.

  Waste Materials
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the entry of waste materials into the food chain through seepage. [22943]

  Mr. MacDonald
  [holding answer 15 January 1998]: The only project commissioned by The Scottish Office that addresses the entry of waste materials into the food chain through seepage is:
  Concentration of environmental oestrogens (xenoestrogens) in tissues of domestic animals grazing pasture treated with sewage sludge.

  This project is due for completion on 31 March 2000.

  Arts Sector (Legal Services)
  Ms. Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what guidelines have been issued to publicly-funded bodies in Scotland regarding the use of Scottish legal firms. [25201]
  77
  (2) what mechanisms exist for the assessment of the Scottish Arts Council's tendering process for legal services; what assessment he has made of the Scottish Arts Council's most recent tendering process for legal services; and if he will make a statement. [25202]

  Mr. Galbraith
  No such general guidelines have been issued. The Scottish Arts Council is, like other Non-Departmental Public Bodies, required to achieve best value for money in the purchase of goods and services, and is required to place contracts of an estimated value of £1,000 or more on a competitive basis unless there are good reasons to the contrary. The Council's compliance with these requirements is monitored through the audit process: no specific assessment has been made of the particular tendering process referred to.

  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on the development of sustainable support services for the film industry in Scotland with particular reference to legal services; [25199]

  (2) what instructions he has given to publicly-funded bodies in the arts sector in Scotland regarding the use of public funds to develop support services for the film industry, with particular reference to legal services. [25200]

  Mr. Galbraith
  No such instruction has been issued. Scottish Screen has responsibility for promoting and developing the film industry in Scotland and it is for it to assess how best this can be done and to allocate funds accordingly.

  Orthoptics
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland for how many staff employed in the Scottish NHS in each of the last five years a degree in orthoptics was part of the requirement for their employment. [24563]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The information is not available in the form requested. However, the table shows the numbers of qualified orthoptists employed by the NHS in Scotland in each of the last 5 years. Employment as a qualified orthoptist requires that an individual be registered under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960.

  Qualified orthoptists employed in the NHS in Scotland Headcount and Whole Time Equivalent (WTE): at 30 September

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Headcount

  Total

  76

  80

  87

  90

  89

  Head

  10

  12

  13

  15

  15

  Senior

  66

  67

  74

  75

  74

  Basic

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  78

  Qualified orthoptists employed in the NHS in Scotland Headcount and Whole Time Equivalent (WTE): at 30 September

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  WTE

  Total

  58.8

  63.2

  67.2

  67

  68.2

  Head

  9.8

  11.8

  12.8

  13.9

  13.8

  Senior

  49

  50.4

  54.4

  53.1

  54.4

  Basic

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many students graduated with a degree in orthoptics from Scottish universities or colleges in each of the last five years. [24564]

  Mr. Wilson
  The numbers of students graduating in ophthalmics (which includes orthoptics and optometry) is provided in the table.

  Number of full-time first degree ophthalmics graduates from Scottish higher education, 1992–96

  Year

  Number of graduates

  1992

  28

  1993

  33

  1994

  42

  1995

  58

  1996

  52

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the recruitment benefits for Scottish hospitals of the Scottish-based degree course for the training of orthoptists. [24559]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Scottish Hospitals appreciate that professional education and training, including that of orthoptists, provided by Scottish universities is of the highest standard and so would wish to recruit graduates trained in Scotland. But it is for the Council for the Professions Supplementary to Medicine to ensure that orthoptists working in the United Kingdom are competent to practice whereever they train. Also, while it would seem probable that graduates from Scottish universities are more likely to seek initial employment within rather than outwith Scotland, many students who have studied in Scottish universities but who are not domiciled in Scotland return home on graduation.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the British Orthoptic Society concerning the future of the Scottish-based degree course for training orthoptists. [24560]

  Mr. Galbraith
  I have been in correspondence with the British Orthoptic Society on this matter and Miss Anne Jarvie, the Chief Nursing Officer, is arranging to meet with the Society in the next few weeks.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure the continuation of degree training for orthoptists in Scotland. [24558]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The Scottish Office is currently engaged in assessing the numbers of orthoptists which Scotland requires.

  Once I have ascertained this, I will take steps to ensure sufficient orthoptists undertake degrees in orthoptics to meet the needs of the NHS in Scotland.
  79
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has made to (i) Caledonian University and (ii) the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine regarding the future of the orthoptic degree course at Caledonian University; and if he will make a statement. [24561]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Glasgow Caledonian University and the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) have kept Scottish office officials fully appraised of the situation regarding the orthoptic degree course at Glasgow Caledonian University.

  I have called for a review of the education and training of orthoptists in Scotland, the first stage of which is to seek information from Trusts on the current need for orthoptists and the need over the next five years. This information has now been gathered. Further stages in the review process will be decided after these data have been analysed.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish students received funding for an orthoptic degree course (i) at Caledonian, (ii) at Liverpool, (iii) at Sheffield universities and (iv) outside the United Kingdom in the last year for which figures are available. [24562]

  Mr. Wilson
  The number of Scottish students, funded by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, on the BSc Orthoptics course, in the current academic session (1997–98) is contained in the table:

  University

  Number

  Glasgow Caledonian

  49

  Liverpool

  1

  Sheffield

  nil

  Outwith the UK

  nil

  Integrated Administration and Control System
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the criteria which he applies for the purpose of establishing whether or not agriculture enterprises are separate businesses to determine their eligibility for assistance under IACS. [25420]

  Mr. MacDonald
  The criteria used by The Scottish Office are as follows.

  IACS SEPARATE BUSINESSES: CRITERIA FOR SEPARATENESS

  Background
  1. The Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department and other UK Departments have to be able to demonstrate to the European Commission and other auditors that all the IACS rules are being followed. This is a matter of complying with Community law and non-compliance can lead to costly expenditure disallowance penalties.
  2. The criteria for determining whether businesses are separate for IACS purposes have been developed on the basis of the definitions of "farmer" and "holding" contained in Article 1(4) of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3508/92. In effect, an applicant under any of the main agricultural schemes, who may be an individual or a legal person, or a group of individuals or legal persons (regardless of the legal status of the group and its members), must submit a single Area Aid Application (AAA) for all the production units managed by him and within the UK. In other words, all land managed as one business, whatever the legal structure of the business, should be covered by one AAA. The criteria for
  80
  establishing whether one business is separate from another have been published in the annual IACS explanatory booklets which have been distributed to farmers each year since 1993.
  3. In order to form an assessment the practice is to consider four aspects of the way the business is run, namely—legal status, economic structure/organisation, commercial management and operational management. As indicated by the IACS explanatory booklets, no single aspect is paramount and it is the balance of factors which counts. Each case is therefore examined on its own merits to form a balanced judgement. The EC have subsequently endorsed the criteria.

  Legal Status
  4. If two or more businesses are to qualify as separate for IACS purposes, it will normally be required that each should have a distinct legal status, e.g. sole trader, partnership company etc. However, satisfying this requirement is not in itself sufficient to establish separateness, since businesses which are legally separate may still be regarded as operating together as a group (see paragraph 2 above). Similarly failing to meet this requirement is not in itself sufficient to be deemed to be one. Whether or not this is so can only be determined on consideration of the other three criteria.

  Economic Structure
  5. In considering the economic structure of a number of legally separate businesses in which certain individuals (or legal persons) have an interest, it is necessary to take account of:

  5.1 the share holding or the partnership interest or voting rights of the directors, shareholders, partners, individuals (or legal persons) involved in the businesses;

  5.2 who benefits from the profits/suffers any losses relating to the businesses.;

  5.3 who has ultimate responsibility for making the longer term policy decisions that affect the profitability of each business.

  Where necessary documentary evidence of the above will be sought e.g. partnership agreements. Where the same individuals (or legal persons)—

  (a) have a large majority shareholding or interest in, or

  (b) benefit from the profits or suffer the losses of,

  the business concerned, this may indicate that the businesses should be considered as economically one business for IACS purposes. However, the commercial and operational structure will still be carefully examined and taken into account.
  Where no particular individuals (or legal persons) are dominant in these respects throughout the businesses concerned, then it is likely that the businesses would be considered separate for IACS purposes. Again, however, the commercial and operational structure will be taken into account before a determination is made.

  Commercial Structure
  6. In considering the commercial structure of the businesses, which, though legally separate, may fall to be treated as one, it is necessary to ascertain:

  6.1 whether those with day-to-day management responsibility have complete discretion to buy or sell, whenever they choose;

  6.2 who has day-to-day management responsibility for running each business, and, in some cases, the extent of their authority;

  6.3 whether there are transactions for goods or services between the business and whether they are carried out at commercial rates (evidence of sales invoices/contracts may be required);

  6.4 whether there is any evidence of cross subsidisation between the businesses;

  6.5 whether the businesses have separate accounts, sales contracts, tax and VAT status.

  Business are unlikely to be commercially separate for IACS purposes where:
  there is an overlap in the way in which the businesses are managed;
  those who have responsibility for running the businesses on day-to-day basis, lack of commercial independence;

  81
  transactions of goods between the businesses are not accounted for in a way which would be expected from independent businesses;
  there is a lack of sound financial arrangements, which an independent agricultural business would be expected to have in place—e.g. itemised invoicing, and arrangements for invoicing and payment in good time;
  there is a lack of basic structures, which would be expected in running free-standing agricultural businesses—e.g. proper accounts, separate herd marks, separate land etc.

  Operational Structure
  7. It is necessary to consider the degree of operational separateness of cropping, stocking, machinery, labour, buildings and livestock housing, whether each legally separate enterprise has such things as its own supplies of food, fertiliser and land for grazing, livestock records, farm plans, registration and herd marks.
  Where businesses have very closely linked operational arrangements i.e.:

  regular movement of stock almost exclusively between the farms comprised in the business, and the dependence of one farm on another for overwintering or grazing, beyond what would be common elsewhere in the locality;

  lack of sufficiently separate arrangements for buying, making and storing stockfeed;

  reliance by one farm on the other(s) for housing, feeding and supervising livestock, and common arrangements for buying, selling and transporting stock;

  reliance by one farm on the other(s) for purchase of seed stocks, harvesting and storage of crops and common arrangements for dressing, sale and transport of crops produced;

  extensive use of interchange of the same labour force, beyond what would be expected from independent businesses;

  interchange of land, buildings and other fixed equipment;

  they are likely to be considered as operationally one for IACS purposes.
  A degree of co-operation in the use of some resources would be permissible, but this should normally be of a limited, seasonal nature. For businesses to be considered operationally separate, there should be independent management and organisation of any stock involved.
  8. Please note that it is a requirement in particular under Article 2(2) of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3887/92 to ensure that the conversion of existing holdings or the creation of holdings after 30 June 1992 does not lead to the patently improper avoidance of the provisions relating to individuals' limits on eligibility for premiums or land set-aside requirements imposed under the main agricultural schemes.

  University Tuition Fees
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if a domiciled English student at a Scottish university who changes course after the first year and re-applies as a Scottish resident to the Scottish Office for funding, will be eligible to have his fourth year tuition fees paid. [25349]

  Mr. Wilson
  The residence eligibility criteria under the new student support arrangements will remain the same as under the existing schemes. The responsible award making body is determined primarily by a student's place of ordinary residence on 30 June of the year in which he or she starts the course. A period of residence wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education is not regarded as ordinary residence. Where a student changes to a different course of higher education during the academic year, or in the immediately following academic year, the responsibility for considering assistance for the new course remains with the original award making body.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Foreign Students
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of the charging of university fees to students from developing countries. [23184]

  Dr. Howells
  The Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations 1997 allow universities to differentiate between students for the purpose of fee charging. They are permitted to charge higher fees to students who do not fulfil the conditions described in the Schedule to the Regulations than to students who do fulfil the conditions. No special statutory provision is made for students from developing countries to be charged fees at the lower rate.

  The British Government and other United Kingdom organisations provide a number of scholarships and awards to help international students to study in the UK. The main schemes are described in a booklet produced in 1997 by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UKCOSA (The Council for International Education) and The British Council called, "Studying in the UK, Sources of funding for international students" a copy of which has been placed in the Library. In particular, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, funded by the Department for International Development (DfID) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), assists academically able students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. DfID also supports students from developing countries attending UK universities under Technical Co-operation Training arrangements. Students from developing countries are also eligible for FCO Chevening Scholarships.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will take steps to improve the access of students from developing countries to British universities. [23185]

  Dr. Howells
  Her Majesty's Government will continue to target resources on schemes which enable international students, including those from developing countries, to study in the United Kingdom.

  The main schemes are described in a booklet produced in 1997 by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UKCOSA (The Council for International Education) and The British Council called, "Studying in the UK, Sources of funding for international students", a copy of which has been placed in the Library. Many of these schemes are open to students from developing countries.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the percentage of parents voting in the ballot on grant maintained status who voted(a) in favour and (b) against for each grant maintained school. [24072]

  Mr Byers
  A list of the percentage of parents voting in the ballot on GM status who voted(a) in favour and (b) against for each GM school, has been placed in the Library.

  Schools (Lighting Standards)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many, and what percentage, of schools are not complying with Health and Safety Executive lighting standards; and what additional resources are being made available to ensure compliance. [23962]

  Mr. Byers
  Lighting standards for maintained schools are those set out in the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1996. The statutory responsibility for ensuring that these standards are met rests with local education authorities for schools maintained by them, and with the governing bodies of grant-maintained schools.

  Northumberland TEC
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the surplus achieved by Northumberland TEC on trading accounts was for the financial years 1995–96 and 1996–97. [23990]

  Dr. Howells
  Surplus as achieved by Northumberland Training and Enterprise Council (Group) Ltd. are

  Year to 31 March 1996: £475,842

  Year to 31 March 1997: £1,151,765.

  Mr. Robbie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the amount allocated to Northumberland TEC for(a) training fees, (b) starts funding and (c) outcomes funding in the three most recent available years. [23989]

  Dr. Howells
  The information requested is shown in the following table:

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  (a) Training fees

  Youth Training

  7,008,711.00

  6,930,436.00

  6,720,457.00

  Adult Training

  2,516,662.00

  2,672,676.00

  2,062,880.00

  Total

  9,525,373.00

  9,603,112.00

  8,783,337.00

  (b) Starts funding

  Youth Training

  1,807,531.00

  1,729,842.00

  1,680,115.00

  Adult Training

  625,049.00

  584,719.00

  477,725.00

  Total

  2,432,580.00

  2,314,561.00

  2,157,840.00

  (c) Outcomes funding

  Youth Training

  5,201,180.00

  5,200,594.00

  5,040,342.00

  Adult Training

  1,891,613.00

  2,087,957.00

  1,473,717.00

  Total

  7,092,793.00

  7,288,551.00

  6,514,059.00

  School Inspectors
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he has had with OFSTED on the recent errors made in selecting schools for inspection in the autumn term; and what steps are being taken to prevent such errors occurring in the future. [25278]

  Mr. Byers
  HM Chief Inspector of Schools wrote to my right hon. Friend on 19 January to apologise for an error which had resulted in around 500 of the 1,350 schools which had recently been notified of an inspection in the autumn term 1998 being incorrectly chosen, and to inform him of the action which had been 84
  taken to correct the error. I have asked HM Chief Inspector to write to my hon. Friend and to place a copy of his letter in the library.

  "Partners in Europe" Resource Pack
  Sir Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the cost of producing and circulating, "Partners in Europe: A Resource Pack for Schools." [23685]

  Dr. Howells
  The estimated cost of producing and circulating "Partners in Europe: A Resource Pack for Schools" is £223,988.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidelines he has issued to educational establishments on dealing with computer systems which are not millennium compliant; and if he will make a statement. [24703]

  Dr. Howells
  DfEE have mounted a year 2000 date change awareness raising campaign with representative educational and training organisations which work in partnership with my department. These organisations have been provided with material relating to risk analysis, contract compliance and contingency planning. Further work with the education sector is planned.

  British Academy
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many grants were awarded by the Humanities Research Board of the British Academy to students to undertake a masters and doctoral higher degree from(a) higher education colleges and (b) universities in the last five years. [23824]

  Dr. Howells
  The number of awards offered for Masters courses for 1993–97 was as follows:

  First degree

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Institution

  University

  557

  535

  553

  474

  474

  HE College

  21

  12

  17

  12

  10

  Total

  578

  547

  570

  486

  484

  The number of awards offered for Doctoral Study for 1993–97 was as follows:

  First degree

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Institution

  University

  527

  493

  511

  467

  522

  HE College

  23

  6

  7

  11

  4

  Total

  550

  499

  518

  478

  526

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what policy the Humanities Research Board of the British Academy operates in respect of funding for students wishing to undertake masters and doctoral higher degrees; what proportion of studentships have been allocated to mature students in the last five
  85
  years; and how many of the studentships were allocated to those who have graduated from colleges of higher education in the last five years. [23823]

  Dr. Howells
  The Humanities Research Board's (HRB's) policy is to allocate postgraduate awards through an annual competition. It does not allocate quotas of awards to specific institutions, courses, age groups or subjects. Rather, all applications are assessed and graded, and awards made down a list of rank order candidates until available funds are exhausted.

  Applications are submitted on students' behalf by the institutions at which they intend to study and are assessed by panels of senior academic staff in the relevant subject areas. Panel members are drawn from universities across the country and serve for a term of three years. In assessing applications, they take account of candidates' performance in examinations at first degree level; candidates' statements about their intended programme of study or research and their reasons for undertaking it; referees' reports and, where appropriate, reports on candidates' performance on postgraduate-level courses; and information provided by institutions about supervision arrangements, and the training and support it will provide. The Board's expectation is that applicants should normally have completed an initial year of postgraduate study before embarking on a three-year programme of doctoral research.

  With regard to mature students, the HRB monitors only those applicants who are aged 40 or over at the date of application. The percentage of awards offered to such applicants is shown in the table.

  Per cent.

  1993

  5

  1994

  3

  1995

  4

  1996

  4

  1997

  5

  The number of awards offered for Masters courses to applicants with a first degree from higher education colleges for 1993–97 was:

  Year

  Number from HE Colleges

  1993

  21

  1994

  12

  1995

  17

  1996

  12

  1997

  10

  The number of awards offered for Doctoral study to applicants with a first degree from higher education colleges for 1993–97 was:

  Year

  Number from HE Colleges

  1993

  23

  1994

  6

  1995

  7

  1996

  11

  1997

  4

  Examination Results
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the LEA area which achieved the best(a) A level results and (b) GCSE results in 1997, indicating the extent to which each operates a selective education system. [24074]

  Dr. Howells
  The 1997 Performance Tables show that the Isles of Scilly achieved the highest proportion of maintained school pupils gaining five or more GCSE grades A*-C or GNVQ equivalent, and pupils in Buckinghamshire maintained schools achieved the highest average GCE A/AS point score per examination entry. Forty-seven per cent. of all pupils in maintained secondary schools (excluding special schools) in Buckinghamshire attend schools with a selective admissions policy. The Isles of Scilly has one maintained non-selective secondary school.

  Student Placements
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what financial support his Department offers to full-time students on sandwich courses who are unable to find paid placements; [23961]

  (2) what proposals the Government have to assist students spending a year in an industrial placement. [23965]

  Dr. Howells
  Students who hold mandatory awards for a sandwich course are not normally eligible for maintenance support during their placements. They can expect to be paid for their productive work by the employer with which they are placed. Where students have unpaid placements in many parts of the public service they exceptionally continue to be eligible for means-tested maintenance support as part of their award in substitution for payment by the employer. Students in either category who are unable to find placements are not eligible for maintenance support unless their institution is able to make suitable alternative provision for them.

  Students on sandwich courses can apply for the appropriate rate of loan in any year in which there is a placement where the student and the course are eligible for loans. Provided that they are attending their course, whether at the institution or on a placement, when an application is made for a loan it can be paid.

  Welfare to Work
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the(a) private sector companies and (b) public sector departments which have provided jobs for the employer option of the Welfare to Work scheme, indicating the number of jobs each has provided. [24493]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 22 January 1996]: The information requested is not held centrally. Nine thousand employers have expressed interest in taking part in the New Deal, the overwhelming majority in the private sector.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people in the employer option of the Welfare to Work scheme are in jobs in the(a) private and (b) public sector. [24490]
  87
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 22 January 1998]: The large majority of jobs on the New Deal Employment option will be in the private sector, reflecting the balance in the workforce as a whole.

  An important feature of the New Deal is the provision of advice during the Gateway period, prior to taking up new deal options including the Employment option. The New Deal started in the 12 pathfinder areas on 5 January.

  In the first two weeks there have been 107 referrals to the private sector employment option and six to the public sector option.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds will be voluntary in circumstances where a claimant has been unemployed for six months and broken his claim for between one and 28 days. [25559]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Young people who would have reached six months on the Jobseeker's Allowance and would have entered the New Deal Gateway but for short breaks in their claim totalling not more than 28 days will be able to choose to join the New Deal early.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what would be the cost of extending the education and training options of the New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds to allow those eligible to take a level 3 course or equivalent as set out in schedule 2 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 and section 6 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992. [25566]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Although primarily designed for young people without N/SVQ 2 or equivalent level qualifications, the Full-Time Education and Training option of the New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds also allows some young people to study towards a Level 3 qualification, where there is a clear link between achievement of the qualification and increased employability. The cost will depend on the bids by education and training providers. Young people may also study part-time for a qualification above Level 2 through the education and training element of the other three options.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if an 18 to 24-year-old who has completed a New Deal option and then claimed jobseeker's allowance for a further six months will be re-referred to the Gateway and New Deal. [25558]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We are making a major investment to help young people move off welfare and find sustained employment, and to avoid as far as possible (for example through a follow-through strategy for people who return to JSA shortly after completing an option) the circumstances described. Any young person who found themselves in this position would of course have the right to further help from the New Deal.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in what circumstances a lone parent who claims jobseeker's allowance to enter the New Deal programme for 18 to 24-year-olds will be allowed to return to income support if they are issued with a jobseeker's allowance or New Deal sanction. [25557]
  88
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Any lone parent claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) who would be eligible for Income Support would always have the option of terminating the claim to JSA and claiming Income Support instead.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many places will be available in the next five years under the education and training options of the New Deal for the over 25-year-old long-term unemployed. [25555]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We have made provision for at least 10,000 additional opportunities, over the lifetime of this Parliament, for those aged 25 years or over, unemployed for two years or more, to undertake courses of full-time employment-related education and training for up to a year while receiving Jobseeker's Allowance.

  Further Eduction Colleges
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what criteria will be employed in approving mergers and acquisitions involving further education colleges; what will be the consultation process for staff and local communities; and if he will make a statement on his policy. [23959]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will normally consider further education corporation mergers on the basis of a formal proposal from the Further Education Funding Council for England and following a statutory consultation process. He will consider each case on its merits. The Council assesses proposals against criteria which include educational and financial benefits, the likely success of the proposed reorganisation and the extent of consultation and the consideration given to alternative proposals. There are opportunities for the involvement of staff and local communities during preliminary consultations conducted locally and then following the formal issue of statutory notices by the Council prior to the submission of the proposal to my right hon. Friend for a final decision.

  Literacy
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to expand the literacy hour scheme(a) nationally and (b) in Leicestershire. [23565]

  Mr. Byers
  We expect the norm for all primary schools to be the implementation of a daily literacy hour from this September, as part of the strategy to meet our national literacy target for 2002.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many literacy schools(a) were in operation in summer 1997 and (b) are planned to be in operation in summer 1998 (i) nationally, (ii) in the East Midlands and (iii) in Leicestershire. [23563]

  Mr. Byers
  A pilot of 50 Summer Literacy Schools supporting 1,500 pupils was in operation last year. The scheme will be expanded in 1998 to cover 500 schools and 16,000 pupils nationally. Decisions have not yet been taken on where Summer Literacy Schools will be run this year, but we expect there to be a broad geographical spread.
  89
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools(a) in the East Midlands, (b) in Leicestershire and (c) nationally currently participate in the literacy hour scheme. [23564]

  Mr. Byers
  Around 500 schools in 14 LEAs are in the National Literacy Project. Although none of the LEAs in the East Midlands is part of the project, we know some schools in that region are trailing the project's literacy hour.

  Project Funding (Northumberland)
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what projects have received funds from(a) the EU Social Fund and (b) the EU Cohesion Fund in the Northumberland County Council area. [23992]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The following table shows the number of projects that have received funding through the European Social Fund since 1990. Documentation providing details of each individual project which has received funds has been placed in the Library. Northumberland is not eligible for money from the EU Cohesion Fund.

  Year

  Number of successful projects

  1990

  19

  1991

  20

  1992

  31

  1993

  67

  1994

  41

  1995

  52

  1996

  78

  1997

  43

  New Deal (Environmental Placements)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what funding there is for materials in Home Energy efficiency programmes carried out under environmental placements on the New Deal. [25467]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Organisations which tender to provide placements on home energy efficiency programmes under the Environmental Task Force option of the New Deal for 18–24 year olds, may include in their bid an element to cover the cost of materials.

  Workskill Pilots
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if a participant in the workskill pilots who is aged 18 to 24 years will be automatically referred to the New Deal. [25561]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Every young person who has claimed the Jobseeker's Allowance continuously for six months will be referred to the New Deal. New Deal Advisers will discuss with young people studying under the Workskill pilot regulations how best to accommodate their course of study within the New Deal.
  90
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people have joined the workskill pilots broken down by standard region; and how many of these(a) completed the course and (b) left early. [25562]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  As of 16 January, 1,049 people had started courses of education and training under the Jobseeker's Allowance Workskill pilot regulations.

  There are currently pilots in eight areas. Four of the pilots allow people to study full-time, and four provide additional concessions to allow people to study part-time while on JSA. The breakdown of course starts by pilot area is as follows:

  Number of course starts

  Full-time pilot areas

  Cardiff and Bridgend

  248

  Glasgow and Dumbarton

  45

  Lancashire and Cumbria

  175

  North Black Country

  144

  Part-time pilot areas

  Avon, Somerset and Wiltshire

  136

  Leeds

  93

  Liverpool South and Wirral

  64

  South and South East London

  144

  Information on the number of people completing, or leaving courses early, is not yet available, as many participants are currently in the middle of their course of study. However, the pilots will be fully evaluated.

  Veterinary and Architecture Students
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which Government Department is responsible for the funding of(a) veterinary and (b) architecture students' additional year tuition fees. [25338]

  Dr. Howells
  From 1998–99, new students on full-time higher education courses in veterinary and architecture studies will make a contribution to tuition fees of up to £1,000, depending on income, for every year of their course. There is no equivalent to the Department of Health scheme for meeting tuition fee contributions of medical and dental students after the first four years of their course. This is because the Government cannot take responsibility for the supply of professionals such as vets and architects who are employed predominantly in the private sector. The student contribution to fees in any year is a small proportion of the total cost of tuition, the rest being met in England from the Department for Education and Employment grant to the Higher Education Funding Council.

  School Budgets
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which local education authority holds back the lowest percentage of its school budget; and what amount per pupil, would be made available to schools if all local authorities held back the same percentage. [25339]
  91
  Mr. Stephen Byers
  Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council was the local education authority which delegated the largest proportion of its Potential Schools Budget for the financial year 1997–98, the percentage being 96.3. The table gives the information requested as a listing of local education authorities in England for the same year. The figures are derived from the budget statements produced by the local education authorities under section 122 of the 1996 Education Act.

  Extract—section 122 budget statements (England) 1997–98) Amount capable of being delegated per pupil if ASB were 96.3 per cent. of PSB for authorities

  £

  Corporation of London

  3,229

  Camden

  2,780

  Greenwich

  2,388

  Hackney

  2,551

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  2,673

  Islington

  2,432

  Kensington and Chelsea

  3,010

  Lambeth

  2,776

  Lewisham

  2,485

  Southwark

  2,455

  Tower Hamlets

  2,513

  Wandsworth

  2,558

  Westminster

  2,583

  Barking/Dagenham

  2,228

  Barnet

  2,148

  Bexley

  1,823

  Brent

  2,182

  Bromley

  1,898

  Croydon

  2,053

  Ealing

  2,190

  Enfield

  2,121

  Haringey

  2,411

  Harrow

  2,251

  Havering

  2,030

  Hillingdon

  2,054

  Hounslow

  2,283

  Kingston

  1,979

  Merton

  2,127

  Newham

  2,171

  Redbridge

  2,072

  Richmond

  2,189

  Sutton

  2,036

  Waltham Forest

  2,253

  Birmingham

  2,142

  Coventry

  2,076

  Dudley

  1,840

  Sandwell

  1,898

  Solihull

  1,891

  Walsall

  1,947

  Wolverhampton

  1,877

  Knowsley

  1,999

  Liverpool

  1,897

  St. Helens

  1,954

  Sefton

  2,003

  Wirral

  1,881

  Bolton

  1,883

  Bury

  1,760

  Manchester

  1,956

  Oldham

  1,924

  Rochdale

  1,803

  Salford

  1,899

  Stockport

  2,722

  Tameside

  1,721

  Trafford

  1,737

  Wigan

  1,988

  Barnsley

  1,712

  92

  Extract—section 122 budget statements (England) 1997–98) Amount capable of being delegated per pupil if ASB were 96.3 per cent. of PSB for all authorities

  £

  Doncaster

  1,988

  Rotherham

  1,856

  Sheffield

  1,884

  Bradford

  1,807

  Calderdale

  1,791

  Kirklees

  1,862

  Leeds

  1,942

  Wakefield

  1,790

  Gateshead

  2,025

  Newcastle

  2,025

  North Tyneside

  1,879

  South Tyneside

  1,843

  Sunderland

  1,890

  Isles of Scilly

  3,486

  Bath and North-East Somerset

  2,100

  Bristol

  2,144

  North Somerset

  2,041

  South Gloucestershire

  2,458

  Hartlepool

  1,798

  Middlesbrough

  1,931

  Redcar and Cleveland

  1,905

  Stockton on Tees

  1,906

  Hull

  1,901

  East Riding

  2,023

  North East Lincolnshire

  1,929

  North Lincolnshire

  1,953

  North Yorkshire

  1,983

  York

  1,904

  Luton

  1,843

  Milton Keynes

  1,807

  Derby City

  1,671

  Poole

  1,640

  Bournemouth

  1,812

  Darlington

  1,800

  Brighton and Hove

  2,016

  Portsmouth

  2,058

  Southampton

  2,043

  Leicester City

  1,954

  Rutland

  1,820

  Stoke on Trent

  1,794

  Swindon

  1,756

  Bedfordshire

  1,872

  Berkshire

  1,934

  Buckinghamshire

  1,853

  Cambridgeshire

  1,821

  Cheshire

  1,919

  Cornwall

  1,924

  Cumbria

  1,814

  Derbyshire

  1,721

  Devon

  1,894

  Dorset

  1,834

  Durham

  1,895

  East Sussex

  2,004

  Essex

  1,891

  Gloucestershire

  1,779

  Hampshire

  1,983

  Hereford/Worcester

  1,874

  Hertfordshire

  1,912

  Isle of Wight

  1,955

  Kent

  1,885

  Lancashire

  1,905

  Leicestershire

  1,941

  Lincolnshire

  1,998

  Norfolk

  1,975

  Northamptonshire

  1,836

  Northumberland

  1,841

  Nottinghamshire

  1,782

  Oxfordshire

  1,917

  Shropshire

  1,850

  Somerset

  1,918

  Staffordshire

  1,767

  93

  Extract—section 122 budget statements (England) 1997–98) Amount capable of being delegated per pupil if ASB were 96.3 per cent. of PSB for all authorities

  £

  Suffolk

  1,965

  Surrey

  2,020

  Warwickshire

  1,888

  West Sussex

  1,976

  Wiltshire

  1,829

  England

  1,958

  Apprenticeships
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) men and (b) women are at present in apprenticeship schemes in England and Wales. [23805]

  Dr. Howells
  As at 2 November 1997 there were 111,900 people in training on Modern Apprenticeships, 58 per cent. of these were men and 42 per cent. were women.

  University Tuition Fees
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what university tuition fees will apply in respect of students who were offered deferred entry in 1998–99 on the basis of results which have now been re-marked on appeal to levels which could have secured an entry in 1997–98. [23939]

  Dr. Howells
  Students who were unable to enter higher education in 1997 because their results were inadequate, but who have had those results upgraded on appeal and who will now be able to enter in 1998, will be treated as 1997 entrants for student support purposes. This means that they will have their tuition fees met for the duration of their course, and receive the current 50:50 grants and loans maintenance support.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how university students' fees will be applied in the case of those students who were required to engage in a year's vocational work after A level, prior to consideration for entry to university, who were for that reason unable to secure admission offers for 1997–98. [23957]

  Dr. Howells
  Students who agreed a deferred entry place for autumn 1998 with their chosen university before 1 August 1997 prior to undertaking the required vocational work will not have to pay tuition fees for the duration of their course and will be subject to the existing grant and loan arrangements. Those applying after 1 August 1997 for places to start in autumn 1998 or later will be subject to the new tuition fee and maintenance arrangements being introduced in 1998.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if local authorities in England will be liable to pay fourth-year tuition fees for EU migrant workers resident within the boundaries of the local authority area, should they apply to a Scottish university; and if he will make a statement. [25335]
  94
  Dr. Howells
  In 1998–99, new mandatory award holders domiciled in England and Wales, including EU migrant workers, will be eligible for assistance with their fees for all years of their courses.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if future increases in the level of tuition fees will be limited to the rate of inflation. [25333]

  Dr. Howells
  In recognition of the need for safeguards, the Teaching and Higher Education Bill currently before the other place provides that an affirmative resolution of both Houses would be needed before the level of a student's contribution could be increased above the rate of inflation.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Food Produce
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent efforts his Department has made to promote local sourcing of food produce; and if he will make a statement. [24461]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government are firmly committed to promoting the local sourcing of food produce, particularly through their grant aid scheme for the establishment of regional groups of speciality producers and the practical assistance provided to these and other groups by Food From Britain.

  I myself will shortly be opening the Food and Drink Expo 98 exhibition in Birmingham which will have a dedicated British speciality foods sector which is directly sponsored by FFB and MAFF. We have also ensured that food served in the VIP suite reflects regional foods.

  Further, as part of his personal commitment to this sector, my noble Friend Lord Donoughue of Ashton has recently announced that he will refuse to stay at hotels which do not serve locally produced food and drink and has challenged other business travellers to do the same.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his order of priorities for reform of Article 39 of the Treaty of Rome. [24455]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government objectives for the Common Agriculture Policy, as established under Articles 38–46 of the Treaty of Rome, are for reforms which provide a market oriented policy with less costly farm support decoupled from agricultural production; and more emphasis placed on targeted environmental and rural development objectives. Achieving these objectives does not require Treaty amendment.

  Pesticides
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to reduce the use of pesticides; and if he will make a statement. [24453]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is Government policy to minimise the use of pesticides to that required for effective pest and disease control. This policy is pursued in a number of ways including a rigorous pesticide product approvals
  95
  process, a wide ranging R&D programme, and surveillance monitoring of pesticide residues in food. In addition, the Statutory Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Pesticides on Farms and Holdings, laid before this House on 12 January, will be published in March.

  The Government are also reviewing the role that economic instruments such as charges or taxes might play in reducing the impact of pesticides and aims to give organic farming a higher priority.

  Finally, the Government have given their full support to the recently established Pesticides Forum which, last August, published an Action Plan for encouraging responsible pesticide use, including plans to improve arrangements for technology transfer and promote techniques, such as integrated crop management, designed to minimise pesticide use.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment his Department has made of the presence of traces of DDT in(a) milk and (b) other dairy products imported from New Zealand. [24451]

  Mr. Rooker
  Milk is not normally imported into the United Kingdom from New Zealand. However, in 1993 and 1996 the surveillance programme of the Working Party on Pesticide Residues included butter imported from New Zealand. Residues of DDT at very low levels were detected on both occasions, but there was no cause for concern from these findings and no exceedance of maximum residue levels (MRLs).

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has evaluated into the long-term effects of pesticide residues in food; and if he will make a statement. [24452]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is standard practice for the possible effects of each active ingredient used in pesticides and its residues in food to be assessed before products containing that active ingredient are approved for sale. This assessment is undertaken on the basis of extensive testing of the active ingredient in animals, including long-term testing at much higher doses than would occur in the food supply.

  The results of assessments by Government scientists are reviewed by the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides who advise Ministers in six UK Government Departments on the approval of pesticides. The Working Party on Pesticide Residues undertakes an annual surveillance programme to ensure that residues in food remain at acceptable levels.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to ensure that those farmers who have been excluded from requiring a certificate of competence before using pesticides now have such certificates; and if he will make a statement. [24454]

  Mr. Rooker
  I propose to remove the age exemption to ensure that all users of agricultural pesticides are properly trained. This will require amendments to the Control of Pesticide Regulations 1986 (as amended) and the Plant Protection Products (Basic Conditions) Regulations 1997.

  We shall be consulting interested parties on this and related matters.

  Pet Foods
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to introduce a more informative labelling system for pet foods; and if he will make a statement. [24464]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have no plans to make changes to the labelling system for pet foods. The Feeding Stuffs Regulations 1995 (as amended), which implement EC measures, contain extensive provisions for the statutory labelling of pet foods.

  Rabies
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of anti-rabies precautions within the Channel Tunnel. [24789]

  Mr. Rooker
  The controls in place to prevent animals from entering the channel tunnel, which include fencing, video recording, routine surveillance by service personnel, deterrent lighting, and routine baiting for small animals are considered to be very effective anti-rabies precautions. No rabies susceptible animal has ever succeeded in passing through the tunnel. There have however been considerable operational problems with the electrified grids within the tunnel. We are pressing Eurotunnel to get the grids back in operation which is a legal requirement.

  Butchers
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to give grants to small family butchers to compensate them for the financial losses resulting from the ban on beef on the bone. [24700]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have no such plans.

  EU Fisheries
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the expected duration of MAGP V and the forecast reduction of EU marine resources available in that period, together with the forecast reduction in vessel capacity. [24685]

  Mr. Morley
  Council Decision 97/413/EC concerning objectives and detailed rules for MAGP IV covers the period from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2001. Article 9 provides for the European Commission to present a report by 30 March 1999 at the latest on the state and evolution of fish stocks and an assessment of the effects of structural, conservation, control and other policy measures on the state of the resources and on the sector. In the light of this the Council has until 30 December 1999 to decide on any necessary adjustments to the targets for fishing effort in the period from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2001. Consideration of the position after 31 December 2001 has not yet been provided for.

  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of fishing already conducted in EU waters by boats of applicant nations for EU membership listed in phases one and two of projected EU enlargement, as based on the 1983
  97
  principle of relative stability; and what percentage per species catch is accounted for by each of these potential new EU members. [24684]

  Mr. Morley
  The only applicant countries which have current fishing quotas in EU waters are Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Under the terms of bilateral fisheries agreements with the EU, access by these countries to EU waters is limited to the Baltic Sea where the UK fleet does not fish.

  The fishing opportunities available to each of the applicant countries in EU Baltic waters in 1998 are summarised in the table:

  Quota

  Quota as percentage of EU share of TAC1

  Estonia

  Cod

  1,100 tonnes

  1.29

  Herring

  4,000 tonnes

  1.30

  Sprat

  4,000 tonnes

  2.00

  Latvia

  Cod

  2,500 tonnes

  2.93

  Herring

  2,500 tonnes

  0.81

  Sprat

  6,000 tonnes

  3.01

  Salmon

  2,000 fish

  0.50

  Lithuania

  Cod

  1,350 tonnes

  1.58

  Herring

  500 tonnes

  0.16

  Sprat

  4,000 tonnes

  2.00

  Salmon

  500 fish

  0.13

  Poland

  Cod

  400 tonnes

  0.47

  Herring

  5,000 tonnes

  1.62

  Sprat

  5,000 tonnes

  2.51

  Flounder

  400 tonnes

  n/a

  1 Total allowable catches are fixed by the International Baltic Sea Fisheries Commission.

  Scottish Parliament
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Scotland to produce a concordat setting out arrangements for relations between his Department and the Scottish Executive after the establishment of a Scottish parliament; and if he will make a statement. [25476]

  Mr. Morley
  Concordats cannot be finalised until after the Scottish Parliament is elected in 1999. However, our officials and those of the Scottish Office are engaging in preparatory work on some of the possible administrative working arrangements that might apply in the agriculture, fisheries and food areas after devolution. The White Paper, "Scotland's Parliament", makes clear the Government's commitment to the development of mutual understandings covering the exchange of information, advance notification and joint working to facilitate good communication after devolution.

  BSE
  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in appointing experts to support Lord Justice Phillips in the inquiry into the emergence of BSE and new variant CJD. [25619]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The Government have now appointed Mrs. June Bridgeman CB, a retired senior civil servant and formerly Deputy Chair of the Equal 98
  Opportunities Commission to be the member of the Inquiry with experience in public administration and Professor Malcolm Ferguson-Smith, Professor of Pathology at the University of Cambridge, as the scientific member of the Inquiry.

  Abattoirs (Foreign Veterinarians)
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many non-United Kingdom nationals are currently practising in the United Kingdom as official veterinarians in abattoirs; what assessment he has made of their level of competence in the English language; and what tests are used to ensure that the level of language competence is adequate. [22829]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) is responsible for Official Veterinary Surgeons (OVSs) working in abattoirs in Great Britain. Nine of the OVSs directly employed by the MHS are non-United Kingdom nationals. The Department of Agriculture is responsible for OVSs working in abattoirs in Northern Ireland. Three of its OVSs are non-United Kingdom nationals. In both cases, the selection process includes a formal interview during which communication skills must be demonstrated.

  The MHS also contracts out OVS services to veterinary agencies and practices. Seventy-eight (out of 486) are non-United Kingdom nationals.

  In liaison with the University of Bristol, the MHS is responsible for the management of the OVS training courses. The MHS has introduced an assessment for non-United Kingdom nationals to assess their ability to understand and communicate in English.

  Beef Imports
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to make spot checks on consignments of imported beef to ensure that SRM removal has been carried out to United Kingdom standards; [23598]

  (2) how he intends to monitor the removal of SRMs from de-boned imported beef; [23599]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the mechanisms by which the Government intend to enforce the restrictions on beef imports. [23597]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government's new unilateral controls to ensure that certain food and feed products do not contain and were not derived from specified risk material (SRM) require products to be certified as such in their country of origin by national veterinary services. Products produced before 1 January and products derived from animals born, reared and slaughtered in Australia or New Zealand, provided they are certified as such, are not subject to the SRM-freedom requirements. All consignments imported into the UK from third countries are checked at designated Border Inspection Posts. EU Single Market rules permit random spot-checks only at destination. Consistent with those rules, a daily sample of randomly selected consignments from EU member states are checked for conformity with the new unilateral controls.

  Food Standards Agency
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the implications of his White Paper, "The Food Standards Agency: A Force for Change", for the location, continued employment prospects and managerial lines of accountability of the staff working for(a) the Meat Hygiene Service and (b) other divisions and agencies of his Department at his Department's offices at King's Pool, York. [24040]

  Mr. Rooker
  The White Paper proposes that the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) should continue to operate as a separate entity but report in future to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and through it to Department of Health Ministers, rather than to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food as at present. The MHS is currently expected to retain its headquarters in York and its network of regional offices. There will be a continuing requirement for its staff to be based at meat plants throughout the country.

  The White Paper does not propose any changes to the location of the other divisions and agencies based at the Department's offices in Kings Pool, York.

  Livestock Tagging
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the forecast annual cost to the livestock industry of tagging and identification requirements. [23702]

  Mr. Rooker
  As regards the costs of the computerised Cattle Tracing System, I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to the right hon. Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) on 4 December 1997,Official Report, column 356. The additional cost to the industry of the second tag required for cattle born or imported after 1 January 1998 is estimated at approximately £3 million per annum.

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the forecast cost to the industry of the Meat Hygiene Service for the calendar year 1998; [23703]

  (2) what was the total cost to the industry of the Meat Hygiene Service for the calendar year 1997. [23704]

  Mr. Rooker
  Information regarding the cost of the Meat Hygiene Service to industry is not available on a calendar year basis. However, the income and expenditure of the Meat Hygiene Service(MHS) is published on a financial year basis in its Annual Report and Accounts.

  The total cost of the Meat Hygiene Service to the industry for 1996–1997 was £26 million. Certain MHS enforcement costs, such as for Specified Bovine Material controls, were met by Government.

  The latest estimate of the total cost to industry for 1997–98 is £28.7 million. This similarly excludes those MHS costs met by Government.

  The MHS budget for 1998–99 is currently being prepared. Figures for 1998–99 are therefore not yet available. However it is proposed that the cost of MHS enforcement of Specified Risk Material controls in
  100
  licensed premises should also be charged to industry from 1 April 1998. The estimated maximum cost to industry of this proposal is £48 million.

  Agricultural Charges
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a schedule of all government levies, charges and other financial impositions upon the agriculture industry and agricultural products together with their estimated cost in the most recent year for which figures are available. [23701]

  Mr. Rooker
  The details of levies, charges and financial impositions for which my Department or its agencies are responsible are shown in the tables. The figures provided in the tables show the most recent 12 month accounting period for which information is available but the dates of the accounting periods used vary according to the scheme. An estimated annual cost is shown where a charge has been imposed for less than 12 months.

  Table A: Charges imposed by MAFF and its agencies

  Description of charge

  Total annual cost (£ million)

  Export Certification of Plant Exports

  0.323

  Plant Health Propagation Scheme

  0.049

  Seed Potato Classification Scheme

  0.204

  Plant Passporting

  0.097

  Brown Rot Testing Imported Potatoes

  0.032

  Testing and Inspections of seeds under Seed Certification Scheme

  1.918

  Intellectual Property Register of plant breeders' rights

  0.818

  National listing of approved seed varieties

  1.304

  Dairy Products Hygiene Charges

  11.410

  Monitoring of Veterinary Medicines Residues

  2.261

  Meat Hygiene Service charges

  26.000

  Official supervision of salmonella testing under Poultry Breeding and Hatcheries Order 1993

  0.013

  Licences and approvals for artificial breeding of livestock

  0.186

  Cattle Health Scheme

  0.470

  Deer Health Scheme

  0.001

  Poultry Health Scheme

  0.047

  Swill Feeder Licensing

  0.059

  1 Estimate.

  Statutory levies, authorised by legislation for which MAFF is responsible, are charged on certain products. The income from these levies is used primarily for marketing and research to benefit the sector concerned. The rate of levy is proposed by the relevant sector. The cost of these levies is shown in the table:

  Table B: Producer levies

  Description of charge

  Total annual cost (£ million)

  Milk Development Council levy on milk producers

  4.858

  Apple and Pear Research Council levy

  0.300

  Horticultural Development Council levy

  3.362

  British Potato Council levy on potato producers

  16.500

  Home Grown Cereals Authority levy

  10.777

  Meat and Livestock Commission levy

  37.001

  Levy under The Sugar Beet (Research and
  Education) Order

  2.293

  1 Estimate.

  MAFF is also responsible for the legislation which leads to drainage charges paid by farmers to the

  101
  Environment Agency and the Drainage rates paid by farmers to Internal Drainage Boards. Together these lead to charges of some £13.7 million per annum.

  The Meat Hygiene Service is also responsible for enforcing Specified Risk Material controls in licensed premises. These enforcement costs are currently met by the Government. However it is proposed that these costs should be charged to the industry from 1 April 1998. The estimated maximum cost to the industry of this proposal would be £48 million per annum.

  Finally, the costs of the Cattle Tracing System will be recovered through a charge on cattle passports. The estimated running costs of the system for each of the first three years of operation are likely to be around £15 million per annum.

  Offal
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who instructed renderers to stop treating offal with ether; and when the instruction was issued. [25035]

  Mr. Rooker
  The rendering industry was not to our knowledge instructed to stop treating offal with ether and other hydrocarbon solvents. The decision was primarily a commercial one.

  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the effect on the BSE prion of treating offal with ether. [25034]

  Mr. Rooker
  MAFF has funded research into the capacity of the following hydrocarbon solvents to inactivate BSE: hexane, heptane, petroleum ether and perchlorethylene. These were the chemicals used historically in the rendering industry for the extraction of tallow. The experiment is due to be completed in March 1998 and cannot be evaluated until the final results are received.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  State Pension
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to make payment of the state old-age pension subject to a test of the recipient's means. [23069]

  Mr. Denham
  We stand by our manifesto commitment to maintain the basic State pension as the foundation of income in retirement and we will continue to uprate it at least in line with prices.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will take steps to link the calculation of the state pension to average earnings. [23081]

  Mr. Denham
  The future uprating of the basic pension is being considered by the Pensions Review. In the meantime we have met our manifesto commitment to uprate it at least in line with prices.
  102
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to apply an affluence test to the basic state pension. [23080]

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the merits of subjecting the state pension to a means test. [23082]

  Mr. Denham
  We stand by our manifesto commitment to maintain the basic State pension as the foundation of income in retirement and we will continue to uprate it at least in line with prices.

  We are concerned at widening inequalities between richer and poorer pensioners. That is why the pensions review is examining means of improving access to adequate second pensions.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the amount and percentage of(a) total benefits expenditure and (b) total expenditure on the state retirement pension accounted for by women qualifying for state retirement pension on the basis of their own independent contribution record in (i) 1981 and (ii) 1995. [24751]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested as there is no source of information that can identify all other Social Security benefits paid to women receiving Category A Retirement Pension (RP) in their own right.

  Such information as is available is shown in the table:

  1981

  1995

  Expenditure on RP to category A women

  £5.032 billion

  £7.491 billion

  Proportion of total expenditure on RP going to category A women

  21 per cent.

  25 per cent.

  Sources:

  1. Pension Strategy Computer System (PSCS) 10 per cent. sample for November 1981, 5 per cent. sample for September 1995.

  2. Social Security Departmental Report 1997 and earlier equivalent.

  Notes:

  1. RP expenditure figures include total expenditure on contributory basic RP, Graduated Retirement Benefit and Additional Pension for GB.

  2. Proportion of total expenditure on RP is calculated using PSCS figures for GB and overseas cases on average amounts of the total amount of RP (including payable Additional Pension, Graduated Pension, increments, age addition, Invalidity Addition, Attendance Allowance, but excluding increase for dependants and non contributory Retirement Pension) payable to women receiving any category A RP, including widows whose own category A entitlement is increased in respect of the late spouse's RP entitlement and those married women whose category A entitlement is topped up to the 60 per cent. married women's pension.

  3. The figures are expressed in 1995–96 prices.

  Violence Against Women
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans the Ministers for Women have to introduce measures to tackle violence against women. [23071]

  Ms Ruddock
  Action on violence against women is one of the key priorities for us as Ministers for Women. We are working with other Government Departments on drawing up a coherent strategy for tackling all forms of violence against women.

  Maternity Benefit
  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to change the current arrangements for maternity benefit; and if she will make a statement. [23072]

  Mr. Denham
  We want working women to have confidence that the arrangements for maternity pay will help them balance their work and their family responsibilities. The current system is unfair and complicated and fails the lowest paid.

  Ms Hewitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the number of women currently in employment who would not qualify for maternity pay. [23074]

  Mr. Denham
  50,000 pregnant working women a year do not qualify for maternity benefits because their earnings are too low. This is out of 360,000 working women who become pregnant each year.

  Pensioner Incomes
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action the Government are taking to help the least well-off pensioners. [23076]

  Mr. Denham
  We are determined to get help to the million pensioners not claiming their entitlement to Income Support. We have commissioned research to investigate why they do not make a claim, and from April we will be running a number of pilot projects to find the best way of getting help to them.

  Landlord Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the Government's proposals to tackle organised landlord fraud. [23077]

  Mr. Field
  Fraud and abuse will be rooted out in our drive to modernise the Social Security system and rebuild public confidence in it. We introduced regulations last November to give local authorities additional powers to fight landlord fraud and tighten up the rules on paying benefit direct to landlords. We are carrying out—in conjunction with local authorities—a fresh survey to provide accurate and up to date estimates of the extent of Housing Benefit fraud, including landlord fraud. The survey report is expected by the end of March. Those who commit fraud will be vigorously pursued.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to review the working of child benefit. [23078]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Our manifesto commitment makes it quite clear that where Child Benefit is universal, from birth to age 16, we will maintain it and uprate it at least in line with prices.

  Child Benefit is payable for 16 to 18 year olds staying on in full-time education. The Government are reviewing educational finance and maintenance for this group, as we promised in our manifesto.
  104
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to reform child benefit. [23091]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Our manifesto commitment is to retain Child Benefit where it is universal today—from birth to age 16—and to uprate it at least in line with prices.

  An inter-Departmental review of all the arrangements for financial support for young people choosing to stay in education beyond compulsory school age is continuing. Child Benefit for 16 to 18 year olds is part of that review.

  Birth Certificates
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many women did not name the father of the child on the birth certificate in the last year for which figures are available. [23079]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  In 1996, the latest year for which figures are available, there were around 650,000 births in 1996 in England and Wales, 60,000 in Scotland and 25,000 in Northern Ireland. The name of the father was not registered in 8 per cent. of these births in England and Wales, 7 per cent. in Scotland and 10 per cent. in Northern Ireland.

  Welfare Reform
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Minister for Welfare Reform plans to publish his report on welfare reform. [23083]

  Mr. Field.
  We will be publishing a Green Paper on Welfare Reform shortly.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Day
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security by how much he estimates lone parents will be better off in work than on benefits following reform of their benefit entitlement. [23084]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The latest independent research by the Policy Studies Institute suggest that the average additional income for lone parents already in work and on Family Credit is over £50 a week above the estimate of their out-of-work income. No estimate is currently available for the likely impact on this figure of the changes to the Family Premium in the income-related benefits; changes to Child Benefit for lone parents; or the increase in the help available through the Childcare Disregard in the in-work benefits.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the effect of lone-parent benefit reductions on the New Deal for Lone Parents. [23085]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The evaluation of the New Deal for Lone Parents will identify any points which have affected the programme's success. We need to keep these benefit changes in perspective.

  Research suggests that lone parents in work and on Family Credit are better off than those on Income Support. To emphasise reductions in lone parent benefits is to underestimate the boost in morale, as well as the financial

  105
  gain, which the New Deal for Lone Parents can provide. The Government do not believe that the benefit changes will stop lone parents from moving into work.

  The changes will apply only to lone parents making new benefit claims. In order to preserve work incentives for most current claimants, lone parents who are receiving Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance with the lone parent rate of family premium will be able to claim the lone parent rate of Child Benefit when they move into work.

  We are addressing the real barriers to work with the New Deal for Lone Parents and the National Childcare Strategy.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the lone parent premium of an income support claimant will be protected if the claimant participates in a waged option of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds and then returns to benefit at the end of the option. [25556]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Lone parents can choose whether to claim Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance. Those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance will have access to the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds. No specific protection has been built in to address these particular circumstances.

  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the numbers claiming lone parent benefits by(a) constituency and (b) benefit agency district office. [23525]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mrs. Jackie Ballard, dated 23 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking for the numbers claiming lone parent benefits for your constituency and Benefit Agency (BA) District Office.
  The information requested is not available in the format requested. The BA collates Income Support (IS) statistics by BA District Offices. These Districts do not correspond to constituency boundaries or specific geographical areas.
  From April 1997 the IS lone parent premium was replaced by the higher rate of family premium for lone parents. The available information is shown in the table. This information is the latest available, it is provisional and maybe subject to change. It does not include those lone parent customers who are pensioners nor those registered sick who qualify for a higher rate premium such as a pensioner or disability premium.
  Information relating to parents in receipt of the lone parent element of Child Benefit, formerly known as One Parent Benefit could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Number of customers in receipt of the lone parent rate of the family premium by Benefit Agency districts

  November 1997

  Barking and Havering

  7,892

  Cambridgeshire

  7,789

  City East

  5,698

  Essex South East

  6,398

  Essex South West

  10,335

  Hackney and Islington

  11,234

  Lea Roding

  10,613

  Leaside

  13,439

  106

  Number of customers in receipt of the lone parent rate of the family premium by Benefit Agency districts

  November 1997

  Newham

  9,899

  North Essex

  5,766

  Norwich

  7,377

  Suffolk

  7,784

  Barnet

  6,140

  Bedfordshire

  8,545

  Buckinghamshire

  7,831

  Ealing

  11,147

  Euston

  12,130

  Harrow and Hillingdon

  7,040

  Neasden

  8,393

  North and East Hertfordshire

  5,410

  Northamptonshire

  9,083

  Oxfordshire

  5564

  Thames Valley

  15,661

  West Hertfordshire

  4,667

  Bankside

  5,680

  East Kent

  9,385

  East Sussex

  5,712

  Hampshire North

  5,981

  London Central

  1,311

  North and West Kent

  18,059

  Palace

  13,123

  Solent and New Forest

  9,117

  South Circular

  12,313

  Central Sussex

  5,400

  South-East Hants and Isle of Wight

  8,832

  South West Thames

  9,752

  Surrey

  21,479

  Thameside

  10,678

  West Sussex

  7,746

  Bristol Severnside

  5,714

  Bristol Brunel

  8,449

  Cornwall

  6,107

  Dorset

  8,176

  Devonia

  6,892

  Gloucestershire

  6,450

  South Devon

  8,948

  Somerset

  6,909

  Wiltshire

  7,277

  Central Staffordshire

  4,811

  Chesterfield and Worksop

  4,984

  North Nottinghamshire

  4,848

  North Staffordshire

  7,091

  Nottingham Trentside

  12,349

  Derwent and Trent

  9,536

  Leicestershire

  11,880

  Mercia Operations East

  9,337

  Mercia Operations West

  7,499

  Birmingham Chamberlain

  12,167

  Birmingham Tame Valley

  11,786

  Birmingham South East

  5,393

  Coventry

  6,566

  Hereford and Worcester

  6,624

  North Worcestershire

  5,481

  Sandwell

  6,473

  Shropshire

  5,712

  Walsall

  4,793

  Warwickshire

  5,033

  Wolverhampton

  5,815

  Cardiff and Vales

  8,911

  South Wales Valleys

  14,807

  Gwent Borders

  6,243

  Gwyneddigion and Maldwyn

  4,239

  South West Wales

  11,501

  Wrexham and North West Coast

  7,266

  Blackpool

  4,998

  Knowsley

  6,677

  Lancaster and South Cumbria

  4,350

  Liverpool Mersey

  9,733

  Liverpool North

  5,697

  North Cheshire

  6,458

  107

  Number of customers in receipt of the lone parent rate of the family premium by Benefit Agency districts

  November 1997

  North Cumbria

  4,332

  Preston

  5,292

  Sefton

  5,612

  South West Lancashire

  5,565

  Wirral

  7,933

  South Cheshire

  6,339

  Greater Manchester Lancashire

  9,475

  Greater Manchester Centre

  15,236

  Greater Manchester West

  15,821

  Greater Manchester South East

  12,837

  Greater Manchester Pennine

  13,653

  Barnsley

  3,659

  Bradford

  8,303

  Doncaster

  5,115

  East Yorkshire

  3,612

  Hull

  8,809

  Kirklees

  6,225

  Leeds

  12,765

  North Yorkshire

  5,108

  Rother and Dearne

  6,431

  Sheffield East

  5,724

  Sheffield West

  3,228

  Wakefield

  5,620

  Yorkshire Pennine

  5,233

  Newcastle

  6,977

  Durham

  9,968

  Northumberland

  6,678

  Tees

  13,769

  South Tyneside

  7,685

  Wearside

  6,777

  Glasgow East

  5,799

  Glasgow South

  10,243

  Glasgow West, Lomond and Argyle

  6,345

  Clyde Coast and Renfrew

  6,727

  South West Scotland

  9,363

  Highlands and Islands

  4,336

  Glasgow North

  7,100

  Clyde Valley

  4,733

  Coatbridge

  3,032

  East Edinburgh and Borders

  8,503

  Fife

  5,475

  Forth Valley

  4,372

  Grampian and Shetland

  4,697

  Lothian West

  4,823

  Tayside

  6,842

  A live load figure is a snapshot in time count.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the percentage of the savings achieved by abolishing lone parent premium and one parent benefit borne by each decile of the income distribution in 1999–2000. [24678]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is not available in the form requested as it is not possible to forecast the position in a future income distribution of new claimants to Lone Parent Premium and One Parent Benefit. Such information as is available is set out in the tables:

  Proportion of group in sections of income distribution for lone parents recipients of income support

  Percentage

  Before housing costs

  After housing costs

  Bottom 10 per cent.

  10

  13

  Next 10 per cent.

  30

  47

  Next 10 per cent.

  28

  22

  Next 20 per cent.

  21

  11

  Top 50 per cent.

  10

  7

  108

  Proportion of group in sections of income distribution non income support recipients of one parent benefit

  Percentage

  Before housing costs

  After housing costs

  Proportion of group in sections of income distribution non income support recipients of one parent benefit

  Percentage

  Before housing costs

  After housing costs

  Bottom 30 per cent.

  26

  25

  Next 20 per cent.

  34

  38

  Top 50 per cent.

  40

  38

  Notes:

  1. The data comes from the Department's Households Below Average Income (HBAI) series, based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS) for the 1995–96 financial year and covering Great Britain. The FRS data was used to achieve a large enough sample size to provide more robust information. All results are subject to sampling error.

  2. The income measure used in the answer is weekly net (disposable) equivalised household income. The definition of income used follows that in the published HBAI series for FRS based results; figures are given both before and after housing costs in line with usual HBAI practice

  3. The measure of income used covers household income. A household can include more than one benefit unit, for example, a household containing a pensioner and their grown-up child or two single unrelated people sharing a household. The estimates assume that all of the people within a household have the same standard of living.

  4. Percentage figures may not add to 100 per cent. due to rounding.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what reviews of disability benefit her Department has undertaken since 1 May. [23086]

  Mr. Denham
  Disability benefits are included in the Department's Comprehensive Spending Review, which was announced on 11 June last year. The review is a first step in our plan to modernise and improve the Social Security system, so that it helps people to work as far as they are able; provides appropriate support to those who cannot work; and makes the most effective use of the resources available.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on her plans for the reform of disability benefits. [23073]

  Mr. Denham
  We are committed to modernising the Social Security system so that it helps people to work as far as they are able; provides appropriate support to those who cannot work; and makes the most effective use of resources available. We want to encourage people who are disabled, or who have long-term health problems, to play a full part in society and to help them to help themselves wherever that is possible. This means being positive about people's abilities and their capacity rather than negative about their disabilities and incapacity.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reasons no official record of the therapeutic work experience of claimants on disability benefits is made; when guidance to Benefits Agency offices on this matter was last issued; and if this matter is under review. [24352]
  109
  Mr. Denham
  It is estimated that 1 per cent. of Incapacity Benefit recipients undertake paid work on the grounds that it is therapeutic. Guidance to Benefits Agency offices about therapeutic work was last updated in April 1997. We are currently reviewing the information collected on benefit recipients undertaking therapeutic work and considering how this might be improved to provide a better picture of the effectiveness of current provisions.

  Sources:

  1. Lonsdale, S., Lessof C. and Ferris, G. (1993) "Invalidity Benefit; a survey of recipients", London: HMSO.

  2. 1995/6 Family Resources Survey.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how participation in the welfare-to-work scheme will affect the status of those claiming disability living allowance. [23087]

  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. Disabled people who are entitled to Disability Living Allowance can receive the benefit and participate in a welfare-to-work scheme, or undertake other work, without affecting their entitlement.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the total number of recipients of(a) disability living allowance, (b) disability living allowance with mobility addition, (c) disability living allowance with care allowance and (d) disability living allowance with both mobility and care elements in the last year for which figures are available. [23649]

  Mr. Denham
  On the basis of the latest available information, which relates to November 1997, the numbers are(a) 1,956,000, (b) 1,709,000, (c) 1,344,000 and (d) 1,098,000.

  Source:

  Analytical Services Division: 5 per cent. data

  Notes:

  1. Figures rounded to the nearest thousand.

  2. Figures do not sum as people can appear in more than one category.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average length of time taken for an appeal to be processed where an applicant has been refused disability living allowance. [23652]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The vast majority of Disability Living Allowance appeals are heard by Disability Appeal Tribunals. In July 1997, the average time from date of appeal to date of decision-issue in an appeal heard by a Disability Appeal Tribunal was 30 weeks based on information provided by the Independent Tribunal Service. There are a few cases, however, which are heard by Social Security Appeal Tribunals and the average clearance time for these was 37.3 weeks for the quarter ending 30 September 1997 according to data provided from Departmental statistics. There are some difficulties with the robustness of the base data used for both sets of statistics. This is the best estimate available.

  It is not possible to distinguish from available data whether the appeals are from applicants who have been refused Disability Living Allowance or are on other grounds such as the rate of benefit awarded.
  110
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the latest estimated costs of the disability benefit integrity projects; and if she will make a statement. [23088]

  Mr. Field
  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 Benefit Integrity Project.

  The latest estimated total cost of the benefit integrity project is nearly £24 million over two years.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the available penalties for fraud in the benefit system. [23090]

  Mr. Denham
  We are determined to make the benefit system more secure and to penalise those who set out to defraud the taxpayer. As a result we are re-examining the policy and objectives with regard to enforcement. For too long defrauding the benefit system has been seen as a low risk, low punishment option and very often the only punishment suffered by fraudsters was to have to repay the overpayment they had fraudulently obtained.

  To ensure that more fraudsters face up to the consequences of their actions we have from 18 December 1997, under provisions in the Social Security Administration (Fraud) Act 1997, introduced administrative penalties. In future persons who fraudulently obtain benefit by deliberately falsifying or omitting information, may be offered the opportunity in addition to repayment of the overpayment, to pay a penalty set at 30 per cent. of the amount overpaid as an alternative to being prosecuted.

  We will continue to prosecute cases through the criminal courts where serious or persistent fraud is involved, or where a penalty offer is declined.

  Welfare Budget
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of(a) the number of women in the UK on a salary of over £100,000 and (b) the annual cost which they impose on the welfare budget. [23075]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available. The New Earnings Survey for April 1997 suggests that fewer than 2,000 women in Great Britain fall into this category.

  Maternity Pay
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate(a) the total expenditure on earnings-related statutory maternity pay, (b) the number of claimants of earnings-related statutory maternity pay in 1996 and (c) the number of such claimants in each quartile of the national earnings distribution. [24356]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is as follows:
  111
  The Departmental Report shows Government expenditure on Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) of £524 million during the tax year 1995–96. The Government Actuary's Department estimate expenditure on the earnings related component of SMP to be £340 million for that year.

  The table shows the number of people receiving earnings related SMP during the tax year 1995–96 in each quartile of the National earnings distribution for women:

  Weekly earnings

  Number of people receiving earnings related SMP

  Minimum to lower quartile

  98,000

  Lower quartile to median

  71,000

  Median to upper quartile

  70,000

  Upper quartile to maximum

  82,000

  Total

  321,000

  Sources:

  1. The number of people receiving SMP is from the Lifetime Labour Market Database (LLMDB), a 1 per cent. sample of the National Insurance Recording System taken at February 1997.

  2. The national earnings distribution is from the Labour Force Survey Spring 1996, with a lower quartile of £70 per week, a median of £149 per week and an upper quartile of £240 per week. This is the earnings distribution at a point in time, and is not the distribution of earnings at the time of the individual's pregnancy.

  3. Figures are for Great Britain and are rounded to the nearest thousand.

  4. Weekly earnings are estimated from the amount of SMP during the tax year. This estimate is based on the SMP being paid for six weeks at 90 per cent. of pay and for 12 further weeks at the flat rate of SMP, and the whole period of SMP falling in one tax year.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate for each non means tested benefit the age distribution of present claimants; what are the age-related eligibility criteria for new claimants of each benefit; and if she will estimate the distribution of present claimants(a) individually and (b) by their household within the national income range for all households and individuals. [22974]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is set out in tables, copies of which can be found in the Library.

  Multiple Sclerosis
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many recipients of disability living allowance have Multiple Sclerosis. [24067]

  Mr. Denham
  The total number of people receiving Disability Living Allowance where Multiple Sclerosis is given as the main disabling condition is 45,100. No figures are available for the number of people receiving the benefit who have more than one condition, including Multiple Sclerosis, but where that is not given as the main disabling condition.

  Fuel Costs (Pensioners)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the level of take-up of the money being made available to help 112
  pensioners meet their fuel costs this winter; and for what reasons she has decided to launch a national advertising campaign about this money. [25287]

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

  The level of take-up of Winter Fuel Payments is not an issue as they will be made automatically without the need to make a claim. Around one and a half million payments of £50 are currently being made to the poorest pensioners, those receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.

  Other eligible pensioners will receive a payment of £20 or £10. Where there is only one eligible person in the household, or the eligible person is of no fixed abode, they will receive £20; otherwise, each person will receive £10. Almost 10 million payments will be made to over seven million pensioner households this winter. This programme means that the great majority of payments will be sent buy the end of March.

  We see it as important that pensioners should know as soon as possible how much they will receive, as well as how and when it will be paid. This will help them to plan, confident in the knowledge that they will receive extra money towards their fuel bills. The simplest and most cost-effective way to let them know that a payment will be made is through publicity. Therefore, a multi-media campaign was swiftly launched in conjunction with Help the Aged, Age Concern and the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much money the Government are spending on the advertising campaign about the money being made available to help pensioners with their winter fuel bills this winter. [25286]

  Mr. Denham
  The costs of the advertising and other publicity to inform pensioners about Winter Fuel Payments will be £1.7 million.

  We see it as important that pensioners should know as soon as possible how much they will receive, as well as how and when it will be paid. This will help them to plan confident in the knowledge that they will receive extra money towards their fuel bills. The simplest and most cost-effective way to let them know that a payment will be made is through publicity. Therefore, a multi-media campaign was swiftly launched in conjunction with Help the Aged, Age Concern and the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau.

  Welfare Reform Focus
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will recalculate the table on page 6 of Welfare Reform Focus File 1 on the basis of income distribution before housing costs. [24681]

  Mr. Field
  The information is set out in the table.
  113

  The proportion of benefit spending by 20 per cent. bands of the income distribution before housing costs

  Percentage

  Quintile

  1979

  1994–95

  Poorest

  42

  28

  2

  24

  32

  3

  15

  19

  4

  11

  12

  Richest

  9

  8

  Note:

  1. Figures do not sum exactly due to rounding.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate on the basis of the information used on page 6 of Welfare Reform Focus File 6 the percentage of employees earning above the lower earnings limit who are contributing to an occupational pension by(a) gender, (b) region (c) broad socio-economic group and (d) broad heading of industrial classification. [24682]

  Mr. Denham
  The information on gender and broad heading of industrial classification for employees earning above the lower earnings limit can be found in tables 2.1 and 2.2 of "Occupational Pensions Schemes 1991—the Ninth Survey by the Government Actuary", a copy of which is in the Library. The information requested on region is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Retirement pension

  Other State pensions

  Deciles of pensioner units

  Mean gross income (£)

  Mean net income (£)

  Mean (£)

  Per cent. mean gross income

  Mean (£)

  Per cent. mean gross income

  Bottom decile

  69.90

  63.10

  56.50

  81

  0.60

  1

  Decile 2

  92.40

  84.70

  64.00

  69

  1.40

  2

  Decile 3

  107.40

  98.70

  63.20

  59

  2.20

  2

  Decile 4

  118.90

  108.40

  68.10

  57

  0.90

  1

  Decile 5

  134.20

  121.80

  75.20

  56

  0.60

  negligible

  Decile 6

  154.30

  140.60

  83.00

  54

  2.90

  2

  Decile 7

  179.40

  163.60

  81.90

  46

  4.30

  2

  Decile 8

  218.40

  195.00

  87.40

  40

  6.70

  3

  Decile 9

  290.30

  252.30

  89.70

  31

  7.00

  2

  Top decile

  602.50

  473.90

  94.50

  16

  2.80

  negligible

  Notes:

  1. The estimates refer to all pension units. A pension unit is defined to be either a single (non-cohabiting) person over State Pension Age, or couples (married or cohabiting) where the man, defined as the head, is over State Pension Age.

  2. All figures are in July 1995 prices and rounded to the nearest 10 pence.

  3. The deciles are calculated on the basis of unequivalised net income before housing costs.

  4. Retirement Pension includes basic Retirement Pension, State Earnings Related Pension, Graduated Retirement Benefit, and any increments thereof.

  5. Other State Pensions includes Widow's Benefit and Incapacity Benefit.

  Source:

  The Pensioners' Incomes Series 1995–96, which is based mainly on Family Expenditure Survey data.

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what date the DSS Departmental Report and spending plans for 1998–99 to 2000–01 will be published. [23954]

  Mr. Field
  We intend to publish a Departmental Report after the Budget which will include spending plans for 1998–99. Spending plans covering the period to 2000–01 will emerge following the Comprehensive Spending Review.
  114
  Information on the membership of current employer's pension schemes by sex and socio-economic group can be found in table 8.8 of "Living in Britain—Results from the 1995 General Household Survey", which is also in the Library. However, this table refers to all employees aged 16 and over, and not simply employees earning above the lower earnings limit.

  The Government are committed to support and strengthen the existing occupational pensions framework. We wish to raise standards, and encourage the best schemes to be emulated. As part of the Pensions Review, the Government are looking at how we might establish a Quality in Pensions award to mark the highest quality occupational provision.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate, using the information base shown on page 3 of Welfare Reform Focus File 6, the size of average(a) gross and (b) net pensioner incomes in each decile of pensioner incomes, the amount and percentage of total income accounted for by (i) retirement and (ii) other state pensions in each decile (1) on a gross and (2) on a net basis; and if she will indicate whether this information is presented on an individual or household basis. [24677]

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

  United Kingdom EU Presidency
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on her Department's plans and priorities for the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union. [23956]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The Department's priorities will complement the key themes of the UK Presidency, including promoting employability and tackling unemployment, creating a more effective Single Market and bringing the European Union closer to the needs of its people.
  115
  In the Council of Ministers we want to work with our EU partners to reach agreement on Social Security measures which will improve the mobility of the European Union's workers and support the Single Market. The proposed directive on supplementary pensions which is before the Council offers sensible measures to protect pension rights for employed and self-employed people who move within the EU to take up a job in another Member State. We will also be working towards agreement on ways to modernise and improve the long-standing rules that co-ordinate the interaction of member states' statutory Social Security schemes in support of the free movement of workers.

  The theme of employability is central to the UK presidency and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security and Minister for Women will therefore be chairing a meeting of EU Ministers for Women to be held in Belfast on 5–6 May to specifically look at issues which affect Women's Employability. This puts women at the heart of the plans for the UK presidency. The theme will be "Employability and Women—the importance of Childcare" and the meeting will also consider the importance of family friendly employment. We look forward to being able to share with Member States the initiatives that we are taking forward here on family-friendly employment as well as the National Childcare Strategy. We also expect to gain new insights and ideas from other participating members. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security and my hon. Friend the Minister for Women will also address the Women's Rights Committee of the European Parliament on 2 February.

  Personal Pensions (Rebates)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the cost to the National Insurance Fund of rebates in respect of personal pensions in each of the years 1995–96 to 1999–2000. [24679]

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

  Year

  Cost to National Insurance Fund of rebates in respect of appropriate personal pensions (£ billion)

  1995–96

  1.96

  1996–97

  2.00

  1997–98

  2.10

  1998–99

  2.13

  1999–2000

  2.22

  Notes:

  1. The figure for 1995–96 is in published accounts.

  2. The figure for 1996–97 has been taken from unpublished accounts.

  3. Figures for 1997–98 onwards are GAD projections.

  4. All figures relate to the amount paid out in that year rather than the year to which the rebates relate.

  5. All figures are rounded to the nearest £0.01 billion.

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department (GAD).

  Executive Agency Business Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will publish the DSS Executive Agency Business Plans for 1998–99 before the end of March. [23955]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The Department's Agencies are currently developing work programmes for 1998–99 which will support the Government's agenda for modernising service delivery by developing a more integrated and simple service across the range of benefits the Social Security system provides. I anticipate that the business plans will be published towards the end of March.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what restrictions on the amount of study or training an asylum seeker may undertake who is in receipt of income support and who is not allowed to sign on as unemployed incurs. [25564]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Asylum seekers in receipt of Income Support are treated in the same way as any other Income Support recipient. They are allowed to undertake study if they fall into one of the exempt groups, for example lone parents and disabled people.

  SERPS (Contracting Out)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what will be the effect on revenues from national insurance contributions in(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01 of her decision to adjust the rebates for those who have contracted out of SERPS. [25545]

  Mr. Denham
  The proposed changes to the rebates for Contracted-out money Purchase (COMP) schemes are designed to protect the National Insurance Fund (NIF) from occupational schemes switching their method of contracting-out solely to take advantage of the higher overall rebate available to COMP schemes. This switching means that more is paid out in rebates from the NIF than was originally intended. The changes will reduce that loss.

  The information on the effect of increasing the rebates for Appropriate Personal Pensions (APP) is in the table.

  Tax year

  Cost to the NIF of increasing rebates to APP holders

  1998–1999

  Nil

  1999–2000

  Nil

  2000–2001

  £140 million

  Notes:

  1. As age-related rebates for APP's are not paid until after the end of the tax year to which they relate, the changes being introduced in April 1999 will not begin to impact on the NIF until 2000–2001.

  2. The figure for 2000–2001 has been rounded to the nearest £10 million.

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department (GAD).

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the number of claimants of incapacity benefit in the Newcastle Benefits Agency
  117
  district; and if she will estimate the age distribution of such claimants in the age bands (a) up to 30 years, (b) 31 to 40 years, (c) 41 to 50 years (d) 51 to 60 years and (e) over 60 years of age. [23671]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 23 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking about the number of claimants of Incapacity Benefit (IB) in the Newcastle Benefits Agency District, and if the age distribution of such claimants in the agebands (a) up to 30 years, (b) 31 to 40 years, (c) 41 to 50 years
  (d) 51 to 60 years and (e) over 60 years of age.
  The available information is shown in the table:

  Number of claimants of IB in the Newcastle Benefits Agency district at 31 August 1997

  All ages

  19,160

  Up to 30 years

  2.080

  31 to 40 years

  3,140

  41 to 50 years

  4,380

  51 to 60 years

  5,580

  Over 60 years

  3,980

  Notes:

  1. The number of claimants of Incapacity Benefit include the category types of: Incapacity Benefit Short Term (Lower), Short Term (Higher), Long Term and National Insurance Credits only cases.

  2. Data is provisional and subject to change.

  Source:

  Five per cent. sample of the Incapacity Benefit computer system. This excludes a small number of clerically held cases.

  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Industrial Injuries Benefit
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claims for industrial injuries benefit in respect of chronic bronchitis and emphysema were made in Northumberland in the 10 years up to 1997; and how many were successful. [24030]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Ronnie Campbell, dated 23 January 1988.
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to recent Parliamentary Question asking how many claims for Industrial Injuries benefit in respect of chronic bronchitis and emphysema were made in Northumberland in the 10 years up to 1997; and how many were successful.
  The information is not available in the format requested. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema became prescribed disease D12 with effect from 13 September 1993. Figures are available for Benefits Agency (BA) offices and not for specific geographical areas. The figures provided are for the BA offices at Ashington, Berwick, Blyth and Hexham.
  The number of claims for Industrial Injuries Benefit in respect of chronic bronchitis and emphysema from 13 September 1993 to the end of December 1997 was 1,576, of these 109 were successful.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Benefits (Blyth Valley)
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is her estimate of the number of invalidity benefit recipients in Blyth Valley. [24028]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Ronnie Campbell, dated 23 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the estimate of the number of invalidity Benefit (IVB) recipients in Blyth Valley.
  The information is not available in the format requested. IVB was replaced by Incapacity Benefit (IB) on 13 April 1995. The available information is shown in the table below:

  Number of IB recipients in Blyth Valley at 31 August 1997

  Number

  Short term (Lower)

  200

  Short term (Higher)

  120

  Long term

  3,280

  Total recipients

  3,600

  Notes:

  1. Source 5 per cent. of the Incapacity Benefit computer system. This excludes a small number of clerically held cases.

  2. The number of recipients of Incapacity Benefit include Incapacity Benefit Short Term (Lower) which replaced Sickness Benefit, Short Term (Higher) and Long Term which replaced Invalidity Benefit.

  3. Data is provisional and subject to change.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in Blyth Valley are in receipt of disability living allowance. [23986]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Ronnie Campbell, dated 23 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to recent Parliamentary Question enquiring as to the number of people in Blyth Valley who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
  The number of people in receipt of DLA in Blyth Valley is 3,900, as at 30 November 1997. The figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and are based on a 5 per cent. sample which is subject to a wide margin of error.
  I hope you find the reply helpful.

  Benefits (Warrington, North)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in the Warrington, North constituency are(a) in receipt of family credit and (b) in receipt of income support. [24826]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The administration of Family Credit and Income Support is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.
  119
  Letter from Peter Mathison to Helen Jones, dated 23 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many families in the Warrington North constituency are in receipt of Family Credit (FC), and how many are in receipt of Income Support (IS).
  The information is not available in the format requested. The FC Unit produces statistics which show the number of families in receipt of FC within individual Benefits Agency (BA) office areas. IS produces information which relates to the number of families in receipt within a BA District.
  Warrington North forms a part of the BA's North Cheshire District this includes the offices at Warrington and Widnes. The available information is shown below:

  Families in receipt

  Family Credit, as at September 1997

  Warrington office

  3,062

  Widnes office

  1,913

  Income Support, as at November 1997

  North Cheshire District

  25,857

  Permanent

  Non-permanent

  Headcount

  Whole time equivalent1

  Fixed term contract headcount

  Casuals headcount2

  Casuals whole time equivalent

  31 March 1993

  3,230

  n/a

  3n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  31 March 1994

  4,997

  4,787.4

  138

  n/a

  n/a

  31 March 1995

  6,312

  5,974.3

  79

  470

  445.5

  31 March 1996

  6,770

  6,660.6

  352

  281

  275.9

  31 March 1997

  8,068

  7,880.4

  327

  533

  503.3

  31 December 1997

  7,678

  8,052.7

  948

  469

  452.2

  1 The permanent whole time equivalent totals include fixed term contract staff.

  2 Statistics for casual staff were not kept prior to 1995.

  3 The fixed term contract staff figure for 1993 is included in the permanent total.

  Information on current estimates for staffing in the Agency over the next three financial years are shown in the table below:

  Financial year

  Estimated staff

  1998–99

  8,344

  1999–2000

  8,319

  2000–01

  7,936

  These figures are based on whole time equivalents.

  All staffing figures exclude staff in the Belfast Centre, as these staff are Northern Ireland Civil Servants.
  The Agency's caseload comprises two broad categories, ie work-on-hand, where the case has not been cleared by assessment or by closure for other reasons, and live and assessed cases, where an assessment (either full or interim) has been made.
  The details of the Agency's live and assessed cases are provided by the DSS Analytical Services Division, and appear in the Quartely Summary of Statistic (QSS). Publication of QSS has
  120
  Figures are provisional and subject to change. This information serves as a "snap-shot" of the position at the date of the scan and does not provide details of the number of families in receipt annually.
  I hope you find this reply useful.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been(a) the average number of employees and (b) the total caseload of the Child Support Agency in each year since the Agency was established; and what estimates she has made in each case for the next three financial years. [24988]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We are looking for substantial and sustained operational improvements from the Agency, in particular on getting more maintenance paid, reducing the backlog and improving customer service.

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

  Letter from Faith Boardman to Mr. Steve Webb, dated 23 January 1998:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the employees and caseload of the Child Support Agency.
  The information on the number of staff since the Agency was established is shown in the table:
  not always coincided with the end of the financial year; the figures quoted in the table below are therefore from the nearest year-end:

  Date

  Live and assessed

  Work on hand (less than 52 weeks)1

  Backlog (cases over 52 weeks)

  Total caseload

  June 1994

  203,600

  523,968

  727,568

  March 1995

  345,400

  212,780

  212,780212

  770,960

  February 1996

  460,800

  180,263

  223,382

  864,445

  February 1997

  579,200

  178,024

  240,345

  997,569

  December 1997

  706,800

  2183,440

  171,927

  1,062,167

  1 Includes cases from week 1 to week 52.

  2 The increased work on hand is due to a higher intake than anticipated.

  Current projections suggest a forecast for live and assessed cases as follows:

  March 1998: 730,000

  March 1999: 855,000

  March 2000: 950,000

  March 2001: 1,035,000

  121
  Between April 1998 and March 2002 the live and assessed caseload is due to rise by around 50 per cent, to reach a figure of 1,115,000. Of the number of cases cleared from the work available each year (current work on hand plus new intake), the proportion which will lead to assessment and join the live and assessed caseload
  122
  is expected to rise from 35 per cent. in 1997–98, and 1998–99, to 40 per cent. in 1999–2000 and 2000–01. This is due to improved clearanace times and 'cleaner' intake as a result of Closer Working with Benefits Agency.
  I hope this is helpful.

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