Written Answers of 23 June 1998

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was spent on aid to Sierra Leone by her Department in 1997–98; and if she will make a statement.
  [46733]

  Clare Short
  My Department provided £3.439 million to Sierra Leone in the 1997–98 financial year.

  Of this, £250,000 was spent on Sierra Leone refugees in neighbouring countries and £250,000 for Government and civil society outside Sierra Leone.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what changes have been made to the 1998–99 cash and running costs limits for expenditure by her Department. [47538]

  Clare Short
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit for Class Ill, Vote 1 will be increased by £2,261,000 from £1,618,439,000 to £1,620,700,000 and the Department for International Development running cost limit by £2,261,000 from £59,874,000 to £62,135,000.

  The increase is in respect of a running cost transfer of £2,261,000 from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Class II, Vote) for the costs of development staff in London and abroad.

  The increase will be offset by a reduction in the FCO's Vote and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Departmental Reviews
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list, for each of the last four years, all departmental inquiries and reviews instigated by ministers which have been chaired by individuals outside her Department; and in each case if she will give the date of establishment and the name of the chairman. [46835]

  Clare Short
  My Department has not undertaken any departmental inquiries or reviews instigated by ministers which have been chaired by individuals outside the department in the last four years.

  Jubilee 2000
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her Department's policy in relation to the Jubilee 2000 coalition campaign to cancel debt. [46734]
  430
  Clare Short
  Both the Government and the Jubilee 2000 Coalition recognise the important part debt relief can play in the eradication of poverty. We seek the same overall objective—the remission of the unpayable debts of the world's poorest countries. Her Majesty's Government welcome the work that Jubilee 2000 and its associates have been doing to raise public awareness of these issues, and thus keep debt relief firmly on the international political agenda. This has helped us to get agreement at last month's G8 Summit in Birmingham to one of the main aims of the Government's Mauritius Mandate—to ensure that by the year 2000 all eligible highly indebted poor countries will have at least begun the process which will lead to debt relief.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Audit Commission
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the terms upon which media and public affairs consultants have been appointed by the Audit Commission over the last five years, and the total amounts spent each year with each consultant. [46109]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Audit Commission's press and public affairs functions have been provided externally for more than nine years. These services are market tested every three years in accordance with relevant EC Directives and, following the last market test, two companies—Citigate Westminster and Lawson, Lucas and Mendelsohn—were appointed. Whilst details of the contractual terms are commercially confidential between the Audit Commission and individual contractors, the Commission has incurred the following expenditure on these services in each of the last five years:£174,145: 1 April 1997 to 31 October 1997 (new financial period)
  £311,998: year to 31 March 1997
  £315,255: year to 31 March 1996
  £236,747: year to 31 March 1995
  £172,107: year to 31 March 1994.

  Businesses (Environmental Practice)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to encourage businesses to improve their environmental practices. [46226]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 16 June 1998]This Government's long term goal is sustainable development. Under the legally binding targets agreed at Kyoto, the European Union agreed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, on average, by 8 per cent. Under the UK Presidency, we have secured agreement with other Member States on how to meet this European Union target. The UK contribution is to reduce emissions by 12.5 per cent. This, together with the Government's own manifesto commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent., has to be planned for. These are challenging targets and all sectors—business, domestic and transport—need to play their part in meeting them.
  431
  The Government currently have a wide range of existing programmes and initiatives to encourage business to improve its environment practices beyond the minimum standards set by regulation. These include: the Best Practice Programmes for Energy Efficiency and Environmental Technology; the promotion of environmental management within business; energy and environmental labelling schemes; codes of practice covering environmental claims on products and services; producer responsibility for the recovery and recycling of waste; promoting waste minimisation; voluntary agreements with industry sectors; and promoting the wider take up of environmental reporting.

  As part of the wide ranging Opportunities for Change consultation on a revised UK Sustainable Development Strategy, we have just launched a Sustainable Business consultation paper. This sets out and seeks views on the particular challenges posed by sustainable development for business. A further element of the strategy, the Government's recently issued consultation paper on the waste strategy for England and Wales, Less Waste: More Value, stresses the importance of industry action to reduce the environmental impact of their waste, and seeks views on what further action is needed to encourage this.

  Business is taking these matters seriously. In their Climate Change report, the Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment suggested that some form of tax on industrial energy may be necessary. In response the Government have set up a task force, chaired by the President of the CBI, Lord Marshall, to examine the role of economic instruments, such as an energy tax.

  In the light of these various developments the Government will be looking across the array of measures they can deploy—regulation, voluntary agreements and economic instruments—to see what else they can do to encourage better environmental performance from business.

  Air Quality
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to improve air quality. [46225]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 16 June 1998]The UK National Air Quality Strategy sets out national air quality objectives for eight key air pollutants to be achieved by 2005. These objectives have been set with reference to air quality standards which represent no or minimal risk of health effects to the public. The Strategy also describes a range of policy options for achieving the objectives and the contribution to be made at international, national and local levels. We announced last year that we would review the Strategy urgently to look at the options for delivering improved air quality more quickly. The review is due to be completed by the end of this year.

  The Government are also taking action on a number of other fronts to improve air quality. At the European level we reached agreement at the Environment Council earlier this month on tough new air quality limit values under the Air Quality Daughter Directive and improved fuel quality standards under the Sulphur Content of Liquid Fuels Directive. We have also made significant progress in negotiating tighter fuel quality and emission standards under the Auto-Oil programme. At the national level we
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  are implementing the Industrial Pollution Prevention and Control Directive and taking forward fiscal incentives for low emission buses/lorries, alternative fuels and legislation on vehicle emissions. At the local level we have introduced a system of local air quality management and are piloting a scheme for local transport emissions enforcement.

  Environment Agency
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what conditions the Highways Agency required to be placed on the planning application for the new Environment Agency offices in Cumbria; what was the cost of complying with them; and which organisation paid. [46371]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Conditions were attached to the planning permission granted by Eden District Council requiring the provision of new traffic signals at the junction of the M6 and A66, together with additional road markings. With regard to the cost of complying with the conditions and which organisation paid, the information is not readily available but I will provide a written response with details as and when they become available.

  US-UK Air Services Agreement
  Ms Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when talks will resume on the United States of America-United Kingdom Air Services agreement. [46429]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  No UK/US air services talks are currently planned. We would expect to resume talks when the outcome of the examination of the British Airways/American Airlines alliance by the competition authorities is known.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when LCR expects to complete the Channel Tunnel Rail Link if Railtrack fails to exercise its option relating to the second phase of construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. [46470]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Any such assessment would depend on when Railtrack chose not to exercise its option in respect of the second phase of construction. Railtrack, however, has made clear its expectation to commit to the second phase and LCR expects work to be completed in 2007.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions within what timescale LCR will have to find a third party or complete phase two itself if Railtrack does not exercise its option relating to the second phase of construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. [46469]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Railtrack has an option until July 2003 to construct and purchase Phase 2, but should it decide not to exercise that option, LCR remains, in any event, contractually obliged to complete the second phase to St. Pancras. LCR's current expectation is that the second phase of construction should be completed by 2007.

  National Air Traffic Services
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 11 June 1998,Official Report, column 637, relating to the future of NATS, if he will make a statement on the powers attaching to the golden share. [46474]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The precise details of the golden share are for consideration as the proposal is developed, but it will provide additional rights to the Government to maintain the public interest while allowing the private sector freedom to run the business.

  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the future of the Scottish and Oceanic Air Traffic Control Centre at Prestwick. [45592]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Contract negotiations for a new air traffic control centre at Prestwick to replace the existing Scottish and Oceanic Air Traffic Control Centre are underway between National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and Sky Solutions, the preferred bidder. NATS will consult with the airlines before seeking CAA Board and Government approval to a contractual commitment. NATS currently envisage that operations will transfer from the existing Prestwick centre to a new one (the New Scottish Centre) during the winter of 2004/2005.

  Private Hospitals (Business Rates)
  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total sum paid in business rates by private hospitals in England in the last year for which figures are available. [46362]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I estimate that the amount of business rates payable by private hospitals in England was £9.9 million in 1997–98.

  Marine Safety
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the area marine safety sub-committees established by his Department and the former Department of Transport. [45777]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 17 June 1998]There are 8 District Marine Safety Committees: East Scotland, West Scotland, Northern Ireland, North East and East England, North West England, Wales, London, and South and South West England; and 26 sub-committees which include: Highland/Moray Firth, Orkney/Caithness, and Shetland. A brochure explaining the work of the District Marine Safety Committees and providing details of all sub-centres will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses shortly.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what issues have been referred by his Department to marine safety sub-committees since 1 May 1997. [45778]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 17 June 1998]No specific issues have been referred by the Department to the District Marine Safety Committees since 1 May 1997. The main role of the committees is to keep local marine safety and pollution prevention issues under 434
  review. Where an important issue of more than local significance is identified, this may be brought to the Department's attention.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which marine safety sub-committees were sent a copy of the Coastguard Agency's Five Year Strategy Plan consultation document; in each case when the document was sent out; and which sub-committees have responded to the consultation document. [45779]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 17 June 1998]The document for consultation was published on 20 January. District Marine Safety Committees were not directly sent copies of the document, however copies were sent to the then Marine Safety Agency (under whose aegis the District Marine Safety Committees operate) and those organisations or individuals who had registered an interest. Whilst no District Marine Safety Committees responded, some replies have been received from individual committee members.

  Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the number of registered British fishing vessels(a) under 12 metres and (b) over 12 metres in length and the number of fishermen's lives lost from each in each of the last five years. [46477]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The number of registered British fishing vessels both under 12 metres and over 12 metres in length and the number of fishermen's lives lost from each in the last five years as recorded by the Registry of Shipping and Seamen are as follows:

  year

  12 metres and under

  Number of deaths

  12 metres and over

  number of deaths

  1993–94

  5,376

  16

  1,273

  4

  1994–95

  5,529

  2

  1,296

  4

  1995–96

  5,752

  3

  1,321

  3

  1996–97

  6,030

  3

  1,347

  5

  1997–98

  6,271

  0

  1,373

  7

  Gipsy Sites
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of applications for planning permission for gipsy caravan sites were granted by local planning authorities in(a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95, (c)1995–96, (d) 1996–97 and (e) 1997–98. [46566]

  Mr. Raynsford
  This information is not held centrally. My Department is part-funding a two year research project by the Advisory Council for the Education of Romany and other Travellers (ACERT), to look at the success rate of Gipsy planning applications and appeals. The research is due to be completed next year.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review sections 77 to 80 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. [46569]
  435
  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Watford (Ms Ward) on 10 June 1998,Official Report, column 574.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance his Department has issued to local authorities in respect of the provision and development of gipsy sites. [46570]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Guidance to local authorities on gipsy sites and planning is given in the Department's Circular 1/94. It aims to provide that the planning system recognises the need for accommodation consistent with gipsies' nomadic lifestyle and to reflect the importance of the plan-led nature of the planning system in relation to gipsy site provision.

  Wandsworth
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what grants from public funds were paid to the London Borough of Wandsworth for the year 1998–99. [46497]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The London Borough of Wandsworth will receive Revenue Support Grant of £126,826,149, redistributed Non Domestic Rates of £60,589,879 and Standard Spending Assessment reduction grant of £7,498,940. In addition, the borough is reporting that it expects to receive grants into its General Fund Revenue Account totalling £72,042,000 outside Aggregate External Finance (AEF) and £10,091,000 with AEF; and capital grant totalling about £3.9 million. No comprehensive record of grants disbursed from public funds is maintained by the Department; such grants may be made by Government Departments or other bodies.

  Extinct Species
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the species which have become extinct in the UK over the past decade. [46700]

  Angela Eagle
  There is only one confirmed extinction of a species within the UK during the last ten years. This is of the Greater mouse-eared bat(Myotis myotis), which has been extinct since 1990.

  Freight
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Government will take to encourage the movement of freight within the United Kingdom by coastal shipping. [46709]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government will be setting out their proposals for encouraging the movement of freight within the United Kingdom by coastal shipping in the White Paper on Integrated Transport to be published shortly.

  Road Traffic Reduction Legislation
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when sufficient data will be available to enable an assessment to be made of the success or otherwise of recent road traffic reduction legislation; and if he will make a statement. [46708]
  436
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 is not yet in force. However, guidance to local authorities on implementing the Act was issued in draft earlier this year for consultation. This stated that local traffic authorities would be expected to produce, by 31 July 1999, reports containing assessments of levels of local road traffic in their area and forecast growth in those levels, together with targets for reducing those levels or their rate of growth. The draft guidance also stresses the importance of local authorities monitoring traffic levels in order to determine whether they are on course to achieve any such targets. It is too soon to judge when it will be possible to assess the likely impact of the Act on traffic levels.

  Unauthorised Camping
  Mr. White
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about problems with unauthorised camping. [46498]

  Mr. Raynsford
  My Department receives representations from Members of Parliament, members of the public, and from local authorities about unauthorised camping on a regular basis.

  Mr. White
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prosecutions(a) have been made and (b) have been successful under the Police and Criminal Justice Act 1994 broken down by the relevant authority against unauthorised camping. [46499]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Road Accidents (Costs)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the average cost to public funds of road accidents involving a single fatality. [46519]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The value attributed to the avoidance of a fatal road accident in 1996 was £983,700. This takes account of medical costs, lost production, human costs based on willingness to pay, the costs of police and courts, insurance administration, and property damage. Included in this value is a sum of £5,200 for the cost to public funds for medical costs and the costs of police and courts. The lost production element includes social security costs but these are not separately estimated.

  Local Authority Development Plans
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his oral answer of 9 June 1998,Official Report, column 859, if he will list the local authority development plans in respect of which he has confirmed the housing requirements put forward by local planning authorities since 23 February. [46965]
  437
  Mr. Raynsford
  The following development plans, or alterations to existing development plans, have been adopted by local authorities since 23 February this year:

  Richmondshire Local Plan

  City of Derby Local Plan

  West Lindsey Local Plan

  High Peak Local Plan

  South Derbyshire Local Plan

  Lichfield Local Plan

  City of Worcester Local Plan

  Carrick Local Plan

  Thanet Local Plan

  East Hampshire Local Plan

  Winchester Local Plan

  Basildon Local Plan

  St. Edmundsbury Local Plan

  North Norfolk Local Plan

  Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan

  Tendring Local Plan

  Sheffield Unitary Development Plan

  Haringey Unitary Development Plan

  Hertfordshire Structure Plan.

  In all cases the plans reached adoption without the Secretary of State having to use his reserve powers of direction in respect of the housing provision proposed by local planning authorities.

  M6
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what extra funding will be provided for increasing the capacity of the M6 following the decision to proceed with the Birmingham Northern Relief Road. [46845]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Decisions on increasing the capacity of the M6 are independent of the decision to proceed with the Birmingham Northern Relief Road. More generally, funding for investment in trunk roads is being considered in the Roads Review and in the Comprehensive Spending Review. I cannot anticipate decisions in either of these Reviews.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the quantity of carbon dioxide emitted annually by a representative sample of 1.5 million cars. [47075]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The total car fleet in the UK emitted 19.33 million tonnes of Carbon in 1996. Given that the total car fleet was made up of 22.24 million cars, this translates into an average of 0.87 tonnes of Carbon per car in that year.

  The quantity of Carbon emitted by each car in practice will depend on a number of factors, including: the type of fuel used, the size of the engine, the driving conditions, driving behaviour and the maintenance of the vehicle.

  Bathing Water (Cliftonville)
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the Environment Agency has not adopted(a) Palm Bay
  438
  and (b) Kingsgate Bay in Cliftonville as designated areas for Beachwater Microbiological Assays of Pathogens. [47248]

  Angela Eagle
  No applications have been received by my Department for Palm Bay and Kingsgate Bay to be identified as bathing waters under the Bathing Water Directive, which would in turn require regular water quality sampling by the Environment Agency. I understand that neither bay is likely to fulfil the Directive's definition of a bathing water, which is where bathing is traditionally practised by a large number of bathers, nor do they possess facilities associated with popular bathing areas.

  Rail Safety
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if any trains operating on the Virgin West Coast Mainline are of the same design as the Great North Eastern Railway trains recently found to have faults in their wheels; [47313]

  (2) what safety checks will be made on West Coast Mainline trains to ensure that they do not possess flaws in design similar to that recently identified in the wheels of the Great North Eastern Railway trains. [47314]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None of the trains operating on the West Coast Main Line is of the same design as the Great North Eastern Railway train which was derailed on 16 June. The immediate cause of the incident appears to have been a fractured wheel, although the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Railway Inspectorate's investigation is still on-going.

  Immediately after the derailment on 16 June, in which the last coach of a high speed train operated by Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) was derailed at Sandy, Bedfordshire, Railtrack sent out notices to all other train operating companies giving details of the nature of the failure and advising them what action should be taken.

  In addition, the Railway Inspectorate has written to all the train operating companies reminding them of their duties under the relevant health and safety legislation. These require them to identify whether there are similar features on their rolling stock and take appropriate action to ensure safety.

  I am informed that Virgin Trains are inspecting all their vehicles. The bogies and wheelsets involved in this accident are unique to Mark 4 rolling stock which, in the UK, is used only by Great North Eastern Railways (GNER).

  English Partnerships
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are his plans for English Partnerships following the creation of regional development agencies. [47438]

  Mr. Caborn
  The work of English Partnerships (EP) is to be carried forward in the main by the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) as part of the Government's commitment to put decision-making on regeneration and economic development at the regional level. Regeneration will be part of the RDAs' integrated regional strategies. The roles and functions of EP are to move to the RDAs as they are established; the assets will
  439
  transfer from EP to the RDAs; and regional EP staff will transfer to the RDAs in April 1999 (and the following year for London).

  This is a major organisational change and it will take time for the RDAs to get to grips with their new tasks and establish themselves as influential and credible organisations on the regional, national and international scene. Ministers envisage that there will be a transitional period of about five years when the experience and expertise of EP's remaining national capability will be critical in providing the continuity on some major projects and should also prove useful to RDAs as they bed in.

  I am placing a copy of a note in the Library which sets out the background to the changes, the work remaining with EP, and the merger of EP and the Commission for the New Towns in 2000, which I have already announced. The note has been issued today to the Government Offices for the Regions and to EP staff.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to change his Department's cash limits for 1998–99. [47508]

  Mr. Prescott
  My Department's cash limit for class VI, vote 1 (Housing, construction, regeneration, countryside and wildlife, England), will be increased by £1,395,000 from £1,800,144,000 to £1,801,539,000 to reflect a transfer of non-voted provision from the Department for Education and Employment in order to fund European Regional Development Fund expenditure in advance of European Commission receipts on the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts. The increase is offset by the transfer and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Local Government Reorganisation (Basildon)
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce his decision on the Local Government Commission's recommendations for the reorganisation of the district of Basildon; and if he will make a statement. [47142]

  Ms Armstrong
  I am today announcing that we have decided not to accept the outstanding recommendations on the reorganisation of the district of Basildon which the Local Government Commission have made. I do not believe that the recommendations offer a satisfactory way forward for Basildon in terms of efficient and convenient local government. We have also decided not to direct a further review by the Commission. This decision should end a period of uncertainty and enable the authorities concerned to plan more confidently for the future.

  Nuclear Discharges
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what will be the Government's policy at the Portuguese conference on nuclear discharges, with particular reference to Sellafield and Dounreay discharges into the sea. [46358]
  440
  Mr. Meacher
  We are looking to make real further progress in protecting the marine environment, and in particular to reach agreement on a strategy that aims to continue reducing sea discharges of radioactive substances.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the Government's policy towards nuclear discharges into the sea. [46359]

  Mr. Meacher
  All radioactive waste disposals, including discharges into the sea, are closely regulated under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. Government departments and the environment agencies carry out monitoring of marine environmental media and foodstuffs around nuclear licensed sites that discharge radioactive waste into the sea. This ensures that any doses to the public are well below internationally agreed limits and that such discharges pose no risk to the environment.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Social Exclusion (Coventry)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to encourage local communities in Coventry to tackle social exclusion. [46593]

  Mr. Michael
  A number of Home Office policies and programmes contribute to tackling aspects of social exclusion. These include, within local communities, its work to promote voluntary and community activity and to support a healthy and cost effective voluntary sector.

  The Home Office has been working closely with the Social Exclusion Unit on the Unit's first three priorities of rough sleeping, school exclusions and truancy, and worst estates. In its recent report to the Prime Minister, the Social Exclusion Unit recognised that rough sleeping and related problems such as begging might be identified as local issues of concern by the crime and disorder audits required under the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords]. They would therefore need to be addressed within the local crime reduction strategy.

  The approach required by the Bill of local agencies and the local community working in partnership to address identified local problems with clear priorities and targets is particularly appropriate for tackling issues of social exclusion. I commend the way it has already been adopted by Coventry in production of the Coventry Community Plan.

  Football Hooligans
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will assess the advantages of withdrawing the passports of convicted football hooligans during the period of the football tournaments involving British teams abroad. [46553]

  Mr. Michael
  The withdrawal of passport facilities to persons convicted of football-related offences would be a very serious step. But we will give consideration to it and to other possible steps that might be required for the future.
  441
  The Football Spectators Act 1989 already allows the courts to impose restriction orders on persons convicted of football related offences. These require them to report to a police station on the day of a football match abroad involving a team from England or Wales.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many restriction orders under the Football Spectators Act 1989 have been made since 1 May 1997. [46567]

  Mr. Michael
  Sixty-nine.

  Drug-related Offences
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of drug-related offences in each of the past 10 years in(a) London and (b) the rest of the United Kingdom. [47123]

  Mr. Michael
  The information requested is not collected centrally. However, the Home Office has a research programme designed to shed further light on the links between drugs and crime. A study conducted by the University of Cambridge of drug use by samples of people arrested by the police in various English cities was published recently (Home Office Research Study 183—Drugs and Crime: the results of research on drug testing and interviewing arrestees). This research found that, in those places surveyed, around one third of property crime was drug-driven.

  Police (Out-of-court Settlements)
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what sums have been paid out of public funds and in respect of how many cases, for out-of-court settlement of claims made by former and serving police officers against the Police Service. [47085]

  Mr. Michael
  This information is not collected centrally. Claims are a matter for the police authority and the individuals concerned. The Home Office has no role to play in their resolution.

  Lloyd Report
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the White Paper on the Future Law on Terrorism based on the report of Lord Lloyd will be published. [47002]

  Mr. Straw
  The consultation paper on permanent, United Kingdom-wide counter-terrorism legislation will be published shortly.

  International Criminal Court
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from Professor Paul Wilkinson of the University of St. Andrews on the suitability of the proposed International Criminal Court for hearing cases involving the aut dedere aut judicare principle. [41122]

  Mr. Michael
  None. Representations have been received recently from Professor Wilkinson proposing that the International Criminal Court should have jurisdiction in relation to terrorist crimes. The United 442
  Kingdom Government's position is that the Court should not have such jurisdiction. The policy was revisited in the light of Professor Wilkinson's comments but confirmed.

  There are several reasons for the view that the Court should not be able to deal with terrorism. Paramount among them is the need to protect confidential sources, which would be compromised if an international body were to investigate and prosecute terrorist incidents. In practical terms it would be very difficult for the Court to act in terrorist cases, countries naturally having a predilection not to volunteer sensitive national security information.

  In any event, the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in this area is unnecessary given the range of terrorist conventions in place, including the recently concluded United Nations Terrorist Bombing Convention. These require their parties to co-operate against terrorism and, in some cases, to take extraterritorial jurisdiction over terrorist crimes. Indeed, the involvement of the Court could even undermine or set back progress in combating terrorism, on which there is increasingly effective international co-operation.

  Prisoners (Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme)
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 11 June 1998,Official Report, column 640, how many new in-cell television sets his Department proposes to procure under the present procurement; and what estimate he has made of future numbers required. [46514]

  Ms Quin
  The invitation to tender stage has not yet been reached, but the Official Journal of the European Communities Notice issued on 1 June was for approximately 20,000 sets over a contract period of three to five years. Extension of in-cell television will be gradual over this period.

  Road Traffic Offences
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to allow the police to retain a proportion of fines resulting from offences detected by cameras. [46528]

  Mr. Michael
  Hypothecating the revenue from fines resulting from road traffic offences detected by cameras would result in expenditure on traffic enforcement being determined by the income generated rather than the relative priority of the activity. We are examining the current funding arrangements for the cameras to see what more might be done.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the approvals process relating to the use of enforcement equipment for prosecutions in the United Kingdom. [46527]

  Mr. Michael
  Section 20 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 provides for the admissibility of evidence from prescribed devices for speeding and other road traffic offences. Section 20(4)(a) requires the prescribed device to be of a type approved by the Secretary of State.

  The Government have no plans to amend or review the current legislation. The type approval process ensures that devices used to provide evidence for prosecutions in the

  443
  courts are both accurate and reliable. The rigorous testing procedures necessary for the type approval process are kept under review.

  Ballot Papers
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will change the ballot paper for local, parliamentary and European elections(a) to give greater prominence to party identification and (b) to ensure that candidates' names are listed in a random manner. [46792]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Registration of Political Parties Bill, which is currently before the House, will enable candidates from registered political parties to have their parties' emblems against their names on the ballot paper.

  We have no present plans to provide for candidates to be listed in random order on the ballot paper; but this issue will be considered by the Working Party on Electoral Procedures, which I chair. Under the new electoral system to be introduced for European Parliamentary elections, candidates from registered political parties will appear on the ballot paper on a party list in the order determined by the party.

  Road Safety
  Ms Hewitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will develop a pilot scheme based on the road safety policing and education techniques used in the state of Victoria, Australia. [46923]

  Mr. Michael
  The Government have no plans at present to develop such a pilot scheme, but we are committed to promoting road safety in innovative ways and will carefully consider any proposals which are put to us.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to review the rights to compensation of victims where the offence took place before 1 October 1979 and the offender and victim lived together as members of the same family; [46578]

  (2) how many claims under the criminal injuries compensation scheme have been rejected because the offence took place before 1 October 1979 and the victim and the offender lived together as members of the same family. [46579]

  Mr. Michael
  Under the tariff-based scheme, effective for all claims received on or after 1 April 1996, 190 claims had been refused by 31 March 1998 by reason of their exclusion from the scope of that scheme under paragraph 7(b). Precise data for the identical exclusion applied in the former scheme based on common law damages are not available. However, I understand from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board that between 1,000 and 2,000 claims in this category would have been refused in the period 1 April 1980 to 31 March 1996. The number of victims who have never made any application in recognition of the exclusion is unquantifiable.

  The question of allowing claims arising from intra-family violence before 1 October 1979 has been considered on a number of occasions over the years.
  444
  Change has been rejected on grounds of cost, and because it would represent a departure from the general principle that changes in the law, rules and procedures are not normally made retrospective. We believe those arguments remain compelling, and have no plans to review further this aspect of the compensation scheme.

  Cumbria Police
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police constables were employed by the Cumbria Constabulary between 1979 and 1998; and what was the total police strength in each of those years. [46949]

  Mr. Michael
  The information available is set out in the table. It is not possible to provide information on the number of police constables prior to 1990.

  Cumbria constabulary

  Year1

  Total constable strength

  Total officer strength

  1979

  n/a

  1,071

  1980

  n/a

  1,092

  1981

  n/a

  1,101

  1982

  n/a

  1,106

  1983

  n/a

  1,120

  1984

  n/a

  1,111

  1985

  n/a

  1,110

  1986

  n/a

  1,126

  1987

  n/a

  1,145

  1988

  n/a

  1,145

  1989

  n/a

  1,148

  1990

  860

  1,176

  1991

  871

  1,180

  1992

  891

  1,198

  1993

  904

  1,211

  1994

  879

  1,172

  1995

  865

  1,144

  1996

  860

  1,124

  1997

  902

  1,162

  19982

  911

  1,164

  1 Figures provided are as at 30 September for each year

  2 Provisional figures for 31 March 1998

  Police Grant (Kent)
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account is taken in the allocation of police grant to Kent of its proximity to mainland Europe and of the Channel Tunnel. [46924]

  Mr. Michael
  None directly. However, police grant is allocated by means of a formula which predicts police authorities' relative need to spend. Formula components are weighted to take account of both resident and daytime population in a force's area. Any increase in Kent's population as a result of its geographical situation would in time be reflected in its police grant allocation.

  Kent Police Authority received an increase of 4.4 per cent. in its spending power in 1998–99, significantly above the national average of 3.7 per cent. for police authorities.

  Community Policing
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will conduct research into the
  445
  effectiveness of community policing in the United Kingdom relative to such policing in (a) the USA, (b) South Africa, and (c) other EU countries. [47214]

  Mr. Michael
  We have no current plans for formal research on the effectiveness of community policing in the United Kingdom in comparison with the United States, South Africa or other European Union countries. We do, however, have regular contacts with the police and others covering a wide range of jurisdictions, including those listed.

  Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each of the last 10 years for which figures are available the number of men prosecuted for having unlawful sexual intercourse with a female; what information is available about the age of the girls involved in these offences; what guidelines have been given to(a) police forces and (b) the Crown Prosecution Service about such prosecutions in relation to offences with girls aged (i) 15, (ii) 14 and (iii) 13 years of age; and if he will make a statement. [46141]

  Number of males prosecuted for offences of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl aged under 13 and a girl aged under 16 by age, England and Wales, 1986–1996

  Offence/age group

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Unlawful sexual intercourse with girl under 131

  10 to under 18 years

  16

  13

  27

  21

  23

  28

  13

  18

  17

  17

  7

  18 to under 21 years

  13

  19

  17

  13

  18

  23

  20

  12

  16

  11

  5

  21 years or over

  99

  123

  121

  104

  103

  102

  78

  67

  55

  49

  28

  All ages

  128

  155

  165

  138

  144

  153

  111

  97

  88

  77

  40

  Unlawful sexual intercourse with girl under 162

  10 to under 18 years

  37

  27

  33

  34

  29

  22

  20

  19

  24

  21

  17

  18 to under 21 years

  76

  72

  84

  77

  63

  58

  53

  40

  47

  36

  33

  21 years or over

  252

  260

  227

  179

  198

  172

  179

  128

  131

  138

  114

  All ages

  365

  359

  344

  290

  290

  252

  252

  187

  202

  195

  164

  1An offence under s5 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956

  2An offence under s6 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956

TREASURY

  Mutual Building Societies
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he will take to(a) protect the position of mutual building societies and (b) ensure real competition in the financial services sector. [47086]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Building societies are competing strongly in the savings and loans markets, and continuing to show the benefits that mutuality can offer their members. The Government believe societies should be accountable to their members and therefore increased the proportion of members who must vote in order for any conversion from a mutual society to a bank to succeed from 20 to 50 per cent. last year.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to reply to the Question from the hon. Member for Wells for answer on 14 May relating to the UN arms embargo on Sierra Leone (reference 41883). [47246]
  446
  Mr. Michael
  Home Office Court Proceedings information on the number of prosecutions for two offences of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16 from 1986 to 1996 (latest available) is given in the table. No more detail is held about the age of the victim.

  No formal guidelines have been given to the police relating to prosecutions in cases of unlawful sexual intercourse. In deciding whether to initiate criminal proceedings and to refer a case to the Crown Prosecution Service, the police will look carefully at the circumstances surrounding each case and will take into account the Code for Crown Prosecutors. However, the police have a duty under the Children Act 1989 to place the welfare of the child as their first priority, and this is detailed in the guidance "Working Together Under The Children Act" which sets out the arrangements for child protection in England and Wales. The Government are consulting on proposals for drawing up revised guidance.

  All cases referred to the Crown Prosecution Service by the police are reviewed and prosecuted where appropriate, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Mr. Fallon) on 15 June 1998,Official Report, column 106.

  Royal Mint
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how much Exchequer revenue will be lost as a result of the sale of the Royal Mint in each of the financial years(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–2001 and (c) 2001–2002. [47312]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The impact on Exchequer revenue of selling the Royal Mint would depend entirely on how this were effected. No decisions have yet been made on the form that a public/private partnership for the Mint might take.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what funds are generated from producing coins for other countries by the Royal Mint; and how many countries the Royal Mint produces coins for. [47310]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Royal Mint produced coins or blanks for 64 other countries in 1997/98. Overseas sales revenue in that year was £63 million.
  447
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with which Commonwealth countries the Royal Mint has contracts for production of their coins. [47311]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Royal Mint produced coins or blanks for 41 Commonwealth countries in 1997–98. Information about individual contracts, obtained in a competitive international market, are commercially confidential.

  Contingency Reserves
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy on the level of the Contingency Reserve. [46388]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]The policy on the Reserve is to set it at a level that allows for emergencies and genuine contingencies, as well as reasonable expectations of take-up of End Year Flexibility.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the level of contingency reserves for(a) departmental expenditure limits, and (b) annually managed expenditure for (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–2001 and (iii) 2001–2002; and if he will make a statement. [46393]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]The Reserves for the period 1999–2000 to 2001–02 will be published in the CSR White Paper.

  Departmental Underspending
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in which areas he intends departments to spend the £1.5 billion carried forward from last year as an underspend, in 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [46441]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]£1 billion of the £1.5 billion underspend in 1997–98 identified in the March 1998 "Financial Statement and Budget Report" was allocated to programmes in 1998–99 as described in paragraphs 4.9 and 4.10 of the "Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 1998–99" (Cm 3901). The remaining £0.5 billion was allocated to the Reserve for 1998–99.

  Public Sector Spending
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the public sector net cash requirement, including windfall tax receipts and associated spending, for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01, (e) 2001–02 and (f) 2002–03. [46374]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]Forecasts of the public sector net cash requirement including the windfall tax and associated spending were published in Tables 4.4 and 4.5 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect on the public sector net cash requirement for(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–00, (c) 2000–01, (d) 2001–02, and (e) 2002–03, of the new accounting treatment of
  448
  student financial support, as indicated in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report of June 1998; and if he will make a statement. [46389]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]The new accounting treatment for student loans in Departmental Expenditure Limits will have no effect on the Public Sector Net Cash Requirement, which is a cash measure.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes to the gross Contingency Reserve for Public Spending have taken place between the publication of the Financial Statement and Budget report of March 1998 and the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report of June 1998; and if he will make a statement. [46377]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998): The reduction of £0.3 billion in the Reserve from £3 billion in the March 1998 "Financial Statement and Budget Report" to £2.7 billion in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report 1998 reflects the transfer of £0.75 billion unspent in 1997–98 and a rephasing of sales of student loans.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the increase in real public expenditure for each year from 1998–99 to 2001–02, in terms of the previously defined, Control Total for Public Expenditure; and if he will make a statement. [46381]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]It would not be possible to produce these figures until full spending plans for each year from 1998–99 to 2001–02 are published at the time of the Comprehensive Spending Review announcement.

  Stability and Growth Pact
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what implications the Stability and Growth Pact has for the conduct of UK fiscal policy; and if he will make a statement. [46400]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]The Stability and Growth Pact does not place any new legal obligations on UK fiscal policy. UK fiscal policy is conducted with a view to ensuring economic stability which is in the best interests of the UK economy.

  Local Authority Budgets
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his proposals to relax the capping regime for local authority budgets, in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report June 1998, page 27. [46394]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions recently undertook a public consultation on possible reforms to the local government finance system. The Government are considering responses to that consultation and the result will be published in due course.

  Economic and Fiscal Strategy
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will restate Table 4.6 in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report (June 1998) to show figures in cash terms. [46396]
  449
  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]Forecasts of the current budget, net borrowing and net cash requirement in cash terms were published in Table 4.4 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report (EFSR). Forecasts of the cyclically adjusted budget balances in Table 4.6 can be converted onto a cash basis using the money GDP figures in Table 4.1.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will extend (i) Table 4.A.1, page 49, and (ii) Table 4.A.2, page 50 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report (June 1998) to show the series given for the years 1999–2000 to 2002–03. [46397]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]Forecasts of the public sector finances were published in Tables 4.4 and 4.5 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will recalculate tables 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7 in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report on the assumption that the retail prices index excluding mortgage interest payments averages(a) 3.0 per cent. in 1998–99 and 2.75 per cent. in 1999–2000 and (b) 3.25 per cent. in 1998–99 and 3.0 per cent. in 1999–2000. [46848]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]The implications for the public finances of inflation higher than assumed in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report will depend on the reasons why inflation was higher, and the impact of such inflation on the economy.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will recalculate tables 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7 in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report on the assumption that total managed expenditure grows in real terms by(a) 0.75 per cent., (b) 1.5 per cent. and (c) 2.25 per cent. in 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02. [46851]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]Full information contained in tables 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report (EFSR) cannot be recalculated for different assumptions about the growth of Total Managed Expenditure without information on the composition of that expenditure, in particular the allocation of expenditure between current and capital.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he will take if the cost of social security benefits in 1998–99 exceeds £95.8 billion, in order to ensure that total managed expenditure rises no higher than the figure cited in table 3A.1 in his Economic and Fiscal Strategy report. [46855]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]Table 3A.1 sets out figures for 1998–99 in terms of the new aggregates to illustrate how the new control regime announced in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report would work. That regime does not apply in 1998–99.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will reproduce tables 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7 in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report for each of the years from 1991–92 to 1996–97. [46847]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]Many of the series contained in tables 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7 can be found in Annex 4A of the Economic and Fiscal 450
  Strategy Report. Apart from assets sales, the remaining information can be derived from Table 10.1A of Financial Statistics and Table 2.1 of "Economic Trends" (which gives money gross domestic product). These publications can be found in the House of Commons Library. Information on assets sales can be found in Table B 17 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" (March 1998).

  Inflation
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what adjustment mechanism will be available to the Treasury for public expenditure in circumstances when inflation outturns diverge substantially from Treasury planning assumptions; and if he will make a statement. [46382]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]I refer the hon. Gentleman to Section 3.4 of the EFSR (CM 3978).

  Capital Gains Tax
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the cost of introducing taper relief for capital gains tax for each year up to 2009–10; what margin of error is associated with such estimates; what assumptions underlie such estimates; and if he will make a statement; [46768]

  (2) if he will estimate the reduction in Exchequer revenues which will result from the introduction of his policy of a taper relief on capital gains tax; and if he will make a statement. [46771]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]The available information on the effect on Exchequer revenues of the capital gains tax package of reforms is as follows:

  year

  £million (+)yield/(-)cost

  1998–99

  Negligible

  1999–2000

  -25

  2000–2001

  +25

  For later years, the Exchequer effects will depend to a considerable extent upon movements in future asset prices, any behavioural changes and other factors. In the long term the aim is for the changes to be broadly revenue neutral. It is inappropriate to estimate the cost of taper relief in isolation from other elements of the reform package.

  The assumptions for inflation and asset price growth used in calculating the revenue effects of these measures are consistent with the economic assumptions referred to on pages 108 and 109 of the March 1998 "Financial Statement and Budget Report" (FSBR, HC620 published on 17 March 1998). Equity prices are assumed to grow at the same rate as gross domestic product (GDP) at current market prices—"money GDP".

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will delay the implementation of capital gains tax taper relief for a period of one year to allow for further consultations on its effects and implications; and if he will make a statement. [46770]
  451
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]No. It is important that the benefits of the reforms flow through as early as possible.

  The hon. Gentleman's amendments to the Finance Bill on this matter was discussed by a Committee of the Whole House on 29 April and rejected in a vote.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Ministers were involved prior to the March 1998 Budget in formulating the new policies on capital gains tax, including the taper relief on capital gains tax; and if he will make a statement. [46769]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]The Chancellor is responsible for all Budget measures. He receives advice from his Ministerial team and officials as appropriate.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many written representations he has received on his 1998 Budget proposals on taper relief for capital gains tax; how many of such representations were(a) favourable and (b) unfavourable; and if he will make a statement. [46767]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]Around 200 comments were received on the Budget proposals, of which approximately 80 mentioned taper relief. Seventy per cent. supported the principle of taper relief. There were varying comments on the detail.

  Tax (Hypothecation)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to extend hypothecation of tax revenue beyond Welfare to Work. [46774]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]We look at each case on its merits. The Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report (Cm 3798) announced (on Page 28) that departments would be able to keep some levies and similar taxes, netting them off the Departmental Expenditure Limits where this would further the Government's economic objectives and not prejudice spending plans and priorities.

  Current and Capital Expenditure
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria he will use to distinguish between current and capital expenditure. [46850]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]For the purpose of assessing the surplus on the current budget, the Government use national accounts definitions of current and capital expenditure except, as set out in paragraph B53 of the March 1998 "Financial Statement and Budget Report" (FSBR), that depreciation is treated as current expenditure.

  When the new European System of Accounts (ESA95) is brought into effect later this year, national accounts will treat depreciation as current expenditure and so these expenditure measures will align.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to bring vehicle excise duty on heavy goods vehicles into line with average levels in other European Union countries. [46550]
  452
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]None. In the last Budget, 17 March 1998,Official Report, column 1109, the Chancellor announced a review of the system for setting vehicle excise duty rates for lorries to ensure that the environmental damage caused by lorries is reflected in their vehicle excise duty rates.

  Vehicle Taxation
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest forecast of the revenue from(a) VED, (b) fuel duties on petrol and derv and (c) the total of VED and fuel duties in (i) the current financial year and (ii) each of the subsequent two years. [46772]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]The table gives the figures requested. The forecasts are consistent with the figures for total tax receipts published in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report.

  Forecasts of receipts from vehicle excise duty and hydrocarbon oil products

  £ billion

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Vehicle excise duty

  4·6

  4·7

  4·8

  Hydrocarbon oil products

  21·4

  23·3

  25·6

  Total

  26·0

  28·0

  30·4

  Education Spending
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average annual real terms percentage increase in public spending on education in the UK between 1979–80 and 1997–98. [46461]

  Mr. Darling
  1.6 per cent.

  Pensions Mis-selling
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the possibility that the form of the phase 2 pensions mis-selling inquiries proposed by the Financial Services Authority will invalidate independent financial advisers' professional indemnity insurance. [46804]

  Mrs. Liddell
  That is a matter for the Financial Services Authority.

  Diesel Duty
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of divergence in diesel duty rates across the EU on United Kingdom competitiveness. [46576]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Diesel duty rates in other Member States are one of many factors assessed in determining the level of UK rates. This assessment has resulted, in the last Budget, in a package of measures which reflects the Government's commitment to the environment and to promoting a more dynamic business sector.

  The Government are committed to achieving their share of the EU target, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8 per cent. by 2008–2012. The commitment to increase road fuel rates by at least 6 per cent. on average in real terms each year reflects this. In addition, the Government intend, over time, to adjust the structure of duties on road

  453
  fuels to move towards a fairer treatment of unleaded petrol and diesel, when calculated on an energy or carbon basis, and to encourage diesel users to switch to cleaner ultra-low sulphur diesel.

  Heavily Indebted Poor Countries
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Hitchen and Harpenden (Mr. Lilley) of 18 May 1998,Official Report, column 291, if he will list by country the value of the outstanding debts on (a) United Kingdom aid loans and (b) loans guaranteed by the British Government through the Export Credits Guarantee Department, for each of the countries defined by the World Bank as severely or moderately indebted; and if he will give equivalent figures for (i)Afghanistan, (ii) Cuba, (iii) Gibraltar and (iv) Iraq. [44998]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The values of the outstanding claims held by ECGD and DFID, on all of the countries identified by the World Bank in Global Development Finance 1998 as moderately or severely indebted low income countries, are listed in the table. The table also includes the figures for Afghanistan, Cuba, Gibraltar and Iraq. The figures for ECGD's claims give the value of the outstanding principal of the loans at end-1997. The figures for DFID's claims give outstanding principal and interest and are current at end May 1997.

  £ million

  Country

  Value of ECGD's export credit claims

  Value of DFID'S Claims

  Afghanistan

  nil

  nil

  Albania

  nil

  nil

  Angola

  91·2

  nil

  Bangladesh

  nil

  nil

  Benin

  2·7

  nil

  Bhutan

  nil

  nil

  Bolivia

  17·5

  nil

  Burkina Faso

  1

  nil

  Burundi

  nil

  nil

  Cambodia

  nil

  nil

  Cameroon

  61·5

  0.07

  C.A.R.

  0·5

  nil

  Chad

  nil

  nil

  China

  nil

  nil

  Comoros

  0·04

  nil

  Congo-Brazzaville

  123

  nil

  Cote d'Ivoire

  30·5

  nil

  Cuba

  51·2

  nil

  DR Congo (ex Zaire)

  129·4

  nil

  Equatorial Guinea

  nil

  nil

  Eritrea

  nil

  nil

  Ethiopia

  11·7

  nil

  Gambia

  nil

  nil

  Ghana

  3·5

  nil

  Gibraltar

  nil

  nil

  Guinea

  5·1

  nil

  Guinea-Bissau

  nil

  nil

  Guyana

  44·2

  nil

  Haiti

  nil

  nil

  Honduras

  0·36

  nil

  India

  1·6

  9·8

  Iraq

  650

  nil

  Kenya

  43·5

  nil

  Laos

  nil

  nil

  Liberia

  14·5

  0·08

  Madagascar

  27

  nil

  Malawi

  0·7

  nil

  454

  £million

  Country

  Value of ECGD's export credit claims

  value of DFID's claims

  Mali

  4·1

  nil

  Mauritania

  7·1

  nil

  Mongolia

  nil

  nil

  Mozambique

  86·3

  nil

  Myanmar

  25

  nil

  Nepal

  nil

  nil

  Nicaragua

  1

  nil

  Niger

  10·8

  nil

  Nigeria

  3,100

  4·9

  Pakistan

  0·68

  nil

  Rwanda

  nil

  nil

  Sao Tome et Principe

  nil

  nil

  Senegal

  2·9

  nil

  Sierra Leone

  3·5

  nil

  Somalia

  27·5

  nil

  Sri Lanka

  4,000

  nil

  Sudan

  404·8

  nil

  Tanzania

  125·7

  nil

  Togo

  14·2

  nil

  Uganda

  14

  nil

  Vietnam

  10·4

  nil

  Yemen

  6·2

  nil

  Zambia

  234·1

  nil

  Zimbabwe

  0·1

  12·7

  Local Authorities (Asset Sales)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis he made his assessment of the amount that local authorities will be able to realise in annual asset sales; and over what period he expects these to be realised. [47038]

  Mr. Darling
  Local authorities are projected to realise £2¾ billion in asset sales in each of the next three years and in line with recent experience.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer at what proportion of average earnings(a) a sole earner in a married two-parent, two-child family and (b) a single person with no children would start paying income tax in (i) April 1998, (ii) October 1998 and (iii) October 1999 taking into account family credit and the proposed working family tax credit; and how these figures compare with the position taking account of the equivalent benefits in 1968–69. [45994]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In 1998–99 a single person will start paying income tax at earnings of £81 per week, 24 per cent. of median full-time earnings (£337 per week). A married couple with one earner and 2 children under 11 will start to pay income tax at earnings of £108 per week, 32 per cent. of median full-time earnings. With the introduction of WFTC a married couple with one earner and 2 children under 11 will start to pay income tax at earnings of £245 per week. Additional help with child care is available to working families through the child care tax credit within WFTC. For example, a 2 earner couple on median earnings with 2 children and child care costs of £80 per week will gain £46 per week to this cost.

  VAT (Safety Helmets)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will remove VAT from safety helmets worn by(a) cyclists and (b) motorcyclists. [46702]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There is no VAT on safety helmets worn by motorcyclists. There is also no VAT on pedal cycle helmets designed for young children and not suitable for older persons.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action(a) the Government and (b) the Bank of England are taking to assess whether they will be able to make their computers millennium compliant at the same time as making them euro compliant. [45453]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Government Departments have investigated the impact of the introduction of the euro on their operations. Where these occur steps are in hand to make the necessary preparations. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster carries out quarterly reviews across Government on the state of preparedness for the century date change. Copies of the returns from Departments have been placed in the Library. The Bank of England has been undertaking IT preparations necessary for both EMU and Year 2000 for over 2 years. It was decided at an early stage that where there was an overlap in EMU and Year 2000 work and, where it was practical to do so, the Bank would address both issues at the same time.

  HIPC Initiative
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action his Department is taking after the G8 summit and the Foreign Ministers' Meeting regarding the HIPC initiative. [43725]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government will continue to work with other bilateral creditors and the International Financial Institutions to take forward the G8 decisions and to ensure that progress is made towards the Mauritius Mandate targets.

  Rating and Council Tax
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the experiment involving the private sector undertaking work in the rating and council tax fields. [47413]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The 1995 Next Steps Review of the Valuation Office Agency recommended that experiments be held to establish the feasibility and capability of the private sector to undertake work in the rating and council tax fields. Experiments were held during a 12 month period beginning 1 July 1996 involving contractors in four locations (two performing functions related to council tax and two to non-domestic rating). The results were compared with control offices in the Valuation Office Agency. The experiments have now been evaluated and the conclusions are:that it is feasible for private firms to meet particular operational
  requirements of valuation for rating and council tax; but
  that there is no clear financial or operational advantage in the
  permanent use of the private sector in the work concerned.

  456
  The Government have therefore decided not to take any steps at this stage to contract out rating and council tax valuation work. But if at any time they require valuation work which cannot easily or quickly be delivered within the capacity of the Valuation Office Agency they will look positively at involving the private sector.

  I am very grateful to the private sector firms involved in the experiments for an effective example of public sector/private sector partnership.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes are proposed to the cash and running costs limits for Her Majesty's Treasury in 1998–99. [47550]

  Mr. Darling
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary summer Supplementary Estimate, the running costs limit for Class XVI, Vote 1 will be increased by £6,400,000 from £59,930,000 to £66,330,000 and the cash limit will be increased by £6,400,000 from £56,665,000 to £63,065,000. The increase will be charged to the Reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  The increases are necessary to provide for the costs of a new service providing information to business about the introduction of the euro in January 1999 and will be offset by foregoing the equivalent amount of unused end year flexibility carryover.

  Pending Parliamentary approval of the Supplementary Estimate, urgent expenditure estimated at £1,400,000 will be met by a repayable advance from the Contingencies Fund.

WALES

  Local Deprivation
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will prepare an Index of Local Deprivation, similar to the one introduced by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. [44967]

  Mr. Hain
  Welsh Office officials are working with the Welsh Local Government Association and other agencies to set up a joint project board to oversee the development of a new Index of socio-economic conditions for Wales. I expect this work, which will take into account the results of the review of the Index of Local Conditions in England, to be completed in about a year.

  Further Education Funding Council
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to make changes in the membership of the Further Education Funding Council for Wales prior to the establishment of the National Assembly. [46701]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  On 14 April I appointed 6 new members and re-appointed two existing members to the FEFCW. I am currently considering appointing one further member and will shortly advertise for a new Chairman to replace the existing incumbent, whose term of office expires next Spring.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what changes he is proposing to make to the voted cash limits for his Department in the current financial year. [47440]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimates, I intend to increase the cash limit on class XIV, vote 2 by £4,300,000 from £828,763,000 to £833,063,000 as a result of changes resulting from the Dearing review. The increase will be offset by a transfer from the Department for Education and Employment, class IX, vote 1 and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Welsh Assembly
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what educational publicity campaign he plans to undertake, at what estimated cost, to inform electors of the new proportional voting system to be used for the election of the Welsh Assembly. [47140]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I regret this information is not yet available. My Department will be undertaking an educational publicity campaign to explain the proportional voting system but the extent and cost of this campaign have yet to be decided.

DEFENCE

  Royal Yeomanry and Queen's Own Yeomanry
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Royal Yeomanry and Queen's Own Yeomanry last underwent the periodic REME examination of their vehicles; and if they passed. [45848]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]The most recent Royal Yeomanry Periodic REME Examination was conducted between August 1997 and February 1998. The last Queen's Own Yeomanry Periodic REME Examination was conducted between February and March 1998. The vehicles of both units were graded Satisfactory overall.

  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Queen's Own Yeomanry last carried out their annual gunnery grading; what result they got; and what were the comparable figures for regular armoured reconnaissance units. [45849]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]The Queen's Own Yeomanry last conducted a Gunnery Firing Period at Warcop over the period 16–20 April 1997. They carried out all the assessed firing exercises for Territorial Army Yeomanry and achieved a satisfactory standard. The standards laid down for regular armoured reconnaissance units are different from those set for the Territorial Army and therefore it is not possible to make objective comparisons.

  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the manning levels for officers and soldiers in(a) the Royal Yeomanry and (b) the Queen's Own Yeomanry. [45850]
  458
  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]The manning level of the Royal Yeomanry as a percentage of its own establishment is 89 per cent. for officers and 82 per cent. for soldiers. The Queen's Own Yeomanry has manning levels of 100 per cent. for officer and 92 per cent. for soldiers.

  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total annual budget for personnel costs, including permanent staff, man training days and bounty, for(a) the Royal Yeomanry and (b) the Queen's Own Yeomanry; and what would be the equivalent cost of manning regiments of similar size and roles with regular soldiers. [45853]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 18 June 1998]The total annual budgets for personnel costs for the Royal Yeomanry and the Queen's Own Yeomanry are £2.976M and £1.418M respectively. Comparable costs for regular regiments of a similar size and role are not available. However, the costs of paying regular and TA soldiers to perform a particular role for a given period of time are broadly comparable.

  Conscientious Objection
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what policy is operated by the armed forces if serving personnel declare they can no longer, for reasons of conscience, undertake military duties. [46777]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]My Department has a well established appeal procedure for Service personnel who, for reasons of conscience, feel unable to continue service. These cases are first considered by the individual's chain of command, and if the conscientious objection is considered to be genuine, arrangements are made for the applicant to be administratively discharged on compassionate grounds.

  If, after consideration, a conscientious objection is not assessed to be genuine, it will be rejected. Unsuccessful applicants are, however, advised that they may appeal to the Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors. This Committee is independent of the MOD and its members are appointed by the Lord Chancellor. It conducts its hearings in public and tenders its advice to the Secretary of State for Defence's representative. A successful appeal to the Advisory Committee is invariably accepted by the Department and the applicant will immediately be granted a release from the Service.

  Chemical and Biological Weapons
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies he is currently undertaking with the United States military on systems for the detection of chemical and biological weapons. [46545]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]The UK is already party to a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States and Canada on chemical and biological defence. Under the auspices of this MOU, my Department embarked upon a programme to develop a joint approach to chemical and biological defence and collaboration across a full range of defensive measures, including systems for the detection of chemical and biological agents. As part of this programme, we have undertaken joint tests and field trials
  459
  with both the US and Canada to establish the effectiveness of available technology for the detection of chemical and biological agents.

  I have recently agreed with the US Defence Secretary that we should increase co-operation to combat chemical and biological weapons. This will further deepen the existing close collaboration in this area.

  Dundrennan Test Range
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library the most recent environmental and radiological survey undertaken at and around the Dundrennan, Kirkcudbrightshire, test range. [46783]

  Mr. Spellar
  The survey to which the hon. Member refers was conducted by the Radiation Protection Services section (DRPS) of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. Arrangements were made last June, through the Parliamentary Branch of the Ministry of Defence, for an updated list of all unclassified DRPS reports to be placed in the House of Commons Library. The list includes details of published reports of the most recent environmental and radiological survey undertaken at and around the Dundrennan test range in Kirkcudbrightshire. These are DRPS Report No 6/97, "1996 Environmental Depleted Uranium Baseline Survey Report DTEO Kirkcudbright" and DRPS Report No 10/97, "1996 Marine Environmental Survey Report DTEO Kirkcudbright". It was decided at the time that it was not a practical option to place reports (including DRPS Reports 6 and 10/97) themselves in the House Library but that copies would be available on a case by case basis on request. I understand the hon. Member has made such a request and that arrangements are in hand for him to receive copies of the reports in question.

  Berlin Airlift
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Ministry of Defence Postal and Courier Services are taking to commemorate the Berlin Airlift; and if he will make a statement. [47076]

  Mr. Spellar
  The British Forces Post Office, BFPO, a part of the Defence Postal and Courier Services, is issuing a philatelic cover bearing a special handstamp on 26 June 1998 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the start of the Berlin Airlift. These special commemorative philatelic covers will be available from the BFPO on that date.

  Air Transport Procurement
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the leasing of four Boeing C-17 transport aircraft; and what effect this will have on the Future Large Aircraft; [47309]

  (2) how many jobs will be created in the UK in the production of those C-17s to be leased by his Department. [46964]

  Mr. Spellar
  Our air transport requirement has been scrutinised closely in the Strategic Defence Review. Any decision on future air transport procurement will be made in light of the conclusions of the Review and of the responses to the Requests for Proposals.

  Defence Exports
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to protect British(a) public funds and (b) exporters where defence exports on a Government to Government basis are paid for in oil and gas; and how he seeks to protect the volume and value of such exports from falling oil and gas prices. [46468]

  Mr. Spellar
  There are no Government to Government defence projects which involve Her Majesty's Government taking oil or gas as payment.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Creative Industries
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the economic impact of the creative industries in(a) the North West Region, (b) Liverpool and (c) Merseyside in terms of (i) jobs, (ii) turnover, (iii) company formation and (iv) tourism. [46233]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  The creative industries can be a powerful economic driving force in local and regional economies, but detailed statistics on the scale of their economic impact in particular parts of the country are not currently available. The Creative Industries Task Force has collated data which show that the creative industries nationally generate revenues of around £55 billion, contributing 4 per cent. to GDP, and employ some 1.5 million people. The Task Force is now turning its attention to assessing the position in different regions.

  Tourism
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what are the aims and objectives of his policy on tourism; and what the achievements of these policies have been since 1 May 1997. [46663]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  [holding answer 19 June 1998]We are in the process of developing a comprehensive strategy for tourism. We want to see quality tourism development which is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable, and which supports the Government's employment objectives and their wish to see a more inclusive society. Our aims and objectives for tourism will be set out in more detail when we publish the new strategy later this year.

  Achievements since last May include the establishment of an expanded, fully representative Tourism Forum; and the establishment of new Working Groups on Strategic Planning, Widening Access and Domestic Tourism, with sub groups on Quality, Distribution and Sustainability. These have now reported, as have the Working Groups on Communications, Business Tourism, People and Visitor Attractions. In addition, we have launched Tourism—Towards Sustainability, a nationwide consultation exercise on sustainable tourism and have held the first sectoral conference on New Deal for the tourism, hospitality and leisure industry, which has led to a very positive response from the industry.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Public Trust Office
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will review the operation of the Public Trust Office. [45605]

  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to review the operation of the Public Trust Office. [45610]

  Mr. Hoon
  As the hon. Members are aware the Office will be subject to the usual five yearly review in 1999. This will be a comprehensive examination of all aspects of the Office's performance.

  Community Disputes
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many times he has met local authority representatives to discuss uniformity of decision making in community disputes. [45607]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have not met local authorities to discuss this subject.

  Barristers' Earnings
  37. Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the level of legal aid fees paid to senior Queen's Counsels. [45608]

  Mr. Hoon
  Criminal higher expenditure on QCs rose by 167 per cent. between 1991/92 and 1994/95, from £15m to around £40m. In the last three years total expenditure under this head has remained more or less at that level in real terms. Figures for civil legal aid are not available.

  Litigation (Offshore Companies)
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is taking to ensure that litigants in civil disputes with companies are not denied redress as a result of company registrations in the Channel Islands. [45609]

  Mr. Hoon
  If a company is registered in the Channel Islands enforcement action can still be taken against assets held by it in England and Wales.

  Women Judges
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many women judges have been appointed since 2 May 1997; and what percentage this is of the total number of appointments. [45611]

  Mr. Hoon
  Since 2 May 1997, six women Circuit Judges have been appointed out of a total of 34 (18 per cent.); seven women District Judges out of a total of 26 (27 per cent.); and one woman Stipendiary Magistrate out of a total of four (25 per cent.). During the same period nine High Court Judges, five Lord Justices of Appeal and one Lord of Appeal in Ordinary were also appointed. None of those was a woman.

  Personal Injury Claims
  41. Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to regulate the activities of unqualified claims assessors in personal injury claims. [45612]

  Mr. Hoon
  1 am considering representations made to me by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers when I met them recently to discuss their concerns about claims assessors.

  Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will(a) meet a deputation from the Association of Essex Councils over the closure of magistrates courts in Essex and (b) halt the closures pending a policy review involving the association. [45613]

  Mr. Hoon
  (a) During the course of this appeal I have already met with both parties and three local MPs. Essex County Council and Braintree and Uttlesford District Councils have been fully involved throughout.(b) Closures cannot be halted for any reason other than a successful appeal in accordance with section 56 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997 from a magistrates' courts committee's determination or by the rescinding of such a determination by the magistrates' courts committee. The Lord Chancellor has no plans to conduct a policy review.

  Legal Aid (Divorce Proceedings)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to review the availability of legal aid for divorce proceedings. [45614]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government have announced their plans for modernising the delivery of publicly funded legal services for all types of proceedings including divorce.

  Family Law
  Yvette Cooper
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Advisory Board on Family Law intends to publish its first annual report. [47388]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Advisory Board on Family Law has today published its first annual report and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many places were available for teacher training in each year since 1990; and how many were filled in each year. [46844]
  463
  Ms Estelle Morris
  The table shows the target and actual intake to initial teacher training for the years 1990–91 to 1997–98.

  Target and actual recruitment to initial teacher training (ITT) courses1 in England, 1990–91 to 1997–98

  Primary

  Secondary

  Total

  Target

  Actual

  Target

  Actual

  Target

  Actual

  1990–91

  12,250

  13,155

  10,995

  8,919

  23,245

  22,074

  1991–92

  12,660

  14,777

  11,275

  11,830

  23,935

  26,607

  1992–93

  13,070

  16,658

  11,300

  12,849

  24,370

  29,507

  1993–94

  13,937

  15,775

  13,968

  13,689

  27,905

  29,464

  1994–95

  12,990

  13,743

  16,600

  15,509

  29,590

  29,252

  1995–96

  12,115

  13,603

  17,000

  15,226

  29,115

  28,829

  1996–97

  11,500

  12,465

  18,900

  15,965

  30,400

  28,430

  1997–982

  11,050

  11,749

  19,500

  15,966

  30,550

  27,715

  1Includes School Centred ITT and Open University

  2 Actual intake for 1997–98 is provisional

  Sources:

  Actual intake:

  1990–91 to 1993–94: DFE ITT Annual Recruitment Survey

  1994–95: Higher Education Funding Council for England's (HEFCE) Early Statistics Survey

  1995–96 to 1997–98: TTA ITT recruitment survey

  Target intake:

  DfEE

  Teacher Vacancies (Greater London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the current number of teacher vacancies in each of the education departments of local authorities covering the Greater London area. [46973]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The total number of teacher vacancies in maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special schools in the Greater London area at January 1998 (the latest available information) was as follows:

  LEA

  Vacancies

  City of London

  0

  Camden

  19

  Greenwich

  58

  Hackney

  63

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  53

  Islington

  44

  Kensington and Chelsea

  20

  Lambeth

  12

  Lewisham

  52

  Southwark

  60

  Tower Hamlets

  66

  Wandsworth

  49

  Westminster

  21

  Barking and Dagenham

  19

  Barnet

  22

  Bexley

  8

  Brent

  35

  Bromley

  15

  Croydon

  20

  Ealing

  52

  Enfield

  20

  Haringey

  30

  Harrow

  12

  Havering

  15

  Hillingdon

  29

  Hounslow

  23

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  6

  Merton

  8

  Newham

  83

  Redbridge

  22

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  4

  Sutton

  10

  Waltham Forest

  48

  Total

  999

  Further Education (Hampshire)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many further education colleges in Hampshire had a budget deficit in(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [46005]

  Dr. Howells
  The following table shows the number of colleges in Hampshire which had operating deficits for the academic years ended 31 July 1996 and 1997 and forecast an operating deficit for the academic year ended 31 July 1998.

  Colleges in Hampshire with operating deficits

  Year ended

  Number of colleges with budgeted deficits

  1995–96

  14

  1996–97

  11

  1997–98 (forecast)

  13

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what were the average efficiency savings made by further education colleges in Hampshire in 1997–98. [46002]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department calculates efficiency gains for the FE sector on a national basis only. The expected efficiency gain for the financial year 1997–98 is 3.0 per cent.

  National Vocational Qualifications
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on progress in the transfer of responsibilities for setting NVQ standards from his Department to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. [47287]

  Dr. Howells
  From 1 April 1998, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, acting jointly with the Scottish Qualifications Authority, and in consultation with the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales, and the Training and Education Agency for Northern Ireland, became responsible for the procurement and approval of the national occupational standards which form the basis of National Vocational Qualifications and Scottish Vocational Qualifications.

  Universities
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to provide funding for the updating of facilities in universities. [46595]

  Dr. Howells
  For 1998–99 my right hon. Friend has provided a funding package which will allow an extra £165 million to be spent on higher education. This includes an additional £125 million for universities and colleges in England to maintain and improve quality and standards, and to make a start on the backlog of maintenance and equipment replacement.

  Decisions on funding for higher education for 1999–2000 and beyond will depend on the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review, due to be announced next month.
  465
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what statistics his Department collects on the staff to student ratio in universities. [46596]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department uses data on staff and students collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency in order to calculate a sector level student to staff ratio in higher education institutions in England.

  The latest available student to staff ratios, as published in the 1998 Departmental Report, are 16.5 in 1994–95 and 16.6 in 1995–96.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to review the curricula taught in universities(a) nationally and (b) the West Midlands. [46598]

  Higher education enrolments in UK higher education institutions and those in the West Midlands analysed by subject, 1997–98

  Subject

  UK

  percentage of total

  West Midlands

  percentage of total

  Medicine and dentistry

  41,579

  2·4

  1,724

  1·3

  Subjects allied to medicine

  156,863

  9·0

  12,825

  9·5

  Biological sciences

  86,559

  5·0

  6,138

  4·6

  Veterinary science

  3,311

  0·2

  14

  0·0

  Agriculture and related subjects

  15,393

  0·9

  1,902

  1·4

  Physical sciences

  72,190

  4·1

  4,835

  3·6

  Mathematical sciences

  20,230

  1·2

  1,514

  1·1

  Computer science

  78,019

  4·5

  7,198

  5·4

  Engineering and technology

  129,186

  7·4

  13,044

  9·7

  Architecture/building and planning

  43,686

  2·5

  2,509

  1·9

  Social, Economic and political studies

  128,572

  7·4

  10,229

  7·6

  Law

  54,341

  3·1

  5,177

  3·8

  Business and administrative studies

  216,752

  12·4

  19,346

  14·4

  Librarianship and information science

  20,175

  1·2

  1,309

  1·0

  Languages

  89,708

  5·2

  7,862

  5·8

  Humanities

  59,970

  3·4

  4,598

  3·4

  Creative Arts and Design

  92,889

  5·3

  7,455

  5·5

  Education

  128,208

  7·4

  9,183

  6·8

  Combined

  304,002

  17·5

  17,677

  13·1

  Total

  1,741,633

  100·0

  134,539

  100·0

  Collective Acts of Worship
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement. on the Government's policy on collective acts of worship in schools. [47285]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Government are committed to the current statutory requirements: the School Standards and Framework Bill is applying these requirements to the new school framework with minimal adjustments.

  Sixth Form Education
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils have entered secondary school sixth forms to study A-levels(a) in the West Midlands and (b) Staffordshire in each of the last five years; and what was each figure as a percentage change on the previous year. [45856]
  466
  Dr. Howells
  The Secretary of State has no plans to review the curricula taught in universities either nationally or in the West Midlands.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what statistics his Department collects on the ratio of students to faculty in universities(a) nationally and (b) in the West Midlands. [46597]

  Dr. Howells
  The available statistics on enrolments as at 1 December 1997 are analysed by subject of course rather than faculty.

  In 1997–98, the latest year for which information is available, the number and proportion of full-time and part-time students by course subject in higher education institutions in the UK and in the West Midlands were as given in the following table:

  Dr. Howells
  The available information is shown in the table.

  Number of 16 year old pupils studying A levels in maintained secondary schools

  West Midlands and Staffordshire LEA area

  Position in January each year

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  19981

  West Midlands

  11,239

  11,061

  11,422

  12,464

  12,440

  Percentage change (year on year)

  —

  -1.6

  3.3

  9.1

  -0.2

  Staffordshire

  2,451

  2,497

  2,586

  2,887

  23,050

  Percentage change (year on year)

  —

  1.9

  3.6

  11.6

  5.6

  1Provisional

  2Stoke became a unitary authority separate from Staffordshire in April 1997; the provisional figures for Staffordshire (excluding Stoke) and Stoke LEA areas in January 1998 were 2,897 and 153 respectively

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students entered the further education sector to study A-levels(a) in the

  467
  West Midlands and (b) Staffordshire in each of the last five years; and what was each figure as a percentage change on the previous year. [45857]

  Dr. Howells
  The following table contains the available figures on the number of students in the further education sector in England studying A/AS levels, and the percentage change from the previous year.

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  West Midlands

  Number of students

  31,261

  30,511

  30,670

  Percentage change from previous year

  —

  -2.40

  +0.52

  Staffordshire

  Number of students

  5,718

  5,533

  5,696

  Percentage change from previous year

  —

  -3.34

  +2.85

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to(a) encourage and (b) aid schools to create consortia to provide a range of A-level courses in their area. [45855]

  Dr. Howells
  We are working with the Local Government Association (LGA), Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) and TEC National Council (TNC) to promote greater collaboration in post-16 education. This may include partnerships between schools or between schools, colleges and other parties, building on existing arrangements where appropriate. We expect this collaborative activity to improve the quality of educational opportunities, breadth of curriculum and choice for young people. We support the efforts of existing partnerships, the Tamworth Opportunities Post-16 collaboration being one example.

  Music
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received on the role of music in the curriculum. [47284]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Department has received a number of representations from organisations and individuals about the contribution which music can make to every child's education and its importance in supporting their cultural, spiritual and social development. Music remains a National Curriculum foundation subject and will continue to be taught in schools.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what changes he plans to announce to cash limits and running costs limits within his responsibility for 1998— 99. [47412]

  Dr. Howells
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Revised Estimate, the cash limit for Class IX, Vote 1, Department for Education and Employment: programmes and central services will be amended as follows:

  £

  Class

  Vote

  Existing cash limit

  Change

  New cash limit

  IX

  1

  10,359,290,000

  -2,870,000

  10,356,420,000

  468
  The reduction is the net effect of a machinery of government change in policy responsibility whereby £1,130,000 of provision for early years is being transferred from Class XI, Vote 2 (the Department of Health), offset by a transfer of £4,000,000 to Class XI, Vote 1 (the Department of Health) to take account of changes arising from the Dearing Review. The transfer is part of an overall transfer of £6,600,000 to the Department of Health, the remainder of which is being found from the Department's non-cash limited expenditure. £4,300,000 is also being transferred from our non-cash limited provision to Class XIV, Vote 2 (the Welsh Office) as a result of the Dearing changes.

  The running costs provision within the Control Total will be increased by £715,000 from £249,833,000 to £250,548,000. £75,000 of this increase is due to the machinery of government change and the remaining £640,000 is as a result of a virement from Section B of the Vote to cover increased administration costs in connection with the Skills Programme.

  The non-voted cash limit, DfEE/ERDF, will be decreased by £1,395,000 from £ 26,912,000 to £25,517,000 as a result of a transfer to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Class VI, Vote 2) in connection with the Liverpool institute of Performing Arts.

  The control total elements of the increases will be offset by transfers or charged to the Reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  School Performance
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what criteria he applied in compiling the list of the top 100 schools. [46496]

  Mr. Byers
  In order to be included in the list, schools had to show sustained improvement in the proportion of pupils achieving 5 or more GCSE grades A*-C or the GNVQ equivalent in each of the years from 1994 to 1997.

  School Inspections
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what procedures he has instituted to ensure that Ofsted inspectors and their teams meet the minimum standard laid down by him. [46501]

  Mr. Byers
  HM Chief Inspector of Schools is responsible for monitoring standards in the school inspection system. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend and to place a copy of his letter in the Library.

  Local Management of Schools
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) headteachers and governing bodies and (b) other organisations and individuals have so far responded (i) favourably and (ii) unfavourably to his proposals for further delegation under the Local Management of Schools initiative. [46719]

  Mr. Byers
  The Government's consultation paper "Fair Funding: Improving Delegation to Schools" was issued on 29 May, with a request for responses by 31 July. No detailed analysis of responses has yet been undertaken.

  Special Schools
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the maintained special schools in the United Kingdom, by local education authority, and indicate the special educational needs for which each school caters. [46427]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The special schools maintained by each local education authority in England have been listed in a table, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  The list is drawn from schools' returns to the Department in January 1998. These returns include updated information about schools' specialisms; this has not yet been analysed, but I will write to the hon. Member with further information as soon as possible.

  Information about special schools in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, for Wales and for Northern Ireland.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) which Ministers in(a) his Department and (b) other departments received copies of the information on alleged United Nations sanctions breaking by Sandline International prepared for Baroness Symons on 10 March; and on what date it was received by each private office; [46019]

  (2) Ministers in (a) his Department and (b) other departments were provided with or informed of the information on alleged United Nations sanctions breaking by Sandline International prepared for Baroness Symons on 10 March; and on what date and by what means the information was transmitted to the Ministers; [46018]

  (3) if the information on alleged United Nations sanctions breaking by Sandline International provided for Baroness Symons on 10 March was copied to (a) his Private Office (b) the office of another Minister in his Department and (c) any other Minister of Her Majesty's Government. [46020]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 16 June 1998]A side-copy of briefing provided for my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for her answer to a Parliamentary question on 10 March 1998,Official Report, House of Lords, columns 99–101, was marked to the office of the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd), but, as would generally be the case for briefing prepared for another Minister, he was not shown it. The briefing was copied to no other Minister.

  Departmental Reviews
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list, for each of the last four years, all departmental inquiries and reviews instigated by ministers which have been chaired by 470
  individuals outside his Department; and in each case if he will give the date of establishment and the name of the chairman. [46832]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I list in the table those inquiries and reviews set up by Ministers in the last four years and chaired by someone from outside Government. The list excludes advisory committees established to provide on-going advice (such as those advisory Non-Departmental Public Bodies listed in "Public Bodies 1997") and inquiries set up routinely in pursuance of responsibilities under statutory requirement.

  Inquiry/review

  Established

  Chairman

  Review of Overseas Allowances

  26 January 1996

  Sir Derek Hornby

  Sierra Leone arms investigation

  18 May 1998

  Sir Thomas Legg

  Pakistan
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan. [46920]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Although the rights of religious minorities are protected by Pakistan's Constitution, there are reports of abuses against minorities by groups and individuals, and concerns about the implementation of the blasphemy laws.

  Our High Commission in Islamabad led an EU demarche to the Pakistan authorities on 14 May about the situation of religious minorities. We made clear the EU' s concern about the death penalty imposed on Ayub Masih, a Christian, for blasphemy, and the negative effect such cases can have on inter-faith relations in Pakistan.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes he proposes to make in his Department's cash limits and running costs limits for 1998– 99. [47551]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Revised Estimate, the cash limit for Class II, Vote 1 (Overseas Representation) will be reduced by £2,261,000 from £590,265,000 to £588,004,000. This reduction takes account of transfers of responsibility to the newly established Department for International Development (Class III, Vote 1). It also reflects the movement of the Wilton Park executive agency from a net running cost regime to a gross running cost regime. This does not change the overall cash limit.

  The gross running costs limit on Class II, Vote 1 will be reduced by £509,000 from £511,044,000 to £510,535,000.

  The changes will not add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  International Criminal Court
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards
  471
  the creation of the International Criminal Court, indicating those areas of jurisdiction for such a Court which it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to support. [45780]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We continue to support the establishment of an effective International Criminal Court, and will do all we can to ensure a successful outcome to the Diplomatic Conference which is currently taking place in Rome. In my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Nuneaton (Mr. Olner) of 24 February 1998,Official Report, column 191, I drew attention to a paper on Government policy towards the proposed Court which we had placed in the Libraries of the House. My noble Friend Lord Whitty also made a detailed statement of our policy on the Court in a debate in another place on 11 June 1998, Official Report, House of Lords, columns 947–62. We believe that the Court should have jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. We also believe that the Court should have jurisdiction over the crime of aggression where the UN Security Council has determined that an act of aggression has taken place, and provided that the crime is properly defined in the Statute.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the appointment of an international prosecutor to investigate independently crime within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in circumstances where(a) the UN Security Council and (b) individual members of the national Government have not given their consent. [45781]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We have reserved our position on whether the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court should have the power to initiate investigations on his or her own authority in circumstances in which a situation has not been referred either by the UN Security Council or by a State Party to the Court. Irrespective of how an investigation is initiated, however, we believe that the Prosecutor should be independent of Governments in the conduct of his investigations. The consent of the State where an alleged crime had taken place should not be required before an investigation or prosecution in respect of that crime can take place, if that State is a Party to the Treaty establishing the Court. Nor should the approval of the Security Council be necessary for an investigation or a prosecution to take place.

  Cyprus
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has for the granting of full civil rights to inhabitants of the sovereign bases in Cyprus. [45818]

  Dr. Reid
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are no plans to change the arrangements for the administration of the Sovereign Base Areas.

  The Sovereign Base Areas are administered in accordance with the "Declaration by Her Majesty's Government regarding the Administration of the Sovereign Base Areas", included as Appendix 0 to Command 1093, in which HMG published the Treaty of
  472
  Establishment and other documents concerning the 1960 Cyprus settlement. In accordance with Appendix 0, the "main objects to be achieved" in the administration of the Areas are:

  1. Effective use of the Sovereign Base Areas as military bases.

  2. Full cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus.

  3. Protection of the interest of those resident in the Sovereign Base Areas.

  Appendix 0 makes provision for freedom of access and communications to and through the Sovereign Base Areas; freedom of employment and cultivation in the Sovereign Base Areas; full protection of the rights of Cypriots (and others resident in the Republic) and Cypriot communities and corporations in regard to property; arrangements for legal proceedings concerning civil rights and obligations in which all parties are Cypriots to take place in the Courts of the Republic; and for the enforcement within the Sovereign Base Areas of the judgments and orders of such Courts in such proceedings.

  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrests have been made of civilians in the sovereign bases in Cyprus in the last year; and if he will make a statement. [45819]

  Dr. Reid
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Sovereign Base Areas are a British Overseas Territory of 98 square miles on the island of Cyprus and operate under British civil law. The laws of the Sovereign Base Areas are as far as possible the same as the laws of the Republic of Cyprus. SBA laws are enforced by the SBA Police, a civilian force comprising mainly of Cypriot officers. The Areas have their own properly constituted civilian court, with an independent civil judiciary.

  Some seven thousand Cypriot civilians live in the Areas, and many other civilians travel through them by road, especially during the summer tourist season.

  In the year to 31 March 1998, the number of arrests of civilians in the Sovereign Base Areas was 236.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Schools (Capital Works)
  Mr. Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which schools are under consideration for major capital works; what the estimated cost is of each project; on what dates the Department of Education recognised that each school satisfied categories 1, 2 or 3 of the school capital priorities schedule or equivalent; and on what dates her Department approved in principle the appointment of an architect to put in place a suitable scheme. [46282]

  Mr. Worthington
  There are over 200 major works projects in the Schools Capital Priorities Planning List and I will write to the hon. Member giving details of these schemes. Estimated costs are not available for many of the schemes which are at a very early stage of planning or where planning has been suspended.

  There are 125 projects in priority Categories 1, 2 and 3. All projects in these categories have received approval to take forward detailed planning. Information is not

  473
  readily available about the dates each project entered the Planning List or when approval was given to the appointment of consultant architects in each case, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Ms Rita O'Hare
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to pursue extradition proceedings against Ms Rita O'Hare. [46283]

  Mr. Ingram
  The High Court in the Republic of Ireland ruled in 1978 that Rita O'Hare should not be extradited to Northern Ireland, on the ground that the offences that she was alleged to have committed fell within political offence exemption. That does not preclude the possibility of the Government seeking Ms O'Hare's extradition if she were to travel to another jurisdiction with which extradition arrangements exist. However, as to the future, it is not the Government's practice to disclose whether or not extradition proceedings are planned.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her oral statement of 18 June 1998,Official Report, columns 507–19, if she will list the range of estimates her Department has produced relating to the impact of a minimum wage on employment levels. [47141]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government share the Low Pay Commission's view that the national minimum wage set at the level proposed should have no significant impact on employment.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will estimate the net cost or benefit to(a) Government, (b) employers and (c) employees of the minimum wage proposals in the first 12 months of its operation. [47235]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The national minimum wage will bring benefits to all. It will encourage people to move from dependence on state benefits into work; employers' productivity will improve as the morale of their workforces rises and staff turnover falls. The minimum wage set at the level proposed will help some 2 million low paid workers escape from poverty pay.

  Patent Office
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many complaints her Department has received about the cost of lodging an objection with the Patent Office in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [47046]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  There are two routes available under the Trade Marks Act 1994 to anyone who wishes to object to an application to register a trade mark. Section 38(2) provides for any person to lodge opposition. The present fee for this is £200, and the opponent then becomes a party to proceedings before the Registrar. However, under section 38(3), a person may make written observations without payment of any fee, and without becoming a party to proceedings.
  474
  In the 12 month period to the end of May 1998, over 1,600 oppositions and more than 130 observations were filed. The Registrar is aware of only one formal complaint in that period about the cost of filing opposition.

  Seafarers
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if United Kingdom seafarers are covered by the proposed fairness at work legislation. [47132]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The proposals in the White Paper will apply to seamen to the same extent as they are covered by existing legislation in the areas dealt with by the White Paper.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the use of EU structural funds for the recreational uses of inland waterways as part of rural employment policy. [46957]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]The uses to which the Structural Funds can be put are determined by programme documents agreed between the Government and the Commission. They concentrate on activities which will increase employability and competitiveness in the regions concerned.

  In rural areas eligible under the Funds these programme documents will include tourism as one of their priorities. Projects which increase tourism potential, including those for recreational uses of inland waterways, will be eligible. In all cases, projects will be selected on the basis of criteria which will seek to maximise value for money.

  Maternity Leave
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of how many women will benefit from the proposed extension of maternity leave from 14 weeks to 18 weeks. [46991]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]The extension of statutory maternity leave from 14 weeks to 18 weeks will improve the statutory right to leave for the 2.3 million women employees with less than one year's service who could choose to exercise it in the event that they become pregnant.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of how many women will benefit from the proposed reduction from two years to one year in the qualifying period for extended maternity leave. [46996]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 22 June 1998]The reduction in the qualifying period for extended maternity absence will extend this statutory right to a further 1.4 million women employees who could choose to exercise it in the event that they become pregnant. This is one of a package of family friendly policies which will also benefit families, including children, and the labour market.

  Export Credit Loans
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the dates on which export credit loans to Governments and Government agencies have been rescheduled since 1990, indicating in each case for what values and with which countries. [46487]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Government do not provide export credit loans direct to other governments. Official export credits are those guaranteed or insured by the Export Credits Guarantee Department. ECGD has negotiated over 100 debt rescheduling agreements with 45 countries since January 1990. It should be noted that many debts originated in the seventies and eighties and have been rescheduled several times. Consequently details of debt rescheduled for the first time under each agreement are not readily available. To aggregate the debt under all agreements with each debtor country would result in a high degree multiple counting. The figure shown in the third column of the table is the approximate amount of debt treated under the latest signed agreements only.

  Bilateral debt agreements negotiated since 1 January 1990

  Country

  Date(s) of agreement(s)

  Debt treated under latest agreement (approximately) £million

  Algeria

  7 December 1994

  81

  18 December 1996

  Argentina

  17 March 1992

  39

  8 February 1993

  Benin

  16 November 1993

  4

  28 April 1997

  Bolivia

  19 March 1991

  30

  8 September 1992

  11 September 1995

  25 June 1996

  Brazil

  14 January 1993

  631

  Bulgaria

  14 October 1992

  2

  25 March 1993

  Burkina Faso

  13 January 1992

  2

  24 July 1997

  Cameroon

  29 November 1990

  22

  3 November 1993

  12 September 1995

  9 December 1996

  1—

  Republic of Congo

  10 December 1994

  54

  26 May 1995

  18 February 1997

  Costa Rica

  7 June 1990

  0.7

  12 November 1991

  18 November 1993

  Cote d'Ivoire

  18 October 1990

  13

  30 July 1992

  1 February 1995

  1—

  Croatia

  4 April 1996

  88

  Ecuador

  30 May 1990

  16

  30 July 1992

  13 January 1995

  Egypt

  21 April 1992

  450

  Ethiopia

  12 August 1993

  6

  8 October 1997

  Gabon

  12 March 1991

  36

  9 August 1995

  9 September 1996

  Guinea Republic

  27 February 1991

  2

  3 November 1993

  12 February 1996

  9 July 1997

  476

  Bilateral debt agreements negotiated since 1 January 1990

  Country

  Date(s) of agreement(s)

  Debt treated under latest agreement (approximately) £million

  Guyana

  15 May 1991

  125

  12 February 1994

  12 May 1997

  Jamaica

  28 May 1991

  2

  13 March 1992

  3 December 1993

  Jordan

  29 August 1991

  59

  5 January 1993

  29 June 1995

  Kenya

  15 July 1994

  58

  Macedonia

  5 September 1996

  4

  Madagascar

  25 October 1990

  21

  4 April 1991

  21 October 1997

  Mali

  14 February 1990

  19

  9 November 1990

  14 February 1997

  Mauritania

  13 July 1991

  1

  19 October 1993

  18 February 1996

  Mexico

  22 March 1991

  148

  Morocco

  28 March 1991

  30

  7 September 1992

  Mozambique

  20 April 1990

  24

  29 March 1991

  15 December 1993

  11 March 1997

  Nicaragua

  22 February 1993

  2

  Niger

  6 April 1990

  3

  16 December 1991

  20 June 1995

  12 October 1997

  Nigeria

  10 June 1991

  542

  Peru

  17 September 1992

  122

  30 December 1993

  4 November 1996

  Philippines

  15 March 1990

  15

  13 November 1991

  Poland

  4 October 1991

  1,576

  30 December 1991

  Russia

  5 June 1992

  80

  25 May 1994

  28 February 1995

  26 February 1996

  1—

  Senegal

  26 October 1990

  0.5

  9 April 1992

  26 December 1994

  13 January 1995

  Sierra Leone

  6 March 1991

  0.4

  1 November 1993

  15 December 1994

  15 July 1996

  Tanzania

  26 June 1990

  76

  4 March 1991

  24 August 1992

  1 July 1997

  Togo

  3 April 1990

  8

  9 August 1991

  12 December 1994

  25 October 1995

  Trinidad and Tobago

  9 October 1990

  5

  Uganda

  24 June 1993

  17

  28 February 1996

  1—

  Vietnam

  1 December 1994

  21

  Yemen

  26 August 1997

  9

  Zaire (DRCongo)

  23 July 1990

  35

  Zambia

  20 May 1991

  47

  5 June 1997

  1In neg. 1998

  477
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which countries have asked for the cancellation or rescheduling of export credit loans since 1 May 1997 which have not yet been agreed. [46488]

  Mrs. Roche
  None. Jordan, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Nicaragua, Uganda and Senegal have approached the Paris Club for debt reduction and/or rescheduling since 1 May 1997. Agreement has been reached in all cases. No other debtor countries have formally sought rescheduling through the Paris Club during this period.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what(a) amount and (b) percentage of the United Kingdom's electricity supply were supplied by renewable sources in each year since the non-fossil fuel obligation was introduced in 1989. [43224]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 3 June 1998]The following table shows information on electricity from renewable sources for the years since 1989. Generation from all renewable sources is included, not just those sources supported by the non-fossil fuel obligation. The amount of electricity available from hydro sources in a particular year depends on rainfall in the preceding period. Dry weather affected output from hydro stations in 1991, 1993 and 1996. When hydro electricity is excluded, other renewable sources are shown to be providing an increasing proportion of generation in the UK, and their contribution in 1997 was 47½ times that in 1989.

  Since coming into office I have repeatedly stressed my commitment to renewable energies. Indeed within weeks of the election I announced a review of renewable energy policy including consideration of what would be necessary and practicable for the UK to achieve a 10 per cent. contribution from renewable resources towards electricity generation by 2010. I can confirm that we remain committed to the 10 per cent. target and expect to make a further announcement in due course. The announcement of policy proposals for the fifth non-fossil fuel obligation round which I made on 25 November 1997, Official Report, columns 507–10, will be the first step in our new and strong drive for renewables and I expect NFFO-5 will contribute substantially to reducing greenhouse gases and encouraging internationally competitive industries. I expect to make this Order later this year.

  Electricity generated from renewable sources (GWh)

  Renewables as a proportion of total generated (percentage)

  Year

  Total

  Total excluding hydro

  Total

  Total excluding hydro

  Total electricity generated in the UK (GWh)

  1989

  5,496

  710

  1·9

  0·2

  292,896

  1990

  5,894

  687

  2·0

  0·2

  298,495

  1991

  5,411

  787

  1·8

  0·3

  301,490

  1992

  6,504

  1,073

  2·0

  0·3

  321,043

  1993

  5,884

  1,582

  1·8

  0·5

  323,102

  1994

  7,307

  2,213

  2·2

  0·7

  324,978

  1995

  7,242

  2,404

  2·2

  0·7

  334,047

  1996

  6,036

  2,675

  1·7

  0·8

  347,369

  19971

  7,341

  3,213

  2·1

  0·9

  345,786

  1 Data for 1997 are provisional

  Source:

  Digest of UK Energy Statistics, includes figures that have been revised since the Digest for 1997 was published

  Buried Ordnance
  Mr. Key
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if Her Majesty's Government have made a declaration to The Hague in accordance with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention in connection with buried ordnance at East Gomeldon in Wiltshire; and if she will make a statement. [46025]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 17 June 1998]In May 1997 the United Kingdom submitted to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague an initial declaration of old chemical weapons, predating 1 January 1946, unearthed on its territory. This information is updated as necessary. The Convention does not require the. declaration of chemical weapons buried before 1 January 1977 and which remain buried.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if sections 5 and 6 of the Chemical Weapons Act 1996 apply to the land adjacent to the Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Centre at Winterbourne Gunner where buried ordnance has been identified; and if she will make a statement. [46024]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 17 June 1998]The Chemical Weapons Act 1996 provides the legislative framework to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention in the United Kingdom. All areas of the United Kingdom are covered by sections 5 and 6 of the Act.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the implications for the duties of The Health and Safety Executive of the EU Directive on the organisation of working time and the protection of young people at work; and if she will make a statement. [46754]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The recent Government proposals outlined in the consultation on draft Working Time Regulations proposed an enforcement role for the HSE. The details of this and an estimate of the costs of enforcement are set out in a consultation document published on 8 April. A copy is available in the Library of the House.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will estimate the percentage of companies in the United Kingdom which employ fewer than 20 persons. [46731]

  Mrs. Roche
  At the start of 1996, the latest date for which data are available, 97.7 per cent. of enterprises in the UK (including sole traders) employed fewer than 20 people.

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will estimate the number of employees in the United Kingdom who work for companies that employ fewer than 20 persons. [46732]

  Mrs. Roche
  At the start of 1996, the latest date for which data are available, there were 4.3 million employees in enterprises in the UK employing fewer than 20 persons.

SCOTLAND

  Celtic Heritage
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce measures to improve cultural links relating to Celtic heritage between Scotland and(a) Wales, (b) Cornwall, (c) the Isle of Man,(d) Brittany and (e) Ireland. [45579]

  Mr. McLeish
  Cultural links between Scotland and the other peoples of the Celtic heritage are being made by a variety of organisations, including the Scottish Arts Council and the Gaelic National Arts Agency. I expect that these bodies will continue to develop their links.

  Agenda 2000
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Agenda 2000 proposals for EU structural funding. [45580]

  Mr. Dewar
  As I said when I spoke for the UK at the Informal Council of Ministers meeting on Regional Policy in Glasgow on 9 June, the reform of the Structural Funds must be affordable, durable and transparent. The reform must also be fair to all Member states whether acceding or established.

  Textile Industry
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with Scottish Enterprise on the development of a strategy for the textile industry in Scotland. [45581]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend and I frequently meet representatives of Scottish Enterprise and the local enterprise companies. As the hon. Member is aware, I met the Chairman and Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Enterprise, in his company, on 18 June. I also plan to pay a further visit to the Borders next month.

  Trunk Roads
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress of his review of plans for investment in improvements to the trunk road network. [45583]

  Mr. McLeish
  We will consult shortly on a draft revised appraisal framework for prioritising investment on the trunk road network and intend to complete the strategic roads review later this year.

  Exchange Rate
  14. Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the effects of the current exchange rate on Scottish manufacturing industry. [45584]

  Mr. Wilson
  Although the current level of sterling is a concern to many businesses, Scottish firms retain an impressive ability to compete successfully in both domestic and overseas markets.

  The latest official data show that Scottish manufactured output rose by 7.7 per cent. in 1997.

  Breast Cancer Services
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve breast cancer services for women in Scotland. [45585]

  Mr. Dewar
  Cancer, including breast cancer, remains one of the priority areas for the NHS in Scotland. We are therefore doing a great deal, all of it geared to providing the best possible service for those suffering from this devastating disease.

  Direct Labour Organisations
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the future of direct labour organisations in Scotland. [45586]

  Mr. Dewar
  I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the oral answer I gave to the hon. Member for Faversham and Mid-Kent (Mr. Rowe) today,Official Report, column 831.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next intends to meet Glasgow city council to discuss local government finance. [45587]

  Mr. Dewar
  I consult the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on local government finance and am also in regular contact with Glasgow City Council.

  Public Sector Housing
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the level of investment in public sector housing in Scotland since 1990. [45588]

  Mr. McLeish
  We are already tackling the legacy of under-investment in housing which we inherited. We have committed an extra £66 million, including £45 million for New Housing Partnerships. We are also looking at housing investment within the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will meet Ministers in the Department for Education and Employment to discuss entry qualifications for higher education. [45589]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have no plans to do so; entry qualifications are primarily a matter for individual higher education providers.

  Interest Rates
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the impact of interest rates on the Scottish economy. [45590]

  Mr. Wilson
  I am in regular contact with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the Scottish economy.

  We are agreed that low inflation is in the interests of every part of the United Kingdom. Interest rates are set by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England to meet the Government's inflation target of 2½ per cent.

  Schools (Early Intervention and Literacy Programmes)
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in introducing the early intervention and literacy programmes to Scottish schools; and if he will make a statement. [45591]

  Mr. Wilson
  Early intervention schemes are under way in all education authority areas in Scotland.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the Scottish Trades Union Congress to discuss the minimum wage in Scotland. [45593]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend addressed the STUC Annual Congress on 20 April 1998 on a range of issues, including the proposed National Minimum Wage.

  North Lanarkshire
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on(a) the number of electors and (b) the amount of council tax raised per household in 1997–98 in the North Lanarkshire local authority. [45594]

  Mr. Dewar
  There were 246,452 persons on the electoral roll of North Lanarkshire at 16 February 1997.

  The number of chargeable dwellings, on 7 October 1996, was 128,980. North Lanarkshire budgeted to raise £71.8 million in council tax in 1997–98, an average of £556.30 per chargeable dwelling.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which committee of North Lanarkshire council is responsible for the direct labour organisation. [45596]

  Mr. Dewar
  The Construction Services Committee is responsible for the Direct Labour Organisation within North Lanarkshire.

  Health Service
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will issue guidelines concerning primary care trusts and local healthcare co-operatives. [45597]

  Mr. Dewar
  I have no immediate plans to issue guidelines. Development of primary care trusts and local healthcare co-operatives is being taken forward through local discussion and meetings. I do not wish to impose any central blueprint on that process but we have set up a central organisational development team, with a £1 million budget, to help Health Boards develop LHCCs.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the future configuration of national health service trusts in Scotland; and when he expects to introduce proposed legislation. [45598]

  Mr. Dewar
  Detailed proposals for new NHS Trust configurations are currently the subject of public consultation in each Health Board area. Subject to the outcome of public consultation, I expect to be in a position to take decisions about the new configurations in late summer. No new primary legislation is required to 482
  establish NHS Trusts in Scotland to a new configuration. Legislation required to implement some of the proposals set out in "Designed to Care: Renewing the National Health Service in Scotland" (Cm 3811) will be introduced when a suitable opportunity arises.

  North Sea Oil and Gas
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the economic impact on Scotland of the Government's proposed changes in the North sea oil and gas tax regime. [45599]

  Mr. Wilson
  Any assessment will depend on the North Sea fiscal regime consultation document, which has yet to be issued. I am well informed on the importance of the oil and gas industry to the Scottish economy.

  Export Initiatives
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the Scottish Council Development and Industry to discuss export initiatives. [45595]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet the Scottish Council Development and Industry from time to time to discuss a range of economic development issues. The Scottish Council is also represented on the Scottish Export Forum, which I chair and which met only the other week.

  Skye Toll Bridge
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what account he took of Schedule 1 to the Skye Bridge Crossing Toll Order in allowing the sale of books of 20 discounted tickets for the Skye Toll Bridge. [46717]

  Mr. McLeish
  The Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order (Variation) Order 1997 (S.I.1997/2941) was laid on 11 December 1997 and came into force on 1 January 1998. Under the terms of this Order, Schedule 1 to The Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 1992 (S.I.1992/1501) was varied to set lower base tolls for all categories of vehicles eligible for discounts and to provide for the sale of books of 20 non-transferable discount vouchers for motorcycles and cars. These variations implement the toll reductions announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 4 July 1997,Official Report, columns 288–90.

  Ayrshire and Arran Health Board
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the amount of additional funding which will be allocated to Ayrshire and Arran Health Board in 1998–99. [47080]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Ayrshire and Arran Health Board received a base general revenue allocation in October 1997 of £229.344 million for 1998–99. Subsequent allocations totalling £12.393 million have since issued, of which £1.482 million is attributable to the extra resources made available for tackling waiting lists. Further allocations will issue in-year as appropriate.

  NHS Workers
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for the timetable to establish a uniform rate of terms and conditions for NHS workers. [47079]

  Mr. Galbraith
  We have a UK-wide approach to reviewing conditions of service. The Government are considering the overall picture and the options for the way forward.

  Dounreay
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate memorandum, a Summary of the Dounreay FCA Inspection Findings, was brought to his attention; what assurances he(a) sought and (b) received from the HSE that Dounreay was a suitable destination for the waste from Georgia; what action he took in response to the document; and if he will make a statement. [46784]

  Mr. Dewar
  The memorandum was brought to my attention by way of a letter dated 11 June 1998 from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). I advised that the full report should be published and this was done on 15 June. The report highlighted a number of concerns in respect of the Fuel Cycle Area which led to a programme of improvements. The independent regulators are currently conducting a comprehensive audit of the management of safety, which inter alia will examine the effectiveness of the improvement programme.

  The report of the audit will be made public later this year. The recommendations emerging from that audit will be considered fully by Ministers in due course.

  The HSE was consulted before it was decided to accept the Georgian consignment and was satisfied that the material could be stored safely at Dounreay.

  Small Business Loan Scheme
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 20 May 1998,Official Report, column 380, if he will place a copy of the independent evaluation of the Small Business Loan Scheme in the Library. [47077]

  Mr. Wilson
  Yes. I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library.

  Reconditioned Diesel Engines
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the recycling industry about SRO3 in so far as it prevents the use of reconditioned diesel engines to produce bio-oil. [46806]

  Mr. Wilson
  Officials in The Scottish Office received a recent representation about this issue from Ormrod Diesels, Skelmersdale, Lancashire. The company was advised to raise their concerns again in any consultation following the Government review of renewables policy.

  Health Service Review Panel (Neonatal Deaths)
  Ms Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when the report by the independent review panel into 484
  neonatal deaths and disabilities at the Forth Park Hospital, Kirkcaldy, was passed to the Kirkcaldy Acute Hospital NHS Trust; [46789]

  (2) when the findings of the independent review panel into neonatal deaths and disabilities at the Forth Park Hospital, Kirkcaldy, will be published; [46790]

  (3) if the full report by the independent review panel into neonatal deaths and disabilities at the Forth Park Hospital, Kirkcaldy, will be released to the families directly concerned. [46791]

  Mr. Galbraith
  A draft of the Independent Audit Panel report commissioned by Kirkcaldy Acute Hospital NHS Trust and Fife Health Board was received by them on 9 February 1998. I understand that the final report is likely to be published within the next 2–3 weeks. The Trust and Board have indicated that all 34 families who submitted written complaints will receive a copy of the report.

  Further Education
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Further Education Funding Council, with particular reference to(a) its membership, (b) its policy remit, (c) the openness and transparency of its operation and (d) its relationship with the colleges as regards long-term funding commitments. [47252]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State intends to establish the Scottish Further Education Funding Council on 1 January 1999, or as soon as possible thereafter.

  The post of chairman of the new Council was advertised earlier this month. Advertisements relating to membership will appear shortly.

  The precise range of functions to be delegated to the new Council, and therefore its policy remit, are still under consideration. The new council will be expected to conform to the highest standards of openness and accountability which the Government require of all non-departmental public bodies and, in carrying out its functions, to establish effective working relations with the FE colleges.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that no staff member at a college or university in Scotland is made redundant or forced to take early retirement for purely financial reasons. [47250]

  Mr. Wilson
  Decisions on employment of staff are entirely a matter for colleges and universities.

  Freshwater Fishing
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve access to freshwater fishing. [45577]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The Government will continue to encourage the provision of greater access for public angling consistent with sound management and conservation. We have also made it clear that action will be taken when access proposed as part of Protection Orders granted under the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976 fails to materialise or is withdrawn.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Pesticides
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which approved pesticides are considered(a) systemic and (b) non-systemic. [46699]

  Mr. Rooker
  To classify all approved pesticides as systemic or non-systemic pesticides would incur disproportionate cost. Pesticides are approved only if they can be used safely and any resulting residues in crops are at an acceptably low level.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all pesticides containing organophosphates currently approved in the UK. [46698]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have placed a list of the organophosphate-based pesticide products currently approved by the Department for use in the United Kingdom in the Library of the House.

  Dairy Farming
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what factors underlie the compensation rates paid to(a) dairy farmers and (b) lowland suckler producers. [46458]

  Mr. Rooker
  Dairy farmers and lowland suckler producers may benefit from payments under a range of Schemes. Most of the terms and conditions of these Schemes are determined at the EU level.

  If my hon. Friend has queries relating to a particular Scheme, I would be happy to address them.

  Live Animal Exports
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Dr. Palmer) of 5 May 1998,Official Report, columns 303–04, concerning live animal exports, if, in the case of pigs, he has received all the completed route plans certifying that the journeys took place in accordance with the statutory requirements. [44296]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 8 June 1998]Central records are not kept which show the numbers of route plans returned. The arrangements in place are designed to follow up instances of non-return of route plans, so that either the returned plan is held at the Animal Health Divisional Office that issued it in case queries subsequently arise, or the failure to return the plan is logged against the record of the transporter concerned to enable enforcement action to be considered. We attach importance to making these arrangements as effective as possible and have recruited a local authority enforcement officer to assist us in this.

  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to receive the report and advice from the Expert Group under Professor Bourne's chairmanship regarding the implementation of the report by Professor Krebs on badgers and bovine tuberculosis. [47256]
  486
  Mr. Rooker
  I expect to receive the Expert Group's first report, on the design of the culling experiment recommended by Professor Krebs, shortly.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will announce the results of his consultation following the publication of Professor Kreb's report on badgers and bovine tuberculosis. [47257]

  Mr. Rooker
  I am hoping to make an announcement before the House rises for the summer recess.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the results of the Thornbury experiment. [46763]

  Mr. Rooker
  The policy employed in the area around Thornbury was not conceived as a scientific experiment but as a means of controlling the spread of tuberculosis from badgers to cattle. This involved the systematic removal of badgers from a defined geographical area around Thornbury, Gloucestershire during the period from 1975 to 1981, after which re-colonisation was allowed. The average incidence of TB in cattle herds fell from 5.6 per cent. in the 10 years prior to the clearance, to 0.45 per cent. in the 15 years following the clearance.

  Professor Krebs' recent report on Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle and Badgers concludes that, whilst the policy applied in the Thornbury area provides strong circumstantial evidence to suggest that badgers represent a significant source of Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle, it does not prove a causal link, nor does it constitute a proper experimental basis to enable conclusions to be drawn about the effectiveness, or cost-effectiveness, of different badger culling strategies.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what validated results might be expected, and when, from the experiment proposed in the Krebs report. [46759]

  Mr. Rooker
  The purpose of the experiment proposed by Professor Krebs is to provide the data needed to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of badger culling as a means of controlling TB in cattle. I am awaiting advice from the Expert Group which is working on the detailed design of the experiment, including the data which must be collected.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will meet Professor Stephen Harris of the University of Bristol School of Biological Sciences. [46764]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have no plans to meet Professor Harris in the near future. However, I met him last year with the Parliamentary Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley), who meets and corresponds with him regularly.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the scientific, methodological and humane objections which he has received to the proposed Krebs experiment. [46762]
  487
  Mr. Rooker
  A number of such objections have been raised, and have been referred to the Expert Group to be taken into account during the work of designing the experiment. The objections featuring most frequently in correspondence have concerned the risks that denial of access to private land, or interference by badger rights activists or farmers illegally culling badgers, could undermine the statistical validity of the experiment; the numbers of badgers which could be killed; the possibility that lactating sows might be culled; and the fear that snares could be used to trap badgers. There have also been claims that the experiment is unnecessary both because badger culling has been shown not to work, and because it has been proved effective.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the range of increase expected in TB herd breakdowns in 1999. [46758]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is too early to make informed estimates of the number of TB herd breakdowns likely in 1999.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list and summarise each of the major reports on badgers and bovine TB considered by his Department since 1970. [46756]

  Mr. Rooker
  There have been three major reports on badgers and bovine TB commissioned and considered by this Department since 1970:The report from Lord Zuckerman in 1980 (Badgers, Cattle and Tuberculosis);
  The report from Professor Dunnet in 1986 (Badgers and bovine tuberculosis); and
  The report from Professor Krebs in 1997 (Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle and Badgers).

  Copies of these reports, each of which contains a summary of the main findings/recommendations, are available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a detailed response to the letter to him dated 6 May about the Krebs report and the proposed badger culling experiment from Professor Stephen Harris of the University of Bristol School of Biological Sciences. [46761]

  Mr. Rooker
  I replied to Professor Harris's letter on 22 June, inviting him to discuss his concerns in detail with officials.

  Payment rates (£ per head)—sheep annual premium scheme, suckler cow premium scheme, hill livestock compensatory allowances

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  19985

  Sheep annual premium: including LFA supplement

  Cash prices

  24.21

  22.21

  26.95

  19.04

  16.76

  n/a

  1997 prices

  27.32

  24.28

  28.47

  19.64

  16.76

  n/a

  excluding LFA supplement

  Cash prices

  19.25

  16.96

  21.26

  13.66

  11.61

  n/a

  1997 prices

  21.55

  18.54

  22.46

  14.09

  11.61

  n/a

  488
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many badgers proposed to be killed in the Krebs experiment are expected to be(a) snared and (b) trapped. [46760]

  Mr. Rooker
  We shall take no decisions on the conduct of the culling experiment until we have received advice from the Expert Group. This will include advice on the method or methods to be used to capture badgers.

  Poultry
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures are taken to ensure that poultry meat imported into the United Kingdom meets EU and United Kingdom rules and legislation; and what steps he will take to ensure fair competition in the UK poultry meat market. [46977]

  Mr. Rooker
  All fresh meat, including poultrymeat, imported into the UK, whether from other Member States or third countries, must have been produced in accordance with harmonised Community rules. These rules require all meat which is intended for sale for human consumption to fulfil the required public health standards. This means that it must be produced in EC approved establishments and, to signify this, must be stamped with a health mark before leaving the plant.

  Ensuring that all Member States comply with their Community obligations in properly implementing and applying Community rules is the responsibility of the European Commission, whose Office of Veterinary and Phytosanitary Inspection carries out regular programmes of inspections visits to all Member States. The inspection, approval and monitoring of poultrymeat slaughterhouses in third countries are also the responsibility of the European Commission.

  In addition, meat imported from third countries must be accompanied by agreed animal and public health certification which is issued at the plant of origin and must take place via approved Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) where they undergo veterinary checks to ensure that they comply with EU animal and public health legislation.

  Livestock Support
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the levels of(a) suckler cow, (b) ewe premium and (c) HLCA payments for beef and sheep per animal in cash prices and at 1997 prices for each of the last five years and his proposals for 1998–99. [23484]

  Mr. Rooker
  [pursuant to the reply, 8 June 1998, c. 455]: The information requested is set out in the following table. This has been updated in respect of payment rates for 1997 and, where possible, for 1998.
  489

  Payment rates (£per head)—sheep annual premium scheme, stickler cow premium scheme, hill livestock compensatory allowances

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  19985

  Suckler cow premium: including extensification premia

  Cash prices

  93.90

  115.12

  143.04

  155.15

  1159.48

  1152.75

  2146.52

  2140.34

  1997 prices

  105.12

  125.83

  151.10

  160.03

  1159.48

  n/a

  2146.52

  excluding extensification premia

  Cash prices

  65.73

  87.49

  114.43

  124.12

  117.36

  112.41

  1997 prices

  73.58

  95.63

  120.88

  128.02

  117.36

  n/a

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances:

  SDA Beef Cow

  Cash prices

  63.30

  47.50

  47.50

  47.50

  397.50

  47.50

  1997 Prices

  70.86

  51.92

  50.18

  48.99

  97.50

  n/a

  DA Beef Cow

  Cash prices

  31.65

  23.75

  23.75

  23.75

  469.75

  23.75

  1997 prices

  35.43

  25.96

  25.09

  24.50

  69.75

  n/a

  SDA High Rate Ewe

  Cash prices

  6.50

  5.75

  5.75

  5.75

  5.75

  5.75

  1997 prices

  7.28

  6.28

  6.07

  5.93

  5.75

  n/a

  SDA Lower Rate Ewe

  Cash prices

  3.60

  3.00

  3.00

  3.00

  3.00

  3.00

  1997 prices

  4.03

  3.28

  3.17

  3.09

  3.00

  n/a

  DA Ewe Rate

  Cash prices

  2.86

  2.44

  2.44

  2.65

  2.65

  2.65

  1997 prices

  3.20

  2.67

  2.58

  2.73

  2.65

  n/a

  1Where stocking density is less than 1 livestock unit (LU) per hectare

  2 Where stocking density is 1 LU/ha or more, but less than 1.4 LU/ha

  3Includes Beef special aid of £50.00

  4 Includes Beef special aid of £46.00

  51997 cash prices for 1998 are not available. 1997 is the latest full year for which RPI figures are available

  Note:

  LFA = Less Favoured Area

  SDA = Severely Disadvantaged Area

  DA = Disadvantaged Area

HEALTH

  Young Carers
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of the implementation of the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995 on young carers; and what estimate he has made of the number of assessments made of young carers under the Act. [46572]

  Mr. Boateng
  We continue to monitor the implementation of the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act, through commissioned research and as part of the social services inspection programme. Estimates of the number of young carers' assessments under the Act are not available.

  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if support for young carers will be included in the national strategy for carers. [46568]

  Mr. Boateng
  The national strategy will be concerned with all carers. We take a close and active interest in the needs of children and young people who undertake responsibility for the well-being of a relative or friend with a disability or chronic illness.

  Newspaper Rounds
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what effect EC Directive 94/33 will have on the employment of young people in the home delivery of newspapers. [46983]

  Mr. Boateng
  None.

  Nurses Day
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what initiatives the Government took to promote the UN International Nurses Day on 12 May. [47220]

  Mr. Milburn
  We were involved in a number of initiatives to promote the United Nations International Nurses Day on 12 May, and during that week.

  The Chief Nursing Officer for England, Mrs. Yvonne Moores, attended and supported the international gathering of global senior nurses at the 51st World Health Assembly in Geneva, organised by the International Council of Nurses on International Nurses Day.

  To mark International Nurses Day, and the United Kingdom Presidency of the European Union, the Chief Nursing Officer for England, supported by her UK Chief Nursing Officer colleagues, hosted a "masterclass" for European Union Government Chief Nurses, in London

  491
  from the evening of 12 May to 14 May. The "masterclass" aimed to debate the nursing, midwifery and health visiting contribution to public health. The keynote address to the conference was given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Public Health. Other invited speakers included senior nurses and others from the World Health Organisation, the EU, the Commission and senior nurse colleagues from member states. A report of the "masterclass" is being prepared.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the Chief Nursing Officers for England, Scotland and Ireland, with many of the European Chief Nurses, attended the Florence Nightingale memorial service in Westminster Abbey on 14 May.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Ms Southworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes will be made to the cash limits of his Department in 1998–99. [47439]

  Mr. Dobson
  Subject to Parliamentary approval, the cash limit for Class XI, Vote 1 (Hospital, community health, family health and related services, England) will be increased by £6,600,000 (from £31,385,613,000 to £31,392,213,000). This allows for a transfer of £6,600,000 from Class IX, Vote 1 (Department for Education and Employment: programmes and central services) to reflect the initial transfer of funding responsibilities for students in health care professions.

  The cash limit for Class XI, Vote 2 (Department of Health, administration, miscellaneous health and personal social services, England) will be reduced by £1,130,000 (£75,000 running costs), from £1,097,507,000 to £1,096,377,000. This reduction allows for the transfer of responsibility for childcare and early years policy to Class IX, Vote 1 (Department for Education and Employment: programmes and central services) as announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 27 March 1998, Official Report, column 296.

  The Department's gross running cost limit will be increased by £4,425,000 from £258,490,000 to £262,915,000 for additional work being carried out by the National Health Service Pensions Agency on missold pensions (£4,500,000) less part of the transfer mentioned above.

  All increases will be offset by savings, increased receipts or transfers to or from other Votes and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Medical Negligence
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what policy conclusions he has drawn from the lecture on medical negligence presented by Lord Justice Sir Philip Otton at the Royal Society of Medicine on 20 June, with particular reference to problems facing junior doctors. [46787]

  Mr. Milburn
  Lord Justice Otton's speech makes a number of wide-ranging suggestions. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently invited interested parties from both the National Health Service and legal spheres to submit ideas on how to reduce clinical negligence litigation, and how to manage better that which 492
  will inevitably occur. Lord Justice Otton's proposals will form part of that debate, but it is too early yet to draw any firm conclusions.

  Residential Child Care Initiative
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the proportion of staff who have qualified under the Residential Child Care Initiative and continue to work in local authority residential child care(a) nationally and (b) by local authority. [47001]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is not available centrally. However, an evaluation of the residential child care initiative (RCCI) undertaken for the Department by the Tavistock Institute showed that 455 local authority staff were seconded under the initiative and 35 bursaries were awarded for staff in the voluntary sector. The research concluded"that RCCI, considered with other changes taking place at a local level, was contributing to an overall increase in the proportion of qualified staff in residential child care".

  The proportion of RCCI secondees who had not returned to the residential child care sector was found to be relatively small (13.5 per cent.).

  Young People in Care
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress towards the establishment of a national organisation for young people in care. [46998]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are pleased to be able to report that we have agreed funding for an initial three year period to assist in the creation and establishment of a national organisation for young people in care and care leavers. The grant to the new organisation will be channelled through First Key—The National Leaving Care Advisory Service.

  Residential Social Workers (Training)
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the recipients of the training support grants allocated for the training of residential social workers undertaking NVQ level 3 completed the course in each of the last two years; what was the average time taken to complete the course; and what steps are being taken to ensure that NVQ assessors are available. [46999]

  Mr. Boateng
  The sub-programme of the training support programme to train residential social care staff to National Vocational Qualification level 3 began in 1998–99. It is the responsibility of the assessment centres approved by awarding bodies for National Vocational Qualifications and employers to ensure the availability of assessors for the National Vocational Qualifications in care.

  Health Services (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 June 1998,Official Report, columns 309–10, concerning health services in

  493
  Worcestershire, if he will make it his policy to set a target date for deciding on service reconfiguration in the county; and if he will make a statement. [47253]

  Mr. Milburn
  No.

  Anti-acne Drugs
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what reports he has received of adverse reactions following the use of the anti-acne drug Roaccutane/Accutane; and if he will make a statement. [42061]

  Ms Jowell
  [pursuant to her reply, 18 May 1998, c. 267]: 1 regret the number of prescriptions quoted in my previous reply was incorrect. This information was derived from data held by the Prescription Pricing Authority which cover only prescriptions written by general practitioners. There is no national scheme for gathering drug usage in hospitals; hence the estimate for the use of Roaccutane has been derived from sales figures. The majority of prescriptions for Roaccutane are written in hospitals; therefore the previous estimate of 11,000 prescriptions underestimates the true usage.

  Information from the manufacturer provides an estimate of 136,563 prescriptions for Roaccutane covering the period 1993 to 1997 in the United Kingdom. These prescriptions cover both general practice and hospital usage. During this period, the Medicines Control Agency/Committee on Safety of Medicines have received a total of 280 reports covering 467 suspected adverse reactions reported in association with Roaccutane therapy. These reports cover a range of effects; the most frequently reported include skin and subcutaneous tissue reactions, musculoskeletal disorders and gastrointestinal disorders.

  Roaccutane (oral isotretinoin) is available only on prescription for the treatment of severe acne which has failed to respond to antibiotics. It is recommended for use

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Great Britain

  Total number of decisions following application of the all work test (AWT)1

  914,656

  1,270,284

  1,237,982

  Number disallowed following application of the AWT2

  105,027

  208,981

  222,290

  Number of appeals received against a decision on the AWT

  40,665

  91,550

  n/a

  Number of decisions in appellant's favour

  4,122

  31,036

  n/a

  Leaside District3

  Total decisions following application of the AWT1

  5,494

  6,091

  6,946

  Number disallowed following application of the AWT2

  438

  1,380

  1,192

  1Includes some Severe Disablement Allowance cases and a few decisions following application of the Own Occupation Test of incapacity

  2 Includes disallowances following failure to return the all work test questionnaire or failure to attend medical examination without good cause

  3 Leaside District includes the Benefits Agency local offices of Edmonton, Wood Green and Tottenham

  Sources:

  100 per cent. count of the Incapacity Benefit Computer System, Benefits Agency and Independent Tribunal Service

  Council Tax Relief
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what factors and costings are taken into account in establishing the personal allowance for council tax relief for(a) single people and (b) couples. [47000]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The single person's and couple's rates of the personal allowance used in the calculation of Council Tax Benefit are intended to represent the cost
  494
  under the supervision of a consultant dermatologist. The product information for doctors and patients includes information on its adverse effects.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Average Earnings
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 8 April 1998,Official Report, column 377, what rates of real increase in average earnings for the years to September (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999 were derived from the data and evidence available at the time of the Pre-Budget report; and what would be the corresponding rates of real increase based on the data and evidence now available. [44820]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 9 June 1998]At the time of the Pre-Budget Report the latest figures for average earnings showed growth of 4.3 per cent, and RPI excluding mortgage interest payments was forecast to be 3 per cent. in 1998 and 2.5 per cent. in 1999.

  The latest figures now show average earnings growth running at 5.2 per cent. At Budget time the forecast for RPI excluding mortgage interest payments in 1998 was revised down to 2.75 per cent. and the forecast for 1999 was unchanged at 2.5 per cent.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many recipients of incapacity benefit(a) nationally and (b) in Leaside District have had their case reviewed; how many of those have had their benefit stopped; how many have appealed; and how many of those appeals have been upheld in each of the last three years. [45095]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 9 June 1998]The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.

  of day to day living. The rates are uprated by Parliament annually. Additional allowances or premiums can be included in the calculation for those single people and couples identified as having extra needs, for example those who are long-term sick, elderly or with children.

  Benefits Agency
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance she has issued to the Benefits
  495
  Agency on access to benefits for people with learning disabilities who are in the care of a health trust but who have been discharged from hospital beds. [47286]

  Mr. Denham
  There has been no special guidance issued to the Benefits Agency (BA) about access to benefits for people with learning difficulties who have been discharged from hospital beds but who remain under the care of an NHS Trust.

  The BA is currently overhauling its leaflet programme in line with Active Modern Service. It is aimed to make the material simpler and much more customer focused, giving a better entry point into the Social Security system. The first set of products is due to be launched around October 1998.

  There is a core series of leaflets which provide general information on disability benefits (FB2—Which benefit?, FB4—Young Peoples Guide to Social Security, and FB28—Sick or Disabled). Specific benefit leaflets to which these general leaflets refer, together with others on specific topics like being in hospital are also available (IS1 & IS20—Income Support, IB202—Incapacity Benefit, NI252—Severe Disablement Allowance, DS702—Attendance Allowance, DS704— Disability Living Allowance, NI6—Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and NI9—Going into hospital).

  The Benefit Inquiry Line gives general disability benefit advice over the telephone while the Agency's network of local offices advises about any benefit or pension.

  Benefit Integrity Project
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in Cumbria have(a) been disallowed benefit and (b) received increased benefit as a result of the Benefit Integrity Project. [45664]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Maclean, dated 22 June 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people in Cumbria have (a) been disallowed benefit and (b) received increased benefit as a result of the Benefit Integrity Project (BIP).
  The information concerning the BIP is not available in the format requested. To provide geographical information routinely would incur high costs and disrupt the processing of ongoing casework.
  As at 30 April 1998, a total of 172,026 cases, including 27,991 renewal cases have been selected for action under the BIP. At the same date a total of 81,221 cases have been examined. Of the total cases dealt with 1,864 have had their benefit increased, 63,380 have remained unchanged, 10,058 have had their benefit reduced and 5,919 have had their benefit stopped.
  The total included 16,366 renewal cases of which 505 had their benefit increased, 8,407 have remained unchanged, 4,436 have had their benefit reduced and 3,018 have had their benefit stopped.
  A monthly statistical report can be found in the House of Commons Library.
  I hope you find this reply useful.

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