Written Answers of 7 May 1998

DEFENCE

  Multiple-launch Rocket System
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the artillery units and sub-units of the(a) Regular Army and (b) Territorial Army equipped with MLRS, giving (i) the peacetime strength and (ii) the actual strength in each case. [40662]

  Dr. Reid
  The artillery units and sub-units of the Regular Army equipped with MLRS are as follows:

  Units

  32 Regiment Royal Artillery

  Establishment: 588

  Actual Strength: 488

  39 Regional Royal Artillery

  Establishment: 588

  Actual Strength: 521

  Sub-Units of 32 Regiment RA

  18 Battery

  Establishment: 122

  Actual Strength: 91

  74 Battery

  Establishment: 122

  Actual Strength: 84

  Sub-Units of 39 Regiment RA

  132 Battery

  Establishment: 122

  Actual Strength: 99

  176 Battery

  Establishment: 122

  Actual Strength: 85

  The Artillery units and sub-units of the Territorial Army equipped with MLRS are as follows:

  Unit

  101 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers)

  Establishment: 472

  Actual Strength: 418

  Sub-Units of 101 Regiment RA (V)

  203 Battery

  Establishment: 106

  Actual Strength: 90

  205 Battery

  Establishment: 106

  Actual Strength: 69.

  Maritime Volunteer Service
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Royal Navy will give formal recognition to the Maritime Volunteer Service; and if he will make a statement. [41376]
  436
  Dr. Reid
  In line with the Royal Navy's policy of fostering links with maritime organisations in the civilian community, they have today formally recognised the Maritime Volunteer Service, MVS. This recognition reflects the contribution of the MVS to the education and training of young people in nautical skills. The Royal Navy will advise the MVS on various maritime matters, including RN career opportunities. The Royal Navy's closer association with the MVS will also contribute to the Government's "New Deal" initiative by enriching the pool of training opportunities in the community, thus assisting young people to gain employment.

  Ship Repair Contracts
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the ship repair contracts awarded to each United Kingdom shipyard in each of the last five years. [39304]

  Mr. Spellar
  I am arranging for a list of the ship repair contracts awarded to each United Kingdom shipyard in the last five financial years to be placed in the Library of the House. I have restricted the list to those contracts with a value of £100,000 or more. Below this level, the contracts, estimated to be over 400 in number, tend to be for much smaller packages of work on small craft, some with a value as low as £100. The list includes contracts for work allocated to the Royal Dockyards at Devonport and Rosyth as well as those placed following competition.

  Astra Group
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates Iraqi military personnel entered the United Kingdom to attend training sessions at Astra Company training facilities. [38861]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 20 April 1998]I refer my hon. Friend to paragraph D7.92 of the right hon. Sir Richard Scott's Report of the Inquiry into the Export of Defence Equipment and Dual-Use Goods to Iraq and Related Prosecutions.

  Military Assistance
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list each of the countries in receipt of United Kingdom military assistance for each of the past 10 years and the annual cost of assistance to each country. [40388]

  Dr. Reid
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average percentage of soldiers who leave the TA within one month of joining; and if he will list the 10 TA units with the(a) best and (b) worst retention record over the last three years. [40924]

  Dr. Reid
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Chevaline Warheads
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Chevaline warheads from Polaris submarines have so far been dismantled; by what date
  437
  his Department expects to complete dismantling all the Chevaline warheads; and if he will make a statement. [40815]

  Dr. Reid
  Chevaline warheads are currently held in secure storage in a non-operational state. The Polaris missiles on which they were formerly deployed have all been destroyed. Dismantlement of Chevaline warheads will commence on completion of the current programme of WE177 dismantlement. I am withholding details of warhead dismantlement plans under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to Defence, Security and International Relations.

  Defence Council and Air Force Board
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates(a) the Defence Council and (b) the Air Force Board have met since 1 August 1997. [40669]

  Dr. Reid
  The Defence Council has met on the following dates since 1 August 1997.

  24 September 1997

  27 November 1997

  18 December 1997

  26 January 1998

  23 February 1998

  2 April 1998.

  The Air Force Board has not met since 1 August 1997. It last met on 17 July 1997 and will next meet on 17 June 1998.

  Strategic Defence Review
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to place in the Library the digest of the submission by Service and Ministry of Defence civilian personnel to the Strategic Defence Review. [40667]

  Dr. Reid
  A digest of submissions by Service and Ministry of Defence civilian personnel to the Strategic Defence Review is being prepared to support the White Paper which will set out the conclusions of the Review. The digest will be placed in the Library of the House when the White Paper is published. We shall also be offering copies of the digest to the same libraries to which we are offering copies of external submissions to the Review.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Electric Railbus, Bristol
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the Ultra Light Transit Electric Railbus scheme recently introduced in Bristol in terms of its(a) cost and (b) environmental impact; and if he will make a statement. [41094]
  438
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  No application has been made to my Department for funding, or for powers under the Transport and Works Act 1992, for this scheme and therefore no assessment has been done of its costs or environmental impact.

  Watford Rail Crash
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to ensure that Railtrack respond to the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive's report on the Watford rail crash. [40904]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Health and Safety Executive will follow up all the recommendations contained in its report on the Watford rail crash. HSE has asked Railtrack for a formal response within two months.

  Automatic Train Protection System
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the benefits of the automatic train protection system. [40905]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport has made it clear to the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that he should produce any formal proposals that he considers necessary on train protection systems. I understand that HSE officials are working on such proposals with a view to publication in the near future.

  Rail Users (Complaints)
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the report from the Southern Region Rail Users consultative committee on complaints for the year ending March 1998; and what action he intends to take to ensure services are improved. [40907]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The latest complaint figures from the Southern England Committee point to increasing passenger dissatisfaction with train operators' performance. It is clear that passengers are still not getting the best deal from the privatised railway. Our forthcoming White Paper on integrated transport will explain how we intend to improve the performance and accountability of the railway system.

  Trains Near-miss (Cannon Street)
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will establish a public investigation into the near head-on collision between two commuter trains at Cannon Street Station on 30 April 1998. [40906]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Railway Inspectorate commenced an independent investigation on the morning of 30 April, when this incident occurred. HSE's investigation is continuing and it is too early to speculate about the causes. HSE will make its findings and recommendations known in due course.

  English Regional Assemblies
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if the caps on local authority expenditure will be adjusted to allow for the funding of local authority regional assemblies in England; [40848]

  (2) if additional Government funding will be made available to cover the costs of local authority regional assemblies in England. [40849]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Government have made it clear that 1998/99 will be the last year of crude and universal capping. A consultation paper on Improving Local Financial Accountability was published on 30 March and looks at what new arrangements may need to be put in place. We expect the costs of non-statutory regional chambers to be modest and to be met from within existing budgets. Funding for directly elected regional assemblies will be considered as part of any future proposals for them to be created.

  Crossrail
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will publish the terms of reference of the current Railtrack study of the crossrail project; [41003]

  (2) when he expects Railtrack to complete their detailed study of the crossrail project; and if he will publish the results of the study. [41005]

  Area

  May 1997

  November 1996

  May 1996

  May 1995

  May 1994

  June 1993

  March 1992

  Strand/West End

  118

  140

  128

  138

  123

  157

  104

  Victoria

  58

  44

  56

  41

  26

  28

  36

  Waterloo/Bullring

  46

  57

  55

  44

  57

  72

  121

  South Camden

  60

  45

  49

  47

  62

  101

  179

  Total

  282

  286

  288

  270

  268

  358

  440

  WI/W2

  46

  28

  25

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Whitechapel/City

  39

  43

  58

  77

  48

  —

  —

  My Department does not make forecasts of numbers who may be sleeping rough in future years, but we remain committed to the objective or reducing rough sleeping to as near zero as possible.

  Departmental Research
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what percentage of applications from women, in relation to his Department's research budget, were successful for(a) project grants, (b) programme grants, (c) special grants intended for new investigators, (d) studentships and (e) fellowships, in 1997 and each of the two previous years; [40882]

  (2) what percentage of applications, in relation to his Department's research budget, were from women, for (a) project grants, (b) programme grants, (c) special grants
  440
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The terms of reference for Railtrack's study of the crossrail project were broadly expressed, with Railtrack being asked in particular to consider what proposals they could put forward for reducing the size of the public sector contribution for the scheme, and on possible arrangements for private sector finance.

  It was originally hoped that Railtrack's reply would be received in 1997. This did not prove possible but a response is expected later this year.

  Any material received will be treated in line with the Government's code of practice on access to Government information.

  Rough Sleepers
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of rough sleepers in London in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and what forecasts he has made of numbers in future years. [40889]

  Mr. Raynsford
  In the context of the Rough Sleepers Initiative, voluntary sector homelessness organisations, co-ordinated by Homeless Network who receive some of their funding from my Department, undertake regular single night head counts in parts of central London where rough sleeping is a major problem. Other parts of London may have been covered by one-off-single night counts of people sleeping rough but no reliable data exist for those areas showing trends over time. The figures for central London areas where regular counts have taken place are as follows:

  intended for new investigators, (d) studentships and (e) fellowships, in 1997 and each of the two previous years. [40883]

  Angela Eagle
  Research under the DETR Research Programme is carried out under contract and procured as far as possible by competitive tender. Contractors are generally teams with a principal investigator, rather than single individuals. Records often show only initials or professional titles of contract team members. It would entail unreasonable costs to inquire in retrospect about the sex of all contract team members for the last 3 years

  Road Projects (Devon and Cornwall)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the total cost of new road projects authorised by him since 1 May 1997 in(a) Devon and (b) Cornwall. [40834]
  441
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My Department has not accepted any major new road local authority road schemes for funding in either Devon or Cornwall since 1 May 1997. It is open to authorities to fund minor new road projects (those costing up to £2 million) using the resources allocated to them for transport packages. Information on the use they are making of these resources will not be available until they submit their Transport Policies and Programme bids in July. All resources allocated for local safety schemes are for use on road improvements at locations where there is a record of accidents. The following table summarises allocations made to councils in the Devon and Cornwall areas under those headings as part of the local transport capital settlement for 1998–99:

  Authority

  Minor works: transport packages

  Minor works: local safety schemes

  Total allocation: minor works

  Devon

  800

  414

  1,214

  Torbay1

  0

  62

  62

  Plymouth1

  750

  201

  951

  Cornwall

  500

  494

  994

  Totals

  2,050

  1,171

  3,221

  1 Unitary authorities within the Devon county area.

  No new road schemes have been authorised in the national roads programme in Devon or Cornwall since 1 May 1997.

  Rail Electrification
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many miles of track have been electrified each year(a) in total and (b) broken down by region, for each of the last 10 years on record. [41058]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information is listed in the table.

  Year

  Route miles electrified1

  Region2

  1988/89

  150

  —

  1989/90

  106

  —

  1990/91

  227

  —

  1991/92

  —16

  —

  1992/93

  15

  —

  1993/94

  36

  —

  1994/95

  0

  n/a

  1995/96

  43

  London North Eastern

  1996/97

  18

  North Wesr/East Anglia

  1997/98

  12

  Great Western

  1998/99

  4

  Great Western

  1 The figures between 1988/89 and 1993/94 refer to the net change in the electrified network i.e. changes are net of any closures of any electrified routes.

  2Information broken down by region is not readily available for the years between 1988/89 and 1993/94.

  Train Derailments
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many railway derailments have occurred in each year(a) in total and (b) broken down by region, for each of the last 10 years on record. [41051]
  442
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The total number of train derailment is shown in the table. Due to the changes in the organisation of the railways (including changes to boundaries) over the last ten years, information on derailments by region is not available.

  Year

  Passenger train

  Freight train

  Total

  1987

  20

  172

  192

  1988

  28

  203

  231

  1989

  32

  160

  192

  1990

  26

  157

  183

  1991/92

  23

  121

  144

  1992/93

  30

  175

  205

  1993/94

  29

  84

  113

  1994/95

  28

  121

  149

  1995/96

  23

  81

  104

  1996/97

  27

  92

  119

  Total

  266

  1,366

  1,632

  Further details may be found in HM Chief Inspector of Railways Annual Reports on Railway Safety in Great Britain, copies of which are available in the House Library.

  Departmental Publications
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish(a) the Integrated Transport White Paper and (b) the Roads Review. [41078]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Work is nearing completion on the White Paper which we expect to publish in June. The Roads Review will follow.

  Black Poplars
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of male and female Black Poplars in England; and what percentage are the subject of tree preservation orders. [40764]

  Angela Eagle
  This information is not collected by my Department. However, it is understood that current research being carried out at the University of Nottingham estimates that there are more than 5,000 Black Poplar trees in Britain, of which about 500 are female.

  M25 (Emissions)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what are the maximum predictions for PM10 emissions in Egham (i) from the motorway and (ii) from all sources(a) in the morning peak and (b) as a 24-hour running average, in (1) 2000 and (2) 2010 if the M25 is widened to 10–12 lanes between Junctions 12 and 15; [40442]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 21 April 1998, Official Report, column 550, on the M25, what lane capacity figure for the M25, in terms of vehicles per hour per lane, was used by the Highways Agency to calculate the weaving requirements for (a) the proposed widening of the motorway between Junctions 12 and 15 and (b) the T5 spur road; [40443]
  443
  (3)on what basis the consultants employed by the Highways Agency concluded that the readings well above the EPAQS air quality standard for PM1Os recorded in Egham immediately alongside the M25 in 1994 by the St. George's Hospital Medical School were attributable to natural sources;[40444]

  (4) for what reasons the consultants employed by the Highways Agency concluded there was no clearly-defined source of the PM 10 pollution well above the EPAQS air quality standard that was recorded immediately alongside the M25 in Egham in 1994 by the St. George's Hospital Medical School; [40445]

  (5) if he will list the natural sources which consultants employed by the Highways Agency concluded were the cause of the PM10 readings well above the EPAQS air quality standard that were recorded in Egham immediately alongside the M25 in 1994 by the St. George's Hospital Medical School; [40446]

  (6) what estimate his Department has made of the peak hour PM10 levels from all sources in Egham relative to the EPAQS safety standard in (i) 2000 and (ii) 2010 if the 10–12 lane widening scheme for the M25 between Junctions 12 and 15 were implemented; [40447]

  (7) what was the contribution made by natural sources to the PM10 readings recorded immediately alongside the M25 in Egham in 1994 by the St. George's Hospital Medical School;[40448]

  (8) for what reasons the PM10 pollution levels recorded by the St George's Hospital Medical School in Egham in 1994 immediately alongside the M25 were not assessed by the consultants subsequently employed by the Highways Agency to produce air quality forecasts in connection with the proposed widening of the motorway. [40449]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 6 May 1998]I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Andrew Mackinlay, dated 7 May 1998:
  The Transport Minister, Glenda Jackson has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the M25.No predictions were made of PM 10 emissions from all sources or as a running 24 hour average. Predictions of PM10 emissions from peak hour traffic on the M25 between Junctions 12 and 13 have been made. For the years 2000 and 2010 they are 2.5 and 1.7 kg/km/hr respectively.The capacity used to assess the weaving predicted to occur on the motorway for the M25 Junctions 12 to 15 scheme was 1800 vehicles per hour per lane (vphpl), the nominal capacity, and this facility was checked using 2200 vphpl, the measured capacity. The capacity figures used for the assessment of the proposed Heathrow Terminal 5 Spur Road was 2120 vphpl, the measured lane capacity, and this was checked using 1800 vphpl, the nominal capacity.The air quality survey at Egham in 1994 and the interpretation of the results was carried out by consultants employed by Runnymede Borough Council, not the Highways Agency. The report did not identify the natural sources of PM10 readings beyond reference to pollen and photochemical activity; nor did it quantify the contribution of natural sources. We have made no estimate of PM10 levels from all sources in the Egham area.The monitoring work for St. George's Hospital Medical School was reviewed by our consultants and was referred to in the Environmental Statement published in 1996.

  Green Air Conditioning
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to encourage the use of greenfreeze air-conditioning systems by(a) the Government and (b) the private sector. [40549]

  Angela Eagle
  Hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as the Greenfreeze technology promoted by Greenpeace, are one of a number of refrigerants which may be used in air conditioning systems as an alternative to ozone depleting substances and HFCs. The Government encourage the private sector to sign up to the declaration of intent which it has agreed with the refrigeration industry. This discourages the use of HFCs for any application where a risk of high emissions exists, by promoting the use of safe, reasonably practical, environmentally acceptable and energy efficient alternatives where available.

  The Government expect to announce soon a model framework for greening its own operations, which will cover best practice in air conditioning systems.

  Greenhouse Gases
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what policy he will adopt in respect of the greenhouse gas HFC 134a at the Fourth Conference of the Parties of the Framework Convention on Climate Change in Buenos Aires. [40552]

  Angela Eagle
  Specific discussion of policies and measures for emissions reductions of individual greenhouse gases, such as HFC134a, is not expected to be on the agenda at the Fourth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Buenos Aires in November.

  However, the Government are currently considering with other European Member States, how the European Union can meet the target that was set in the Kyoto Protocol, for reducing emissions of all greenhouse gases, including HFCs. The Government will be issuing a consultation paper in the summer on how the UK proposes meeting its commitments.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many and what proportion of his Department's appointees to non-departmental public bodies are (i) aged under 25, (ii) aged 25 to 30 and (iii) aged 31 to 35 years. [40749]

  Dr. David Clark
  The appointments to non-departmental public bodies sponsored by my Department include appointments made by the Prime Minister, and myself. In addition, I also make appointments for a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Central Office of Information, which is a Department in its own right and which reports directly to me.

  None of the appointees to my Department's non-departmental public bodies are (i) aged under 25, (ii) aged 25 to 30 or (iii) aged 31 to 35 years.
  445
  The Government are committed to encouraging a wide range of candidates to apply for positions on the boards of public bodies, reflecting the diverse society in which we live. This includes encouraging more young people to put themselves forward as potential candidates for public appointments. All appointments are made on merit, and candidates must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and experience to match the needs of the public body on which they wish to serve.

  Civil Estate
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what targets he has set Property Advisers to the Civil Estate for 1998–99. [41444]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I have set PACE the following targets for 1998–99:

  (i) to identify savings from proposals to be agreed with departments for the co-ordination of property activities on the Civil Estate which in net present value terms should be at least 11 times the agency's related running costs;

  (ii) to deliver on time at least 90 per cent. of the central advice unit's annual work plan;

  (iii) to recover 100 per cent. of the costs of providing intelligent client services and to increase the percentage of all the agency's running costs recovered to 10 per cent.;

  (iv) to dispose of 75 freeholds and leaseholds and to maintain expenditure and receipts within the voted provision;

  (v) to achieve a 2.5 per cent. improvement in overall customer satisfaction for the agency's services.

  Central Media Monitoring Unit
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what conclusions have been reached following the pilot of the central media monitoring unit; and if he will make a statement. [40677]

  Dr. David Clark
  The pilot was considered a success by its users, and the Media Monitoring Unit was established permanently from 1 April 1998. Its daily summary is available in the libraries of the House, as promised by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his answer to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Sayeed) on 4 February 1998,Official Report, column 668.

  Government Information Service
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to paragraph 57 of the report of the Working Group on the Government Information Services, what guidance has been given in respect of how bad news can be dampened down. [40675]

  Dr. David Clark
  Paragraph 57 of the Report concerns the inclusion in policy submissions of advice on presentational aspects, of which dampening "bad news" aspects is cited as one example. No central guidance has been given or is needed: it is the job of the Government Information and Communication Service to provide effective communication and explanation of Government policy and decisions.
  446
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which recommendations of the report of the Working Group on the Government Information Service have been(a) agreed and implemented, (b) agreed but not yet implemented and (c) dismissed; and if he will make a statement. [40678]

  Dr. David Clark
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 27 November 1997,Official Report, column 604. The majority of recommendations are now being implemented and the remainder will be in due course.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the last internal VFM study into the Government Information Service was carried out; what were the results; and when the next study is planned. [40676]

  Dr. David Clark
  Each department and agency is responsible for the VFM of its own information and communications functions; in the same way as for any other part of its activities.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what sums were recovered from fraudulent legal aid claimants in(a) 1992–93, (b) 1993–94, (c) 1994–95, (d) 1995–96 and (e) 1996–97. [40531]

  Mr. Hoon
  The information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Amounts recovered in respect of these cases are not recorded separately from amounts recovered by the Legal Aid Board from all assisted persons whose legal aid has been withdrawn for various reasons.

  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of(a) the number of fraudulent legal aid claims, (b) the number of individuals making such claims and (c) the sums paid out for such claims in (i) 1992–93, (ii) 1993–94, (iii) 1994–95, (iv) 1995–96 and (v) 1996–97. [40536]

  Mr. Hoon
  (a) Information is available only on the number of detailed investigations undertaken by the Legal Aid Board of firms of solicitors involving possible fraud or abuse of the legal aid scheme. The number of cases investigated are as follows:

  Investigation of solicitors firms

  1992–93

  98

  1993–94

  106

  1994–95

  117

  1995–96

  137

  1996–97

  159

  The Legal Aid Board has also assisted the police in their investigations of applicants for criminal legal aid who are suspected of making false declarations to obtain

  447
  a criminal legal aid order. The number of such cases where the Board has assisted in these investigations is shown in the table:

  Investigation of assisted persons

  1992–93

  8

  1993–94

  15

  1994–95

  25

  1995–96

  23

  1996–97

  24

  (b) Information in relation to applicants of civil legal aid investigated for allegedly making a false declaration to obtain legal aid is not readily available. A section of the Benefits Agency had responsibility for investigating such allegations made against applicants but this section has now been disbanded since the Legal Aid Board took over responsibility for means assessment on 1 April 1997. The Board has not undertaken any fraud investigations against individual applicants in 1997–98.

  (c) It is not possible to quantify accurately the amount of money lost because of fraud as, in all cases investigated, the claims submitted will usually contain some element of bone fide work and the percentage relating to the false claiming cannot be accurately determined. However, the Legal Aid Board will seek to recover from solicitors any costs which were considered to be either wrongly or fraudulently claimed. The amounts repaid, recouped or saved as a result of the Board's investigations were:

  £

  Amount

  1992–93

  20,153

  1993–94

  143,000

  1994–95

  524,276

  1995–96

  1,180,770

  1996–97

  807,706

MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO

  Millennium Experience
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the proposed sites for the provision of car parking for visitors to the Millennium Experience; what assessment he has made of the impact of visitors travelling by car upon the availability of car parking spaces at London Underground stations; and if he will make a statement. [39419]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is reviewing its park and ride strategy with a view to making greater use of existing car parks where there is spare capacity or which are close to rail or underground stations. The availability of car parks is being discussed with London Transport, the rail companies and others and a list will be produced and made available as soon as the review is completed.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Deportation
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many deportation orders have been signed by Ministers since 1 October 1997; and how many removals have taken place in the same period; [40564]

  (2) how many deportation orders have been signed by Ministers in each of the last six calendar years. [40565]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The numbers of deportation orders signed by Ministers in each of the last six years are given in table 1.

  The number of deportation orders signed between 1 October 1997 and 31 January 1998 was 370. Information on removals during this period is given in table 2.

  Data relating to 1997 and 1998 are provisional.

  Table 1: Deportation orders signed by Ministers, 1992–19971.2

  Number

  1992

  890

  1993

  1,240

  1994

  1,510

  19953

  1,680

  19963

  1,870

  19972

  1,200

  1 Figures are rounded

  2 1997 data are provisional

  3Revised data

  Table 2: Persons removed from the United Kingdom, 1 October 1997 to 31 January 19981

  Number of Persons removed1

  Removed as a result of deportation action 2,3

  660

  Removed as a result of illegal entry action 2,4

  1,540

  Removed under port procedures2

  8,050

  Total removed

  10,240

  1 Data are provisional and rounded

  2Action may have been initiated in an earlier period

  3Includes persons who departed voluntarily after deportation action had been initiated against them

  4Includes persons who departed voluntarily after illegal entry action had been initiated against them

  Crime Figures (Mentally-ill People)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the percentage of crimes which were committed by people with mental and psychological problems in the last year for which figures are available. [38526]

  Mr. Michael
  The information requested is not available centrally. National statistics about offenders are categorised in terms of the type of offence committed rather than the mental and psychological problems of the offenders. The information that is held on those offenders relates to convictions and not crimes committed. No information is held on the perpetrators of crimes for which no one is convicted.
  449
  Amongst studies which have been carried out into the prevalence of mental health problems, it has been estimated that around 28,000 prisoners, both sentenced and on remand, currently have mental health problems ('Mental Disorder in Remand Prisoners' by Maden, Taylor, Brooke and Gunn and 'Mentally Disordered Prisoners' by Gunn, Maden and Swinton). The figure of 28,000 covers a very wide definition of mental health. Most of these cases would not be severe enough to warrant detention in hospital for treatment. In addition, there is no information available which can aid in assessing what proportion of these cases existed prior to admission into prison.

  Information is available on offenders who are admitted to hospitals under the provisions of mental health legislation. In 1996, the number of mentally disordered offenders admitted to hospital under a court order or by direction of the Home Secretary restricting their discharge was 1,057. A further 717 offenders were given hospital orders by the courts without such a restriction.

  Prisoners (Suicides)
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what investigations he is undertaking into the recent suicides at Norwich prison; [40247]

  (2) what assessment he has made of those groups of prison inmates most prone to suicide attempts; [40249]

  (3) how many suicides there have been at (a) Norwich prison and (b) each other prison in each year since 1992, including 1998 to date; [40248]

  (4) what steps he is taking to allay relatives' fears in respect of suicide attempts in Norwich prison. [40251]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 30 April 1998]Recent research has identified that the first 30 days into custody or after arrival at a prison, as a sentenced or remand prisoner, is a period of significantly increased risk of suicide. Thus a disproportionate number of suicides occur in local prisons. The Prison Service is, therefore, reviewing the reception and induction processes to examine how those at risk might be better identified and supported.

  Also, the range of people entering prison custody includes a high proportion of individuals known to be at increased risk of suicide. These include those addicted to drugs or alcohol, those who have committed serious sexual or violent offences and those with a history of self-harm. Unfortunately, not all self-inflicted deaths are preventable, as despite staffs best efforts, some prisoners will not disclose or convey their feelings and intentions. However, we are determined to do everything possible to try and reduce the number of self-inflicted deaths in prisons.

  The Prison Service actively encourages the involvement of family members in caring for those at heightened risk of suicide or self-harm wherever possible. Prison Service policy on caring for the suicidal in custody advises staff to consider carefully how families can be involved in working up a care plan for those who are considered at particular risk of suicide.
  450
  At Norwich, the relatives of prisoners under 18 are automatically informed if an incident of self-harm occurs. However, for prisoners over 18 years of age, relatives will be informed only if the prisoner gives his permission to do so. It is important that the views and wishes of prisoners are taken into account. If they do not wish their family to know of their actions we must respect their wishes.

  The Prison Service conducts an internal investigation into every self-inflicted death in custody to see if there are any operational lessons to be learned. The findings of these reports are then fully considered in the light of inquest verdicts when they are known. Procedures for conducting internal investigations are currently under review, including a review of the policy of treating internal investigations as confidential.

  In view of the sequence of deaths at Norwich, a review of the suicide awareness strategy at Norwich has been carried out to see what lessons can be learned in order to prevent similar tragedies recurring.

  The information requested on the number of self-inflicted deaths at Norwich and other prisons since 1992 is shown in the table:

  Establishment

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  19981

  Acklington

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Albany

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Aldington

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ashwell

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Askham Grange

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Aylesbury

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  2

  —

  Bedford

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Belmarsh

  —

  1

  —

  2

  —

  4

  —

  Birmingham

  1

  —

  1

  2

  1

  1

  1

  Blakenhurst

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  —

  Blantyre House

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Blundeston

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Brinsford

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Bristol

  1

  2

  —

  1

  1

  1

  —

  Brixton

  1

  1

  3

  —

  1

  2

  —

  Brockhill

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Buckley Hall

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Bullingdon

  1

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  —

  Bullwood Hall

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Camp Hill

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Canterbury

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cardiff

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Castington

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Channings Wood

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Chelmsford

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  1

  —

  Coldingley

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cookham Wood

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Dartmoor

  —

  1

  1

  —

  2

  2

  —

  Deerbolt

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Doncaster

  —

  —

  2

  2

  1

  —

  2

  Dorchester

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  Dover

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Downview

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Drake Hall

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Durham

  2

  1

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  East Sutton Pk

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Eastwood Park

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Elmley

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  Erlestoke

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Everthorpe

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Exeter

  —

  4

  1

  2

  1

  1

  —

  Featherstone

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Feltham

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  Ford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Frankland

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Full Sutton

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  1

  —

  Garth

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  3

  —

  451

  Establishment

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  19981

  Gartree

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  —

  Glen Parva

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  1

  —

  Gloucester

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Grendon

  —

  —

  2

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Guys Marsh

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Haslar

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Hatfield

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Haverigg

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Hewell Grange

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Heighdown

  —

  1

  1

  4

  2

  3

  —

  Highpoint

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Hindley

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  Hollesley Bay

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Holloway

  1

  1

  —

  2

  1

  —

  —

  Holme House

  —

  2

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  Hull

  2

  1

  2

  1

  2

  2

  1

  Huntercombe

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kingston

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kirkham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Kirklevington

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lancaster

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lancaster Farms

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Latchmere House

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Leeds

  2

  2

  1

  1

  1

  2

  4

  Leicester

  1

  3

  3

  1

  1

  —

  —

  Lewes

  1

  1

  —

  1

  1

  2

  1

  Leyhill

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lincoln

  —

  3

  1

  2

  2

  —

  —

  Lindholme

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Littlehey

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Liverpool

  1

  2

  5

  1

  3

  5

  —

  Long Lartin

  1

  1

  1

  1

  2

  —

  —

  Low Newton

  —

  —

  2

  2

  —

  1

  1

  Maidstone

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Manchester

  —

  2

  2

  —

  4

  —

  1

  Moorland

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Morton hall

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Mount

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  New Hall

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Northallerton

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  North Sea Camp

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Norwich

  2

  2

  —

  4

  1

  1

  4

  Nottingham

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  2

  1

  Onley

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Oxford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Parc

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Parkhurst

  1

  1

  2

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Pentonvive

  4

  —

  —

  2

  2

  —

  —

  Portland

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Preston

  —

  —

  1

  1

  2

  3

  1

  Pucklechurch

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ranby

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Reading

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  Risley

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  2

  —

  Rochester

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Send

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Shepton Mallet

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Shrewsbury

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Stafford

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Standford Hill

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Stocken

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Stoke Heath

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Styal

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sudbury

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Swaleside

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Swansea

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Swinfen Hall

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  1

  —

  Thorn Cross

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Usk

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Verne

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wakefield

  1

  3

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Wandsworth

  —

  2

  4

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Wayland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wealstun —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wellingborough

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  werrington —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wetherby

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Whatton

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  452

  Establishment

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  19981

  Whitemoor

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Winchester

  —

  1

  1

  —

  2

  2

  1

  Wolds

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  Woodhill

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  2

  1

  Wormwood Scrubs

  1

  —

  4

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Wymott

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  P.E.C.S.

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  1Figures for 1998 as at 29 April 1998

  The term employed by the Prison Service to refer to an apparent suicide is "self-inflicted death". This is broader than the former definition and includes all those deaths where it is clear that the person has acted specifically to take his/her own life. It is not restricted to the official verdict from the Coroner's inquest, where verdicts of "suicide", "open" or "misadventure" may be recorded in cases where there was doubt about a person's intent to end their life.

  Asylum Casework
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the terms of reference for the study of the asylum process under the comprehensive spending review require consideration to be given to the use of information technology in dealing with asylum casework. [40636]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  As I said in my reply to the hon. Member on 28 April 1998,Official Report, columns 95–96, we shall be computerising the handling of asylum casework through the implementation of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate Casework Programme. More generally, in accordance with its terms of reference the inter-departmental study has been considering ways in which all aspects of the asylum process can be made more efficient and effective. The study team has now completed its work and we are considering its findings very carefully across Government. We shall be announcing our conclusions on the way ahead at the appropriate time.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 28 April 1998,Official Report, column 96, when he expects the casework programme system to be used to deal with asylum casework; and on what date it was expected to be available under the plans of the previous Government. [40632]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. Allan) on 22 January 1998,Official Report, column 633. The dates to which I referred in that reply are being determined. I shall write to the hon. Member when a timetable has been agreed. Under the original proposal, the use of the system on asylum casework would have started before 30 April, but that date has proved unrealistic.

  Constituency Sizes
  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average number of electors per constituency in England on 16 February. [40860]

  Mr. George Howarth
  69,727. The figure is derivedfrom the parliamentary electoral registers which came into effect on 16 February 1998.

TREASURY

  European Co-operative Statute
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made in reaching agreement with the member states of the EU regarding the establishment of a European co-operative statute; and if he will make a statement. [41081]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 6 May 1998]There has been little recent progress with the draft European Co-operative Statute, following earlier discussions which indicated there was insufficient support for the proposal amongst a number of Member States.

  Taxation
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the net cost to the Exchequer in 1999–2000 of(a) increasing the personal income tax allowance to £10,000 per annum, (b) abolishing the 20 per cent. tax band, (c) abolishing the capital gains tax exempt amounts, (d) abolishing the age-related personal allowances, (e) abolishing the married couple's tax allowance, (f) abolishing mortgage interest tax relief, (g) starting the higher rate band of income tax at taxable incomes of over £22,000 per annum and (h) ending the zero-rating of international passenger transport. [40378]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 5 May 19981]: The latest figures available are for 1998–99 which are shown in the table.

  Exchequer effect—£billion

  yield(+)/cost(-) 1998–99 (full year)

  (a) Increasing the personal income tax allowance to £10,000 per annum

  -29.0

  (b) Abolishing the 20 per cent. tax band

  +3.0

  (c) Cost of the capital gains tax exempt amounts

  -1.5

  (d) Abolishing the age related personal allowances

  +0.8

  (e) Abolishing the married couple's tax allowance

  +3.4

  (f) Abolishing mortgage interest tax relief

  +1.9

  (g) Starting the higher rate band of income tax at taxable incomes of over £22,000 per annum

  +2.6

  (h) Ending the zero-rating of international passenger transport

  +1.3

  Notes:

  (a) Includes aged personal allowances

  (b) Assumes the rate of tax on income from savings remains unchanged

  (c) This figure seeks to allow for windfall gains arising from building society and insurance company de-mutualisations, but is particularly tentative due to the uncertain level of de-mutualisation activity during this year and has been rounded to the nearest £½ billion. This estimate represents the reduction in tax liabilities from the existence of the relief and cannot generally be interpreted as the yield from withdrawing it. In practice, withdrawing a relief would often result in significant changes to taxpayers' behaviour and might require changes to other reliefs

  (d) Includes abolishing age-related personal allowances but not the age-related married couple's allowance

  (e) Includes abolishing both the non-aged and aged married couple's allowances, additional personal allowance and widow's bereavement allowance

  (f) Assumes an average building society interest rate of 7.75 per cent. and includes a reduction in public spending

  Electricity Charges (Northern Ireland)
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect of the Budget on electricity charges in Northern Ireland. [38438]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The duty rates of both fuel oil and gas oil were increased in the Budget by £0.0018 and £0.00024 respectively. The cost of fuel oil and gas oil accounts for approximately 3.4 per cent. of the total cost of electricity in Northern Ireland.

  Interest Rates
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the real interest rates in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) the USA, (c) Germany and (d) Japan for each of the last five years and the present year to date. [40562]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Real interest rates are nominal rates adjusted to take account of inflation expectations. But, in the absence of information on inflation expectations, unambiguous measures of real rates cannot be calculated, and no official measures are published. Approximate measures for the past are sometimes calculated by assuming that inflation was fully anticipated and therefore by adjusting nominal interest rates for actual inflation.

  Figures for nominal interest rates and inflation can be found in the OECD Main Economic Indicators, which is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Child Care Tax Credot
  Mr.Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the average cost per family of the child care tax credit. [40838]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No such estimate has been made.

  Energy Conservation Schemes
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the reduction in VAT on Government-funded energy conservation schemes will apply at the same level to any payment by a customer towards the cost of works undertaken; and what representations he has received on this subject. [41079]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Any contribution to the costs of energy saving materials from householders will not be included in the new relief, which is for grant funded work.

  I have received no representations on this subject.

  Euro (Banking Charges)
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the United Kingdom banking industry will be required to comply with the European Commission's recommendation, adopted on 1 April, on banking charges for conversion to the Euro. [40664]

  Mrs. Liddell
  This recommendation is directed at those member states participating in EMU and is not binding on the UK banking industry.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what proportion of his appointees to non-departmental public bodies are(i) aged under 25, (ii) aged 25 to 30 and (iii) aged 31 to 35 years. [40746]

  Mrs. Liddell
  One aged 25–30. The Government are committed to encouraging a wide range of candidates to apply for positions on the boards of public bodies, reflecting the diverse society in which we live. This includes encouraging more young people to put themselves forward as potential candidates for public appointments. All appointments are made on merit, and candidates must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and experience to match the needs of the public body on which they wish to serve. This is especially relevant for appointments made by Treasury Ministers which are mainly to bodies requiring extensive experience and background in the finance and taxation sectors.

  Civil Registration Records
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to provide easier and cheaper access to older civil registration records. [40817]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Registration Acts are quite specific as to the means of access to all the records of births, deaths and marriages. The Acts allow members of the public to search the indexes in order to identify the entries they are looking for and to obtain certified copies (certificates) on payments of the appropriate statutory fees. The Registrar General has no powers to make available or disclose registration information in any other way.

  Duty-free Sales
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 April 1998,Official Report, column 955, if he will list the countries which do not want to review, reconsider or defer the decision to abolish duty-free sales within the EU. [41059]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I can speak only for my ECOFIN colleagues, not for Member States as a whole. The last formal ECOFIN discussion of this issue was towards the end of 1991 when it was decided unanimously to abolish intra-EU duty free sales. There is no obligation, therefore, for any Member State to register an objection to re-opening the issue unless it specifically supports action to the contrary. In that respect, only Ireland has requested reconsideration of the 1991 decision but there is no enthusiasm among ECOFIN colleagues for so doing.

  The matter is again to be discussed, at the request of Ireland, at the 19 May ECOFIN.

  Amusement Machines (Duty)
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the increase in duty for amusement machines on(a) the industry and (b) revenues to the Exchequer. [40925]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In determining the impact upon the industry of increase in duty for amusement machines the Government considered the patterns of location and distribution of machines, their profitability and the ability of the various sectors within the industry to bear the cost.
  456
  The revenue yield forecast is £15 million for the first year and £20 million for each of the following two years.

  Births and Deaths
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking to allow the purchase of photocopies of recent births and deaths registration records. [40534]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Gareth Thomas, dated 7 May 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on the purchase of photocopies of recent registration records.The Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 is quite specific as to the means of access to all records of births and deaths held by the Registrar General and registration officers. It gives members of the public the right to search the indexes in order to identify the entries they are looking for and to obtain certified copies (certificates) on payment of the statutory fee. The Registrar General and some registration officers use photocopying technology to facilitate the production of certified copies. Neither the Registrar General nor registration officers have any powers to disclose information in any other way.In view of this no immediate action is planned.

  Travel Agents
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of travel agents in the United Kingdom. [40854]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Keith Vaz, dated 7 May 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on the number of travel agents in the United Kingdom.Counts of numbers of enterprises in the United Kingdom are produced annually from the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR). This is a register of businesses in the United Kingdom that is used for conducting statistical inquiries. The IDBR is based on VAT traders registered with HM Customs and Excise and on PAYE employers (from the Inland Revenue). The register covers more than 98 per cent. of economic activity but does exclude very small traders; those operating below the VAT threshold and with no employees.The number of VAT-based enterprises in the United Kingdom in 1997 classified to travel agencies was 4,192.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Vitamins and Minerals Group
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the membership of the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals announced on 18 December 1997; and if he will make a statement. [41375]
  457
  Mr. Rooker
  Ministers from MAFF, the Department of Health and the territorial departments have approved the appointment of the following members to the Expert Group:
  Chairman

  Prof. H. F. Woods BSc BM BCh Dphil FRCP (Lon) FFPM FRCP (Edin) Hon FFOM

  Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sheffield

  Members

  Prof. P. Aggett MB ChB FRCP Msc DCH

  Head of the Postgraduate School of Medicine and Health, University of Central Lancashire

  Prof. D. S. Davies BSc PhD BCh FRSC FRCPat HonMRCP

  Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital

  Prof. A. A. Jackson BA MBBCHIR MD FRCP

  Professor of Human Nutrition at the Institute of Human Nutrition, University of Southampton

  Dr. B. J. Kirby OBE MB ChB FRCP FRCPed

  Reader in Medicine and Consultant Physician, Post Graduate Medical School at the University of Exeter

  Prof. M. J. S. Langman BSc MD FRCP

  Professor of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Birmingham

  Prof. A. G. Renwick BSc PhD DSc

  Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology, University of Southampton

  Ms Barbara Saunders BA (Hons) FCP

  Freelance Consumer Consultant

  Dr. A. Thomas PhD FRCP MB ChB

  Consultant Physician with special responsibility for the elderly, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust

  Dr. A. Williams BSc LRCP MRSCS MB BS MRCP (UK)

  D. Phil (Oxon) FRCP (London) FRCPCH

  Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Neonatal Paediatrics, St. George's Hospital, London

  The observers to the group, selected from those nominated by interested parties, will be:

  Observers

  Prof. David Richardson BSc (Hons) MSc PhD FIFST FRSM

  Head of Nutrition Sciences and Communication, Nestle UK Limited

  Dr. Derek Shrimpton MA PhD F.I. Biol. C.Biol FIFST

  Consultant in Nutrition and Food Science

  Ms Sue Davies BSc (Hons)

  Senior Policy Researcher for the Consumers' Association

  Dr. Marilyn Glenville BEd MA PhD

  Chair of Foresight—the Association for Pre-Conception Care and Chair of the governing council for the British Association of Nutritional Therapists.

  Pharmaceuticals
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what fees are to be paid by merchants and saddlers for registration in 1998–99 with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain under the Medicines (Exemptions for Merchants in Veterinary Drugs) Order 1998; and if he will make a statement. [41377]
  458
  Dr. John Cunningham
  The Schedule of Fees for Registration is given in the following table:

  £

  Application in respect of each premises

  Previous fee

  New fee

  Category 1 agricultural merchants

  1. For registration under article 5

  234

  243

  2. For retention of registration under article 5

  133

  138

  3. For restoration of registration under article 5

  201

  209

  Category 2 agricultural merchants

  1. For registration under article 8

  145

  151

  2. For retention of registration under article 8

  87

  90

  3. For restoration of registration under article 8

  129

  134

  Saddlers not registered under article 5 or 8

  1. For registration under article 12

  112

  112

  2. For retention of registration under article 12

  65

  65

  3. For restoration of registration under article 12

  97

  97

  Herbicides
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) otherwise supported which deal with the specific aspects of the quantity of herbicide use and its impact when used with genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops. [40543]

  Mr. Morley
  The Department commissioned a research programme in 1997 to evaluate the impact on the agricultural environment of the release of herbicide-tolerant oilseed rape. Part of this programme will examine the possibility of environmental effects arising from changes in herbicide usage patterns.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he estimates genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops will be commercially available within the United Kingdom; and what labelling requirements will apply to such crops. [40550]

  Mr. Morley
  It is unlikely that genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops will be available commercially for planting in the United Kingdom before the 1999 growing season. The precise timing will depend on the publication of consents to market issued at European level and on the addition of varieties to the United Kingdom's National List or the European Community Common Catalogue. Existing Regulations require products, including seeds, to carry a label or accompanying document to indicate that the product contains, or consists of genetically modified organisms.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he has received from the Government's statutory nature conservation adviser in respect of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops; and if he will make a statement. [40554]
  459
  Mr. Morley
  The Government's statutory advisers on nature conservation, including English Nature, have raised issues relating to changes in agricultural practice and possible indirect effects on biodiversity as a result of the commercial introduction of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops, and the Government are keen to ensure that these issues are addressed properly. The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is currently considering such wider issues related to the future commercialisation of genetically modified crops, and will be making proposals in due course.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies his Department has conducted; and what assessment his Department has made of the potential change in farming systems resulting from the availability on a commercial basis of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops. [40555]

  Mr. Morley
  When genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops become commercially available in this country, it seems likely that farmers will wish to grow them on a significant scale. The Government believe that the industry will need to develop improved management techniques to ensure that potential problems such as the spread of the herbicide tolerance to other plants are minimised.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many and what proportion of his Department's appointees to non-departmental public bodies are (i) aged under 25, (ii) aged 25 to 30 and (iii) aged 31 to 35 years. [40740]

  Mr. Morley
  Two of the appointees to the Department's non-departmental public bodies are under 35; one in each of the groups 25 to 30 and 31 to 35.

  The Government are committed to encouraging a wide range of candidates to apply for positions on the boards of public bodies, reflecting the diverse society in which we live. This includes encouraging more young people to put themselves forward as potential candidates for public appointments. All appointments are made on merit, and candidates must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and experience to match the needs of the public body on which they wish to serve.

PRIME MINISTER

  Inquiries
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the inquiries which have been set up since 1 May 1997, the dates when they reported or are due to report and, for each, the total cost. [39889]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the list of departmental committees of inquiry set up since May 1995, given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 23 April 1998,Official Report, columns 688–90. Of the inquiries listed in that answer, the table gives the report date and cost for those established after 1 May 1997 which have already reported.
  460
  Also listed are those inquiries which have not yet reported, but which have published an anticipated date of publication.

  Inquiries which have reported

  £

  Inquiry

  Date of report

  Total cost (departmental estimate)

  Inquiry into Breast Screening Services in Exeter

  November 1997

  11,700

  Review of Cervical Screening Services in Kent and Canterbury Hospitals NHS Trust

  October 1997

  44,000

  The Narey Inquiry into incidents at HM Prison Maze

  February 1998

  16,300

  Review of an Eye Transplantation/CJD Incident in 1997

  April 1998

  4,300

  Scrutiny of evidence relating to the Hillsborough disaster

  February 1998

  38,800

  Inquiries which are due to report

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Inquiry

  June 1999

  —

  Inquiry under the Police Act 1996 into matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence

  End 1998

  —

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the oral statement by the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Leeds, Central, on 29 April 1998 Official Report, columns 298–301, concerning Lockerbie, if he will specify the dates and places of meetings and contacts between British and Libyan ministers and authorities in 1998 with a view to resolving differences in opinion between Britain and Libya over the role of Vincent Cannistrano, Colonel Oliver North and Buck Revell in the events before and after the destruction of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie. [40837]

  The Prime Minister
  There have been no such meetings. Recent contacts with the Libyan authorities have been limited to explaining clearly what we require of Libya under United Nations Security Council resolutions.

  Credit Lyonnais
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister for what reasons he agreed to the French rescue of Credit Lyonnais. [41096]

  The Prime Minister
  This is principally a matter for the French Government and the European Commission. I have not taken part in the recent discussions on this issue.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Firearms
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she plans to publish the consultation paper on the proposed changes to the firearms laws in Northern Ireland. [40199]
  461
  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) on 2 April 1998,Official Report, column 608.

  Incontinence
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been on waiting lists in(a) Belfast South and (b) Northern Ireland, for continence pads from the NHS for more than (i) one month, (ii) three months and (iii) six months. [40196]

  Mr. Worthington
  There are currently no waiting lists for incontinence pads in any of the Community health and Social Service Trusts in Northern Ireland.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what level of funding her Department has given to voluntary organisations providing support for incontinent people in each year since 1990–91. [40195]

  Mr. Worthington
  The Department has not funded any voluntary organisation specifically to provide support for incontinent people in any year since 1990–91.

  Since 1994, the Department has co-ordinated and supported Northern Ireland's participation in an annual National Continence Campaign. For the last 3 years, the Department has arranged and funded a freephone helpline during National Continence Week. In 1997, the Department's expenditure on arrangements for National Continence Week was approximately £8,700.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have claimed incapacity benefit in each year since 1990–91 on the grounds of incontinence. [40197]

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

  Letter from Chris Thompson to Rev. Martin Smyth, dated 5 May 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of people who have claimed Incapacity Benefit on the grounds of incontinence in each year since 1990–91.The Social Security Agency does not keep statistics on Incapacity Benefit under the heading of incontinence as an incapacity. To obtain this information each case would have to be examined separately. This would involve a major clerical exercise which would incur disproportionate costs.I am sorry I cannot provide the information you require but I hope this explains the position to you.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Sustainable and Cash Crop Agriculture
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what guidance her Department gives to Governments and local communities on the relative merits of sustainable and cash crop agriculture. [41041]
  462
  Mr. Foulkes
  The livelihoods of the majority of the rural poor in developing countries are dependent, at least in part, on agricultural or other natural resource-based activities.

  Our objective is to eliminate poverty through strategies which bring about sustainable improvements in rural livelihoods. These strategies may include the production of crops for food or for sale but we give no specific guidance on the merits of cash crops.

  Our focus is on better policies, strengthening relevant institutions, training at all levels, the better management of natural resources, problem solving, improving access to environmentally and socially sound technologies and encouraging small businesses.

  Through our support for ethical trading approaches we are also encouraging producers and retailers to adopt safe and fair production and marketing practices and to adopt voluntary codes of conduct.

  The approaches used by the Department for International Development (DFID) when working with Governments and local communities in the agricultural sector are set out in the Department's Sustainable Agriculture Strategy. A copy of this Strategy is in the House of Commons Library.

  Generalised System of Preferences
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the proposed changes in the generalised system of preferences for developing countries. [40619]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Two key regulations have been discussed and agreed within the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Working Group during the UK Presidency. These are the Regulation on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Regulation on Special Incentives. UK policy on both of these is set out in the Government's White Paper on International Development published in November 1997. The Department for International Development (DFID) and DTI have worked closely on formulating these proposals. DTI are the lead policy department in Whitehall, but DFID has worked closely with DTI in formulating and implementing the Government's policy.

  The proposed Regulation on LDCs was agreed by the EU General Affairs Council in March this year. This requires the EU to extend market access terms, similar to those available under the Lome Convention, to the nine non-African Caribbean and Pacific LDCs and to apply these retrospectively from 1 January 1998. We therefore welcome this Regulation which we see as an important first step towards our long-term goal of duty-free market access to the EU market for all LDCs and for the eventual agreement to eliminate tariffs on LDC products within a bound World Trade Organisation scheme.

  The proposed Regulation on Special Incentives provides for additional trade preferences to be granted to developing countries that meet certain labour and environmental standards. The GSP Working Group has concluded its deliberations on the proposal which will be submitted to the Council in May.

  The Commission is expected to come forward with proposals for the Mid-Term Review of the GSP in June this year. This is not expected to be a major overhaul of

  463
  the Scheme. Nevertheless, the UK will be pressing for as generous as possible an outcome, with a view to laying down markers for the Full-Term Review in 2004.

  Foreign Earnings Deduction
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the potential effects of the proposed changes to the foreign earnings deduction regulations announced in the Budget on the costs of aid agencies employing UK staff on contracts overseas. [40919]

  Mr. Foulkes
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has made no representations. This is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  Ethical Training Executive
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department has given, and at what cost, to the Ethical Training Initiative; and if she will make a statement. [39341]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Department for International Development (DFID) is supporting the work of the Ethical Trading Initiative, to which we have provided a grant of over £500,000. The members include many of the major UK retail chains and other private sector partners, NGOs and trade unions. They are working together on best practice in monitoring the implementation of voluntary codes for ethical sourcing and on developing a positive engagement between importers and their suppliers so that the latter are helped to comply with the codes. DFID is especially keen to encourage this sort of positive engagement as it is that which is most likely directly to improve working conditions in developing countries.

  Montserrat
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if further budgetary assistance is to be provided to the Government of Montserrat. [41485]

  Mr. Foulkes
  It will inevitably be some time before the Government of Montserrat return to the pre-1995 position of being able to cover their own running costs. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for International Development has therefore agreed to provide up to a further £7.085 million which will meet 70% of their running costs for the remainder of 1998. This is in addition to the £1.36 million announced in January and brings the total budgetary aid committed this year up to £8.45 million. I have placed copies of the Budgetary Aid Appraisal document in the Library of the House.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Creditor Insurance Policies
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she will be amending the rules in the income related benefits concerning the treatment of 464
  income from creditor insurance policies as announced in the Green Paper, "New Ambition For Our Country—A New Contract For Welfare". [41486]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Following statutory consultation with Local Government Associations and the Social Security Advisory Committee, we will be laying regulations before the House on Monday 11 May. The new regulations will cover creditor insurance policies taken out to meet payments on bank loans, hire-purchase agreements and similar commitments. Income from these policies will be disregarded in the income-related benefits, irrespective of the payment arrangements, as long as it is both intended and used to cover past debt. The regulations will come into effect from June 1.

  Existing regulations mean that payments under these creditor insurance policies are taken into account in full if they are made to the individual, but are ignored if made direct to the creditor. The new regulations will remove that anomaly.

  Changing the rules to make specific reference to creditor insurance, now widely available and taken-up, demonstrates our commitment to ensure that the benefit system reflects the needs of modern society. Disregarding this income reaffirms our view that people should be encouraged to provide for themselves when they can, and ensures that people who have acted responsibly by taking out this insurance will not lose out.

  State Pensions
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the annual cost of providing an annual statement of state pension entitlement forecast to each individual. [39986]

  Mr. Denham
  At present forecasts of State pension entitlement are provided on request, each one costing around £3.50. Providing these forecasts annually to each of the 35 million individuals of working age would cost around £120 million, although the feasibility of doing so would need to be examined.

  We believe that enabling individuals to develop greater financial and economic awareness is crucial if we are to give everyone the confidence to make informed choices and take control of their financial future. The Pensions Education Working Group which was established last year as part of our pensions review is producing recommendations on how awareness of pensions and financial education could be improved.

  We will be giving details of the Group's findings in due course.

  War Disablement Pensions
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claims for war disablement pension in respect of deafness have failed to reach the threshold of 20 per cent. in each of the last three years; and if she will make a statement. [40156]

  Mr. Denham
  The statistics held relate only to first claims to a War Disablement Pension for deafness where deafness is the only condition claimed. We do not hold
  465
  statistics where claims have been made in respect of deafness and another condition, or in respect of second and subsequent claims for deafness. The following table shows the number of first claims for deafness alone cleared by the War Pensions Agency in the last three years.

  First War Disablement Pension claims for deafness as a single condition: 1995/96–1997/98

  Year

  Deafness assessed at less than 20 per cent.1

  1995/96

  9,096

  1996/97

  6,975

  1997/98

  5,895

  1 Deafness from all causes and including that assessed at less than 1 per cent.

  Source:

  Monthly reports from the War Pensions Computer System

  HIV Positive Claimants
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people who are HIV positive are claimants of the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance; [40566]

  (2) how many claimants of attendance allowance are HIV positive; [40567]

  (3) how many claimants of disability living allowance who are HIV positive have (a) lifetime awards and (b) renewal awards. [40568]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested. The most relevant information held relates to claimants of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance whose principal disabling condition is that they have AIDS or are HIV positive. There are about 5,660 Disability Living Allowance claimants in this category of whom some 5,280 have a lifetime award and some 380 have a fixed term award, with about 5,040 receiving the higher rate mobility component. Some 20 cases receive Attendance Allowance.

  Note:
  Figures based on a 5 per cent. sample of cases at 28 February 1998.

  Income Support Mortgage Interest
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the cost of applying the lender's interest rate to all income support mortgage interest claim. [40656]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to revise the current system of assessing income support mortgage interest claims. [40655]
  466
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We have no plans to change the current arrangement of applying a standard interest rate to the calculation of Income Support mortgage interest claims which will continue to reflect average undiscounted building society rates.

  The standard interest rate will increase from 7.97 per cent. to 8.34 per cent. from 31 May, following the most recent average rate published by the Office for National Statistics in table 7.1L of Financial Statistics.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are currently in receipt of income support mortgage interest in(a) Coventry, (b) the West Midlands and (c) the United Kingdom; and what proportion of these claims are calculated on the basis of the standardised interest rate. [40654]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables.

  Income support cases with mortgage interest, November 1996

  All income support mortgage interest cases

  West Midland

  31,000

  Great Britain

  313,000

  United Kingdom

  325,000

  Income support cases with mortgage interest, August 1997

  All income support mortage interest cases

  Income support mortage interest cases with the standard rate of interest1

  West Midlands

  29,000

  28,000

  Great Britain

  298,000

  289,000

  1Numbers of claims based on the standard rate of interest refers to claimants with one or more loan based on this rate. A claimant shown in this category with more than one loan based on this rate. A claimant shown in this category with more than one loan may therefore have additional loans based on different rates of interest

  Notes:

  1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand

  2. Excludes cases who transferred to Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance with effect from October 1996

  3. Sample size 5 per cent.

  4. The standard rate of interest at August 1997 was 7.2 per cent.

  5. Information on cases paid at the standard rate of interest is not available. prior to May 1997 as only information on actual rates appropriate to an individual loan rather than the interest rate applied in the assessment calculation were collected before this date

  6. United Kingdom information (including Northern Ireland) on numbers of cases calculated on the standard rate is not available

  Sources:

  1. Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, November 1996 and August 1997

  2. Income Support Statistics (NI) Quarterly Enquiry, November 1996

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants have had(a) disability living allowance and (b) incapacity benefit withdrawn in each of the past five years. [40892]
  467
  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables.

  Awards of disability living allowance which ceased

  Year

  Ceased awards

  1993–94

  98,000

  1994–95

  100,000

  1995–96

  111,000

  1996–97

  124,000

  1997–98

  144,000

  Notes:

  1. Based on 100 per cent. data rounded to the nearest thousand

  2. Information is not available on the reasons for cessation, but these will include death, absence abroad, and non-renewal of a fixed period award, as well as withdrawal where the Benefits Agency found that the conditions of entitlement were no longer satisfied

  Incapacity benefit recipients found capable of work

  Date

  Numbers found capable of work

  13 April 1995–31 March 1996

  78,000

  1 April 1996–31 March 1997

  130,000

  1 April 1997–31 March 1998

  125,000

  Notes:

  1. A small number of cases which are not on the computer system are excluded

  2. Based on 100 per cent. data rounded to the nearest thousand

  3. Incapacity Benefit was introduced in April 1995. The figures include recipients who were disallowed benefit following application of the All Work Test (including those who did not attend the examination or did not return the questionnaire) or the Own Occupation Test. Benefit may subsequently be reinstated following appeal

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will list the total number of pensioner winter fuel payments issued(a) in error and (b) in duplicate; [39189]

  (2) how many complaints her Department has received regarding the issuing in error of pensioner winter fuel payments; [39191]

  (3) if she will list the total (a) number and (b) cost of pensioner winter fuel payments issued which have subsequently been cashed which were issued (i) in error and (ii) in duplicate. [39190]

  Mr. Denham
  Winter Fuel Payments are one of a number of initiatives the Government has taken to help vulnerable people, especially the elderly, keep warm in the winter. A total of £400 million has been committed for two years (97–98 and 98–99), to help pensioners with fuel bills to pay. This is the first time any Government have provided additional help with heating costs to all pensioners living in the United Kingdom who receive a retirement pension or one of a number of other qualifying benefits.
  468
  The making of this year's payments has been an enormous and unprecedented exercise. In order to establish all eligible pensioners, correctly identify pensioner households, and determine the amount each should receive, it was necessary to correlate data in around 15 million computer records, involving 15 qualifying benefits, across nine computer systems. Overall, almost ten million pensioners, in over seven million households, have received a payment.

  The administration of Winter Fuel Payments is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mrs. Ann Winterton, dated 6 May 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions concerning the issue of Winter Fuel Payments.The making of Winter Fuel Payments to almost ten million eligible pensioners, in over seven million households, before the end of March 1998 has been a challenging task for the Benefits Agency. This was achieved whilst maintaining normal benefit business.Around one and a half million of the poorest pensioners, those receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, received their payment of £50 during January.Almost eight and a half million other eligible pensioners, for example those in receipt of state Retirement Pension, were issued with a payment of £20 or £10. These payments were issued during March.To determine whether £20 or £10 was due it has been necessary to establish whether the pensioner lived alone. Where we identified they were the only eligible pensioner in a household they received £20; where they lived with other eligible pensioners each received £10.Legislation requires that the decision whether £10 or £20 is due is based on information held within official Departmental records. All the £20 and £10 payments issued have therefore been based on information which originated from pensioners and is held within these official records.We are aware from subsequent inquiries from some pensioners that the official records available and used by my Agency did not always accurately reflect the correct, current address details. For example, two eligible pensioners living at the same address have differing address details held in official records and despite expecting to receive £10 each, have received £20 each.However, even though we have subsequently updated the address details the payments themselves remain correct in accordance with the legislation. They have been made using official records which were in place at the time eligibility was determined. The legislation is framed in such a way that providing the payments made are supported by records held then there has not been an incorrect payment.We are therefore not aware of any £10 or £20 payments that have been made in error.Out of the 1.5 million £50 payments made to Income Support and Job Seekers Allowance pensioners in January we are aware that some payments were incorrectly made or duplicated. We know that 9,357 payments were made where information held within official records indicated payment was inappropriate. A further 211 duplicate payments were made to those pensioners who transferred from Income Support to Job Seekers Allowance during the qualifying week of 5 January 1998. Of the relevant payments this represents a 0.68‥ error rate. In financial terms the total cost of these errors amounts to £478,400 and again this represents 0.68‥ of the total sum issued of £72,080,700.469 In addition we also know that due to a computer operator error, 40,801 Income Support payments were sent out with an incorrect issue date on them. All these girocheques were replaced automatically within 72 hours. To date we are aware that 434 pensioners have cashed both the original and replacement payments.Information is not available on the number of complaints received regarding the erroneous issue of Winter Fuel payments.Thank you for the opportunity to explain the position.

SCOTLAND

  Child Safety Initiative
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children have been stopped to date by the safety initiative pilot undertaken by the South Lanarkshire Council and Lanarkshire police; and how many of these children have been involved in criminal activity. [40140]

  Mr. Dewar
  At 16 April 1998, Strathclyde Police had made 229 interventions concerning children or young people thought to be at risk. Young people were charged on 4 occasions, in 2 cases with breach of the peace and police assault, in one case with possession of an offensive weapon and in one case with breach of the peace.

  New Public Service Jobs
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new public service jobs he estimates will be created in Scotland for those who will be employed by(a) the Scottish Parliament and (b) the Scottish Executive. [40202]

  Mr. Dewar
  The White Paper Scotland's Parliament (Cm 3658, paragraphs 10.10 and 10.13) provisionally estimated that around 200 staff could be required by the Parliament, and that the Scottish Executive could need a small increase in staff over and above current Scottish Office staff numbers to deal with new responsibilities. These estimates remain the best current judgment, though work is under way to refine them in the light of progress in the Consultative Steering Group, which my hon. Friend chairs, and elsewhere. The precise staffing arrangements for the Scottish Executive cannot be determined until Executive Ministers are in place.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Roy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his Department's policy on openness and employee issues on PFI in the NHS in Scotland. [41373]

  Mr. Galbraith
  To improve openness and communication surrounding the PFI process, key PFI documents including Outline Business Cases (OBCs) and Full Business Cases (FBCs) will be made publicly available one month after they have been approved. Furthermore:
  after financial close, an addendum to the FBC setting out changes between FBC approval and financial close and summarising the commercial contract in plain English should be prepared;470 in view of the commercial nature of negotiations and the PFI principle of securing value for money, Trusts (or Health Boards) and their private sector partners must be given the right to exclude or delete text on the grounds of commercial confidentiality;publicly available means placing a copy of the documents (OBC, FBC and FBC addendum) with the local authority; on view at the Trust (or Health Board) for staff and patients; with the local Health Council; at the local main public library (for schemes requiring Management Executive, Treasury or Ministerial approval); and the House of Commons Library (for schemes in excess of £10m);further copies would be provided, on request, by the Trust (or Health Board) but Trusts (or Health Boards) would be able to charge for photocopying and postage;the new policy would apply both to future PFI schemes and retrospectively; and the documents for publicly funded schemes would also be made publicly available.
  With regard to employee issues, in future:
  Trusts (or Health Boards) will have to assess potential PFI partners, to whom NHS staff would transfer, on the basis of their record on employment policies such as equal opportunities; wages and conditions; pensions; and trade union recognition; and Staff representatives will be invited to assist management in the evaluation of how major PFI partners measure up as fair employers through membership of joint evaluation panels.
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list each current private finance initiative project in the health sector and for each list(a) the estimated capital cost, (b) the date or projected date of approval of the Outline Business Case, (i) by the Scottish Office and (ii) by the Treasury, (c) the date or projected date of approval of the Full Business Case (1) by the Scottish Office and (2) by the Treasury, (d) the date or projected date of contract signature and (e) the date or projected date of construction completion; and if he will place the outline and full business cases in the Library. [40936]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The details requested of PFI projects in Health are given in the table. However, the following points should be noted:
  the Table includes projects only with approved Outline Business Cases (OBCs);OBCs do not require approval by HM Treasury;HM Treasury approval of Full Business Cases (FBCs) is required only for non-IT projects with a capital value in excess of £10 million and for IT projects with a capital value in excess of £1 million; and there are other smaller PFI projects which fall within Trust and Health Board delegated limits, for which information is not held centrally.
  OBCs and FBCs for projects with a capital value in excess of £10 million will be placed in the Library of the House of Commons in due course. As the business cases were prepared under the old policy, they contain commercially sensitive material which would be inappropriate to publish. Once the Trusts and their private sector partners have had the opportunity to extract commercially sensitive information, particularly for the Trusts, information relating to unsuccessful bidders, the key PFI documents will be placed in the Library.
  471

  Health Board/NHS Trust

  Project description

  Capital value £ million

  Date OBC approved

  Date FBC approved or expected approval date

  FBCA approved or to be approved by HM Treasury?

  Date contract signed or expected signature date

  Date completed or expected completion date

  Greater Glasgow Health Board (Rutherglen)

  provision of 180 elderly care Beds

  5.0

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  03/90

  03/92

  Ayrshire & Arran Health Board (Irvine)

  provision of 90 elderly care beds

  3.8

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  02/91

  01/92

  Greater Glasgow Health Board (Darnley)

  provision of 120 elderly care beds

  3.5

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  12/91

  12/93

  Greater Glasgow Health Board (Ruchill)

  provision of 120 elderly care beds

  3.3

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  01/92

  02/93

  Greater Glasgow Health Board (Shettleston)

  provision of 120 elderly care beds

  3.8

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  03/92

  01/94

  Lanarkshire Health Board (Bellshill)

  provision of 90 elderly care beds

  2.8

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  11/92

  02/93

  Dundee Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  SMAC analysis system

  0.3

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  07/93

  07/93

  Grampian Health Board

  provision of 25 beds for mentally ill at Spynie Hospital

  1.1

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  09/93

  04/94

  Lothian & Forth Valley Health Boards

  Clinical waste disposal

  4.5

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  10/94

  10/95

  Northern NHS Trusts & Health Boards

  Clinical waste disposal

  6.0

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  10/94

  10/95

  Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust

  CT and MRI scanning systems

  2.2

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  02/95

  10/95

  Ayrshire & Arran Health Board (Irvine)

  provision of 90 elderly care beds

  2.5

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  05/95

  10/96

  Lanarkshire Health Board (Cumbernauld)

  provision of 40 elderly care beds

  3.0

  n/k

  n/k

  no

  12/95

  03/97

  Edinburgh Healthcare NHS Trust

  provision of 60 bed Nursing Home (Ferryfield House)

  2.5

  n/k

  10/95

  no

  02/96

  10/96

  Law Hospital NHS Trust

  provision and operation of a hospital information support system

  2.5

  n/k

  10/95

  yes

  03/96

  12/96

  Grampian Health Board

  provision and operation of a Community Hospital in Kincardineshire (Stonehaven)

  3.8

  n/k

  01/97

  no

  01/97

  03/98

  Perth & Kinross Healthcare NHS Trust

  provision and operation of an integrated healthcare information system

  2.3

  04/95

  12/96

  yes

  01/97

  06/97

  Yorkhill NHS Trust

  provision and operation of a hospital information support system

  2.5

  03/96

  12/96

  yes

  02/97

  06/97

  Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust

  provision of 72 geriatric beds at Mearnskirk

  2.4

  n/k

  05/97

  no

  07/97

  03/98

  Hairmyres & Stonehouse Hospitals NHS Trust

  New major acute hospital adjacent to current site

  67.5

  03/94

  08/97

  yes

  04/98

  05/01

  Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust

  Relocation of major acute teaching hospital to a greenfield site on the outskirts of Edinburgh

  175.0

  11/94

  08/97

  yes

  07/98

  09/02-12/03

  Law Hospital NHS Trust

  Construction of a new hospital on a brownfield site with certain non-clinical services

  100.0

  03/94

  09/97

  yes

  05/98

  04/01

  Ayrshire & Arran Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  Build Community Hospital for East Ayrshire (Cumnock)

  8.6

  09/95

  08/97

  no

  05/98

  01/00

  Southern General Hospital NHS Trust

  provision of geriatric medicine and assessment facility on SGH site

  9.0

  07/95

  06/98

  no

  07/98

  02/00

  Dumfries & Galloway Acute & Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust

  provision of daycare and maternity services

  6.0

  09/95

  08/98

  no

  10/98

  04/00

  Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS Trust

  provision of a geriatric assessment facility at Larkfield

  8.5

  11/95

  06/98

  no

  08/98

  01/00

  Highland Communities NHS Trust

  provision of a psychiatric unit in Inverness

  18.0

  06/97

  08/98

  yes

  10/98

  07/00

  Dundee Healthcare NHS Trust

  provision of a psychiatric and geriatric units in Dundee

  9.0

  06/97

  01/99

  no

  02/99

  08/00

  East & Midlothian NHS Trust

  provision of Midlothian Community Hospital

  8.1

  04/98

  11/99

  no

  05/00

  08/02

  472

  Historic Scotland
  Mr. Roy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the key performance targets which he has set for Historic Scotland for 1998–99. [41374]

  Mr. Dewar
  I have set Historic Scotland the following key performance targets for 1998–99:

  1998/99

  Target

  Protecting Scotland's built heritage

  Number of monuments scheduled

  385

  Number of listed building resurvey units

  180

  Number of weeks in which 80 per cent. Of scheduled monument consent cases resolved

  10

  Percentage of listed building consent cases resolved within 28 days

  97%

  Number of historic building repair projects newly assisted by grant

  130

  Total value of grant-assisted repairs in progress

  £31m

  Programme of conservation of monuments in care

  meet conservation programme2

  Promoting and presenting the built heritage

  HS market share of visitor numbers1

  50%

  Percentage of satisfied visitors (based on surveys)

  96%

  Average spend per visitor

  £1.30

  Agency management

  Percentage efficiency gains/savings on all non-grant expenditure

  1.5%

  1 The Agency's top 10 properties will be measured against the National Trust for Scotland's top 10 properties and top 10 privately-owned historic attractions

  2 To be detailed in the Corporate Plan

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each NHS trust in Scotland the projected deficits or surpluses itemised in the monthly monitoring returns as at 31 December 1997, indicating the total of the projected deficits or surpluses. [40937]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The table provides the information requested, as well as the most up-to-date figures available from the Trust monitoring returns.

  For those Trusts who have forecast deficits, this is predominantly due to the accounting treatment of the write down in value of Trust assets. In most cases, therefore, the deficit does not reflect poor operational performance. Rather, it is as a result of service reconfiguration and the rationalisation of NHS Estate.

  £000

  Year end position for 1997/98 Surplus/(Deficit)

  As at 31 December 1997

  As at 31 March 1998

  Aberdeen Royal Hospitals

  387

  331

  Angus

  150

  385

  Argyll & Bute

  29

  375

  Ayrshire & Arran Community

  92

  215

  Borders General

  (860)

  (169)

  Borders Community

  89

  114

  Caithness & Sutherland

  40

  73

  Central Scotland Healthcare

  78

  94

  Dumfries & Galloway Acute & Maternity

  150

  220

  Dumfries & Galloway Community

  83

  98

  Dundee Healthcare

  (330)

  (293)

  474

  £000

  Year end position for 1997/98 Surplus/(Deficit)

  As at 31 December 1997

  As at 31 March 1998

  Dundee Teaching

  46

  (2,435)

  East & Midlothian

  136

  170

  Edinburgh Healthcare

  644

  708

  Edinburgh Sick Children's

  0

  71

  Falkirk & District Royal Infirmary

  24

  31

  Fife Healthcare

  1,910

  2,166

  Glasgow Dental Hospital & School

  20

  56

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary

  (1,271)

  (9,093)

  Grampian Healthcare

  2,181

  2,530

  Greater Glasgow Community and Mental Health

  (148)

  (6,553)

  Hairmyres & Stonehouse

  46

  1,804

  Highland Communities

  (107)

  25

  Inverclyde Royal

  105

  108

  Kirkcaldy Acute

  117

  195

  Lanarkshire Healthcare

  2,070

  1,885

  Law Hospital

  190

  190

  Lomond Healthcare

  29

  78

  Monklands Bellshill

  180

  216

  Moray Health Services

  20

  (86)

  North Ayrshire & Arran

  35

  134

  Perth & Kinross Healthcare

  220

  188

  Queen Margaret Hospital

  96

  687

  Raigmore Hospital

  50

  209

  Renfrewshire Healthcare

  129

  (224)

  Royal Alexandra

  305

  295

  Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

  145

  223

  Scottish Ambulance Service

  130

  152

  South Ayrshire

  60

  232

  Southern General

  97

  232

  Stirling Royal

  (53)

  5

  Stobhill

  120

  72

  Victoria Infirmary

  (1,823)

  423

  West Glasgow Hospitals

  (2,787)

  (556)

  West Lothian

  480

  386

  Western General Hospitals

  120

  (912)

  Yorkhill

  (167)

  (777)

  Total

  3,257

  (5,722)

  Cervical Cancer Screening
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list each NHS trust which carries out cervical cancer smear tests, indicating for each (i) the name of the software package used for the smear test call-and-recall system, (ii) the name of the company which provided that software package, (iii) the company responsible for maintaining and testing the software package and (iv) the date of the most recent independent testing of the software package. [40894]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Cervical screening in Scotland is organised at Health Board level with the following NHS Trusts providing laboratory services:

  Inverclyde Royal

  Lomond Healthcare

  North Ayshire and Arran

  Dumfries & Galloway Acute & Maternity Hospitals

  Kirkcaldy Acute

  Stirling Royal Infirmary

  Aberdeen Royal Hospitals

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary University

  Southern General Hospital

  475

  Stobhill

  Victoria Infirmary

  West Glasgow University

  Raigmore Hospital

  Monklands & Bellshill

  Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

  Dundee Teaching Hospitals.

  Health board

  Software package used

  Provider company

  Company responsible for maintenance

  Date of most recent test

  Argyll and Clyde

  National Community Health Index (CHI) Module

  Information Systems Support Group (in-house NHS development)

  Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)

  January-February 1998

  Ayrshire and Arran

  National CHI Module

  Information Systems Support Group

  CSC

  January-February 1998

  Dumfries and Galloway

  National CHI Module

  Information Systems Support Group

  CSC

  January-February 1998

  Fife

  On-line Cervical Cytology Update and Recall System (OCCURS)

  In-house NHS development

  CSC

  Ongoing

  Forth Valley

  OCCURS

  In-house NHS development

  CSC

  Ongoing

  Grampian

  National CHI Module

  Information Systems Support Group

  CSC

  January-February 1998

  Greater Glasgow

  National CHI Module

  Information Systems Support Group

  CSC

  January-February 1998

  Highland

  PINNACLE based module

  Fraser Williams and in-house input

  CSC

  4 March 1998

  Lanarkshire

  National CHI Module

  Information Systems Support Group

  CSC

  January-February 1998

  Lothian

  National CHI Module

  Information Systems Support Group

  CSC

  January-February 1998

  Orkney

  National CHI Module

  Information Systems Support Group

  CSC

  January-February 1998

  Shetland

  National CHI Module

  Information Systems Support Group

  CSC

  January-February 1998

  Tayside

  OCCURS

  In-house NHS development

  CSC

  Ongoing

  Western Isles

  National CHI Module

  Information Systems Support Group

  CSC

  January-February 1998

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Arms Exports
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she intends to insert information on the number of small arms and other military, security and police equipment contained within each export licence granted into the Annual report. [40385]

  Mrs. Roche
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 8 April 1998,Official Report, column 321, by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock).

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many items of each type of defence equipment were exported to(a) Malaysia, (b) Thailand, (c) Indonesia and (d) Singapore over the last six years. [29162]
  476
  The following table gives details of (i) the name of the software package used by each Health Board for their call-recall system (ii) the name of the company which provides the package (iii) the company responsible for maintaining the package and (iv) the date on which the software went through a formal test cycle independent of the software developers, prior to release of the updated system:

  Mrs. Roche
  Licences to export arms and other goods where export is controlled for strategic reasons are issued by the President of the Board of Trade, and the Export Control Organisation of the Department of Trade and Industry is the licensing authority. All relevant individual licence applications are circulated by the DTI to other Government Departments with an interest, as determined by them in line with their policy responsibilities. These include the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence, and the Department for International Development. While the Export Control Organisation maintains records of licence applications, it does not compile records of licensed exports. Some licences are used only in part, while others may not be used at all. The extent to which the exports permitted by a licence are made is dependent on various factors, for example the customer's requirements may be less than originally expected or the expected contract may simply not materialise.

WALES

  Milk Industry
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the effect of the present state of the milk industry on ancillary industries, rural employment and the rural economy of Wales. [39741]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I am conscious that there is a significant economic multiplier effect associated with dairy production in Wales, and that the present low milk producer prices situation will be having a negative impact on rural businesses. An estimate of the multiplier effect in the dairy sector is given in a recent report published by the Welsh Institute of Rural Studies entitled "LFA Policy in Wales: A Review of the Socio-Economic and Environmental Effects of the HLCA scheme". It states that using 1991 estimates for the milk production sector, for every on farm job there are 0.25 jobs in other industries in Wales.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date the final proposal of the Welsh Office for a new NUTS 2 map for Wales was submitted to the Office for National Statistics; and if he will make a statement on the time taken to draw up this submission. [40359]

  Mr. Hain
  The NUTS 2 boundaries for the United Kingdom are under discussion between the Office for National Statistics and Eurostat (the statistical office of the European Commission). The Welsh Office, in common with other Departments, is in regular contact with the Office for National Statistics on the handling of the proposals relating to the NUTS 2 boundaries in Wales. It has not proved possible so far to reach agreement with Eurostat on the original proposals for the UK put forward in July 1997 and this has necessitated the further consideration that has been taking place.

  Education
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if local education authorities will be required to submit bids for individual projects funded by the new money for education announced in this year's budget. [40308]

  Mr. Hain
  The following elements of the additional 1 2 million budget funding for raising standards in line with Building Excellent Schools Together (BEST) agenda and for the enhancement of skills are being directed to local authorities and schools. The allocation arrangements are as indicated.

  £ million

  Raising standards of literacy (books etc).

  2.1

  Every school over 30 pupils to automatically receive £900, those with 30 pupils or fewer £30 per pupil;

  Reducing infant class sizes

  2.4

  LEAs have been asked to submit bids for funding for infant class size reduction grant; Addition to New Deal for schools capital funding.

  2.2

  478
  LEAs have been asked to bid against an indicative allocation.

  LG Project
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his current estimate of the cost to the Welsh Office budget of the LG project during the present financial year; and what was the original estimate. [40363]

  Mr. Hain
  Direct payments expected to be made to LG from Welsh Office budgets in this financial year will be in respect of the Regional Selective Assistance grant offered to the company. As with all such grant offers, payment is made by instalments which are triggered by the achievement of specified capital expenditure and employment milestones. Details of payments actually released are not disclosed for reasons of commercial confidentiality. Payments made to date have been in line with expectations.

  In addition, there will be expenditure by the Welsh Development Agency and the Training and Enterprise Council.

  Public Appointments
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 20 April 1998,Official Report, columns 444–45, if he will list those holding more than one public appointment who receive payment other than expenses for any of the offices held. [40451]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  42 people received payments other than expenses for appointments held. I will write to my hon. Friend separately with the details, and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 20 April 1998,Official Report, columns 444–45, how many of the (a) women and (b) men he has appointed to Welsh quangos since 1 May 1997 receive payments for their appointments other than expenses. [40450]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  14 women and 37 men of those I appointed either solely or jointly between 1 May 1997 and I March 1998 received payments other than expenses.

  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the names of the chairs and vice-chairs of quangos, including health authorities and trusts, who have been appointed or reappointed since I May 1997, indicating what payment they receive. [40433]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I have re-appointed 3 Chairs and made 5 fresh appointments to Chair. I have re-appointed 2 Deputy Chairs to Executive Non Departmental Public Bodies and NHS bodies since I May 1997. These are:

  Chair

  Mr. R. P. V. Rees, OBE, Welsh Health Common Services Authority: £15,125 p.a. (Re-appointment)

  Mrs. K. E. Thomas, Bro Taf Health Authority: £19,285 p.a. 2.4 (Re-appointment)

  Mr. D. H. Thomas, Morgannwg Health Authority: £19,285 p.a. (Re-appointment)

  Mrs. F. Peel, Gwent Health Authority: £19,285 p.a.

  Councillor P. Law, Gwent Community NHS Trust: £19,285 p.a.

  479

  Mr. T. Norreys, Llanelli Dinefwr NHS Trust: £17,145 p.a.

  Mr. G. E. Pritchard, Wales Ambulance Services NHS Trust: £19,285.

  Mr. D. Durham, Llandough Hospital & Community NHS Trust: £17,145.

  Deputy-Chair

  Professor D. Q. Bowen, Countryside Council for Wales: £14,076 p.a.

  Hon. R. W. Lewis, OBE, Welsh Development Agency: £25,030 p.a.

  Information about all the appointments I make is contained in the publication 'Appointments by the Secretary of State for Wales' a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  Out-of-school Clubs
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made in the extension of out-of-school-hours clubs. [40653]

  Mr. Hain
  The National Lottery Bill which is currently before Parliament, will establish the New Opportunities Fund—the sixth good cause. The Government are investing £200 million from the New Opportunities Fund to help expand out of school learning across the UK and is also seeking the active involvement of partners from the business and voluntary sectors. The Welsh Office will be producing a framework document to raise awareness of what out of school learning can achieve and to offer guidance and support for schools and others in Wales who are considering bidding for lottery funding to establish or develop schemes.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the effect on council tax levels in Wales of the discontinuance of the Advanced Corporation Tax Credit scheme. [40994]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  None as yet. The abolition of ACT will not start to affect local authorities' pension schemes until 1999-2000. We have given assurances that we will take account of all factors, including those arising from the forthcoming 1998 actuarial valuation, when determining the level of local authority provision for 1999–2000 and subsequent years.

  Aerospace (Skills Shortages)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of skills shortages in the aerospace industry; and if he will make a statement. [40651]

  Mr. Hain
  The Welsh Office, in conjunction with a number of other organisations, is undertaking this year a major skills need research project for Wales. The results will be available in the autumn and will provide valuable information on possible skill shortages in all sectors, including the aerospace industry.

  Child Care
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to extend child care services; and if he will make a statement. [40652]
  480
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I am currently considering the development of a child care strategy for Wales, and 1 hope to publish my proposals for consultation soon.

  Farmers (Bureaucratic Burdens)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to reduce bureaucratic burdens on farmers in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [40657]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The study of CAP administration in Wales that my right hon. Friend announced recently is designed to improve the service to farmers. Prospects of reducing bureaucratic burdens on farmers more generally depend on whether Agenda 2000 will simplify the CAP itself.

  Under-age Drinking
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many cases of under-age drinking were recorded in Wales in the past three years; and if he will make a statement. [40993]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Information on the number of cases of under-age drinking in Wales is not recorded centrally. The table shows the proportion of children aged 11–16 who reported drinking alcohol at least weekly in 1994 and 1996.

  Percentage who drink alcohol at least weekly 11–16 year olds; Wales

  Percentage

  Aged 11–12

  Aged 13–14

  Aged 15–16

  Aged 11–16

  1994

  14.9

  26.2

  48.2

  29.2

  1996

  18.5

  35.0

  59.6

  37.4

  Source:

  Health Promotion Wales—Welsh Youth Health Surveys

  Brecon Beacons
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make a statement about proposals to purchase sheep grazing rights on common land for planting trees in order to obtain a nature woodland planting grant in the Brecon Beacons National Park; [40939]

  (2) if he will make a statement about the proposed transfer of sheep grazing rights in order to plant trees on common land in the Brecon Beacons National Park; [40938]

  (3) if he will immediately investigate plans to transfer common land grazing rights in order to create areas of tree planting in the Brecon Beacons National Park. [40935]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The purchase or transfer of common land grazing rights is a private matter between the parties involved and is not one in which the Secretary of State can intervene.

  I understand that the tree planting scheme to which the hon. Member refers has now been dropped.

  Household Incomes
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many children in Wales are living in households whose income is below the UK national average. [41057]
  481
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  I have been asked to reply.

  It is estimated that in 1995–96, approximately 500,0001 children in Wales were living in households whose income was below the UK national average.

  1 This figure is the same (to the nearest 100,000) on both the before and after housing costs measures.

  Note:

  A child is defined as an individual aged under 16 or an unmarried 16 to 18 year old on a course up to and including 'A' level standard.

  Source:

  The data are taken from Households Below Average Income (HBAI) based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS). The 1995–96 financial year is the latest period for which data are available.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Nuclear Waste
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy on(a) public consultation and (b) public information with regard to the importing of radioactive material into the United Kingdom; when the next authorised consignment of nuclear waste is to enter the United Kingdom, and what is its destination; what discussions he has had with NATO representatives regarding the risk of (i) Chechen and (ii) Iranian acquisition of nuclear materials; what guidelines are in place for United Kingdom negotiations and agreements regarding the processing of international nuclear waste within the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [39915]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 27 April 1998]Radioactive material is routinely imported to the UK as part of the day-to-day business of nuclear and non-nuclear industries and research, academic and medical institutions. Such imports are subject to stringent international safety requirements. There is no requirement, however, for the public to be consulted or informed about these routine imports of radioactive material.

  The Government's general policy is that radioactive waste should not be imported to or exported from the UK. Some defined exceptions to this rule apply, for example, hospital waste from countries that do not have the facilities to dispose of it safely. It is for the appropriate UK competent authority to assess any applications it receives on its merits. No authorised consignment of nuclear waste is currently destined for import to the UK. Ministers and officials regularly have discussions with our NATO colleagues on a wide range of issues, including those relating to nuclear proliferation.

  Visas
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which British posts abroad operate a pre-sift system for people applying for visit visas; and for each such post, how many people were(a) advised to withdraw their applications, (b) followed that advice, (c) pursued their applications and were refused visas and (d) pursued their applications and were granted visas in 1996 and 1997 to the latest available date. [40242]
  482
  Mr. Fatchett
  The overseas Posts that operated a pre-sift system in 1996 and 1997 are as detailed. Records are kept only on the number of applicants that were advised to withdraw and then followed that advice. Records are not kept on subsequent action by such applicants.

  Pre-sift 1996

  Pre-sift 1997

  Abu Dhabi

  38

  51

  Abuja

  1,907

  2,076

  Accra

  238

  480

  Addis Ababa

  288

  513

  Amman

  2,140

  1,901

  Amsterdam

  713

  964

  Bahrain

  12

  33

  Baku

  10

  15

  Bangkok

  1,466

  1,490

  Banjul

  531

  750

  Beirut

  0

  5

  Belgrade

  0

  712

  Bombay

  4,022

  3,839

  Calcutta

  15

  13

  Casablanca

  50

  6

  Colombo

  166

  113

  Compenhagen

  67

  112

  Dakar

  0

  32

  Damascus

  167

  179

  Dhaka

  721

  808

  Dubai

  348

  216

  Dublin

  179

  177

  Dusseldorf

  340

  240

  Geneva

  43

  21

  Hanoi

  0

  3

  Hong Kong

  70

  0

  Islamabad

  12,987

  8,375

  Istanbul

  199

  112

  Kathmandu

  0

  151

  Khartoum

  109

  54

  Kingston

  1,195

  1,210

  Lagos

  1,283

  3,515

  Lima

  3

  0

  Luxembourg

  0

  6

  Madras

  2,634

  2,786

  Manila

  22

  229

  Muscat

  4

  0

  Nairobi

  0

  217

  New Delhi

  6,054

  4,369

  Oslo

  169

  208

  Panama City

  0

  4

  Paris

  0

  829

  Peking

  66

  126

  Quito

  0

  87

  Rome

  697

  328

  Sana'a

  0

  404

  Sofia

  94

  0

  Stockholm

  244

  46

  Tashkent

  126

  18

  Tehran

  2,065

  1,635

  Tokyo

  0

  144

  Vilnius

  9

  3

  Washington

  0

  218

  Wellington

  0

  37

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people from(a) Jamaica, (b) Barbados, (c) India, (b) Pakistan, (e) Russia, (f) Poland, (g) Malaysia, (h) Zimbabwe, (i) Ghana and (h) Bangladesh, (i) applied for, (ii) were granted and (iii) were refused entry clearance as visitors in 1997 to the latest available date. [40315]
  483
  Mr. Fatchett
  The number of entry clearance applications received in one calendar year rarely equal the total of applications issued and refused. There are several reasons why this occurs. Applicants asked to return for a further interview may not attend; applicants may be awaiting a referral decision or a deferral for sponsor interview; applicants may be waiting for a further interview.

  The number of applicants that applied for, were granted and were refused entry clearance as visitors in 1997 in the countries listed are as follows:

  Country

  Applied

  Granted

  Refused

  Jamaica

  2,879

  2,719

  126

  Barbados

  558

  472

  69

  India

  133,975

  120,914

  11,624

  Pakistan

  50,071

  37,117

  6,664

  Russia

  107,733

  104,430

  2,999

  Poland

  1,095

  919

  126

  Malaysia

  3,558

  3,243

  148

  Zimbabwe

  1,264

  1,037

  160

  Ghana

  18,471

  13,760

  4,603

  Bangladesh

  13,115

  9,458

  3,573

  Information is not held centrally on the nationality of applicants and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Pakistan (Ayub Masih)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Pakistan Government in response to the death sentence for blasphemy passed upon Ayub Masih on 27 April in a Punjab district court. [41021]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We regularly raise with the Pakistan Government our concerns about the situation of religious minorities in Pakistan. We have discussed this latest case with our EU partners, and will communicate the EU's concerns about the implementation of the blasphemy laws to the Pakistan Government.

  High Commission, Nairobi
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total cost of the building and furnishing of the new British High Commission office in Nairobi, Kenya. [40908]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The cost of building and furnishing the new High Commission offices in Nairobi was £11 million. This sum includes the cost of two staff houses and amenity facilities in the compound.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his oral statement of 29 April 1998,Official Report, column 299, if he will request evidence from (a) Vincent Cannistraro, (b) Oliver North and (c) Buck Revell on Lockerbie. [40888]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  It would be inappropriate for the investigating and prosecuting authorities to give details of the investigative steps which have been or will be taken in advance of a criminal trial.
  484
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his oral statement of 29 April 1998,Official Report, column 299, what factors led him to conclude that the use of an international court at The Hague, operating under a Scots judge, and under Scottish rules of guidance would introduce an arbitrary element into the judicial system. [40887]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I have nothing to add to the answer my hon. Friend, the Minister of State gave the hon. Member in his statement of 29 April 1998,Official Report, columns 296–302.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his oral statement of 29 April 1998, Official Report, column 299, if the Crown Prosecution Service will submit their unseen version of Lockerbie to the scrutiny of a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary; and if he will list those individuals who have seen this version. [40886]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The place to test the evidence held by the investigating and prosecuting authorities on the Lockerbie bombing, is in a criminal trial of the accused.

  It would not be appropriate to list those individuals who have necessarily been briefed on a confidential basis on the evidence.

  Lord Whitty
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the arrangements for Lord Whitty' s private office, in his capacity as Minister with Special Responsibility for the EU Presidency; [41019]

  (2) what is the cost to public funds of Lord Whitty's appointment as Minister with Special Responsibility for the EU Presidency; [41018]

  (3) when Lord Whitty's appointment as Minister with Special Responsibility for the EU Presidency was publicly announced; [41049]

  (4) when Lord Whitty was officially appointed Minister with Special Responsibility for the EU Presidency. [41050]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  As a Government Whip, Lord Whitty is a member of the Government and regularly speaks on FCO business, particularly on EC issues, in the House of Lords. In that context he frequently carries out official duties on behalf of the FCO, in particular in relation to the UK Presidency of the EU. There are no additional costs to public funds for his performance of these duties, nor are any additional staff provided.

  Forced Marriages Leaflet
  Mr. Laxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to circulate the Consular Services leaflet, "Forced Marriages—Your Rights Abroad", to all appropriate outlets. [40640]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office leaflet, "Forced Marriages—Your Rights Abroad" was sent to 4,291 libraries and 210 students unions throughout the UK in February. It is available in English and Bengali and can be obtained from some Citizens Advice Bureaux,
  485
  free of charge from Consular Division of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, or from our Embassies and Consulates overseas.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many and what proportion of his Department's appointees to non-departmental public bodies are (i) aged under 25, (ii) aged 25 to 30 and (iii) aged 31 to 35 years. [40745]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  None of my Department's appointments to non-departmental public bodies are (i) aged under 25, (ii) aged 25–30, or (iii) aged 31–35. The Government are committed to encouraging a wide range of candidates to apply for positions on the boards of public bodies, reflecting the diverse society in which we live. This includes encouraging more young people to put themselves forward as potential candidates for public appointments. All appointments are made on merit, and candidates must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and experience to match the needs of the public body on which they wish to serve.

  Polar Bears
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Governments of the United States and Canada concerning the killing for sport of polar bears. [40763]

  Mr. Fatchett
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made no representations to either government. Sport killing of polar bears is not permitted in the US.

  Ghazanfer Ali
  Mr. Singh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to secure the release of Ghazanfer Ali, currently in prison in Mirpur, accused of murder. [40830]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We cannot make formal consular representations on Ghazanfer Ali's behalf, since he is not a British national. Our High Commission in Islamabad will continue to follow his case. We are concerned that he should receive a speedy and fair trial.

  Computers (Hacking)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent to which outside individuals have attempted to hack into his Department's computer systems; what reports are compiled on such attempts; how often reports are compiled; and what is their current security classification. [40673]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The connection of high level protectively marked systems to public data networks is not permitted. Low level systems may be connected if a security architecture, which includes firewall technology and can monitor hacking attacks is used. The FCO is a contributing Department to the Government-wide Unified Incident Reporting and Alert Scheme (UNIRAS) run by the Security Service. Security Incidents including hacking 486
  attempts are reported to this scheme. An annual report, protectively marked RESTRICTED, is produced by the Security Service.

  Tibet
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government made to(a) the United Nations to re-open its debate on the issue of Tibet and (b) the EU to investigate the treatment and status of Tibetans in Tibet before and during the EU delegation to Tibet in May. [40618]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We believe that the best way of addressing the issue of Tibet is to raise it with the Chinese authorities at every opportunity. The EU delegation visiting Tibet includes the Ambassadors of the UK, Austria and Luxembourg. It is expected to have extensive discussions with the leaders of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, religious leaders and ordinary Tibetans.

  Armed Forces (Minimum Age)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in the United Nations working group negotiating the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to raise the minimum age of recruitment into the armed forces. [40623]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The United Nations Working Group on Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict was unable to reach agreement on the next of the draft protocol at its fourth session from 2 February to 10 February 1998. The particular views expressed by delegations in the discussions are set out in the report of the working group, published by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.

  On 22 April 1998 the UN Commission on Human Rights decided by consensus to encourage the Chairman of the Working Group to conduct broad informal consultations with the aim of promoting an early agreement on the protocol and to produce a report on the consultations by the end of 1998, including, if possible, recommendations on the best way for the formal negotiations to proceed. The Commission has requested the working group to meet early in 1999 to consider the chairman's report and to report to the 55th session of the Commission on Human Rights. The commission has also reaffirmed the aim of finalising the draft optional protocol by the 10th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1999.

  East Timor
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the proposed EU Troika Ambassadors' visit to East Timor. [40614]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Detailed arrangements for the visit are going ahead, in liaison with EU partners. This is now likely to take place in early June.

  Street Children
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list his Department's missions which have been targeted on the provision of safe havens for street children in Central and South America. [40622]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The following posts have contributed to projects supporting safe havens for street children in Central and South America: Asuncion, Bogota, Brasilia, Caracas, Guatemala City, Lima, Managua, Mexico City, Panama City, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, San Salvador, Sao Paulo and Tegucigalpa.

  Child Labour
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the British and Philippines initiative on child labour. [40628]

  Mr. Fatchett
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and Secretary Siazon of the Philippines announced in London at the Asia-Europe Summit on 1 April the launch of an initiative to promote co-operation between Asia and Europe on child welfare. The initiative will take the form of a meeting of governmental and non-governmental child welfare experts from the ASEM states to take place in London on 6–8 October 1998. The meeting will focus on practical co-operation to promote child welfare and tackle the commercial sexual exploitation of children and child sex tourism. Possible outcomes include improved co-ordination of training programmes, an ASEM children website and a database of child welfare projects. The meeting will also aim to promote best practice and improve co-operation on child welfare issues.

  The initiative will not address directly issues of child labour.

  Ethnic Minority Employees
  Mrs. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what targets he has set for an increase in ethnic minority employees in the Foreign Office. [41010]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The FCO aims to increase the number of ethnic minority applicants to the Diplomatic Service in 1998 by 100 per cent. over the 1996/97 figure of 480. Recruitment will continue to be on the basis of merit.

  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's aim is that at least 10 per cent. of all recruits to the Diplomatic Service in 1998/99 should be from minority ethnic communities.

  Mrs. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what strategy has been devised by Linbert Spencer in respect of increasing the number of ethnic minority employees within his Department. [40922]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The FCO is working to a strategy entitled "Bridges into the Future", devised by Linbert Spencer and endorsed by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, to increase the number of ethnic minority employees. The aim is to create an environment within, and an image of, the FCO which is more attractive to 488
  ethnic minority communities and supportive of ethnic minority staff. The strategy covers various areas of activity: recruitment, media, staff communication, learning and development, community outreach, and specific high profile events.

  The main elements of the recruitment plan are:
  Community Forums: the aim of these is to inform minority ethnic communities and prospective applicants about the role and activities of the FCO. The events are organised in conjunction with minority ethnic groups.Advertorials: A series of targeted advertorials about the FCO in minority ethnic media titles. Advertorials are also being distributed through selected universities and organisations addressing race issues.Recruitment Fair: To be held in FCO on Wednesday 17 June, mainly for graduate level applicants. Minority ethnic applicants are one of the target groups.Other activities include ongoing training for all staff under the headings of Equal Opportunities and Management of Inclusion, a mentoring scheme launched in April 1998, and career auditing which is being prepared.

  Turkey
  Mrs. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens have gone missing in Turkey in the last 10 years; and how many have not subsequently been traced. [40846]

  Mr. Fatchett
  174 British nationals have been reported missing in Turkey in the last 10 years. We have no way of knowing how many people have not subsequently been traced. Friends and relatives are quick to report missing persons but do not usually tell us once the person has made contact. We have information on only one current whereabouts inquiry and we have no reason to believe that any of the 174 others are still missing.

  Mrs. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on diplomatic relations with Turkey. [40847]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We attach great importance to our relations with Turkey, and value our dialogue on a wide range of issues.

  As Presidency of the European Union, we are also working with our European partners and the European Commission to draw up a strategy to prepare Turkey for accession on the basis set out at the December 1997 European Council at Luxembourg.

  Edgar Fernandes
  Mrs. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what negotiations he has had with his Turkish counterparts over the disappearance of Edgar Fernandes; and what representations he has made to the Turkish Government to step up efforts to trace Mr. Fernandes. [40845]

  Mr. Fatchett
  None. Our Consulate in Istanbul has asked the Head Prosecutor in Istanbul to investigate urgently the disappearance of Mr. Fernandes. Our Embassy in Ankara has asked the Head of the Foreign Police in Turkey to take all possible action to trace Mr. Fernandes.
  489
  Mrs. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the whereabouts of Edgar Fernandes, missing in Turkey. [40843]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Representations have been made by several members of Edgar Fernandes' family, their constituency Member of the House, my right hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson) and two Members from the other House.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government are taking to trace the whereabouts of Edgar Fernandes. [40844]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Interpol UK is liaising with the authorities in Turkey, Malta and Egypt to trace Mr. Fernandes. Our staff in Istanbul have raised the matter with the Turkish authorities.

  Echelon System
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the uses of the Echelon system. [40454]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  No. It is long-standing practice not to respond to allegations about the details of intelligence operations.

  Forced Labour
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 24 April 1998,Official Report, columns 721–22, which countries have (a) signed but not ratified and (b) signed and ratified (i) the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, (ii) the United Nations Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery, (iii) the International Labour Organisation Convention (No. 29) concerning forced labour and (iv) the International Labour Organisation Convention (No. 105) concerning the abolition of forced labour. [40832]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The following countries have signed but not ratified the ICCPR:

  Honduras

  Liberia

  Sao Tome and Principe and South Africa

  All other UN member states have ratified the Convention except:

  Andorra

  Antigua and Barbuda

  Bahamas

  Bahrain

  Bangladesh

  Bhutan

  Botswana

  Brunei Darussalam

  Burkina Faso

  Burma

  China

  Comoros

  490

  Cuba

  Djibouti

  Eritrea

  Federated States of Micronesia

  Fiji

  Ghana

  Guinea-Bissau

  Indonesia

  Kazakstan

  Kiribati

  Lao People's Democratic Republic

  Liechtenstein

  Malaysia

  Maldives

  Marshall Islands

  Mauritania

  Monaco

  Nauru

  Oman

  Pakistan

  Palau

  Papua New Guinea

  Qatar

  Saint Kitts and Nevis

  Saint Lucia

  Samoa

  Saudi Arabia

  Singapore

  Solomon Islands

  Swaziland

  Tajikistan

  Tonga

  Turkey

  Tuvalu

  UAE

  Vanuatu

  The following countries have signed but not ratified the UN Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery:

  E1 Salvador

  Liberia and Peru

  All other member states have ratified the Convention except:

  Andorra

  Angola

  Armenia

  Belize

  Benin

  Bhutan

  Botswana

  Brunei Darussalam

  Burkina Faso

  Burma

  Burundi

  Cape Verde

  Chad

  China

  Colombia

  Comoros

  491

  Costa Rica

  DPRK

  DRC

  Equatorial Guinea

  Eritrea

  Estonia

  Federated States of Micronesia

  Gabon

  Gambia

  Georgia

  Grenada

  Guinea-Bissau

  Guyana

  Honduras

  Indonesia

  Japan

  Kazakstan

  Kenya

  Kiribati

  Lebanon

  Liechtenstein

  Lithuania

  Maldives

  Marshall Islands

  Mauritius

  Monaco

  Mozambique

  Namibia

  Nauru

  Oman

  Palau

  Panama

  Papua New Guinea

  Paraguay

  Qatar

  Republic of Korea

  Republic of Moldova

  Rwanda

  Saint Kitts and Nevis

  Samoa

  San Marino

  Sao Tome and Principe

  Somalia

  South Africa

  Swaziland

  Tajikistan

  Thailand

  Tonga

  Tuvalu

  UAE

  Uruguay

  Uzbekistan

  Vanuatu

  Venezuela

  Vietnam

  Yemen.

  492
  The ILO does not have a mechanism for signature without ratification. All UN member states except the following have ratified ILO Convention No. 29:

  Afghanistan

  Andorra

  Armenia

  Bhutan

  Bolivia

  Brunei Darussalam

  Canada

  China

  DPRK

  Equatorial Guinea

  Eritrea

  Ethiopia

  Federated States of Micronesia

  Gambia

  Kazakstan

  Kiribati

  Latvia

  Liechtenstein

  Malawi

  Maldives

  Marshall

  Islands

  Monaco

  Mongolia

  Mozambique

  Namibia

  Nauru

  Nepal

  Oman

  Palau

  Philippines

  Qatar

  Republic of Korea

  Republic of Moldova

  Rwanda

  Saint Kitts and Nevis

  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

  Samoa

  Sao Tome and Principe

  Tonga

  Turkey

  Tuvalu

  USA

  Vanuatu

  Vietnam

  Zimbabwe.

  All UN member states except the following have ratified ILO Convention No. 105:

  Andorra

  Armenia

  Azerbaijan

  Bahrain

  Bhutan

  Bosnia and Herzegovina

  Brunei Darussalam

  Bulgaria

  493

  Burma

  Cambodia

  Chile

  China

  Congo

  DPRK

  DRC

  Equatorial Guinea

  Eritrea

  Ethiopia

  Federated States of Micronesia

  Gambia

  India

  Indonesia

  Japan

  Kazakstan

  Kiribati

  Kyrgyzstan

  Lao People's Democratic Republic

  Lesotho

  Liechtenstein

  Madagascar

  Malawi

  Maldives

  Marshall Islands

  Monaco

  Mongolia

  Namibia

  Nauru

  Nepal

  Oman

  Palau

  Qatar

  Republic of Korea

  Romania

  Russian Federation

  Saint Kitts and Nevis

  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

  Samoa

  Sao Tome and Principe

  Solomon Islands

  Sri Lanka

  Tajikistan

  Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

  Togo

  Tonga

  Tuvalu

  Ukraine

  Vanuatu

  Vietnam

  Yugoslavia

  Zimbabwe.

  Human Rights
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list his Department's missions which were involved in human rights activities in 1997–98. [40624]
  494
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Human rights are a key objective in the FCO's Mission Statement and all overseas posts are aware of their importance. Posts regularly raise human rights issues in bilateral contacts. The Government's first annual report, published in April, illustrates activities in respect of human rights in some 70 countries.

  Council of Europe
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for May and the major European Union events for the next six months. [40785]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [pursuant to his reply, 30 April 1998, c. 215–17]: Owing to an administrative error the monthly forecast of business for May was omitted from the above answer to my hon. Friend.

  A revised table is as follows:

  Monthly Forecast of Business for May 1998

  The following Councils are scheduled:

  May 1998

  1–3

  Brussels

  Ecofin & Special EMU Council

  7

  Brussels

  Industry Council

  11

  Brussels

  Energy Council (t.b.c.)

  18

  Brussels

  Development Council

  18

  Brussels

  Internal Market Council

  19

  Brussels

  Telecommunications Council

  19

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  25–26

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  25–26

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  28

  Brussels

  Culture and Audiovisual

  28–29

  Brussels

  Justice & Home Affairs Council

  The following subjects are likely to be discussed:

  May 1–3: ECOFIN & Special EMU Council

  Article 104c excessive deficit procedure (notably abrogations of excessive deficit decisions).

  Council recommendations under Article 109j(2).

  Decision under Article 109j(4), on the basis of the recommendations of the Council, taking into account the reports of the Commission and the EMI and the opinion of the European Parliament.

  Council conclusions pre-announcing the bilateral conversion rates of participating member states.

  Council recommendation on the appointment of the members of the Executive Board of the ECB.

  Formal adoption of: Council regulation on the introduction of the euro (Article 109i(4)), and Council regulation on denominations and technical specifications of euro coins (Article 105a(2)).

  May 7: Industry Council

  Factors affecting competitiveness and finance for innovation: Debate.

  Shipbuilding: Adoption of new Council Regulation on State aids. State Aid: Procedural regulation: Orientation debate.

  Entrepreneurship: Exchange of views on Commission Communication, BEST report and Enterprising Europe Conference.

  SMEs: Presentation of draft Directive on Late Payment.

  Steel: Council Resolution on financial aspects of expiry of the ECSC Treaty.

  Steel State Aid Monitoring Report: Commission presentation.

  PECOs steel industry: Commission Communication.
  495
  Delocalisation: Information from the Commission.

  Textile industry: Council Conclusions.

  Construction industry: Council Conclusions.

  Century date change problem: Presentation of the Commission's Communication.

  High Level Group on Industrial Change (Gyllenhammar Group): Information from the Commission.

  May 11: Energy Council (tbc)

  Amended Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas: Progress report following adoption of common position.

  Proposal for a Council Decision concerning a framework programme for energy activities in the energy sector (1998–2002): Adoption.

  Proposal for Council Decision concerning a multi-annual programme for the promotion of renewable energy sources in the Community (ALTENER II): Adoption.

  Energy and Environment, covering—Climate change: The Energy response to Kyoto—White Paper on renewables and Action Plan—Communication on combined heat and power—Communication on the economics of energy efficiency and new energy technologies (possible item): Open debate and Council conclusions.

  Implementation of the Electricity Directive: Presentation and debate.

  Report on the Review of Coal State Aids Decision: (possible) Presentation by the Commission.

  Clean Coal Technology: (possible) Presentation by the Commission.

  Organisation of co-operation around agreed Community energy objectives: (possible) Council resolution.

  Communication and Proposal to amend Directive 68/414 on compulsory oil stocks: (possible) Presentation by the Commission.

  European Energy Charter Treaty: State of affairs.

  Euro-Mediterranean conference: Preparation for ministerial meeting.

  May 18: Development Council (Provisional agenda)

  Future ACP/EU relations.

  Council conclusions on the international development targets.

  Follow-up to the 1993 Poverty Resolution.

  Follow-up to the 1995 Gender Resolution.

  Evaluation of Community projects in the ACP: Progress report. Commission paper on indigenous peoples.

  Micro-finance.

  Final adoption of Regulations currently under discussion.

  Follow-up to the DAC review.

  Food Aid (possible item).

  Humanitarian Aid (possible item).

  May 18: Internal Market Council

  Action plan for the Single Market—Updated version of the "scoreboard"—Joint Work Programme of the three Presidencies—Standards—"Citizen First": Progress reports, debate.

  Simplification of legislation—SLIM initiative—BEST project: Progress report by the Commission, debate.

  Proposal for a Regulation on free movement of goods: Adoption.

  European company statute: Common position.

  Directive on Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances: Common position.

  Directive to extend product liability to foodstuffs: Common position.

  Directive on construction of buses and coaches: Common position (possible item).
  496
  Directive on type approval of vehicles for transporting animals: Common position.

  3rd Directive on Mutual Recognition of Qualifications: Common position.

  Revision of Regulation on EMEA fees: Adoption.

  Amendments of Community Customs Code (non-transit articles): Common position (possible item).

  Intellectual property rights for the Information Society: Common position (possible item).

  Directive on legal protection of designs: Adoption (possible item).

  Directive on legal protection of biotechnical inventions: Adoption (possible item).

  Completing the Single Market for Pharmaceuticals: Presentation by the Commission (possible item).

  Directive on Electronic Commerce: presentation by the Commission.

  May 19: Telecommunications Council

  Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on digital signatures and security of communications: (possible) Common position.

  Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision on universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS): Common position.

  Multiannual Community Action Plan on promoting safe use of the Internet: Adoption.

  Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision on Interchange of Data between Administrations (IDA II): (possible) Common position.

  May 19: ECOFIN Council

  Preliminary Draft Budget proposals for 1999: Commission presentation.

  Employment: Preparation of Cardiff European Council. SEM 2000.

  Fight Against Fraud 1997: Progress report.

  Fight Against Fraud 1998–99: Work programme.

  Alcohol and tobacco fraud: Report.

  Supplementary pensions (follow up to green paper): Presentation/debate.

  SLIM (VAT) proposals: Orientation debate (possible item).

  Preparation of Stage 3 of EMU.

  Agenda 2000: Preparation of Cardiff European Council.

  May 25–26: General Affairs Council

  Council Decision on EC/Pakistan and EC/Bangladesh agreements (A point).

  Euratom/Japan nuclear co-operation agreement: Negotiating directives (possible A Point).

  Report on Joint Action on Racism and Xenophobia.

  Lomé.

  Mediterranean Policy.

  G7/G8 Summit: Report.

  EU/US Summit: Report.

  EU/Canada Summit: Report.

  Preparations for Cardiff European Council (possible item).

  Mexico (possible item).

  Western Balkans.

  Great Lakes.

  Middle East Peace Process.

  Armaments Exports Policy (possible item).

  World Trade Organisation: Ministerial report.

  Russia: World Trade Organisation Accession.

  China: World Trade Organisation Accession.

  Commission Communication on China (possible item).
  497
  May 25–26: Agriculture Council

  Agenda not yet available.

  May 28: Culture and Audiovisual

  Proposal for a European Parliament and Council decision establishing a Community initiative for the "European City of Culture" event after 2001: Common position.

  The future of co-operation in the cultural field—proposal for a framework programme to replace Kaleidoscope, Ariane, Raphael: Presentation and political debate.

  Green Paper on culture and employment: Political debate.

  Second report on the integration of cultural aspects into European Community action (Art 128 paragraph 4 of the Treaty): Presentation by the Commission.

  Proposal for a Council recommendation concerning the protection of minors and human dignity in audiovisual and information services: Adoption.

  European Audiovisual Conference—Birmingham 6–8 April 1998: Information by the Presidency.

  Green paper on cultural diversity in audiovisual and information

  services: Presentation by the Commission (possible item).

  Green Paper on the regulatory implications of the technical convergence of telecommunications, media and information technologies: Presentation by the Commission (possible item).

  May 28–29: Justice and Home Affairs

  Convention on Admission of Third Country Nationals (possible item).

  Council decision on monitoring of implementation of asylum instruments.

  Joint Action on Temporary Protection.

  Eurodac: Implementation: Technical specifications (possible item).

  Joint action on uniform sheet for affixing visas where person not in possession of a recognised document.

  Schengen: Negotiations with Norway and Iceland.

  Elements of Organised Crime Action Plan (report to the European Council).

  Pre-Accession Pact on Organised Crime.

  Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance.

  Drugs activities: Progress report.

  Terrorist Funding (or other measures/discussions of terrorism).

  Europol: Implementation: Review of progress.

  Action taken under Joint Action on MOUs between customs administrations and the business community: Report.

  Action taken on the Resolution on Customs/Police Co-operation: Report.

  Action Plan on Customs controls of container traffic (possible item).

  Joint action on Confiscation of Drug Traffickers' Assets.

  Joint action on Payment Card Crime.

  Explanatory reports on Fraud/Corruption instruments.

  Instrument on private sector corruption.

  Convention on Driving Disqualification: Conclusion and signature.

  Brussels II Convention on matrimonial matters: Conclusion and signature.

  Review of progress and prospects in other civil judicial co-operation matters: Revision of Brussels and Lugano Conventions: European Enforcement Order.

  Racism and Xenophobia: Report on implementation.

  European Calendar: May-October 1998

  This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.
  498

  May 1998

  1–3

  Brussels

  Ecofin and Special EMU Council

  5

  Brussels

  Political Committee (t.b.c.)

  5–6

  Belfast

  EU Ministers Womens Forum

  (Informal)

  7

  Brussels

  Industry Council

  7–8

  Barbados

  ACP-EC Council

  8

  London

  EU/Japan Troika Ministerial (t.b.c.)

  8–9

  London

  G8 Foreign and Finance Ministerial

  10–12

  Newcastle

  Meeting of Agriculture Ministers

  11

  Brussels

  Energy Council (t.b.c.)

  11

  Brussels

  Euro-Med Energy Ministerial

  11–15

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  12

  Brussels

  Political Committee

  14

  London

  EU/Canada Summit

  14–15

  London

  Innovative Partnerships for Competitiveness Conference

  14–16

  London

  Conference on Culture and Employment

  15–17

  Birmingham

  G8 Summit

  18

  London

  EU/US Summit

  18

  Brussels

  Development Council

  18

  Brussels

  Internal Market Council

  18–20

  Northern

  Regional Affairs Committee Ireland

  19

  London

  Conference on Developing EU Public Health Policy

  19

  Brussels

  Telecommunications Council

  19

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

HEALTH

  Ill Health
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the linkage between increased absolute and relative ill health and (i) social and (ii) economic classification. [28827]

  Ms Jowell
  We have commissioned Sir Donald Acheson to carry out an Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health, which, as part of its work, is reviewing the link between inequalities in health and social and economic status. The White Paper which will follow the Our Healthier Nation Green Paper will set out the Government's approach to research on public health and inequalities in health. On 6 May I announced that the Department had commissioned eight research projects at a cost of £1.7 million to examine practical means of addressing health inequalities.

  Nicotine Replacement Therapy
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will commission research in order to assess the use of nicotine replacement therapy; [39569]

  (2) what plans he has to encourage the use of nicotine replacement therapy to wean people from smoking; [39567]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy. [39568]

  Ms Jowell
  We are currently considering ways in which to help people quit smoking, including the role of nicotine replacement therapies and their effectiveness, as part of our strategy to reduce tobacco consumption.
  499
  Our conclusions will form part of the Tobacco Control White Paper, which will be published later this year.

  Vitamin C
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of recent research concerning the adverse effects of excess intake of vitamin C; and if he will make a statement on the procedures used by the Government to advise the public on such matters. [40012]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department is aware of recent research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and carried out at the University of Leicester on possible adverse effects of excess intake of vitamin C.

  An expert group on vitamins and minerals is being established to look at the need for safety limits on the levels of vitamins and minerals in dietary supplements. It will review the available science and, where appropriate, recommend maximum levels. The new expert group will report to the Food Advisory Committee which will consider its findings and make recommendations to Ministers. Ministers will then consider what action is necessary and how to advise the public on any risks.

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) health care assistants and percentage of health care assistants within the total NHS HCHS workforce in north west regional office area by trust as at 30 September 1996

  Whole-time equivalents

  HCAs

  Total HCHS workforce

  Percentage of total HCHS workforce

  North West

  1,830

  97,020

  1.9

  Mersey Regional Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  1—

  970

  0.0

  Wirral Hospital NHS Trust

  10

  3,610

  0.3

  St. Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust

  110

  3,280

  3.4

  Chester and Halton Community NHS Trust

  30

  640

  4.7

  Liverpool Cardiothoracic NHS Trust

  1—

  630

  0.0

  Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital NHS Trust

  2—

  1,690

  0.0

  The Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust

  150

  1,990

  7.5

  Central Manchester Healthcare NHS Trust

  2—

  4,810

  0.0

  Christie Hospital NHS Trust

  2—

  1,040

  0.0

  South Cumbria Community and Mental Health NHS Trust

  10

  530

  1.9

  Westmorland Hospitals NHS Trust

  1—

  500

  0.0

  Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust

  110

  3,250

  3.4

  Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology NHS Trust

  1—

  330

  0.0

  Liverpool Womens Hospital NHS Trust

  80

  730

  11.0

  Southport and Formby NHS Trust

  10

  1,210

  0.8

  St. Helens and Knowsley Community Health NHS Trust

  1—

  620

  0.0

  North Mersey Community NHS Trust

  20

  2,240

  0.9

  Walton Centre for Neurology/Neurosurgery NHS Trust

  10

  380

  2.6

  Burnley Health Care NHS Trust

  2—

  3,100

  0.0

  Lancaster Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  1—

  1,540

  0.0

  Lancaster Priority Services NHS Trust

  2—

  1,170

  0.0

  Oldham NHS Trust

  60

  2,640

  2.3

  Wrightington Hospital NHS Trust

  1—

  420

  0.0

  Rochdale NHS Trust

  2—

  2,240

  0.0

  East Cheshire NHS Trust

  20

  1,990

  1.0

  Southport and Formby Community Health Services NHS Trust

  1—

  520

  0.0

  Warrington Community Health Care NHS Trust

  1—

  1,130

  0.0

  Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Trust

  70

  1,660

  4.2

  Halton General Hospital NHS Trust

  20

  730

  2.7

  Cheshire Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  1—

  630

  0.0

  Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust

  1—

  1,520

  0.0

  West Lancashire NHS Trust

  30

  1,250

  2.4

  Calderstones NHS Trust

  20

  1,260

  1.6

  Wigan and Leigh Health Services NHS Trust

  10

  3,830

  0.3

  Warrington Hospital NHS Trust

  240

  1,810

  13.3

  West Cheshire NHS Trust

  50

  660

  7.6

  Wirral Community Health Care NHS Trust

  20

  1,130

  1.8

  Hospital Closures
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the hospitals in England and Wales currently subject to proposals for(a) closure and (b) downgrading. [40483]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Health Care Assistants
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to National Health Service trusts on the provision of training for health care assistants. [40469]

  Mr. Milburn
  The provision of training for health care assistants is the responsibility of National Health Service employers.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list (a) the number of health care assistants employed by each National Health Service trust in the North West Region and (b) the percentage of the total trust workforce each figure represents. [40470]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is given in the table.
  501

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) health care assistants and percentage of health care assistants within the total NHS HCHS workforce in north west regional office area by trust as at 30 September 1996

  Whole-time equivalents

  HCAs

  Total HCHS workforce

  Percentage of total HCHS workforce

  South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust

  2—

  4,690

  0.0

  Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust

  10

  2,800

  0.4

  Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust

  10

  2,170

  0.5

  Mancunian Community Health NHS Trust

  10

  1,170

  0.9

  Furness Hospitals NHS Trust

  1—

  1,150

  0.0

  Greater Manchester Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  210

  940

  322.3

  Blackburn Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Healthcare NHS Trust

  10

  2,560

  0.4

  Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust

  90

  2,730

  3.3

  Lancashire Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  1—

  630

  0.0

  Communicare NHS Trust

  2—

  930

  0.0

  Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  110

  2,790

  3.9

  Guild Community Health Care NHS Trust

  2—

  1,050

  0.0

  Mental Health Services of Salford NHS Trust

  1—

  1,370

  0.0

  Salford Community Health Care NHS Trust

  1—

  610

  0.0

  North Manchester Health Care NHS Trust

  10

  2,730

  0.4

  Blackpool Wyre and Fylde Community Health Services NHS Trust

  1—

  2,040

  0.0

  Community Healthcare Bolton NHS Trust

  2—

  640

  0.0

  Bury Health Care NHS Trust

  1—

  1,890

  0.0

  Tameside and Glossop Acute Services NHS Trust

  1—

  1,430

  0.0

  Tameside and Glossop Community/Priority Services NHS Trust

  20

  1,390

  1.4

  Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS Trust

  2—

  2,360

  0.0

  Stockport Acute Services NHS Trust

  40

  1,770

  2.3

  Stockport Healthcare NHS Trust

  60

  1,860

  3.2

  Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust

  170

  3,970

  4.3

  Manchester Childrens Hospitals NHS Trust

  2—

  1,230

  0.0

  1Denotes zero

  2Denotes less than five and greater than zero

  3The 210 HCA's for Greater Manchester Ambulance Service NHS Trust are ambulance care assistants

  Notes:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest ten. Percentages were calculated using the unrounded figures

  Source:

  Department of Health medical and dental and non-medical workforce censuses 1996. The NHS Occupation Code manual defines Health Care Assistants as support staff who are trained, or who are undertaking training, in the various competences related to their job through NVQ or other local HCA training. The figures in the table exclude staff acting as unqualified nurses or therapy helpers or assistants

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health care assistants in England and Wales have obtained national vocational qualifications; and what percentage of the total number of health care assistants that figure represents. [40468]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Incontinence
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when national guidance will be issued to the National Health Service on the treatment of incontinence. [41055]

  Mr. Milburn
  The National Health Service Executive will conduct a review of continence policy to ensure that the most appropriate and effective continence services are being planned and delivered. The aim will be to issue further guidance on continence services based on the conclusions of the review once it has been completed.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of funding his Department has given to voluntary organisations providing support for incontinent people in the UK seeking advice and products outside the NHS. [41053]
  502
  Mr. Milburn
  The Department runs a scheme whereby voluntary organisations operating in the health and personal social services field can apply for grants under Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. The following amounts have been paid under this scheme:

  Year

  £

  1990–91

  10,000

  1991–92

  nil

  1992–93

  56,250

  1993–94

  197,572

  1994–95

  164,559

  1995–96

  197,593

  1996–97

  182,492

  1997–98

  56,000

  1998–99

  54,750

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation he has had with pharmacists and other health retailers on the future supply of continence pads through the retail sector; and when these meetings were held. [41054]

  Mr. Milburn
  There have been no such meetings as there are no plans to change the basis of supply of continence pads from the National Health Service to the retail sector.

  Neurological Diseases
  Dr. Desmond Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the incidence of(a) multiple sclerosis, (b) motor neurone disease and (c) Alzheimer's disease from 1968 to the present year, broken down by five year intervals. [40862]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not collected in the form requested. However, the information available on the prevalence rates per 10,000 person years at risk are as follows:

  1981–82

  1991–92

  Multiple sclerosis

  8

  7

  Motor neurone disease

  n/a

  0.6

  Alzheimer's disease

  n/a

  1.2

  Information from "Morbidity Statistics from General Practice 1991–1992" gives the following figures:

  Incidence rates per 10,000 person years at risk

  Incidence rates

  Multiple sclerosis

  0.5

  Motor neurone disease

  0.1

  Alzheimer's disease

  0.3

  Hospital Waiting Times
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the current waiting times for each medical specialty for each hospital in England and Wales. [40840]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested for England is not available centrally. Information for Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Insulin Pen Needles
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the extra cost of allowing general practitioners to prescribe injection pen needles to diabetic patients; and how many people would benefit from this change. [40777]

  Mr. Milburn
  Departmental officials are in discussion with the major suppliers of insulin injection pen needles with a view to refining the cost estimates which are currently between £10 million and £30 million a year. In its different forms diabetes is estimated to affect 2.4 per cent. of the adult population in this country—that is over one million people. 10 to 15 per cent. of those with diabetes are dependent on regular insulin injections and could therefore benefit.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons he did not include targets for oral health in his Green Paper, "Our Healthier Nation". [40306]
  504
  Ms Jowell
  The Green Paper, "Our Healthier Nation", proposes national targets for improving health in those four areas responsible for the most significant incidence of premature death and avoidable ill health. The proposed targets are:
  to reduce the death rate from heart disease and stroke and related diseases (i.e. all circulatory diseases combined) among people aged under 65 by at least one third (33 per cent.) by the year 2010 from a baseline at 1996;to reduce the death rate from all cancers combined among people aged under 65 by at least one fifth (20 per cent.) by the year 2010 from a baseline at 1996;to reduce the rate of suicide and undetermined injury deaths for all ages by at least one sixth (17 per cent.) by the year 2010 from a baseline at 1996;to reduce the rate of occurrence of accidents (defined as those accidents requiring medical attention at a hospital or by a family doctor) for all people aged 2 and above by at least one fifth (20 per cent.) by the year 2010 from a baseline at 1996.
  Local targets will be set to meet particular local needs, which could include oral health. In addition, the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn), announced to the British Dental Association on 24 April 1998 that oral health would feature in every health improvement programme.

  The public consultation on "Our Healthier Nation" ran until 30 April and will be followed with a White Paper later this year.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the provision of nursery education. [40049]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  149 out of 150 LEAs have produced Early Years Development Plans demonstrating how they will work in partnership with the private and voluntary sectors to provide a free, high quality, nursery education place from this September for all four year olds whose parents want one.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent assessment he has made of nursery provision within East Sussex; and if he will make a statement. [40068]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Early Years Development Plan from East Sussex, showing how a free early education place for all four-year-olds whose parents want one will be secured from September 1998, was approved on 27 March.

  Schools Spending
  Mr. Barley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from shire county local education authorities in relation to spending on schools. [40051]

  Mr. Byers
  My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations.

  Educational Opportunities
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made on enhancing out of school hours educational opportunities for pupils in the last year. [40053]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have successfully piloted 50 summer schools supporting 1,500 pupils and have expanded the programme elevenfold in 1998 to cover 560 schools and 16,000 pupils. With the help of practitioners and non-government policy makers we have published a national framework for study support. We have also set up study support centres at Newcastle United and Sheffield Wednesday football clubs. In addition, £200 million from the New Opportunities Fund is being made available to support out of school hours learning activities, and 50 pilot projects for this initiative are already underway.

  Child Care
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how he intends to improve the availability of information about child care services. [40056]

  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve the availability of information about child care services. [40067]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  We recognise how important it is that all parents have access to information that allows them to choose child care to meet their children's needs. We will shortly be publishing a Green Paper on the national child care strategy, which will consider how good quality information services can be made available in all areas.

  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what role he plans for employers in the development of the national child care strategy. [40065]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral reply I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, South (Miss Begg).

  New Deal
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received on the "New Deal for Schools Capital Programme for England 1998–99" since its publication; and if he will make a statement. [40059]

  Mr. Byers
  The over £500 million investment arising from the second round of the New Deal for schools will bring badly needed improvements to over 4,000 schools and we have received many representations supporting this programme.

  Mrs. McGuire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements his Department has made to help young unemployed people travel to work and training opportunities under the new deal. [40072]
  506
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We have negotiated reduced fares with the Association of Train Operating Companies which will offer New Deal participants 50 per cent. reductions in fares. London Transport (underground and buses) will offer the same discount. In addition, 55 agreements with bus and coach companies throughout the country have been signed, resulting in discounts of between 50 per cent. and 80 per cent.

  In addition, young unemployed people on New Deal on the Full Time Education and Training, Voluntary Service and Environment Task Force Options have their travelling costs reimbursed either through an allowance or by the provider.

  Summer Literacy Provision
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for summer literacy school provision. [40060]

  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans for summer literacy schools. [40063]

  Mr. Byers
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced at the Secondary Heads Association conference on March 21, 562 new Summer Literacy Schools for 1998. This is an eleven fold expansion of the 1997 pilot scheme.

  Sixth-form Colleges
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the funding of sixth-form colleges. [40061]

  Dr. Howells
  This Government have announced an additional £100 million for the further education sector, including sixth-form colleges, over and above the plans of the previous Government. Funding for 1999–2000 and beyond will be announced later this year.

  School Maintenance
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools have benefited from the extra money made available for repairs and maintenance since May 1997. [40062]

  Mr. Byers
  Over 6,000 schools have benefited from the first two rounds of the New Deal for Schools programme. There will be further rounds and we expect this programme to result in an extra £2 billion being spent on improving our schools by the end of this Parliament. In addition we will be announcing in June which schools will benefit from the £35 million made available to remove the need for outside toilets and the £15 million for energy enhancement measures which were included in the March Budget.

  Students (Financing)
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent representations he has received about financing students in higher education. [40064]
  507
  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received a number of recent representations about our plans for reforming the student support arrangements. We have been keeping in close touch with interested bodies such as the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals, the Student Loans Company, the Inland Revenue, the Local Government Association and the National Union of Students and other student bodies and we have been developing the arrangements in consultation with them.

  University Applications
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the latest university applications figures. [40066]

  Dr. Howells
  Figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show an increase as at 20 March of nearly 1 per cent. in home student applicants to full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses aged under 21 compared with the position at the same stage last year. The most recent figures for home applicants of all ages show that overall numbers are around 2 per cent. lower. However, the indications are that more people have been applying later as they have become clearer about the Government's proposals. We expect further applications to be submitted, particularly from people aged 21 and over, who tend to apply later than younger applicants.

  Education Spending (Rutland)
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to review the funding formula for education spending in Rutland. [40069]

  Mr. Byers
  The Government are reviewing the education standard spending assessment formula, which is used to provide support for local education authorities. Decisions on the methodology for 1999–2000 will be announced in the autumn.

  School Governing Bodies
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received about the membership of school governing bodies. [40070]

  Mr. Byers
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received representations about minor authority representation on primary school governing bodies, although there was generally broad support for the proposals set out in the Technical Consultation Paper. Since the publication of the School Standards and Framework Bill he has received 116 such representations from hon. Members on behalf of Parish and Town Councils in their constituencies.

  Student Statistics
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students began courses at universities and colleges in the UK in(a) 1975, (b) 1980, (c) 1985 and (d) 1990. [40071]

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

  Entrants' to higher education in the UK

  Academic Year

  Numbers (000)

  1975–76

  322

  1980–81

  361

  1985–86

  433

  1990–91

  560

  1 Full-time and part-time, home and overseas, postgraduate and undergraduate. Includes the Open University

  Playing Fields
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the decrease in acreage of school playing fields in each of the last three years. [40058]

  Mr. Byers
  The Department does not currently collate this information. Information will, however, be available after the School Standards and Framework Bill is enacted. From then, local authorities, governing bodies and foundation bodies will require the prior consent of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State before disposing of school playing fields.

  Key Test Results
  Mr. Dorrell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools did not publish results for(a) Key Stage 2 tests and (b) Key Stage 3 tests in 1997. [40941]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  In January 1997 Local Education Authorities published comparative tables of primary school performance at Key Stage 2. Twenty three schools did not submit results for publication through the National Data Collection exercise. School performance data are only published for LEA maintained and GM maintained mainstream schools. This analysis, therefore does not include special schools. Schools whose results were unavailable for reasons beyond their control have also been excluded from this analysis. Data on individual school performance at Key Stage 3 were not published in 1997 and are now a matter for individual local education authorities, who are being encouraged to publish additional local information.

  Education Funding
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what funding allocations for education, in addition to the revenue support grant, his Department has made since 1 May 1997 to(a) Shropshire County Council and (b) Telford and Wrekin Council. [40551]
  509
  Mr. Byers
  The table shows the increase in non RSG funding for Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin County Councils that the Department has made since 1 May 1997.

  Non-RSG funding for Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin—from 1 May 1997

  £000

  Shropshire

  Telford and Wrekin

  Capital Allocations

  New Deal for Schools Round 1: 1997–98

  185

  1n/a

  Supplementary Credit Approvals: 1997–98

  500

  1n/a

  New Deal for Schools Round 2: 1998–99

  1,184

  674

  Annual Capital Guideline: 1998–99

  2,013

  474

  Supplementary Credit Approvals: 1998–99

  2,151

  166

  Voluntary Aided Grant: 1998–99

  120

  246

  Standards Fund

  Books for schools: 1997–98

  233

  1n/a

  Publication of primary school performance tables: 1997–98

  6

  1n/a

  Standards fund programme: 1998–99

  2,394

  1,997

  Total

  8,786

  3,557

  Grant under Section 488 of the Education Act 1996

  For the education of children of Travellers and displaced persons: 1997–98

  2804

  2—

  For the education of children of Travellers and displaced persons: 1998–99

  2829

  2—

  1 Wrekin is a new LEA and therefore only eligible for funding from the beginning of 1998–99 financial year

  2 There are no separate figures available for these grants for Shropshire or Wrekin, as they are part of a consortium arrangement with eleven other authorities to deliver services under the Grant in the West Midlands region. Wrekin are included but do not have separate grants

  Notes:

  Figures for the 2nd round of New Deal for Schools allocations are totals to be phased over the next three years

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the changes made to the Further Education Funding Council's funding methodology for 1998–99 and their intended impact on participation rates. [40780]

  Dr. Howells
  The FEFC has introduced for the 1998/99 academic year a widening participation factor employing the DETR index of relative deprivation. In addition, all colleges below the convergence objective of £16.20 per 510
  funding unit will be lifted to that level in 1998/99 (except in respect of any franchised provision where the value of the unit would remain at the 1997/98 level); all colleges above the convergence level are expected to be brought to that level over the next three years. On dedicated provision delivered for an employer, the units claimable are reduced by one third. There will be an increase in the London weighting factor.

  On the basis of the additional funds which the government have announced, the number of FEFC-funded FIE students are expected to be some 20,000 higher in the 1998/99 academic year than in 1997/98.

  A-level Examinations
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement regarding the role of A-level examinations. [40052]

  Dr. Howells
  GCE A levels remain the principal qualification for young people taking advanced level programmes between the ages of 16 and 19. They are an important entry route into Higher Education. In line with our manifesto commitment, we have recently announced measures to broaden the A level curriculum, while maintaining rigorous standards.

  New Deal (Cornwall)
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on progress in the Cornwall New Deal Pathfinder. [40057]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  It is, of course, early days for this ambitious undertaking, but I am encouraged by the start to the Cornwall New Deal Pathfinder. 1,919 Clients have been invited to initial Gateway interview. The destinations of the 380 who have left the Gateway are as follows:
  106 into unsubsidised jobs;140 into subsidised jobs;76 into the Full Time Education and Training Options;58 into the Voluntary Sector and Environment Task Force Option.

  National Vocational Qualifications
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what resources he is making available for the reappraisal and updating of current NVQ standards. [40054]

  Dr. Howells
  The resources available for updating occupational standards are estimated to be some £5 million this year.

  Sierra Leone Coup
  Sierra Leone Coup
  Sudan: Humanitarian Aid
  Sudan: Humanitarian Aid
  Sudan: Aid Programme
  Sudan: Aid Programme
  Sudan: Food Needs
  Sudan: Food Needs
  Bosnia: Arms Industry
  Bosnia: Arms Industry
  Ascension Island: Civilian Flights
  Ascension Island: Civilian Flights
  Sierra Leone: Detainees
  Sierra Leone: Detainees
  Nigeria
  Nigeria
  Turkey: Human Rights
  Turkey: Human Rights
  Armed Conflict: Recruitment of Children
  Armed Conflict: Recruitment of Children
  Estonian Nationals: Belgian Visa Requirements
  Estonian Nationals: Belgian Visa Requirements
  Europe Day
  Europe Day
  Provisional Driving Licences
  Provisional Driving Licences
  Vehicle Recall System
  Vehicle Recall System
  Climate Change Research
  Climate Change Research
  Jubilee Line Opening
  Jubilee Line Opening
  Cryptosporidium in Drinking Water
  Cryptosporidium in Drinking Water
  WTO: Precautionary Principle
  WTO: Precautionary Principle
  ACPO: Administration and Licensing of Firearms Sub-Committee
  ACPO: Administration and Licensing of Firearms Sub-Committee
  NHS Trusts in Wales
  NHS Trusts in Wales
  Wales: Hospital Waiting Lists
  Wales: Hospital Waiting Lists
  Identity Card Scheme: Costs
  Identity Card Scheme: Costs
  Venture Trust: Applecross Project
  Venture Trust: Applecross Project
  Europol: Consultation on Draft Protocol
  Europol: Consultation on Draft Protocol
  Europol: Management Board
  Europol: Management Board
  Maritime Volunteer Service: Formal Recognition
  Maritime Volunteer Service: Formal Recognition
  Northern Ireland: Prosecution of Terrorist Acts
  Northern Ireland: Prosecution of Terrorist Acts
  Eating Disorders
  Eating Disorders
  Complementary and Alternative Therapies
  Complementary and Alternative Therapies