Written Answers of 24 July 1998

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement about the ethical principles which apply to solicitors who are employed by the Crown Prosecution Service as Crown prosecutors. [52712]

  The Attorney-General
  After consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions, I have today published a Statement of Ethical Principles, which applies to all solicitors who are employed by the Crown Prosecution Service as Crown Prosecutors. The Statement is made in accordance with paragraph 1(h)(v) of the Law Society's Employed Solicitor Code 1990. It meets the Law Society's requirement under the Code that such a statement should be published before solicitors employed by the Crown Prosecution Service can exercise their rights of audience in the higher courts.

  The Statement sets out:

  1. the inter-relationship between Crown Prosecutors' obligations as civil servants and as members of the legal profession;

  2. the position of Crown Prosecutors as prosecutors and Crown Prosecution Service employees; and

  3. the position of Crown Prosecutor solicitors who exercise rights of audience in the higher courts.

  I am placing a copy of the Statement in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Departmental Spending Review
  Mr. Alan Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what conclusions he has reached as a result of his Department's Spending Review; and if he will make a statement. [52422]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The outcome of our Spending Review has been a recognition of the importance of all my Department's activities, economically, culturally and socially, for the quality of people's lives. I have secured an extra £290 million over the next three years, an investment which will bring obligations and responsibilities. We will have a new contract with all our funded bodies which will demand improvements in efficiency, access and quality in return for investment in support of our new objectives. To help ensure that this happens, I will establish a tough new team to monitor and improve standards throughout all our sectors.

  I have placed in the Library of the House copies of a consultation paper which I am issuing today, proposing a number of changes in the sectoral landscape for which my Department is responsible. This will create a more
  700
  efficient structure for delivering public money in pursuit of clear objectives. I will make a further announcement in the Autumn on the outcome of the consultaion.

Wales

  Education Action Zones
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the education action zones designated for Wales. [51619]

  Mr. Hain
  There are no designated Education Zones in Wales at present. Under Clause 10 of the School Standards and Framework Bill provisions relating to Education Action Zones (EAZs) do not apply in Wales, though the Secretary of State may introduce them at a later date. In the Education White Paper for Wales,Building Excellent Schools Together, published in July last year, the Welsh Office pledged to consult widely before introducing EAZs. Any final decision on the introduction of EAZs in Wales is likely to be a matter for the National Assembly and will be informed by the outcome of any consultation exercise and the experience of EAZs in England.

  Urban Task Force
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to ensure that his Department receives advice from the Urban Task Force chaired by Lord Rogers. [51815]

  Mr. Hain
  The Urban Task Force has a remit to identify causes of urban decline in England. Welsh Office officials are being informed of its progress by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and will receive a copy of the completed report in due course.

  Transport Plans
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to publish his plans for the future of transport in Wales. [52819]

  Mr. Hain
  The Welsh Transport Policy Statement "Transporting Wales into the Future" has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Graduates
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the number of university graduates who attended Welsh secondary schools who are pursuing their careers outside Wales. [51448]

  Mr. Hain
  Information in the form requested is not available. However, information on the first destination of Welsh-domiciled students in 1995–96 indicates that 2,768 graduates were known to have taken up employment outside Wales.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the percentage of people over 65 years
  701
  of age resident in Wales who were not economically active in Wales, in the last year for which figures are available. [51449]

  Mr. Hain
  In Spring 1998, 96 per cent. of people over 65 years of age who were resident in Wales were not economically active in Wales, according to the Labour Force Survey.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of written parliamentary questions tabled for answer by the Welsh Office on a named day under S.O. No. 22 (4) have been answered substantively on the named day since 1 May 1997. [51450]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  From 1 May 1997 to 24 July 1998, 89 per cent. of written parliamentary questions tabled to my Department for answer on a named day were answered substantively.

  Gross Domestic Product, Powys
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the most recent GDP figures for Powys. [51452]

  Mr. Hain
  The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has not previously published GDP figures for Powys. However, I understand that GDP figures for various areas in Wales, including Powys, will be issued this summer.

  Policy Announcements
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many policy initiatives announced by his Department since 1 May were announced(a) by means of a statement to the House prior to a press conference and (b) by a press conference. [51451]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I have made no statements to the House on major policy initiatives since 1 May. I have held a number of press conferences on a variety of subjects since that date.

  Economic Indicator Data
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what economic indicator data the Welsh Office collects for each unitary authority in Wales. [51453]

  Mr. Hain
  Economic indicator data for Wales are mainly collected by Government Departments other than the Welsh Office. Rates of claimant unemployment, economic activity, and employment are published for all unitary authority areas. Unemployment rates from the Labour Force Survey are currently published for six authorities, and average gross weekly earnings of full-time employees for 15 authorities: for these indicators the estimates for other authority areas are subject to excessive sampling variation.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Official Secrets Act
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to make ministers 702
  in the proposed Northern Ireland Assembly subject to the Official Secrets Act 1989 on taking office; and if she will make a statement about the security implications of Ministers from paramilitary-connected parties taking Government office. [42164]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 18 May 1998]: Paragraph 5 (3) of Schedule 13 of the Northern Ireland Bill, which is currently before Parliament, makes provision for the Official Secrets Act 1989 to apply to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland and to Northern Ireland Ministers.

  We are considering whether any further provisions are necessary to protect national security interests in the context of devolution.

  New Deal
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are participating in the New Deal in Northern Ireland. [51022]

  Mr. Worthington
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Training and Employment Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Ian Walters. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Ian Walters to Mr. Malcolm Moss, dated 22 July 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me as Chief Executive of the Training & Employment Agency to reply to your question about the number of people participating in the Government's New Deal in Northern Ireland.
  By Friday 17 July, a total of 2,724 18–24 year old clients had entered New Deal Gateway in Northern Ireland. They will progress to the most appropriate of the four options available to them. In addition some 826 employers have signed employer agreements.
  The Chancellor's recent initiative means that additional funding is now available to extend New Deal provision for the 25+ age group from November of this year. Plans are also advanced to implement the New Deals for Lone Parents and Disabled people later this year.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Beef Exports
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to which countries Northern Ireland beef is currently exported. [51556]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Since the lifting of the beef export ban on 1 June 1998 the only consignment of Northern Ireland beef to be exported went to Belgium.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Open Government
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy on open Government with reference to(a) his Department, (b) its agencies, (c) its non-departmental public bodies and (d) corporate organisations within his Department's control; and what steps he plans to take to encourage the provision of information by such bodies. [51483]
  703
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Department, together with its Executive Agencies and its executive-NDPBs which come under the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, are subject to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Ordnance Survey, the Office of the Passenger Rail Franchising, the Office of the Rail Regulator and the Office of Water Services also come within the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner and are subject to the Code.

  Those quasi-NDPBs, public corporations and nationalised industries which do not come within the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner have their own arrangements on open government but are encouraged by the Department to follow the spirit of the Code.

  The Department, and other bodies under its control with public responsibilities, also have a statutory duty to provide information on the environment under the Environmental Information Regulations 1992.

  The Department, its Agencies, NDPBs, public corporations and nationalised industries are considering how to prepare for the requirements of the Freedom of Information legislation.

  Eurostar
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what was the cost of the seven regional Eurostar sets; what is their current location; and what proposals are being considered for their future use; [51741]

  (2) what assessment the consortiums bidding to run Eurostar have provided to his Department of the viability of running regional Eurostar rail services. [51655]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  These trainsets were purchased as part of a larger procurement contract which included the intercapital sets so it is not possible to give actual costs. However, they are currently being leased at £22 million each. The trains are based at North Pole Depot in North London and at Eurostar's Longsight facility in Manchester and they are currently undergoing tests on the UK and continental rail networks.

  The provision of regional Eurostar services are a matter for London and Continental Railways. The consortium chosen by LCR to operate Eurostar have been asked to review urgently the feasibility of regional Eurostar services, and to report to the Government before the end of the year. This report has not been received yet.

  Clinical Waste
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the Environment Agency has recently relaxed its code governing the treatment of clinical waste derived from hospitals. [51647]

  Angela Eagle
  Clinical waste is defined in Regulation 1(2) of the Controlled Waste Regulations 1992 and, as controlled waste, must be managed and disposed of in accordance with sections 33 and 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Some types of clinical waste are also classified as "Special Waste" and subject to the additional 704
  controls in the Special Waste Regulations 1996. The Environment Agency are responsible for the administration and regulation of the waste management licensing system, which is designed to ensure that waste is handled in a way which does not harm human health or pollute the environment.

  The Environment Agency has not relaxed its current codes governing the treatment of clinical waste. The Agency is, however, carrying out research into the risks associated with clinical waste. The Agency will be taking the emerging results into account in its review of guidance on the handling and management of clinical waste which is being conducted jointly with the Health and Safety Executive. Any changes in recommended practice will be the subject of consultation with interested parties.

  Huddersfield Canal
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if his Department will provide assistance to ensure the completion of the Huddersfield Canal Project. [51537]

  Angela Eagle
  The Huddersfield Canal Company—a partnership of three local authorities—is seeking support from English Partnerships and the Millennium Commission in completing the restoration of a significant stretch of the Huddersfield-Rochdale Canal. The Huddersfield Narrow Canal Millennium Project is a large and very complex scheme requiring a significant level of investment from public funds. Regular discussions are taking place between English Partnerships and the Huddersfield Canal Company.

  English Partnerships are currently carrying out a full economic appraisal to ensure the project aims and costs are reasonable and; the proposal robust; and that they represent good value for money.

  Rail Companies (Complaints)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement concerning recent increases in the number of complaints made to rail companies. [51875]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 21 July 1998,Official Report, column 466. Since that answer, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced in his statement on transport policy on 20 July, our plans to set up a Strategic Rail Authority with stronger powers to enforce the delivery of contractual obligations by train operators. We also expect the SRA to specify more demanding performance standards for new or any renegotiated franchises.

  Mesothelioma
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people have received compensation for mesothelioma in each of the last 10 years; and what was the total amount of compensation received. [51900]

  Angela Eagle
  The table provides details of the number of claimants paid under the Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 in each of the last 10 years. A complete breakdown of which claims were
  705
  paid for mesothelioma is not available. However, virtually all claims received by DETR today under the 1979 Act are for asbestos-related diseases. An analysis of claimants in 1996–97 revealed that over 70 per cent. of all claims received were from sufferers of mesothelioma. The Department does not hold figures for civil claims.

  Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers Compensation) Act 1979: Statistics

  Year

  Number of sufferers paid

  Number of dependants paid

  Total number of payments

  Total amount (£)

  1988–89

  25

  30

  55

  499,098

  1989–90

  52

  53

  105

  712,184

  1990–91

  74

  73

  147

  1,380,260

  1991–92

  94

  55

  149

  1,434,072

  1992–93

  93

  69

  162

  1,954,086

  1993–94

  126

  76

  202

  2,271,666

  1994–95

  185

  122

  307

  3,474,975

  1995–96

  236

  127

  363

  4,149,087

  1996–97

  301

  152

  453

  5,463,060

  1997–98

  283

  108

  391

  4,962,659

  Chemicals in the Environment
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to carry out the review of policy on chemicals in the environment announced by the Deputy Prime Minister last year. [52544]

  Mr. Meacher
  I will be launching the first stage of the review process, a consultation paper on "Sustainable Production and Use of Chemicals", on Monday 27 July 1998. Copies of the consultation paper will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and also in the Vote Office. This consultation paper is part of the Government's family of consultation papers on sustainable development.

  The consultation paper seeks views on how the mechanisms for identifying and acting on potentially damaging chemicals in the environment can be improved.

  The views received during the consultation period will feed into the development of a White Paper on the sustainable production and use of chemicals to be published early next year.

  Local Authority Housing
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the number of households in local authority properties who are under-occupying because their household size and structure does not justify the number of bed-spaces provided. [52127]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The table shows estimates from the Survey of English Housing of the number of local authority households in England in which the number of bedrooms available exceeds the bedroom standard (i.e. the requirement under a longstanding standard for bedrooms, implied by the composition of the household). In certain cases a household may need a spare 706
  bedroom, for caring or another purpose, and any assessment of whether a property is under-occupied should take such factors into account.

  Local authority households in England, 1996–97: Difference from bedroom standard

  Thousands of household

  Percentage

  At or below bedroom standard

  1,901

  55

  One bedroom more than the Standard

  1,114

  32

  Two or more bedrooms more than the standard

  466

  13

  All households with more bedrooms than the standard

  1,580

  45

  All households

  3,481

  100

  Notes:

  Like all estimates from sample surveys, these figures are subject to sampling variability

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many local housing authorities operate incentive schemes to encourage under-occupying tenants to move to smaller properties; and how many people have moved in each of the last three years via such schemes. [52126]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Information about local authorities' management policies, including under-occupation strategies, was formally collected for the first time on the 1996 Housing Investment Programme questionnaire. At that time, of 357 local housing authorities, more than 230—almost two thirds—indicated that they offered direct incentives to their under-occupying tenants to encourage moves into smaller social rented accommodation.

  Between 110,000 and 114,000 council tenants have transferred to other properties owned by their local authorities in each of the last three years; around one quarter (26–27,000) have moved into homes with fewer bedrooms, although it is not known how many of these were as a result of incentives offered by the authority.

  Road Tax
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the annual cost of collecting road tax on cars; and what estimate he has made of the cost of collecting the tax through a levy on petrol. [52072]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In 1997–98, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency spent £127 million on vehicle licensing and registration, of which some £60 million is attributable to licensing. This figure relates to the collection of vehicle excise duty (VED) on all vehicles—a figure relating solely to cars is not available.

  While it would be possible to estimate the cost of collecting revenue equivalent to VED through fuel duty, this has not been carried out because much of the cost of VED collection would continue to be incurred, to maintain the vehicle register. The current system also serves other functions, such as the checking of MoT certification and insurance.

  Water Quality
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he
  707
  will take to ensure that adequate investment is made by water companies to meet European Union water quality targets by 2000. [52073]

  Angela Eagle
  Investment by water companies to meet water quality targets implied by European legislation up to the year 2000 was agreed in the 1994 Periodic Review of water company price limits. OFWAT and the Environment Agency, as the water industry regulators, are monitoring progress and have instituted procedures to ensure that companies meet the statutory deadlines.

  Tachographs
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what representations he has made to(a) the EC Commission and (b) his counterparts in each other EU Member state, about compliance and enforcement of legislation relating to tachographs; and if he will make a statement; [52129]

  (2) what representations he has received concerning the compliance of other EU member states with legislation relating to tachographs. [52130]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions have neither made nor received any representations about the enforcement of the drivers' hours regulations in other European Union Member States.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of tachographs were inspected by his Department in the latest year for which figures are available: what was the equivalent figure in each other EU member state; and if he will make a statement. [52128]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Council Directive 88/599/EEC requires Member States to check a minimum of 1 per cent. of days worked by drivers falling within the scope of the EU drivers' hours rules under Regulation 3820/85. All Member States are required to submit a biennial return on the implementation of the Regulation to the European Commission which, in turn, produces a report based on the information received. The last European Commission report covered the years 1993 and 1994. Explanatory Memorandum No. 5051/98 advised Parliament on the content of that report.

  In 1997–98 the Vehicle Inspectorate checked a total of 1,770,271 charts, which exceeds the UK target. Comparable figures from other Member States are not yet available.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the treatment of four-by-four vehicles pulling trailers carrying goods in connection with a trade or business and with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes or more is regulated under legislation on tachographs in the same way in each EU member state; and if he will make a statement. [52131]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  European Union (EU) Regulation 3820/85, which applies to vehicles used for the carriage of goods where the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle, including any trailer, exceeds 3.5 tonnes, is directly applicable in all EU Member States. In the UK it is necessary to augment the directly applicable legislation by including in domestic legislation details of 708
  infringements and penalties that can be incurred on conviction for a drivers' hours or tachograph related offence.

  Birmingham Northern Relief Road
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received regarding the Birmingham Northern Relief Road. [51912]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Our decision in July last year, that the Birmingham Northern Relief Road should proceed, concluded a lengthy statutory process. That process involved a 15-month public inquiry which provided a statutory forum for a wide range of representations. Our decision was reached after considering the Inspector's report that recommended in favour of the scheme. Although the orders for the scheme have been made we have continued to receive various representations from interested parties, including MPs and members of the public, on subjects related to the scheme—most notably the effects on the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals.

  Marine Pollution
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect of polychlorinated biphenyls on the marine environment in the Irish Sea. [52193]

  Angela Eagle
  The relevant Government departments and Agencies in the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, and in the Republic of Ireland are jointly taking the lead in the production of a Regional Quality Status Report on the Celtic Seas, including the Irish Sea. Organic contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls, form part of this assessment. The final report, which is one of five regional reports on which the Quality Status Report of the North East Atlantic, which is being prepared by the Ospar Commission, will be based is due for publication by the year 2000.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the annual emissions of radioactive liquid discharges from Sellafield of(a) tritium, (b) carbon 14, (c) zinc-65, (d) strontium 89, (e) strontium 90, (f) technetium 99, (g) iodine 129, (h) europium 152, (i) europium 154, (j) total Beta and (k) uranium in each of the past 20 years. [52195]

  Angela Eagle
  Discharges from Sellafield via the Marine Pipeline, in tetrabecquerels (TBq), were as follows:

  Year

  H-3

  C-14

  Zn-65

  Sr-89

  Sr-90

  Tc-99

  1978

  1050

  NR

  0.027

  7.2

  600

  179

  1979

  1200

  NR

  10.022

  7.5

  250

  43

  1980

  1300

  NR

  0.033

  12

  352

  57

  1981

  2000

  NR

  0.034

  10.9

  277

  5.8

  1982

  1745

  NR

  10.04

  12.5

  319

  3.6

  1983

  1831

  NR

  10.04

  18.5

  204

  4.4

  1984

  1586

  0.7

  10.03

  13

  72

  4.3

  1985

  1100

  1.3

  10.06

  11.8

  52

  1.9

  1986

  2150

  2.57

  10.04

  10.2

  18

  6.6

  1987

  1375

  2.11

  10.02

  10.2

  15

  3.65

  1988

  1724

  3

  0.09

  0.21

  10

  4.16

  1989

  2144

  2.03

  0.13

  0.37

  9.2

  6.07

  709

  Year

  H-3

  C-14

  Zn-65

  Sr-89

  Sr-90

  Tc-99

  1990

  1699

  1.97

  0.12

  0.3

  4.2

  3.82

  1991

  1800

  2.44

  0.12

  0.18

  4.1

  3.86

  1992

  1200

  0.804

  0.08

  0.14

  4.2

  3.18

  1993

  2310

  2.03

  0.1

  0.22

  17.1

  6.06

  1994

  1680

  8.16

  0.11

  0.33

  28.9

  72

  1995

  2670

  12.4

  0.17

  0.38

  27.7

  192

  1996

  3009

  10.6

  0.12

  0.29

  16

  155

  1997

  2560

  4.4

  0.03

  0.33

  37.4

  84

  1Less than

  Year

  I-129

  Eu-152

  Eu-154

  Total Beta

  Uranium (Kg)

  1978

  0.074

  7.3

  27.9

  7124

  10936

  1979

  0.12

  3.7

  1.9

  4100

  6000

  1980

  0.14

  4.7

  2

  4306

  4861

  1981

  0.19

  3.5

  1.6

  3831

  4499

  1982

  0.1

  0.56

  1

  3528

  6011

  1983

  0.2

  10.2

  10.5

  2490

  2602

  1984

  0.1

  10.2

  0.3

  1190

  2037

  1985

  0.1

  10.1

  0.1

  587

  2447

  1986

  0.12

  10.1

  0.1

  118.21

  1902

  1987

  0.1

  0.19

  0.11

  89.31

  1404

  1988

  0.13

  0.08

  0.08

  81.26

  970

  1989

  0.17

  0.09

  0.1

  101.04

  1212

  1990

  0.11

  0.08

  0.05

  70.93

  853

  1991

  0.159

  0.07

  0.05

  62.2

  860

  1992

  0.068

  0.04

  0.04

  57.2

  630

  1993

  0.161

  0.05

  0.04

  97

  650

  1994

  0.157

  0.22

  0.11

  126

  1388

  1995

  0.253

  0.18

  0.14

  188

  1345

  1996

  0.412

  0.14

  0.08

  143

  1158

  1997

  0.519

  0.12

  0.16

  138

  759

  1Less than

  Source:

  Environment Agency

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the quantities of(a) synthetic chemicals, (b) mercury, (c) cadmuim, (d) lead, (e) zinc, (f) nickel and (g) arsenic released into the Irish Sea from establishments in the United Kingdom in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the proposed reduction targets for each. [52194]

  Angela Eagle
  The 3rd North Sea Conference in 1990 committed North Sea states to monitor substances listed in Annexe 1A of the Ministerial Declaration of the Third International Conference on the Protection of the North Sea. Monitoring has been carried out since 1991 at selected sites (rivers and direct discharges to the sea) and the UK's results have been reported to Ospar on this basis as annual load estimates for the whole of the UK. The reduction targets for Annexe 1A listed substances were agreed by North Sea Ministers in 1990 and were set at 50 per cent. between 1985–1995. The UK has a good record in achieving this target.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect of tributyl tin from the hulls of ships on the marine environment in the Irish Sea. [52192]

  Angela Eagle
  The relevant Government Departments and Agencies in the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, and in the Republic of Ireland are jointly taking the lead in the production of a Regional Quality Status Report on the Celtic Seas, including the Irish Sea. The Marine and Land Based Inputs to Sea Research 710
  Programme of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has recently received the final report of a research contract into the effects of tributyl tin in western coastal waters. This report, which is available from the Department's library, will form part of the overall Celtic Seas assessment, one of the five regional assessments on which the Quality Status Report of the North East Atlantic, being prepared by the Ospar Commission, will be based. The Ospar report is due for publication by the year 2000.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the releases of(a) synthetic chemicals, (b) mercury, (c) cadmium, (d) lead, (e) zinc, (f) nickel and (g) arsenic into the marine environment by each EU country in each of the last 10 years. [52191]

  Angela Eagle
  Data are not available in the form requested. However, the UK has reported on inputs of 35 of the 36 substances listed in Annexe 1A of the Ministerial Declaration of the Third International Conference on the Protection of the North Sea, The Hague, 8 March 1990 for the period 1991–1995. The Annexe 1A list comprises of 36 substances of priority concern in the marine environment, including heavy metals and synthetic chemicals.

  Right to Roam
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to introduce legislation to provide greater public access to the open countryside. [52270]

  Angela Eagle
  We are considering carefully all options, both statutory and voluntary, in the light of extensive consultation. We intend to announce our conclusions later this year. If we decide that a new statutory right of access is necessary, we will introduce legislative proposals as soon as practicable, taking into account competing priorities for Parliamentary time.

PRIME MINISTER

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Prime Minister which of his Ministers have been selected for assessment by civil servants under his new procedure; and if he will(a) place such assessments in the Library and (b) publish them. [51906]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 23 July 1998]: There is no such procedure. I have not required civil servants to make assessments of the performance of their Ministers.

  Young People
  Mr. Singh
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has(a) to appoint a Minister for youth and (b) to set up a youth commission. [52184]

  The Prime Minister
  None at this stage. The interests of young people are effectively represented across Government by Ministers and officials working closely together and in regular meetings with those bodies representing the interests of young people.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Auction Markets
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives he is taking to protect auction markets for livestock. [52120]

  Mr. Rooker
  Livestock Auction Markets are commercial operations. As such, the future of any livestock market is a matter for market forces and not one in which the Government would wish to intervene.

  Farm Incomes
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on recent trends in farmers' incomes. [52119]

  Mr. Rooker
  In 1997, total income from farming in the United Kingdom was estimated at £3.36 billion, a fall of 37 per cent. in real terms compared with the previous year. The figure for 1998 will not be available until December but the indications are that it will be lower than in 1997.

  Hill Farming
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the age profile of(a) livestock and (b) hill farmers. [52116]

  Mr. Rooker
  The age profiles of holders of livestock holdings and holdings in Less Favoured Areas (LFA) for England and Wales in 1995 are given in the table.

  Age

  Livestock1 holdings % of holders2

  LFA3 holdings % of holders

  25 years4

  0.33

  0.34

  25–29 years

  1.28

  1.47

  30–34 years

  4.01

  4.41

  35–39 years

  7.18

  7.14

  40–44 years

  9.53

  9.96

  45–49 years

  12.64

  12.15

  50–54 years

  14.44

  14.59

  55–59 years

  13.55

  13.77

  60–65 years

  13.61

  13.96

  65 years and over

  23.42

  22.22

  1Livestock holdings are defined using EC farm types 41 to 44, 50 70 and 72, i.e. Cattle, Sheep, Pigs and Poultry.

  2The holder is that person in whose name the holding is operated

  3Holdings wholly or mainly in Less Favoured Areas

  4Less than

  Source:

  1995 EC Structure Survey

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of hill farming in England. [52113]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government are committed to helping to secure a sustainable future for hill farming, recognising in particular the role that farmers play in maintaining the environment and social fabric of the uplands. From 2000 the system of support will be changed more closely to reflect those social and environmental aims. These changes are being considered in the context of the Agenda 2000 Rural Development proposals for the Less Favoured Areas.

  Livestock Farms
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the trends in the number of livestock farms. [52115]

  Mr. Rooker
  The trend in the number of livestock holdings in England and Wales is given in the table.

  Number of livestock holdings1,2

  Year

  England

  Wales

  Total

  1987

  87,150

  24,986

  112,136

  1988

  86,359

  24,774

  111,133

  1989

  86,453

  24,871

  111,324

  1990

  82,372

  24,160

  106,532

  1991

  81,840

  23,995

  105,835

  1992

  81,379

  23,814

  105,193

  1993

  81,707

  23,653

  105,360

  1994

  81,457

  23,311

  104,768

  1995

  77,643

  22,349

  99,992

  1996

  76,430

  22,135

  98,565

  1997

  75,547

  21,874

  97,421

  1Livestock holdings are defined using Main Farm Types (based on 1985 classification) 6 to 20 and 24, i.e. Specialist Pigs, Specialist Poultry, Mixed Pigs and Poultry, Dairy-LFA, Dairy-Lowland, Specialist Sheep-SDA, Specialist Beef-SDA, Mixed Cattle and Sheep-SDA, Cattle and Sheep-DA, Cattle and Sheep-Lowland, Cropping and Dairy, Cropping Cattle and Sheep, Cropping Pig and Poultry, Cropping and Mixed Livestock, Mixed Livestock and Specialist Goats

  2Excludes minor holdings

  Source:

  June Agricultural Census

  Farming (Young People)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives his Department has taken to attract young people to farming. [52117]

  Mr. Morley
  The farming industry offers a wide range of opportunities. Underpinned by MAFF and Sector Challenge funding, Lantra, the National Training Organisation for agriculture and commercial horticulture and other land-based and related industries, has a programme promoting career prospects and providing information on careers and training in farming. MAFF also provides a grant to the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs to support education and training. The industry itself has developed a Rural Starters Register. There are also various schemes for building links between schools and farming.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Aid Programme
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the proportion of the aid programme that is best distributed by her Department direct and the proportion best distributed by other agencies and organisations. [51652]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Department for International Development (DFID) disburses the development assistance budget through a number of channels, including multilateral organisations, civil society organisations and the Commonwealth Development Corporation, in addition
  713
  to its own programmes in developing countries. As the new White Paper indicates, the primary objective of our development assistance programme—eliminating world poverty—requires building a range of partnerships for development, covering a wide range of interventions, which will vary from country to country. For example, in many countries, it will be helpful to work with the private sector to strengthen development; we are therefore building new partnerships with business.

  New Deal
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people her Department is committed to employing during 1998 under(a) the subsidised job option and (b) the unsubsidised job option of the New Deal programme. [52582]

  Clare Short
  We are currently examining these arrangements and have not at this stage made a formal commitment.

  Sudan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to support the church movement in Sudan. [52074]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We are supporting Christian Aid's efforts to provide humanitarian assistance through the church movement in Sudan. We also support an emergency relief project in South Sudan implemented by the NGO Association of Christian Resource Organisations Serving Sudan (ACROSS).

  Chagos Archipelago (Sharks)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of shark numbers in the Chagos Archipelago. [50021]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 20 July 1998]: I have been asked to reply.

  Observations made during the 1996 Chagos Expedition, compared with earlier expeditions in the 1970s, suggest a significant decline in reef shark numbers. Sharks are not a target species for the licensed inshore fisheries. But unwanted by-catches do occur, which are monitored through log-book returns and an observer programme.

  Indian Ocean Territories (Fishing)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking to monitor fisheries in British Indian Ocean Territory, and to designate marine-protected areas. [50019]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 20 July 1998]: I have been asked to reply.

  The tools used to monitor the British Indian Ocean Territory fisheries include a licensing regime, enforcement via a fisheries patrol vessel, observer programmes, ad hoc research, and assessment of log book returns. The implications of designating marine protected areas, particularly for enforcement and legislation, are being considered.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Stephen Lawrence
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has submitted evidence to the inquiry into the matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence. [52869]

  Mr. Straw
  I am today placing in the Library a copy of the Home Office evidence that has been submitted to the inquiry into the matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence. The evidence is of a factual and background nature.

  The inquiry was established under section 49 of the Police Act 1996. The terms of reference of the inquiry are:
  To inquire into the matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence in order particularly to identify the lessons to be learned for the investigation and prosecution of racially motivated crimes.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will collate and publish the number of cosmetics experiments on animals carried out in the United Kingdom each year on behalf of foreign companies. [51119]

  Mr. George Howarth
  This information is not readily available for this year. It may be possible to collect if from 1999.

  Mr. Peter Bleach
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many clerical errors have been identified in the information sent to Calcutta in relation to the trial of Mr. Peter Bleach; and if he will make a statement. [51880]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 23 July 1998]: Following a complaint by Mr. Bleach that he had not been given proper access to the evidence forwarded to the Indian authorities by the British police, in the interests of fairness, North Yorkshire Police forwarded to him copies of all the evidence that had been passed to the Indians. This exposed a clerical error by the police, namely that there was a small discrepancy between one of the copy documents passed to the Indians and one forwarded to Mr. Bleach.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Temporary Classrooms
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact his spending plans will have as regards enabling temporary classrooms in the Colchester constituency to be replaced with permanent accommodation by July 2002. [51285]

  Mr. Byers
  The development of Asset Management Plans by local education authorities (LEAs) will help to identify capital funding priorities across all maintained schools. This should include an assessment of the need to replace temporary classrooms.

  The Plan to be developed by Essex LEA will cover the Colchester constituency.

  School Funding
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will formally extend the consultation period until 31 December for the "Fair Funding: Improving Delegation to Schools" document. [51936]

  Mr. Byers
  No. An extension to 31 December would have the effect of precluding the implementation of major changes in the school funding system before April 2000.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) claimants were registered and (b) full-time equivalent staff were employed at each job centre in the East Midlands and Eastern Region of the Employment Service at the latest available date. [51841]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Harry Barnes, dated July 1998:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions concerning Jobcentre staffing and client volumes in the Employment Service East Midlands and Eastern Region. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.
  You requested a full list of Jobcentres in the East Midlands and Eastern Region detailing the number of full-time equivalent staff employed and jobseekers registered. The details are attached at Appendix A for your information.
  Jobcentres are resourced according to labour market conditions. In particular, the East Midlands and Eastern Region contains very diverse labour markets from rural and geographically isolated ones to industrialised conurbations. Offices with a very small register size geographically serve also isolated outlying villages where it would be very difficult for clients to visit alternative Jobcentre sites in larger centres of population.
  I hope this is helpful. Alan Read, Deputy Regional Director for the Employment Service, East Midlands and Eastern Region, would be happy to discuss any of the details further.

  Employment Service—East Midlands and Eastern Region

  Jobcentre claimants

  Number of full time equivalent ES staff employed June 1998

  1Unemployed registered June 1998

  Alfreton

  26.8

  1,201

  Arnold

  19.4

  1,370

  Bakewell

  4.5

  77

  Beccles

  17.0

  924

  Beeston

  15.4

  812

  Belper

  14.0

  432

  Bolsover

  7.6

  377

  Boston

  23.8

  740

  Bulwell

  39.7

  3,191

  Bury St. Edmunds

  22.1

  868

  Buxton

  12.2

  138

  Cambridge

  51.3

  2,834

  Chesterfield

  41.7

  2,807

  Clay Cross

  13.0

  645

  Coalville

  17.4

  893

  Corby

  26.1

  1,061

  Cromer

  13.7

  533

  Daventry

  12.5

  424

  716

  Employment Service—East Midlands and Eastern Region

  Jobcentre claimants

  Number of full time equivalent ES staff employed June 1998

  1Unemployed registered June 1998

  Derby Wardwick

  45.3

  1,730

  Derby Normanton

  38.1

  2,643

  Derby St. Peters

  36.7

  2,342

  Dereham

  17.3

  708

  Diss

  15.2

  597

  Downham Market

  5.0

  334

  Dronfield

  8.0

  318

  Eckington

  9.2

  447

  Ely

  7.9

  518

  Fakenham

  10.0

  455

  Felixstowe

  12.4

  512

  Gainsborough

  16.9

  903

  Grantham

  20.9

  954

  Great Yarmouth

  63.5

  3,095

  Haverhill

  12.3

  520

  Heanor

  22.9

  942

  Hinckley

  18.5

  811

  Horncastle

  8.2

  252

  Hucknall

  16.0

  771

  Huntingdon

  19.7

  854

  Hunstanton

  3.8

  263

  Ilkeston

  20.7

  987

  Ipswich

  58.4

  3,535

  Kettering

  23.0

  1,042

  Kings Lynn

  30.5

  1,475

  Leicester Highcross Street

  34.4

  2,548

  Leicester Charles Street

  42.5

  1,695

  Leicester Aquis Street

  39.2

  2,573

  Leiston

  8.0

  250

  Lincoln High Street

  29.7

  1,264

  Lincoln Crown House

  44.0

  2,629

  Long Eaton

  24.9

  1,079

  Loughborough

  27.3

  1,701

  Louth

  13.1

  624

  Lowestoft

  39.6

  2,572

  Lutterworth

  3.2

  81

  Mablethorpe

  10.7

  333

  Mansfield Stockwell Gate

  22.6

  1,297

  Mansfield Byron House

  31.8

  2,157

  March

  12.5

  471

  Market Harborough

  8.4

  248

  Matlock

  9.8

  443

  Melton Mowbray

  10.2

  364

  Mildenhall

  7.0

  249

  Netherfield

  15.7

  888

  Newark

  21.0

  1,056

  Newmarket

  8.4

  449

  Northampton

  66.2

  3,726

  North Walsham

  13.0

  526

  Norwich Kiln House

  106.2

  5,971

  Nottingham Castle Boulevard

  59.3

  4,509

  Nottingham Watercourt

  63.1

  4,490

  Oakham

  4.2

  110

  Peterborough

  63.7

  3,237

  Retford

  16.6

  914

  Rushden

  12.6

  529

  Shirebrook

  9.6

  449

  Skegness

  19.4

  504

  Sleaford

  10.1

  362

  Spalding

  13.4

  614

  Stamford

  12.8

  393

  Staveley

  14.2

  719

  St. Neots

  10.2

  544

  Stowmarket

  10.5

  358

  Sudbury

  13.4

  701

  Sutton in Ashfield

  33.1

  1,914

  Swadlincote

  17.5

  805

  Swaffham

  7.8

  298

  Thetford

  11.4

  548

  717

  Employment Service—East Midlands and Eastern Region

  Jobcentre claimants

  Number of full time equivalent ES staff employed June 1998

  1Unemployed registered June 1998

  Towcester

  5.4

  192

  Wellingborough

  24.9

  1,071

  Wigston

  16.0

  817

  Wisbech

  19.2

  1,136

  Woodbridge

  11.6

  352

  Worksop

  30.1

  1,692

  Wymondham

  11.4

  409

  Source:

  1Claimant count figures—Office for National Statistics (NOMIS)

  Schools (Information Technology Access)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures his Department is taking to improve IT access for disabled children and those with learning difficulties in Gloucestershire. [52100]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Department is pursuing a number of initiatives to improve IT access for all children, including those with a disability or learning difficulty. These include £11 million in the Schools Access Initiative last year to help mainstream schools become more accessible to children with disabilities. The purchase of information technology equipment was part of this initiative. In addition £100 million is being invested to enable schools to buy the latest technology and educational software to access the National Grid for Learning. The Grid will ensure that children develop the skills they need to be part of an inclusive society.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures his Department is taking to support dyslexic children in Gloucestershire in respect of(a) specialist training and (b) IT projects. [52103]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have made resources available to ensure that teachers are equipped to use new technology and are able to show all young people, including those with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, how IT can help them. This is in addition to a new ICT curriculum for the initial training of all new teachers. We have also tasked the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (formerly known as the National Council for Education Technology) with supporting the Government's commitment to promote the development of relevant teaching and learning resources for ICT, with particular reference to provision for special educational needs.

  Age Discrimination
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what representations he has received concerning the(a) beneficial and (b) negative effects of the policy of the Employment Service not to accept vacancies which specified an upper age limit; [51638]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the impact of the policy of the Employment Service not to accept vacancies specifying an upper age limit. [51639]
  718
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Responsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. David Chidgey, dated July 1998:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply direct to your questions about the effects of the Employment Service's decision not to accept vacancies from employers specifying an age limit. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.
  The Employment Service ceased to accept vacancies which include an upper age limit in late April 1998. The operation of this policy is due to be formally evaluated in the Autumn when it will have been in force for six months, the minimum period deemed appropriate to fully gauge its impact. At this stage, therefore, I am unable to provide any specific details about the beneficial or negative effects of the policy.
  However, early feedback from Employment Service staff working in Jobcentres indicates that the policy has been well received by older jobseekers, who view it as a positive step in helping them to secure employment. The number and nature of the employer queries we have received so far tends to indicate that employers who use Jobcentre services are generally content with the policy and are willing to accept it. We are only aware centrally of two employers to date who have wanted to place vacancies with upper age limits, who have withdrawn their vacancies as a result of our policy. A fuller picture will emerge once the policy has bedded in and the results of the evaluation are known.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he intends to publish (i) the report on his consultations for legislation and (ii) a code of practice to cover age discrimination. [51641]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We aim to publish the report of my consultation on age discrimination in employment within the next few weeks and a draft of the Code of Good Practice for consultation in the Autumn.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress he has made towards the publication of a non-statutory code of practice on age discrimination. [51640]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We have made good progress with a code of good practice and aim to publish a draft for consultation in the Autumn.

  Comprehensive Spending Review
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the Comprehensive Spending Review if he will publish the budget for Ofsted for the next three financial years. [52238]

  Mr. Byers
  Plans for Ofsted's future expenditure will be published in the Autumn.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will provide a breakdown of the items included within the £1 billion service development fund included in the Comprehensive Spending Review. [52252]

  Dr. Howells
  Within the provision announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Government are creating a Service Development Fund of £750 million in 2000–01 and £1 billion in 2001–02. The purpose of holding such a Fund within the overall spending totals is
  719
  to ensure that the right balance of funding between the existing agenda and those areas where policy is still being developed. Consequently it is not possible at this stage to give a breakdown of allocations from the Fund in those two years.

  Skill Shortages (West Midlands)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to tackle skill shortages in the West Midlands. [51910]

  Dr. Howells
  In the last Budget, £6.544 million was allocated to the West Midlands for projects specifically aimed at addressing skills shortages through the Skills Challenge and Centres of Excellence for IT and High Technology prospectus.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans for performance related pay for teachers. [52253]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  My right hon. Friend's goals for higher standards in schools require a modern structure for the teaching profession and one which will provide incentives for excellence and ensure that good performance both in teaching and management is recognised and rewarded.

  Further details will be included in the Government's Green Paper on modernising the teaching profession which will be published before the end of the year.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans to issue a green paper on teachers' pay. [52239]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  A Green Paper on the teaching profession will be published for consultation before the end of the year. It will not be just about teachers' pay, but is intended to launch a wide-ranging debate about modernising the teaching profession.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  International Criminal Court
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Rome Conference on the establishment of an international criminal court. [51745]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement made to the House by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 20 July 1998,Official Report, columns 803–04.

  Indian Ocean Territories (Fishing)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to prevent illegal fishing in the off-shore waters of the World Heritage Site at Henderson Island. [50039]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 20 July 1998]: None. There is no capacity for monitoring fisheries in this area.

  Iran
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the EU troika visit to Iran; and if he will make a statement. [52267]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Tehran visit was for the first round of substantive talks of the new EU/Iran dialogue. The EU and Iran had earlier agreed that these should be comprehensive, addressing both issues of mutual interest and those of concern to both the EU and Iran. Both sides agreed that the talks were held in a positive atmosphere and that there was a frank exchange of views on all issues. We hope that this dialogue will continue and will lead to a more fruitful relationship between the EU and Iran.

  NATO Expansion
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimates his Department has made of the likely costs to public expenditure in (i) Hungary, (ii) the Czech Republic and (iii) Poland of membership of NATO. [51886]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  As a percentage of their GDP, defence expenditure in 1998 in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland is estimated at 1.8 per cent, 1.51 per cent. and 2.4 per cent. respectively. On joining NATO the Czech Republic has agreed to pay 0.9 per cent., Hungary 0.65 per cent. and Poland 2.48 per cent. of NATO's common funded budgets which currently amount to some one billion pounds per annum. As with existing members of NATO, the contributions of new Member States to the Alliance will be a relatively small element of their total defence budgets.

  OSCE
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost for each of the past 10 years of the United Kingdom contribution to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe; and if he will make a statement on plans for future contributions. [51892]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The costs of the United Kingdom's contribution before financial year 1991–92 could be provided only at disproportionate expense. Approximate costs from 1991–92 to 1997–98 were as follows:

  £

  Year

  Cost

  1991–92

  239,157

  1992–93

  747,414

  1993–94

  2,039,782

  1994–95

  2,773,800

  1995–96

  4,473,113

  1996–97

  3,912,353

  1997–98

  5,746,302

  721
  The total UK contribution to the OSCE in 1998–99 is likely to be around £10 million, reflecting increased OSCE operational activity in former Yugoslavia. This figure is likely to increase in the next few years as OSCE activity widens in line with the Government's conflict prevention and human rights objectives.

  Sierra Leone
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Ministers have visited Sierra Leone since 1 May 1997; and on what dates. [52273]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I visited Sierra Leone on 31 March 1998 as a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG).

  No other British Ministers have visited Sierra Leone since 1 May 1997.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list for(a) her 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. [49238]

  Mr. Field
  [holding answer 6 July 1998]: The information about vehicles owned by this Department is set out in the tables.

  Breakdown of fleet by fuel type and engine capacity

  Engine capacity

  Diesel

  Petrol

  Electric

  750cc

  —

  7

  —

  900cc

  —

  5

  —

  1.0

  —

  76

  —

  1.1

  —

  20

  —

  1.2

  —

  19

  —

  1.3

  —

  10

  —

  1.4

  53

  100

  —

  1.5

  97

  8

  —

  1.6

  5

  85

  —

  1.7

  1,163

  3

  —

  1.8

  343

  42

  —

  1.9

  1,204

  5

  —

  2.0

  1,191

  212

  —

  2.1

  5

  —

  —

  2.2

  4

  —

  —

  2.5

  189

  —

  —

  2.7

  3

  2

  —

  2.8

  3

  —

  —

  3.0

  2

  —

  —

  4.0

  2

  —

  —

  4.9

  1

  —

  —

  5.9

  1

  —

  —

  6.2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  722

  Vehicles due for replacements

  Tax year

  Number of replacements

  1998–99

  976

  1999–2000

  877

  2000–01

  780

  Women's Refuges
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what funding her Department has provided in the current financial year for research into improving the provision and effectiveness of women's refuges. [51147]

  Ms Ruddock
  In order to collect accurate information on the full range of accommodation and support services for women and children escaping domestic violence, this Department, in conjunction with the Women's Unit, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Department of Health, has commissioned a comprehensive package of research.

  As part of this package, Women's Aid is undertaking a survey of refuge groups in England which will provide up to date information on refuge provision. The total cost of this element of the research, to be met in this financial year, is £49,000.

  Landlord Fraud
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many prosecutions her Department has instigated relating to landlord fraud in the Greater London area in the last 12 months. [51266]

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

  Total number of successful prosecutions for housing benefit/council tax benefit by local authorities in Great Britain and Greater London for 1996–97 and 1997–98

  Great Britain

  2Greater London

  1996–97

  610

  140

  1997–981

  1630

  1100

  1The 1997–98 figures are provisional and are therefore subject to change when more returns are received from Local Authorities

  2Greater London comprises the London Boroughs of Barking, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster, and City of London

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  Source:

  Department of Social Security, Quarterly Administration forms.

  Pensions (Expatriates)
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the up-rating of frozen pensions for British citizens living overseas. [51620]
  723
  Mr. Denham
  There continue to be competing demands and constraints on Social Security spending in the UK. Therefore, we consider that it would be wrong to raise expectations that moves to unfreeze UK pensions paid abroad would be likely to attract priority in the current circumstances.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Bendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the potential saving in administration costs if the winter fuel payment were to be combined with the Christmas bonus. [51823]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 22 July 1998]: While it may appear intuitively appealing to combine the administration of Winter Fuel Payments and Christmas Bonus, there are significant difficulties in doing so. These arise because the two payments are made under different legislation, entitlement to the payments may be established in different ways, and while the Christmas Bonus is paid on an individual basis, Winter Fuel Payments are paid on a household basis to many pensioners.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the number of pension advisers to be recruited by her Department and of their total cost. [51888]

  Mr. Denham
  Plans for taking forward our strategy to help the poorest pensioners on a national basis are currently being developed, and will be informed by the results from the pilot projects and research. Therefore, it is not possible to give an indication of the numbers of personal advisers or their total cost, at this stage.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her oral statement of 17 July 1998,Official Report, columns 703–06, what estimate she has made of the loss of council tax rebate and housing benefit for persons who receive the minimum income supplement; and if she will make a statement. [51883]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  There will be no loss of Council Tax Benefit or Housing Benefit resulting from the measures announced on 17 July 1998.

  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 are in the table.

  Pensioners currently entitled to Income Support, and those who newly qualify as a result of the increases and the implementation of our national programme to find
  724
  those pensioners who are entitled but who do not claim, will normally qualify, as now, for full eligible Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

  New Income Support rates from April 1999

  £

  Age

  Single pensioners now

  Single pensioners from April 1999

  Couples now

  Couples from April 1999

  60–74

  70.45

  75.00

  109.35

  116.60

  75–79

  72.70

  77.30

  112.55

  119.85

  80+1

  77.55

  82.25

  117.90

  125.30

  1Also paid to younger pensioners with disabilities

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the current number of pensioners who(a) receive council tax benefit and housing benefit and (b) are eligible for them but do not claim. [51891]

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

  The latest available figures for pensioners entitled to, but not receiving, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit are for 1995–96. For recipients, estimates have been provided for the same period for comparative purposes.

  Number of pensioner recipients and range of entitled-non recipients for Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit

  Recipients 1995–96

  Entitled-Non Recipients 1995–96

  Council Tax Benefit

  2,770,000

  Between 950,000 and 1,420,000

  Housing Benefit

  1,940,000

  Between 230,000 and 320,000

  Sources:

  1. For Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit recipients 1995–1996—The four quarterly 100 per cent. caseload counts from May 1995, August 1995, November 1995 and February 1996, and May 1995 1 per cent. caseload count

  2. For those entitled to but not receiving their Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit—The 1995–1996 Family Resources Survey

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate her Department has made of the number of members of the state earnings related pension scheme in each of the last 10 years. [51887]

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

  Number of people who have contributed towards the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme from 1986–87 to 1995–96 for Great Britain

  000s

  Tax year

  Number of members

  1986–87

  10,116

  1987–88

  7,483

  1988–89

  7,493

  1989–90

  7,206

  1990–91

  7,161

  1991–92

  6,471

  1992–93

  6,327

  725

  Number of people who have contributed towards the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme from 1986–87 to 1995–96 for Great Britain

  000s

  Tax year

  Number of members

  1993–94

  6,555

  1994–95

  7,115

  1995–96

  7,496

  Notes:

  1. Figures are for Great Britain, and are rounded to the nearest thousand

  2. When a person reaches State pension age the amount of entitlement to the State Additional Pension is calculated. The formula used for this calculation means there are people with contracted-out employments, an Appropriate Personal Pension (APP) or who only pay Class 2 or Class 3 National Insurance contributions (NICs) who may receive a small amount of State Additional Pension in respect of earnings during these years. The figures quoted exclude any such cases. People who are not contracted-out, who earn over the annual lower earnings limit have been categorised as members of SERPS

  3. Married women who have retained the right to pay reduced rate NICs are not entitled to accrue SERPS while the reduced rate authority is retained

  4. The figures show a reduction in 1987–88 mainly due to the introduction of APPs

  Source:

  "Second Tier Pension Provision 1995–96", (Table 4.0, Volume 2) published February 1998. The source of data for this publication is the Lifetime Labour Market Database (LLMDB), a 1 per cent. sample of the National Insurance Recording System taken at February 1997. 1995–96 is the latest tax year for which figures are available

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of(a) the expenditure costs of the state earnings related pension scheme per member and (b) the comparative costs for members of private pension schemes and occupational schemes. [51889]

  Mr. Denham
  Information on the administration costs of State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) per member is not available. The administration cost to the National Insurance Fund for awarding and paying State Retirement Pension, including SERPS, and collecting and maintaining records of National Insurance contributions was some £622 million in 1996–971.

  It is difficult to draw meaningful comparisons between the costs of running SERPS, occupational pension schemes and personal pensions. Administration costs for funded pensions include the costs of fund management as well as general administration. Occupational pensions benefit from economies of scale and may be able to reduce costs by using the employer's payroll and data systems. Personal pensions on the other hand are individual arrangements, and charges will include margins for advertising, selling and profit.

  A survey of occupational pensions scheme expenses recently published by the Government Actuary's Department2 shows very wide variations in costs, ranging from 2 per cent. to 44 per cent. of scheme contributions, with an average of 8 per cent. of annual contributions from members and employers.
  726
  Charges for personal pensions are measured differently and generally presented as a percentage of the final fund including investment return. They also vary widely. The effect of charges on an individual's accrued fund will depend on factors such as the amount of contributions made and whether the policy runs to retirement or is made paid-up after only a few years. A report3 in 1997 did, however come up with some broad conclusions. With average charges and no commission, between 15–20 per cent. of the moneys accumulated in a personal pension can be absorbed by charges. With commission, charges can rise to 20–25 per cent. of the accumulated fund. However if contributions are made for only a few years and then stop, charges can rise to absorb 40–50 per cent. of the accumulated fund.

  1Source Department Report 1998–99, CM3913

  2GAD Survey of Expenses of Occupational Pension Schemes, published June 1998

  3"Pensions—A Long Term Strategy" published by the Association of British Insurers June 1997.

  Disabled People
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she will announce the results of the second round of bids for the New Deal for Disabled People and the levels of funding allocated. [52237]

  Mr. Denham
  The New Deal for Disabled People is being funded with £195 million from the Windfall Tax. £5 million of this will be used to fund a number of Innovative Schemes which will test new ways of helping disabled people into work. The results of the first tranche of bids for Innovative Schemes was announced on 16 July and 10 schemes were successful, costing a total of £2.4 million. The closing date for second tranche bids is 9 October and we expect to announce the results in early spring 1999, depending on the volume of bids received. £2.6 million will be available for the second tranche.

  We also plan to pilot a new Personal Adviser service for disabled people, initially in twelve areas. These will cover over a quarter of a million people on incapacity benefits, and will offer advice and support on an individual basis to disabled people who want to move towards work. Pilots in the first six areas, to be run by the Employment Service, will start in October. The remainder will be put out to open tender and will start running next year. £5 million has been made available to fund the pilots during 1998–99, and a further £12 million has been set aside for 1999–2000.

  Housing Benefit (Scotland)
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the amount of housing benefit expenditure in Scotland for 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98, broken down into(a) the private rented sector, (b) housing association sector and (c) the public sector. [47976]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  [pursuant to his reply, 7 July 1998, c. 445]: The information available is set out in the table.
  727

  Scottish Housing Benefit expenditure

  £ million

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Private rented sector

  197

  199

  Housing association sector

  78

  101

  Public sector (council and new town tenants)

  628

  661

  All housing benefit

  903

  961

  Note:

  Expenditure rounded to the nearest million

  Sources:

  1.1998–99 Social Security departmental report

  2. Housing Benefit management information system (HBMIS) 1 per cent. samples

SCOTLAND

  Correspondence
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans his Department has to correspond electronically with(a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public. [49824]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 13 July 1998]: The Scottish Office expects to participate over the summer recess, along with a number of other Departments, in the testing of a system for replying electronically to Written Parliamentary Questions which will make use of the Government Secure Intranet (GSI). The Scottish Office has been connected to the GSI since June of this year. In addition, contact points for electronic mail are given on The Scottish Office's Internet Web site, www.scotland.gov.uk. The use of electronic mail by The Scottish Office to correspond with external organisations and members of the public who have access to electronic mail services is growing and is expected to increase further as more correspondents gain access to electronic mail services.

  Average daily number of prisoners (including young offenders)

  Number of Suicides

  Ratio of the number of suicides to prisoners

  Year April-March

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Male

  Female

  Total

  1994–95

  5,449

  181

  5,630

  16

  —

  16

  1:340

  —

  1:351

  1995–96

  5,458

  174

  5,632

  5

  3

  8

  1:1092

  1:58

  1:704

  1996–97

  5,803

  189

  5,992

  14

  3

  17

  1:415

  1:63

  1:352

  1997–98

  5,873

  186

  6,059

  12

  1

  13

  1:489

  1:186

  1:466

  Consultation between my officials in the Scottish Prison Service and Home Office officials have taken place and the Task Force which has been set up to consider the circumstances surrounding recent deaths include a member from the Suicide Awareness Support Unit in HM Prison Service for England and Wales.

  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what procedures are in place which allow families of inmates to alert prison authorities to a risk of suicide; and if he will make a statement. [51661]

  Mr. McLeish
  If the family of a prisoner has reason to believe that a relative in prison is at risk, they can let
  728
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [50691]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 22 July 1998]: 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. Correspondence is handled by staff in my Department as part of their normal duties.

  Local Authorities (Auditing)
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce measures to improve the internal audit procedures in Scottish local authorities. [50872]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 22 July 1998]: Internal audit is a fundamental element of the financial and management controls which local authorities are responsible for having in place. As part of their routing regulatory work, the external auditors of local authorities assess the quality of the internal audit against set CIPFA standards. Where the auditors identify weaknesses in the council's internal audit process, they will recommend action, either to council officials or members depending on the nature of the shortcoming. Any recommendations made by the auditors are checked to ensure that they have been fulfilled. Where they are not, and if there is something fundamentally wrong, the auditor can choose to report this to the Controller of Audit, which might lead to a Special Report being made to the Secretary of State.

  Prisoners (Suicide and Self-harm)
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the ratio of the number of suicides to inmates, in each of the last three years,(a) per gender and (b) in total; what discussions he has had with the Home Office concerning the prevention of suicides in prisons; and if he will make a statement. [51743]

  Mr. McLeish
  The information requested is as follows.

  the prison know by telephoning, writing or speaking to a member of management or staff. A poster and leaflet campaign will shortly be undertaken to encourage this. The Scottish Prison Service has also made available in court buildings a "Risk Identification" form which a prisoner's family can complete and which will accompany the prisoner to the prison concerned.

  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many (i) suicides and (ii) incidents of self harm have occurred(a) in each prison and (b) in total, in each of the last five years broken down by age and gender; and how many of the people concerned were (1) on suicide observation and (2) on remand. [51732]
  729
  Mr. McLeish
  The information requested on suicides for April to March years, is as follows:

  Establishments

  1993–94 Ages

  1994–95 Ages

  1995–96 Ages

  1996–97 Ages

  1997–98 Ages

  Aberdeen

  28

  —

  —

  125

  130

  35

  Barlinnie

  123

  23

  136

  125

  54

  50

  22

  125

  143

  124

  128

  126

  25

  125

  19

  24

  Cornton Vale

  —

  —

  117

  19

  24

  117

  126

  126

  22

  Edinburgh

  145

  120

  —

  —

  47

  Glenochil

  —

  —

  —

  —

  27

  Greenock

  139

  126

  122

  58

  46

  121

  20

  145

  35

  129

  130

  38

  Longriggend

  —

  119

  120

  120

  117

  120

  Perth

  28

  34

  33

  121

  47

  28

  29

  27

  24

  25

  46

  Polmont

  21

  —

  —

  —

  18

  Total

  7 (3 remands) (Includes 2 prisoners on hourly observations)

  16 (8 remands) (Includes 1 prisoner on hourly observations)

  8 (6 remands) (No prisoners on observations)

  17 (8 remands) (No prisoner on observations)

  13 (5 remands) (Includes 3 prisoners on hourly observations)

  1Those prisoners who were on remand

  Note:

  All prisoners and young offenders are male with the exception of these at Cornton Vale.

  No self harm figures are available, due to difficulties of definition.

  Prison Costs
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average annual cost of a prison place(a) in each category of prison and (b) in total. [51740]

  Mr. McLeish
  The budgeted average annual cost of a prison place in Scotland, for the current financial year (March 1998 to April 1999) is(a) £23,575 for secure prisons, £16,959 for open prisons and (b) £23,156 in total. These have been calculated as total budgeted expenditure (excluding capital, Headquarters, the SPS Training

  Lieutenancy area

  Lord-Lieutenant

  Date appointed

  Aberdeenshire

  Captain Colin A. Farquharson FRICS

  13 May 1987

  Angus

  The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Airlie KT GCVO PC LLD

  18 October 1989

  Argyll and Bute

  His Grace The Duke of Argyll

  6 February 1996

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Major Richard Y. Henderson TD

  5 April 1991

  Banffshire

  James A. S. McPherson Esq. CBE

  11 August 1987

  Berwickshire

  Major General Sir John Swinton KCVO OBE

  20 September 1989

  Caithness

  Major Graham T. Dunnett TD

  22 January 1996

  Clackmannan

  Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. Stewart CBE TD

  15 December 1994

  Dumfries

  Captain Ronald C. Cunningham-Jardine

  21 October 1991

  Dunbartonshire

  Brigadier Donald D. G. Hardie TD

  2 June 1990

  East Lothian

  Sir Hew Fleetwood Hamilton-Dalrymple Bt KCVO

  20 January 1987

  Fife

  The Earl of Elgin and Kincardine KT

  4 November 1987

  Inverness

  The Rt. Hon. The Lord Gray of Contin PC

  3 October 1996

  Kincardineshire

  The Viscount of Arbuthnott KT CBE DSC FRSE

  8 February 1977

  Lanarkshire

  Hutchison B. Sneddon Esq. CBE

  9 June 1992

  Midlothian

  Captain George W. Burnet LVO

  31 January 1992

  Moray

  Air Vice Marshal George A. Chesworth CB OBE DFC

  12 March 1994

  730
  College and other central costs) divided by the forecast prisoner places available in the year, at the time when the budgets were set.

  Lord-Lieutenants
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 17 July 1998,Official Report, column 336, if he will list the name of each of Scotland's Lord-Lieutenant and the dates each was appointed. [52011]

  Mr. McLeish
  The names of Scotland's Lord-Lieutenants and the dates each was appointed are as follows. Lord-Lieutenants may serve until their 75th birthday.
  731

  Lieutenancy area

  Lord-Lieutenant

  Date appointed

  Nairn

  The Earl of Leven and Melville

  22 July 1969

  Orkney

  George R. Marwick Esq.

  1 April 1997

  Perth and Kinross

  Sir B. H. David Montgomery Bt

  3 March 1995

  Renfrewshire

  Cameron H. Parker Esq. OBE

  25 May 1998

  Ross and Cromarty

  Captain Roderick W. K. Stirling of Fairbairn TD

  16 May 1988

  Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale

  His Grace The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KT VRD

  110 June 1974 and 216 March 1975

  Shetland

  John H. Scott Esq.

  28 February 1994

  Stirling and Falkirk

  Lieutenant Colonel James Stirling of Garden CBE TD FRICS

  15 December 1983

  Sutherland

  Major General David Houston CBE

  24 November 1991

  The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright

  Lieutenant-General Sir J. Norman S. Arthur KCB

  22 January 1996

  Tweeddale

  Captain J. David B. Younger

  18 June 1994

  West Lothian

  The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Morton

  31 July 1985

  Western Isles

  The Viscount Dunrossil CMG

  7 December 1993

  Wigtown

  Major Edward S. Orr Ewing

  12 October 1989

  1Appointed as Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh

  2Appointed as Lord-Lieutenant for Selkirk (Subsumed as lieutenancy of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale at local government reorganisation in May 1975)

  In addition, the Lord Provosts of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow are by virtue of their office Lord-Lieutenants for those cities. The relevant details are:

  City

  Lord-Lieutenant

  Date appointed

  Aberdeen City

  Mrs. Margaret B. Farquhar

  1 April 1996

  Dundee City

  Mervyn J. Rolf Esq. FRSA FSAScot

  1 April 1996

  City of Edinburgh

  Eric Milligan Esq.

  1 April 1996

  Glasgow City

  Pat Lally Esq. HRGI FRSA

  1 April 1996

  Forestry
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the consultation paper, Opportunity for Change, when he will be seeking views on how forestry can contribute to sustainable development. [52123]

  Mr. Macdonald
  We have published a supplementary consultation paper called "The Sustainable Management of Forests", and copies are available in the Library. Comments are invited on how forestry can contribute to sustainable development, and these should be sent to the Forestry Commission before 11 September.

  Classroom Assistants
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy for the creation of classroom assistants, indicating(a) the total amount of money made available for this purpose, (b) when the jobs will begin, (c) how such classroom assistants will be recruited, (d) what qualifications will be required and (e) the proposed rate of pay. [52121]

  Mr. Wilson
  I announced our plans for a major expansion in the employment of classroom assistants in primary schools on 14 July as part of our strategy for raising standards in schools. We are committed to achieving a ratio of one adult to every 15 pupils in the primary school system by 2002 and will employ up to 5,000 new classroom assistants to achieve this.

  In the light of the decisions taken following the Comprehensive Spending Review this programme will receive funding of £66 million over 3 years from the Excellence Fund which will provide education authorities with assistance targeted on a series of measures, including
  732
  this: £10 million will be available for assistants in 1999–2000, £20 million in 2000–01 and £36 million in 2001–02.

  We would expect recruitment under the initiative to begin as soon as the new resources become available in April 1999 and as is practical, and for the numbers of assistants to grow as more funds become available each year. Local authorities have also been invited to participate in a pilot programme commencing in August this year. There will therefore be a small number of assistants recruited during 1998–99; and a number of authorities already employ some assistants.

  Local authorities will be responsible for designing jobs, recruiting classroom assistants and providing training within general guidance which will be considered by a Scottish Office working group involving authorities, teachers, training providers and others. Recruitment methods will not be prescribed. The initiative will, however, provide opportunities for people from local communities.

  Any entry requirements for classroom assistants' posts will be for local authorities to determine. However, the working group will consider what guidance should be given and will promote the development of relevant training, leading towards a qualification for classroom assistants.

  Local authorities will also be responsible for determining rates of pay and other contractual conditions such as hours worked, in line with the nature of the posts created and local labour market conditions.

DEFENCE

  Naval Manning Agency
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Naval Manning Agency for 1998–99. [45616]

  Dr. Reid
  The Chief Executive of the Naval Manning Agency has been set the following key targets for 1998–1999:

  1. Greater than 94% of officer billets to be filled.

  2. Greater than 89% of Naval Rating billets to be filled.

  733

  3. Greater than 88% of Royal Marine Other Ranks billets to be filled.

  4. Total strength of Naval personnel to be within plus 1% to minus 2% of the set requirement.

  5. Greater than 60% of officers to receive more than 4 months notice for change of employment.

  6. Greater than 98% of Ratings/Other Ranks to receive more than the specified notice for change of employment.

  7. Greater than 99% of Ratings/Other Ranks to receive the specified levels of Minimum Time Ashore.

  8. To achieve a progressive annual 7.5% reduction in the number of manpower gaps within the scope of the Agency's control.

  9. To conduct two benchmarking exercises per year.

  10. To produce full accruals-based accounts.

  11. To operate the Naval Manning Agency within its 1998–99 cash allocation (expressed at 1997–98 prices) of £9.8 million, a reduction of £0.6 million (6%) from the 1997–98 figures.

  Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantity of radioactive liquid in gallons has been discharged from AWE, Aldermaston into the River Thames in each year since 1980; and if he will make a statement. [51158]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 20 July 1998]: Liquid discharges from AWE, Aldermaston to the Thames are of treated effluent or trade waste of extremely low radioactivity content. All such discharges are made within the limits set by discharge authorisations from the appropriate regulatory body, most recently the Environment Agency, under the terms of the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 and Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Limits are set at values which are well below those which would cause environmental impact or significant public risk and are subject to periodic review. In fact, it has been calculated that in a year the radiation dose from AWE's liquid discharges into the Thames via the Pangbourne pipeline to the most exposed individual is the same as that one would receive from eating half a brazil nut.

  Discharges from AWE Aldermaston to the River Thames since 1980 are as follows:

  Year

  Discharge/gallons

  1980

  4,983,000

  1981

  3,696,000

  1982

  4,125,000

  1983

  3,498,000

  1984

  3,498,000

  1985

  3,366,000

  1986

  3,399,000

  1987

  3,315,000

  1988

  3,135,000

  1989

  3,036,000

  1990

  2,771,120

  1991

  2,970,000

  1992

  2,739,000

  1993

  2,309,340

  1994

  2,233,660

  1995

  1,698,180

  1996

  1,353,000

  1997

  1,566,840

  1998 (to end June)

  1,273,360

  734
  Details of discharges are published annually in AWE's Environment Safety and Health Report.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the metallurgy division at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston, was set up; what is the purpose of this division; how many series of technical papers or reports are currently being produced by this division; and what are the names of each series. [51130]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Metallurgy Division of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston was set up in 1995. It is now part of the Metallic Materials business area in the Technology Division. Among its purposes are research and development on a range of fissile, toxic and conventional metals, production of certain components in support of research and development, and work supporting the stockpile stewardship of the UK's nuclear deterrent.

  One series of technical papers and reports is currently produced by the Metallic Materials business area, namely Director Technology Technical Reports.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer on 25 June 1998,Official Report, column 569, on AWE, Aldermaston if he will place a list of the titles of the 25 reports produced by the Weapon Diagnostic Division of the Atomic Weapons Establishment in the Library, indicating the date on which each paper was produced. [51136]

  Mr. Spellar
  I am today placing a list in the Library of the House.

  Land Contamination
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the compensation claim by Blue Circle International for contamination of their land adjacent to AWE, Aldermaston. [52159]

  Mr. Spellar
  Following an exceptionally severe storm in July 1989 water bearing low level radioactive material from ponds situated at AWE, Aldermaston overflowed onto adjacent marshland belonging to Blue Circle Industries plc. The company later sought damages for economic loss from the collapse of negotiations related to a possible sale of the Blue Circle Industries estate. The High Court awarded damages of some £6 million against the MOD.

  On legal advice, the MOD appealed against this ruling. The Appeal was heard in May and judgment handed down on 10 June with the Court finding for Blue Circle Industries plc and increasing the award by a further £600,000.

  As agreed by both sides, there was no physical damage to human or animal health, and the area affected was well away from land regularly used by the company or to which the public had access. The affected sediment was removed at MOD's expense in 1994 by suitable qualified contractors to the satisfaction of the regulatory Authorities and Blue Circle Industries.

  European Fighter Aircraft
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will commission a study on a naval variant of the European Fighter Aircraft. [51868]
  735
  Mr. Spellar
  I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend on 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 433.

  Aircraft Carriers
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the different types of aircraft able to use the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers; and if he will assess the potential for using the Eurofighter aircraft on the carriers. [52111]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to him on 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 433, and to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 21 July 1998, Official Report, column 478.

  Stockholdings
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the(a) market and (b) book value of stockholdings which his Department intends to dispose of over the next three years. [50956]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 17 July 1998]: The SDR has set out a Departmental target to dispose of holdings of non munitions stores with a book value of £2.2 billion over the next three years.

  The market value of these essentially surplus and obsolescent items will amount to only a small fraction of this figure. Receipts from the sales of equipment, spares and munitions over the last three years have amounted to some £80 million per annum. This level is expected to be maintained over the next four years.

  Plutonium
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to paragraph 72 of the Strategic Defence Review, Cm. 3999, what were the reactors of origin of the 7.6 tonnes of defence plutonium; and if he will list its isotopic composition. [51418]

  Mr. Spellar
  The reactors of origin for the bulk of the stock of 7.6 tonnes of plutonium are Windscale Piles, Calder Hall and Chapelcross. We have announced, as part of the Strategic Defence Review, our intention to produce by Spring 2000 our initial report of Defence fissile material production since the start of our defence nuclear programme in the 1940s. It would be contrary to national defence and security interests to reveal the isotopic composition of this plutonium and this information is therefore being withheld under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Sir Lanka (Arms Sales)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the value to the United Kingdom of arms sales to Sri Lanka in each year since 1990. [51799]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Ministry of Defence is currently working with the FCO and the DTI to prepare the Government's first Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls. The Report will include details of export licence applications for UK Military List items and details of such 736
  equipment exported with annual values. When the Report has been issued I will write to my hon. Friend in regard to the information requested for previous years.

  C-130
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 29 June 1998,Official Report, column 10, if compensation in excess of the £30 million will be sought for further delays in the delivery of the C-130. [51869]

  Mr. Spellar
  Liquidated damages will continue to be collected as they fall due. Final amounts will depend on the actual dates of deliveries, and could exceed £30 million.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the sub strategic role for Trident submarines; and if he will make a statement. [51893]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The credibility of our minimum nuclear deterrent requires that we have the option, in extreme self-defence, of deterring further aggression through a nuclear ("sub-strategic") strike which is limited in scale and nature of target so that it could not be expected automatically to lead to a full scale nuclear exchange.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals have been put to the NATO Council of Ministers for a no first use policy on the deployment of nuclear weapons. [51954]

  Mr. George Robertson
  No such proposals have been made to the NATO Council of Ministers.

  Armoured Personnel Carrier Project
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress his Department has made on the Mobility 1, Protection 1 Armoured Personnel Carrier Project. [51074]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: The programme for a Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle with a high level of mobility and protection is now known as the Armoured Battlegroup Support Vehicle programme. Studies into this requirement are in progress, looking particularly at possible commonality with the future replacement for the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, and assessing the operational effectiveness and value for money of using the same components in a number of different vehicles.

  Joint Strike Fighter
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money has been spent by the United Kingdom on the Joint Strike Fighter to date. [51062]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: Payments made by the UK Government to the US Department of Defense under the Concept Demonstration Phase of the Joint Strike Fighter programme amount so far to approximately £55m.

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has for the future of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. [51070]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: We have said in the White Paper on the Strategic Defence Review (Cm 3999) that we will harness the opportunities offered by Public Private Partnership to strengthen the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency's ability to continue to provide world class scientific research well into the next century.

  We are keen to involve all the stakeholders in taking forward our plans and in deciding on the best practical means of achieving our objectives. We shall, therefore, be consulting widely with industry, DERA management and staff representatives, the scientific community and our key Allies before reaching decisions.

  Armed Forces
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 424, what proportion of the number of people who will have had some experience in the forces will be under the age of 35 years in 2015 and will have had experience in the Army. [52124]

  Dr. Reid
  It is not possible to make an exact calculation, but as, at present, the majority of personnel serving in the Armed Forces are under 35 years of age and, as the majority of those who leave the Forces are under 35, it would be reasonable to assume that a large proportion of those people who will have had some experience of the Armed Forces will also be under 35 years of age in 2015.

  Boeing C-17 Aircraft
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many(a) UK aerospace companies and (b) other UK companies, would directly benefit from the leasing or purchase of the Boeing C-17 aircraft; [52069]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the number of jobs which would be generated from the purchase or lease of the Boeing C-17 aircraft in the UK. [52070]

  Mr. Spellar
  Bids will be invited to meet the short-term and long-term air transport requirements in parallel competitions. Requests for proposals will be issued later this summer for the long-term requirement, and in the Autumn for the short-term requirement. In both cases, I can assure my hon. Friend that the procurement decision will take account of employment, industrial and all other relevant factors.

  Challenger 2 Battle Tank
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of Vickers production of the Challenger 2 battle tank. [52112]

  Mr. Spellar
  Vickers Defence Systems are contracted to provide the Ministry of Defence with 386 main battle tanks, together with associated training equipment, spares and ammunition. Under the delivery schedule, all 386 main battle tanks are to be delivered by February 2002. The company has concluded two export contracts with the 738
  Royal Army of Oman, and the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide the normal support in pursuing export prospects.

  Europe-wide Defence and Aerospace Industry
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's role in discussions relating to the creation of a unified Europe-wide defence and aerospace company. [52122]

  Mr. Spellar
  It is for the companies themselves to determine the future structure of the European aerospace and defence industry. Government's role is to facilitate the process. With this objective, the Ministers of Defence of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden signed on 6 July a Letter of Intent which sets out an approach to removing a number of practical obstacles to restructuring in a number of areas.

  Heavy Lift Capability
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that the tender specifications for the competition for the near term requirement for an outsized cargo heavy lift capability will allow as many potential bidders as possible to tender for the contract. [52068]

  Mr. Spellar
  The competition for the short-term strategic airlift requirement will be conducted under normal procurement rules which require that all competitions are as open as possible. The competition will give industry the opportunity to put forward their proposals. A notice was included in the MOD Contract Bulletin on 15 July, and I expect a range of potential bidders to express their interest as requested, before the end of August.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on United Kingdom heavy lift capacity. [49636]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 9 July 1998]: We have decided to enhance our strategic lift capacity by both air and sea. As was explained in the Supporting Essay Six on Future Military Capabilities, which was published on 8 July in conjunction with the Strategic Defence Review White Paper (Cmnd 3999), we have concluded that we cannot at present deploy Joint Rapid Reaction Forces quickly enough to meet operational requirements in the changed strategic environment. Nor is commercial shipping or airlift likely to be available in sufficient quantities to meet rapid deployment deadlines, although it will have an important place in transporting follow-on forces.

  We have therefore decided that the most effective alternative in military and resource terms is: to acquire four additional roll-on roll-off container ships to join the two now entering service (it may be possible to do so using Public Private Partnership); in the short term, to meet our strategic airlift needs with four C-17 aircraft or their equivalent; and in the longer term, we need to consider a suitable replacement for our remaining elderly transport aircraft, for which the proposed European Future Large Aircraft is a contender.
  739
  Bids will be invited to meet the short-term and long-term air transport requirements in parallel competitions. Requests for proposals will be issued later this year, and we would hope to make decisions on procurement by early 2000.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [50684]

  Mr. Spellar
  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.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 January 1998,Official Report, column 180, if he will list in respect of (a) AWE Aldermaston, (b) Rosyth dockyard and (c) Devonport dockyard the quantities of all radioactive materials held on site which are not defined as low-level waste or intermediate-level wastes, giving the forms in which such material is held. [51226]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 20 July 1998]: No high level waste is held at any of the sites.

  AWE, Aldermaston holds approximately 960 cubic metres of very low level waste comprising soil contaminated with plutonium removed from around Aldermaston Court and the Pangbourne pipeline valve pits. Devonport Dockyard currently holds approximately 20 cubic metres of very low level waste, made up of protective clothing, material and equipment contaminated with activation products, principally cobalt 60. Rosyth Dockyard currently holds no very low level waste.

  Rosyth Dockyard currently hold spent fuel equivalent to one submarine reactor core and Devonport Dockyard one and three-quarters submarine reactor cores of spent fuel. In accordance with IAEA and Euratom definitions, spent fuel is not categorised as waste while reprocessing remains an option. The decision as to whether this and other spent fuel owned by the Department is to be reprocessed remains open.

  Two decommissioned submarines, HMS Valiant at Devonport and HMS Renown at Rosyth, still contain spent fuel. Plans are in place to remove this fuel at the earliest operational programmed opportunity. HMS Repulse which was referred to in the reply I gave the hon. Member on 27 January 1998, Official Report, column 180, has now been defuelled and the spent fuel transferred to BNFL Sellafield.

  TRACER Project
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the TRACER project. [51250]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 21 July 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton, South (Ms Taylor) on 8 July 1998, Official Report, column 529.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer of 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 405, on parliamentary questions, for what reasons the text of the answer to Q25826 was not (a) printed in the relevant Hansard daily part and (b) delivered to the office of the right hon. Member for Wokingham. [52235]

  Mrs. Beckett
  An envelope containing the written answers given by my Department on Tuesday 3 February was delivered to the Hansard office during the afternoon and they were printed by Hansard in the daily part for Wednesday 4 February, columns 607–611. The answer to Q25826 was omitted due to an oversight by Hansard.

  In accordance with normal and long-standing practice, envelopes, containing the answers addressed to relevant hon. Members, including one envelope addressed to the right hon. Gentleman, were delivered by a member of staff from parliamentary branch to the letter board in the Members' Lobby.

  Drinks (Ministerial Offices)
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much has been spent on the provision of drinks in ministerial offices at her Department since 1 May 1997. [25826]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 28 January 1998]: As at 27 January, the cost of drinks purchased by the seven Ministers' offices since 1 May was some £4,000. The figure for the equivalent period the previous year was some £4,400.

  Employment Agencies
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on progress in her review of the rules governing the conduct of employment agencies. [51642]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  We aim to publish a consultation document seeking views on updated regulations to govern employment agency conduct in early autumn.

  Grants and Awards (Wakefield)
  Yvette Cooper
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the grants and awards that require bids from applicants which her Department is responsible for administering and awarding(a) nationally and (b) that people and groups within Wakefield Metropolitan District are eligible to bid for; if she will publish the deadlines for these applications; and if she will produce this list on a regular basis. [51272]

  Mrs. Roche
  There is a range and diversity of grants and awards, both departmental and through EU funding, which are available via Government. All Wakefield constituents are entitled to make application for these awards where appropriate.

  I understand that officials from the Department supplied some constituency-based information for my hon. Friend recently. The information requested is not, however, held centrally or in the form requested, and to

  741
  collate such a list would involve disproportionate cost. However, general information on grants available to the public can be obtained from local business links.

  Sombrero Island
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade for what reasons the environmental impact assessment on Sombrero Island was not carried out during the bird nesting season. [51256]

  Mr. Battle
  Beal Aerospace is proposing to develop a rocket launch site on Sombrero island, which is part of the UK overseas territory of Anguilla. Beal Aerospace has contracted an environmental consultancy—ICF Kaiser—to perform an environmental impact assessment on the proposal. It is for Beal Aerospace to decide when and how the assessment should be conducted. The relevant authorities will then consider the adequacy of the assessment when it is submitted.

  I understand that ICF Kaiser is aware that its initial ecological survey conducted earlier this year did not coincide with the nesting season of many of the birds on Sombrero, and is expected to visit the island again this month to carry out further studies when more birds will be nesting.

  Export Licence Applications
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many export licence applications awaiting decisions on 24 June had been waiting for(a) 20 days, (b) 40 days, (c) 60 days and (d) more than 60 days. [48228]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 30 June 1998]: At 24 June 1998, a decision had not yet been taken on 2,110 applications for new individual export licences received since 2 May 1997. These are broken down as follows:

  Standard individual export licences

  Open individual export licences

  Applications received between

  2 May 1997 and 26 March 1998

  449

  140

  27 March 1998 and 27 April 1998

  230

  27

  28 April 1998 and 27 May 1998

  417

  16

  28 May 1998 and 24 June 1998

  817

  14

  The figures for open individual export licences do not cover amendments, extensions or OIELs for protective clothing for the media.

  However, this information should be considered in light of my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) of 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 256–58.

  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent consultations she has had with local authorities on the negotiations regarding the Multilateral Agreement on Investment. [50759]

  Mrs. Roche
  Officials from this Department, HM Treasury, and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, have met the Local 742
  Government Association's international bureau, and my noble Friend the Minister for Trade has exchanged correspondence with them as well as with many local authorities. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment recently addressed the LGA's environment and regeneration board, and discussed the multilateral agreement on investment. In addition, there have been numerous letters to Ministers from local authorities, as well as letters and other informal contacts with officials. Our view is that no current lawful local government practice will be affected by the MAI.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what research her Department has commissioned on the impact of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment on(a) restrictive trade practices and (b) consumers in the United Kingdom. [50760]

  Mrs. Roche
  We have not commissioned any such research.

  The UK already has an open and liberal economy, and has benefited greatly from the inward investment we have attracted as a result. If the multilateral agreement on investment increases inward investment even further, we would expect this to lead to increased competition and hence benefits for consumers. The UK and EU regulatory framework for competition policy exists to deal with anti-competitive behaviour.

HEALTH

  Chlamydia
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for a public education programme on the precautions necessary to exclude chlamydia infection. [42118]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department already commissions health promotion work for sexually transmitted infections including Chlamydia and has recently funded leaflets and radio advertising. We are currently considering further measures to increase public awareness of Chlamydia.

  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has initiated into the effects of chlamydia infection. [42117]

  Ms Jowell
  I recently announced that the Department will be setting up two pilot studies to test the feasibility of opportunistic screening for chlamydial infection later this year. In addition, the National Health Service health technology assessment programme will shortly be issuing a call for research proposals on topics identified by expert advisers as needing further work.

  Ovarian Cancer
  Ann Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the results of the Intergroup Study with Taxol-cisplatin and the national Ovarian Cancer Chemotherapy Consensus Statement; and if he will make a statement. [51659]

  Mr. Boateng
  Some clinical trials on the place of "Taxol" (Paclitaxel) in the treatment of ovarian cancer have already reported results but others are still underway. An updated analysis of the survival benefit of using Taxol
  743
  in combination as a first line treatment of advanced ovarian cancer was considered earlier this year by clinicians who issued the national Ovarian Cancer Chemotherapy Consensus Statement. A full presentation of the analysis was made in May at the meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. These have undergone close scrutiny by the profession.

  Early indications are that these results are encouraging and we have asked the Trent Development and Evaluation Committee to review their earlier work on the use of Cisplatin and Paclitaxel as a first line treatment in ovarian cancer in the light of these new data. This is being considered by the Standing Medical Advisory Committee alongside guidelines being prepared by the Joint Council for Clinical Oncology and following that, advice will be issued to the National Health Service.

  Haemophiliacs
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the United Kingdom haemophilia population receiving NHS treatment before 1986 were infected with HIV; and what plans his Department has to make financial assistance available to those who were infected with hepatitis C. [51621]

  Mr. Boateng
  Around 1,200 members of the United Kingdom haemophilia population were infected with HIV as a result of National Health Service treatment before 1986.

  We have received a number of representations on the issue of special payments for haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C through NHS treatment. The issues involved are complex and we are exploring them fully before reaching a decision.

  Psychiatric Units (Secure Beds)
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the current waiting times for persons who need a secure bed in a psychiatric unit in England; [51753]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the number of secure beds available in psychiatric units in England; [51751]

  (3) how many secure beds are available in psychiatric units in England; [51752]

  (4) how many of the secure beds available in psychiatric units in England are currently occupied. [51750]

  Mr. Boateng
  In 1992 the Department carried out a "Review of Health and Social Services for Mentally Disordered Offenders and Others Requiring a Similar Service". This recognised that the provision of secure places is an important part of the strategy to meet the needs of mentally disordered offenders, and gave added impetus to the Glancy report (1974) which proposed a target of 1,000 medium secure places nationally.

  Between 1991 and 1995 the Department invested over £47 million in a capital programme with the aim of developing 1,250 purpose-built medium secure places in the National Health Service. The programme is now almost complete and the target of 1,000 places nationally has been met. This programme has also been supported by the NHS regions.
  744
  Currently there are 1,504 medium secure places and 1,070 low secure places in England, making a total of 2,574 beds. This does not include the high security hospitals. Information on the number of places occupied and on waiting times for secure beds is not available centrally.

  Mesothelioma
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) conducted and (b) evaluated into the causes of mesothelioma; how much his Department has spent on researching mesothelioma in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [51899]

  Mr. Boateng
  The main agency through which the Government support bio-medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body which receives its grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology, which is part of the Department of Trade and Industry. The MRC has not supported any research, in the last five years, specifically to evaluate the causes of mesothelioma. However, it does provide support for more basic research in related areas which may provide insights into the aetiology of mesothelioma and have an impact on treatment in the future. For example, the MRC Toxicology Unit at Leicester has been working on projects to better understand the cellular mechanisms by which the lung responds to certain toxic materials. These include many toxins that circulate throughout the body and yet cause selective injury to particular types of lung cell, as well as inhaled mineral fibres such as asbestos and zeolites.

  In addition, the MRC's Committee on Toxic Hazards in the Environment and Workplace produced a report in 1995 (ISBN 1 899110 03 8) entitled "Natural and man-made mineral fibres: UK research priorities"—this was based on workshops organised by the Institute for Environmental Health. This report considers, inter alia, mesothelioma. It is available from the Institute of Environment and Health, University of Leicester, PO Box 138, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN (telephone 0116 252 5530 or fax 0116 252 5146).

  Medicines Commission
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive the Annual report of the Medicines Commission for 1997. [52820]

  Ms Jowell
  We have received the report, and copies have been laid before both Houses of Parliament today in accordance with the requirements of section 5(2) of the Medicines Act 1968.

  Bound volumes have been placed in the Library containing the 1997 reports of the Medicines Commission, the Committee on Safety of Medicines, the Advisory Board on the registration of Homeopathic Products, the British Pharmacopoeia Commission and the Veterinary Products Committee.
  745
  We are glad to acknowledge the valuable work done by the distinguished members of the Medicines Act Advisory Bodies and thank them for the time and effort dedicated in the public interest to this important work.

  Community Health Councils
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to allow community health councils to represent those residents of nursing homes who are not funded by the NHS. [52240]

  Ms Jowell
  Community health councils' role is to represent the interests in the health service of the public (including the residents of nursing homes whether or not they are funded by the National Health Service) in their districts. We have no plans to extend community health councils' role to represent the public's interest in non NHS funded services or care.

  Child Migrants
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will open to public scrutiny the documents(a) 1406, 1948 to 1957, Emigration of 100 children to Fairbridge Farm School, Piryarra, Western Australia: reports on inspection of premises, 894024/28, (b) 1557, 1947, Information about Fairbridge Farm School, Western Australia, given to Home Office by a former worker, 903435/18 and (c) 1592, 1947 to 1949, Emigration of British children to Northcote Farm School in Australia: details of organisation of school, 904404/2 held in the Public Record Office. [52272]

  Mr. Boateng
  The three files referred to are all subject to closure for 75 years because they contain personal and confidential references to individual children. This is consistent with Government policy concerning all public records. In the light of this policy, and in the context of the Health Select Committee's concerns, we are considering again whether these three files and some others can be opened. Hon. Members, bona fide researchers, representatives of the Child Migrants Trust, or the sending agencies for child migration, including Fairbridge, or individual former child migrants, may see these files subject to a condition preserving the confidentiality of the personal information in them. Arrangements can be made with Departmental officials.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  People's Panel
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his answer of 20 July 1998,Official Report, column 362, if he will estimate the cost of the second wave of research planned for later in the year. [52234]

  Dr. David Clark
  The cost of the second wave of research using the People's Panel is not yet known. It will depend on the number of issues that are covered and how many other Departments take part.

MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio on what date the air-conditioning system for the Millennium Dome is planned to be installed. [49153]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 7 July 1998]: Installation of the air cooling system has already begun in line with the critical path for delivery of the project in time for 1 January 2000.

  Millennium Dome (Transport)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio (1) how many park-and-ride car parking spaces will be provided for the Millennium Dome; [47822]

  (2) what plans the Government have to offer park-and-sail facilities to the Millennium Dome; [47787]

  (3) what plans he has to discourage the use of private cars by visitors to the Dome; [47812]

  (4) where the park-and-ride car parks for the Millennium Dome will be located. [47786]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 29 June 1998]: The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has recently produced a detailed park-and-ride strategy for Greenwich Council as part of its planning requirement. This document, which gives full and detailed answers to the questions raised, has been placed in the Library of the House.

CABINET OFFICE

  Lobbyists
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what communications have been sent to GPC Market Access through his Ministerial fax machine. [52255]

  Mr. Mandelson
  My office sends numerous faxes every day to different individuals and organisations and a record of these is not kept.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what is his policy on(a) receiving representations from lobbying companies, (b) initiating meetings with lobbying companies and (c) passing on representations made by lobbying companies. [51969]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 23 July 1998]: Ministers receive deputations and representations from many groups who are concerned to press their own interests or those of their clients which Ministers take due care to consider within the wider public interest and Government policy. All contacts with outside interest groups are conducted in accordance with the principles set out in the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Code.

  Official Travel
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio when he last travelled by train on official business. [51970]
  747
  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 23 July 1998]: I travelled from London to Newport and back by train on 10 July.

  Freedom of Information White Paper
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what is the nature of the representations he has made in respect of the proposed Freedom of Information White Paper. [51968]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 23 July 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  1998

  2–5 January

  Florida and Washington

  Official programme, including meetings at Epcot and the White House

  30 January–1 February

  Florence

  Speech to European University Institute in UK Presidency series of lectures

  2–3 February

  Brussels

  Official programme, including discussions with the European Commission, MEPs and the UK Permanent Representation

  2–4 March

  Bonn

  Official Programme, including speech to seminar on European Integration and National Sovereignty

  8–9 May

  Hague

  Speech to Congress of Europe 50th Anniversary on behalf of the UK Presidency

  8–9 June

  Paris

  Speech to Seminar at National Assembly on Blair-Jospin: One Year On

  18–22 July

  Brazil

  Official programme, including meeting with President Cardoso and speeches at University of Brasilia and British Chamber of Commerce, Sao Paulo

  Ministerial Speeches
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the speeches he has made since 1 May, indicating their dates and audience; and if he will place copies in the Library. [51971]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 23 July 1998]: I undertake numerous speaking engagements and address many different groups in the course of my ministerial duties.

TREASURY

  BCCI Report
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the confidential sections of the Bingham report into the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International; and when he proposes to publish these clauses. [43079]

  Mr. Darling
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 23 July 1998,Official Report, column 649.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to ensure the adaptability of the Working Families Tax Credit to recipients' changing circumstances. [50580]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  The broad outline of the Working Families Tax Credit was published on Budget day and the Inland Revenue is continuing to work on the precise details of the scheme.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the details of the operation of the Working Families Tax Credit will be published; and if he will make a statement. [50579]
  748
  13 July 1998, Official Report, column 1 and 20 July 1998, Official Report column 362.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the overseas visits he has undertaken at public expense since 1 January, indicating the purpose of each visit. [51974]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 23 July 1998]: I have undertaken the following official visits since 1 January 1998:

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  The broad outline of the Working Families Tax Credit was published on Budget day in "The Working Families Tax Credit and work incentives"—number 3 in the series "The Modernisation of Britain's Tax and Benefit System". We intend to bring forward the necessary legislation to implement it in detail as soon as possible.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how soon after moving into work parents will start to receive the Working Families Tax Credit. [50581]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  As the Chancellor announced in his Budget, the effective and efficient delivery of the tax credits will be key indicators of its success, and the Inland Revenue expects to maintain the current high standards of service seen in the speed of delivery of Family Credit.

  Local Authority Assets
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his oral statement of 11 June 1998,Official Report, columns 1195–1201, if he will make a statement on the process by which he will achieve the annual sale of £2.75 billion of local authority assets. [50834]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 16 July 1998]: It will be the responsibility of individual authorities to determine and deliver their asset disposal plans. But from 1 September 1998 they will also have the added incentive that they will be able to spend more of the proceeds, as the Government will no longer require to set aside a percentage of the proceeds from sales, other than sales of council housing and associated land.

  National Asset Register
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his oral statement of 11 June 1998,
  749
  Official Report, columns 1195–1201, if he will list the central Government disposals from the National Asset Register which he plans for 1998–99 in order to achieve £1 billion revenue. [50835]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 16 July 1998]: The estimates for 1998–99 were set out in the FSBR. The estimate of £1 billion a year over the next 3 years is projected from the level of sales achieved in previous years, the enhanced incentives announced at the time of the National Asset Register for Departments to dispose of assets, and discussions with Departments in the Comprehensive Spending Review on prospects for sales in the next 3 years.

  National Parliaments
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Treasury will enter into public service agreements with(a) the National Assembly for Wales and (b) the Scottish Parliament. [51464]

  Mr. Darling
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed Public Service Agreements with the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales. Once formally established it will be for the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Parliament to determine what arrangements they want to introduce to ensure that public expenditure on devolved services represents best value for money.

  Income Tax
  Kate Hoey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are currently paying(a) schedule C and (b) schedule D tax. [51653]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  Schedule C was abolished for income tax purposes from 6 April 1996. The tax charge was transferred to Schedule D from that date.

  It is estimated that about 21 million individual taxpayers have income taxable under Schedule D or Schedule A.

  Gas-powered Vehicles
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will reduce duty on auto-LP gas to the European Union minimum of 6.8/kg for a period of not less than five years; and if he will make a statement. [51857]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  There are no plans to reduce the duty rate on gas used as road fuel to the EU minimum.

  The freezing of the rate since November 1996 represents a reduction in real terms which, taken in conjunction with increases in duties on other fuels, recognises the environmental benefits associated with road fuel gases.

  The widened duty differential with conventional fuels offers a clear incentive for high mileage fleets, vans and buses to convert to cleaner gas power and will help offset the cost to motorists of vehicle conversion.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what environmental requirements will be built into the 750
  public service agreements between the Treasury and other Government departments; and if he will make a statement. [51975]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 23 July 1998]: The Government are committed to taking the environment into account across all areas of policy. Public Service agreements between the Treasury and other Government Departments will be consistent with the objective of sustainable development. Where relevant, specific environmental objectives will be reflected in the aims and targets in the agreements.

  Comprehensive Spending Review
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his announcement on the Comprehensive Spending Review, on 14 July 1998,Official Report, columns 187–211, if he will publish a table listing expenditure on science, research and development for each Government department and the total for (a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000, (c) 2000–01 and (d) 2001–02. [51846]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 23 July 1998]: Figures of Government Departments' plans for expenditure in 1998–99 on science, engineering and technology and on research and development are published in Tables 2.1 and 3.1 respectively of 'Science, engineering and technology statistics 1998' (Cm 4006 Department of Trade and Industry and Office of Science and Technology). Copies are available in the Library of the House. Provisional figures for the following three years will be available later this year.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the purpose of his most recent visit to the United States; what was the total cost to public funds; and how many people, holding what posts, accompanied him. [51885]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  I travelled to the United States last week to give a speech setting out Government policy on economic reform in the UK, Europe and in the world economy. All arrangements for the visit were fully in line with the Ministerial Code.

  Ernst and Young
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the Ernst and Young ITEM Club forecast of growth for 1999 of one per cent. [52236]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Treasury regularly monitors a wide range of independent forecasts for the UK economy. Based on the published July comparison, the Ernst and Young ITEM Club forecast for growth in 1999 is now the third most pessimistic out of the forty-five organisations surveyed by the Treasury. The Budget projections for the public finances are based on a forecast for growth of 1¾ per cent. in 1999 which, by contrast, is very much in line with the independent consensus.

  Life Offices
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Government's policy on the inherited estates of life offices. [52749]
  751
  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government's position on the inherited estates of life offices was set out in a statement by the then Minister for Corporate Affairs in February 1995. The DTI, which was then the responsible regulatory authority, applied the principles set out in that statement in reaching agreement with four life offices for a restructuring of their long-term funds, and a clarification of the attribution of the interests of policyholders and shareholders in the long-term fund.

  A common feature of these cases is that they involved a particular type of business known as "industrial business". Historically, there was a lack of clarity over the development of these companies' approach to dealing with surplus arising in respect of some industrial business
  752
  policies written earlier this century. Consequently, there was no clear evidence as to how surplus which had built up from these policies should be properly attributed between policyholders and shareholders. The DTI therefore reached agreement with the companies on an attribution based on reasonable assumptions, in line with the February 1995 statement.

  In considering any other proposals for clarification on unattributed assets, the Treasury will continue to be guided by the principles set out in the DTI statement of February 1995, and apply them to the particular circumstances of each case. In doing so, the Treasury will be particularly concerned to ensure that policyholders' interests are fully protected.

  FCO: Secondments
  FCO: Secondments
  Former Soviet Republics: Dismantling of Nuclear Infrastructure
  Former Soviet Republics: Dismantling of Nuclear Infrastructure
  Higher Education Institutions: Projected Staff Requirement
  Higher Education Institutions: Projected Staff Requirement
  Postgraduate Students
  Postgraduate Students
  Scottish Office: Reviews
  Scottish Office: Reviews
  Genetically Modified Salmon
  Genetically Modified Salmon
  Scotland: Sixth Year Pupils
  Scotland: Sixth Year Pupils
  Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive: Implementation
  Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive: Implementation
  Water and Sewage Treatment: EU Requirements
  Water and Sewage Treatment: EU Requirements