Written Answers of 22 July 1998

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Correspondence
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many letters per day his Department receives; how many staff are employed to answer these; what targets are set in respect of such letters; and what is the current performance against targets. [50685]

  Mr. Hoon
  Few staff are solely employed to handle correspondence, and for most staff this is part of their normal duties. In respect of his other queries, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 363.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Assembly
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the estimated timetable for the appointment of Ministers of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the transfer of responsibilities from her Department. [50404]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The right hon. Member for Upper Bann (Mr. Trimble) and the hon. Member for Newly and Armagh (Mr. Mallon) were elected as First Minister designate and Deputy First Minister designate of the New Northern Ireland Assembly at its first meeting, on 1 July. I expect the rest of the Shadow Executive Committee to be appointed by the autumn. A Bill to enable the transfer of legislative and Executive authority to the Assembly and to Northern Ireland Ministers is currently before Parliament. Subject to that, and to progress on other aspects of the Belfast Agreement, I would expect the transfer of powers to take place during the first quarter of 1999.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many letters per day her office receives; how many staff are employed to answer these; what targets are set in respect of such letters; and what is the current performance against targets. [50694]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 363, by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary at the Office of Public Service.

  With regards to the question of how many staff are employed to answer such letters, I can advise that this would be part of the normal duties of most staff and that few are solely employed to handle correspondence.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the average primary school class size(a) by school and (b) by education and library board, in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years. [50729]

  Mr. Worthington
  I shall write to the hon. Member on(a) and place a copy of the letter in the Library. The information on (b) is as follows:

  Average primary school class size

  Education and Library Board

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Belfast

  25.4

  25.2

  25.0

  24.9

  24.7

  Western

  23.9

  23.9

  23.9

  23.8

  22.9

  North-Eastern

  24.7

  24.4

  24.4

  24.5

  23.8

  South-Eastern

  24.0

  23.9

  24.2

  24.5

  24.8

  Southern

  23.5

  23.4

  23.2

  23.3

  23.0

  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the average class size for pupils in Key Stage 1 in primary schools in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years, by Education and Library Board. [50755]

  Mr. Worthington
  The information is available only for 1997–98.

  Education and Library Board

  Average class size for Key Stage 1

  Belfast

  24.2

  Western

  22.0

  North-Eastern

  23.3

  South-Eastern

  24.3

  Southern

  21.8

  Social Security Spending
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will estimate the amount by which DHSS spending in Northern Ireland would increase in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2001–02 and (d) 2002–03 if the real annual rate of increase were the same as the average rate of increase over the period 1978–79 to 1997–98. [51024]

  Mr. Worthington
  If the real annual rate of increase were the same as the average rate of increase over the period 1978–79 to 1997–98, DHSS would get, in 1999–2000, an extra £316 million, in 2000–01, an extra £647 million, in 2001–02, an extra £999 million and in 2002–03, an extra £1,372 million, each compared to DHSS total net planned expenditure in 1998–99.

  Income Support
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the policy of her Department towards income support applications from those currently involved in the Drumcree protest. [51220]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 17 July 1998]: Responsibility for the subject has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under it's Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Thompson, and I have asked him to arrange for a response to be given.
  535
  Letter from Chris Thompson to Mr. David Winnick dated 16 July 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question seeking information about the policy towards Income Support applications from those currently involved in the Drumcree protest.
  An application received from a person involved in the Drumcree protest will be dealt with in the same way as any other benefit claim, that is, it will be assessed by an independent Adjudication Officer strictly in accordance with social security law and payment will be made only where there is valid entitlement.
  I hope this explains the position for you but I would be happy to provide any further information you require.

  Prison Service
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the number of prison officers currently employed by the Northern Ireland Prison Service. [51081]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: As at today's date there are 2,214 prison officers currently employed in the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

  Power Generation
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the main sources of energy for power generation in Northern Ireland, indicating the percentage of the market supplied by each source. [51088]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: In 1997–98 the main sources of energy for power generation in Northern Ireland were natural gas (49.1 per cent), coal (45.0 per cent.) and heavy fuel oil (4.5 per cent.).

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for(a) his Department and (b) bodies listed in the National Asset Register, how many vehicles are currently (i) owned and (ii) leased; if he will indicate their (A) fuel types and (B) engine cubic capacities; and how many vehicles are expected to fall due for replacement in each of the years (1) 1998–99, (2) 1999–2000 and (3) 2000–01. [49239]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 6 July 1998]:

  DETR (Central)

  Agencies

  Government Offices for the Regions

  Ordnance Survey

  Vehicles:

  Owned

  18

  428

  80

  105

  Leased

  9(4 on loan)

  136

  0

  138

  Fuel type:

  Petrol

  21

  219

  23

  65

  Diesel

  6

  346

  57

  178

  Engine:

  under 1000cc

  0

  1123

  up to 1399cc

  3

  7

  4

  16

  up to 1799cc

  15

  102

  39

  129

  up to 2500cc

  7

  288

  37

  98

  up to 3000cc

  0

  38

  0

  0

  over 3000cc

  2

  26

  0

  0

  536

  DETR (Central)

  Agencies

  Government Offices for the Regions

  Ordnance Survey

  Replacement:

  1998–1999:

  4

  46

  (See notes)

  59

  1999–2000:

  6

  53

  (See notes)

  72

  2000–2001:

  3

  30

  (See notes)

  62

  1Motorcycles

  25 LGV; 1 PCV

  Notes:

  Non Departmental Public Bodies

  When providing cars for their staff, NDPBs are expected to take into account two overriding principles: concern for the environment and value for money. Guidance on these two principles has been given to NDPBs and, within these principles, NDPBs are free to manage the provision of cars in the way they consider best for the body. Information about cars owned or leased by NDPBs is not held centrally

  Government Offices for the Regions

  The cars held by the GORs are not automatically replaced but their replacement is considered by the three parent departments (Departments for the Environment, Transport and the Regions; Trade and Industry; Education and Employment) when the cars are more than 4 years old or more than 3 years old having already travelled more than 60,000 miles

  Other bodies listed in the DETR National Asset Register

  The Office of Water Services (OFWAT) has one leased vehicle, diesel, 1900cc, which is due for replacement in 2000–2001. Neither the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising (OPRAF) or the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) have owned or leased vehicles

  I have placed a breakdown of the Department's vehicles in the Library.

  Building Regulations
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce measures to enable individual local authorities to set their own level of fees for building regulations. [50881]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Draft regulations—"The Building (Local Authority Charges) Regulations 1998"—were issued for consultation on 5 June. They are designed to devolve the charge setting process for building control functions to individual local authorities.

  Responses to the consultation have been requested by 17 July. After I have considered these, I will decide whether it is appropriate to proceed to lay the regulations.

  Bus Services
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list by bus company the subsidy paid by London Transport for franchised bus services operated in the London area for each of the last five years. [51188]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information requested will take time to compile. I shall write to my hon. Friend and place a copy in the Library of the House.

  Car Clocking
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what actions his Department has undertaken since 1 May 1997 to reduce the incidence of car clocking. [51177]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government are keen to see better information made available to consumers. DETR and DVLA meet regularly with representatives of the
  537
  motor industry and the police to discuss this and other issues of concern to the motorist. In particular, as announced in the Integrated Transport White Paper published on 20 July, my right hon. Friend, the Deputy Prime Minister, has asked the DVLA to consider ways of introducing new services to help the motorist. These would include the provision of further information on second-hand vehicles.

  Housing
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of local authority and housing association dwellings in Gloucestershire, by district, was earmarked for the elderly in the most recent five years for which records are available. [51128]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The available information on numbers of local authority and housing associations dwellings in the district councils of Gloucestershire as at 1 April, together with the percentages for use by the elderly, is as follows:

  Local Authority

  Dwellings

  Total number

  % for use by the elderly

  1997

  Cheltenham

  5,967

  9

  Cotswold

  0

  0

  Forest of Dean

  4,357

  28

  Gloucester

  5,715

  18

  Stroud

  5,996

  38

  Tewkesbury

  3,157

  15

  1996

  Cheltenham

  6,058

  11

  Cotswold

  4,397

  27

  Forest of Dean

  4,434

  27

  Gloucester

  5,712

  18

  Stroud

  6,108

  38

  Tewkesbury

  3,243

  15

  1995

  Cheltenham

  6,124

  13

  Cotswold

  4,509

  26

  Forest of Dean

  4,485

  27

  Gloucester

  5,776

  18

  Stroud

  6,199

  37

  Tewkesbury

  3,300

  15

  1994

  Cheltenham

  6,192

  13

  Cotswold

  4,623

  25

  Forest of Dean

  4,623

  26

  Gloucester

  5,887

  18

  Stroud

  6,358

  35

  Tewkesbury

  3,389

  14

  1993

  Cheltenham

  6,281

  13

  Cotswold

  4,748

  28

  Forest of Dean

  4,739

  25

  Gloucester

  5,897

  18

  Stroud

  6,473

  35

  Tewkesbury

  3,451

  14

  Source:

  Annual Housing Investment Programme (HIP1) returns
  538

  Housing Association

  Self-contained units

  Bedspaces in shared accommodation

  Total

  % for the elderly

  Total

  % for the elderly in shared accommodation

  1997

  Cheltenham

  1,329

  17

  322

  28

  Cotswold1

  4,971

  15

  72

  43

  Forest of Dean

  612

  19

  32

  0

  Gloucester

  1,163

  26

  135

  15

  Stroud

  739

  23

  160

  34

  Tewkesbury

  877

  11

  17

  0

  1996

  Cheltenham

  1,317

  20

  336

  27

  Cotswold

  788

  18

  49

  47

  Forest of Dean

  598

  20

  34

  0

  Gloucester

  1,176

  27

  127

  16

  Stroud

  713

  22

  116

  41

  Tewkesbury

  1,061

  9

  21

  0

  19952

  Cheltenham

  1,167

  24

  319

  21

  Cotswold

  713

  27

  44

  55

  Forest of Dean

  566

  24

  23

  0

  Gloucester

  1,008

  28

  121

  8

  Stroud

  631

  26

  102

  18

  Tewkesbury

  485

  20

  17

  0

  19942

  Cheltenham

  1,188

  24

  262

  8

  Cotswold

  668

  28

  56

  43

  Forest of Dean

  579

  23

  10

  0

  Gloucester

  942

  35

  117

  9

  Stroud

  547

  30

  117

  35

  Tewkesbury

  474

  28

  52

  0

  1993

  Cheltenham

  841

  34

  233

  13

  Cotswold

  326

  60

  48

  50

  Forest of Dean

  396

  34

  10

  0

  Gloucester

  660

  48

  118

  9

  Stroud

  316

  53

  106

  32

  Tewkesbury

  250

  53

  17

  0

  1Includes 4,102 units transferred from Cotswold DC to a housing association on 28 February 1997

  2Definition of dwellings designed for the elderly changed

  Source:

  Annual HAR10/1 returns

  Council Tenants (Housing Benefit)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what changes in the subsidy arrangements for housing benefit for council tenants have been brought about as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review. [51510]

  Mr. Raynsford
  From 1999–2000, we propose to introduce a change to the system of rent rebate subsidy limitation to help authorities that rebate more than the average proportion of rental income from their own tenants. We will consult authorities on this proposed change in due course.

  Driving Tests
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many car driving tests were conducted during the last five years for which figures are available. [51277]
  539
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The numbers of car driving tests conducted during the last five financial years are as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1993–94

  1,492,230

  1994–95

  1,504,605

  1995–96

  1,498,194

  1996–97

  1,553,675

  1997–98

  1,102,986

  Departmental Environmental Policies
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce energy performance testing of buildings occupied by Government departments and to evaluate and publish their environmental performance. [51437]

  Angela Eagle
  As part of the continuing energy efficiency campaign on the Government estate, new benchmark targets are being developed to be based on the standard of the top quartile of buildings of a particular type, such as naturally-ventilated offices. These will be settled once pilot studies have been completed. The reporting of environmental performance will be further considered by Ministers in the light of the recent report of the Environmental Audit Committee.

  Pollution (Fines)
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy towards levels of fines for companies that persistently pollute the environment; what discussions he has had with(a) other Government Departments and (b) outside bodies about the advantages of imposing higher fines on such companies; and if he will make a statement. [51634]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Courts are independent of the Government, and it is for them to exercise their discretion in sentencing. It is up to them to ensure that the penalties they impose on conviction fully reflect the gravity of offences which damage the environment, and the seriousness with which society views them. The maximum penalties fixed by Parliament are there to be used in appropriate cases. People who blatantly or persistently damage or risk damaging the environment, and who show little or no regard for the law, need to be stopped. My Department has had discussions with officials of the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Judicial Studies Board about fines imposed for environmental and certain other offences, and will be meeting the Magistrates' Association.

  Unified Business Rate
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide a breakdown by collecting authority of the money collected under the unified business rate; and how it was redistributed via Government grant for each of the last three years. [51315]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have today placed in the Library of the House a table showing the amounts calculated by billing authorities as their final contributions to the non-domestic 540
  rates pool for 1996–97, and their calculations of the provisional contributions for 1997–98 and 1998–99. I have also placed a table showing the amounts of redistributed non-domestic rates payable to each receiving authority in England for 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99.

  The two tables cannot be compared directly because (i) contributions to the non-domestic rates pool are made by billing authorities—for example London boroughs and district councils, whereas redistributed non-domestic rates are paid to all receiving authorities (including preceptors such as county councils and police authorities); (ii) the total redistributed from the pool includes amounts other than those received from billing authorities—that is payments in lieu of rates from Crown properties, payments from properties on the Central List, and Exchequer contributions to compensate the pool for income foregone as a result of transitional schemes.

  Vehicle Registration Plates
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received with regard to spacing in the new format of vehicle registration plates; and if he will make a statement. [51583]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Department has received a number of representations from one number plate manufacturer expressing concern about the proposed spacing of characters in the new vehicle registration format. As explained in the answer I have to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 7 July 1998,Official Report, column 470, the Department will be considering these detailed aspects as part of its further research into the memorability of the new format.

  NHS Employees
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many reports under the reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 were received each year since 1991 in respect of NHS employees in Wales. [51585]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to her question on 17 July 1998,Official Report, columns 323–24.

  Integrated Transport White Paper
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will allow local authorities an extension of the time allowed for them to submit their transport policies and programme bids for 1999–2000 to enable them to take account of the contents of the Integrated Transport White Paper. [52152]

  Dr. Strang
  The guidance we issued to local authorities in April on the submission of their bids is consistent with the main messages in the White Paper. If authorities wish to take some time to ensure that their TPPs reflect those messages they will not be penalised. Under the TPP procedures they are always allowed a period in which to amend their TPPs. This year authorities have until 10 October to make changes to their bids.

  Environmental Protection
  Mr. Alan Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish details of his public expenditure plans for his Department's environmental protection programmes. [52015]

  Mr. Meacher
  Yes. I am today publishing details of the provision for my environmental protection programmes, as agreed in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review. In addition to the extra £174 million for energy efficiency announced by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 14 July 1998,Official Report, columns 187–211, provision for my other environmental protection programmes is being increased by £80 million over the next three years.

  £150 million of the new energy efficiency money is added to the existing £75 million a year expenditure on the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme creating a new expanded fuel poverty programme to help another 1,000,000 vulnerable households whose homes cannot be heated to the minimum level for good health.

  DETR environmental protection programmes—actual and planned resource provision 1998–99 to 2001–02

  £ million

  Programmes

  Actual provision 1998–99

  Planned provision 1999–2000

  Planned provision 2000–01

  Planned provision 2001–02

  Energy Efficiency

  Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

  75.1

  75.1

  125.1

  175.1

  Energy Efficiency Best Practice

  15.1

  16.7

  19.8

  22.5

  Energy Savings Trust

  19.0

  22.0

  25.0

  25.0

  Sub-total Energy Efficiency

  109.2

  113.8

  169.9

  222.6

  Contaminated Land

  Implementation of S57 by Local Authorities

  —

  14.0

  18.0

  18.0

  Capital Funding for Local Authorities

  14.0

  15.0

  15.0

  15.0

  Sub-total Contaminated Land

  14.0

  29.0

  33.0

  33.0

  Environment Agency

  100.9

  106.1

  106.0

  103.4

  Small Programmes Promoting Environmental Improvement (national)1

  15.6

  18.5

  18.5

  18.5

  Programmes Promoting environmental improvement through international co-operation2

  10.6

  12.9

  12.9

  12.9

  Environmental Research

  28.3

  29.8

  29.8

  29.8

  Other environmental monitoring3

  3.8

  3.8

  3.8

  3.8

  Grants towards mains water supply and sewerage in rural areas etc.

  6.2

  6.2

  5.5

  5.4

  Air quality, smoke control and other capital programmes4

  5.9

  4.6

  3.1

  3.1

  Pneumoconiosis Compensation grant5

  6.9

  7.7

  7.7

  7.7

  1Includes: Environmental Technology Best Practice, Tidy Britain, Going for Green, Environmental Action Fund, UKEB, Environmental Publicity and Mersey Basin Foundation

  2Includes: Darwin, UNEP, East European Environmental know-how fund, Chernobyl Sarcophagus and other international subscriptions for 2000/1 and beyond. For 1998/99 excludes provision for Know-How and Chernobyl following transfers

  3Includes: Radon Measurement, NETCEN and Met Office Emergency Pollution Response (part of the Radio-Active incident monitoring Network (RIMNET)

  4Includes: Provision for supplementary credit approvals for Air Quality and Smoke Control, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and the Isles' of Scilly

  5Pneumoconiosis compensation grant is administered by the Health and Safety Executive

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  European Commission Office, London
  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library 542
  Support for the Energy Saving Trust is increased from £19 million this year, to £22 million for 1999–2000, and to £25 million for each of the later years. An extra £1.5 million is provided for Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme in 1999–2000 and further increases are planned to provide, among other things, new programmes of advice to businesses to help improve energy efficiency.

  The extra £80 million for environmental protection will enable me to:

  (a) make £50 million available to local authorities to support implementation of the new provisions for contaminated land in Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (inserted by Section 57 of the Environment Act 1995), which we intend to bring into force in July 1999. The funds will support local authorities in developing inspection strategies, carrying out investigations of individual sites and taking forward necessary enforcement action; and

  (b) increase grant to the Environment Agency by a total of £13 million over three years to help implement new European Directives, and to support the Agency's role in the new contaminated land regime; and

  (c) increase funding for environmental research, for a number of small programmes which promote environmental improvements and for pneumoconiosis compensation grant.

  Details are set out in the table.

  a list of awards granted by the European Commission Office in London to organisations promoting the concept of Europe. [49644]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We are not aware of any awards by the European Commission Office in London to organisations promoting the concept of Europe. The
  543
  relevant budget lines—established by the Council and the European Parliament—are administered by the Commission headquarters in Brussels.

  Cayman Islands
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will introduce measures to enable residents of the Cayman Islands to have the same freedom of movement throughout the European Union as is available to citizens of French and Dutch overseas territories; and if he will make a statement. [51553]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The possibility of granting citizenship to the citizens of the Overseas Territories, thereby conferring on them freedom of movement throughout the European Union, is under active discussion between all Departments involved. We are looking at the issue sympathetically, but more work needs to be done before any announcement can be made. The result of this review will be made public in the forthcoming White Paper on the Overseas Territories.

  Police and Military Forces (Support)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 21 May 1998,Official Report, columns 520–22, on support for the police and military forces, if he will provide a breakdown of the expenditure in 1997–98 under the United Kingdom military training assistance scheme in support of the armed forces in Sri Lanka; and if he will list the training establishments involved and the nature of the training. [51801]

  Mr. Fatchett
  In 1997–98 the United Kingdom Military Training Assistance Scheme was used to fund the following military training for the Sri Lankan armed forces:Military officers sent on UK training courses at Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and the Royal College of Defence Studies (£27,741).
  Assistance in setting up and running an Army Staff College (£54,645) aimed at middle ranking officers.
  Advisory visit (£4,535) by military instructors to assess the suitability of the Sri Lankan Armed Command Regiment to receive VIP protection assistance.
  Drill training (£1,085) for the Sri Lankan Army in preparation for the 50th Anniversary of Independence Parades.

  Once adjustments made by the MOD billing agency in Liverpool have been added (£2,210) this brings the total to £90,216.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Correspondence
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans his Department has to correspond electronically with(a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public. [49806]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 13 July 1998]: The Department currently has only a limited facility for the handling of correspondence from hon. Members and
  544
  members of the public on stand-alone work stations. There is a limited e-mail facility on the Department's main Information Technology Network.

  The Department is putting plans in place to connect selected parts of the office to the Government Secure Internet (GSI) at the end of 1998, followed by full interconnection between the core network and the GSI in the first half of 1999. That will enable a full e-mail between the office, Members of both Houses and members of the public.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters per day his office receives; how many staff are employed to answer these; what targets are set in respect of such letters; and what is the current performance against targets. [50680]

  Mr. Straw
  On the targets, performance and volume of letters I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 363.

  It is not possible to say how many staff are involved in answering correspondence in my Department because it is part of the normal duties of a large number of them.

  Elmley Prison
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the chemicals used for(a) gardening and (b) farming at Elmley Prison, Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey. [50481]

  Ms Quin
  The following five commercial chemical products are used in gardening at Elmley prison: Casoron G; Mosstox; Roundup Biactive; Supertox 30; and Trik. These products are used for the control of weeds and moss within the prison perimeter wall as flower and shrub beds, lawns and paths, and the base of the perimeter fence. Most of these products are used on an annual basis and in relatively small quantities. There is no farming conducted at Elmley.

  >All three Isle of Sheppey prisons have a "good neighbour policy", and would be happy to discuss any environmental issues with interested parties.

  Probation Service
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that the Probation Service provides an equal level of service in urban and rural areas; and if he will make a statement. [51028]

  Ms Quin
  The funding formula used by the Home Office to allocate specific current grant to each of the 54 English and Welsh probation services takes account of demographic factors, including the sparsity of population. The formula is now subject to review, in consultation with the Association of Chief Probation Officers, Central Probation Council and the Local Government Association. Once the allocation has been made, it is for the responsible probation committee in each area to decide how its service's budget should be spent.

  Fire Service
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of
  545
  the cost-effectiveness of national use of virtual reality simulations for operational command training in the fire service; [50900]

  (2) what assessement he has made of the national requirements for operational command training in the fire service; [50902]

  (3) what assessment he has made of national trials of virtual reality operational command training in the fire service. [50901]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, North (Mr. Rapson), on 21 July 1998,Official Report, columns 435–36.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much the London Fire Service has spent on the services of lobbying companies in(a) the last and (b) the current financial year; and which companies have been engaged. [51467]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I understand from the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority that they spent £11,326 on the services of a Parliamentary Adviser in 1997–98, and have spent £4,659 on such services in the current financial year. The services are provided by GJW Government Relations Limited.

  Road Traffic Offences
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will refer the issue of lenient sentences for road traffic offences to the new Sentencing Advisory Council. [51407]

  Mr. Michael
  The Court of Appeal has already established detailed sentencing guidelines for serious road traffic offences, in the cases of R.v. Boswell (1984) and AG Ref. 14 and 24 of 1993. Once the new Sentencing Advisory Panel has been established, we will consider whether there are particular categories of offences which should be referred to it and with what degree of priority.

  Police Numbers
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number and rank of(a) police officers and (b) civilian staff employed in the administration support units of (i) the Metropolitan Police and (ii) each other police force in England and Wales. [51468]

  Mr. Michael
  The information collected annually by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary on the numbers of police and civilian staff deployed to various duties is not at a level which allows the identification of the number or rank of staff assigned to Administration Support Units. This information could be obtained from the 43 forces only at disproportionate cost.

  Election Candidates
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the article in Council Magazine by Julian Malins QC on candidates at general elections. [51485]
  546
  Mr. George Howarth
  The article by the hon. Member's brother gives a useful account of the problem of misleading candidates' descriptions on ballot papers. Since the article was written, the Registration of Political Parties Bill has been introduced. The Bill provides that only a candidate authorised by a registered political party may include a description on the ballot paper which is likely to lead voters to associate the candidate with that party. It also enables candidates representing registered parties to include the party's emblem on the ballot paper.

  Sentences
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about provisions contained in the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] relating to maximum sentences in magistrates' courts. [49901]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: There are no provisions in the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] to change the current maximum sentences available to the magistrates' courts (six months custody for a single offence or 24 months in a Secure Training Centre for 12–14 year olds). The new Detention and Training Order (DTO) will enable magistrates to impose a maximum custodial DTO sentence of 24 months for 12–17 year olds.

  The Magistrates' Association have written to me on the question of increasing the general maximum penalty of six months available to the magistrates' courts. They have been invited to supply further information.

  Mary Bell Case
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of the investigation into his officials' handling of the Mary Bell case. [52075]

  Mr. Straw
  I have now received the Permanent Secretary's report into the circumstances in which Home Office officials had for some time known of the possibility of a book from which Mary Bell would profit financially, but had not informed Ministers. This was, at my request, an investigation to identify lessons for the future, not a disciplinary inquiry.

  Since her release in 1980, Mary Bell has remained under life licence under the supervision of the probation service. Throughout this period, officials in my Department's Lifer Review Unit have received regular reports from the probation officers responsible for her supervision. These have frequently included accounts of attempts by literary agents and the media to induce her for substantial sums to tell her story. Indeed, there are records of such approaches to her even before she left prison.

  The probation service is responsible for supervising those subject to life licence and for reporting, on a regular basis, on each individual to the Lifer Unit on their progress. The service has a particular responsibility to ensure that the public is protected from people who have previously committed very serious offences. Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Probation has received a copy of the report of the investigation carried out by the Chief Probation Officer of the Durham Probation Service into their handling of Mary Bell's case, and offered me his own independent assessment of it. In the light of this,

  547
  I am satisfied that the probation service kept my officials properly informed of the plans to publish a book. Given the exceptional difficulties of the case, it is also clear that the service has played a major and positive role in helping Mary Bell keep to the conditions of her licence in the 18 years since her release.

  Between 1984 and 1987, my officials were informed that Mary Bell had become interested in producing her own account and had spent some time preparing a manuscript. The supervising probation officer notified them of discussions with a literary agent in 1985 about a possible autobiography. Officials advised the probation officer that the Home Office did not favour publication but had no power to prevent it and would not attempt to put pressure on Mary Bell. Ministers were not informed of these developments and, in the event, the project foundered. Officials heard no more about the possibility of a book until August 1995, when they were informed of her renewed interest in producing her own account.

  The probation service notified officials in January 1996 that serious negotiations were under way between Mary Bell, Gitta Sereny and a literary agent. In July, there were informed that a contract had been signed and an advance payment made. Officials responded to these developments along the same lines as their predecessors more than a decade previously, namely by questioning the wisdom of the venture but confirming, correctly, that they had no power to prevent it. Great care was taken throughout to try to protect, through maintenance of an injunction long in force, the anonymity of Mary Bell and her family, in the interests of her young daughter.

  Following a probation service letter of 6 March this year, advising that the book would appear shortly and was likely to arouse controversy, officials recognised the need to forewarn Ministers. Because their information was that serialisation of the book would not begin until 2 May they did not, in the event, do so until 23 April, by which time (unbeknown to them) news of the book was already emerging. The initial briefing to Ministers concentrated on the contents of the book, and did not make it clear that officials and the probation service had known about the contract from the outset. Ministers were given a full brief on the history of the case only on 30 April, the day after newspaper serialisation had started and some days after widespread controversy had arisen over the financial benefit to Mary Bell.

  The Lifer Unit of the Prison Service Headquarters is responsible for casework on nearly 4,000 life sentence prisoners and around a further 800 lifers now on supervision under licence in the community. Their primary task is to ensure that the lifer system operates in a way which minimises risk to the public. They bear a heavy load and I am satisfied that I have been very well served—as, I believe, have my predecessors—by the conscientious advice they provide on the exercise of my statutory powers in individual cases. The possibility of financial benefit to Mary Bell for a book about her crimes did not involve questions of public risk or any breach of the law or the terms of her life licence. Officials accordingly concluded, as early as 1985, that there was nothing they could do to prevent it and did not therefore believe it necessary to submit to Ministers.
  548
  Ministers are entitled to expect that officials will try to spot events involving their cases which are likely to arouse controversy and provoke concern over the adequacy of the law. I believe that officials acted in this case throughout in good faith and in accordance with a correct interpretation of the law. With hindsight, it is clear that there were a number of occasions on which Ministers might reasonably have been informed of developments in the Mary Bell case. The Permanent Secretary has accordingly recommended to me procedural and other improvements which will help guide Home Office staff in assessing future cases where Ministers may need to be kept informed of developments, even where there is no question of the exercise by them of statutory powers. He and the Director General of the Prison Service are specifically preparing revised internal operating procedures for the handling of lifer cases and arranging for supplementary guidance to be provided to lifer caseworkers and supervising probation officers.

  I have asked officials separately to consider whether the law relating to criminal memoirs might sensibly be strengthened.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary on Number 2 Area (North West) of the Metropolitan Police; [52076]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary on Number 1 Area (Central) of the Metropolitan Police. [52077]

  Mr. Michael
  Yes. I have today placed in the Library a note of the recommendations from the report, together with the Commissioner's response and the police authority responses, which take into account the advice my right hon. Friend and I have received from the Metropolitan Police Committee.

  Prisoners
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the outcome of the review of arrangements for the release on temporary licence of prisoners. [52078]

  Mr. Straw
  Following a review initiated by the Director General of the Prison Service, I have decided to make a number of changes to the arrangements for release of prisoners on temporary licence, to support the Government's policy of developing constructive regimes for prisoners. The current system, put in place in 1995, has significantly reduced the numbers of temporary release failures, and the stringent risk assessment process will remain in place in order to ensure protection of the public. The Prisoners (Return to Custody) Act 1995 made it an offence to fail to return to custody after a period of temporary release. However, the current system places too great a limit on opportunities for governors to develop activities aimed at supporting constructive regimes and preparing prisoners for resettlement in the community.

  From 1 September, governors will be able to develop challenging activities for young offenders outside the establishment, including schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Young offenders will be

  549
  allowed limited participation in team sports in the community, where they are able to represent the establishment and build local contacts. Many establishments already undertake reparational and community work, and overnight stays away from the establishment will be permitted for selected young offenders where this is necessary to support such projects.

  A number of measures will assist prisoners in finding work or training on release and in maintaining family ties, factors central to reducing reoffending. Short-term young offenders will be eligible for release on facility licence for interviews to obtain housing or employment on release, and for hostel assessments. Prisoners aged 18–24 will be eligible for release on facility licence, including overnight stays where necessary, for employment related interviews under the Government's New Deal scheme. Further opportunities will be made available, for both adult prisoners and young offenders, to gain experience of employment prior to release. The current restrictions on prisoners obtaining paid work in the community will be amended to allow governors greater freedom to develop "working out" schemes, to allow prisoners experience of regular employment. Release on resettlement licence will also be extended for young offenders, once they have reached the latter stages of their sentences, to assist in their resettlement in the community.

  Consideration will be given to extending some of these changes to all adult prisoners if the evaluation suggests it is safe to do so. These changes will be carefully evaluated.

  A copy of the relevant Prison Service Instruction, giving full details of the changes, will be placed in the Library.

  Asylum Seekers
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the instructions to Immigration and Nationality Directorate staff dealing with asylum applications. [52201]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I am pleased to announce that a copy of the Asylum Directorate's Instructions (ADIs) is being placed in the Library. The material is subject to periodic review and revision. We shall arrange to provide the Library with any necessary amendments or new instructions as they become available.

  The ADIs contain internal guidance to staff on the handling of asylum and related casework. They are being made available in accordance with the principles of openness in the White Paper on Freedom of Information and in the existing Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. A small amount of material cannot be disclosed, either on grounds of national security or because disclosure would prejudice the effective operation of immigration controls.

  As with the Immigration Directorates' Instructions (IDIs), this information will be made available on the Internet as soon as possible. Consideration is also being given to other suitable ways of making this information available and members of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's After Entry User Panel will be consulted about this.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Correspondence
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many letters per day his office receives; how many staff are employed to answer these; what targets are set in respect of such letters; and what is the current performance against targets. [50687]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 363.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Rapson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the impact of reforms of the National Lottery on access to projects by disabled people. [50762]

  Mr. Banks
  New Policy Directions given to the Lottery distributors on 1 June require them to take into account the need to promote access for people from all sections of society. Distributors must produce strategic plans which show how they intend to do this, and these will include measures taken to encourage access for disabled people.

  The National Lottery Act 1998 creates a new distributor, the New Opportunities Fund, one of whose first initiatives is to provide money to establish a network of healthy living centres, which will be of particular interest to disabled people.

  Tobacco Sponsorship
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which Minister is the head of the task force on alternatives to tobacco sponsorship announced on 25 November 1997; who are its members; on what dates it has met; what meetings are currently planned; and if he will make a statement on its progress to date. [50703]

  Mr. Banks
  The EU Tobacco Directive provides up to three years for domestic legislation to be implemented, and a further two years for the ban on sports sponsorship by tobacco companies to be enforced. Up to a further three years may be allowed in exceptional circumstances for existing sponsorship of events organised at a global level, provided sponsorship levels and associated advertising are reduced.

  With this timescale in mind, I will chair a Task Force to help sports in receipt of tobacco sponsorship to identify alternative sponsors. The Task Force has not yet been formally constituted, although I have had an initial informal meeting with sports and business interests, and will hold a further meeting in the autumn when the current exercise to collect sponsorship information from the sports concerned should be completed.

  Sir Rodney Walker
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the directorships and other declarable interests in sports-related companies held by Sir Rodney Walker, Chairman of the UK Sports Council. [50741]
  551
  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer 16 July 1998]: Sir Rodney Walker has the following directorships and other declarable interests in sports-related companies:

  Chairman: Rugby Football League

  Chairman: Leicester City Plc

  Chairman: Brands Hatch Leisure Plc

  Trustee: London Marathon Charitable Trust

  Governor: Sports Aid Foundation

  Vice President: Youth Charter for Sport.

  The Council has procedures for hon. Members to declare potential conflicts of interest when decisions come before them and to make appropriate arrangements to handle any potential conflicts which arise.

  Cricket
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of people in the United Kingdom regularly playing cricket. [51318]

  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer 20 July 1998]: According to the England and Wales Cricket Board, there were more than 2 million cricket participants at 6,500 affiliated clubs in 1997 throughout this country, including some 150,000 junior club members. The Government, through the English Sports Council, actively encourage all governing bodies of sport to have programmes in place which promote our policy of "sport for all" and increase participation levels in all sports, from grass roots through to elite competitors.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Efficiency Review
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to publish the efficiency review on managing attendance in the public sector. [52204]

  Dr. David Clark
  This report was commissioned as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, and copies have today been placed in the libraries of both Houses. The report's findings on best practice will be used to develop a programme to help improve attendance across the public sector.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Correspondence
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many letters per day her office receives; how many staff are employed to answer these; what targets are set in respect of such letters; and what is the current performance against targets. [50690]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 20 July 1998,Official Report, Column 363.

  Population and Development Conference
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to include a parliamentarian in the delegation to the five year assessment conference, Cairo+5, on Population and Development, in The Hague in February 1999. [51623]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) which is responsible for organising the forum and issuing invitations, has not yet formally announced the arrangements for the composition of delegations. We fully expect that the contribution of parliamentarians to the review will be reflected in UNFPA's plans for the meeting.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to involve voluntary organisations in the issues to be raised at the five year assessment conference, Cairo+5, on Population and Development, in The Hague in February 1999. [51624]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We will work closely with civil society organisations (CSOs) throughout the quinquennial review of the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development. A meeting of Department for International Development's sexual and reproductive health forum has already been held and we will shortly be establishing a joint DFID/CSO working group to co-ordinate in detail the UK's contribution to the review.

PRIME MINISTER

  Dounreay
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 25 June 1998,Official Report, column 598, if, during his discussions with the US Government, he was informed of their wish to transport to Dounreay the additional quantity of nine kilograms of low enriched uranium; and if he will make a statement. [48805]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 6 July 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to her by my hon. Friend, the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry on 6 July 1998, Official Report, column 371.

  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Prime Minister when he was first notified of the recommendation to close the commercial reprocessing facility at Dounreay; when the Government received the report recommending the closure; which(a) ministers and (b) officials received this report; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library. [46262]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 16 June 1998]: On 17 March 1998, the UKAEA Board considered the future of reprocessing at Dounreay and recommended that no new commercial work be accepted as part of a phased rundown to a complete cessation of reprocessing. The Chief Executive of UKAEA advised officials in the Department of Trade and Industry of the Board's proposed course of action by letter on 19 March 1998. DTI officials then had a number of discussions with UKAEA to check points in the analysis, and they submitted advice to DTI Ministers on 1 May 1998. I was first notified when the President of the Board of Trade consulted colleagues by letter on 29 May.

  553
  The Government made the announcement on 5 June that UKAEA would accept no new contracts for commercial reprocessing at Dounreay.

  The Minister for Industry, Energy and Science has asked the Chairman of UKAEA to supply the information and analysis that went into the decision announced on 5 June, and he will place the Chairman's response in the Library.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans his Office has to correspond electronically with(a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public. [49821]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 13 July 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 20 July 1998, Official Report, column 389. I also refer the

  Education Authority primary schools in Scotland Number and percentage of pupils in single stage classes over 30 by Education Authority1

  1991

  1993

  1995

  1997

  Number

  As a percentage of all pupils

  Number

  As a percentage of all pupils

  Number

  As a percentage of all pupils

  Number

  As a percentage of all pupils

  Scotland

  72,371

  16.4

  75,082

  17.1

  78,749

  17.9

  85,580

  19.5

  Aberdeen City

  2,462

  15.9

  2,744

  17.4

  3,118

  19.7

  3,767

  23.8

  Aberdeenshire

  2,981

  14.2

  3,080

  14.5

  3,134

  14.7

  2,187

  10.2

  Angus

  1,885

  20.2

  2,627

  27.7

  2,013

  21.4

  1,429

  15.3

  Argyll and Bute

  952

  11.7

  928

  12.0

  1,191

  15.3

  1,180

  15.2

  Clackmannanshire

  603

  13.8

  731

  16.5

  1,021

  23.2

  780

  17.2

  Dumfries and Galloway

  2,137

  16.8

  2,052

  16.0

  2,016

  15.6

  2,381

  18.5

  Dundee City

  3,388

  26.2

  3,368

  26.3

  3,225

  25.5

  3,550

  28.9

  East Ayrshire

  1,881

  16.6

  2,023

  17.7

  2,455

  21.5

  1,926

  16.9

  East Dunbartonshire

  2,553

  24.6

  1,983

  19.5

  2,497

  24.1

  2,873

  27.0

  East Lothian

  828

  12.2

  1,015

  14.4

  834

  11.2

  1,026

  12.9

  East Renfrewshire

  1,843

  22.8

  2,936

  35.5

  2,760

  32.6

  3,444

  40.1

  Edinburgh, City of

  6,802

  24.1

  7,696

  26.4

  8,557

  28.3

  8,676

  28.4

  Eilean Siar

  0

  0.0

  190

  7.2

  125

  4.8

  0

  0.0

  Falkirk

  2,646

  21.4

  2,330

  19.1

  2,697

  22.1

  3,432

  27.9

  Fife

  4,944

  15.9

  5,387

  17.3

  4,672

  15.1

  4,050

  13.2

  Glasgow City

  7,890

  15.1

  7,637

  14.7

  8,302

  16.3

  9,551

  19.5

  Highland

  1,503

  7.7

  1,996

  10.4

  1,755

  9.2

  1,784

  9.4

  Inverclyde

  1,027

  12.4

  1,122

  14.0

  1,244

  15.5

  1,292

  16.5

  Midlothian

  991

  13.9

  1,181

  16.4

  1,345

  18.5

  1,462

  19.7

  Moray

  1,395

  18.2

  732

  9.3

  886

  11.1

  1,363

  16.9

  North Ayrshire

  2,033

  15.5

  2,138

  16.7

  2,139

  16.9

  2,563

  20.3

  North Lanarkshire

  4,542

  14.4

  4,556

  15.1

  4,103

  13.7

  5,330

  17.9

  Orkney Islands

  157

  8.7

  64

  3.5

  33

  1.8

  32

  1.7

  Perth and Kinross

  1,307

  12.8

  1,541

  14.8

  1,547

  14.7

  1,856

  17.2

  Renfrewshire

  3,112

  20.0

  3,795

  24.4

  4,084

  25.9

  4,786

  30.3

  Scottish Borders

  448

  5.3

  544

  6.3

  857

  9.8

  889

  10.0

  Shetland Islands

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  31

  1.4

  0

  0.0

  South Ayrshire

  2,510

  25.7

  2,317

  24.2

  2,721

  28.3

  2,771

  29.2

  South Lanarkshire

  4,594

  16.4

  4,289

  15.7

  4,386

  16.3

  4,329

  16.1

  Stirling

  705

  10.6

  911

  13.8

  894

  13.4

  630

  9.2

  West Dunbartonshire

  1,664

  17.5

  1,176

  12.5

  1,248

  13.8

  1,589

  17.9

  West Lothian

  2,588

  18.3

  1,993

  14.2

  2,859

  19.9

  4,652

  31.4

  1Includes a small number of classes with more than one teacher

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the number and percentage of children in primary (1) one, (2) two and (3) three who were taught in classes of 31 or more in the years(a) 1991–92,
  554
  hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 17 July 1998, Official Report, column 315.

  My office is taking part in the pilot study of the development of the Government Secure Intranet (GSI).

SCOTLAND

  School Sizes
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the number and percentage of primary school children who were taught in classes of 31 or more in the years(a) 1991–92, (b) 1992–93, (c) 1993–94, (d) 1994–95, (e) 1995–96 and (f) 1996–97 in each local authority area. [50249]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 13 July 1998]: The information available is given in the table.

  (b) 1992–93, (c) 1993–94, (d) 1994–95, (e) 1995–96, (f) 1996–97 and (g) 1997–98 in (i) each local authority area and (ii) Scotland as a whole. [50250]
  555
  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 13 July 1998]: The information available is given in the table.

  Education authority primary schools in Scotland Number and percentage of pupils in P3 classes over 30 by education authority1

  19912

  19932

  19952

  1997

  Number

  As a % P3 pupils in single stage classes

  Number

  As a % of P3 pupils in single stage classes

  Number

  As a% of P3 pupils in single stage classes

  Number

  As a % of all P3 pupils

  Scotland

  10,960

  23.1

  10,763

  22.5

  12,196

  25.5

  14,465

  22.8

  Aberdeen City

  438

  23.2

  219

  12.4

  349

  17.9

  570

  24.7

  Aberdeenshire

  443

  24.6

  444

  24.4

  538

  29.4

  315

  10.2

  Angus

  381

  38.8

  449

  46.1

  322

  32.3

  31

  2.3

  Argyll and Bute

  220

  32.6

  161

  29.1

  162

  28.5

  255

  22.4

  Clackmannanshire

  0

  0.0

  64

  12.7

  95

  19.8

  64

  10.1

  Dumfries and Galloway

  417

  34.6

  161

  17.8

  224

  22.9

  420

  21.8

  Dundee City

  579

  38.7

  417

  25.9

  351

  23.0

  580

  32.9

  East Ayrshire

  321

  25.2

  257

  17.8

  416

  34.4

  349

  21.1

  East Dunbartonshire

  447

  38.3

  357

  31.9

  314

  26.4

  452

  29.4

  East Lothian

  65

  8.7

  132

  16.0

  31

  3.8

  192

  15.9

  East Renfrewshire

  507

  52.5

  454

  43.2

  539

  45.6

  446

  37.0

  Edinburgh, City of

  932

  27.6

  1,163

  30.5

  1,743

  43.5

  1,681

  37.6

  Eilean Siar

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  31

  50.0

  0

  0.0

  Falkirk

  317

  21.6

  383

  27.6

  512

  37.7

  646

  34.5

  Fife

  886

  28.9

  921

  28.5

  605

  18.0

  758

  17.1

  Glasgow City

  1,029

  16.2

  1,224

  19.0

  1,215

  20.2

  1,484

  21.5

  Highland

  251

  15.2

  255

  17.1

  249

  16.4

  284

  10.4

  Inverclyde

  160

  16.6

  131

  14.5

  220

  22.3

  258

  22.7

  Midlothian

  254

  35.9

  165

  21.6

  159

  19.0

  351

  31.5

  Moray

  317

  50.2

  95

  13.5

  253

  34.5

  285

  25.2

  North Ayrshire

  257

  16.3

  255

  17.7

  505

  33.9

  383

  21.0

  North Lanarkshire

  698

  20.0

  508

  14.5

  576

  17.8

  1,035

  24.3

  Orkney Islands

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  Perth and Kinross

  128

  12.9

  161

  16.5

  322

  32.2

  348

  21.7

  Renfrewshire

  252

  13.0

  700

  33.3

  555

  26.4

  685

  29.4

  Scottish Borders

  94

  15.2

  98

  13.3

  125

  16.7

  157

  11.7

  Shetland Islands

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  31

  17.9

  0

  0.07

  South Ayrshire

  388

  33.6

  316

  27.4

  259

  24.4

  516

  38.7

  South Lanarkshire

  604

  19.5

  508

  17.6

  573

  20.2

  799

  20.7

  Stirling

  160

  23.4

  221

  31.0

  98

  16.2

  189

  19.0

  West Dunbartonshire

  225

  21.2

  319

  32.8

  191

  18.2

  159

  12.5

  West Lothian

  190

  13.1

  225

  13.6

  633

  37.8

  773

  36.3

  1Includes a small number of classes with more than one teacher

  2Excludes P3 pupils in composite classes

  Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the amounts paid by each local authority to COSLA in 1997. [50869]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The information requested is not held by The Scottish Office.

  Timber Industry
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the impact of current levels of imports of timber from the Baltic states on the United Kingdom timber processing industry. [50815]

  Mr. Macdonald
  My right hon. Friend and his ministerial colleagues have received several representations from individuals and from representative groups about the effect of imports of timber from the Baltic states on the forestry and timber processing industries.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Forestry Industry Committee of Great Britain regarding the current level of supply of sawn timber. [50819]
  556
  Mr. Macdonald
  My right hon. Friend received a letter from the Forestry Industry Council of Great Britain in February this year about current factors affecting the forestry industry, including the level of supply of sawn timber.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the average selling price of softwoods harvested in the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years. [50816]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The average selling prices of conifers sold standing by the Forestry Commission in Britain over each of the last 10 years are given in the table. Information on sales by the private sector is not available.

  Year ended 31 March

  £/cubic metre

  1989

  15.80

  1990

  15.14

  1991

  13.75

  1992

  11.22

  1993

  12.33

  1994

  13.87

  1995

  17.28

  1996

  16.59

  1997

  15.92

  1998

  13.35

  557
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the acreage of softwoods(a) planted and (b) harvested in each of the last 10 years. [50818]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The areas of conifers planted and felled or approved for felling in Britain in each of the last 10 years are given in the table. All areas are in thousands of hectares.

  Year ended 31 March

  Area planted

  Area approved for felling

  1989

  37

  12

  1990

  24

  16

  1991

  22

  15

  1992

  22

  13

  1993

  20

  18

  1994

  18

  17

  1995

  19

  18

  1996

  17

  19

  1997

  18

  18

  1998

  17

  19

  Notes:

  1. The areas planted include both areas of felled woodland which were replanted and the areas of new woodlands which were created

  2. The Forestry Commission does not record the areas felled by private woodland owners, but it does record the areas approved for felling. However, approvals are valid for a five year period, and many areas which are approved for felling are never felled

  Higher Education
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, (1) pursuant to the oral statement by the Minister for Education and Industry of 13 July 1998,Official Report, column 155, if he will place in the Library the legal advice he received that European students from the United Kingdom may be charged more for university fees in Scotland than mainland continental EU students; [50907]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the external legal advice his Department received on university fees in Scotland. [50908]

  Mr. Wilson
  No. It is not usual practice to disclose legal advice obtained.

  Legal Advice
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in what circumstances his Department discloses the contents of external legal advice which it has received. [50909]

  Mr. Dewar
  It is not normal practice to disclose the contents of legal advice received, and it is not possible to comment in abstract on any exceptional circumstances in which that practice might be departed from.

  Health Service
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many whole-time equivalent NHS consultants there are in post in occupational health, and how many of these are (i) full and (ii) part-time in(a) each health board and (b) Scotland. [51110]
  558
  Mr. Galbraith
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Consultants in Occupational Health; by health board area and contract type: at 30 September 1997

  Whole time equivalent

  Total

  Whole time

  Maximum part-time

  Part-time

  Honorary

  Scotland

  11.1

  8.0

  1.0

  0.8

  1.3

  Argyll and Clyde

  1.0

  1.0

  —

  —

  —

  Fife

  1.6

  —

  1.0

  0.6

  —

  Forth Valley

  1.0

  1.0

  —

  —

  —

  Greater Glasgow

  3.0

  3.0

  —

  —

  —

  Lanarkshire

  1.6

  1.0

  —

  —

  0.6

  Lothian

  1.6

  1.0

  —

  —

  0.6

  Shetland

  0.2

  —

  —

  0.2

  —

  Tayside

  1.0

  1.0

  —

  —

  —

  Source:

  Medical and Dental Census ISD Scotland

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many unfilled NHS consultant or approved training posts there are in occupational health in(a) each health board and (b) Scotland. [51114]

  Mr. Galbraith
  There were no unfilled NHS consultant posts in occupational health in Scotland at 30 September 1997.

  Vacancy data for approved training posts are not collected centrally.

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those NHS trusts which have access to an occupational health service, and which of those services are led by a consultant in occupational health. [51111]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Current guidance (updated 1995) requires that Health Boards, Trusts and independent contractors ensure that all their staff should have access to Occupational Health Services either provided by the employer or obtainable from another provider. In addition, arrangements should be made to provide every Occupational Health Team with access to and advice from a consultant occupational physician as required.

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list his duties in respect of the safety of (i) staff employed in the NHS, (ii) patients and (iii) visitors to NHS premises. [51105]

  Mr. Galbraith
  There is no statutory duty which places responsibility on the Secretary of State for Scotland to ensure that Trusts meet the provisions of the health and safety legislation. Staff employed in the NHS have the same statutory protection as all employees to whom the Health and Safety at Work legislation applies.

  In so far as patients and visitors to NHS premises are concerned, both in terms of statute and at common law, the obligation is placed on the "occupier" of the premises to ensure their safety. The Occupiers Liability (Scotland) Act 1960 requires the occupier to show such care as is reasonable in order that a person entering the premises will not suffer injury or damage by reasons of the state of the premises. The obligations and duties are thus placed on the legal entity occupying/controlling the premises and not the Secretary of State for Scotland.
  559
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many working days were lost through sickness, ill health or injury by NHS staff in(a) each health board and (b) Scotland in the last year for which figures are available; and what was the estimated total cost of those lost days. [51102]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The answer could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the NHS Management Executive in Scotland is taking to monitor the compliance with health and safety legislation of NHS trusts. [51097]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The NHS in Scotland Management Executive is reviewing Occupational Health and Safety Services for NHS and associated staff in Scotland with a view to implementing recommendations early in 1999.

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken to ensure that NHS trusts have adequate arrangements for recording accidents at NHS premises; what encouragement is given to staff to report accidents; and what steps the NHS Management Executive in Scotland has taken to improve the safety performance of NHS trusts. [51103]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The NHS in Scotland Management Executive has regularly reminded NHS Trusts of their responsibilities in ensuring they are taking steps to meet fully their statutory Health and Safety obligations.

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to make occupational health services available to staff working in primary care. [51113]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Current guidance (updated 1995) requires that Health Boards, Trusts and independent contractors ensure that all their staff should have access to Occupational Health Services either provided by the employer or obtainable from another provider.

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what responsibility the NHS Management Executive in Scotland has for ensuring that trusts meet the provisions of health and safety legislation. [51109]

  Mr. Galbraith
  There is no statutory duty which places responsibility on the NHS Management Executive to ensure that Trusts meet the provisions of the health and safety legislation. The ME does, however, issue directions/guidance to Trusts on health and safety issues.

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many and what percentage of NHS staff have access to an occupational health service in(a) each health board and (b) Scotland. [51112]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Current guidance (updated 1995) requires that Health Boards, Trusts and independent contractors ensure that all their staff should have access to Occupational Health Services either provided by the employer or obtainable from another provider.

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to protect staff against violence on health care premises. [51098]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The first HR Strategy for the NHS in Scotland "Towards a New Way of Working" gives an undertaking to develop practical measures aimed at improving the personal safety and security of staff.
  560
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many NHS employees were killed or injured at work in(a) each health board and (b) Scotland in each year since 1991; [51101]

  (2) how many reports under the reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 were received in each year since 1991 in respect of NHS employees in (a) each health board and (b) Scotland. [51100]

  Angela Eagle
  I have been asked to reply:

  Injuries in Scotland to employees in the NHS as reported to HSE 1991–92 to 1997–98

  Year

  Fatal

  Major

  Over 3 day

  Total

  1991–92

  0

  71

  902

  973

  1992–93

  0

  54

  767

  821

  1993–94

  0

  70

  751

  821

  1994–95

  0

  80

  946

  1,026

  1995–96

  1

  73

  847

  921

  1996–97

  0

  105

  817

  922

  1997–981

  0

  113

  863

  976

  1Provisional

  Notes:

  1. NHS is identified by using HSE industry environment code 951 for 1991–92 to 1995–96 and client status 06 for 1996–97 and 1997–981. Injury data in respect of individual health boards cannot be identified from HSE's computer databases. Data are available by local authority

  2. Years commence 1 April

  3. Injuries are reportable to HSE under the Reporting of Injuries. Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR 95). Prior to the figures for 1996–97, injuries were reportable under RIDDOR 85, which used a different definition for reportable non-fatal injuries. Figures for non-fatal injuries reported under the different legislation are therefore not directly comparable

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will list the NHS trusts which have been found, since 1991, to be in breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 indicating in each case the nature of the breaches; [51107]

  (2) if he will list the NHS trusts which (a) have been prosecuted and (b) have received prohibition or improvement notices under health and safety legislation since 1991. [51106]

  Angela Eagle
  I have been asked to reply.

  Between 1 April 1991 and 31 March 1998, the Greater Glasgow Health Board was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Field Operations Division (FOD) on 21 February 1992 for a breach of Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act. No other prosecutions have been taken in Scotland.

  Improvement Notices have been issued against the following NHS trusts by HSE's FOD in Scotland between 1 April 1996 and 31 March 1998:

  Dumfries and Galloway Community Health NHS Trust

  East and Midlothian NHS Trust

  Southern General NHS Trust

  Dundee Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  Western Isles Health Board.

  There have been no Prohibition Notices. Prior to 1996–97, notices against the NHS cannot be identified from HSE's computer databases. HSE holds no

  561
  information on the number of "breaches" which do not result in a prosecution or the issuing of an Improvement or Prohibition Notice.

  Transport Policy
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Government's transport policy in Scotland. [51819]

  Mr. Dewar
  I have today published "Travel Choices for Scotland" the Government's White Paper on Integrated Transport in Scotland. The White Paper fulfils our manifesto commitment and sets out the Government's aims for a sustainable, effective and integrated transport system appropriate for the needs of Scotland's people, environment and economy. The White Paper is complementary to the United Kingdom White Paper presented to the House by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 20 July 1998,Official Report, columns 784–88.

  We will encourage each local authority to develop an integrated Local Transport Strategy suited to local circumstances and needs, drawing together all the resources and planning functions of the authority and in co-operation with local public transport operators, the community and business. We will consult on the details of implementation. We will also publish consultative draft planning guidance on Transport and Planning.

  We will establish a Scottish Public Transport Fund from which local authorities can bid for assistance for key value for money developments for their local public transport network consistent with their Local Transport Strategy.

  For buses, legislation will be brought forward to allow bus Quality Partnerships between local authorities and operators to have a statutory basis. Where these arrangements have been shown to be unable to bring about satisfactory improvements to service levels and quality, legislation will allow for local authorities to introduce Quality Contracts to ensure provision.

  To help address the problems of traffic congestion and poor local air quality legislation will be brought forward to enable local authorities to introduce local road user charges and a levy on workplace parking as part of their Local Transport Strategy. An appropriate proportion of the net revenues raised would be available for authorities to invest in value for money improvements to the local transport network, increasing opportunities and choice. We will consult on the details before any legislation is brought forward.

  Legislation on road use charging will be framed to allow for charging on motorways and trunk roads. We will establish a new Trunk Roads development budget to fund technical studies and other preparatory work to allow the legislation to be implemented as speedily as practically possible. Net revenues raised from any such charging could be used to help meet cost of improvements and upgrading to the network that might not otherwise have been affordable.

  We will assist the development of informal Regional Transport Partnerships to improve and co-ordinate transport planning across individual local authority boundaries. We will consult on the way forward for these
  562
  partnerships and on the role of the National Transport Forum at a Scotland level. We will also discuss with the National Transport Forum targets for measuring progress in delivering our agenda.

  The GB Strategic Rail Authority will be established with the Scottish Executive having a major influence over rail services in Scotland. The Authority will help deliver improvements in terms of fares and the quality and reliability of services. We are committed to improving the opportunities for rail freight.

  We will work with transport operators and user groups to produce a Scottish National Public Transport Timetable and to develop better through ticketing arrangements.

  We will commission a Scottish Airports and Air Service Study to contribute to the development of a UK airports policy. We will continue long-term support for operation and development of Caledonian MacBrayne ferries and secure the long-term provision of lifeline ferry services to Orkney and Shetland. We will bring forward legislation to extend Freight Facilities Grants to coastal shipping.

  We will develop a process to ensure that all new major policy initiatives or changes are consistent with our transport policy. We will also ensure that transport policy reflects policies on health promotion, on increased walking and cycling, on economic development and on social exclusion including exploring the scope to apply discounted fare schemes more widely.

  The proposals in the White Paper represent a first critical step in developing a transport system that covers peoples' transport needs across Scotland. It will begin a new chapter in the history of Scottish transport.

  Further Education
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish his report on the discharge of his duties for further education in Scotland as required under section 1 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992; and if he will make a statement. [52146]

  Mr. Dewar
  My Report on Further Education in Scotland for 1997 has been published today and has been laid before each House of Parliament.

  Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  The Report, entitled "Further Education in Scotland 1997: Report by the Secretary of State for Scotland" shows this Government's commitment to increasing participation in further education and providing opportunities for lifelong learning for all. We want to widen access to groups of people who are under-represented in the ranks of FE students, for instance by reason of age or social or economic background. Much has been achieved, with the figures for 1996–97, revealing for example, a marked increase in the number of students aged 25 or over. We are building on that progress.

  We want to see, through development of a strategic framework focusing on both access and collaboration, a situation in which colleges see each other as partners rather than rivals in the provision of FE, working together to plan to offer a balance of FE provision which better reflects both student and labour market demands.
  563
  Further Education is entering a new era. It is positioned at the cross-roads of both Scottish education and of many of the Government's key policies and initiatives. Big challenges lie ahead but the FE sector has always demonstrated its ability and determination to respond to such challenges. The new era was launched last week when I announced an additional £214m for FE over the next 3 years to address historic underfunding, stabilise the sector's financial position and support further increases in student numbers.

  My intention is to work with the FE colleges towards the shared objective of the opportunity of quality further education for all of Scotland's people, to enable them to fulfil their potential, not only contributing to but sharing in our future economic prosperity.

  Marine Dredging Licences
  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about progress on new procedures for the licensing of marine dredged minerals in Scotland. [52147]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The Government intend to introduce new regulations to license the extraction of minerals by marine dredging in Scotland by March 1999. The new procedures should make the process for obtaining licenses more open and efficient. The regulations will also address environmental concerns over the impact of dredging by implementing the requirements of EEC Directive 85/337/EEC (as amended by EC Directive 11/97/EEC) on Environmental Impact Assessment in so far as they apply to the extraction of minerals by marine dredging. There will be appropriate consultation on the provisions in due course.

  The decision to introduce the regulations by March 1999 means that it is no longer necessary to put in place an interim scheme to administer the very limited dredging activity that takes place in Scotland as was announced to the House on 17 December 1997, Official Report, column 212.

DEFENCE

  Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time military personnel are based at the Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury. [50549]

  Dr. Reid
  There are 104 full-time military personnel and 15 non-regular permanent staff currently based at Copthorne Barracks. There are in addition some 234 Territorial Army personnel based at the barracks.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury in each of the last three years. [50550]

  Dr. Reid
  The costs of Copthorne Barracks, including pay and related costs of units based there, were some £13.5 million in 1997–98. Comparable figures for the previous two years are not available but are estimated to have been of a similar order.

  Animal Experiments (Porton Down)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the animals subjected to experiments at Porton Down in each of the last five years died as a result of the experiments; and what happened to those animals that did not die. [50626]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 22 July 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your question about the number of animals which died as a result of experiments at Porton Down.
  A total of 44,913 procedures were carried out at the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency at Porton Down over the last five years. At the end the majority of the experiments, surviving animals were killed humanely using an approved method as specified in the project licence issued under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Information on the number of procedures resulting in the deaths of animals is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
  In 1990, a revision to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 required the number of procedures to be recorded rather than the number of animals involved. In most cases, the number of procedures equates to the number of animals. However, in some cases more than one procedure was carried out on a single animal. For example, during the last five years, a few horses and sheep were used to produce blood products and every blood sample taken was recorded as a procedure. These animals were not euthanised as part of the procedures. The number of procedures quoted above therefore overestimates the number of animals involved.
  I hope that this information is helpful.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what species and breeds of animals have been subjected to experiments in each of the last five years at Porton Down. [50638]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 22 July 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your letter about the species and breeds of animals used in experiments at Porton Down in each of the last five years.
  The species of animals used at the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector (CBD) of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency at Porton Down during the last five years (1993 to 1997), together with breeds commonly used, are shown in the table below:

  Species

  Breeds commonly used at CBD

  Goat1

  Guinea-pig

  Dunken Hartley

  Hamster2

  Syrian

  Horse3

  Macaque4

  Rhesus

  Marmoset

  Common

  Mouse

  Porton mouse, BALB/C, hybrids

  Pig

  Large White

  Rabbit

  New Zealand White, Dutch Belted

  Rat

  Porton Wistar

  Sheep

  Mules, cross breeds

  11997 only

  21996 and 1997

  31993 only

  41993, 1996 and 1997

  I hope that this information is helpful.565
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many animals have been subjected to experiments at Porton Down in each of the last five years. [50636]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 22 July 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your question about the number of animals involved in experiments in each of the last five years.
  The number of procedures conducted during each calendar year at the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency at Porton Down since 1993 are shown in the table below:

  Year

  Number of procedures

  1993

  6,697

  1994

  7,416

  1995

  8,747

  1996

  11,097

  1997

  10,956

  Total

  44,913

  In 1990, a revision to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 required the number of procedures to be recorded rather than the number of animals involved. In most cases, the number of procedures equates to the number of animals. However, in some cases more than one procedure was carried out on a single animal. For example, during the last five years, a few horses and sheep were used to produce blood products and every blood sample taken was recorded as a procedure. These animals were not euthanised as part of the procedures. The number of procedures quoted above therefore overestimates the number of animals involved.

  Fast Jet Pilots
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many fast jet pilots he estimates will leave on voluntary retirement before normal retirement age before EFA 2000 is in service; and if he will make a statement. [50839]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 16 July 1998]: The Eurofighter is scheduled to enter service in mid 2002.

  In the four financial years until then we estimate that the number of fast-jet pilots who will have left the RAF before the normal retirement age (55) will have been as follows:

  Point of exit during service career

  Forecast number1

  8 years service2

  15

  12 years service2

  25

  Age 38/16 years service2

  100

  Age 44/22 years service2

  5

  Premature Voluntary Release

  90

  Total

  235

  1Forecast rounded to nearest 5

  2Points at which an individual has the right to leave in accordance with his/her terms of service

  Specialist Procurement Services Agency
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Specialist Procurement Services Agency for the financial year 1998–99. [52202]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Chief Executive of the Specialist Procurement Services (SPS) Agency is responsible for providing cost forecasting and pricing advice, quality assurance surveillance and asset accounting services to the Ministry of Defence as defined within the Agency Framework Document. During 1998–99 the SPS will be set the following key targets:

  1. 20 per cent. improvement in SPS services identified by customers;

  2. 90 per cent. of SPS reports delivered within dates agreed with customers;

  3. Asset Accounting centre to audit:

  a. 96 per cent. of core accounts within the 12 month period;

  b. 100 per cent. of major accounts over the three year period;

  4. Cost forecasting advice will be available to 93 per cent. of Category A and B equipment projects, as agreed within the agreed MOD Equipment Approval Committee programme.

  Disposal Sales Agency
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Disposal Sales Agency for the financial year 1998–99. [52203]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Disposal Sales Agency was established as an agency within the Ministry of Defence on 1 October 1994. Its role is to provide a disposal sales service for surplus equipment stores, spares and other material belonging to the Ministry of Defence and other public sector organisations.

  The Chief Executive of the Agency has been set the following key targets for the financial year 1998–89:

  1. To achieve disposal sales income of £30M from Government to Government sales of surplus capital equipment and stores.

  2. To achieve disposal sales income of £30M from commercial sales of MOD's surplus items.

  3. To extend the Agency's disposal services to other public sector organisations and to secure an additional £1M of sales income as a result.

  4. To develop, contract for, and introduce new IT systems by 31 March 1999, taking account of the Year 2000 requirements for equipment and software.

  5. To put in place the mechanisms fully to test the level of customer satisfaction for the Agency's services, and those services provided by its appointed contractors.

  6. To reduce the unit cost of generating £1M of sales to £65,000 from a baseline figure of £90,500 achieved in 1994–95.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Export Licences
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for licences for the export of(a) paramilitary, (b) security and (c) police equipment to Ethiopia have been (i) granted, (ii) refused and (iii) revoked, (1) between February 1995 and May 1997 inclusive and (2) since May 1997; and what was the export licence category in each case. [50584]
  567
  Mrs. Roche
  The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the following results were obtained. Between 1 February 1995 and 1 May 1997, 19 Individual Export Licences were issued covering the export to consignees or end-users in Ethiopia of goods subject to export control by being listed in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, the so-called Military List: 18 Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) and one Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL). Between 2 May 1997 and 19 June 1998, 2 SIELs were issued covering the export to consignees or end-users in Ethiopia of goods subject to export control by being listed in the Military List. In the same period, no OIELs covering such exports were issued.

  No SIELs or OIELs covering such exports were revoked and no applications for SIELs or OIELs covering such exports were refused in either period.

  The entry in the relevant legislation under which the export of goods is controlled is known as their rating. Individual licences may cover a range of goods with various ratings. Where this is so, the licence is included in the table in the total for all of the relevant ratings.

  Individual Export Licences issued between 1 February 1995 and 9 June 1998 covering the export to Ethiopia of goods on the Military List

  Rating

  Number of SIELs issued between 1 February 1995 1 May 1997 covering goods with this rating

  Number of OIELs issued between 1 February 1995 and 1 May 1997 covering goods with this rating

  Number of SIELs issued between 2 May 1997 and 19 June 1998 covering goods with this rating

  ML6

  5

  0

  0

  ML10

  2

  0

  0

  ML11

  9

  1

  2

  ML22

  0

  0

  1

  PL5017

  1

  0

  0

  PL5027

  1

  0

  0

  This information does not cover any Media OIELs that may have been issued during this period. Media OIELs authorise the export to all destinations of protective clothing, mainly for the protection of aid agency workers and journalists, when working in areas of conflict.

  This information should be considered in light of my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

  It is not possible to break down these data in the manner requested as the equipment covered by many entries in the Military List could be used by military, paramilitary or police end-users.

  In addition, goods on the Military List may have been exported to Ethiopia under certain Open General Export Licences; copies of all Open General Export Licences valid at any time during the period are in the Library of the House.

  Eurostar
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the competition issues arising from the equity participation by British Airways in Eurostar. [51289]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has announced, London and Continental Railways (LCR) will retain ownership of Eurostar (UK) Ltd. (EUKL)—the UK arm of the Eurostar international passenger train service. LCR will award a management contract to operate EUKL to a consortium comprising National Express Group, the national railways of France and Belgium, and British Airways. Those arrangements, details of which have yet to be settled, will be considered by the relevant competition authorities. In the first instance, it will be for the Director General of Fair Trading to consider whether those arrangements may give rise to a qualifying merger under the Fair Trading Act 1973.

  Post Office
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total value of receipts from the sale of surplus assets by the Post Office in(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [51579]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 20 July 1998]: I understand from the Post Office that the total proceeds received from sales of property were £40 million in 1995–96, £42 million in 1996–97, and £23 million in 1997–98.

  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the total estimated value of Post Office surplus properties currently on the market. [51576]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: I understand from the Post Office that the total estimated value of their freehold properties currently on the market is £4 million. This excludes property under offer or on which contracts have been exchanged.

  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many potential purchasers of Post Office surplus properties who subsequently defaulted on the contract to buy were subject to legal action by the Post Office in 1996–97. [51578]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: I understand from the Post Office that there have been no such cases.

  Aerospace Industry (Lancashire)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the aerospace sector in Lancashire. [51629]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: The Government are aware of the major economic importance of the aerospace industry for Lancashire, and for the North-West region more generally. This region is the largest single centre of UK aerospace activity, supporting 60,000 jobs. The Government work closely with the Consortium of Lancashire Aerospace to enhance this sector's competitiveness further.

  Inventions, Designs and Trade Marks Protection
  Ms Corston
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has for assisting business in protecting its inventions, designs and trademarks. [52150]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I am delighted to announce that I have today caused three Statutory Instruments to be laid which, subject to Parliamentary approval, will from 1 October 1998 substantially reduce the fees charged by the Patent Office in connection with patents, trade marks and registered designs. These reductions, coupled with others connected with international trade marks being introduced administratively, will in a full year amount to some £12 million, equal to 20 per cent. of the Office's present income from fees. The reductions have been made possible by major improvements in quality of service and substantial cost savings achieved by the Patent Office since its relocation to Wales in 1991. A number of fees are to be abolished altogether and this will be a major benefit in particular to small firms and private individuals. In addition we are reducing renewal fees on granted patents by an average of 18 per cent. with larger reductions in the earlier years when the full commercial potential of an invention may not have been realised.

  This is a significant contribution to enhancing the competitiveness of British Industry and commerce and is very good news for all users of the Patent Office, especially small and medium-sized firms.

  Competitiveness White Paper
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects to publish her Department's Competitiveness White Paper. [50226]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The White Paper will be published in the Autumn.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what were the results of the consultation on the Working Time Directive in respect of the inclusion of an explanatory code for the definition of working time; and if she will make a statement; [51637]

  (2) if she will include, within the legislation for the Working Time Directive, provision for an explanatory code for the definition of working time. [51636]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  A number of respondents to the consultation exercise asked for further guidance on the definition of working time. This will be provided in the guidance that we intend to publish during the Summer.

  Export Explorer Programme
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress she has made in setting up the Export Explorer programme; what assessment she has made of its value to small businesses; and if she will make a statement. [50227]

  Mrs. Roche
  A full programme of Export Explorer visits is planned from September to March 1999, and will be run in conjunction with Business Links, trade associations, and other business support agencies. The
  570
  pilot stage of the programme has demonstrated that the Export Explorer is welcomed by business, and can play an important part in helping small and medium enterprises to develop their international potential.

HEALTH

  Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will announce the Government's response to the Third report of the Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement. [52151]

  Mr. Milburn
  I am very pleased to tell the House that the Government accept the main recommendation of the Third Report of the Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee (MWSAC), that the annual intake of medical students in the United Kingdom should be increased by about 1,000.

  The Government intend to phase the increase, so that approximately 5,450 students will be admitted by the year 2001 and approximately 6,000 will be admitted by 2005. This will allow the expansion in facilities dedicated to medical education to take place in a planned and orderly manner, and will allow the increase to be reviewed over time, in the light of other work on medical productivity, the recruitment and retention of doctors, and more generally, the future role of doctors and other professionals.

  In parallel with the phased increase, the Government will seek to engage the medical profession and others in discussions about the future shape of the healthcare workforce, including such issues as productivity and skill substitution, and the implications for education and training.

  The full response to the MWSAC recommendations has been placed in the Library.

  NHS Ambulance Trusts
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment his Department has made of the age of ambulances in United Kingdom NHS ambulance trusts; and if he will publish the results. [51802]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Department recently conducted an informal assessment of the age of accident and emergency vehicles in National Health Service ambulance trusts in England. When the information is analysed, copies of the results will be placed in the Library.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Teacher Training Courses
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many teacher training courses have been withdrawn, or have suspended recruitment, broken down by subject, for 1998 starts. [51820]
  571
  Ms Estelle Morris
  The following providers will be ceasing to offer the following courses to prospective students from September 1998:

  Greenwich University—history, mathematics, English, religious studies, information technology, modern foreign languages, business and information technology and science

  King Alfred's College Winchester—design and technology

  North East Essex Coastal Confederation—geography

  Nene College—mathematics, English, science and geography

  Loughborough University of Technology—design and technology.

  The following providers have temporarily suspended recruitment for all the subjects they offer; these are:
  Douay Martyrs Consortium—history, geography, English, mathematics, modern foreign languages, science and religious education courses
  East Midlands Initial Teacher Training—design and technology, mathematics and science courses.

  School Inspections
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what differences there are in the criteria he expects OFSTED to use in assessing EBD and non-EBD schools. [51633]

  Mr. Byers
  This is a matter for OFSTED. I have asked HM Chief Inspector, Chris Woodhead, to write to my hon. Friend and to place a copy of his letter in the Library.

  Internet
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those private and public organisations involved in UK Net Year; how many schools have so far been connected to the Internet in 1998; and if he will make a statement. [51313]

  Dr. Howells
  UK Net Year is a private sector initiative developed and funded by industry. Details of the organisations involved with the initiative can be found on its website, at http://www.uknetyear.org.

  The Department will publish towards the end of this year the results of a survey of ICT in provision in schools which will indicate how many schools were connected to the Internet by March 1998. Subsequent annual surveys will indicate the change in growth of schools with such connections.

WALES

  Car Costs
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the costs of running a car in the rural parts of Wales. [50277]

  Mr. Hain
  Responses to the consultation exercise launched last year on the development of an integrated transport policy included a number relating to the interests of rural areas.

  Primary Schools
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on funding for primary schools from September. [50278]
  572
  Mr. Hain
  It is for individual local authorities to decide on their budgets for primary schools and to support schools in improving standards year by year. Resources are distributed in accordance with each authority's local management of schools scheme. We have provided an additional £50 million for revenue funding for all schools in 1998–99 plus £3.7 million to fund an additional 278 infant class teachers from September 1998.

  Education Funding
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the current level of funding for education per pupil(a) in Denbighshire and (b) in Wales as a whole. [50279]

  Mr. Hain
  Estimated net current expenditure per pupil for 1998–99 is £2,331 in Denbighshire and £2,433 in Wales. It is for each authority to decide on funding for individual services; taking account in the case of schools of the priority we attach to driving up standards and securing improved outcomes for all pupils.

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the impact of the comprehensive public expenditure review upon the budget and activities of the Welsh Development Agency. [50280]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  On 14 July, I announced an additional £2.2 billion to the Welsh budget over the next three years. A consultation paper will be issued in September inviting views on the detailed allocations within the Welsh budget; decisions will be announced later in the year.

  Cardiology Services
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to develop paediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery services in Wales. [50281]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  We are committed to the provision of high quality cardiac services for the children of Wales. The Department, in consultation with the health authorities, is currently considering the maintenance and development of the service.

  Secondary Schools
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning class sizes in secondary schools in Wales. [50282]

  Mr. Hain
  None.

  NHS Hospitals
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will review his plans for(a) NHS hospitals and (b) NHS staffing, following the comprehensive spending review. [50283]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Following the Government's Spending Review announcement, my right hon. Friend announced, on 17 July 1998, over £1 billion over the next three years for the NHS in Wales. We shall consult in September on the detailed allocations for the three years ahead.

  Drug Rehabilitation
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to increase access to drug rehabilitation programmes in Wales. [50284]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Access to drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes is primarily a matter for local authorities and health authorities as the main purchasers of these services on behalf of individual clients. In the light of concern about the level of referrals by purchasers to residential rehabilitation services in Wales, the Department has commissioned an independent review of purchasing requirements for, and the provision of, drug and alcohol residential and community facilities in Wales. A report of the outcomes of this review should be available in September. In the meantime, the Department provides direct funding in support of voluntary organisations which provide residential facilities offering treatment and rehabilitation to those misusing drugs and alcohol.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which parts of the Principality he expects to have their status altered as regards EU structural funds. [50285]

  Mr. Hain
  The Commission's draft regulations for the Structural and Cohesion Funds which are part of the Agenda 2000 package were published on the 18 March 1998. The Regulations must now be agreed by all fifteen Member States and approved where appropriate by the European Parliament.

  Our overriding concern in the long negotiations ahead is to ensure that these draft Regulations are fair, affordable and durable, particularly to the UK and its regions. We do not expect the Regulations for the Structural and Cohesion Funds to be adopted until early 1999. It would therefore be premature to speculate on which areas might qualify or on the amount of any aid which they might receive once the new Regulations come into effect.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many schools currently have class sizes of over 30 for five, six and seven-year-olds; and how many will have such class sizes after September. [50286]

  Mr. Hain
  In September 1997 there were 563 schools with 1,063 infant classes of over 30 children. School census data for January 1998 will be available shortly. Grants totalling £3.7 million for 1998–99 have been awarded to 280 schools, mainly for additional teachers. This will reduce the number of infant classes with over 30 children by 683. Information on the number of schools with infant class sizes of over 30 in the 1998–99 school year will be collected by the January 1999 School Census.

  Economic Strategy
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the economic strategy for Wales "Pathways to Prosperity", which was published on 7 July. [50288]
  574
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the economic strategy for Wales published in early July. [50292]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  "Pathway to Prosperity—A New Economic Agenda for Wales" represents an important first step in addressing the economic challenges which face Wales. I was most grateful for the opportunity to debate its contents in the meeting of the Welsh Grand Committee which took place on 13 July 1998.

  Welsh Assembly
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the level of staff and office salaries and allowances for the National Assembly for Wales. [50290]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The National Assembly Advisory Group has considered the issue of support for Members in its consultation paper, "The National Assembly for Wales: Have your Say On How It Will Work" a copy of which is in the Library of the House, but have not addressed the levels of staffing support, salaries and allowances for Members. The Group will make its final recommendations to me in due course. I have not received any other representations on members' support staff or associated costs.

  I have asked the Senior Salaries Review Body to consider the salaries and initial allowances to be paid to enable Members of the National Assembly to carry out their duties effectively; I expect that it will report its recommendations to me early next year.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the implications of the minimum wage for employees in Wales. [50291]

  Mr. Hain
  I have received 27 representations concerning the implications of the minimum wage for employees in Wales.

  Hill Farming
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on hill farming incomes in Wales. [50293]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  In 1996–97 average net farm incomes for cattle and sheep farms in the Welsh Less Favoured Areas fell by 22 per cent. compared with the previous year, to £14,300. In 1997–98 they are forecast to fall by just over 40 per cent. compared with 1996–97, to £8,500. The Government recognise the seriousness of the situation and has taken significant steps to help livestock farmers.

  Farmers (Financial Aid)
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning future financial aid for farmers in Wales. [50294]
  575
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  My right hon. Friend and I have received a considerable number of representations, both written and oral, in respect of future financial aid for farmers in Wales. We are fully aware of the problems facing farmers and are keeping the matter under review.

  Further Education
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his strategy for further education in Wales. [50295]

  Mr. Hain
  My strategy for further education in Wales is inextricably linked to our lifelong learning proposals set out in our Green Paper 'Learning Is For Everyone' (LIFE), on which we are consulting. Together, the outcome of the LIFE consultation and the work of the Education and Training Action Group (ETAG) will help shape the future of post-16 learning in Wales.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what inward investment in Wales has been announced since May 1997. [50296]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  Since this Government came into office, 145 inward investment projects have been recorded for Wales promising almost 10,000 new jobs, over 4,000 safeguarded jobs and capital investment of over £660 million.

  Methadone
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to reduce the number of deaths from methadone in Wales. [50289]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Methadone can be obtained only on prescription. The North Wales Health Authority operates a project where the administration of the drug is supervised by the pharmacists. The Dyfed Powys Health Authority will shortly embark upon a similar scheme which, in common with the North Wales Health Authority scheme, will promote the need for care amongst misusers 0and encourage close working between health professionals and other agencies. The results will be evaluated and, if successful, consideration will be given to applying the projects in other parts of Wales.

  Health Service Deficit
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the aggregate net deficit of the Welsh

  Proposed trust

  Unitary authority areas served

  Population (mid 1996)

  Total estimated expenditure1£000

  Conwy and Denbighshire

  Conwy/Denbighshire

  202,800

  106,432

  North East Wales

  Flintshire/Wrexham

  268,200

  101,379

  North West Wales

  Gwynedd/Isle of Anglesey

  184,800

  115,295

  Carmarthen

  Carmarthenshire

  169,100

  81,363

  Canolbarth Cymru

  Ceredigion/Powys

  194,000

  72,573

  Bro Morgannwg

  Neath Port Talbot/Bridgend

  269,500

  161,101

  Swansea

  Swansea

  230,200

  173,294

  Pontypridd and Rhondda

  Rhondda Cynon Taf (Part)

  2240,100

  86,130

  South Bro Taf Community

  Cardiff/Vale of Glamorgan

  434,400

  75,548

  576
  health authorities and hospital trusts on 31 March; and what estimate he has made of the likely aggregate net deficit on 31 March 1999. [51232]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The net deficit of the Welsh health bodies for 31 March 1998 and forecast position for 31 March 1999 is as follows:

  £ million

  Cumulative position as at 31 March 1997

  1,2Deficit 1997–98

  3Forecast deficits 1998–99

  Health authorities

  (14)

  (10)

  (12)

  NHS trusts

  1

  (9)

  (23)

  11997–98 Unaudited Annual accounts of health authorities and NHS trusts in Wales. These figures should be treated as provisional

  2Health Authorities are not under a duty to remain in balance in income and expenditure terms but must remain within their cash limit. No health authority breached its cash limit in 1997–98

  3Figures are estimates provided by health authorities and NHS trusts in Wales

  The 26 trusts are forecasting a total end of year deficit of £23 million in their financial returns for May 1998. The prospective health authority deficits for the current year are subject to review but may be in the region of £12 million. These forecasts are, in some instances, prior to formal contracts having been signed between the trusts and their main commissioners for 1998–99. Additionally, these estimates are before any financial support which may be offered by the Welsh Office has been taken into account.

  Health Economists
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many health economists are employed by each health authority in Wales. [51195]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Only North Wales Health Authority employs a health economist; it is a joint appointment with the University of Wales, Bangor.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the estimated total expenditure in its first year of operation and the population to be served by each proposed new NHS trust in Wales. [51197]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  While recognising that trusts do not operate within artificial boundaries, the main areas and population and estimated expenditure for each of the proposed new trusts, if approved, are shown on the following table.
  577

  Proposed trust

  Unitary authority areas served

  Population (mid 1996)

  Total estimated expenditure1£000

  University Hospital of Wales and Llandough Hospital

  Cardiff/Vale of Glamorgan

  Included in figure above

  237,309

  Gwent Healthcare

  Blaenau Gwent/Torfaen/Newport/Caerphilly/Monmouthshire

  556,200

  232,057

  1Included Cynon Valley population served by North Glamorgan NHS Trust

  2Includes Cynon Valley population served by North Glamorgan NHS Trust

  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what cost-benefit analysis was undertaken prior to the proposal to establish a single NHS trust for Gwent; and if he will publish that analysis. [51196]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Gwent Health Authority undertook a review, between October 1997 and January 1998, of the current configuration of NHS trusts within its area, including informal local consultation with all interested parties and an analysis of all the possible options for change. Final recommendations were submitted to me in February 1998 and a copy of the Gwent Health Authority's report is being placed in the Library of the House. Further details about Gwent Health Authority's recommendations can be obtained from its Chief Executive.

  Nursery Places
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on progress in Wales in the provision of nursery and pre-school places under his childcare strategy. [51211]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I am giving careful consideration to the early years development plans for 1998–99 submitted by Welsh local authorities. From 1 September an early years education place should be available to all four year olds whose parents want one. The Government's objective for future years is to increase the level of provision available to three-year-olds through a combination of local authority, private and voluntary sector settings. The additional resources I announced for education on 15 July will have a part to play in this.

  We are also making resources available under the National Childcare Strategy in Wales to ensure that all providers of nursery and pre-school care are able to play their part in meeting our objectives for child care and early education. In 1998–99 £50,000 will be available for good pre-school playgroups which are threatened with closure. And we will make available £250,000 to ensure that child care provision can expand to complement early years education places for four-year-olds. Details of how this money will be made available will be announced shortly.

  Strategic Development (Powys)
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for future Government funding for the strategic development scheme in Powys; and if he will make a statement. [51027]

  Mr. Hain
  The Welsh Office, in consultation with the Welsh Local Government Association and other groups, is reviewing the arrangements for delegated Strategic 578
  Development Scheme funding to local authorities. This review will help inform the Secretary of State's expenditure decisions later in the year.

  Comprehensive Spending Review
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to the Comprehensive Spending Review, if he will list the assets to be sold over the next three years by the Welsh Office and the National Assembly for Wales. [51469]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  There are many properties which will be offered for disposal over the next three years. The majority are health service assets and these are listed. Following the merger of the Welsh Development Agency (WDA), Development Board for Rural Wales and the Land Authority for Wales we will receive detailed proposals about accommodation arrangements and these might involve a rationalisation of existing accommodation. Non-Departmental Public Bodies such as the WDA will continue to dispose of sites when appropriate.

  Proposed health service property disposals 1998–001

  Health authority

  Property

  Bro Taf

  Gellideg Clinic

  Bro Taf

  1 Nevill Street

  Bro Taf

  Prince of Wales, Rhydlafar

  Bro Taf

  Ely Hospital

  Bro Taf

  St. Davids Hospital

  Bro Taf

  Lansdowne Hospital

  Dyfed Powys

  Old Fishguard Ambulance Station

  Dyfed Powys

  Land at Cross Hands

  Dyfed Powys

  Priority Street Hospital

  Dyfed Powys

  North Road Hospital, Aberystwyth

  Dyfed Powys

  Llys Maldwyn

  Dyfed Powys

  Mid Wales Hospital

  Dyfed Powys

  St. Davids, Carmarthen

  Gwent

  Land adjacent to Brynmawr Clinic

  Gwent

  Former Maes-y-Cwmer Clinic site

  Gwent

  Former Bargoed Ambulance Station

  Gwent

  Land at Griffithstown

  Gwent

  Pontypool and District Hospital

  Gwent

  Penyfai Hospital

  Gwent

  Llanfrechfa Grange (part)

  Gwent

  Ebbw Vale Hospital

  Gwent

  Land at Blackwood

  Gwent

  15 Lodge Road, Caerleon

  Morganwg

  Varteg Radio Mast

  Morganwg

  Garth Mor, Neath

  Morganwg

  Bridgend General Hospital

  North Wales

  Land at Penrhos Cottage

  North Wales

  Priory Clinic

  North Wales

  Broughton Hospital

  North Wales

  Beaumaris Clinic

  579

  Proposed health service property disposals 1998–2001

  Health authority

  Property

  North Wales

  Llwyn View

  North Wales

  Groesynyd

  North Wales

  Blackgridge site

  North Wales

  Valley Hospital

  North Wales

  Druid Hospital, Llangefni

  North Wales

  St. David's Hospital site

  North Wales

  North Wales Hospital

  North Wales

  Bala Ambulance Station

  North Wales

  Dolgarrog Health Centre

  North Wales

  12 Cae Cilmelyn

  North Wales

  Land at Cefni

  North Wales

  Brynyneuadd Farm

  WHCSA

  Garngoch Stores

  WHCSA

  Whitchurch Stores

  All Wales Ambulance Trust
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what salary will be payable to the new Chief Executive of the All Wales Ambulance Trust. [51417]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The salary will be c£70,000, plus car allowance of £4,000.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for(a) his Department and (b) bodies listed in the National Asset Register, how many vehicles are currently (i) owned and (ii) leased; if he will indicate their (A) fuel types and (B) engine cubic capacities; and how many vehicles are expected to fall due for replacement in each of the years (1) 1998–99, (2) 1999–2000 and (3) 2000–01. [49232]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  [holding answer 6 July 1998]: My Department owns 41 vehicles and leases 16 others. Of these, eight run on unleaded petrol and 49 on diesel.

  Engine size (cc)

  Number of vehicles

  1300

  1

  1400

  1

  1600

  1

  1700

  2

  1800

  6

  2000

  2

  2500

  10

  3900

  1

  4000

  7

  4400

  1

  7000

  1

  12000

  22

  Scheduled replacements:

  1998–1999: 1

  1999–2000: 4

  2000–2001: 3.

  The information for (b) is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Clinical Standards
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the development of clinical standards in Wales. [50273]
  580
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Measures to improve clinical standards in Wales were set out at the beginning of this year in the White Paper "Putting Patients First". We will shortly be publishing a consultation paper detailing proposals for raising the quality of care and ensuring consistently high standards of clinical excellence. We will do this in partnership with the Royal Colleges and other professional bodies and draw on the work of the Clinical Effectiveness Initiative over the last three years.

  Health Care Staff
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps are being taken to protect staff against violence in health care premises in Wales; and what steps are being taken to make occupational health services available to staff in primary care in Wales. [51586]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Tackling violence is one of the main human resource management priorities for the NHS and research is currently being undertaken to identify good practice examples of ways in which violence against staff working in the community can be reduced. This will form the basis of guidance to be issued shortly. Occupational health in primary care is a matter for general practitioners but some health authorities are exploring ways of setting up a service on a local basis.

  Occupational Health
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which NHS trusts in Wales have access to an occupational health service; and which of those services are led by a consultant in occupational health. [51587]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  All NHS trusts in Wales have access to an occupational health service. Nineteen of the NHS trusts provide their own occupational health service and the remainder contract with other healthcare providers. Of those that have their own occupational health service, ten have direct consultant input and of the remainder four have a Senior Clinical Medical Officer who is fully trained and on the Specialist Register of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine.

  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many and what percentage of NHS staff in Wales have access to an occupational health service. [51588]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  100 per cent. of hospital and community based staff have access to an occupational health service, but no information is collected for staff employed in primary care.

  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps are being taken to ensure that the guidance, Occupational Health Services for NHS Staff (94)51, is being implemented in each NHS trust in Wales. [51589]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The guidance is not routinely monitored since it is a matter for NHS trusts as employers to ensure that their statutory duties are fulfilled. However, the Department has recently completed a survey and the results will be discussed with trusts over the next few months.

  NHS Trusts (Health and Safety)
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if health care purchasers are required to stipulate health and safety performance standards in their contracts with NHS trusts. [51590]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Health care purchasers are not required to stipulate health and safety performance standards in their contracts with NHS trusts.

  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what duties the NHS Executive has to ensure that Welsh trusts meet the provisions of health and safety legislation. [51591]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The NHS Executive is a part of the Department of Health and has no such remit in Wales. It is the duty of individual trusts to comply with Health and Safety legislation.

  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps the NHS Executive is taking to monitor compliance with health and safety legislation by NHS trusts in Wales. [51592]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The NHS Executive is a part of the Department of Health and has no such remit in Wales. The Health and Safety Executive monitor and enforce compliance by all employers, including NHS trusts.

  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if NHS trusts are required to include reports on their health and safety record in their annual reports. [51593]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  NHS trusts have been asked to provide such information in their Annual Reports for 1997/98.

  NHS Employees (Early Retirement)
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many NHS employees in Wales have retired early on health grounds in each of the last five years. [51584]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  This information is kept by the NHS Pensions Agency but not in the form requested. Information on retirements of all types has been kept on a geographical basis only since April 1997. The figures prior to that date could be obtained only at disproportionate costs and, because of changes to Health Authorities and NHS trusts within that time the Agency could not guarantee their accuracy. In addition, not all NHS employees are in the NHS Pension Scheme and no data are held centrally for these staff.

  However, I will write to my hon. Friend setting out the information from April 1997 as soon as possible, and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

TREASURY

  Government Policies
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the projects undertaken by his Department since 1 May 1997 to research public reaction to(a) Government policies and (b) potential new policies; and if he will place the results of the research in the Library. [46685]
  582
  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  [holding answer 30 June 1998]: In line with the practice of successive Administrations, the Chancellor's Departments routinely consult the public, interested parties and client groups by way of consultation papers, White Papers and a variety of other avenues on a wide range of policies and proposed legislation. My reply is therefore confined to research studies into public reaction to Government policy or potential new policies.

  The projects funded by the Chancellor's Departments since 1 May 1997 to research public reaction to Government policies and potential new policies are as follows:
  Self Assessment for tax public information campaign:
  To track levels of awareness and understanding of SA; to monitor understanding of the help available from the Inland Revenue to cope with the new system; and developmental research into elements of the campaign.
  SA Budget Payment Plans:
  Research into taxpayer views on payment methods.
  Two alcohol and tobacco smuggling surveys:
  To measure public perception and understanding of smuggling; and to assess the potential effectiveness of anti-smuggling publicity strategy proposals.

  The results of these surveys have been placed in the Library.

  I also refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr. Gibb) on 19 May 1998, Official Report, column 303, and for East Worthing and Shoreham (Mr. Loughton) on 1 July 1998 Official Report, column 181, concerning research into presentational aspects of the individual savings account and the working families tax credit and into various surveys of PEP/TESSA holders.

  Pensions
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for assistance in future years for retired people in respect of their fuel bills. [49284]

  Mr. Darling
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security announced to the House on 17 July 1998,Official Report, columns 703–05, Winter Fuel Bonuses of £20 for every pensioner household in the country will be paid from next year. These are in addition to Cold Weather Payments, which will continue to be paid at the rate of £8.50 a week during periods of cold weather to pensioners receiving Income Support.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters per day his office receives; how many staff are employed to answer these; what targets are set in respect of such letters; and what is the current performance against targets. [50677]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 363.

  Credit Unions
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many United Kingdom citizens were members of a credit union for each of the last 10 years. [50890]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The membership of credit unions registered in the United Kingdom was:

  Year

  Members

  1988

  166,013

  1989

  182,531

  1990

  205,534

  1991

  230,027

  1992

  262,655

  1993

  300,677

  1994

  348,800

  1995

  390,019

  1996

  439,726

  1997

  1474,801

  1Provisional

  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount invested with credit unions for each of the last 10 years. [50888]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The total share capital of credit unions registered in the United Kingdom was:

  £000

  Total UK shareholding

  1988

  66,240

  1989

  76,361

  1990

  88,997

  1991

  104,851

  1992

  128,612

  1993

  163,639

  1994

  211,465

  1995

  263,204

  1996

  319,886

  1997

  1375,861

  1Provisional

  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many credit unions were registered for each of the last 10 years. [50889]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The total number of credit unions on the Registers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland was as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1988

  250

  1989

  314

  1990

  397

  1991

  455

  1992

  516

  1993

  573

  1994

  627

  1995

  686

  1996

  715

  1997

  766

  Public-private Partnerships
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from 584
  (a) the Accountancy Standards Bureau and (b) others about the treatment of public-private partnerships in the national accounts. [51511]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 22 July 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on the national accounts.
  There have been no representations received by the Accountancy Standards Bureau or others regarding the treatment of public-private partnerships in the national accounts.

  Wage Increases
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the quarter-on-quarter increases in wage rates in the private sector, expressed as a percentage of increases in the public sector for each quarter since 1995. [51423]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 20 July 1998]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Tim Boswell, dated 22 July 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on increases in wage rates in the private and public sectors.
  I have provided available information, calculated from the monthly Average Earnings Index (AEI), in the attached table. It should be noted that the AEI is a measure of change in gross earnings per head and does not directly measure wage rates. Furthermore, it takes no account of changes in average hours worked, changes in the balance between full-time and part-time employees, nor changes in the proportion of high and low paid employees.

  Average earnings index, seasonally adjusted 1990 = 100

  Quarter on quarter increase

  Private Sector

  Public Sector

  Private sector increase as a % of public sector increase

  March 1995

  0.9

  0.6

  158

  June 1995

  1.1

  0.5

  227

  September 1995

  0.7

  0.6

  112

  December 1995

  1.0

  0.6

  155

  March 1996

  1.0

  0.8

  121

  June 1996

  1.2

  0.7

  173

  September 1996

  1.2

  0.3

  398

  December 1996

  1.1

  1.1

  103

  March 1997

  1.5

  0.4

  360

  June 1997

  0.7

  0.7

  101

  September 1997

  1.3

  0.8

  168

  December 1997

  1.6

  0.8

  206

  March 1998

  2.0

  0.3

  654

  Notes:

  Data are rounded to one decimal place

  These estimates do not directly measure wage rates. Growth rates can be affected by changes in average hours worked, in the balance between full-time and part-time workers, and in the proportion of high and low paid workers.

  Charities
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received regarding the review of tax treatment for charities. [51656]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There has been an excellent response to the first phase of the Review of Charities' Taxation. Over 3,000 letters were received.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes have been considered as part of the review of the tax treatment of charities. [51725]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Over 3,000 responses were received to the first phase of the Review of Charities' Taxation. All these contributions are currently being analysed and will inform a public consultation document.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes have been proposed in the review of the tax treatment of charities; and if he will make a statement. [51726]

  Accounting and other adjustments in table A2 of the Comprehensive Spending Review

  £ billion

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2000–02

  1 Non-trading capital consumption

  3.3

  3.3

  3.5

  3.7

  3.9

  4.3

  4.4

  4.6

  4.8

  2 VAT refunds

  3.5

  4.6

  4.8

  4.8

  4.9

  4.9

  5.1

  5.4

  5.6

  3 Pension increase payments

  1.4

  1.4

  1.4

  1.6

  1.7

  1.8

  1.8

  1.9

  2.0

  4 Superannuation charges

  1.7

  1.8

  1.9

  2.3

  2.3

  2.4

  2.5

  2.5

  2.6

  5 Income tax credits

  0.4

  0.3

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  1.3

  4.1

  4.5

  6 Other spending in AME

  0.0

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.2

  0.2

  7 Adjustments for Public Corporations

  2.1

  2.3

  2.6

  1.6

  3.0

  3.3

  3.6

  3.9

  4.2

  8 Intra-public sector debt interest

  -2.6

  -2.2

  -2.4

  -2.3

  -2.4

  -2.2

  -2.1

  -2.1

  -2.0

  9 Capital transfer receipts

  -0.2

  -0.1

  -0.2

  -0.2

  -0.2

  -0.2

  -0.2

  -0.2

  -0.2

  10 Financial transactions in DEL and AME

  -0.5

  0.7

  1.8

  1.8

  -0.2

  -0.9

  -1.0

  -1.4

  -1.6

  11 Other accounting adjustments

  -0.6

  -0.2

  0.0

  -0.4

  0.4

  -0.3

  -0.2

  -0.1

  -0.1

  Total

  8.6

  12.1

  13.8

  13.2

  13.7

  13.4

  15.3

  18.8

  20.0

  Notes:

  1. Adds the value of general government non-trading capital consumption

  2. Removes the deduction of VAT refunded to central government departments and local government. Departmental Expenditure Limits and Annually Managed Expenditure programme expenditure is measured net of these refunds, while Total Managed Expenditure is recorded including the VAT paid. Adds VAT refunded to NHS trusts, BBC and ITN in respect of contracted out services for non-business purposes. Also adds VAT refunds to DIY housebuilders

  3. Adds the pension increase elements of the pensions paid to members of the teachers and National Health Service superannuation schemes

  4. Deducts the accruing superannuation liability charges for the civil service, armed forces and security and intelligence services superannuation schemes, and adds pensions in payment

  5. Adds income tax credits which score as public expenditure under current national accounting conventions—largely payments to non-taxpayers. Includes parts of Mortgage Interest Relief, Life Assurance Premium Relief, and (from 1999–2000) Working Families' Tax Credit and Disabled Persons' Tax Credit

  6. Includes the Valuation Office and Financial Services Authority

  7. Accounting adjustments to move to a national accounts basis for scoring public corporations current and capital spending; adds capital expenditure and debt interest payments outside the public sector and removes capital grants from general government

  8. Removes intra-public sector debt interest and dividend payments and receipts which are included elsewhere in Departmental Expenditure Limits and Annually Managed Expenditure

  9. Deducts public sector capital transfer receipts, which are netted off in Total Managed Expenditure

  10. Deducts those financial transactions which are scored in Departmental Expenditure Limits and Annually Managed Expenditure

  11. Other adjustments include, amongst others, the deduction of grants paid to local authorities by non-departmental public bodies classified to the central government sector and the inclusion of licence fees and visa receipts netted off in Departmental Expenditure Limits

  National Savings
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment his Department has made of the performance of EDS and Siemens Business Services in public sector outsourcing contracts; [51439]
  586
  Dawn Primarolo
  No changes have yet been proposed by the Review of Charities' Taxation. Decisions on the scope for change will be taken following a public consultation exercise, due to start later this year.

  Comprehensive Spending Review
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide an analysis of the figures used under Accounting and other adjustments on page 107 of the Comprehensive Spending Review report in each of the years listed in Table A2. [51475]

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement explaining the component parts of the entry entitled Accounting and other adjustments in Table 2 of the Comprehensive Spending Review, Cm. 4011, for (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000, (iii) 2000–01 and (iv) 2001–02. [51734]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 20 July 1998]: The table provides a breakdown of the accounting and other adjustments shown in table 2 and table A2 of the Comprehensive Spending Review, with accompanying brief explanatory notes.

  (2) what are the figures for the number of staff in National Savings operational services who have taken (a) early retirement and (b) voluntary redundancy in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98; [51434]

  (3) what proportion of staff in National Savings operational services were on (a) fixed-term contracts

  587
  and (b) part-time contracts in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98; [51430]

  (4) what was the number of full-time equivalent staff in National Savings operational services in (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98; [51433]

  (5) what level of reduction in staffing in National Savings operational services is included in the Business Process Re-engineering Plan; [51432]

  (6) what is the timetable for implementation of the Business Process Re-engineering plan in National Savings. [51431]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answers 20 July 1998]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive for National Savings. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Peter Bareau to Mr. Gordon Marsden, dated 22 July 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question 51439 about what assessment the Agency has made of the performance of EDS and Siemens Business Services in public sector outsourcing contracts.
  National Savings has gained a detailed knowledge of EDS and Siemens Business Services' performance in the areas of contractual compliance, behaviour towards transferring staff and business performance. In addition to financial and published analysis, NS has gained information from over 30 public sector organisations who are, or have been, receiving services from one or other of these companies. A wide range of private sector customers has also been approached, and CCTA have provided us with intelligence reports on both firms.

  Letter from Peter Bareau to Mr. Gordon Marsden, dated 22 July 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question 51434 about the number of staff in National Savings Operational Services who have taken early retirement and voluntary redundancy in 1995–96, 1996–97
  Staff surpluses over the period 1995–96 to 1997–98 led to the release, on redundancy terms, of 735 individuals in total. The table below gives the figures for each year for the two relevant categories: early release and voluntary severance.

  Early retirement (50 and over)

  Voluntary severance (under 50)

  1995–96

  268

  317

  1996–97

  32

  117

  1997–98

  1

  0

  Total

  301

  434

  Letter from Peter Bareau to Mr. Gordon Marsden, dated 22 July 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question 51430 about the proportion of staff in National Savings Operational Services on Fixed Term contracts and part-time contracts in 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98.
  The number of staff in National Savings during thee periods were:
  Fixed Term Contracts

  1 April 1995: 1.1%

  1 April 1996: 1.8%

  1 April 1997: 2.0%

  1 April 1998: 1.7%

  588
  Casual Contracts

  1 April 1995: 2.2%

  1 April 1996: 0.2%

  1 April 1997: 0.8%

  1 April 1998: 1.1%

  In addition the total number of permanent staff employed on a part-time basis during these periods was:

  1 April 1995: 286 (6.1% of total full time equivalent staff)

  1 April 1996: 265 (6.8% of total full time equivalent staff)

  1 April 1997: 241 (6.7% of total full time equivalent staff)

  1 April 1998: 235 (6.8% of total full time equivalent staff).

  Letter from Peter Bareau to Mr. Gordon Marsden, dated 22 July 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question 51433 about the number of full time equivalent staff in National Savings Operational Services in 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98.
  The number of full time equivalent staff in National Savings during these periods was:

  1 April 1995: 4,633

  1 April 1996: 3,876

  1 April 1997: 3,548

  1 April 1998: 3,450

  these figures include full and part-time permanent staff, staff on Fixed Term Appointments and those employed on casual contracts.

  Letter from Peter Bareau to Mr. Gordon Marsden, dated 22 July 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question 51432 about the level of reduction in staffing in National Savings Operational Services included in the Business Re-engineering Plan.
  National Savings has an extensive programme of operational improvement, which will significantly reduce manpower needs over the next few years. The Business Process Re-engineering elements of the programme are expected to realise savings of some 800 posts.

  Letter from Peter Bareau to Mr. Gordon Marsden, dated 22 July 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question 51431 about the timetable for implementation of the Business Process Re-engineering plan in National Savings.
  Implementation of Business Process Re-engineering within National Savings is scheduled to begin in November 1998 and to be completed in the Year 2000.

  EU Price Discrepancies
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the European Commission to complete its investigation into price discrepancies for goods within the EU initiated at the York meeting of ECOFIN. [51667]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: The European Commission are developing an extended scoreboard of indicators of effective market integration including price differentials, as set out in the Broad Economic Guidelines report agreed at the Cardiff European Council on 15 to 16 June. The Government expect the Commission to report on its work on price differentials at the Cologne European Council at the end of Germany's Presidency of the EU in spring 1999.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Drift Nets
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will publish the outcome of research into the catching of non-target species cetaceans by the tuna drift net fishing industry; [50405]

  (2) what research his Department has undertaken to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the use of sonar equipment to deter cetaceans from swimming into tuna drift nets. [50406]

  Mr. Morley
  A study of the cetacean bycatch in the UK tuna drift net fishery in 1995 was deposited in the Library of the House in December 1995. The refusal of drift net fishermen to co-operate prevented a follow-up study taking place.

  The Ministry has not undertaken research on the use of sonar equipment on tuna drift nets.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many letters per day his office receives; how many staff are employed to answer these; what targets are set in respect of such letters; and what is the current performance against targets. [50683]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 363.

  Marine Pollution
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent monitoring his Department has carried out in known explosive dumping grounds to establish the levels of contamination of the marine environment. [51160]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 20 July 1998]: The Department does not carry out any monitoring specifically in relation to munitions dumpsites. However, an extensive programme of monitoring for a wide range of contaminants is carried out in the seas around England and Wales. The results of this are published annually and copies placed in the Library of the House.

  EU Agriculture Council
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 20 July; and if he will make a statement. [52143]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  I represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the European Union Council of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels on 20 July 1998.

  The Austrian Presidency introduced its programme of work for the Council, the centrepieces of which are Agenda 2000 including wine reform, reform of the agrimonetary regime and animal welfare legislation.
  590
  In a debate on the Presidency's detailed plans for Agenda 2000, I welcomed their intention to press ahead with the negotiations in accordance with the timetable laid down by the Cardiff European Council, urging them to include detailed discussions on member states' ideas on the future of dairy quotas and compensatory aids and the application of subsidiarity to the proposed ceiling on direct payments to farmers.

  During a brief discussion of the proposed reform of the agrimonetary regime, I stressed the need for equitable treatment between those countries entering the Single Currency next year and those not doing so, and for an early decision which would enable our farmers and traders ample time to prepare for introduction of the new regime on 1 January 1999.

  In a debate on a possible EU trade agreement with the Mercusor countries and Chile, on which a Commission proposal is expected shortly, I noted the economic advantages which such agreement could open up, whilst drawing attention to the need to avoid complications in relation to the negotiations on Agenda 2000, the forthcoming WTO Round and EU enlargement. The Commission's proposal should be judged on its merits against this background.

  Performance Targets
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what key performance targets Agriculture Ministers have set the Intervention Board for 1998–99. [52144]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  In agreement with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, I have set the following targets for 1998–99:

  Target

  Percentage of claims processed within deadlines

  99.0%

  Percentage of claims processed correctly

  98.5%

  Cumulative running cost efficiency gains

  2.5%

  Improvement in index of productivity

  4.0%

  Ratio of disallowance to EAGGF funds handled

  0.4%

  To maintain expenditure within vote provision, cash and running cost limits

  New value for money savings in procurement of goods and services

  7.0%

  Yield: cost ratio of anti-fraud activities

  3.0:1.0

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take to safeguard GMO trials from interference by third parties. [51458]

  Angela Eagle
  I have been asked to reply.

  The responsibility for safeguarding field trials of genetically modified organisms lies with the holder of the consent issued by the Secretary of State under the relevant legislation.

  The police are investigating these incidents when requested to do so by the company concerned. Officials in my Department are co-operating fully with the police inquiries.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average housing benefit paid to households in Cheltenham for(a) local authority properties, (b) housing association properties and (c) privately rented accommodation. [50051]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is set out in the table.

  Average weekly housing benefit by tenure paid by Cheltenham Borough Council November 1997

  Average weekly amounts of Housing Benefit (£)

  Local Authority Tenants

  43.00

  Private Tenants

  57.00

  Housing Association Tenants

  47.40

  Notes:

  1. The average amounts shown are for benefit units which may be a single person or a couple

  2. The amounts have been rounded to the nearest ten pence

  3. For this analysis private tenants exclude housing association tenants, who are shown separately

  Source:

  Housing Benefit Management Information System, 100 per cent. caseload counts with and without Income Support, taken at the end of November 1997

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the impact of rent caps for housing benefit purposes on rent levels. [51803]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We are assessing the impact of the Local Reference Rent and Single Room Rent restrictions on claimants, landlords and the private rental market as a whole. We are gathering information from a variety of sources to make that assessment.

  Pensions
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will state in respect of each financial year since 1990(a) the level of the basic state retirement pension, (b) the level of the basic state retirement pension if upratings had always been made upwards to the nearest 5p and (c) the level of the basic state retirement pension if upratings had always been made upwards to the nearest 1p; [50621]

  (2) what is her estimate of the additional cost to public funds of uprating the basic state retirement pension and the married woman's pension each year if rounding up (a) to the nearest 5p and (b) to the nearest 1p the percentage increase; [50623]

  (3) if she will state in respect of each financial year since 1990 (a) the level of the married woman's pension, (b) the level of that pension if upratings had always been made upwards to the nearest 5p and (c) the level of that pension if upratings had always been made upwards to the nearest 1p; [50622]
  592
  (4) what is her estimate of the net additional cost to public funds in each financial year since 1990 if the basic state retirement pension and the married woman's pension had been uprated each year by rounding the percentage increase up (a) to the nearest 5p and (b) to the nearest 1p. [50624]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 14 July 1998]: The information is set out in the tables.

  Level of the basic State Retirement Pension if upratings had always been made upwards to the nearest 5p and the nearest 1p from 1990

  £ per week

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  1990–91

  46.90

  46.95

  46.92

  1991–92

  52.00

  52.10

  52.04

  1992–93

  54.15

  54.25

  54.18

  1993–94

  56.10

  56.25

  56.14

  1994–95

  57.60

  57.80

  57.66

  1995–96

  58.85

  59.10

  58.93

  1996–97

  61.15

  61.45

  61.23

  1997–98

  62.45

  62.75

  62.52

  1998–99

  64.70

  65.05

  64.78

  Notes:

  1. All amounts are in cash terms

  (a) The level of the basic State Retirement Pension since 1990

  (b) The level of the basic State Retirement Pension if upratings had always been made upwards to the nearest 5p

  (c) The level of the basic State Retirement Pension if upratings had always been made upwards to the nearest 1p

  There would be no additional cost to public funds in 1998–99 of uprating the basic Retirement Pension and married woman's pension to the nearest 5p and 1p. (The unrounded rates for 1998ߝ99 are £64.6982 for the category A Retirement Pension and £38.6946 for the category B Retirement Pension for married women. The actual rates are £64.70 and £38.70 respectively).

  Level of the married women's pension if upratings had always been made upwards to the nearest .5p and the nearest 1p from 1990

  £ per week

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  1990–91

  28.20

  28.20

  28.20

  1991–92

  31.25

  31.30

  31.28

  1992–93

  32.55

  32.60

  32.57

  1993–94

  33.70

  33.80

  33.75

  1994–95

  34.50

  34.65

  34.56

  1995–96

  35.25

  35.45

  35.33

  1996–97

  36.60

  36.85

  36.71

  1997–98

  37.35

  37.65

  37.49

  1998–99

  38.70

  39.05

  38.84

  Notes:

  1. All amounts are in cash terms

  (a) The level of the married woman's pension since 1990

  (b) The level of the married woman's pension if upratings had always been made upwards to the nearest 5p

  (c) The level of the married woman's pension if upratings had always been made upwards to the nearest 1p
  593

  Net additional cost to public funds in each financial year since 1990 if the basic State Retirement Pension and the married woman's pension had been uprated each year by rounding the percentage increase up to the nearest 5p

  £ million

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  (i) Gross Cost (RP only)

  19

  44

  44

  69

  92

  118

  145

  152

  180

  Means-tested benefit offset

  -5

  -11

  -11

  -17

  -23

  -29

  -36

  -38

  -45

  Net Cost

  15

  33

  33

  52

  69

  88

  108

  114

  135

  (ii) Gross Cost (including linked benefits)

  23

  54

  55

  86

  116

  146

  176

  183

  215

  Means-tested benefit offset

  -6

  -14

  -14

  -22

  -29

  -37

  -44

  -46

  -54

  Net Cost

  17

  40

  41

  64

  87

  110

  132

  138

  161

  Net additional cost to the public funds in each financial year since 1990 if the basic State Retirement Pension and the married woman's pension had been uprated each year by rounding the percentage increase up to the nearest 1p

  £million

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  (i) Gross Cost (RP only)

  8

  19

  14

  21

  29

  39

  43

  42

  47

  Means-tested benefit offset

  -2

  -5

  -3

  -5

  -7

  -10

  -11

  -11

  -12

  Net Cost

  6

  14

  10

  15

  22

  29

  32

  32

  35

  (ii) Gross Cost (including linked benefits)

  9

  22

  17

  25

  36

  47

  51

  49

  54

  Means-tested benefit offset

  -2

  -6

  -4

  -6

  -9

  -12

  -13

  -12

  -14

  Net cost

  7

  17

  13

  19

  27

  35

  38

  37

  41

  Notes:

  1. All estimates are rounded to the nearest £1 million. Totals may not agree due to rounding

  2. National Insurance Fund benefit costs were estimated by the Government Actuary's Department

  3. For tables marked (i), the gross cost does not include the cost of uprating linked benefits (Widows Benefits, Incapacity Benefit, Non-contributory Retirement Pension, Industrial Death Benefit) in the same way as the contributory Retirement Pension. For tables marked (ii), the gross cost does include the cost of uprating these linked benefits

  4. Means-tested benefit offsets were calculated using the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey and the May 1996 Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, both uprated to 1998–99 prices, benefits and earnings levels, and calibrated to the forecasts underlying the 1998 Departmental Report

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) men and (b) women are in receipt of state retirement pension in the United Kingdom. [50953]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is set out in the table.

  Male

  Female

  Great Britain

  3,583,000

  6,387,000

  United Kingdom

  3,664,000

  6,540,000

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand

  Sources:

  For Great Britain, 5 per cent. sample from the Pension Strategy Computer System, as at March 1998

  For Norther Ireland, 100 per cent, sample from the Pension Strategy Computer System, as at March 1998

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) men and (b) women over the age of 100 years are in receipt of the state retirement pension in the United Kingdom. [50905]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is in the table.

  Male

  Female

  Great Britain

  1,000

  7,000

  United Kingdom

  1,000

  7,000

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand

  Source:

  National Population Projections supplied by the Government Actuary's Department for mid-year 1998
  594
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the increases for the poorest pensioners will be a net increase; and if he will make a statement on the implications for housing benefit payments arising from increases. [51821]

  Mr. Denham
  From next April, Income Support rates will be increased to give the poorest pensioners a guaranteed minimum income of £75 per week for a single person. Couples and older pensioners will receive more: the full details of the increases are shown in the table.

  Existing recipients, and pensioners who become entitled to Income Support as a result of these changes, will qualify for maximum eligible Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Those with income above the new levels will also benefit, as the increases in the Income Support rates will apply in the calculation of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, resulting in a reduction in the amount of income taken into account.

  New Income Support rates from April 1999

  £

  Age 60–74

  Age 75–79

  Age 80+1

  Single pensioners now

  70.45

  72.70

  77.55

  Single pensioners from April 1999

  75.00

  77.30

  82.25

  Couples now

  109.35

  112.55

  117.90

  Couples from April 1999

  116.60

  119.85

  125.30

  1Also paid to younger pensioners with disabilities

  Child Support
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the average housing cost included in the protected income of absent parents under the current child support formula; [50712]

  (2) what is the average amount of housing cost included in the protected income of absent parents with incomes under £200 per week. [50711]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  As at 28 February 1998, the latest date for which information is available, the average amount of housing costs included in the protected income of a non-resident parent was £44.23 per week. For those cases where the net income of the non-resident parent is under £200 per week the amount was £36.66 per week.

  Non-resident parents have a responsibility to support their children, including paying for their upkeep.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate how many, and what proportion of, absent parents would pay more maintenance under the formula for assessing maintenance proposed in the Green Paper on Child Support than they do currently broken down into those earning (i) £0 to £99, (ii) £100 to £149, (iii) £150 to £199, (iv) £200 to £249, (v) £250 to £299 and (vi) £300 to £400 per week. [50709]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  All non-resident parents have a responsibility to support their children, including paying for their upkeep. We estimate that around 70 per cent. of non-resident parents will have a lower maintenance assessment under the proposals for a simpler formula set out in the Green Paper "Children First: a new approach" (Cm 3992).

  The information requested on those facing a higher assessment is in the table.

  Gross income(£/week)

  Numbers with higher assessed liability (000s)

  Percentage

  Under £100

  0

  0

  £100–£149

  20

  5

  £150–£199

  25

  7

  £200–£249

  20

  6

  £250–£299

  10

  3

  £300–£400

  10

  3

  Over £400

  5

  1

  All

  90

  25

  Notes:

  1. Figures provided are for all those non-resident parents who are not in receipt of Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. The percentage figures show these as a proportion of all these non benefit non-resident parents

  2. Estimates are based on the 1997–98 caseload

  3. Figures rounded to the nearest 5000 and therefore may not sum

  These figures relate to assessed liability and not to amounts actually being paid. Changes in liability will be phased in.

  The Green Paper also proposes that most of the current provisions for exemption from the minimum payment should be abolished. We estimate, in current terms, that this would result in an additional 60,000 non-resident parents becoming liable for the minimum payment.
  596
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if letters to hon. Members in the name of the Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency are signed personally by her. [51568]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Faith Boardman to Mr. David Winnick, dated 21 July 1998:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the letters from Honourable Members to the Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency.
  I should explain first that many Members prefer to write direct to the head of the local Business Unit directly responsible for the case in question, or to follow up questions through the dedicated MP help lines which we have set up in each of our Centres. That approach minimises delay where action is needed to resolve an individuals problem. I have asked for regular reports to be prepared for senior managers and for me, summarising main types and causes of such problems in order to ensure that, wherever possible, action is also taken over time to improve our general systems and training so as to minimise their re-occurrence.
  Where Members prefer to write to myself the Parliamentary Correspondence Unit handle all my Parliamentary post and ensure deadlines are observed or urgent cases identified to give a rapid response.
  In the majority of cases my Correspondence Unit will refer the letter to the relevant Business Unit or specialist central unit within the agency to provide the level of detail required to complete a response. Increasingly we expect the Unit to contact the Members office by telephone proactively where this may help to ensure that the problem is resolved as quickly as possible.
  Once a final response has been prepared, this and the supporting background information are checked by managers fully accountable to me to ensure all points raised are covered and the response is factually and legally correct. I personally check the quality of responses regularly and I recently instituted a formal review of them during which a sample of 48 Members were asked about their style and usefulness. As a result of that feedback we intend to undertake an exercise over the next year to make those replies more personalised, briefer and more in "Plain English", and to further review the arrangements for their signature. At present some of those letters are personally signed by myself. In order to avoid excessive delay (during my necessary absence on other business) others are signed on my behalf either electronically by my Correspondence Unit; or by senior members of my management Board under formal delegation.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Income Support
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will set out the terms of reference of each of the reviews in which the future of the income support residential care allowance is being considered; [51138]

  (2) if she will list the reviews in which the future of the income support residential allowance is being considered; and when she expects each of these reviews to be completed; and when she expects to announce their conclusions. [51137]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The Government have established an independent Royal Commission to consider the future funding of long-term care and to make recommendations. Issues such as benefit provision for people in residential care fall within the scope of the Royal Commission's deliberations. The Royal Commission will report at the end of the year.
  597
  We have also asked officials to consider whether the residential allowance is meeting objectives for community care. This is not a formal review with specific terms of reference and work is at an early stage. It is too early to give an indication as to whether, or when, changes will be introduced.

  Crisis Loan Scheme
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the total amount of money given under the crisis loan scheme by her Department during the last 12 months. [51244]

  Mr. Denham
  Gross expenditure on crisis loans during the last financial year, 1997℃98, was £54 million.

  Full details of Social Fund expenditure during 1997–98 were published on 22 July in the Annual Report by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security.

  Benefits Agency
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the availability of(a) stationery and (b) printed forms at Benefits Agency offices; and if she will make a statement. [51563]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Keith Bradley, dated 21 July 1998:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what assessment has been made of the availability of (a) stationery and (b) printed forms at Benefits Agency (BA) offices.
  On 6 April 1998, a new system was introduced for ordering forms, leaflets and envelopes called the Customer Direct Initiative (CDI). The intention behind CDI is to reduce the cost of print and storage by introducing a direct service to the customer and placing ownership of stock with suppliers.
  There have been some initial problems with the new system which has led to BA offices experiencing difficulties in obtaining forms and printed material. We have been working closely with suppliers to address these early problems and improvements are now being seen, such as the increased availability of stock to between 88% and 97% of the total requested and the continued reduction in supply chain problems. We expect these improvements to continue but will manage the situation carefully so that we can be satisfied that the system is working properly.
  In addition, we have identified forms and stationery that are essential for our core business and suppliers have given assurances that these products will always be available and this position is being monitored daily.
  I hope this reply is helpful.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many lone parents in Kilmarnock and Loudoun were on income support in the periods(a) May 1995 to 1996, (b) May 1996 to 1997 and (c) May 1997 to 1998. [51631]
  598
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The administration of Social Security benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Desmond Browne, dated 21 July 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many lone parents in Kilmarnock and Loudoun were on Income Support (IS) in the periods May 1995 to 1996, May 1996 to 1997 and May 1997 to 1998.
  The information is not available in the format requested. The Benefits Agency (BA) collates IS statistics by BA District. These Districts do not correspond to constituency boundaries, Local Authority areas or specific geographical areas.
  Such information as is available is provided in the attached annex. It relates to the BA's South West Scotland District which is made up of offices in Irvine, Kilmarnock, Ayr, Dumfries and Stranraer. The information is provisional and may be subject to change.
  I hope that this is helpful.

  Number of lone parents on Income Support in BA's SW Scotland District

  Year

  May

  August

  November

  February

  1995

  9,610

  9,804

  9,581

  9,673

  1996

  9,660

  9,842

  9,575

  9,609

  1997

  9,649

  9,712

  9,363

  9,401

  1998

  9,322

  —

  —

  —

  The figures represent only those lone parents who are in receipt of the lone parent rate of family premium.

  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the number of lone parents in Kilmarnock and Loudoun who have taken up in-work benefits in the periods(a) May 1995 to 1996, (b) May 1996 to 1997, (c) May 1997 to 1998 and (d) May 1998 to July 1998. [51630]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Desmond Browne, dated 21 July 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking for an estimate of the number of lone parent families in Kilmarnock and Loudoun who have taken up in work benefits in the periods (a) May 1995 to 1996, (b) May 1996 to 1997, (c) May 1997 to 1998 and (d) May 1998 to July 1998.
  The information is not available in the format requested. In work benefits, namely Family Credit (FC) and Disability Working Allowance (DWA), are administered centrally by the Benefits Agency's (BA) Income Related Benefits Directorate based at Preston.
  Statistics are produced on a national basis and provide a snapshot of the number of families in receipt of FC or DWA within a particular BA office area at a given date. These statistics do not provide a breakdown of the numbers of single and two parent families in receipt of the benefits. However, national figures indicate that 53% of all recipients of FC and DWA are single parent families.

  599
  Using the above information, the details provided below estimate the number of single and two parent families in receipt of in work benefits in Kilmarnock at the dates shown.

  Date

  FC/DWA lone parent awards

  FC/DWA two parent awards

  July 1995

  704

  625

  August 1996

  795

  705

  August 1997

  811

  720

  April 1998

  795

  706

  I hope this information is useful.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what proportion of the Social Fund has been taken up by administration costs in each of the last five years; [51443]

  (2) how much was allocated under the Social Fund in the form of (a) loans and (b) community care grants in each of the last five years in (i) Coventry and (ii) the West Midlands. [51445]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 21 July 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking what proportion of the Social Fund (SF) has been taken up by administration costs in each of the last five years, and how much was allocated under the SF for loans and community care grants (CCGs) in each of the last five years in Coventry and the West Midlands.
  No proportion of the SF is taken up by administration costs. The administration of the SF scheme is an integral element of the Benefit's Agency (BA)'s overall staffing and development costs. A breakdown of those related to the SF are detailed in Annex 1. However, you may be interested to know that, from April 1999, there is provision for the introduction of a new, discrete and simplified SF Budgeting Loan scheme. This will bring tangible benefits to customers as well as the prospect of real efficiencies and reductions in administrative costs.
  Information on SF allocations in Coventry and the West Midlands is not available in the format requested because BA District and Area boundaries are not co-terminus with those of Local Authorities or Parliamentary constituencies. The BA's Midlands Area Directorate is made up of the Birmingham Chamberlain, Birmingham Heartlands, Birmingham North West, Birmingham North East, Birmingham South East, Birmingham South West, Coventry, Hereford and Worcester, and Warwickshire Districts. In addition, because of a reduction in the number of BA Area Directorates nationally, the Districts of Wolverhampton, Shires, Sandwell, and Walsall were added to the Midlands Area Directorate in 1996.
  Information on the grant and loan allocation for the Midlands Area Directorate and the Coventry district are displayed in Annex 2. Current and historical details of grant and loan allocations for all BA Districts are available in the Library.
  I hope that this is helpful.
  600

  Cost of administering the Social Fund for Great Britain

  Year

  Cost (£)

  1992–93

  1208,000.000

  1993–94

  2270,000.000

  1994–95

  209,000.000

  1995–96

  195,200.000

  1996–97

  180,000.000

  11992–93 includes a £17 million investment in the Social Fund Computer System (SFCS)

  21993–94 includes a £45 million investment in the successful roll out of SFCS

  Budget allocation—Midlands Area Directorate

  Date

  Grants

  Loans

  1993–94

  4,794,143

  12,349,870

  1994–95

  4,891,466

  12,600,509

  1995–96

  4,891,466

  15,519,029

  1996–97

  7,944,138

  25,710,886

  1997–98

  7,944,138

  28,896,070

  1998–99

  8,031,997

  31,912,071

  Notes:

  1. Five BA Districts were added to the Midlands Area Directorate in 1996–97

  2. The Community Care Grants Budget was increased by one million pounds nationally for 1998–99

  Budget allocation—Coventry District

  Date

  Grants

  Loans

  1993–94

  673,671

  1,810,773

  1994–95

  687,347

  1,847,495

  1995–96

  687,347

  2,171,962

  1996–97

  687,347

  2,321,744

  1997–98

  687,347

  2,684,795

  1998–99

  694,949

  3,014,815

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the levels of fraud in applications to the Social Fund; and what measures are proposed to eliminate fraud. [51444]

  Mr. Field
  Tackling fraud and abuse is a top priority for the Government and part of the Government's intention to deliver a first class "pukka" service. The Social Security Act 1998 contains measures that will enable discretionary Social Fund payments obtained through misrepresentation or failure to disclose a material fact to be recovered by deductions from prescribed benefits. This legislative change, which will be introduced later this year, will close a loophole that has allowed some people to benefit from fraud.

  Assessment of the levels of fraud in Social Fund applications is the responsibility of Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 21 July 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what assessment she has made of the levels of fraud in applications to the Social Fund (SF); and what measures are proposed to eliminate fraud.
  The Benefits Agency (BA)'s Benefit Review Programme aims to measure how much benefit is being paid incorrectly (including fraud) and establish causes of incorrect payments. So far Benefit Reviews have been carried out on Income Support, Unemployment Benefit, Housing Benefit, Retirement Pension, Invalid Care

  601
  Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Child Benefit, but not on the SF. Therefore, no formal assessment has been made of the level of fraud in SF applications.
  During 1995, as part of the risk management work carried out by the BA, an exercise was undertaken on known weaknesses within the SF processes, both IT and clerical. This resulted in the formation of a Security Action Plan for SF, which seeks to address these risks and take account of any new ones that come to light. The plan has been reviewed regularly up to November 1997 and has resulted in several risks and weaknesses being removed.
  The Government takes fraud against the Social Security system very seriously. The Green Paper Beating Fraud is Everyone's Business: Securing the Future, published by the Secretary of State on 13 July 1998, set out a comprehensive approach to tackling fraud, and as part of our work to deliver it we are looking at our future work programme, including Benefit Reviews, which help inform our knowledge on the nature and scale of fraud and incorrectness.
  I hope that this is helpful.

  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she will publish her annual report on The Social Fund for 1997–98 and the Social Fund Commissioner's annual report; and if she will make a statement. [52142]

  Mr. Denham
  The Secretary of State's annual report on the Social Fund for 1997–98 (CM4003) was published today and has been laid before Parliament.

  The report records that total gross expenditure in 1997–98 was £520.5 million. This included almost two million non-repayable grants and interest free loans worth £462 million and 48 thousand funeral payments, 197 thousand maternity payments and 55 thousand cold weather payments worth a total of £58.6 million. In addition, seven million pensioner households received winter fuel payments worth nearly £200 million.

  The report also looks ahead to the changes contained in the Social Security Act 1998 which support our aim of an active modern service. These include the introduction, in 1999, of a fact-based budgeting loan scheme that will be simpler, fairer, easier for applicants to understand and
  602
  quicker for staff to operate. Decisions under the simplified scheme will be more transparent as they will be based on a common set of specified personal circumstances.

  The Social Fund Commissioner's annual report has also been published today and copies placed in the Library.

  Benefit Fraud Inspectorate
  Ms Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she will publish the first annual report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate; and if she will make a statement. [52145]

  Ms Harman
  I have today published the first annual report by the Director General of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI).

  Countering fraud is high on the Government's agenda. The green paper published last week, "Beating Fraud is everyone's business: Securing the future" (CM4012), sets out our overall strategy for tackling fraud. The fight against fraud is not just about investigating and detecting fraud when it happens; it is about stopping it getting into the system in the first place. The BFI, which I launched on 5 November, has a unique role to play here in driving up standards, by ensuring that DSS agencies and local authorities are doing their job properly, by actively promoting good working practices and in contributing to future policy development.

  This new organisation is still at an early stage in its development but this first year has been one of significant achievement. BFI has established teams of inspectors based at four separate sites and its inspection process has been developed and rigorously tested in a programme of trial inspections, including work in the Benefits Agency. The report of the first live inspection of Blackpool Borough Council, published earlier this year, made valuable recommendations on a range of counter-fraud activities, especially highlighting improvements in work aimed at combating Housing Benefit fraud by landlords.

  Copies of the published BFI Annual Report are available in the Library. Further copies are available on request.

  Tobacco and Alcohol Imported for Personal Consumption
  Tobacco and Alcohol Imported for Personal Consumption
  SERPS and Tax Relief
  SERPS and Tax Relief
  E.coli 0157
  E.coli 0157
  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside: Pass
  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside: Pass
  Parthenon Sculptures
  Parthenon Sculptures
  Zimbabwe: Compulsory Acquisition of Farms
  Zimbabwe: Compulsory Acquisition of Farms
  Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Staff Numbers
  Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Staff Numbers
  Nuclear Weapons
  Nuclear Weapons
  Airborne Lasers
  Airborne Lasers
  Minimum Wage: Impact on Benefits
  Minimum Wage: Impact on Benefits
  Viagra
  Viagra
  Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee: Report
  Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee: Report
  Department for Education and Employment: Reviews
  Department for Education and Employment: Reviews
  Recruitment to EU Academic Posts
  Recruitment to EU Academic Posts
  Strangers' Galleries: Visitor Numbers
  Strangers' Galleries: Visitor Numbers
  Forestry and Sustainable Development
  Forestry and Sustainable Development
  Powers of Entry without Warrant
  Powers of Entry without Warrant
  Secure Accommodation for Juveniles
  Secure Accommodation for Juveniles
  Prisoners: Release on Temporary Licence
  Prisoners: Release on Temporary Licence
  Criminal Memoirs: The Mary Bell Case
  Criminal Memoirs: The Mary Bell Case
  Metropolitan Police: Reports
  Metropolitan Police: Reports
  Asylum Directorate: Instructions
  Asylum Directorate: Instructions
  Youth Offending Teams: Secondments
  Youth Offending Teams: Secondments
  Firearms and Shotgun Certificates
  Firearms and Shotgun Certificates