Written Answers of 11 November 1998

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Government Property Lawyers
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer of 14 November 1997, Official Report, columns 683-84, concerning the Quinquennial Review of Government Property Lawyers, if he is able to report on the outcome of that review. [59646]

  The Attorney-General
  I am able to report that, following an evaluation of Government Property Lawyers and a further Prior Options Study, I have concluded that against the background of a declining work load the business of the GPL Agency has become non-viable and is likely to remain so and there is no longer a requirement to maintain a central conveyancing function in the public sector. Accordingly, the Government Property Lawyers Agency will close by 30 September 1999. 1 recognise that this announcement will come as a disappointment to the staff of the GPL. I should like, however, to pay tribute to their hard work and their commitment to the agency over the years.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Swanwick
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the steps taken to establish that no conflict of interest arose as a result of the Chairman of the DERA audit of Swanwick being also Chairman of EHI and Megitt. [58220]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 3 November 1998]: Before his appointment in June as Chairman of the DERA Audit, Sir Donald Spiers told my Department about those companies with which he was then involved and which had a connection with Lockheed Martin, namely EHI and Meggitt.

  EHI is a trading company concerned with the provision of the EH101 helicopter. The MOD selected this helicopter for a Royal Navy role, and then separately selected Lockheed Martin to provide systems for it. Meggitt has a contract to supply military aircraft parts to a different part of the Lockheed Martin organisation from that which is working on the Swanwick centre.

  We have also examined Sir Donald's involvement with Siemens Plessey Electronic Systems (SPES). Sir Donald ceased to be a non-executive director of SPES some two months before undertaking the DERA audit, and was unaware of the links between SPES and Lockheed Martin since he was concerned only with the defence interests of SPES.
  188
  We are satisfied that these links do not give rise to a conflict of interest with Sir Donald's chairmanship of the DERA audit.

  Single Regeneration Budget
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of single regeneration budget money was given to schemes in seaside towns in each of the previous four SRB rounds. [58783]

  Mr. Meale
  As SRB funding is allocated to comprehensive schemes which may cover whole local authority districts or even counties, rather than specific towns within these areas, precise figures for the funding given to schemes in seaside towns are difficult to produce. However, of the total resources allocated under Rounds 1–3 of the Single Regeneration Budget, 4 per cent. (or £126.5 million) was targeted on schemes in 35 local authority districts classified as 'resort, retirement and port areas' by the 1991 Office for National Statistics (ONS) classification of districts. In SRB Round 4 a further £9.2 million, or 2.9 per cent. of the total, was allocated to schemes in the 'resort, retirement and port' category of the 1991 ONS classification.

  Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. [58789]

  Mr. Meale
  Proposals for improving the protection afforded to Sites of Special Interest (SSSI) are currently under consideration. Also, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee is reviewing the rationale behind the listing of threatened species on the Schedules associated with the Act. If appropriate, specific proposals for amending the Act will be put forward.

  Airport Security Alerts
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many security alerts have occurred at(a) Heathrow, (b) Gatwick and (c) Stansted airports in each of the last three years. [58740]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The number of security alerts reported to the Department which involved the closure of all or part of the airport or pro-active response by the police, security staff or explosives officers is as follows:

  1996

  1997

  1998 (to end of October)

  Heathrow

  21

  23

  13

  Gatwick

  13

  16

  2

  Stansted

  3

  3

  2

  Railfreight Link
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if his Department will give Government grant towards the proposed piggyback railfreight project to link the West Coast Main Line with mainland Europe. [58966]
  189
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Full grade piggyback would need considerable investment in infrastructure improvements and significant Government grant support. Railtrack has been in discussion with DETR officials for many months about the scheme.

  Ministers are aware of recent press speculation that Railtrack is minded not to got through with the scheme and instead to propose an alternative freight upgrade to a smaller gauge but over more of the network. We have yet to receive a grant application from Railtrack. Any such application will be treated on its merits.

  Red Fox
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the density of the red fox per square kilometre in each region of Great Britain. [59040]

  Mr. Meale
  Information in this form is not available.

  The latest estimate (1994) for Great Britain of a total pre-breeding population was about 240,000. These comprised 195,000 in England, 23,000 in Scotland and 22,000 in Wales.

  Sellafield
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the recent Environment Agency proposed decision concerning the MOX plant at Sellafield. [58780]

  Mr. Meale
  The Agency's draft determination was received in my Department on 2 November. Requests have been made to Ministers to call in the application for their own determination. These requests are being considered carefully and my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will announce their decision as soon as they are able to do so.

  Cetaceans
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment the Government have made of the importance of the waters of the Atlantic Frontier as a habitat for whales and dolphins. [59020]

  Mr. Meale
  The Joint Nature Conservation Committee has carried out surveys for cetaceans in this area since 1985. The data point to these waters as being important in a UK context for large whales.

  Welsh Highland Railway
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the proposed Welsh Highland Railway Order. [59307]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The public local inquiry into the application by the Ffestiniog Railway for this Order close on 28 January. The inquiry Inspector's report is being considered by the Secretary of State. A decision will be made as soon as possible.

  Water Supply (Parasites)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals his Department has to protect the United Kingdom's water supply from being infected by parasites which are resistant to current water treatment process. [58714]

  Mr. Meale
  Water companies in England and Wales are under a duty to supply only drinking water that is wholesome. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland are answerable for similar provisions relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  My right hon. Friends the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Public Health announced on 3 November 1998 that the Government have accepted in full the recommendations of the Expert Group, chaired by Professor Ian Bouchier, on Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies. These recommendations were drawn up following a thorough review of the measures necessary to protect drinking water supplies against contamination by the Cryptosporidium parasite and we expect water companies and other authorities to implement them. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment also confirmed his intention to make Regulations in England and Wales that will ensure that water companies take proper precautions against Cryptosporidium contamination.

  Emissions (Kyoto Summit)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to introduce measures to ensure that the emission levels agreed at the Kyoto summit are achieved. [58717]

  Mr. Meacher
  On 26 October the UK became one of the first developed countries to launch a consultation paper on policy options for meeting its Kyoto commitment. The paper lists the steps the Government have already taken to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases and sets out in detail further options. It demonstrates that the UK is well placed to meet both its legally binding Kyoto target to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008 to 2012 and the domestic goal of a 20 per cent. cut in CO2 emissions by 2010. Following the consultation exercise, we shall develop a new climate change programme in good time for ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.

  Drinking Water
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the different sources of drinking water used in the United Kingdom; and what proportion each source contributes to the annual water supply. [58841]

  Mr. Meale
  In England and Wales about one third of drinking water is taken from groundwater sources; one third from upland surface water sources, such as reservoirs, lakes, impoundments and streams; and one third from lowland river sources, direct, or via short term bankside storage or long term storage reservoirs. There are, however, considerable variations in these proportions
  191
  across the country. The position in Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Northern Ireland.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Railtrack about its moratorium on spending on its track and signalling renewal programme. [58843]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None. Railtrack has assured the Department that there is no such moratorium. Railtrack's Network Management Statement sets out the company's expenditure forecasts for track and signalling renewal—£340 million and £200 million respectively for 1998–99 (1997–98 prices)—and the Government expect Railtrack to meet these targets.

  Economic Instruments for Water Pollution
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many responses he received to his consultation document, "Economic Instruments for Water Pollution"; if he will list the respondents; and what arrangements exist for the responses to be viewed. [58967]

  Mr. Meale
  134 organisations responded to the consultation paper "Economic Instruments for Water Pollution". I have placed a list of these in the Library of the House. Responses were also received from 26 individuals. These responses, except those from organisations or individuals who asked for their comments not to be made public, are available to be viewed through the library of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Maritime Services (Charges)
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to issue a consultation paper on a policy for charging for maritime services currently provided free by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [59092]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Within Government, we are currently undertaking a review of policy on charging for maritime services and infrastructure. If we decide to propose new initiatives we shall consult publicly before taking any final decisions.

  Shared Ownership
  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has any plans to continue the Do-It-Yourself shared ownership scheme. [59553]

  Ms Armstrong
  I announced plans on 30 July 1998,Official Report, column 417, to replace Do-It-Yourself Shared Ownership (DIYSO) and the Tenants Incentive Scheme (TIS) with Homebuy. The Housing Corporation has since been consulting on proposals for the new scheme.
  192
  I have received representations that some potential DIYSO purchasers will be unable to afford Homebuy in certain areas. To reflect these concerns I have decided that local authorities should continue to have the option to offer DIYSO through the Local Authority Social Housing Grant mechanism, initially for a further two years, after which I will review the position.

  I believe that there is a strong case for rationalising the home ownership schemes funded through the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme (ADP). Local priorities are likely to result in a higher proportion of the ADP being allocated to rental schemes. With a smaller home ownership programme it makes sense to concentrate resources on a smaller range of schemes which will be simpler for tenants to understand and for landlords to administer.

  The Housing Corporation's conventional shared ownership scheme will continue to be available in its present form. This provides opportunities for low cost home ownership and encourages the development of housing schemes with a mix of tenures.

  We remain fully committed to promoting sustainable home ownership. I am confident that the schemes provided through the Housing Corporation will continue to make an effective contribution to this objective.

  Groundwater
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to protect groundwater. [59640]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have today laid before the House new Regulations (the Groundwater Regulations 1998) which will provide additional protection for groundwater. The Regulations cover England, Wales and Scotland.

  The Regulations introduce controls over disposals to land which could pollute groundwater, prohibit discharges of List I substances to groundwater, and provide powers for the environment agencies to control activities which may pollute groundwater. Activities already controlled by a waste management licence are excluded from the scope of the Regulations since groundwater protection is, where appropriate, already taken into account in waste management assessments.

  Groundwater is an increasingly important good quality resource for drinking water as well as a vital element of the aquatic environment. By affording additional protection to groundwater, the Regulations should help to contain water undertakers' costs where it is necessary to clean up aquifers. There should also be longer term environmental gains through enhanced protection of water quality.

  The Regulations apply to all groundwater and their scope is potentially wide, but the sectors most likely to be affected are those where discharges or disposals to land which could affect groundwater have not been regulated as a matter of course, such as the spreading of used sheep dip.
  193
  The Regulations have been subject to wide public consultation as a result of which my officials and the environment agencies have sought to develop a simplified approach to implementation. The Environment Agency has also issued a consultation paper on a revised charging scheme. This provides for reduced charges for applications for authorisations relating to small and infrequent disposals to land, such as those arising from agriculture. A similar approach is likely in Scotland.

  The Department intends in due course to consult on draft guidance on implementation of the Regulations.

  Radioactive Waste
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the oral Statement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence of 2 November 1998,Official Report, column 540, if he will make a further statement on the timetable for the issue of a consultation paper on radioactive waste management. [59641]

  Mr. Meacher
  The House of Lord Select Committee on Science and Technology's inquiry into "The Management of Nuclear Waste in the UK" is currently taking evidence from interested parties. The inquiry is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Government will respond to the Committee within two months of its report. The Government aim to issue a consultation paper on radioactive waste management about six months after that.

  Policy Appraisal
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish the work commissioned to follow-up the Policy Appraisal and the Environment initiative. [59642]

  Mr. Meacher
  DETR commissioned a report, from consultants EFTEC under the leadership of Prof. David Pearce, which is published today under the title "Review of Technical Guidance on Environmental Appraisal". This important report surveys the range of environmental appraisal guidance methodologies available internationally and points the way to the right technique for appraising different types of decisions. The report concludes that considerable guidance is available, but identifies areas where more guidance would be useful to practitioners. DETR is therefore commissioning work in these areas to make good this gap.

  First, more technical guidance is needed in some areas. The Government will initiate projects with private sector contractors to provide guidance material on Undertaking Multicriteria Analysis and on Undertaking Contingent Valuation, which should be of potential use in both DETR and other Departments.

  Secondly, most existing guidance relates to projects, and somewhat different techniques are needed to help decision makers screen policies and programmes for potential environmental impacts. The Government agree with this finding, and may develop further the guidance that has already been made available to staff.
  194
  The report from professor David Pearce makes a highly constructive contribution to the pursuit of better environmental appraisal in decision making. Through its analysis of existing guidance, it will be of use not just to the UK Government, but to all who want to consider the environmental impacts of decision making. The Government accept the conclusions about the areas where further work would be useful—Green Ministers are discussing the best way to address these, notably in the area of policy appraisal.

  Copies of the report have been sent today to the Chairman of the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee, and placed in the House Library.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Voluntary and Community Sector
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on relations between Government and the voluntary and community sector in England. [59608]

  Mr. Straw
  A Compact setting out a framework for relations between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector in England will be published on Thursday 12 November. Copies of the document will be placed in the Library. Separate Compacts have been developed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the further report referred to in his letter to hon. Members dated 30 July, on the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement on the Government's intention to appoint a Royal Commission on animal experiments. [59028]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I understand that the Animal Procedures Committee is currently working to finalise a further report on its review of the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

  With regard to the Royal Commission, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Jones) on 3 November 1998, Official Report, columns 473–74.

  Pre-Marital Counselling
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Society of Registration Officers on the provision of premarital counselling to those who marry in registry offices; and if he will make available extra resources to(a) train existing staff in pre-marital counselling skills and
  (b) recruit and train the extra staff required. [58764]

  Mr. Boateng
  My officials have met members of the Society of Registration Officers, together with other
  195
  registrars. They were interested in, and broadly supportive of, the Government's proposals concerning the role of registrars.

  The consultation document "Supporting Families" proposes that registrars might offer information to couples about marriage and the pre-marriage support services available. This might take the form of a marriage preparation pack produced by experts in the field. Counselling of couples by registration officers is not proposed.

  The consultation period of "Supporting Families" runs to 31 January 1999. The Society of Registration Officers has been invited to comment on the Government's proposals. The Government will decide on the allocation

  Total police force strength and total Asian officers, by rank, as at 31 March 1998

  Chief Constable

  Assistant Chief Constable

  Superintendent

  Chief Inspector

  Police force

  Total

  Asian

  Total

  Asian

  Total

  Asian

  Total

  Asian

  Avon and Somerset

  1

  —

  2

  —

  27

  —

  39

  —

  Bedfordshire

  1

  —

  2

  —

  15

  —

  14

  —

  Cambridgeshire

  1

  —

  1

  —

  12

  —

  15

  —

  Cheshire

  1

  —

  3

  —

  21

  —

  31

  —

  City of London

  1

  —

  2

  —

  10

  —

  11

  —

  Cleveland

  1

  —

  2

  —

  25

  —

  6

  —

  Cumbria

  1

  —

  2

  —

  12

  —

  16

  —

  Derbyshire

  1

  —

  3

  —

  22

  —

  21

  —

  Devon and Cornwall

  1

  —

  3

  —

  29

  —

  48

  —

  Dorset

  1

  —

  2

  —

  16

  —

  21

  —

  Durham

  1

  —

  1

  —

  21

  —

  22

  —

  Dyfed-Powys

  1

  —

  2

  —

  16

  —

  13

  —

  Essex

  1

  —

  3

  —

  28

  —

  47

  1

  Gloucestershire

  1

  —

  2

  —

  9

  —

  16

  —

  Greater Manchester

  1

  —

  6

  —

  80

  —

  87

  —

  Gwent

  1

  —

  2

  —

  12

  —

  16

  —

  Hampshire

  1

  —

  3

  —

  34

  —

  43

  —

  Hertfordshire

  1

  —

  2

  —

  23

  —

  26

  —

  Humberside

  1

  —

  3

  —

  18

  —

  28

  —

  Kent

  1

  —

  4

  —

  28

  —

  47

  —

  Lancashire

  1

  —

  4

  1

  30

  —

  28

  —

  Leicestershire

  1

  —

  3

  —

  18

  —

  21

  —

  Lincolnshire

  1

  —

  2

  —

  14

  —

  22

  —

  Merseyside

  1

  —

  4

  —

  51

  —

  53

  —

  Metropolitan Police

  8

  —

  28

  —

  211

  —

  342

  —

  Norfolk

  1

  —

  1

  —

  17

  —

  21

  —

  Northamptonshire

  1

  —

  2

  —

  13

  —

  11

  —

  Northumbria

  0

  —

  4

  —

  40

  —

  50

  —

  North Wales

  1

  —

  2

  —

  16

  —

  27

  —

  North Yorkshire

  1

  —

  2

  —

  12

  —

  19

  —

  Nottinghamshire

  1

  —

  3

  —

  21

  —

  22

  1

  South Wales

  1

  —

  4

  —

  27

  —

  51

  1

  South Yorkshire

  1

  —

  4

  —

  38

  —

  45

  —

  Staffordshire

  1

  —

  3

  —

  25

  —

  31

  —

  Suffolk

  1

  —

  2

  —

  12

  —

  16

  —

  Surrey

  1

  —

  3

  —

  20

  —

  18

  —

  Sussex

  1

  —

  4

  —

  29

  —

  38

  —

  Thames Valley

  1

  —

  3

  —

  49

  —

  34

  —

  Warwickshire

  1

  —

  2

  —

  11

  —

  9

  —

  West Mercia

  1

  —

  3

  —

  16

  —

  31

  —

  West Midlands

  1

  —

  3

  —

  52

  —

  66

  —

  West Yorkshire

  1

  —

  5

  —

  40

  1

  73

  —

  Wiltshire

  1

  —

  2

  —

  14

  —

  16

  —

  Total strength

  49

  0

  143

  1

  1,234

  1

  1,610

  3

  196
  of resources once the consultation exercise is completed and decisions have been taken on what should be implemented.

  Police Forces (Ethnic Composition)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the numbers of police officers in each police force area broken down by grade and indicating for each grade how many are of Asian origin. [59073]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information is set out in the table. Further information on ethnic minority staff in the police service can be obtained in Home Office Statistical Bulletin "Police Service Personnel" (Issue 17/98) issued on 3 September 1998, a copy of which is in the Library.
  197

  Total police force strength and total Asian officers, by rank, as at 31 March 1998

  Inspector

  Sergeant

  Constable

  All ranks

  Police force

  Total

  Asian

  Total

  Asian

  Total

  Asian

  Total

  Asian

  Avon and Somerset

  150

  —

  449

  —

  2,308

  6

  2,976

  6

  Bedfordshire

  57

  1

  147

  1

  843

  14

  1,079

  16

  Cambridgeshire

  64

  —

  185

  —

  1,014

  6

  1,291

  6

  Cheshire

  92

  —

  293

  —

  1,601

  —

  2,042

  0

  City of London

  52

  —

  115

  —

  634

  —

  825

  0

  Cleveland

  77

  —

  226

  1

  1,146

  12

  1,483

  13

  Cumbria

  54

  —

  168

  —

  911

  2

  1,164

  2

  Derbyshire

  89

  1

  273

  5

  1,363

  15

  1,772

  21

  Devon and Cornwall

  138

  —

  420

  —

  2,323

  1

  2,962

  1

  Dorset

  66

  —

  201

  —

  1,003

  1

  1,310

  1

  Durham

  75

  —

  211

  —

  1,184

  4

  1,515

  4

  Dyfed-Powys

  48

  —

  173

  —

  749

  —

  1,002

  0

  Essex

  134

  —

  452

  2

  2,264

  6

  2,929

  9

  Gloucestershire

  53

  —

  162

  —

  861

  7

  1,104

  7

  Greater Manchester

  352

  1

  1,008

  12

  5,416

  47

  6,949

  60

  Gwent

  58

  —

  193

  —

  951

  —

  1,233

  0

  Hampshire

  162

  —

  510

  3

  2,737

  9

  3,490

  12

  Hertfordshire

  96

  —

  264

  —

  1,328

  5

  1,740

  5

  Humberside

  109

  —

  297

  —

  1,565

  6

  2,021

  6

  Kent

  162

  —

  461

  2

  2,548

  12

  3,251

  14

  Lancashire

  174

  —

  516

  2

  2,504

  19

  3,257

  22

  Leicestershire

  93

  —

  260

  9

  1,587

  36

  1,983

  45

  Lincolnshire

  65

  —

  182

  —

  905

  2

  1,191

  2

  Merseyside

  186

  1

  628

  —

  3,293

  26

  4,216

  27

  Metropolitan Police

  1,186

  5

  4,164

  14

  20,156

  147

  26,094

  166

  Norfolk

  67

  1

  207

  —

  1,115

  2

  1,430

  3

  Northamptonshire

  54

  1

  164

  1

  925

  6

  1,169

  8

  Northumbria

  185

  —

  529

  1

  2,961

  3

  3,769

  4

  North Wales

  69

  —

  226

  —

  1,055

  —

  1,396

  0

  North Yorkshire

  65

  1

  215

  —

  1,053

  3

  1,367

  4

  Nottinghamshire

  114

  1

  331

  2

  1,831

  18

  2,323

  22

  South Wales

  155

  1

  439

  1

  2,309

  6

  2,986

  9

  South Yorkshire

  156

  —

  479

  4

  2,459

  27

  3,182

  31

  Staffordshire

  121

  —

  329

  —

  1,782

  8

  2,292

  8

  Suffolk

  57

  —

  171

  —

  927

  6

  1,186

  6

  Surrey

  88

  —

  242

  —

  1,237

  9

  1,608

  9

  Sussex

  158

  —

  465

  2

  2,343

  2

  3,038

  4

  Thames Valley

  188

  1

  564

  5

  2,937

  22

  3,776

  28

  Warwickshire

  47

  1

  130

  3

  724

  15

  924

  19

  West Mercia

  115

  —

  290

  —

  1,554

  9

  2,010

  9

  West Midlands

  319

  2

  984

  10

  5,731

  111

  7,156

  123

  West Yorkshire

  245

  1

  722

  7

  4,069

  55

  5,155

  64

  Wiltshire

  60

  —

  175

  —

  888

  2

  1,156

  2

  Total strength

  6,052

  19

  18,616

  87

  97,094

  687

  124,798

  798

  Asylum Seekers
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of scurvy have been reported each year over the last five years in hostels for asylum seekers in the Greater London area. [58955]

  Ms Jowell
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested is not held centrally.

TREASURY

  Agriculture (Revenue)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of revenue for the Exchequer has been generated by the agriculture sector for each of the last 10 years(a) in cash terms, (b) in current prices and (c) as a percentage of total revenue. [57508]
  198
  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 2 November 1998]The information is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  GDP Growth
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the GDP growth required in each of the next three financial years to satisfy the golden rule. [58837]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]The projections set out in the Pre-Budget published on 3 November 1998 show that the Government expect to meet both their fiscal rules over the economic cycle. Paragraph 2.56 of that report explains how these projects are robust to errors in short-term growth forecasts.

  Pensioners (Fuel Bills)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his oral statement of 3 November 1998,Official Report, columns 681–88, if he will provide a breakdown of his estimate of the savings made by (a) single pensioners and (b) the poorest pensioners on their fuel bills. [58991]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 9 November 1998]The table provides a breakdown of the real term savings on pensioners' fuel bills between price reductions and winter fuel payments. The fuel bills include VAT.

  Pensioners' real term savings on fuel bills: 1997–99

  Savings from VAT reduction, regulation and competition1

  Average winter fuel payment2

  Total

  Average pensioner household

  62

  46

  108

  Pensioner household on Income Support3

  50

  90

  140

  1 Assuming annual gas consumption of 18,000kwh, electricity consumption of 3,300kwh.

  2 Weighted average, 1995 prices.

  3 A lower gas consumption of 12,000kwh is assumed.

  Correspondence
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Financial Secretary will provide a substantive reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Taunton ref. DC/3867, dated 9 September. [59150]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have replied to the hon. Member.

  Euro Notes
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) for what reasons euro notes are printed by the Bank of England at Debden in Essex; [58017]

  (2) how many euro notes have been printed by the Bank of England at Debden in Essex; at what cost; of what denominations; for what purpose; and who will bear the cost; [58079]

  (3) if euro notes printed by the Bank of England at Debden, Essex display the Queen's head.[58287]

  Ms Hewitt
  Since the European Monetary Institute (EMI) was established in 1994, the Bank of England has been closely involved, along with other EU central banks, in the technical preparation of the euro banknotes. As part of this work, the Bank has agreed to participate in a trial of notes to be introduced in 2002 in countries joining the single currency on 1 January 1999 to ensure consistency of paper quality, colour etc., across different types of banknote printing machines. The designs are therefore in accordance with the European Central Bank's announcement on euro note designs of 11 September. The notes being printed are for analytical and comparative purposes and will not be issued in the UK.

  The trial will involve the Bank printing some 2 million of each of the 20 and 50 euro notes, and 5 million of the 5 euro note. The total cost of this exercise will be approximately £300,000 and will be paid out of the proceeds of the note issue.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the outcome of the most recent meeting of the Standing Committee on Preparations for EMU. [59576]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  The Standing Committee on preparations for EMU met for the third time on 27 October. A copy of the minutes of the meeting has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Committee was informed of the success of the Government's national information campaign and received reports on public and private sector preparations.

  Breast Cancer
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases of breast cancer have been diagnosed in women aged 65 years and over in the last year; and how many resulting fatalities there have been in women aged 65 years and over in each of the last five years. [59146]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Ms Linda Perham, dated 11 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the cases of breast cancer in women over 65 years.
  Provisional figures show that there were 12,708 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer in women aged 65 years and over in England and Wales in 1994 (the most recent year for which data are available); the numbers of deaths in 1993–1997 are given in the table below.

  Deaths, from breast cancer in England and Wales, 1993–1997

  Year

  Number

  1993

  8,172

  1994

  7,998

  1995

  7,829

  1996

  7,748

  1997

  7,579

CABINET OFFICE

  Public Appointments (Ethnic Origins)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to change the Government's policy on non-disclosure of information on the ethnic origin of individuals appointed to public bodies. [59575]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  In line with the Government's commitment to greater openness in public appointments, a new policy is being introduced with effect from 1 April 1999. This will require all departments to collect ethnic origin data for their public appointees, on the understanding that such information will be made publicly available on request, subject to the consent of the individuals concerned. The policy will apply to new appointments and re-appointments made from that date.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the percentage of the population of England and Wales eligible for green form advice and assistance(a) with no contribution and (b) with a contribution, in each of the last 10 years. [58322]

  Mr. Hoon
  We do not collect information on eligibility for non-contributory legal advice and assistance under the green form scheme. Contributory green form advice and assistance was abolished on 12 April 1993.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the percentage of the population of England and Wales eligible for(a) criminal legal aid and (b) civil legal aid (i) with no contribution and (ii) with a contribution, in each of the last 10 years. [58321]

  Mr. Hoon
  There is no upper financial limit for criminal legal aid so the question of an eligible population does not arise.

  For civil legal aid, the percentage of households in England and Wales eligible in each year for 1992/93, being the earliest year for which figures are readily available, was as follows:

  Percentage

  Year

  Non contributory

  Contributory

  1992–93

  29

  24

  1993–94

  23

  25

  1994–95

  24

  26

  1995–96

  24

  26

  1996–97

  23

  25

  1997–98

  23

  25

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the percentage of people in receipt of(a) family credit and (b) housing benefit, entitled to civil legal aid (i) with no contribution and (ii) with a contribution, in each of the last 10 years. [58323]

  Mr. Hoon
  We do not collect the information requested.

PRIME MINISTER

  Area Cost Adjustment
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to reform the area cost adjustment. [57842]

  The Prime Minister
  We expect to announce our proposals for Standard Spending Assessments for 1999/2000 in due course.

  Electoral Reform (Referendum)
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 4 November 1998,Official Report, column 868, when he expects to announce the date of the referendum on the voting system. [59292]
  202
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]The date has not been decided. It had always been envisaged that the referendum would take place before the next election. It should be held at the earliest moment it is sensible to do so, in the light of all the constitutional changes we anticipate and the recommendations of the Jenkins Commission. If it proves impossible to do so before the election for sound practical reasons, then it should be held at the earliest moment it is appropriate to do so.

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 11 November. [58839]

  The Prime Minister
  Earlier today, together with Madam Speaker and right hon. and hon. Members and millions of people across the country, I observed a two-minute silence to commemorate the sacrifices made by so many on behalf of us all.

  Later today in addition to my duties in the House I will have meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others.

  Government Service Delivery
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Prime Minister if it is the Government's policy to promote the concept of a single account which would handle most financial transactions between Government and the individual. [59145]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I have been asked to reply.

  The concept of a single account is one of a number of ideas, which are being considered as possible ways of simplifying the delivery of Government services for the citizen.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  World Bank
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she last met the President of the World bank to discuss the impact of world financial affairs on international development; and if she will make a statement. [57809]

  Clare Short
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor and I met the President of the World Bank during the Annual Meetings in Washington in early October. During our discussions, and at the meetings themselves, we stressed the importance we attach to addressing the social implications of the current financial crisis. This is important because the poor had no part in causing the crisis and should not be left to bear the brunt but also because national consensus is needed to carry through some of the reforms needed to overcome the crisis. This is unlikely to be reached in highly divided societies. The communiqués of the Interim and Development Committees reflected our concerns, noting the need to mitigate the most harmful effects of the crisis on the poor.

  Child Labour
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been
  203
  made on measures to ensure that companies work to eliminate the use of child labour in countries where they operate or are supplied from. [57811]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We support the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) whose members—companies, development NGOs and trade unions—are developing best practices in implementing voluntary supplier codes. Among other things, these codes aim to eliminate child labour in supply chains. ETI is part of a consumer-led movement against child labour to which many companies have responded.

  We are also supporting ILO programmes for the elimination of child labour which are supported by the unions, Governments and employers representatives that make up the ILO governing body. In addition we are examining the scope for increasing the effectiveness of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and will be pressing for the incorporation of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, of which the effective abolition of child labour is a crucial part.

  Non-governmental Organisations
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the current role of(a) NGOs and (b) the private sector in the delivery of aid using resources from the UK Government. [57812]

  Clare Short
  Where possible we work to strengthen local capacity in developing countries to manage and deliver improvements in health care, education, governance and economic management. Frequently NGOs and private sector consultants assist these efforts. We have established a Business Partnership Unit in DFID in order to work with the private sector to encourage and facilitate beneficial investment in developing countries. We are currently consulting NGOs and civil society world wide on how NGOs can best assist the implementation of the international poverty eradication strategy.

  Debt Relief
  Mr. Wells
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's debt-reduction programmes. [57813]

  Clare Short
  My Department supports debt reduction programmes where these help eradicate poverty and has obtained agreement at the annual meeting of the World Bank and IMF that the HIPC initiative will be reviewed to ensure that debt relief contributes to poverty elimination. My Department has written off £1.26 billion of debt since 1978. We are seeking to speed up the implementation of the HIPC initiative to ensure that all eligible countries are on track for debt relief by 2000. We are currently providing £100 million to help some HIPC countries meet their debt service payments in advance of receiving debt relief.

  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent steps the Government have taken to alleviate the adverse effects of the burden of debt repayments of the poorest countries of the world. [59005]
  204
  Clare Short
  Over the past eighteen months, the Department for International Development (DFID) has cancelled some £30 million of bilateral aid debts, and provided some £36 million to help the African Development Bank meet its share of the cost of implementing the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt Initiative. In addition, we are providing around £100 million to help a number of developing countries meet their debt service payments to the international financial institutions; we have committed $10 million to help meet Mozambique's residual financing gap under the HIPC Initiative; and we have contributed £400,000 to Debt Relief International, a London based organisation, which delivers technical assistance in debt management to poor countries. We are also funding research on the key issues of debt sustainability and internal debt.

  As well as providing direct financial support to help relieve poor countries of their debt burdens, we are taking action to ensure that the forthcoming comprehensive review of the HIPC Initiative looks at whether sufficient levels of debt relief are being provided to developing countries. We are pressing for the review to examine in more detail the relationship between debt relief and poverty reduction, to make certain that debt relief will help developing countries achieve the international development targets. And the Chancellor and I have just proposed a new initiative, calling on bilateral and multilateral creditors to find ways of providing debt relief to countries which have been struck by natural disasters, thereby freeing urgent resources to fund emergency relief and reconstruction.

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on action her Department is taking to relieve the pressure of chronic debts for the poorest developing countries. [57823]

  Clare Short
  The Chancellor and I are working to seek international agreement to speed up the implementation of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative so that all eligible countries will be on track for debt relief by 2000. In addition over the last eighteen months, the Department for International Development (DFID) has cancelled some £30 million of bilateral aid debts, and provide some £36 million to help the African Development Bank meet its share of the cost of implementing the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt Initiative. We are also providing around £100 million to help a number of developing countries meet their debt service payments to the international financial institutions. We have committed $10 million to help meet Mozambique's residual financing gap under the HIPC Initiative; and we have contributed £400,000 to Debt Relief International to provided technical assistance in debt management to poor countries. We are also funding research on the key issues of debt sustainability and internal debt.

  We are also taking action to ensure that the forthcoming comprehensive review of the HIPC Initiative looks at whether sufficient levels of debt relief is being provided to developing countries. We are pressing for the review to examine in more detail the relationship between debt relief and poverty reduction, to make certain that debt relief will help developing countries achieve the international development targets.

  St. Helena
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to visit the island of St. Helena to discuss future aid provision. [57814]

  Mr. Foulkes
  There are no immediate plans for a Ministerial visit to St. Helena.

  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received in relation to the impact of the proposed multilateral agreement on investment on future development needs. [57815]

  Clare Short
  I have received a large number of letters from members of the public, Members of Parliament and non-governmental organisations about the proposed Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI). My Department is in regular contact with non-governmental organisations taking an interest in the MAI. Officials from my Department and the Department of Trade and Industry met a group of experts from the academic community in September to discuss the development implications of the MAI.

  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact of the multilateral agreement on investment on future development needs. [57820]

  Clare Short
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South-West Devon (Mr. Streeter) on 28 October 1998,Official Report, column 203.

  Bangladesh
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the situation in Bangladesh following the recent floods. [57816]

  Clare Short
  Monsoon flooding in Bangladesh this year was the most prolonged this century, lasting more than 10 weeks in some areas. Waters began to recede from central districts in mid-September, and broadly returned to normal by the end of the month, though waterlogging persists in some areas. The Government of Bangladesh, in partnership with the World Band and the Asian Development Bank in particular, have moved rapidly to begin repair of roads, bridges, railways and flood protection embankments. Major communications are fully restored, though very considerable work remains to be done on many rural roads and other infrastructure.

  Although many people are short of food, often for want of immediate employment, and there have been outbreaks of diarrhoea' disease, there is at present no famine or unusual epidemic of diseases as suggested by some media reports. However there has been an almost complete loss of seasonal crops in some areas, and many people have lost homes, assets and livelihoods. Millions of people require assistance to restart rural livelihoods, rebuild their homes, and earn a living. The Government of Bangladesh are distributing food to vulnerable people, and the gap in food supply is being managed through increased public and private sector imports. They are managing the food supply jointly with the World Food Programme, and providing small cash grants. The UK has contributed
  206
  £11 million to ensuring food availability over the coming months. NGOs are also helping with small grants and loans to restore homes and livelihoods.

  Much of the restoration of infrastructure will be done through cash of food for work schemes to give people an income. DFID is contributing a further £10 million in projects to rehabilitate agriculture, essential infrastructure, and to support NGO projects which help the poor rebuild their lives. In parallel with urgent work which has already started, donors, including the UK, are working in sector sub groups jointly with Government and some NGO partners, to establish the full extent of priority rehabilitation needs. The situation is expected to appear to return to normal in around five months, but continuing attention to the longer term, unseen impacts on the economy, financial institutions and peoples' assets will be needed for some time to come.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what help she is giving the Government of Bangladesh to remove arsenic from subterranean water supplies. [57821]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development (DFID) has been assisting efforts to understand the causes of arsenic in ground water in Bangladesh and developing plans to address the problem. Arsenic occurs naturally as a result of geochemical processes. It can be tackled only by avoiding contaminated sources or treating water at the surface. The World Bank is co-ordinating assistance, and has allocated $30 million to helping counteract arsenic contamination. DFID has provided £0.5 million to fund the technical research needed to implement this, working through the British Geological Survey with the Department of Public Health in Dhaka. We are also appraising a larger project which would pilot community schemes for the treatment of polluted water and the medical care of those affected by arsenicosis. The project would also study why the problem affects some individuals and not others. It is hoped that the pilot, if effective, may form a model for replication by others.

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the future of the Commonwealth Development Corporation. [57817]

  Clare Short
  We intend to put legislative proposals to Parliament as early as possible to pave the way for the creation of a public/private partnership with the Commonwealth Development Corporation which will benefit from both its association with Government and the participation of the private sector, and which will enable CDC to contribute more effectively to the sustainable development of poor countries.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the potential impact on poor farmers of terminator gene technology. [57818]

  Clare Short
  My Department is currently undertaking a wide-ranging review of the implications of all aspects of genetically modified organisms for poor farmers in developing countries.
  207
  This study will assess the impact of specific technologies, including terminator gene technology, and will be made publicly available.

  Fraud
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what priority her Department gives to countering fraud in its aid programmes. [57819]

  Clare Short
  My Department gives a high priority to preventing fraud. To ensure regularity, propriety and value for money in the expenditure of aid funds, Departmental staff and aid recipients are required to follow detailed procedures and to keep comprehensive financial records. Our control systems are under constant review by our internal auditors and are subject to examination by the National Audit Office.

  Full details of the Department for International Development's (DFID) procedures for authorising and accounting for expenditure are set out in the Department's Office Instructions, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

  Tanzania
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her recent visit to Tanzania to discuss development. [57822]

  Clare Short
  I had a very useful and constructive visit to Tanzania in late August. I was able to discuss a range of development issues affecting one of the poorest countries in the World and one of Britain's main development partners. In meetings with the President, ministers, politicians, officials and donor, private sector and civil society representatives I outlined Britain's policy for international development, which matches closely with Tanzania's own poverty eradication strategy. I urged progress on corruption and speedy reform of the health and education sectors to improve the quality of services. I was impressed by DFID-supported projects helping to improve family health and to improve people's livelihoods in poor rural areas. I also signed an agreement to provide £60 million budgetary support over the next two years. This includes up to £50 million in multilateral debt relief, which will be used to release Tanzania's revenues for expenditure on pro-poor areas of the budget.

  Romania
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has held in the last 12 months with the Government of Romania on the issue of the welfare and protection of children. [57824]

  Clare Short
  Discussions and collaboration have continued with the Romanian government through the European Children's Trust on a project to strengthen the capacity of local government to improve the welfare of vulnerable children and families.

  Our assistance has included:
  advice on the responsibilities and structures of local authorities to enable them to own and manage services to vulnerable children and families;
  208
  advice on systems and models within which integrated social work services can operate, and
  support for the establishment of Centres for Family Support and Child Protection in five countries.

  We are also supporting 2 small projects, both based in Arad, which will strengthen the capacity of the local government to help young people from orphanages.

  So far we have spent £360,000 on these projects.

  Aid Disbursement
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will take steps to increase the accountability of the way in which EU aid money is disbursed. [57825]

  Clare Short
  We consistently support measures to improve the financial management and control of the Community budget. In particular we support measures to strengthen the role of the European Court of Auditors which were agreed at the Amsterdam Intergovernmental conference last year. Improving financial management and strengthening the fight against fraud were priorities of the UK Presidency of the EU.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the proportion of the UK aid programme which is disbursed through multilateral organisations. [57827]

  Clare Short
  In 1997–98 nearly one half of the UK aid programme was disbursed through multilateral organisations.

  Jubilee 2000
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department is giving to the Jubilee 2000 project. [57826]

  Clare Short
  My Department gives no financial support to Jubilee 2000. But we share the objective of early cancellation of the unpayable debts of the poorest, most heavily indebted countries. I was pleased to have been able to address the Jubilee 2000 rally in Birmingham in May, attended by some 50,000 people from all over Britain lobbying for the cancellation of debt to the poorest countries. This helped to ensure that debt was on the agenda of the G8 Summit. We are clear that debt relief is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for consistent poverty reduction. Some very poor countries have managed to pay their debt but need assistance to support poverty reduction and some countries such as Uganda which have received debt relief need continuing development assistance if they are to meet the international poverty eradication targets.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the assistance needs of the people of Kosovo. [57828]

  Clare Short
  The most pressing need is to provide emergency assistance to the displaced, and in particular to those without adequate shelter, to enable them to survive the winter. My Department has allocated £3 million to UNHCR, ICRC and to UK NGOs, such as Oxfam and
  209
  Save the Children Fund, primarily to meet these winterisation needs through the provision of materials to repair homes and construct shelters, clothes and blankets, and stoves and fuel.

  UN Funds for Population Activities
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will seek to persuade(a) the United States Government to reinstate its funding for United Nations Funds for Population Activities for the coming year and (b) other EU Governments to increase their contributions to United Nations Funds for Population Activities. [57951]

  Clare Short
  The quinquennial review of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) is an opportunity for all Governments to review their support to population and reproductive health programmes, including the work of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). We are doing all that we can to ensure that resources to implement ICPD are forthcoming.

  Rain Forests
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures her Department has taken to encourage tropical nations to maintain the size and diversity of their rain forests. [58715]

  Clare Short
  My Department's aim is the elimination of poverty through the promotion of sustainable development, including conservation of the environment. Our approach towards the conservation of rain forests and the problem of deforestation is to support work with our country partners bilaterally and multilaterally to improve management of forest resources in ways that lead to a range of benefits to poor communities as well as helping to secure the global environmental benefits that forests offer. These activities positively encourage partner countries to protect and maintain the size and diversity of their forests.

  Our approach to forests, encompasses a wide range of interventions from policy and sector planning, institutional development, education and training, through to forest information systems, forest management, forest conservation and research. The current portfolio of projects represents a commitment of £128 million.

  In the past year, DFID has also supported a number of important new initiatives, for example:
  a grant of £3 million to the Guyana Sustainable Human Development Project, which will benefit forest-dependent communities encircling the Iwokrama Rain Forest.
  a grant of £2 million to the UNDP's Global Programme on Forests: Forest Management to Support Sustainable Livelihoods Project, which will promote public and private sector partnerships for sustainable forest management.
  a grant of £400,000 to the FRA 2000 project-FAO's global
  assessment of the status and condition of forest resources.

  DFID also played an active part in the development and implementation of the Action Programme on Forests which was approved by Foreign Ministers and endorsed by Heads of Government at the G8 Birmingham Summit. This commits G8 Members to a range of specific measures at domestic and international levels designed to
  210
  support sustainable forest management. DFID is also actively involved in the UN Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, whose remit is to promote and facilitate the implementation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF) proposals for action, and reviewing, monitoring and reporting on progress in the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. The UNDP Global Programme on Forests to which DFID has provided a substantial contribution will concentrate on the implementation of the IPF' s proposals for action. DFID also continues to support the work of the International Tropical Timber Organisation, which is dedicated to promoting the conservation, sustainable management and rational utilisation and trade of the world's tropical forest resources, through international co-operation.

  Details of my Department's forestry activities are set out in our publications: forests MATTER and our DFID Forestry Sector Projects, both of which are in the Library of the House and are available from DFID' s Environment Policy Department.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Police Interviews (Audio Recording)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the differences between the draft code of practice on audio recording of police interviews with terrorist suspects and those which apply elsewhere in the United Kingdom [58319]

  Mr. Ingram
  There is no formal arrangement in Great Britain for the audio recording of police interviews with terrorist suspects. The recently published Draft Code of Practice under Section 53A of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 has been largely modelled on the equivalent Code of Practice made under the Police and Criminal Evidence legislation, with some differences. Following consideration of comments made during the current consultation exercise my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State may modify the Draft Code, and will then lay it in Parliament for approval by both Houses.

  Integrated Education
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money has been saved by the Government as a result of its decision not to fund the education of the children of Oakwood Integrated Primary School, Strangford Integrated College and Ulidia Integrated College, since they opened; and if she will make a statement. [58555]

  Mr. McFall
  The source information required to establish accurately the recurrent budget the above schools would have received if they had been grant-aided is not currently available to the Department of Education. Based on an average per capita allocation it is estimated that their budgets would have totalled about £1,270,000 had they been grant-aided since they opened.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what plans she has to support the Integrated Education Fund in achieving their stated target for children in Northern Ireland attending integrated schooling by 2008; and if she will make a statement; [58551]
  211
  (2) what plans she has to remove matters of opinion from the criteria applied in assessing a school in Northern Ireland for integrated status; and if she will make a statement; [58549]

  (3) when the Integrated Education Working Group will publish its report; and if she will make a statement; [58553]

  (4) when she will announce her decision on whether she will recognise Oakwood Integrated Primary School, Strangford Integrated College and Ulidia Integrated College; and if she will make a statement; [58557]

  (5) what objectives she has set for the Integrated Education Working Group; and if she will make a statement; [58552]

  (6) what plans the Government have to make a financial contribution to the running of Oakwood Integrated Primary School, Strangford Integrated College and Ulidia Integrated College; and if she will make a statement; [58556]

  (7) what is the Government's target for the percentage of children attending integrated schools in Northern Ireland by 2008; and if she will make a statement; [58550]

  (8) what criteria need to be met to enable a school to be formally recognised as an integrated school; and if she will make a statement. [58558]

  Mr. McFall
  Government do not set targets for the expansion of Integrated schools. Government policy is to encourage and facilitate integrated education and in responding to parental demand the DENI will continue to support robust proposals for both new and transforming integrated schools.

  The Integrated Education Working Group has been considering how all schools might contribute to the promotion of a culture of tolerance, concentrating initially on integrated schools and integration within schools. A Progress Report from the group has been received very recently and I will wish to take time to consider its findings and conclusions before arranging for its wider publication. However, I expect the report to provide the strategic context within which the Integrated Education Fund, which is represented on the Working Group, can take forward its 10-year Development Plan.

  Proposals for new integrated schools are considered against well-established criteria which include intake and enrolment viability, religious balance, availability of alternative integrated provision, impact on other schools, availability of a suitable, cost-effective site, affordability, and consideration of objections. There are no plans to change the existing criteria.

  Development proposals for Oakwood Integrated Primary School, Strangford Integrated College and Ulidia Integrated College are currently under consideration and it is hoped to announce decisions before Christmas. If the proposals are approved, the schools will be eligible for 100 per cent. recurrent funding with effect from September 1999 and, when longer term viability has been established, will also be eligible for capital grant towards accommodation needs.

  Marriages (Special Licence)
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were married by special licence in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years. [59024]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information requested above in relation to total marriages by special licence is set out in the table.

  Marriages by special licence

  Year

  Number

  1993

  314

  1994

  311

  1995

  339

  1996

  363

  1997

  339

  Total marriages

  1,666

  Industrial Development Board
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures she proposes to improve the(a) accountability, (b) targeting of investment, (c) stricter adherence to investment criteria and (d) development of performance indicators for the Industrial Development Board's overseas offices. [59181]

  Mr. Ingram
  All these issues have been considered by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland in his report on inward investment which was presented to the House of Commons on 27 October. As the report may be the subject of consideration by the Committee of Public Accounts of this House, it would not be appropriate for me to pre-empt such consideration by commenting on these matters.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the Northern Ireland Audit Office report into the operation of the Industrial Development Board's inward investment programme from 1987 to 1997. [59179]

  Mr. Ingram
  As this Report has been presented to the House of Commons and may be the subject of detailed consideration by the Committee of Public Accounts of this House it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the Report at this point in time.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she will take to attract inward investment projects to the 11 designated areas of social need in Northern Ireland. [59180]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Industrial Development Board (IDB) for Northern Ireland continues to promote the excellent business opportunities for investment in Northern Ireland through initiatives such as the recent North American Roadshow. Higher levels of assistance are available to projects located in or adjacent to areas of social need, and the IDB seeks to achieve its targets of 75 per cent. of all first time projects to be located in or adjacent to these areas.

SCOTLAND

  Chefs
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had on the provision of chefs in the Scottish tourism industry with the Scottish Tourist Board; and what plans he has to bring forward initiatives to encourage more students to train as chefs. [57066]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 5 November 1998]There are already several initiatives in place to promote and develop career opportunities in the hospitality sector. These are being undertaken by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and their local enterprise companies. An assessment of the scope for further action, particularly in relation to the provision of chefs, will be informed by a meeting which Scottish Enterprise is expected to have shortly with the Scottish Chefs Association. While the Scottish Tourist Board and I have not so far discussed this matter, we may do so in the future if it appears appropriate.

  Teachers
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new teacher posts have been created in each of the last five years in the secondary phase. [58292]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information is not available in the format requested. Information is collected on the overall number of teachers employed in publicly funded schools. These data cannot be used to determine the number of new "posts" created in any year.

  City Status
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if the process by which the Government will draw up their advice to Her Majesty the Queen for the awarding of city status will be the same in Scotland as in the rest of the United Kingdom; [58734]

  (2) what arrangements his Department proposes to make in order to select candidates to propose for city status to mark the millennium celebration and the Queen's Golden Jubilee. [58690]

  Mr. Dewar
  Awards of city status in any part of the UK will be made by Her Majesty The Queen acting under the Royal Prerogative, on the advice of the Government of the day. I shall make an announcement in due course that will explain the procedure to be followed by Scottish towns wishing to be considered for a grant of city status.

  Prison Education
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the education budget for each prison in Scotland. [59219]

  Mr. McLeish
  The information is as follows:

  £

  Establishment

  Budget (1998–99)

  HMP Aberdeen

  41,500

  HMP Barlinnie

  198,700

  HMP Castle Huntly

  38,000

  HMPI Cornton Vale

  78,000

  HMYOI Dumfries

  73,500

  214

  £

  Establishment

  Budget (1998–99)

  HMP Dungavel

  63,974

  HMP Edinburgh

  176,148

  HMP Friarton

  30,600

  HMP and YOI Glenochil

  224,733

  HMP Greenock

  86,410

  HMP Inverness

  43,500

  HMRI Longriggend

  72,300

  HMP Low Moss

  57,500

  HMP Noranside

  47,192

  HMP Penninghame

  39,950

  HMP Perth

  152,100

  HMP Peterhead

  73,250

  HM Unit Peterhead

  10,400

  HMYOI Polmont

  148,259

  HMP Shotts

  181,368

  HM Unit Shotts

  25,500

  NIC Shotts

  21,000

  The figures cover teaching contract and materials costs. They do not include vocational training or physical education delivered by Scottish Prison Service employees or the cost of local educational initiatives delivered in partnership with external agencies.

  Scottish Enterprise
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the financial implications of the recent reorganisation of Scottish Enterprise. [58840]

  Mr. Dewar
  The Government's policy for public sector pay continues to underline our commitment to increasing the efficiency of the public sector with any pay and price increases being offset by efficiencies and other economies. Scottish Enterprise's (SE) administration budget is set with due regard to the minimum consistent with efficiency and effectiveness; however, it is for SE to determine its staffing structure and requirements within these parameters. SE's administration budget for 1998–99 is £61.290 million.

DEFENCE

  British Army (Complaints)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) criminal complaints and (b) informal non-criminal complaints were made against the British Army based in (i) Northern Ireland and (ii) Germany in each of the last four years. [56399]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 3 November 1998]: The information is as follows:

  Northern Ireland
  In Northern Ireland complaints against the Army are categorised as criminal or non-criminal; non-criminal complaints are categorised as formal or informal.
  In his annual report in 1994, the Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures in Northern Ireland recommended that non-criminal complaints should be informally resolved at local level wherever possible.

  215
  The Royal Ulster Constabulary records show that during the last four years the following criminal complaints have been investigated, but were not necessarily substantiated.

  Criminal complaints

  Year

  Total

  1995

  8

  1996

  15

  1997

  58

  1998

  114

  1 Figures as at 30 June 1998

  The number of formal non-criminal complaints is given in the table.

  Formal non-criminal complaints

  Year

  Total

  1995

  21

  1996

  24

  1997

  70

  1998

  141

  1 Figures as at 30 June 1998

  The number of these formal non-criminal complaints that were substantiated is as follows:

  Substantiated formal non-criminal complaints

  Year

  Total

  1995

  2

  1996

  1

  1997

  3

  1998

  fault both sides 12

  substantiated 1

  1 New category introduced

  The number of informal non-criminal complaints in the past four years is given in the table.

  Informal non-criminal complaints

  Year

  Total

  1995

  41

  1996

  264

  1997

  590

  1998

  1344

  1 Figures are as at 30 June 1998

  Germany
  Records held by the Police Advisory Branch, Dusseldorf, show that during the last four years the following number of criminal complaints against the British Army in Germany have been investigated.

  Year

  Total

  1995

  1,424

  1996

  1,212

  1997

  1,166

  1998

  1,079

  1 As at 31 October 1998

  Records of informal non-criminal complaints against the British Army in Germany over the last four years are not held.

  Northern Ireland
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British service personnel were injured during the last 30 years during service in Northern Ireland. [58853]
  216
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The numbers of British Service personnel who were injured during the last 30 years, from any cause, during service in Northern Ireland are detailed in the table.

  Number of injured Personnel

  Army

  16,069

  RN

  2159

  RAF

  2137

  1 Figures are from August 1969–31 October 1998

  2Figures are from 1 January 1976–31 October 1998

  The figures relate primarily to injuries which were incurred whilst on duty; however, the manner in which data have historically been compiled means some injuries incurred whilst off duty may also be included.

  The figures exclude injuries resulting in death.

  Compensation Claims
  Mr. Townend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost to public funds of claims by employees and the public for compensation in respect of(a) personal injury and (b) employment protection in the latest year for which figures are available. [59052]

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

WALES

  Rural Development Grants
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much matching funding has been made available by the Welsh Office in the current financial year for the taking up of European rural development grants in Wales; and what sum he has ear-marked for the next financial year for this purpose. [58663]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  £1 million has been made available for the current financial year. Funding for future years is being considered as part of the Internal Review.

  BSE
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the amount of Government money spent in Wales to date on measures relating to BSE; and if he will make a statement. [58821]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The total amount of Government money spent in Wales on measures relating to BSE during the period 1 April 1996 to 30 September 1998 is estimated at £137 million.

  Farmers
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many deputations he has received from farmers' organisations in the last six months; and if he will make a statement. [58820]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Welsh Office Ministers have met with both the farming unions and farmers' deputations on several occasions during the last 6 months. These meetings are part of an ongoing, constructive
  217
  dialogue with the farmers leaders and the industry about developing long term strategies for Welsh agriculture so that it can meet the demands of the twenty first century.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the average age of farmers in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [58819]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The average age of principal farmers, growers or partners on Welsh farm holdings is estimated to be 55.

  Food Prices
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the relationship between the prices paid by the customers in supermarkets and the prices paid to beef, sheepmeat and dairy producers; and if he will make a statement. [58818]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The issue of prices and competition in the market is a matter for the competition authorities. The Office of Fair Trading is currently conducting an inquiry into the overall profitability of the major supermarkets in the grocery sector. The Welsh Office is continuing to keep abreast of available research on this issue.

  Drugs Awareness
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what drugs awareness programmes his Department is planning to introduce in 1999; and how much funding they will receive. [58888]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The Welsh Drug and Alcohol Unit (WDAU), which operates on contract to the Department, has developed a prevention campaign to focus public attention on drug and alcohol misuse, particularly among younger people.

  Phase three of this campaign will be launched in 1999 and will concentrate on new target groups, namely young people who are considered high risk and hard to reach; young people in the 16–18 age group; and children aged 9-14 in the primary and secondary school setting. Funding for this campaign will be subject to the Secretary of State's decisions on the allocation of the resources available to him in 1999–2000.

  Television and Film Production
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures his Department has taken to promote television and film production in Wales. [58887]

  Mr. Hain
  Film is an important industry in Wales and the Department is working together with Sgrin—Media Agency for Wales and the Wales Film Commissions to further its development. Financial support is currently provided to Sgrin through the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Development Agency and the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation. In addition, the Welsh Development Agency has contributed to the establishment of the British Film Office in Los Angeles set up to encourage inward investment into film production in the UK. Ministerial responsibility for television lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

  Tenancy Agreements
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans his Department has to promote the new tenancy agreement launched recently by the Welsh Federation of Housing Associations. [58886]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The tenancy agreement recently launched by the Welsh Federation of Housing Associations is designed to be an example of an easy-to-read agreement which Registered Social Landlords may follow and adapt if they so wish.

  The Welsh Office will seek to ensure all Registered Social Landlords do indeed utilise tenancy agreements which are easy to read.

  Agricultural Subsidies
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to simplify the administration of agricultural subsidy claims; and if he will make a statement. [59319]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  On 16 March 1998,Official Report, column 459, the then Secretary of State announced that the Department was inviting consultants to tender for a study to assess the options for securing improved and simplified administration of Common Agricultural Policy payments to farmers within Wales. A number of options were analysed by the consultants and their report was submitted to the Welsh Office on 24 July 1998.

  We are carefully considering the options and consulting with farming organisations, Welsh MPs, Welsh Office Trade Unions and staff, to seek their views, before reaching a final decision.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans his Department has to assist farmers who are experiencing difficulties in accurately completing paperwork relating to the claiming of farming subsidies and financial assistance; and if he will make a statement.
  [59320]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Comprehensive Guidance is issued with every claim form. That guidance and the scheme claim forms are routinely passed to the industry for comment before issue, and efforts are made to annually update and improve scheme literature.

  Officials from the Welsh Office are on hand to offer guidance as appropriate.

  Millennium Stadium
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 31 July 1998,Official Report, column 363, if he will make a statement on progress on the Millennium Stadium at Cardiff Arms Park. [59332]

  Mr. Hain
  Progress on the Stadium itself is a matter for Millennium Stadium plc. Discussions associated with the Government's contribution to the funding of the River Walk project are at an advanced stage and I expect the documentation to be finalised shortly. A further announcement will be made in due course.

  Cardiff Airport
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of Cardiff Airport. [59511]

  Mr. Hain
  Cardiff International Airport is owned by TBI plc, who have invested heavily in new and improved facilities to create one of the most modern regional airports in the United Kingdom. The Airport's future prospects appear excellent, but I will be considering this further as part of an air services study for Wales which is currently under way. This study will focus on the scope for new and enhanced services as well as the role of airports in economic development.

  Strategic Rail Authority
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made as to the benefits likely to accrue to Wales from a strategic rail authority. [59513]

  Mr. Hain
  The Strategic Rail Authority will provide clear, coherent and accountable regulation of the network, ensuring that the railways are run in the interest of passengers and freight customers. The shadow SRA, which will be operational by next spring, will be an important first step in making sure that the railway companies deliver the service the public have a right to expect. There will be Welsh representation on both the shadow SRA and its statutory successor.

  Roads (Strategic Policy)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations he has received concerning his strategic policy on roads. [59512]

  Mr. Hain
  The future strategy for and role of the trunk road network in Wales was set out in the report "Driving Wales Forward" published on 28 July. A number of representations have been received following publication of the report although it is not possible to give an exact number. In general terms, the report has been well received and welcomed as a positive contribution in the overall context of attempts to deliver an integrated approach to transport in Wales.

  Badgers
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the badger population in Wales, and if he will make a statement. [59516]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  We have made no direct estimates of the badger population in Wales. A report to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1995) based on surveys carried out in 1988 for the Nature Conservancy Council suggested a pre-breeding badger population size of 35,000 in Wales. A report by the People's Trust for Endangered Species (1997) suggests that badger activity in Britain increased by 77 per cent. between 1988 and 1997. I understand those responsible for producing these figures are reviewing them, although no revisions have been published yet.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  London Theatres
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the contribution of London theatres to inward tourism into the United Kingdom. [57176]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Government welcomed the publication earlier this year by the Society of London Theatre of The Wyndham Report on the economic impact of London's West End Theatre. It estimated that, of the total of £679 million spent by West End theatregoers in 1997, £226 million was spent by overseas visitors.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Brewing Industry
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress he is making in the evaluation of vertical agreements in the brewing industry. [59163]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: The new Competition Act 1998 enables vertical agreements to be excluded by order from the prohibition of anti-competitive agreements. The Government expect to consult formally on a draft order shortly.

  The order will be of a general nature, applying to vertical agreements across the economy. There are no plans to make an exclusion order applying specifically to the brewing sector.

  The Supply of Beer (Loan Ties, Licensed Premises and Wholesale Prices) Order 1989 and the Supply of Beer (Tied Estate) Order 1989 will remain in force to regulate this market.

  Power Generators
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to monitor and publish performance on emissions from power generators on a basis of less than 12 months intervals. [59164]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: Annual figures for emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, including those from power generation, are published by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Figures relating to 1996 were published in a DETR News Release in July this year. At the same time, the Department of Trade and Industry published provisional estimates of carbon dioxide emissions for 1997 based on energy consumption data. It is proposed that these provisional estimates will continue to be published on an annual basis.

  Information on fuel use in power generation is published by the DTI on a regular basis in the monthly statistical bulletin Energy Trends. Data for fuels used in electricity generation by major power producers are published on a monthly basis and data for all generators are published on a quarterly basis.

  Post Office
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to ensure protection of the interests of postal users in connection with moves to greater commercialisation of the Post Office. [59267]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: The interests of postal users are being fully considered in the context of the Government's Review of the Post Office. In accordance with its terms of reference, the Review has considered public sector options for giving the Post Office greater commercial freedom while continuing to provide a universal postal service under a uniform tariff structure with a nationwide network of post offices. We hope to announce our conclusions shortly.

  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to make an announcement about his review of post office services, with particular reference to Crown post office closure; and if he will make a statement. [57745]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Work on the Government's Review of the Post Office (including the future of the Crown conversion programme) has proceeded well. In accordance with its terms of reference, the Review has considered public sector options for giving the Post Office greater commercial freedom while continuing to provide a universal postal service under a uniform tariff structure with a nationwide network of post offices. We hope to announce our conclusions shortly.

  Secure Electronic Commerce
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to facilitate electronic commerce with regard to changes in restrictions in the use of cryptography. [59225]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: The Government are committed to making the UK the best environment in which business can trade electronically and thus we do not have any plans to restrict the use of cryptography, which is seen by many as a vital technology for confidence and trust. We do, however, have plans to introduce legislation, when parliamentary time permits, to set voluntary standards for those bodies providing electronic signatures and encryption services.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many responses he has received following the publication of the proposals for secure electronic commerce on 27 April 1998; and if he will list them. [59087]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: Since the April Statement, which was intended to provide information rather than solicit responses, the Department has discussed its proposals on secure electronic commerce with a number of different organisations. We would expect more formal, and quantifiable, responses from industry when we launch a consultation paper on the planned legislation on electronic commerce.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for further consultations with industry on the proposals for secure electronic commerce announced on 27 April 1998. [59086]
  222
  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: The Government are committed to making the UK the best environment in which to trade electronically. We will bring forward legislation to help achieve this as soon as parliamentary time is available. The Government intend to develop the detail of the legislation in consultation with industry and other interested parties.

  British Nuclear Fuels
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what tender process was undertaken for the review of British Nuclear Fuels prior to the appointment of KPMG accountants; and if he will list the firms which submitted tenders. [59089]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: KPMG were chosen following a competitive tender process. Six firms were invited to participate in the tender. KPMG were selected after interview of the four firms which submitted tenders. It is not normally the Department's policy to disclose the names of firms participating in such competitive tendering exercises.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the terms of reference are for KPMG accountants' review of British Nuclear Fuels. [59090]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: KPMG were engaged to carry out an initial review of the options for BNFL's future structure including, but not restricted to, some form of Public Private Partnership, having regard to the Government's objectives, which are as follows:
  Safety and environmental impact
  to ensure that the highest standards of safety are applied throughout BNFL's operations and that regulatory standards on environmental impact are fully complied with.
  Efficient management of liabilities
  to ensure that the nuclear liabilities created by past, present and future operations are discharged safely and as cost effectively as possible including the possibility of sharing risks and rewards in management of liabilities with the private sector.
  Efficient management of company and employee involvement
  to ensure effective incentives and disciplines are in place to deliver efficient management of the company, while ensuring employee commitment to the success of the company.
  Maximise the value of the business
  subject to the points above, to provide a framework in which BNFL can get the best out of its assets and maximise its value as an international business by making best use of its expertise and taking advantage of commercial opportunities as they arise.
  Full value for taxpayer
  to ensure that any deal involving a full or partial sale of assets provides full value for the taxpayer consistent with the degree of risk passed on to the private sector.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the cost of the review of British Nuclear Fuels being carried out by KPMG; and when the review will be completed. [59088]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: My department is paying KPMG a fixed fee of £100,000 for this work. The review will be completed by the end of this month.

  Indonesia (Debt)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if Indonesia has resumed payments on its debt to the United Kingdom since it negotiated a rescheduling of this debt with the Export Credits Guarantee Department; [58432]

  (2) if the rescheduling agreement with Indonesia on its debt repayments to the United Kingdom contains provisions relating to future loan guarantees for military equipment; [58435]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the rescheduling of Indonesia's debt to the United Kingdom. [58433]

  Mr. Wilson
  The UK, together with Indonesia's other major creditors, agreed on 23 September 1998 to reschedule Indonesia's sovereign and sovereign guaranteed public sector debt falling due for payment between 6 August 1998 to 31 March 2000. The rescheduling covers principal repayments only and Indonesia continues to meet its interest payment obligations on the original maturities. The rescheduled debt is to be paid over eleven years including a three year grace period. Moratorium interest at the appropriate market rate will accrue from the dates of the original maturities. The first and subsequent payment dates for this moratorium interest will be specified in the bilateral agreement.

  The bilateral debt agreement being negotiated between the UK and Indonesia covers debt in relation to both civil and military contracts signed prior to 1 July 1997 and the debt to be restructured over the period to 31 March 2000 amounts to some £240m.

  The bilateral debt agreement, as is usual, will make no reference to future ECGD cover. Bearing in mind that this is to be limited rescheduling involving principal payments only, ECGD remains on cover whilst monitoring developments very closely. New commitments will be considered on a case by case basis, taking account of prevailing circumstances at the time, but priority would be given to contracts likely to contribute to Indonesia's economic recovery.

  Coal
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list for each year from 1979 to 1997 what sums of compensation have been(a) paid to individual coal miners as a result of pit closures and (b) invested in regions of the United Kingdom to compensate for the closure of coal mines. [57329]

  Mr. Battle
  The information is as follows:

  (a) The Department does not have information on total compensation paid to individual coal miners solely as a result of pit closures initiated by the previous Government. The table sets out the restructuring costs of British Coal Corporation since 1979. In addition, the Government made payments to individual mineworkers under the Redundant Mineworkers Payments Scheme (RMPS) which was introduced in 1967. This Scheme closed to new entrants after March 1987, but payments continue until the last beneficiary reaches the age of 65 in 2002.
  224

  £ million

  Financial years

  British Coal Corporation exceptional restructuring costs1

  RMPS

  1979–80

  76

  15

  1980–81

  108

  15

  1981–82

  181

  48

  1982–83

  183

  80

  1983–84

  344

  190

  1984–85

  242

  200

  1985–86

  691

  563

  1986–87

  798

  610

  1987–88

  632

  295

  1988–89

  400

  168

  1989–90

  881

  126

  1990–91

  163

  93

  1991–92

  525

  61

  1992–93

  767

  43

  1993–94

  481

  33

  1994–95

  270

  29

  1995–96

  8

  23

  1996–97

  0

  20

  1997–98

  0

  12

  Total

  6,750

  2.624

  1 British Coal Corporation Annual Report and Accounts (various)

  (b) The Department does not collect information on amounts invested in regions of the United Kingdom solely as a result of pit closures. The Coalfield closures programme in 1992 was expected to cost the Government £1 billion in redundancy payments and measures to help communities affected, and in 1993 the previous Government committed £200 million in regeneration funding. However, this sum fell below what was needed. This Government set up the Coalfields Task Force to investigate how the Government can best help regenerate the Coalfields Communities and draw together support offered to them. We will shortly be reporting on the implementation of the Task Force's recommendations.

  Vibration White Finger
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress made by his Department towards establishing a compensation scheme for the condition known as vibration white finger. [59006]

  Mr. Battle
  I fully understand the frustration of miners with VWF who have been waiting for their compensation and I am keen to start assessing claims and making payments quickly. We need to ensure that full and fair compensation is paid, but both sides have to work within the legal framework.

  My priority has always been to agree arrangements with the claimants' solicitors to allow claims to be processed. We recently served our proposed handling arrangements on the plaintiffs' solicitors, revised in the light of the Court of Appeal judgment. We hope to agree arrangements with the claimants' solicitors as soon as possible. We are also proposing to the plaintiffs a single medical assessment process as a means of expediting the handling of the claims objectively. Following a meeting on 2 November, they have agreed to participate in a pilot of the medical process, this is due to commence on 1 December.

  In the meantime, further work is being done to minimise any further delay once a final agreement has been reached. For instance, sets of testing equipment have already been purchased and work is in hand to identify organisations able to deliver the single medical assessment.

HEALTH

  Civil Servants (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will provide a breakdown, in numerical and percentage terms, of the ethnic origin of civil servants in his private office, as at 1 October 1997; [56804]

  (2) if he will provide a breakdown, in numerical and percentage terms, of the ethnic origin of civil servants in his Department, by grade, as at 1 October 1997. [56802]

  Mr. Milburn
  I refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to him by the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 5 November 1998,Official Report, columns 666–70.

  North Essex Health Authority
  Mr. Ivan Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many appeals were heard by his Department against proposals put forward by North Essex Health Authority between 1979 and 1997; [58425]

  (2) if he will list the occasions when facilities at Clacton and Harwich hospitals were retained following a successful appeal against North Essex Health Authority proposals between 1979 and 1997; [58427]

  (3) if he will list the facilities at Clacton and Harwich hospitals that were the subject of reviews carried out by North Essex Health Authority between 1979 and 1997; [58428]

  (4) if he will list the lengths of time taken by his Department to determine each appeal against proposals put forward by North Essex Health Authority between 1979 and 1997; [58426]

  (5) how many reviews were conducted by North Essex Health Authority between 1979 and 1997. [58424]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Employment of Children Review Working Group
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if the research sub-group of the Employment of Children Review working group has been set up; and what its terms of reference are; [59065]

  (2) how many times the Employment of Children Review working group has met to take evidence from interested organisations and individuals; and from whom evidence has been taken; [59068]

  (3) what is the current membership of the Employment of Children Review working group; [59069]

  (4) how many children who are employed have been consulted by the Employment of Children Review working group; and on how many occasions; [59066]

  (5) how many times the Employment of Children Review working group has met; and on what dates; [59067]

  (6) when the Employment of Children Review working group is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on its progress. [59064]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Employment of Children Review working group has met on three occasions, 9 February, 21 July and 17 September. Membership of the working group 226
  comprises officials from the Departments of Health, Trade and Industry, Education and Employment, the Cabinet Office, the Health and Safety Executive and the Health and Social Services Executive, Northern Ireland. Membership also includes two representatives from the National Child Employment Network. Evidence has been taken from interested parties on two occasions. Those parties were, Save the Children, National Children's Home Action for Children, the Child Poverty Action Group, the Children's Rights Office, the Child Accident Prevention Trust and the British Film Commissioner. The working group will report early next year. The Research sub group will be meeting shortly; its purpose is to review the existing research, and to make recommendations to the main group based on its findings, both on any proposed changes to existing legislation and on any further research deemed necessary. The views of working children have not yet been sought, but it is intended to do so.

  Prescribed Nicotine Replacement Therapy
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to make nicotine replacement therapy treatment available on prescription; [58960]

  (2) if he will estimate the cost of making nicotine replacement therapy available on prescription. [58959]

  Ms Jowell
  We will set out our comprehensive proposals to tackle smoking in the forthcoming tobacco White Paper.

  Asylum Seekers (Medical Accreditation)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he is taking to assist medically qualified asylum seekers to obtain training or take courses to gain recognised British medical qualifications; [58957]

  (2) what steps he is taking to facilitate the recognition of qualifications held by medically qualified asylum seekers. [58956]

  Mr. Hutton
  The recognition of medical qualifications is the statutory responsibility of the General Medical Council (GMC) in respect of primary qualifications, and the Specialist Training Authority and the Joint Committee on Postgraduate Training for specialist qualifications.

  No specific action is being taken to assist medically qualified asylum seekers to obtain training or to take courses to gain recognised British medical qualifications.

  Medically qualified asylum seekers who have been given permission to work in the United Kingdom by the immigration authorities and who meet the GMC's requirements for Registration are free to apply for advertised posts in the medical training grades on the same basis as other non-United Kingdom/European Economic Area doctors. Approaching 30 per cent. of all medical trainees in the National Health Service qualified outside the United Kingdom.

  Earlier this year the Department revised and reissued its guidance on the Immigration and Employment of Overseas Medical and Dental Students, Doctors and Dentists in the United Kingdom to make it clear that doctors who have sought asylum may be accepted into formal training programmes once permission to work in the UK has been granted by the immigration authorities.

  Comprehensive Spending Review
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he is in a position to give details, by health authority, of the allocation of moneys arising from the Comprehensive Spending Review for the year 1999–2000. [58987]

  Mr. Milburn
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Blyth Valley (Mr. Campbell) on 10 November 1998,Official Report, columns 180–82.

  Health Visitor Services
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of reductions in health visitor services for the elderly on(a) bed blocking in hospitals and (b) hospital waiting lists; and if he will make a statement. [59047]

  Ms Jowell
  We have undertaken no such assessment.

  This month, on 3 November 1998, Official Report, column 688, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a further £250 million for the National Health Service (£209 million for England). This money provides further investment for the long-term as well as additional help for this coming winter.

  We are committed to improving the quality of life for older people and recently announced that the next national service framework will be for older people. Our better services for vulnerable people initiative requires health and local authorities to develop joint investment plans, recuperation and rehabilitation services for older people and improved procedures for multidisciplinary assessment of older people. Our review of hospital discharge guidance will include consideration of how we can resolve the difficulties around delayed discharge.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Croatia (Arms Embargo)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what embargoes on the export of defence equipment, with particular reference to anti-tank weapons, existed in the case of exports to Croatia in(a) 1989, (b) 1990 and (c) 1991. [59049]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  There was no embargo on the export of defence equipment to Croatia in 1989 and 1990. The European Union and its Member States decided on 5 July 1991 to impose an embargo on armaments and military equipment applicable to the whole of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). UNSCR 713 (1991) established a general and complete embargo on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment to the SFRY with effect from 25 September 1991. The embargoes included anti-tank weapons for export to Croatia. The EU embargo remains in force in respect to Croatia.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cheques, and of what total value, have been returned by post and sub post offices as unclaimed by eligible pensioners for winter fuel payments. [57407]

  Angela Eagle
  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 Mr. Eric Pickles, dated 10 November 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary question about how many cheques, and of what total value, have been returned by post and sub post offices as unclaimed by eligible pensioners for winter fuel payments.
  The making of Winter Fuel Payments to almost 10 million pensioners, in over seven million households, before the end of March 1998, was a challenging task for the Benefits Agency (BA). This was achieved whilst maintaining normal benefit business.
  During March this year, five million Winter Fuel Payment girocheques were sent to the Post Office for collection by those pensioners who receive a state retirement pension or widow's benefit and are paid by order book. Arrangements were made for the Post Office clerk to identify the relevant customers, as they called to collect their pension, hand them the envelope containing their girocheque, and a letter explaining the reason for the payment.
  Post Offices were instructed to return any uncollected girocheques to the nearest BA office on I May 1998. Approximately two percent of the total number of girocheques, with a value of either £10 or £20, were returned. The information on the total value of all payments returned is only available at disproportionate cost.
  It may be helpful if I explain the action that was taken on receipt of each undelivered payment. An investigation was undertaken to establish the reason why the payment had not been collected. Where it was confirmed that the pensioner was still alive a replacement payment was issued. Where the pensioner had recently died but nevertheless there was entitlement to a payment, the BA took action to pay the amount due to the next of kin or executor of the deceased's estate.
  About 98% of girocheques issued to the Post Office were collected. Of the remainder, around half were returned because there was no entitlement (for example, because the customer was abroad, in hospital for an extensive period, or had died). Many of the other girocheques were not collected because of short or medium term hospitalization or spells abroad, or customer's death during or after the qualifying week. In these cases, entitlement remained, and the girocheques have now been replaced except in a very small number of cases (for example, where further evidence is required).
  In making this year's Winter Fuel Payments, around the same number will be sent to the Post Office for delivery during January 1999. The Post Office have been asked to ensure all their staff are proactive in issuing the payments the first time the pensioner calls after the Post Office receive the pensioner's giro payment. The Winter Fuel Payment leaflet also advises pensioners whose payment has been sent to the Post Office to ask the clerk in the office they normally collect the payment from, if they have not been given their payment by the end of January 1999.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Benefit Recovery
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cases of repayments of benefit to the Compensation Recovery Unit involving asbestos-related diseases there were in the past five years; and what were the levels of those repayments. [58411]
  229
  Mr. Timms
  The administration of the Compensation Recovery Unit is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Tony Worthington, dated 10 November 1998 The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Mr. Mathison to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking, how many cases of repayments of benefit to the Compensation Recovery Unit involving asbestos-related diseases there were in the past five years; and what were the levels of those repayments. As Mr. Mathison is away from the office on leave, I am replying.
  The information requested is given on the table. The figures relate to asbestosis cases (the system is not designed to identify asbestos-related diseases).
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Number of repayments of benefit made to the Compensation Recovery Unit in the last five years involving asbestosis

  Financial year

  Number of cases

  Total amount repaid (£)

  1993–94

  157

  408,655.00

  1994–95

  138

  1,030,457.77

  1995–96

  173

  1,507,320.58

  1996–97

  240

  1,860,957.46

  1997–98

  255

  2,029,302.49

  Notes:

  Figures supplied by the Compensation Recovery Unit.

  Figures are provisional and subject to change.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will estimate the level of benefits repaid to the Compensation Recovery Unit as a result of the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997; [58408]

  (2) if he will provide a breakdown of the levels of repayment to the Compensation Recovery Unit in each of the past five years; [58412]

  Breakdown of levels of recoveries to the compensation recovery unit current and previous five years

  £ million

  Breakdown of recoveries by benefit type

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Invalidity Benefit

  35.2

  51.9

  60.1

  49.3

  36.3

  13.2

  Incapacity Benefit

  0

  0

  7.8

  27.8

  52.1

  34.5

  Unemployment Benefit

  0.3

  0.4

  0.5

  0.6

  0.5

  0.1

  Sickness Benefit

  3.4

  4.4

  5.1

  4.4

  3.5

  1.4

  Jobseeker's Allowance (C)

  0

  0

  0

  0.0002

  0.03

  0.02

  Income Support

  5.8

  8

  10.2

  13.1

  20

  14.5

  Attendance Allowance

  0.6

  0.9

  0.9

  0.9

  1.4

  1

  Statutory Sick Pay

  16.7

  17.3

  15.4

  10.7

  6.6

  2.3

  Jobseeker's Allowance (I)

  0

  0

  0

  0.0006

  0.1

  0.072

  Mobility Allowance

  1.1

  1

  0.9

  0.5

  0.4

  0.3

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

  9.2

  12.6

  16.5

  19.1

  22.6

  12.3

  Constant Attendance Allowance

  0.2

  0.2

  0.3

  0.4

  0.4

  0.1

  Disability Living Allowance

  2.8

  6.6

  11

  13.9

  7.5

  0.07

  Reduced Earnings Allowance

  5.5

  5.2

  4.3

  2.8

  2

  1.1

  Retirement Allowance

  0.005

  0.005

  0.0006

  0.001

  0.0009

  0.0007

  Family Credit

  0.0009

  0.0006

  0

  0.002

  0

  0

  Severe Disablement Allowance

  1

  1.5

  2

  1.8

  2.2

  1.5

  Old Cases Acts Benefits

  0

  0

  0

  0.01

  0.008

  0

  Disability Living Allowance (Care)

  0

  0

  0

  0

  8

  5.4

  Disability Living Allowance (Mobility)

  0

  0

  0

  0

  7

  7.6

  Disability Working Allowance

  0.02

  0.05

  0.08

  0.1

  0.2

  0.1

  Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance

  0.03

  0.06

  0.06

  0.08

  0.05

  0.03

  Total

  81.9

  110.1

  135.1

  145.5

  170.9

  95.6

  Notes:

  Figures supplied by the Compensation Recovery Unit

  Figures are provisional and subject to change.

  Figure for the current year are to September 1998 inc.
  230
  (3) what were total repayments to the Compensation Recovery Unit in the current year and each of the five previous years. [58409]

  Mr. Timms
  Reform of the Compensation Recovery scheme took place on 6 October 1997. The compensator is now liable for the repayment of benefits paid as a consequence of an accident, injury or disease. The reforms also mean that compensation for pain and suffering will not be recovered.

  The administration of the Compensation Recovery Unit took place on 6 October 1997. The compensator is now liable for the repayment of benefits paid as a consequence of an accident, injury or disease. The reforms also mean that compensation for pain and suffering will not be recovered.

  The administration of the Compensation Recovery Unit is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Tony Worthington, dated 10 November 1998.
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Peter Mathison to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions. The questions ask about the level of benefits repaid to the Compensation Recovery Unit as a result of the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997, a breakdown of the levels of repayment in each of the past five years, and what were the total repayments in the current and the last five years. As Mr. Mathison is away from the office on leave, I will reply.
  It is estimated that £159 million has been repaid to the Compensation Recovery Unit as a result of the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997.
  A breakdown of the levels of repayment and the total repayments is given in the table.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants will be affected by his proposed claw-back of incapacity benefit from those with private insurance cover in the first five years after the reform is introduced. [58291]

  Mr. Timms
  It is not possible to identify the number of people with permanent health insurance payments arranged by their employer, who will have this income taken into account against Incapacity Benefit in the first five years after the change is introduced. However, the number is expected to be small. No existing Incapacity Benefit recipient will be affected.

  Disability Income Guarantee
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much extra he estimates will be spent on the disability income guarantee in the first two years of its operation relative to what would have been spent on the current equivalent disability benefits. [58509]

  Mr. Timms
  The estimated additional cost for 2001–02 will be in the region of £60 million. In the longer term we estimate that the cost will rise to £70 million per year.

  Widows' Benefits
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many new claimants of widows' benefit are currently being awarded initial or emergency payments only as a result of the difficulties in implementation of the NIRS2 system. [59284]

  Mr. Timms
  All new claims to Widows' Benefit (WB) where there is potential entitlement to a weekly Widows' Pension (WP) or Widowed Mother's Allowance (WMA) should be receiving emergency payments as the NIRS contributions record is not available. There are about 4,000 new claims to WB each month. 28,000 claims have been received from April to October of which about 21,000 have entitlement to WP or WMA.Sources:
  Central Data Unit
  Annual WB claims 1996–97 = 47,435 of which 37,910 have WP/WMA.
  Annual WB claims 1997–98 = 45,291 of which 36,539 have WP/WMA.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if receipt of a compensation payment made on a monthly basis to a person not receiving an occupational pension prevents that individual from being granted jobseeker's allowance when all other application criteria are met; [58531]

  (2) if those in receipt of (a) a redundancy compensation payment and a continuing annual payment and (b) a continuing annual payment only, are eligible for job seekers allowance; [58532]

  (3) if those in receipt of a redundancy compensation payment and a continuing annual payment are eligible for unemployment benefit; [58533]
  232
  (4) if his Department classifies continuing annual payments as (a) a redundancy payment and (b) an occupational pension. [58534]

  Angela Eagle
  Jobseeker's Allowance replaced Unemployment Benefit and Income Support for the unemployed in October 1996 as the main benefit for this group. Jobseeker's Allowance has two elements: a contribution-based allowance for those who have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions and an income-based allowance for those who either do not qualify for, or whose needs are not met by, the contributory element.

  Prior to October 1996, for people aged over 55, Unemployment Benefit was reduced by 10p for each lop of occupational pension received in excess of £35 a week. Other periodic payments from ex-employers made on account of the termination of employment by way of redundancy were treated as income other than earnings and did not affect entitlement to Unemployment Benefit. Lump sum redundancy payments up to the statutory limit did not affect the amount of Unemployment Benefit payable. Any sum paid in excess of this limit removed entitlement to benefit for a period, the length of which depended upon the sum involved.

  Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance is reduced, for all people receiving occupational pension payments, on a penny for penny basis for any excess over £50 a week. Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance is reduced by an amount equal to the total pension payment received. Other periodic payments from ex-employers made on account of the termination of employment by way of redundancy do not affect entitlement to contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance. Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance is, however, reduced by an amount equal to the total payment received.

  Lump sum redundancy payments up to the statutory limit do not affect the amount of contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance payable as they are treated as capital. Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance is not affected by capital under £3,000 but entitlement is reduced by £1 for each £250, or part of £250, over that amount up to a limit of £8,000. Benefit is not payable if a person's capital is over that limit. Any sum paid in excess of the statutory limit will remove entitlement to both elements of Jobseeker's Allowance for a period, the length of which depends upon the sum involved.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students were recruited to PGCE courses in each subject area for each of the years 1992 to 1998. [56198]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The following table shows the number of students recruited to PGCE courses in each subject area for each of the years 1992 to 1997. Recruitment for 1998 is not yet available, but latest figures for acceptances are shown in the table. A package of new measures to boost teacher recruitment was announced on 27 October and details of this have been placed in the Library.
  233

  Recruitment1 to postgraduate initial teacher training (ITT) courses, 1992–93 to 1997–98

  England and Wales

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Primary

  6,255

  6,218

  5,640

  5,696

  5,454

  5.217

  Mathematics

  1,311

  1,429

  1,651

  1,575

  1,443

  1,233

  English2

  1,388

  1,505

  1,877

  1,932

  2,097

  2,171

  Science

  1,928

  2,228

  2,714

  2,686

  2,705

  2,590

  Modern Foreign Languages

  1,347

  1,573

  1,847

  1,837

  1,789

  1,858

  Technology3

  1,008

  1,163

  1,172

  1,034

  1,205

  1,251

  History

  616

  683

  957

  936

  1,006

  1,043

  Geography

  505

  590

  674

  726

  889

  888

  Physical Education

  326

  393

  538

  622

  666

  844

  Art

  629

  748

  805

  867

  960

  962

  Music

  390

  415

  464

  550

  489

  482

  Religious Education

  334

  350

  427

  487

  625

  636

  Other4

  456

  394

  316

  378

  390

  300

  Total secondary

  10,236

  11,468

  13,442

  13,629

  14,262

  14,258

  Live acceptances to postgraduate ITT courses 1998

  England and Wales

  1998–995

  Primary

  5,690

  Mathematics

  810

  English2

  2,040

  Science

  1,880

  Modern Foreign Languages

  1,560

  Technology3

  1,020

  History

  930

  Geography

  750

  Physical Education

  790

  Art

  930

  Music

  420

  Religious Education

  600

  Other4

  240

  Total secondary

  11,970

  1Includes School Centred ITT (SCITT).

  2 English includes Drama.

  3 Technology includes Design and Technology, Information Technology, Business Studies and Home Economics.

  4 Other includes Classics, Economics, other social sciences and other subjects.

  5 Live assceptances at 26 September 1998. Final recruitment figures are expected to be higher by about 5–10 per cent., though this will vary by subject.

  Sources

  Recruitment

  England: DFE Annual Recruitment Survey 1992–93–1993–94; HESES 1994–95;

  TTA Survey of ITT Providers 1995–96–1997–98.

  Wales: DFE Annual Recruitment Survey 1992–93–1993–94;

  Welsh Office 1994–95; HESES 1995–96–1997–98.

  Live acceptances

  Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)

  Books and Equipment
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list(a) for each local education authority and (b) for each Key Stage and for post-16 provision, expenditure per pupil on books and equipment for the most recent year for which figures are available and for each of the preceding two years. [59172]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information on expenditure per pupil on educational equipment. furniture and materials, which covers books and equipment, for each local education authority for the period 1994–95 to 1996–97, the latest year for which figures are available, is set out in a Table, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. Separate information on expenditure per pupil on books and equipment for each Key Stage and for post-16 provision is not available.
  234
  The Government have substantially increased provision for local authority spending on education in 1998–99 to £19.4 billion. They have also pledged an extra £19 billion for education throughout the UK in the next three years and provided an extra £2,000 over and above increased RSG levels to purchase books during 1998 to every school with more than 100 pupils in England as part of the National Year of Reading. In addition £102 million will be provided jointly by the Government and local education authorities in 1998–99 for the National Grid for Learning and an additional £954 million for schools capital in 1998£99.

  Internet Publishing
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make it his policy to require all task forces and equivalent bodies sponsored by his Department to publish their working papers and minutes on the Internet. [58771]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 9 November 1998]: The Department is committed to open government and abides by the principles laid down under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  In any dealings with task forces and equivalent bodies we will impress on them our Department's commitment to openness and point out that proposed Freedom of Information legislation may identify and embrace these bodies.

  Some of the larger task forces currently publish information on the Internet and any future bodies will be encouraged to consider an Internet site.

  Home Economics
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to include home economics in mainstream education. [58962]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Home economics issues are already covered by the National Curriculum. Food and textiles are, for example, covered by National Curriculum design and technology. Further home economics elements are addressed by other National Curriculum subjects. Diet and nutrition are covered by National Curriculum science and budgeting by National Curriculum mathematics. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is currently reviewing the National Curriculum. Proposed changes
  235
  will be submitted to the Secretary of State in the spring of next year. There will follow a full consultation on agreed proposals.

  Schools (Drug Abuse)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the expenditure by his Department on programmes in schools highlighting the dangers of drug abuse in 1997–98. [58825]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Department supported approximately £6 million of expenditure for drug education and prevention work, through the Grants For Education Support and Training (GEST) Programme in 1997£98, increased to £7 million in 1998–99 through the Standards Fund programme. This support was made available to Local Education Authorities, to assist schools in delivering effective drug education and managing drug-related incidents on schools' premises.

  In addition, the Department supported £1.5 million of expenditure for the training of youth and community workers, which included among its objectives the effective delivery of programmes of drug education and prevention.

  Welfare to Work
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the impact of the Welfare to Work programme to date in the West Midlands. [57735]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 2 November 1998]: Government Statistical Service figures, covering the period from January 1998 to the end of August 1998, show that in the West Midlands 14,530 young people had started on New Deal and that 1,772 had started unsubsidised employment; 457 subsidised employment; 154 on the Environment Task Force; 136 on the voluntary sector option; and 489 on Full-Time Education and Training option.

  We have a comprehensive evaluation programme to measure the impact of New Deal nationally, regionally, and locally. I will publish further detailed findings of this programme as they become available.

  Disability Services
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will announce his proposals for the expenditure of the money allocated to specialist disability services. [58574]

  Ms Hodge
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment announced on 28 October 1998,Official Report column 340, a fund of an extra £30 million over 3 years to improve job opportunities for disabled people. The money will provide:
  1,500 additional supported employment places to test new ways of helping disabled people move into open employment and to boost the subsidy to employers;
  extra help with work costs through Access to Work for an additional 4,000 disabled people;
  an increase to the Job Introduction Scheme subsidy from £45 to £75 a week helping to support a further 3,000 opportunities over three years.

  In 1999 a range of organisations will be approached with the aim of developing initiatives which will test ways of
  236
  increasing the scope for progression from the Supported Employment Programme into open employment. The additional help under the Access to Work programme and the Job Introduction Scheme will be managed by the Employment Service as part of their normal support to employers and disabled people.

  Early Years Education
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he plans to set a target for the universal provision of early years education for three year olds whose parents want it. [59170]

  Ms Hodge
  The £390 million additional funding we have made available for England over the next three years will enable the participation rate of three years-olds in early education to approximately double to 66% by 2002. We will consider future targets in the light of this expansion.

  New Deal
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what statistics he is collecting to monitor the progress of ex-offenders on the New Deal. [59174]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Information is available specifically on ex-offenders only for those entering the New Deal early. I can report that 2,294 ex-offenders have entered New Deal early. Monitoring of ex-offenders relies on clients volunteering this information.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Members for Bath and for Hereford (Mr. Keetch) of 30 September 1998, on the education and training option under the New Deal. [59167]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I will be issuing a letter by the end of this week.

  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people have found(a) subsidised and (b) unsubsidised employment under the New Deal for 18 to 25 year olds in the Tynemouth constituency to date. [59009]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Government Statistical Service figures show, to the end of August 1998, that in the Employment Service Tyneside North Unit of Delivery, which covers the Tynemouth constituency, 62 18–24 year olds have found unsubsidised employment and 29 have started on the New Deal employment option.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list(a) the employers currently employing New Deal trainees under the subsidised employment option and (b) for each (i) how many New Deal trainees they are employing and (ii) what percentage their New Deal trainees are of their total workforce. [59173]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Across the country, around 29,300 companies have been signed up to New Deal. The current Employment Service systems do not allow us to monitor number of starts on the Employment Option by employer. We are currently looking at setting up an employer database that will allow us to monitor New Deal information by employer.
  237
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the number of subsidised unfilled vacancies for New Deal trainees. [59171]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Employment Service information systems cannot provide this information.

  Sir Peter Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many disabled job seekers have(a) sought help under the New Deal, (b) found suitable programmes and (c) moved on to permanent employment or longer-term training. [59078]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Government Statistical Service figures of people with disabilities show that, to the end of August 1998,(a) 19,880 have entered New Deal, (b) 360 have entered the Voluntary Sector Option, and 280 have entered the Environment Task Force Option, (c) 1,090 have moved from Gateway to the Subsidised Employment Option and 2,100 have signed-off to start unsubsidised jobs and 940 participants have entered the Full-Time Education and Training Option.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people have found employment through the New Deal to date(a) in total and (b) in each target group. [57143]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 29 October 1998]: Latest figures, combining GSS figures to August with provisional management information to September, show that, since New Deal for 18–24 year olds started, over 30,000 young people have found work. Of these, 21,460 have gone into unsubsidised jobs and 9,020 have entered subsidised employment.

  Figures for New Deal 25+ will be available in the Government Statistical Service's statistical First Release, which will be published in December.

  No figures are available yet for the success of the New Deal for Lone Parents since its National launch on 26 October. Information from the pilot areas combined with provision for new claimants up to 25 September show 5,439 lone parents have moved into jobs or increased their hours of work.

  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many 18 to 24 year olds who left the New Deal for non-subsidised employment had returned to the New Deal programme by 30 September. [57871]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 2 November 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 29 October 1998, Official Report, column 230.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by outcome, for those delivery units for which the information is available, the numbers of young people who have left the New Deal to date. [59177]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The latest Government Statistical Service figures show that the total number of people leaving New Deal to the end of August is 32,080. Of these, 17,300 have entered unsubsidised employment, 3,470 have transferred to alternative benefits, 1,810 have gone to other known destinations. The destinations of the remaining 9,510 is unknown. Breakdowns for the 143 individual Units of Delivery can be found in the Library.
  238
  GSS statistics to the end of September will be published on 26 November.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the costs incurred centrally in supporting the early implementation of the New Deal for young people. [59168]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The central costs incurred by the Employment Service and DfEE to the 30 September 1998 in supporting the early stages of the introduction of New Deal amount to £45.6 million. This includes infrastructure costs, preparation and implementation costs and Marketing costs.

  Schools
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received about the policy of naming and shaming schools; and if he will make a statement. [58542]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The names of schools which have been found by OFSTED to be failing their pupils, or to have serious weaknesses, are a matter of public record, as are those which have received good reports. All inspection reports are published and are available on the Internet.

  There is general agreement that failing schools must be identified and tackled urgently in the interests of their pupils. In May 1997 the Government found a number of schools which had been under special measures for up to three years and took action to ensure that these schools were turned round, closed or given a fresh start. All schools coming into special measures from September 1998 will have two years to improve, be closed or, in exceptional circumstances, given a fresh start. Local authorities with schools which have now been on special measures for over two years have been asked to submit plans for urgent action. The Secretary of State will not hesitate to use his new power to direct the closure of such schools if that is necessary to ensure pupils have the quality of education they deserve. When such action is taken, it will be made public.

  Study or Training Leave
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) when he expects the right to time off for study or training to become available to 16 and 17 year olds; [57679]

  (2) when he expects the regulations surrounding the right to time off for study or training for 16 and 17 year olds to come into force. [57680]

  Mr. Mudie
  We are working towards an implementation date of September 1999 for Part III of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998 (Right to Time Off for Study or Training).

  Course Vacancies (UCAS)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many course vacancies existed in the institutions engaged in the UCAS scheme immediately following the UCAS clearing procedure in(a) Autumn 1998, (b) Autumn 1997, (c) Autumn 1996 and (d) Autumn 1995. [58979]
  239
  Mr. Mudie
  Although throughout clearing Universities and Colleges notify UCAS which courses have vacancies and these appear in the national press and elsewhere, they do not declare the number of vacancies. Figures for the number of vacancies are therefore not available centrally.

  Jobfinder's Grant
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what plans he has to extend the jobfinder's grant to people who work fewer than 30 hours a week; [58878]

  (2) what plans he has to extend the jobfinder's grant to non-New Deal applicants. [58879]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Jobfinder's Grant has always been available to jobseekers unemployed 2 years or more since its introduction as a national programme in April 1995.

  Jobfinder's Grant is a one-off payment of a grant of £200 paid at the discretion of Employment Service Client Advisers who decide if the grant is required to help with the client's transition back to work.

  GCSE and GCE A level achievements in Staffordshire 1993 to 1997 (i) (a) GCSE achievements in maintained schools

  Grade achieved at GCSE

  A*

  A*

  B

  C

  D

  E

  F

  G

  U

  X

  Total

  1993

  Biology

  —

  8

  21

  52

  47

  40

  23

  6

  2

  10

  209

  Chemistry

  —

  7

  26

  30

  33

  12

  2

  2

  0

  0

  112

  Physics

  —

  11

  22

  31

  30

  18

  5

  2

  0

  1

  120

  Single science

  —

  25

  61

  130

  257

  323

  358

  183

  84

  46

  1,467

  Double award science

  —

  781

  1,030

  1,799

  1,737

  1,499

  999

  414

  126

  78

  8,463

  Other science

  —

  9

  102

  175

  161

  148

  70

  17

  0

  23

  705

  1994

  Biology

  2

  17

  24

  37

  55

  22

  12

  4

  2

  3

  178

  Chemistry

  6

  11

  23

  31

  26

  10

  3

  0

  0

  3

  113

  Physics

  5

  17

  17

  22

  11

  20

  3

  0

  0

  1

  96

  Single science

  2

  18

  54

  90

  227

  197

  108

  54

  30

  75

  855

  Double award science

  224

  629

  1,469

  1,735

  2,265

  1,568

  835

  298

  95

  244

  9,362

  Other science

  0

  2

  9

  22

  27

  22

  10

  3

  4

  1

  100

  1995

  Biology

  2

  4

  15

  12

  15

  17

  7

  2

  3

  0

  77

  Chemistry

  0

  3

  11

  9

  7

  5

  2

  0

  1

  0

  38

  Physics

  0

  5

  11

  7

  6

  6

  1

  1

  0

  0

  37

  Single science

  1

  10

  59

  103

  191

  205

  135

  43

  26

  47

  820

  Double award science

  338

  657

  1,560

  2,089

  2,378

  1,796

  978

  275

  128

  275

  10,474

  Other science

  0

  1

  1

  16

  19

  14

  10

  4

  2

  3

  70

  1996

  Biology

  7

  25

  48

  44

  26

  23

  6

  0

  0

  0

  179

  Chemistry

  4

  27

  35

  54

  27

  13

  6

  0

  1

  0

  167

  Physics

  9

  23

  51

  38

  21

  13

  9

  0

  3

  0

  167

  Single science

  2

  26

  91

  133

  247

  216

  135

  59

  26

  52

  987

  Double award science

  300

  808

  1,667

  2,130

  2,192

  1,705

  1,039

  328

  165

  262

  10,596

  Other science

  0

  1

  7

  13

  32

  24

  23

  3

  8

  5

  116

  1997

  Biology

  15

  42

  61

  36

  10

  10

  4

  1

  4

  1

  184

  Chemistry

  18

  41

  53

  37

  8

  4

  6

  0

  1

  0

  168

  Physics

  16

  42

  54

  38

  10

  6

  3

  0

  0

  1

  170

  Single science

  2

  12

  75

  68

  158

  135

  83

  34

  16

  28

  611

  Double award science

  279

  570

  1,355

  1,750

  1,791

  1,314

  705

  187

  109

  185

  8,248

  Other science

  0

  1

  5

  9

  31

  27

  19

  4

  3

  1

  100

  240
  During 1998, eligibility was extended to all New Deal participants. Due to the range of opportunities available on New Deal 18–24 it was decided to make Jobfinder's Grant available at Employment Service District Manager discretion.

  I am currently considering whether to extend the Jobfinder's Grant to people who work fewer than 30 hours per week. Indeed all Employment Service programmes and services, including Jobfinder's Grant, are constantly being evaluated to look at ways of enhancing the provision to meet unemployed jobseekers' needs in the ever changing labour market.

  Science Exam Results
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the grades achieved at(a) GCSE and (b) A level in each science subject in (i) schools and (ii) further education colleges in Staffordshire in each of the last five years. [57945]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 4 November 1998]: The GCSE and GCE A level data requested for schools and colleges in Staffordshire are shown in the following tables.
  241

  (i) (b) GCE A level achievements in maintained schools

  Grade achieved at GCE A level

  A

  B

  C

  D

  E

  N

  U

  X

  Total

  1993

  Biology

  51

  63

  68

  77

  89

  70

  82

  0

  500

  Chemistry

  62

  68

  59

  75

  78

  50

  52

  1

  445

  Physics

  56

  43

  61

  67

  94

  72

  46

  0

  439

  Other science

  6

  16

  16

  37

  31

  23

  9

  0

  138

  1994

  Biology

  40

  61

  92

  92

  117

  93

  45

  1

  541

  Chemistry

  50

  63

  70

  81

  101

  52

  43

  2

  462

  Physics

  54

  55

  59

  88

  72

  50

  33

  3

  414

  Other science

  6

  12

  22

  46

  36

  24

  7

  0

  153

  1995

  Biology

  41

  74

  82

  89

  103

  81

  50

  3

  527

  Chemistry

  45

  66

  73

  83

  64

  64

  38

  1

  435

  Physics

  50

  46

  69

  76

  53

  43

  21

  0

  358

  Other science

  7

  21

  26

  50

  28

  13

  5

  2

  152

  1996

  Biology

  40

  99

  102

  111

  109

  64

  41

  4

  570

  Chemistry

  56

  67

  103

  64

  73

  61

  34

  0

  458

  Physics

  49

  60

  55

  58

  85

  57

  31

  0

  395

  Other science

  4

  20

  20

  31

  26

  9

  5

  0

  115

  1997

  Biology

  65

  102

  89

  88

  113

  68

  33

  5

  563

  Chemistry

  59

  80

  83

  60

  58

  38

  36

  1

  415

  Physics

  60

  67

  62

  58

  70

  32

  20

  2

  371

  Other science

  4

  19

  29

  36

  25

  16

  4

  0

  133

  GCSE and GCE A level achievements in Staffordshire 1993 to 1997 (ii) (a) GCSE achievements in FE sector colleges

  Grade achieved at GCSE

  A*

  A

  B

  C

  D

  E

  F

  G

  U

  X

  Total

  1993

  Biology

  —

  24

  45

  108

  97

  92

  59

  44

  18

  34

  521

  Chemistry

  —

  1

  16

  21

  18

  15

  8

  1

  0

  7

  87

  Physics

  —

  5

  7

  21

  17

  15

  7

  5

  7

  5

  89

  Single science

  —

  7

  12

  25

  16

  7

  3

  5

  1

  10

  86

  Double award science

  —

  5

  17

  13

  7

  3

  0

  1

  1

  4

  51

  Other science

  —

  23

  48

  55

  20

  19

  4

  3

  1

  13

  186

  1994

  Biology

  5

  18

  58

  114

  110

  97

  58

  36

  13

  67

  576

  Chemistry

  0

  4

  16

  18

  18

  16

  6

  1

  2

  10

  91

  Physics

  0

  6

  10

  22

  25

  15

  7

  6

  1

  14

  106

  Single science

  0

  1

  17

  24

  13

  14

  9

  0

  1

  12

  91

  Double award science

  0

  0

  10

  17

  9

  8

  0

  0

  1

  2

  47

  Other science

  3

  22

  54

  36

  15

  9

  7

  2

  1

  16

  165

  1995

  Biology

  2

  22

  41

  79

  74

  61

  3

  2

  35

  42

  361

  Chemistry

  0

  1

  5

  19

  17

  9

  3

  0

  2

  7

  63

  Physics

  1

  6

  8

  15

  9

  7

  3

  0

  0

  6

  55

  Single science

  0

  0

  9

  11

  10

  9

  1

  0

  0

  5

  45

  Double award science

  0

  2

  14

  17

  9

  9

  0

  0

  1

  1

  53

  Other science

  3

  15

  34

  31

  8

  10

  0

  2

  0

  16

  119

  1996

  Biology

  1

  14

  44

  85

  72

  49

  5

  0

  20

  41

  331

  Chemistry

  0

  1

  8

  20

  14

  16

  6

  0

  2

  9

  76

  Physics

  0

  1

  9

  18

  12

  3

  2

  0

  2

  8

  55

  Single science

  0

  0

  3

  12

  7

  4

  3

  0

  2

  3

  34

  Double award science

  0

  2

  6

  15

  7

  4

  2

  0

  0

  3

  39

  Other science

  4

  13

  32

  27

  10

  2

  1

  0

  9

  20

  118

  1997

  Biology

  1

  10

  34

  42

  52

  32

  2

  1

  8

  27

  209

  Chemistry

  0

  2

  1

  6

  5

  5

  0

  0

  1

  6

  26

  Physics

  0

  1

  4

  5

  4

  2

  0

  0

  0

  2

  18

  Single science

  0

  2

  1

  4

  3

  3

  1

  0

  0

  2

  16

  Double award science

  0

  0

  7

  2

  4

  1

  0

  0

  0

  3

  17

  Other science

  0

  2

  1

  5

  5

  0

  0

  0

  2

  4

  19

  242 243

  (ii) (b) GCE A level achievements in FE sector colleges

  Grade achieved at GCE A level

  A

  B

  C

  D

  E

  N

  U

  X

  Total

  1993

  Biology

  20

  37

  46

  42

  47

  37

  59

  16

  304

  Chemistry

  22

  30

  21

  22

  25

  22

  20

  3

  165

  Physics

  18

  23

  20

  17

  28

  25

  29

  4

  164

  Other science

  12

  35

  38

  52

  51

  29

  58

  19

  294

  1994

  Biology

  23

  22

  38

  70

  56

  46

  36

  12

  303

  Chemistry

  26

  22

  22

  28

  27

  19

  19

  3

  166

  Physics

  17

  19

  25

  18

  22

  18

  26

  2

  147

  Other science

  16

  34

  43

  50

  41

  29

  46

  22

  281

  1995

  Biology

  25

  24

  45

  72

  76

  45

  69

  21

  377

  Chemistry

  23

  19

  19

  33

  42

  30

  28

  5

  199

  Physics

  15

  15

  25

  22

  43

  17

  16

  3

  156

  Other science

  13

  34

  27

  67

  60

  31

  30

  17

  279

  1996

  Biology

  9

  39

  46

  63

  67

  41

  35

  14

  314

  Chemistry

  11

  23

  27

  20

  27

  25

  23

  7

  163

  Physics

  7

  10

  20

  15

  24

  21

  28

  4

  129

  Other science

  6

  12

  35

  36

  26

  28

  28

  7

  178

  1997

  Biology

  3

  11

  18

  27

  34

  21

  35

  13

  171

  Chemistry

  1

  8

  4

  7

  9

  10

  1

  3

  43

  Physics

  5

  3

  6

  10

  14

  0

  6

  10

  54

  Other science

  9

  17

  14

  24

  22

  13

  16

  7

  122

  Millennium Bug Busters
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many millennium bug busters are currently in post. [59220]

  Mr. Mudie
  As at 5 November, 253 people had completed training under the Bug Busters Programme. 430 had started training and a further 1,294 were booked to go on courses.

  Further Education (Business Links)
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to restrict off site collaborative provision between colleges, universities and business. [56698]

  Mr. Mudie
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is concerned to ensure high quality and value for money in collaborative arrangements between further education colleges and business. In furtherance of these objectives, the Further Education Funding Council has made changes in the arrangements for such provision with effect from 1 August. First, colleges are prohibited from transferring funding to employers as part of a collaborative arrangement to provide education and training to their employees, except for the hire of equipment or premises. In addition, the funding guidance for 1998–99 stresses the need for colleges to address identified growth in their local communities. Should colleges seek to operate 244
  outside their local area, they would be expected to liaise with colleges in the locality concerned, thereby eliminating unhelpful and wasteful competition.

  As regards higher education, we have no plans to restrict universities' collaborative arrangements with business.

  Civil Servants (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will provide a breakdown, in numerical and percentage terms, of the ethnic origin of civil servants in his Department, by grade, as at 1 October 1997; [56743]

  (2) if he will provide a breakdown in numerical and percentage terms, of the ethnic origin of civil servants in his private office, as at 1 October 1997. [56745]

  Mr. Mudie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 5 November 1998,Official Report, columns 666–70.

  Young Offenders (Profiles)
  Sir Peter Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what data he has collated on the ability profiles of young offenders. [59077]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Prison Service collates information on literacy and numeracy standards among prisoners from basic skills

  245
  screening tests carried out near the beginning of sentences. The tests are not compulsory and not all prisoners are screened. The results of the basic skills assessments in 1997 for juveniles and young offenders are given in the table.

  There are no centrally collated statistics across the probation service in England and Wales concerning the ability profiles of young offenders.

  Juvenile/young prisoners basic skills assessment tests–1997

  Standard (%)1

  Test

  Number tested

  Below level 1

  At level 1

  Above level 1

  Literacy

  8,697

  30

  38.5

  31.5

  Numeracy

  8,633

  43.6

  38.8

  17.6

  1 Standard: Level 1 indicates basic functionality in literacy and/or numeracy, above level 1 is higher while below level 1 indicates a clear deficit in literacy and/or numeracy

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Objective 5A
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many claims for funding the UK has made under Objective 5A for modernisation in agriculture, in each of the last three financial years. [56485]

  Mr. Morley
  Aid for on-farm investments was implemented in the UK through the Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme. Although the scheme closed to new applications in 1994, grant continues to be paid on planned investments. The UK has made a claim in each of the last three years to the European Commission for expenditure incurred in the previous calendar year as shown in the table.

  £ million

  Year

  Amount claimed

  1995

  2.6

  1996

  2.0

  1997

  1.3

  Countryside Stewardship
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the maximum amount of money the UK is entitled to reclaim from EU funds under the Stewardship Scheme for 1998–99. [56487]

  Mr. Morley
  We expect to be able to reclaim a maximum of £5.8 million from the EU for Countryside Stewardship in 1998–99.

  Pigs
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he has taken to provide assistance for the pig rearing industry during the last three months; and if he will make a statement. [56923]
  246
  Mr. Morley
  In the last three months the Government have supported all measures proposed by the EU Commission to meet the present crisis. These include:re-introducing export refunds on fresh and frozen bone-in carcase meat and extending the payment of export refunds to boneless cuts;
  a further increase in the rates of export refunds on fresh and frozen carcase meat as from 15 October, this time by around 30 per cent.;
  following the UK pig industry, the introduction of an Aids to Private Storage Scheme as from 28 September.
  all Ministers have had regular meetings with pig industry representatives.

  In addition, my Ministerial colleague, Lord Donoughue, hosted a pigmeat seminar on 7 July which was aimed at caterers. This was the first part of a programme of events that seeks to improve communication and understanding between the domestic pigmeat industry and the catering and food service sector. The second stage of the campaign, a seminar for 16 November, when Lord Donoughue will again take part. The ultimate objective of this programme is to increase the usage of pigmeat products in the important catering sector, thereby improving market opportunities for UK pig producers.

  I and my Ministerial colleagues will use this and every other opportunity, including our regular meetings with the retail and processing sectors and Parliamentary debates, to make it known that the British pig industry produces a quality product to high welfare and other standards. It is of the utmost importance for this to be fully appreciated and taken into account by processors, retailers, caterers and the final consumer.

  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of piglet mortality rates in the United Kingdom, and of the economic value this represents. [57925]

  Mr. Rooker
  A MAFF founded survey of pig producers co-ordinated by the University of Exeter estimated the average rate of pre-weaned piglet mortality in England for 1996–97 at 12.4 per cent. This represented a cost to the producer of about £1.30 per finished pig.

  Calf Slaughter Scheme
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of the scheduled end of the calf slaughter scheme on the beef market. [57297]

  Mr. Rooker
  We expect that some of the calves which might have been slaughtered under the Calf Processing Aid Scheme will be slaughtered on farm, some will be slaughtered as young calves for pet food and some reared for beef. We do not anticipate any significant effect on the UK beef market. Closing the Scheme on 30 November, as we have announced, will not affect the beef market until the beginning of the year 2000 when the calves reared as beef start to come on the market.

  BSE
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the costs of the current BSE inquiry. [57085]

  Mr. Rooker
  The estimated direct cost of the BSE Inquiry is £10 million, excluding departmental costs and legal support for departmental witnesses.

  Meat and Dairy Prices
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish figures to show the typical relationship between prices paid by shoppers in supermarkets and prices paid to British producers for a range of meat and dairy products. [57293]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Ministry does not hold or publish figures showing the relationship between prices paid by shoppers in supermarkets and prices paid to British producers for meat and diary products. Figures for the farm to retail price spread for beef, lamb, pork and bacon are published by the Meat and Livestock Commission in "UK Market Survey—Monthly Supplement", copies of which are in the House Library.

  Meat Inspection Standards
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of standards of meat inspection carried out in other EU countries. [57725]

  Mr. Rooker
  All fresh meat produced in the EU which is intended to be sold for human consumption must be produced in accordance with EU harmonised hygiene rules. Amongst other things these rules require full ante-mortem and post-mortem checks by official

  Rates of hill livestock compensatory allowance 1976–98

  £

  Severely Disadvantaged Area

  Disadvantaged Area

  Year

  Rate per cow

  (at 1998 prices)

  Higher rate ewe

  (at 1998 prices)

  Lower rate ewe

  (at 1998 prices)

  Rate per cow

  (at 1998 prices)

  Rate per ewe

  (at 1998 prices)

  1976

  29.00

  118.59

  3.60

  14.72

  2.85

  11.65

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1977

  29.00

  102.37

  3.60

  12.71

  2.85

  10.06

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1978

  29.00

  94.56

  3.60

  11.74

  2.85

  9.29

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1979

  29.00

  83.37

  4.10

  11.79

  2.85

  8.19

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1980

  35.00

  85.30

  5.50

  13.40

  4.25

  10.36

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1981

  42.50

  92.58

  6.25

  13.61

  4.25

  9.26

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1982

  44.50

  89.26

  6.25

  12.54

  4.25

  8.52

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1983

  44.50

  85.32

  6.25

  11.98

  4.25

  8.15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1984

  44.50

  81.29

  6.25

  11.42

  4.25

  7.76

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1985

  54.50

  93.85

  6.25

  10.76

  4.25

  7.32

  22.25

  38.32

  2.12

  3.65

  1986

  54.50

  90.75

  6.75

  11.24

  4.50

  7.49

  27.25

  45.37

  2.25

  3.75

  1987

  54.50

  87.14

  6.75

  10.79

  4.50

  7.20

  27.25

  43.57

  2.25

  3.60

  1988

  54.50

  83.06

  6.75

  10.29

  4.50

  6.86

  27.25

  41.53

  2.25

  3.43

  1989

  54.50

  77.06

  6.75

  9.54

  4.50

  6.36

  27.25

  38.53

  2.25

  3.18

  1990

  54.50

  70.39

  7.50

  9.69

  4.50

  5.81

  27.25

  35.19

  2.25

  2.91

  1991

  63.30

  77.23

  8.75

  10.68

  4.90

  5.98

  31.65

  38.62

  2.45

  2.99

  1992

  63.30

  74.45

  8.75

  10.29

  4.90

  5.76

  31.65

  37.23

  2.45

  2.88

  1993

  63.30

  73.31

  6.50

  7.53

  3.60

  4.17

  31.65

  36.65

  2.86

  3.31

  1994

  47.50

  53.68

  5.75

  6.50

  3.00

  3.39

  23.75

  26.84

  2.44

  2.76

  1995

  47.50

  51.91

  5.75

  6.28

  3.00

  3.28

  23.75

  25.95

  2.44

  2.67

  1996

  47.50

  50.67

  5.75

  6.13

  3.00

  3.20

  23.75

  25.33

  2.65

  2.83

  1997

  197.50

  100.84

  5.75

  5.95

  3.00

  3.10

  169.75

  72.14

  2.65

  2.74

  1998

  47.50

  47.50

  5.75

  5.75

  3.00

  3.00

  23.75

  23.75

  2.65

  2.65

  1 Rate increased as a result of BSE-related special aid

  248
  veterinarians. We do not have specific information on the standard of meat inspection in other EU countries. It is for the competent authority in each Member State to ensure that such rules are followed in practice and it is the European Commission's responsibility to ensure that individual Member States comply with their Community obligations. The Commission's Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) carries out regular programmes of inspection visits to all Member States. If necessary, the Commission will take infraction proceedings against those Member States whose arrangements are considered inadequate. Reports of FVO visits are published on the Commission's website on the Internet (hhtp://europa.eu.int/comm/dg24/health/vi/reports). A list of the relevant reports will appear each month in MAFF's Meat Hygiene Enforcement Report and BSE Enforcement Bulletin.

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the value of hill livestock compensatory allowances in current prices for each year since 1975 for(a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland. [57500]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 2 November 1998]: The following tables give the information requested in respect of both HLCA payment rates and HLCA expenditure. The rates for the Severely Disadvantaged Area and Disadvantaged Area apply throughout the UK. Additional supplements are paid in the Severely Disadvantaged Area which falls within the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) region of Scotland. Payments in the Disadvantaged Area and the HIE supplements commenced in 1985. Expenditure data for 1976–78 are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  249

  HLCA expenditure 1979–98

  £ million

  England

  Wales

  Scotland

  Northern Ireland

  Total UK

  Year

  Actual

  (at 1998 prices)

  Actual

  (at 1998 prices)

  Actual

  (at 1998 prices)

  Actual

  (at 1998 prices)

  Actual

  (at 1998 prices

  1979

  13.5

  38.8

  14.6

  42.0

  23.7

  68.1

  5.5

  15.8

  57.4

  165.0

  1980

  18.5

  45.1

  19.8

  48.3

  31.4

  76.5

  7.1

  17.3

  76.8

  187.2

  1981

  21.5

  46.8

  22.8

  49.7

  35.0

  76.2

  8.2

  17.9

  87.5

  190.6

  1982

  22.1

  44.3

  23.4

  46.9

  35.7

  71.6

  8.4

  16.8

  89.6

  179.7

  1983

  22.6

  43.3

  23.8

  45.6

  35.9

  68.8

  8.5

  16.3

  90.8

  174.1

  1984

  22.7

  41.5

  23.9

  43.7

  36.0

  65.8

  8.7

  15.9

  91.4

  167.0

  1985

  24.0

  41.3

  25.2

  43.4

  37.8

  65.1

  10.1

  17.4

  97.0

  167.0

  1986

  27.3

  45.5

  28.7

  47.8

  42.9

  71.4

  12.5

  20.8

  111.4

  185.5

  1987

  28.4

  45.4

  28.6

  45.7

  43.1

  68.9

  12.7

  20.3

  112.8

  180.4

  1988

  29.1

  44.4

  31.3

  47.7

  43.6

  66.5

  12.9

  19.7

  117.0

  178.3

  1989

  29.3

  41.4

  30.2

  42.7

  45.1

  63.8

  13.6

  19.2

  118.2

  167.1

  1990

  32.5

  42.0

  32.9

  42.5

  48.0

  62.0

  15.1

  19.5

  128.5

  166.0

  1999

  37.2

  45.4

  36.2

  44.2

  56.1

  68.4

  17.7

  21.6

  147.2

  179.6

  1992

  38.4

  45.2

  38.2

  44.9

  56.9

  66.9

  19.1

  22.5

  152.7

  179.6

  1993

  33.4

  38.7

  29.7

  34.4

  50.7

  58.7

  18.6

  21.5

  132.4

  153.3

  1994

  27.5

  31.1

  27.1

  30.6

  40.7

  46.0

  14.7

  16.6

  110.0

  124.3

  1995

  27.2

  29.7

  27.1

  29.6

  39.4

  43.1

  14.0

  15.3

  107.6

  117.6

  1996

  27.1

  28.9

  26.9

  28.7

  38.6

  41.2

  14.5

  15.5

  107.1

  114.2

  19971

  41.4

  42.8

  35.8

  37.0

  62.5

  64.6

  27.8

  28.8

  167.5

  173.2

  1998

  25.4

  25.4

  24.1

  24.1

  38.7

  38.7

  13.0

  13.0

  101.3

  101.3

  1 Includes approximately £60 million of BSE-related special aid

  Source:

  HLCA autumn review tables; totals may not add due to rounding; 1998 figures are provisional

  HLCA supplements in the Scottish Highlands and Islands Enterprise region 1985–98

  £

  Rate per cow by land classification

  Rate per ewe

  Year

  Grade A

  (at 1998 prices)

  Grade B

  (at 1998 prices)

  Grade C

  (at 1998 prices)

  Rate

  (at 1998 prices)

  1985

  2.50

  4.31

  9.50

  16.36

  13.00

  22.39

  0.55

  0.95

  1986

  3.05

  5.08

  7.98

  13.29

  7.98

  13.29

  0.58

  0.97

  1987

  3.05

  4.88

  9.69

  15.49

  9.69

  15.49

  0.58

  0.93

  1988

  3.05

  4.65

  11.59

  17.66

  12.72

  19.39

  0.58

  0.88

  1989

  3.05

  4.31

  11.59

  16.39

  14.68

  20.76

  0.58

  0.82

  1990

  3.05

  3.94

  11.59

  14.97

  15.86

  20.48

  0.64

  0.83

  1991

  3.05

  3.72

  11.59

  14.14

  14.03

  17.12

  0.64

  0.78

  1992

  3.05

  3.59

  11.59

  13.63

  15.86

  18.65

  0.64

  0.75

  1993

  3.05

  3.53

  11.59

  13.42

  15.86

  18.37

  0.64

  0.74

  1994

  3.05

  3.45

  11.59

  13.10

  15.86

  17.92

  0.64

  0.72

  1995

  3.05

  3.33

  11.59

  12.67

  15.86

  17.33

  0.64

  0.70

  1996

  3.05

  3.25

  11.59

  12.36

  15.86

  16.92

  0.64

  0.68

  1997

  16.26

  6.47

  123.79

  24.61

  132.55

  33.67

  0.64

  0.66

  1998

  3.05

  3.05

  11.59

  11.59

  15.86

  15.86

  0.64

  0.64

  1 Rate increased as a result of BSE-related special aid

  Quarantine Exemptions
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many exemptions have been given from quarantine regulations for cats and dogs over the last year; and on what grounds. [58661]

  Mr. Rooker
  None. However, commercially traded cats and dogs imported into the UK from EU Member States are exempt from quarantine if they can comply with the requirements of Council Directive 92/65/EEC. This allows commercially traded cats and dogs to be imported into the UK without the need to enter quarantine providing they: have been born on and kept on the holding of origin since birth; have been vaccinated against rabies when at least 3 months old; have remained in the Member State of origin for at least 6 months following vaccination against rabies; have undergone a blood test following 250
  vaccination to ensure that the rabies vaccination has been effective; are permanently identified; and are accompanied by a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the Member State of Origin verifying compliance with the requirements of the Directive. Further checks on compliance are conducted following each animal's arrival in the UK. 95 dogs and 22 cats were imported into the UK in 1997 in accordance with these requirements.

  Slaughterhouses (Stunning)
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to amend the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 to introduce a maximum stunning to sticking interval for(a) pigs, (b) sheep and (c) cattle; and if he will make a statement. [58168]
  251
  Mr. Morley
  The Government have no immediate plans to amend the Regulations in this way. However, we await the European Commission's proposals to amend Directive 93/119/EC on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing. As Community rules apply in this area, we believe that changes, such as the introduction of maximum stunning to sticking intervals for head-only electrically stunned animals, are best addressed in the context of developing those rules. We continue to press the Commission to bring forward their proposals.

  Farm Subsidies
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the total value of subsidies, in current prices, paid to farmers in the United Kingdom for each of the last 10 years through(a) his Department and (b) the European Union. [57506]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 3 November 1998]: The total value of payments to farmers made through this Department in each of the last 10 years is as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1988–89

  294

  1989–90

  305

  1990–91

  358

  1991–92

  393

  1992–93

  568

  1993–94

  1,307

  1994–95

  1,444

  1995–96

  1,729

  1996–97

  1,794

  1997–98

  1,547

  Most of these payments are in respect of EU-funded CAP and environmental measures.

  Information on payments made direct to farmers by the EU is not held centrally.

  Recreational Fishing
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many licences his Department has issued for recreational fishing under Part 2 of the Merchant Fishing Act 1995; and if he will make a statement on the percentage of the British quota allowed for recreational fishing; [57948]

  (2) if he will exempt recreational boats from periodic MAFF species bans; [57949]

  (3) when he proposes to introduce a register for recreational fishing; and how many staff will be employed by his Department to administer these records. [57950]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 9 November 1998]: European Union regulations on annual total allowable catches and quotas require that all landings be counted against a Member State's share of the total allowable catch for each quota stock. All vessels over 10 metres in overall length which fish for profit are required to submit landing declarations for quota stocks. The landings made by all other vessels, including fishing vessels of 10 metres and under in overall length, and for which separate quota allocations operate in the United Kingdom, are monitored by Fisheries Departments. Where allocations are exhausted steps are taken to prohibit further landings unless additional
  252
  quota allocation can be made available. However, this does not prevent recreational anglers from fishing provided they return their catch to the sea. Occasionally temporary closures may operate to ensure that sufficient allocation is held back for seasonal fisheries.

  Separate allocations are not made in respect of vessels exclusively engaged in recreational fishing. Nor are such vessels licensed by the Fisheries Departments under the provisions of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967 and we have no plans to do so. The registration of vessels under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 is a matter for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

  Hens (Welfare)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will encourage EU Agriculture ministers to support a ban on battery cages for egg-laying hens. [58293]

  Mr. Morley
  We have made clear our view that the EU should set an early date for the phasing out of the battery cage and will continue to press for this in the ongoing EU negotiations.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the proposed EU directive on the welfare of egg-laying hens. [58295]

  Mr. Morley
  We have received a number of written representations and have met with industry representatives and welfare organisations to discuss the proposals.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the additional costs to UK consumers of an EU-wide ban on battery cages for egg-laying hens. [58296]

  Mr. Morley
  The EU Commission estimate that the significant changes they propose in the standards for caged hens will cost between 1.2 and 1.56 ecu (80p—£1.11p) per EU consumer per annum. No estimate has been made of the additional cost to consumers of a ban. In practice this would depend on a number of factors including the available supply of shell egg and retail contracts.

  Badgers
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the badger population of England and Wales. [58592]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has made no direct estimates of the badger population of England and Wales. A report to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1995) based on surveys carried out in 1988 for the Nature Conservancy Council suggested pre-breeding badger population sizes of 195,000 in England and 35,000 in Wales. A report by the People's Trust for Endangered Species (1997) suggest that badger activity in Britain increased by 77 per cent. between 1988 and 1997. I understand those responsible for producing these figures are reviewing them, although no revisions have been published yet.

  Farmers (Early Retirement)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers have taken early retirement in each of the last 10 years; and what estimate he has made for the figure in 1998–99. [57937]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 3 November 1998]: Figures are not available. There has been no Government funded early retirement scheme for farmers in the UK in the last 10 years, nor will there be one in 1998–99.

  Exports (Russia)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the total values, in current prices, of UK agricultural exports to Russia for each year since 1992; and what estimate he has made of the figure for 1998 to 1999. [57931]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 3 November 1998]: The table shows the value at current prices (prices at the time of trade), as recorded by the Overseas Trade Statistics of total agricultural exports to Russia between 1992 and 1997:

  Year

  £ million

  1992

  97.347

  1993

  208.169

  1994

  148.029

  1995

  136.225

  1996

  119.118

  1997

  157.479

  Note:

  The January-August 1998 figure is £105.319 million. No estimate has been made for 1999.

  Flood Prevention
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will increase funding to the Environment Agency for flood prevention measures. [58677]

  Mr. Morley
  Funding of the Environment Agency's expenditure on flood defence is met mainly by levies on local authorities. The cost of the levies is reflected in local authorities' Standard Spending Assessments (part of the Revenue Support Grant settlement). Capital works are also eligible for MAFF grant. Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, MAFF is making £23 million of additional funding available over the next three years for capital works. The distribution of this funding between operating authorities (of which the Environment Agency is one) will depend on the relative urgency and priority of their planned works.

  Sheep Quota
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many complaints his Department has received about allocation of sheep quota from the national reserve; what was the total amount of compensation(a) offered and (b) paid to complainants in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [58676]

  Mr. Rooker
  Extraction of information on complaints by farmers referring to sheep quota national reserve allocations could be achieved only at disproportionate 254
  cost. No compensation has been offered or paid as a result of complaints made direct to the Department about sheep quota national reserve allocations.

  Ragwort
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give further guidance to highway authorities and landowners on the containment of ragwort. [58538]

  Mr. Morley
  The Highways Agency seeks to control ragwort on the trunkroad network in accordance with a code of practice for routine maintenance.

  General advice on control of injurious weeds, including ragwort, is available from MAFF Regional Service Centres. I am actively considering ways in which this could be more effective.

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many vets are employed by the Meat Hygiene Service; and how many of these are foreign nationals. [58491]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill) on 4 November 1998,Official Report, column 600.

  Food Standards Agency
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whom the Government have consulted on the funding of the Food Standards Agency. [58993]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 9 November 1998]: The White Paper 'The Food Standards Agency: A Force for Change' set out the Government's proposals for funding the Agency. This has been the subject of full public consultation and discussion with a wide range of organisations and individuals. The Government will consult further at the next stage on detailed proposals for recovering the new costs associated with the Agency from the food industry in a way that is administratively simple and fair to small businesses.

  Agriculture
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of the written representations he has received from Labour hon. Members in each of the last three months about problems facing the United Kingdom agricultural industry asked him to take action to help the industry. [58985]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 9 November 1998]: We have received a large number of written representations on the current difficulties of a range of sectors. Many of these representations have called for measures targeted at the current situation, a look at longer term issues and for a constructive dialogue both with our EU partners and within the UK.

  Genetically Modified Seeds
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that no genetically modified seed will be proposed for inclusion on the
  255
  national seed list unless and until a marketing consent for that seed has been granted under Part C of Directive 90/220. [59045]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 9 November 1998]: Marketing of the main agricultural and horticultural species cannot take place until a variety has been added to the UK National List or the EU Common Catalogue. For genetically modified varieties, marketing is also dependent on the promulgation of a marketing consent under Directive 90/220/EEC. National Listing would not, therefore, on its own, be sufficient to permit the marketing of a genetically modified plant variety. It is currently MAFF policy not to propose the addition of genetically modified plant varieties to the National List unless and until the relevant consent has been promulgated under 90/220/EEC.

  Sellafield
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the Minister for Energy in the Republic of Ireland concerning the commissioning of the mixed oxide plant at Sellafield; and what response he has made. [59212]

  Mr. Rooker
  A letter has recently been received from Joe Jacob, T. D., Minister of State, Department of Public Enterprise, Republic of Ireland, expressing concern about the Environment Agency's proposed decisions to Government on the Sellafield Discharge Authorisations and the operation of the Mixed Oxide plant at Sellafield. The letter has been passed on to my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment for a joint reply on behalf of both Ministers.

  Potato Seed Testing
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the dates on which he or his predecessors have exercised the power under Regulation 11(3)(c)(ii) of the Seed (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982 (as amended) to require the testing of potato seeds for disease, pest resistance, general 256
  characteristics and consumer quality; and if he will provide details of each such occasion and the reasons for it; [59043]

  (2) for what reasons he is proposing to abolish his power to require the testing of potato seeds for disease, pest resistance, general characteristics and consumer quality under Regulation 11(3)(c)(ii) of the Seed (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982 (as amended). [59044]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 9 November 1998]: The tests for disease and pest resistance, general characteristics and consumer quality required in regulation 11(3)(c)(ii) of the Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982 (as amended), have been published annually in the September and/or October edition of the Plant Varieties and Seeds Gazette since 1985.

  This requirement was introduced in 1985 for potatoes for the same reasons as the other requirements of regulation 11(3)—that is to encourage breeders to screen varieties before entering them in to the statutory system and to deter them from entering varieties which had little chance of addition to the National List, at a time when the trialling system was overloaded and heavily subsidised. Some limited use may have been made of such data to persuade applicants to withdraw applications with little chance of success.

  A fundamental review of the National List trials system was undertaken in 1992, in consultation with plant breeders. Following this, a streamlined system of trials for Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) was introduced. This addressed the problems arising from the volume of applications for addition to the National List. The staged reintroduction of fees for official VCU trials in 1994 and 1995 reinforced the measures already taken to streamline the system. The requirement to submit the results of tests required pursuant to regulation 11(3)(c)(ii) had no value once the pressure on the system was relieved. A requirement to provide information which serves no purpose and which is not used places an unnecessary and unjustifiable burden on applicants. I therefore propose to revoke regulation 11(3)(c)(ii) for the same reason as I propose to revoke the rest of regulation 11(3).

  World Trade Organisation and Developing Countries
  World Trade Organisation and Developing Countries
  Central America: Humanitarian Aid
  Central America: Humanitarian Aid
  Education Act 1996: Political Indoctrination
  Education Act 1996: Political Indoctrination
  Government Relations with Voluntary and Community Sector
  Government Relations with Voluntary and Community Sector
  Medway Secure Training Centre
  Medway Secure Training Centre
  Human Rights Act
  Human Rights Act
  Gift Aid
  Gift Aid
  Standing Committee on EMU Preparations
  Standing Committee on EMU Preparations
  Agricultural Charities: Lottery Funding
  Agricultural Charities: Lottery Funding
  Railway Lines: Responsibility for Trees
  Railway Lines: Responsibility for Trees
  Driving Licence Renewal Fees at Age 70
  Driving Licence Renewal Fees at Age 70
  Freight Transport by Rail
  Freight Transport by Rail
  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Motorway and Trunk Road Service Stations
  Motorway and Trunk Road Service Stations
  Mr. Aleksandr Nikitin
  Mr. Aleksandr Nikitin
  Burma
  Burma
  International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
  International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
  Turkey: Diplomatic Presence at Murder Trials
  Turkey: Diplomatic Presence at Murder Trials
  Turkey: Freedom of Expression
  Turkey: Freedom of Expression
  Review Bodies: Terms of Reference
  Review Bodies: Terms of Reference
  Fluoride and Skeletal Fluorosis
  Fluoride and Skeletal Fluorosis
  Mobile Phones: Health Risks
  Mobile Phones: Health Risks
  Health Authority Revenue Allocations 1999–2000
  Health Authority Revenue Allocations 1999–2000