Written Answers of 28 October 1998

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Child Abduction
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the improvements he wishes to see in the operation of the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, and if he will make a statement. [56680]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government are generally satisfied with the legal principles underlying the operation of the Convention, which provides for the return of children who have been wrongfully removed from, or wrongfully retained away from, their country of habitual residence. There is always scope for improvement through better coordination and cooperation among contracting states. Discussions on specific problems take place regularly with other contracting states through judicial and administrative channels. Proposals put forward at the Third Meeting of the Special Commission of the Hague Conference are set out in their report published in August 1997.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will place in the Library all information available to him about(a) the deliberations of the Special Commission to review the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction which took place in March 1997 and (b) the Special Commission's conclusions. [56686]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference published a report on the March 1997 Third Special Commission on the 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention in August 1997. Copies will be placed in the Library as soon as possible. A bibliography on this Convention is available on the Internet at web site http://www.hcch.net.

  Court Service Charter
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if, for each of the last five years, he will give the number of complaints made under the Court Service Charter, the percentage of complaints upheld and the average and total amount of compensation paid to complainants. [56020]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Court Service became an executive agency of the Lord Chancellor's Department in April 1995. This information, specific to the Court Service, cannot be provided prior to this date. In addition, for the first year (April 1995-March 1996) there was no central system in place to measure the information required. This could therefore be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  160
  For the financial year April 1996-March 1997, there were 1,100 justified claims for compensation and the total amount paid out was £404,095.11, an average of £367 per claim. For the financial year April 1997-March 1998 there were 1,033 justified claims for compensation. The total amount paid out during that period was £610,328.52, an average of £590 per claim. It should be noted that one payment alone in this period totalled more than £110,806.35.

  Information on the total number of complaints made under the Court Service Charter is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Visual Amenity (Planning Regulations)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to review the planning regulations in respect of visual amenity and the impact of(a) mobile telephone aerials, (b) windmills and (c) electricity pylons. [56345]

  Mr. Raynsford
  None. I am satisfied that the existing framework of regulation and guidance is adequate.

  Overseas Visits (Advisers)
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the overseas visits between 1 July and 19 October on which Ministers have been accompanied by special advisers and, for each trip,(a) the name of the adviser, (b) the class and cost of travel booked for the adviser, (c) the class of travel actually used by the adviser and (d) the accommodation and ancillary costs for the adviser. [55999]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 22 October 1998]: The Ministerial Code requires Ministers always to make efficient and cost effective travel arrangements. In line with the practice of successive Administrations, civil servants (including Special Advisers) accompanying Ministers on overseas visits are entitled to use the same class of travel as the Minister they are accompanying to facilitate briefings and discussions. Ministers in this Department were accompanied by a Special Adviser on 4 overseas visits to Hong Kong and China, Portugal, Japan and Singapore, and Vienna. They were also accompanied by a total of 10 civil servants at a total cost of to date £67,431. Some invoices are still awaited for the Japan and Vienna trips.

  European Structural Funds
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what have been the annual running costs for each year since their establishment of each of the regional committees or bodies for the disbursement of European structural funds; and by what means such costs are scrutinised. [56251]

  Mr. Meale
  In England the Government Office for the Regions provide the Chair and secretariat to the Programme Monitoring Committees (PMCs) responsible for the disbursement of funds for Objective 1, 2 and
  161
  5b programmes and most Community Initiatives, under the European Structural Funds. The current programmes have been running since 1994 and are worth approximately £400 million/year. The table shows the total outturn costs for Government Offices of managing those funds for which they are responsible, on an annual basis since 1995–96. Figures for 1994–95 are not available in this format. This table includes the costs of managing the regional allocations of DfEE national programmes, but not those administered by MAFF. It also

  Go-Minis 2, 3 and 4

  £000

  1995–96—outturn

  1996–97—outturn

  1997–98—outturn

  1998–99—allocation

  Pay and service costs

  European funding

  ESF

  Other European

  ESF

  Other European

  ESF

  Other European

  Total

  GO-NE

  457.00

  73.55

  399.60

  36.00

  470.00

  119.72

  516.30

  2,072.17

  GO-NW

  505.00

  92.05

  422.15

  106.10

  416.06

  188.82

  421.19

  2,151.37

  GO-M

  357.00

  187.24

  364.54

  206.51

  408.43

  213.53

  480.96

  2,218.21

  GO-YH

  481.00

  64.26

  457.55

  64.26

  457.55

  92.18

  477.27

  2,094.07

  GO-WM

  402.00

  62.64

  439.57

  102.00

  464.01

  142.55

  494.42

  2,107.19

  GO-EM

  353.00

  61.11

  285.07

  45.26

  385.22

  80.00

  418.89

  1,628.55

  GO-ER

  207.00

  5.20

  273.00

  54.80

  213.80

  76.90

  208.66

  1,039.36

  GO-SE

  300.00

  51.72

  186.53

  34.71

  259.34

  159.85

  243.75

  1,235.90

  GO-SW

  325.00

  95.00

  474.00

  123.00

  465.00

  180.00

  465.00

  2,127.00

  GO-L

  288.00

  30.00

  294.15

  62.28

  275.83

  164.00

  305.00

  1,419.26

  Total

  3,675.00

  722.77

  3,596.16

  834.92

  3,815.24

  1,417.55

  4,031.44

  18,093.08

  Energy-efficient Lighting
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to encourage the use of energy-efficient lighting in accommodation occupied by his Department. [56193]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Property managers are asked to install energy efficient lighting, control systems and sensors to help meet DETR's target to cut energy use by 20 per cent. by March 2000 compared to March 1991. Lighting systems in new buildings use 50 per cent. less energy. Schemes are promoted to replace inefficient lighting systems in older buildings. For example, the Government Office for London has recently installed new lighting to cut energy use by 16 per cent. A new energy strategy is being drawn up to audit all buildings in DETR and to promote further measures to cut energy use. This will include more investment in energy efficient lighting systems.

  Nuclear Fuel Flasks
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the numbers of nuclear fuel flasks originating in(a) France, (b) Germany and (c) Switzerland, which have been allowed into the United Kingdom and have levels of loose contamination in excess of levels normally found on flasks of United Kingdom origin. [56352]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: During the period from September 1996 to date, no nuclear fuel shipments entering the United Kingdom from Germany and Switzerland revealed loose contamination in excess of the regulatory levels. However, one flask shipment from Germany and one from Switzerland showed loose contamination at Dunkirk,
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  does not include the cost of secondees from Programme partners to the Government Offices, or the expenses of the partnership representatives who form the membership of the PMCs.

  The running costs of Government Offices, including expenditure incurred in managing European programmes, are subject to monitoring from the Government Office Central Unit and the three parent Departments (DETR, DfEE and DTI). A programme of audits is also carried out by the Departments' internal auditors.

  whilst en-route to the United Kingdom. In both cases the contamination was removed to below the regulatory level before entering the UK and the flasks were found clean on arrival at Sellafield. France does not usually send spent fuel to the United Kingdom.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of recent tests in Germany on genetically modified maize in respect of cross-pollination with natural maize; and if he will make a statement. [56509]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: I have not seen the results of the German tests on maize. I will ask officials to investigate and will respond in due course.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentages of total carbon dioxide emissions in the United Kingdom arise from(a) power generation, (b) industrial production and (c) transport.[56828]

  Mr. Meale
  Power generation, industrial production and transport accounted respectively for about 27 per cent., 26 per cent. and 21 per cent. of total UK emissions of carbon dioxide in 1996, the most recent year for which final data are available. Provisional data for 1997 indicate that the percentage shares for the same three categories were 26 per cent., 26 per cent. and 22 per cent. respectively.

  Telecommunications
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the future capacity of electronic communication to reduce transport need.[56731]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Over 1 million people already use telecommunications to work from home for at least part of their working week, cutting the number of commuter journeys they make. Given the rate of technological progress, the number of people working in this way is expected to increase in the future.

  As the Integrated White Paper stated, this Government support the use of telecommunications to reduce travel and hope that companies will actively consider the possibilities in drawing up green transport plans. The environmental benefits will generally be greatest if teleworking is targeted at people who would otherwise do significant amounts of car travel. There will also be greater benefits if reduced commuter traffic is not replaced by more car journeys from the home, as could happen if improved telecommunications encourage people to shift from urban to rural areas, prompting less sustainable travel patterns overall.

  Ministerial Vehicles
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ist the engine capacity of each vehicle used on official duties by Ministers in his Department.[56546]

  Mr. Prescott
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: My Department has Supply and Service Agreements with the Government Car and Despatch Agency for 9 vehicles for Ministers. Seven of the cars have engine capacities of 2 litres, the others being 4 litres and 2.7 litres respectively.

  Cyclists
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce a winter campaign to encourage cyclists to wear reflective strips on their clothing; and if he will make a statement. [56720]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My Department has this week made available new promotional material for young cyclists explaining the importance of being visible to traffic by using lights and reflectors and appropriate clothing—bright or fluorescent by day and reflective at night. As part of the promotion we have produced 750,000 leaflets incorporating reflective stickers. They are available free through local authority road safety officers. The Highway Code and Highway Code for Young Road Users also give advice on this issue to pedestrians and cyclists of all ages.

  Aviation Fuels
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the advantages of introducing a global levy on aviation fuels for investment in sustainable development. [56514]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government support, in principle, the introduction of a tax on aviation fuel at an international level and will continue to pursue, within the 164
  International Civil Aviation Organisation, the potential for market based options such as a global levy on aviation fuel.

  Greenhouse Gases
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the current trend in UK emissions of greenhouse gases; and what estimate he has made of the level of such emissions in 2010 relative to those in 1990.[56513]

  Mr. Meale
  Total emissions of greenhouse gases from the UK have fallen from 215 million tonnes carbon equivalent in 1990 to 204 million tonnes carbon equivalent in 1996, the latest year for which figures are available.

  Assuming existing policies and measures, total greenhouse gas emissions are expected to fall by approximately 10 per cent. from 1990 to 2010. Earlier this week, my Department launched a consultation document on additional policy options for meeting its climate change targets.

  Kyoto Agreement
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the actions taken by the Government since the Kyoto agreement to ensure that the UK meets its emissions reductions targets; and what assessment he has made of the actions taken by the US Government to reduce their country's C02 emissions. [56512]

  Mr. Meale
  On 26 October the Government launched a consultation paper which lists the steps we have already taken and sets out in detail further options on how the UK could reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases. It aims to stimulate a national debate about how the UK can meet both the legally binding Kyoto target to cut emissions to 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008 to 2012 and our domestic goal of a 20 per cent. cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.

  Our newclimate change programme will include measures to improve energy efficiency by business and in the home; reduce transport emissions; and increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources and combined heat and power schemes.

  Through our Washington Embassy and other contacts we receive regular reports of action taken and proposed, by the US Government to reduce their carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. A recent US Administration report ("The Kyoto Protocol and the President's Policies to Address Climate Change: Administration Economic Analysis", July 1998) assessing the economic implications of their Kyoto target concluded that there was a strong rationale for action because of the dangers of climate change, and that the costs of doing so were likely to be modest.

  Leylandii
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has reached a conclusion on the most appropriate method of enabling local planning authorities to control the impact of Leylandii and other fast growing conifers. [56417]
  165
  Mr. Meale
  We are continuing to consider carefully whether Government intervention in relation to problems caused by these plants is necessary. We will announce our conclusions in due course.

  We are separately, with the support of the horticultural industry, local government and consumer interests, drawing up a voluntary code of good practice on the sale, use and maintenance of such plants for domestic hedges. It will include guidance to garden centres, nurseries and other outlets on how to give purchasers practical information about their growth potential and the work needed to maintain them. The provision of better advice and information to consumers under this code should help to ensure that we do not store up more problems for the future.

  Planning Applications
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions after what period of time he takes action to obtain essential information which he has judged to be missing from planning applications which he has called in for determination. [56438]

  Mr. Raynsford
  This will depend on the individual circumstances of each application. Action is normally taken as soon as it becomes apparent that the relevant information is required in support of an application.

  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to reach a decision on the planning application made by Michael Knighton and Carlisle AFC for a mixed leisure and recreational development, which was called in on 8 January 1997. [56439]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The application in question has been withdrawn and so is no longer before the Secretary of State for determination.

  British Waterways
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make a decision about the future status of British Waterways; what options he is considering; and if he will make a statement. [56566]

  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to consult interested individuals and organisations regarding the future role and status of British Waterways; [56434]

  (2) what representations he has received regarding British Waterways becoming a trust; and if he will make a statement;[56433]

  (3) what plans he has for the future status of the British Waterways Board; and if he will make a statement. [56431]

  Mr. Meale
  The Government have been considering a range of possible options for the future of British Waterways (BW). These include the option, proposed by the British Waterways Board, of establishing a statutory, charitable trust in the private sector. Other options include retaining BW in the public sector while developing BW's access to private sector finance and expertise.
  166
  Following BW's publication of its trust proposal, I have received a number of representations on the subject from employee representatives, waterway organisations and members of the public. No decisions have yet been taken. Once we have reached a view on the preferred option, we will inform Parliament and discuss it with interested parties.

  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the Government's planned contribution to British Waterways in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000. [56432]

  Mr. Meale
  The amount of grant-in-aid to British Waterways over this period is as follows:

  Year

  £million

  1997–98

  51.890

  1998–99

  52.690

  1999–2000

  Not yet advised

  New Forest
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the number of broadleaf trees currently being felled in the New Forest; and if he will publish his Department's correspondence with the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the revision of the Ministers Mandate.[56504]

  Mr. Meale
  The Forestry Commission is responsible for managing the Crown lands of the New Forest and it does so in accordance with the Minister's Mandate. As far as I am aware, there have been no discussions or correspondence between my Department and either the Forestry Commission or the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food about the revision of the Mandate or the felling of broadleaf trees in the New Forest.

  Transport Co-ordination
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to paragraph 3.68 of the Government's White Paper, A New Deal for Transport, when he proposes to issue general guidance on the application of prohibitions in proposed competition legislation to facilitate co-operation between operators in respect of connecting services, co-ordinating timetables and integrating networks; and if he will make a statement. [56688]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 27 October 1998]: The responsibility for issuing general guidance on the application of the prohibitions on anti-competitive agreements and the abuse of market power lies with the Director General of Fair Trading under Clause 52 of the Competition Bill, which will receive Royal Assent shortly.

  Rural Mobile Shops
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what grants from his Department are available for the providers of rural mobile shops; and if he will make a statement. [56556]
  167
  Mr. Meale
  The Department does not provide grants for rural mobile or permanent shops (although there may be scope for such funding within part of a wider regeneration scheme funded through the Single Regeneration Budget). The Government's agency, the Rural Development Commission, can provide grants for rural mobile shops, particularly where a fixed shop is not viable. However, the Commission's priority is to support fixed shops which, in general, provide a more complete service for the community.

  Rail Freight
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) with which parties his Department has been having discussions on a Euro-gauge freight rail system from the Channel Tunnel to Scotland; [56310]

  (2) what is his policy towards the proposed piggy-back rail-freight scheme; and if he will make a statement. [56312]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  For some months, Railtrack has been working on an application for grant assistance for a major rail freight upgrade. In drawing up its application the company has had lengthy discussions with my officials. We expect to receive a grant application shortly. It will be treated on its merits.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy towards the proposed central railway rail-freight scheme; and if he will make a statement. [56311]

  Dr. Reid
  Ministers have seen only the consultation documents which Central Railway has recently issued. The Government have therefore not taken a view on the scheme.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) by what year he estimates on present projections the Channel Tunnel's rail-freight carrying capacity will be fully utilised; [56313]

  (2) by what percentage he estimates the volume of rail-freight going through the Channel Tunnel would be increased if the Channel Tunnel's rail-freight capacity was fully utilised. [56314]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  English Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) acquired the Railfreight Distribution business from the BR Board in 1997 and now operates freight services through the Tunnel. EWS estimates that, given the current mix of Eurostar, Le Shuttle and freight trains, the share of Eurotunnel capacity allocated to the national railways for freight trans will be fully utilised in ten years. The company also estimates that at that point in time, volumes will have more than doubled.

  Area-based Initiatives
  Mr. Singh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements the Government are making to ensure effective co-ordination of its area-based initiatives. [57389]
  168
  Mr. Prescott
  The Government are committed to tackling social exclusion, reducing inequality and promoting regeneration and development. To help meet this commitment they have, in their first 18 months, launched specific area-based programmes and initiatives including Health Action Zones, the New Deal for Communities, Employment Zones and Education Action Zones.

  These area-based programmes have their own distinct goals. But they share key characteristics. They are targeted on areas and communities where there is a need for priority action; they aim to support new, cross-cutting approaches; they promote genuine local partnerships with stronger local involvement; and they encourage greater flexibility and responsiveness in the operation of public spending programmes.

  I am announcing today measures to ensure that area-based initiatives at neighbourhood, local, regional and national level are co-ordinated so that they serve local people as effectively as possible.

  The Cabinet Office and my Department have circulated a guidance note to all Departments. The guidance note
  outlines the strategy for co-ordination of initiatives;
  defines the common characteristics of many area-based initiatives; and
  sets out the arrangements for handling proposed new area based initiatives and extensions to existing ones.

  Copies of the guidance note have been placed in the Library of the House.

  My Department is commissioning research on the mapping of these initiatives and on options for streamlining their accountability and funding. These projects will help us gain a better understanding of the interactions between area-based initiatives.

  An interdepartmental support unit is being established in my Department to carry out day-to-day exchanges of information, advise on future initiatives and support their monitoring and evaluation.

  In six key locations, which represent a cross-section of types of area and where there is a range of initiatives, the Government will build on experience and support the development of models of best practice in managing and co-ordinating initiatives. They will explore what lessons can be learnt, both about the way in which individual initiatives are delivered, and about their relationship to main public spending programmes. The proposed areas are: Newcastle; Plymouth; South Yorkshire; East London (Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets); West Cumbria and Sandwell. The Government will be contacting key interests in those areas, including local communities to discuss how to take forward these studies and define the target areas more closely.

  The Government support the Local Government Association (LGA) New Commitment to Regeneration Initiative which is seeking a more co-ordinated and flexible approach to regeneration in 22 pathfinder areas through the preparation of comprehensive regeneration strategies for their areas. In these areas the implementation of area-based initiatives will take account of the emerging pathfinder strategies. The progress of the LGA New Commitment will be monitored at regular Central/Local Partnership meetings between the LGA and the Government.
  169
  The Government will continue to support the City Pride initiatives in Birmingham, London and Manchester through which local partnerships are pursuing a shared strategic vision of their areas.

  Government Offices for the Regions and, in due course and subject to legislation, Regional Development Agencies will play a key part at regional level in the co-ordination of area-based initiatives.

  In line with the Social Exclusion Unit report "Bringing Britain Together: a national strategy for neighbourhood renewal" an action team, led by my Department, will report by April 1999 on how to build on existing area-based initiatives and Local Government reform so that in the long term broad based strategies to prevent and tackle social exclusion become the norm, and good practice is disseminated and acted on. This will include development of more effective ways of disseminating information about the wider context within which regeneration programmes and initiatives operate.

  The Government will keep these arrangements under review and reflect the outcome of relevant research and studies in the future development and operation of their programmes and initiatives.

  Environmental Impact Assessment Directive
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received in the light of the consultation paper, Draft Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) (England and Wales) Regulations 1998, implementing the requirements of the amended Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (97/11/EC); and if he will make a statement. [57391]

  Mr. Caborn
  The consultation paper on the draft Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) (England and Wales) Regulations 1998 was issued on 21 July 1998. To date, 105 responses have been received from business, local government and environmental organisations, as well as members of the public. A list of the responses has been placed in the library of the House and copies of all the responses have been placed in the DETR library. The Government are considering these responses and the Regulations will come into force on 14 March 1999.

  Unauthorised Camping
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish good practice advice for local authorities and the police on managing unauthorised camping; and if he will make a statement. [57089]

  Mr. Raynsford
  This Department and the Home Office have worked together to produce joint good practice guidance for local authorities and the police on managing unauthorised camping, based on research carried out by the University of Birmingham. I will be launching the guidance, and the associated research report, on 29 October at a conference organised by the National Association of Gypsy and Traveller Officers in Coventry.

  Copies of the good practice guidance and the report will be placed in the libraries of both Houses.

SCOTLAND

  Genetically Modified Food
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received on genetically modified food. [56712]

  Mr. Galbraith
  In the last year, on this matter, The Scottish Office has dealt with 84 cases of Ministerial correspondence; in addition, a further 69 cases have been dealt with by officials.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Chelmsford Jobcentre
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the number of notified job vacancies at Chelmsford Jobcentre for each of the last 12 months for which figures are available. [56551]

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

  Letter from Richard Foster to Mr. Simon Burns, dated 28 October 1998:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question in which you asked for information about the numbers of notified job vacancies at Chelmsford Jobcentre for each of the last 12 months. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Leigh Lewis as Chief Executive of the Employment Service. I am replying in his absence.

  Vacancies notified to this Jobcentre were as follows:

  October 1997: 587

  November 1997: 782

  December 1997: 584

  January 1998: 248

  February 1998: 591

  March 1998: 549

  April 1998: 483

  May 1998: 505

  June 1998: 540

  July 1998: 871

  August 1998: 738

  September 1998: 791

  I hope this is helpful.

  Special Learning Needs
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what means he monitors the ability of providers of vocational and other courses for people with disabilities to cope with their special learning needs. [56962]

  Mr. Mudie
  All provision funded by the Further Education Funding Council is monitored by the Council's Inspectorate. Provision funded by Training and Enterprise Councils is similarly monitored by the Training Standards Council. Both organisations have regard to the arrangements made for people with special learning needs when carrying out their inspections. Their reports are published.

  EU Children's Comic
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total cost to public funds to date in connection with the EU children's comic entitled "The Raspberry Ice Cream War". [56764]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Publication of "The Raspberry Ice Cream War" is funded by the European Commission. No details of its costs are available.

PRIME MINISTER

  Community Hospitals
  Qll. Dr. Harris
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on community hospitals. [54801]

  The Prime Minister
  As I said in the House before the summer break, the Government recognise the important role that community hospitals can play in delivering locally based patient care. However, they must meet the same high-quality standards, and fairness and efficiency tests, as any other hospitals.

  Euro
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) how much the Government have(a) spent and (b) propose to spend in relation to the euro by way of (i) direct mail shots, (ii) pamphlets and information circulars, (iii) advertising on radio and television and (iv) schools information. [56939]

  (2) what moneys have been (a) spent and (b) allocated by Her Majesty's Government towards circulating literature relating to the euro and to the preparation for the euro and to promoting awareness of the implications of the euro. [57006]

  The Prime Minister
  The single European currency will be introduced in 11 countries in Europe on 1 January 1999. The eurozone will form a market of nearly 300 million customers, and will account for about one-fifth of the world economy. It is by far the most important marketplace for UK business, accounting for around 50 per cent. of our total exports.

  The Government's communication campaign on the euro is aimed at ensuring UK businesses, especially small and medium firms, are aware of the implications of the introduction of the single currency from 1 January 1999 and have the information they need to prepare.

  To meet this objective, the Treasury Euro Preparations Unit received Summer Supplementary Estimate provision of £7.5 million for 1998–99. Spend to date has been approximately £0.5 million for direct mailing to 1.6 million UK SMEs, £0.5 million for the printing of factsheets and flyers, and £3.8 million for the costs of radio and television advertising. These figures do not include VAT or postage.

  Additionally, the Euro Preparations Unit (EPU) has advertised in the national and regional press, organised regional seminars and training programmes, and produced a number of publications. No information packs have yet been produced specifically for schools. We will look to do so in the future when it is appropriate.
  172
  Decisions on any further spending will be based on an assessment of the effectiveness of the current campaign.

  Tibet
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Prime Minister if he raised the Chinese occupation of Tibet with his hosts during his recent visit to China. [56550]

  The Prime Minister
  In my meetings with Chinese leaders, I raised the issue of Tibet and urged China to enter into talks with the Dalai Lama without pre-conditions in order to seek a lasting solution.

  Cuba
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the members of the Government who have met members of the Government of Cuba since 2 May 1997, separately identifying those who have met President Fidel Castro. [57030]

  The Prime Minister
  The following members of the Government have met with members of the Government of Cuba since 2 May 1997:

  The Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

  Tony Lloyd MP

  George Foulkes MP

  George Howarth MP

  Jeff Rooker MP

  President Fidel Castro was one of the Heads of Government I met briefly in the margins of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the GATT in Geneva in May.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Welfare Reform
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish a summary of responses to the Green Paper on Welfare Reform. [56021]

  Mr. Darling
  Consultation on the Welfare Reform Green Paper ended on 31 July, and over 1,050 responses have been received. Half of the responses came from organisations—including both national bodies and local groups, and academic bodies. Most of the remaining responses came from individuals. Seventy hon. Members also submitted responses, many from their constituents.

  This has been a useful consultation on the principles that should underpin the Government's plans for welfare reform. The Green Paper set out a clear philosophy for the welfare state. "Work for those who can, security for those who cannot" is the foundation of our programme. It has received overwhelming support. The public's response demonstrates first a widespread recognition of the need for welfare reform, and secondly, endorsement of our approach.

  Today I announced the publication of three documents, "Principles into Practice", "The Gateway to Work" and "Support for Disabled People", which mark the next stage of reform, containing detailed proposals for turning those principles into practice.
  173
  A list of the organisations and academic bodies who responded has been placed in the Library. Due to their number and size it has not been possible to accommodate responses in the library. However, copies of the list and specific responses are available on request from the Department of Social Security, by contacting the Welfare Reform Unit, 5th Floor, The Adelphi, 1–11 John Adam St., London WC2N 6HT.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is his definition of loss in the context of his policy that welfare reform will not lead to losses for existing recipients; and what steps he has taken to ensure that no reform to date hSas lead to such a loss; [56676]

  (2) if his policy of ensuring that no current recipients of social security benefits lose as a result of the Government's welfare reform programme takes into account real terms losses from non-indexation of benefits. [56515]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: We are today announcing reforms for people of working age. Details of how they will affect existing recipients of Social Security benefits are in the documents "Principles into Practice", "The Gateway to Work" and "Support for Disabled People" being published today. We are also announcing today details of the review of benefit rates.

  Income Support
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the capital limits for income support. [56023]

  Angela Eagle
  We have no plans to change these limits at present. However, we continue to review the benefit rules as part of our commitment to modernise the Social Security system.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people currently claim(a) short-term and (b) long-term incapacity benefit; [55934]

  (2) what proportion of incapacity benefit claimants currently receive the long-term rate; [55938]

  (3) what proportion of current claimants of incapacity benefit are aged (a) 25 to 35, (b) 35 to 45, (c) 45 to 55 and (d) 55 to 65 years. [55940]

  Mr. Timms
  At 31 May 1998, there were 1,644,640 Incapacity Benefit recipients. Of these, 102,400 received short-term lower rate, 99,180 short-term higher rate and 1,443,060, 87.7 per cent, long-term rate.

  Of the 1,644,640 recipients, 1,545,560 were aged over 25 and under 65. The breakdown is set out in the table.

  Age at 31 May 1998

  Recipients

  Percentage

  All ages

  1,644,640

  100

  25 to 34

  145,500

  9

  35 to 44

  252,220

  15

  45 to 54

  464,420

  28

  55 to 641

  683,420

  42

  1 Includes 25,220 women over pension age

  Note:

  The figures are taken from a 5 per cent. scan of the computer and
  exclude a small number of cases not on the system.
  174
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate his Department has made of the number of those currently receiving incapacity benefit who are capable of employment. [55933]

  Mr. Timms
  In order to qualify for Incapacity Benefit, a person must be assessed as "incapable of work" either for their own occupation or under the All Work Test. This does not mean that people who satisfy the All Work Test are unable to do any work at all: it simply establishes that their incapacity is such that it would be unreasonable to expect them to seek work as a condition for getting benefit. In practice, many people who satisfy the All Work Test may be capable of doing some work given the right help and support: survey evidence shows that around two million disabled people already work and over one million more would like to do so if they were given the right assistance.

  We intend to change the All Work Test so that, as well as assessing people's incapacity in order to determine their benefit entitlement, it also provides information about their capacities. Together with a wider assessment of employability, this information can then be used to provide the help and support which disabled people need if they are to seek to return to work and increase their independence.

  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of current claimants have been in receipt of incapacity benefit for(a) under six months, (b) six to 12 months, (c) one to two years and (d) over two years. [55941]

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

  Recipients of incapacity benefit at 31 March 1997

  Recipients

  Percentage

  All durations

  1,797,900

  100

  Under 6 months

  170,900

  10

  6 months to 1 year

  114,700

  6

  1 to 2 years

  164,900

  9

  2 years and over

  1,347,400

  75

  source:

  1 per cent. sample of claimants

  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate his Department has made of the savings from means-testing incapacity benefit for the first two years of all new claims. [55937]

  Mr. Timms
  No such estimate has been made.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy not to reduce benefits for those claiming incapacity benefit, who are deemed fit for work, who reject a job or training place; and if he will make a statement. [56248]

  Mr. Timms
  It is a condition for receiving Incapacity Benefit that a person is assessed as "incapable of work" either for their own occupation or under the All Work Test. People who do not satisfy the appropriate test may claim Jobseeker's Allowance if they satisfy the basic
  175
  labour market entitlement conditions for the receipt of that benefit; that a person must be available for, and actively seeking, work and have a Jobseeker's Agreement which remains in force.

  Jobseekers who refuse an offer of employment or a place on a prescribed training scheme without good cause are liable to a benefit sanction. It is recognised that those with health problems can be at a disadvantage in the labour market, and people may therefore restrict their availability for work in any way providing the restrictions are reasonable in the light of their physical or mental condition. Any agreed restrictions on a jobsSeeker's availability must be taken into account when considering a question of good cause.

  Child Care
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate is provided by his Department's Family Resources Survey of the number of children aged 0 to 11 years whose childcare during the hours of parental employment is provided primarily by a grandparent or other non-parental family member. [56403]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the form requested. However, the 1996–97 Family Resources Survey, the latest available, shows that about 1.4 million of children aged under 11, where at least one parent is in regular paid work, receive regular childcare from a relative.

  Note:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100,000

  2.The quoted figure may include some of those children who are regularly looked after by a non working parent.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many lone parents who are in receipt of state benefits live in the West Chelmsford parliamentary constituency; how many are receiving help under the New Deal for Lone Parents; and how many have gone into employment since receiving that help. [56406]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not held by parliamentary constituency.

  Income Support statistics can be broken down by local authority district. These show that, as at February 1998, there were 1,000 lone parents receiving Income Support in the district covered by Chelmsford Borough Council.

  Lone parents are free to visit whichever Jobcentre they find most convenient; it is likely that those living in the West Chelmsford constituency will use the Chelmsford Jobcentre. Between 6 April and 23 October 1998, when the New Deal for Lone Parents was available for those making a new or repeat claim for Income Support, 64 lone parents attended an initial interview at the Chelmsford Jobcentre. Of these, 54 decided to take advantage of the service offered under the New Deal for Lone Parents. 19 have since taken up employment.
  176
  From 26 October 1998, the New Deal for Lone Parents has been extended to all lone parents on Income Support, including those whose claim was established before April 1998.

  Note:

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Inquiry; sample size 5 per cent.; figures rounded to the nearest 1,000.

  Widow's Benefits
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost to public funds of introducing means testing for widow's benefit, and extending the benefit to male claimants; if he will estimate the number of people who would lose benefit under such a system, indicating their average financial loss; and if he will make a statement. [56247]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not available. Estimates would depend on the form of means testing to be applied.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what evidence is provided by his Department's Family Resources Survey on the earnings levels of those receiving widow's benefits. [55663]

  Angela Eagle
  The Family Resources Survey (FRS) collects information on the earnings and other income of widows together with information on the income of other members of their households.

  In 1996–97, the FRS sample included 140 widows who were in receipt of widows' benefits (widowed mother's allowance and widow's pension) and who also had earnings. The average weekly gross earnings of these widows at the time of interview was around £160 and the median gross earnings of this group was about £110 per week.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Workplace Drug Monitoring
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is regarding drug and alcohol testing in the workplace. [56732]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government have no proposals to require random testing in the workplace for alcohol or drugs. The Government encourage individual employers to act in accordance with guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive: "Drug Misuse at Work", issued earlier this year, and "Don't Mix it" issued in 1996. I am placing copies in the Library of the House.

  Raves
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have died at rave events in the last five years; and how many of those deaths were as a direct result of attending the event. [56905]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.
  177
  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Brian Cotter, dated 28 October 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary question on deaths at rave events.
  Data on the number of deaths that take place at specific venues, such as raves, are not routinely collected at death registration. However, in some cases the coroner may mention on the death certificate that a death occurred at a rave. The number of deaths where the term 'rave' was mentioned on the death certificate is given in the table below for 1994–97. Equivalent data for deaths which occurred prior to 1994 could only be supplied at disproportionate cost.

  Number of deaths in England and Wales known to be associated with raves, 1994–97

  Year

  Number of deaths

  1994

  1

  1995

  1

  1996

  1

  1997

  2

  Voting System Commission
  Mr. Stuart Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the report of the Independent Commission on the Voting System will be published. [57390]

  Mr. Straw
  The report of the Independent Commission on the Voting System will be published tomorrow at 11am. At that time, copies will be available in the Vote Office.

  My right hon. Friend the President of the Council hopes to find time for an early debate in the House of Commons.

  Party Conferences
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to make public funds available to pay for the cost of producing and distributing photographic security passes for the 1998 Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat party conferences. [56781]

  Mr. Straw
  The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 provides for the Secretary of State, with the consent of the Treasury, to pay grants toward the security costs of qualifying political parties' annual Party Conferences.

  We have yet to receive applications in respect of grants for security passes for the 1998 annual Party Conferences.

  Police Budgets (Traffic Expenditure)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of police budgets was spent on traffic(a) in Gloucestershire and (b) nationally in the last year for which figures are available. [56567]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not collected centrally. The allocation of resources to different functions is an operational matter for individual chief constables.
  178
  Traffic policing does not necessarily occur independently of other police duties, and the number of officers deployed to the traffic division is not indicative of the money spent on traffic policing. A large part of traffic officers' time is spent dealing with ordinary crime. It is an advantage that traffic officers deal with matters unrelated to traffic and that beat officers will also deal with traffic offences, thus contributing to more efficient ways of policing.

  Speed Cameras
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice is issued to police forces about the siting of speed cameras, with particular reference to those which are not accompanied by warning signs; and what proportion of speed cameras do not have accompanying warning signs. [56553]

  Mr. Boateng
  Guidance on the siting of speed cameras has been issued to chief constables in the Home Office Circular: "The Use of Automatic Detection Devices for Road Traffic Law Enforcement (38/1992)" and to highway authorities in the then Department of Transport Circular: "Use of Technology for Traffic Enforcement: Guidance on Deployment (Roads 1/92)". Further guidance on camera signing has been issued to highway authorities in the then Department of Transport Circular: "Traffic Signal and Speed Camera Signing (Roads 1/95)". Copies of these documents have been placed in the Library.

  Decisions on the siting of fixed speed cameras and the provision of warning signs are for local highway authorities to determine, in consultation with chief officers of police. The devices are deployed at accident hotspots or in areas where excessive speed is known to contribute to dangerous driving conditions. The provision of camera warning signs is recommended but is not mandatory. They are intended to identify the presence of cameras within a particular area rather than individual sites, as that would restrict the effect of the cameras to those sites.

  Details of the proportion of speed cameras which are not accompanied by warning signs are not recorded centrally.

  Electoral Registers
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to restrict the sale of electoral registers; if he will consider allowing individuals to have their names removed from lists which are sold to certain organisations; and if he will make a statement. [56562]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The sale of the electoral register is one of the issues currently under review by the Working Party on Electoral Procedures, which I chair. We are considering a range of options, which include allowing individuals' details to be excluded from the register which is sold on for commercial use.

  Criminal Information (Housing Associations)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to allow the police to provide the names of convicted criminals to housing associations. [56564]

  Mr. Boateng
  The police have a common law power to disclose information where necessary for the prevention or detection of crime, and would doubtless use this to disclose information to housing associations where they judged it to be necessary.

  Section 115 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 clarified the position with regard to the disclosure of information and, following that, the Home Office and Data Protection Registrar have issued a joint Statement setting out how this should properly be done.

  The guidance on information sharing, including the joint Statement, is included in the Home Office's "Guidance on Statutory Crime and Disorder Partnerships", a copy of which has been placed in the Library. It is also available via the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/cdact/actgch5.htm

  Firearms Compensation
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to pay the compensation to former owners of firearms who surrendered them under Option C. [56558]

  Mr. Boateng
  Over 7,300 claimants have already received compensation totalling £9.3 million under Option C of the large calibre handgun compensation scheme and the voluntary surrender scheme for small calibre pistols. In addition around 750 offers of payment totalling £770,000 are awaiting acceptance by the claimant.

  Processing these Option C claims, especially those from firearms dealers, has been difficult, mainly because the evidence of value provided in support of the claims has often proved on examination to be insufficient, resulting in the need for further inquiries, while there has been a need to identify and eliminate a large number of ineligible items surrendered for compensation under the heading of ancillary equipment. This has tended to slow the rate of progress on Option C claims, but it has also enabled Firearms Compensation Section (FCS) staff to build up their expertise in resolving the difficulties presented by these claims.

  We are now using this core of experienced staff as the basis for expanding the number of examining teams to 17, which, when fully staffed, should increase the overall staff numbers in the FCS to 115, more than double the original complement. The first tranche of 20 new staff took up post on 26 October 1988, and the expansion will continue as rapidly as possible, subject to the need to maintain standards of scrutiny.

  This major expansion of the Section should help to increase the processing rate substantially and reduce waiting time. It could not have been carried out any sooner because of the need to ensure a consistency of approach in the examination of the Option C claims, both in the interests of claimants and to ensure that payments are properly made in accordance with the terms of the compensation scheme.
  180
  This action is in addition to the measures the then Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, South and Penarth (Mr. Michael), outlined in his reply to a written question from the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge), on 30 July 1998, Official Report, column 393. The target is still to complete most Option C payments by the end of the year, and the remaining payments as soon as possible thereafter. We will continue to do all we can to shorten the timescale for completion of the work if at all possible.

  Progress is also being made with the Option A and B claims, submitted during February under the statutory surrender scheme for small calibre pistols. Over 5,700 claims have been paid, over half the total received, and the remainder should be completed by the end of the year. Until the Option C claims under this scheme have been examined in detail, it is not possible to give a firm date for their completion. Work on these claims will begin as soon as the overall work position permits.

  I can understand the impatience felt by compensation claimants who are anxious to receive their payments as quickly as possible. However, there is also a need to ensure that all claims are properly scrutinised to guard against fraud and ensure that payments are correctly made. The Government also wish to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as possible and we have taken the steps I have outlined to help achieve this.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his most recent estimate of(a) the administrative costs and (b) the cost of compensation payments arising from the ban on the ownership of handguns. [56174]

  Mr. Boateng
  Our current estimate of the cost of the compensation schemes for large-calibre handguns and small-calibre pistols remains at around £128 million, of which about £8 million is in respect of police and Home Office administration costs. The compensation figure is subject to revision as further claims under Option C of the schemes are examined.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards those from Kosovo seeking asylum. [56563]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  All claims for asylum from citizens of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including those from the province of Kosovo, are considered on their merits within the terms of the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. Consideration takes into account the latest information and advice on the country situation from a range of sources, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Where an application for asylum is refused, consideration is given to granting leave to remain exceptionally outside the Immigration Rules on humanitarian grounds. We have not recently returned to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia any ethnic Albanians who have been refused asylum here.

  Applications and decisions for the period January to September 1998 inclusive are set out in the table. The statistical return does not differentiate between citizens of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia by ethnicity.

  181

  Asylum applications1 received in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, and decisions on application, 1998 by month, nationals of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

  Applications

  Decisions

  Port

  In-country

  Total

  Grants of asylum

  Exceptional leave to enter/remain

  Refusal2,3

  Total

  January

  185

  90

  270

  120

  align="right">*

  *

  125

  February

  175

  100

  270

  95

  *

  10

  105

  March

  185

  95

  280

  100

  15

  *

  115

  April

  240

  145

  385

  100

  20

  5

  125

  May

  180

  135

  315

  120

  10

  —

  130

  June

  290

  390

  680

  110

  5

  5

  120

  July

  225

  620

  845

  50

  20

  10

  80

  August

  335

  575

  905

  50

  0

  10

  60

  September

  300

  570

  870

  40

  0

  30

  70

  Total

  2,110

  2,715

  4,825

  790

  75

  70

  930

  1 Figures rounded to nearest 5, with * = 1 or 2

  2 Includes Non-compliance refusals (Paragraph 340 of Immigration Rules. For failure to provide evidence to support the asylum claim within a reasonable period, including failure to respond to invitation to interview)

  3 Includes Third Country decisions (Refused on the grounds that the applicant had arrived from a safe third country)

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum cases were awaiting decision(a) on 1 May 1997 and (b) at the latest date for which figures are available. [56166]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  As at 30 April 1997, there were 54,020 applications for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, awaiting an initial decision. The figure fell to 50,950 in March 1998. As at the end of September 1998, it stood at 57,545.

  This partly reflects increases in asylum applications from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Slovak Republic.

  Illegal Entry
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many incidents of clandestine illegal entry have been reported to his Department(a) in each of the last five years and (b) in the most recent period for which figures are available; [56191]

  (2) how many illegal entrants have been removed from the United Kingdom in (a) each of the last five years and (b) the most recent period for which figures are available. [56189]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Information on illegal entrants removed from the United Kingdom between 1 January 1993 and 30 June 1998 are given in Table 1.

  In addition to clandestine illegal entrants detected directly by the Immigration Service, the Immigration and Nationality Directorate also receives notification of "self-confessed" clandestine entry and referrals of instances of possible clandestine entry and often involving groups of people, from other sources, such as the police. Regrettably, there is no central record of the numbers of such referrals received. The available information, which relates to the numbers of clandestine entrants on whom notice of illegal entry was served between 1 January 1994 and 30 June 1998, is given in Table 2.
  182

  Table 1. Persons removed1 from the United Kingdom as a result of illegal entry action2, 1993–983,4,5

  Year

  Persons leaving the United Kingdom

  1993

  3,790

  1994

  3,280

  1995

  3,160

  1996

  3,400

  19974

  4,490

  19984,5

  2,300

  1 Includes persons departing 'voluntarily' after illegal entry action had been initiated against them

  2 Covers persons served with papers and dealt with as illegal entrants as defined by section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971

  3 Data are rounded

  4 1997 and 1998 data are provisional

  5 1998 data are for 1 January to 30 June only

  Table 2. Persons served with papers as clandestine illegal entrants1, 1994–982

  Year

  Persons served with illegal entry papers1

  1994

  1,810

  1995

  3,350

  1996

  4,110

  19973

  4,030

  19983,4

  3,530

  1 Illegal entrants are defined by section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971. These data cover clandestine illegal entrants only

  2 Data are rounded

  3 1997 and 1998 data are provisional

  4 1998 data are for 1 January to 30 June only

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the letter of 24 August 1998 from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, to the hon. Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. O'Brien), in how many cases of clandestine illegal entry the individuals concerned have been referred to a place where their circumstances can be assessed and any applications processed according to the most recent figures which are available. [56173]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  As I explained in my letter of 24 August to the hon. Member, it is the normal practice of the Immigration Service to respond to incidents where immigration offenders are detected, although there will be
  183
  occasions when immigration staff are already deployed dealing with other incidents and we are unable to respond immediately.

  The Immigration Service is consulting the police forces most affected to ensure that incidents are dealt with properly. In areas where it is necessary, we hope to have a standard agreement in place in the next few months between the police and the Immigration Service which will provide a clear mechanism for dealing with clandestine entrants.

  Local immigration offices have not, hitherto, been required to keep records of the number of requests to attend to which they have been unable to respond and this information has not been collected centrally. They have now been asked to collect and submit this information.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are in place for the police to deal with cases of clandestine illegal entry where immigration officers are unable to attend. [56190]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Immigration Service endeavours to respond to all incidents involving clandestine entrants. As a result of the considerable rise in clandestine entry this year, there are occasions where resources are stretched so that the Immigration Service is unable to respond immediately. On such occasions, the Immigration Service tries to ensure that the individuals concerned are referred to a place where their circumstances can be assessed and any applications processed. The Immigration Service is consulting the police forces most affected to ensure that incidents are dealt with properly. In areas where it is necessary, we hope to have a standard agreement in place shortly between the police and the Immigration Service to provide a clear mechanism for dealing with clandestine entrants.

  Targeted Policing
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he expects targeted policing of areas to be implemented in respect of(a) the initial 20 areas and (b) other areas; [56180]

  (2) what criteria will be used to select areas to be made subject to targeted policing. [56182]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are currently considering specific criteria on which the money to be made available for the projects forming the targeted policing element of the Crime Reduction Programme will be allocated. We will certainly be adopting an evidence-based approach to targeted action and expecting careful evaluation of the outcome of each project which is supported.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much additional funding is to be made available to police authorities in areas containing targeted policing initiatives; [56178]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the number of additional police officers required to implement targeted policing of areas. [56177]

  Mr. Boateng
  The value of targeting policing effort at identified problems as part of a strategy to reduce crime and disorder is that it enables chief officers to decide how to deploy their resources most effectively to that end. A pre-requisite is that the strategy should be evidence-based,184
  that is based on an analysis of the local crime and associated problems and that policing tactics are adopted in the light of the analysis. The crime and disorder audits required by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 support this approach. Equally, our approach is output-driven and we will expect careful evaluation to demonstrate the extent to which crime is reduced as a result of any strategy and how that fits with the locally agreed targets for crime reduction. Experience around the country shows that targeted policing does not require additional police officers or other resources to be successful. However, to help forces develop this approach to crime reduction, we are making over £30 million available over the next three years for targeted policing projects as part of the crime reduction strategy.

  This funding is in addition to the extra £1.24 billion which will be available to police authorities in England and Wales over the next three years under the Government's spending plans announced in the summer. This settlement, along with savings from the 2 per cent. year on year efficiency improvements which police forces will be asked to achieve, will help to ensure that more resources are focused on the front line against crime.

  Senator Pinochet
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultation took place between the Metropolitan Police and his Department prior to the arrest of Senator Pinochet of Chile; and when. [57029]

  Mr. Straw
  Ministers and civil servants in the Home Office were kept informed by the Metropolitan Police of events leading up to Senator Pinochet's arrest on 16 October.

  The decision to issue a provisional warrant for the arrest of Senator Pinochet was taken by the Bow Street Magistrate under section 8(1)(b) of the Extradition Act 1989 in response to a request from an extradition partner.

  Trans-sexuals
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department has taken to co-ordinate a review of the issues relating to the legal status of trans-sexual persons; and if he will make a statement. [56460]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Matters of concern to transsexuals are the responsibility of a number of Government Departments. The Government are considering how best to take forward the issues raised by the recent judgment by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of two British trans-sexuals, Horsham and Sheffield.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the names of those people he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May 1997, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and whether they receive remuneration. [56791]

  Mr. Straw
  I will write to my hon. Friend with the information as soon as possible. A copy will be placed in the Library.

TREASURY

  Gaining and Betting Duty
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Government's estimate of the gaming and betting duty forgone as a result of betting over the Internet. [57229]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No estimate of the gaming and betting duty forgone as a result of betting over the Internet is available.

  Tourism (VAT)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the level of VAT for the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement regarding his policy on the taxation of tourism. [56552]

  Dawn Primarolo
  We have no plans for a reduced rate of VAT for tourism. Customs are, however, carefully studying a report by the British Tourist Authority on the scope for a reduced rate in this area.

  Abortions
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many abortions were performed in England and Wales on women resident in Northern Ireland by weeks gestation in the last five years for which figures are available; [56936]

  (2) what is the total number of abortions carried out on residents of Northern Ireland in England and Wales since 1970; [56938]

  (3) how many abortions were performed in England and Wales for each of the statutory grounds of the Abortion Act 1967 as amended on women resident in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [56937]

  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 Mr. Crispin Blunt, dated 28 October 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary questions on abortions.
  The information on how many abortions were performed in England and Wales for each of the statutory grounds on women resident in Northern Ireland requested is shown in the following table.

  Legal abortions performed in England and Wales on residents of Northern Ireland by statutory grounds, 1993–97

  Statutory grounds

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  All grounds

  1,629

  1,678

  1,548

  1,573

  1,572

  A (alone or with B, C or D)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  B (alone)

  1

  1

  —

  1

  —

  B (with C or D)

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  C (alone)

  1,574

  1,581

  1,488

  1,538

  1,544

  D (alone, or with C)

  53

  94

  59

  34

  28

  E (alone)

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  E (with A, B, C or D)

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  F or G

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics
  186
  I have enclosed a copy of "Conditions of the Act and statutory grounds" (for abortion) from the Abortion Annual Reference Volume series AB No 23 to explain the codes used.
  Information on abortions by weeks gestation is shown in the following table.

  Legal abortions performed in England and Wales on residents of Northern Ireland by gestation (weeks), 1993–97

  Gestation (weeks)

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Total

  1,629

  1,678

  1,548

  1,573

  1,572

  Under 9

  537

  575

  521

  486

  460

  9–12

  784

  797

  744

  800

  810

  13–19

  280

  280

  260

  252

  266

  20+

  28

  26

  23

  35

  36

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics

  Information on the total number of abortions carried out on residents of Northern Ireland in England and Wales is shown in the following table.

  Terminations to residents of Northern Ireland performed in England and Wales, 1970–1997

  Year

  Number of abortions

  1970

  199

  1971

  648

  1972

  775

  1973

  1,007

  1974

  1,092

  1975

  1,115

  1976

  1,142

  1977

  1,244

  1978

  1,311

  1979

  1,425

  1980

  1,565

  1981

  1,441

  1982

  1,510

  1983

  1,460

  1984

  1,530

  1985

  1,637

  1986

  1,724

  1987

  1,746

  1988

  1,815

  1989

  1,816

  1990

  1,855

  1991

  1,775

  1992

  1,794

  1993

  1,629

  1994

  1,678

  1995

  1,548

  1996

  1,573

  1997

  1,572

  Source:

  Registrar General's Statistical Review 1970–1973

  Abortion Statistics Series AB nos 1–23, 1974–1996

  ONS Monitor AB 98/3, 1997

  All figures for 1997 are provisional, and relate to notifications received by 19 May 1998. They are published in ONS Monitor AB 98/3 Legal abortions in England and Wales 1997, but are liable to change very slightly when final annual 1997 data are published in the Abortions Annual Reference Volume series AB No 24 in December 1998.

  Dr. Vis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many abortions were carried out on Barnet residents in 1997; how many of these were carried out in NHS hospitals; how many were paid for by the NHS; how many were carried out by agency arrangement and paid for by the NHS; and how many were carried out in the private sector(a) inside and (b) outside Barnet. [56904]
  187
  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 Dr. Rudi Vis, dated 28 October 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary question on abortions in Barnet.
  Provisional results indicate that there were 1,674 abortions performed on residents of Barnet Health Authority (HA) in 1997. Of these, 993 abortions were performed in NHS hospitals: 861 were paid for by the NHS and 132 were carried out by agency arrangement and paid for by the NHS.
  Of the 681 abortions performed on non-NHS premises, 5 were terminated in Barnet HA and 676 were terminated outside Barnet HA.
  Figures for 1997 are provisional, and relate to notifications received by 19 May 1998. They are published in ONS Monitor AB 98/3 Legal abortions in England and Wales 1997, but are liable to change very slightly when final annual 1997 data are published in the Abortions Annual Reference Volume series AB No 24 in December 1998.

  Drug Deaths
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many deaths in each of the last three years have been attributed to the use of(a) co-proxamol, (b) paracetamol and (c) paracetamol in combination with drugs other than dextropropoxphene. [56545]

  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 Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 28 October 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on how many deaths in each of the last three years have been attributed to the use of (a) co-proxamol, (b) paracetamol and (c) paracetamol in combination with drugs other than dextropropoxyphene. The information requested is shown in the table below.

  Deaths attributable to co-proxamol and paracetamol in England and Wales, 1995–97

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Co-proxamol

  171

  176

  188

  Paracetamol

  324

  279

  335

  Paracetamol with drugs other than dextropropoxyphene

  75

  56

  62

  Often a number of drugs are listed on the death certificate. If, for example, both paracetamol and co-proxamol are mentioned, the death will occur twice in the table, once under paracetamol and once under co-proxamol.

  The figures for deaths where paracetamol or co-proxamol were mentioned on the death certificate include deaths attributed to these substances in combination with other drugs. Where two or more substances are listed together, the contribution, if any, of each to the death is unknown. Even where one substance is listed alone there may well be other factors with an important bearing on the death.

  Moreover, coroners do not always record all specific drugs associated with a death on the death certificate. Therefore, with the information available from death registration, it is only possible to give an approximation of the number of deaths associated with or directly due to these substances.

CABINET OFFICE

  Green and White Papers
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make more readily available to the public a full list of current green and white papers together with the relevant timescales for consultation. [56161]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Most green and white papers are published as Command Papers, full details of which are included in the Daily List of Publications issued by The Stationery Office Limited and which is available in printed form and via their Internet Web Site at the following address: (http://www.national-publishing.co.uk./d_ listfr.html)

  A complete list also appears on the UK Official Publications Bibliographic database (http://www.ukop/co.uk) which is published jointly by The Stationery Office Limited and Chadwyck-Healey Ltd.

  Following publication of the Service First Unit's guidance How to conduct written consultation exercises, all consultation documents should also now be published in full on the Internet with information provided as to where responses should be sent and the deadline for these to be received. Officials from my Department are currently considering the practicality of creating a single entry point on the Internet which would provide an index and links to all Command Papers wherever they might appear on the Internet.

  Workplace Drug Monitoring
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proposals he has for random testing in the workplace for(a) alcohol and (b) drugs; and in respect of which workplaces. [56498]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  The Government have no proposals to require random testing in the workplace for alcohol or drugs. The Government encourage individual employers to act in accordance with guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive: "Drug Misuse at Work", issued earlier this year and "Don't Mix it" issued in 1996. I am placing copies in the library of the House.

WALES"

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new measures he proposes to assist manufacturing industry; and if he will make a statement. [56490]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government inherited an economy displaying pressures which have led to boom-bust instability in the past. As a result, the economy needed to slow to a more sustainable rate. The Government recognise the concerns of manufacturers and exporters about the pound. They are pursuing policies to deliver long-term economic stability, the essential platform for encouraging high levels of growth and employment in the manufacturing industry, as in the whole economy. In Wales, our New Economic Agenda, Pathway to Prosperity sets out a programme for manufacturing industry in Wales to achieve world class standards.

  Welsh Highland Railway
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice he has received from the Countryside Council for Wales with regard to the proposed rebuilding of the Welsh Highland Railway through Snowdonia, with particular reference to(a) the impact on the site of special scientific interest at the Aberglaslyn Pass and (b) the visual impact of signs required by the Railway Inspectorate. [56927]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The decision in this case will be taken by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions who has received a representation from the Countryside Council for Wales on the proposed Welsh Highland Railway Order. The CCW did not object to the project in principle but raised a number of issues for consideration by the Secretary of State, including a recommendation that no planting or seeding should be carried out on the exposures at the Aberglaslyn SSSI. They did not comment on the

  Declared catches of salmon (including grilse) for the years 1975, 1980, 1985, 1993–97 in England and Wales

  Rods

  Drifts nets

  Other nets1

  All nets

  Numbers caught

  Total weight caught (kg)

  Numbers caught

  Total weight caught (kg)

  Numbers caught

  Total weight caught (kg)

  Numbers caught

  Total weight caught (kg)

  1975

  24,300

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  88,762

  340,091

  1980

  21,145

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  69,073

  266,850

  1985

  19,601

  81,788

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  75,932

  279,318

  1993

  14,0592* (78%)3*

  51,091

  43,561

  157,667

  13,005

  44,644

  56,566

  202,311

  1994

  24,891 (75%)3 *

  94,022

  46,674

  174,189

  19,783

  67,728

  66,457

  241,917

  1995

  16,006 (70%)3 *

  61,009

  51,435

  187,597

  16,224

  58,139

  67,659

  245,736

  1996

  17,444 (63%)3 *

  71,469

  18,801

  73,920

  13,879

  51,788

  32,680

  125,708

  19974

  13,047 (73%)3 *

  41,996

  21,866

  75,057

  9,593

  32,177

  31,459

  107,234

  1 All nets other than drift nets, including fixed engines

  2 Likely to represent a minimum figure due to low rate of catch returns by anglers

  3 Estimated proportion of grilse in rod catch for the years 1993–97

  4 Provisional figures

  n/a = not available

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Consumer Marketing
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce controls over consumer marketing to ensure that information given or implied is not misleading or easily misconstrued. [56072]

  Dr. Howells
  There are already many controls to ensure that the marketing activities of companies are not misleading. Under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 it is a criminal offence to apply, in the course of a trade or business, false or misleading statements to goods and to knowingly or recklessly do so in respect of services. The self-regulatory system of advertising and sales promotion control, backed up by the possibility of action by the Director General of Fair Trading under the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, is also designed to prevent false or misleading information in advertisements and other promotional material. In 190
  visual impact of signs but other parties raised this issue and it was considered by the Inspector at the public local inquiry into the scheme.

  I understand that my right hon. Friend has received the Inspector's Report and is considering it.

  Salmon
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number and total weight of(a) salmon and (b) grilse taken by (i) anglers and (ii) commercial nets in (1) drift and (2) estuary nets for each of the last five years and for 1985, 1980 and 1975 or as much of such information as is readily available; and if he will provide the same information for fish classed (x) 1 sea winter, (y) 2 sea winter and (z) 3 sea winter fish. [55568]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Catch statistics are recorded on an England and Wales basis, and the available information is given in the following table. All figures relate to salmon and grilse although the estimated proportion of grilse in rod catches for the period 1993–97 has also been included. It is not possible to provide any further reliable data on catches broken down by age-class.

  addition there are specific statutes which address misleading claims in sectors such as medicines, food and drink and financial services. The Government continue to monitor the performance of all such measures and, where necessary and proportionate, would not hesitate to propose new ones.

  Sub-post Offices
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices have(a) opened and (b) closed since 1979 by county, and if he will list them. [55726]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I understand from the Post Office that, from the end of March 1993 to date, 583 sub-post offices have opened and 1,614 have closed. I have asked for a more detailed breakdown of these data and will place a copy in the Library of the House as soon as possible.
  191
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if redundancy packages of sub-postmasters/mistresses who have lost their jobs following closure of their sub-post offices take into consideration(a) loss of future earnings and (b) capital lost from their business as a result of closure. [55771]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Sub-postmasters are not employees of the Post Office, but are independent self-employed agents operating under a contract for services with Post Office Counters Ltd. I understand from the Post Office that this contract may be terminated by either party upon three months notice with no financial penalty on either side. Consequently, sub-postmasters do not receive redundancy payments in the event that their post office closes, or relocates to alternative premises.

  I also understand that a Discretionary Payment Fund exists from which payments may be made to sub-postmasters in these circumstances provided that all eligibility criteria for consideration for such a payment are met. Each application is considered on its merits. This fund is jointly managed by Post Office Counters Ltd. and the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters. It is not part of the contract for services between the sub-postmaster and Post Office Counters Ltd.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many complaints he has received from sub-postmasters/mistresses over(a) the manner in which their sub-post offices were closed down and (b) the post office appeal procedure; and what action was taken to deal with such complaints. [55772]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My Department occasionally receives representations about the termination of a sub-postmaster's contract with Post Office Counters Ltd. and the associated appeal procedure, but has no locus to intervene in such contractual matters.

  Ministerial Visits (Media Offices)
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the official visits he has paid to the company offices of(a) newspapers and (b) other media organisations during the summer adjournment, indicating the subjects discussed on each occasion. [56662]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: During the Summer adjournment I made the following official visits to the company offices of newspapers and other media organisations:

  Date

  Organisation

  4 September

  The Mail Offices, Hartlepool

  Constituency business

  23 September

  YCTV, Ladbrooke Grove

  Personal profile interview

  6 October

  This Morning Show, South Bank Studios, SE1

  The Millennium Dome

  12 October

  Forbes Magazine, New York

  General current affairs

  18 October

  Breakfast with Frost, BBC White City

  General current affairs

  Post Office
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration he has given to decreasing the external financing limit to allow the Post Office to invest in new projects. [56658]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Any changes to the financial framework within which the Post Office operates, including the external financing limit, will be announced in the context of the Government's decisions on the review of the Post Office.

  Phillips
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions his Department has held with Phillips concerning the company's future in the United Kingdom. [56422]

  Mr. Mandelson
  DTI ministers and officials are in regular contact with Phillips and are currently in discussions with the company regarding a potential inward investment at its television tube plant in Durham.

  Export Credits
  Mr. Lock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total value of export credits which have been issued by the Export Credits Guarantee Department for defence and security equipment in each of the last three financial years. [56899]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The total value of guarantees issued by ECGD for defence-related business in each of the last three years was as follows:

  £million

  Year

  Value of guarantees

  1995–96

  1,028

  1996–97

  404

  1997–98

  748

  An analysis of this business by market has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Millennium Experience
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish an account of the suggestions, instructions and advice which he has given to the New Millennium Experience Company about the Millennium Experience. [55684]

  Mr. Mandelson
  As Shareholder of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) I have issued the Company with a Financial Memorandum and Accounts Direction, copies of which I laid in the Libraries of the House alongside the NMEC's Annual Report and Accounts on 30 July 1998,Official Report, column 564. In addition my role is to ensure that the Company meet the Prime Minister's five commitments on cost, content, national impact, legacy, and management.

  The New Millennium Experience Coordinating Group, which I chair, brings together representatives of the NMEC, the Millennium Commission and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to discuss progress in

  193
  meeting these commitments. The group is not, however, an executive body, and I have no executive role as far as the NMEC is concerned.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish an account of all the proposals received by himself or the New Millennium Experience Company for the content of the Millennium Experience, describing the(a) scrutiny and (b) response which each proposal received. [55685]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Officials at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, who support me in my role as shareholder of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) pass every proposal I receive for ideas for the content of Dome content to the NMEC. The NMEC has received over 5,000 unsolicited proposals about the content of the Dome, related events and works of art. All such proposals are acknowledged on receipt. All content proposals received to date have been considered by a panel of NMEC's Production team who have responsibility for the Dome's content. The criteria used to assess the proposals include deliverability, compatibility with the various content design briefs and with the overall theme of the Millennium Experience (Time to Make a Difference), cost and attractiveness to visitors. Whilst imaginative and unusual, many of the proposals fail against these criteria. Those considered to be of merit are fed into the NMEC's established creative processes for content development. However, as the project moves through its implementation phases the scope for unsolicited proposals being taken into account in the development of the content reduces.

  The costs of publishing details of the 5,000 proposals received, assuming the authors would agree to publication, are not considered to represent value for money.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the persons or organisations who will be responsible for providing the information and ideas to be conveyed in each zone of the Millennium Experience. [55686]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company's (NMEC) strategy is to ensure that as broad a range of advice and opinion as possible is taken on board in the development of the zone content. The Company established, in December 1997, a Strategic Creative Review Group—"The Litmus Group"—which is particularly concerned with the information and ideas conveyed in each zone, and the means by which they are presented. The Litmus Group meets regularly with the Company, the exhibit zone designers and the sponsors. The Group's membership and terms of reference are set out in the NMEC's Annual Report and Financial Statements 1997/98 which were published and laid in the House on 30 July 1998,Official Report, column 564.

  In addition, on 21 October the Company announced the first group of "Godparent" advisers to the exhibit zones. All are experts in their fields with experience of communicating ideas in medicine, entertainment, science, the arts and the environment to wide audiences. They are Lord Puttnam (Work and Learn zones); Floella Benjamin (Local zone); Sir Neil Cossons (Mobility zone); Professor
  194
  Richard Gregory CBE (Mind zone); Sir Michael Peckham and Professor Catherine Peckham (Body zone); the Hon. Sara Morrison (National zone); Professor Christopher Frayling (Spirit zone); John Sorrell CBE (National Identity zone); Michael Jolly (Play zone); and Simon Jenkins (Communicate zone). The Company have also set up twelve Youth Councils around the country, each comprising twenty 10–16 year olds, and a UK Youth Council which includes representatives from the twelve Councils and from the major national youth agencies. The Councils act as advocates, researchers and reporters on Millennium Experience plans.

  Competitiveness White Paper
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the White Paper on Competitiveness will include details of the Concordat on Inward Investment. [56368]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: It is not my intention to include the details requested in the forthcoming Competitiveness White paper.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the names of those people he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May 1997, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and whether they receive remuneration. [56818]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The Department publishes the names of all those appointed to its Nationalised Industries and its Executive and Advisory non-departmental public bodies on the Public Appointments Unit Website (www.open.gov.uk/pau/paupoint.htm). This information was last updated as of 30 September 1998 and includes the date of appointment and remuneration. I am placing a copy of the full list in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Company Fraud
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce new measures to regulate companies which(a) trade fraudulently and (b) change their name. [56074]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I have no new plans at present. My Department has and will continue to take enforcement action against directors who commit criminal offences or who are guilty of unfit conduct, or to refer matters to the appropriate authorities. For example, the Insolvency Service make such directors a target of disqualification action. More widely, the Department's current review of company law is examining how company law can be modernised to give an effective legal framework which will promote business competitiveness without compromising the essential protection for those involved in business transactions.

  Cigarette Lighters
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many seizures of substandard cigarette lighters have been made by trading standards officers in each year since 1995. [56073]
  195
  Dr. Howells
  Local authority trading standards departments notified my Department of six occasions in 1997 when consignments of unsafe cigarette lighters were seized. No seizures were reported for 1996. In addition, from 1996 to date, two suspensions and three prosecution actions have been reported. These actions were taken under the General Product Safety Regulations 1994. Records for 1995 are not readily available.

HEALTH

  Paramedics
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress his Department has made towards a national register for paramedics. [55778]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine considers petitions for state registration. I understand that a petition in respect of paramedics was submitted to the Council on 12 October 1998. The petition has not yet been submitted to the Government.

  Breast Cancer
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has evaluated into(a) comparative rates of screening detection and (b) treatment regimes for breast cancer in (i) France, (ii) Germany, (iii) the USA and (iv) the United Kingdom. [56040]

  Ms Jowell
  It is not possible to compare the National Health Service breast cancer screening programme with services in France, Germany and the United States of America as they do not have comprehensive population breast screening programmes.

  The Department has not itself commissioned any international comparisons of breast cancer treatment regimes. Treatment regimes will depend on protocols drawn up and agreed based on professional guidelines, research evidence, local organisation of health services and the needs and characteristics of the local population. However, the Department published in 1996 "Guidance on Improving Outcomes in Breast Cancer", the first in a series of evidence-based guidance on specific cancers. This included a systematic review of international research literature and evidence of effectiveness of breast cancer treatments. The guidance is being used to improve the provision of breast cancer screening services. Copies are available in the Library.

  Children's Diet
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he plans to take to raise the nutritional content of the diet of children. [56070]

  Ms Jowell
  We are committed to improving the health of our children and our recent Green Paper Our Healthier Nation contains proposals for activities to contribute to "The Healthy Schools Initiative". Our forthcoming White Paper will expand these proposals. Measures already announced to improve children's diets include the Government's Consultation Document on Nutritional
  196
  Standards for School Lunches and the forthcoming guidance on Food and Nutrition in Primary Teacher Training.

  Pain Killers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost to the NHS in each of the last three years of co-proxamol prescriptions; and what would the proportionate saving if co-proxamol was replaced by paracetamol alone prescriptions. [56544]

  Ms Jowell
  The net ingredient cost of co-proxamol prescription items dispensed in the community in England 1995 to 1997 is given in the table.

  Co-proxamol prescription items dispensed in the community England

  Year

  Net ingredient cost £million

  1995

  14.4

  1996

  13.8

  1997

  14.1

  Notes:

  1. The data are from the prescription cost analysis system and cover all prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors for items personally administered in England.

  2. The net ingredient cost refers to the cost of the drug before discounts and does not include any dispensing costs or fees. It does not include any adjustment for income obtained where a prescription charge is paid at the time the prescription is dispensed or where the patient has purchased a pre-payment certificate.

  3. Information about prescriptions dispensed in hospitals is not available centrally.

  It is estimated that about £9 million would have been saved in each of the last 3 years if all co-proxamol items had been replaced by appropriate paracetamol items. These estimates are based on the average price per tablet/milli-litre over each year. They make no allowance for the differences in the size of tablets of the two products ie. the estimates assume that a 500 milligramme paracetamol tablet replaces a 325 milligramme co-proxamol tablet.

  Children's Homes
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to regulate children's homes which accommodate fewer than four children; and if he will make a statement. [56554]

  Ms Jowell
  We intend to extend regulation to children's homes which accommodate fewer than four children. We will set out our proposals in the forthcoming White Paper on Social Services.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  National Lottery Distribution Fund
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 19 October 1998,Official Report, column 919, on what estimates of the percentages of the National Lottery Distribution Fund to be received by each of the six good

  197
  causes in 1999 and 2000 his decisions on the cash distribution were based; and if he will publish those estimates. [56255]

  Mr. Banks
  As I said in my earlier reply, our decisions were made on the basis of a new forecast of Lottery income for the present licence period. We now anticipate an extra £600 million for the Good Causes and have decided to allocate £200 million to the arts, sports, heritage and charities and £400 million to health, education and the environment. This will require adjustments to the current percentage shares and we will lay an Order giving effect to those adjustments after consulting the Lottery distributors.

  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to press for exemptions from the Multilateral Agreement on Investment for United Kingdom industries with particular reference to the(a) film and (b) publishing industries. [56153]

  Janet Anderson
  A successful conclusion to the MAI negotiations is most unlikely in the near future. We shall continue to consider the handling of the audiovisual sector within the MAI should negotiations resume. The Government have no plans to seek any form of exception for the publishing industry.

  Museum Admission Fees
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the potential cost to(a) the Victoria and Albert Museum, (b) the National Maritime Museum, (c) the Science Museum, (d) the Natural History Museum and (e) the Imperial War Museum in (i) lost revenues and (ii) VAT rebates, of his proposals to introduce free admission. [56907]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 27 October 1998]: Following the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), an extra £99 million was made available for museums and galleries over the next three years.

  Subject to achieving clear targets for efficiency and reform, this will enable the Trustees of the major national institutions to introduce free access for children from next year, for pensioners the following year, and for all in 2001. However, the decision to adopt any or all of the stages towards free admission remains with the Trustees of the individual museums.

  We are currently considering detailed submissions from the charging national museums about the precise level of compensation required, and are liaising with HM Customs and Excise about the VAT implications.

  National Lottery (Further Education)
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money from the National Lottery was allocated to projects involving further education between May 1997 and September 1998. [56941]

  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer 27 October 1998]: Between May 1997 and September 1998, the distributing bodies awarded £78.7 million to 77 projects involving further education. Details of Lottery awards may be found on the Department's web site at www.lottery.culture.gov.uk.

  National Lottery (Hospices)
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many hospices have applied for National Lottery funding; and how many applications have been successful. [56687]

  Mr. Banks
  To date, 321 applications have been made by hospices for National Lottery funding. 33 applications totalling £6.3 million have so far been successful.

  Digital Television
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Independent Television Commission concerning the proposed provision of the digital ITV and ITV2 services on the digital services of British Sky Broadcasting; and if he will make a statement. [56419]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I meet the Chairman of the Independent Television Commission from time to time to discuss a range of broadcasting issues, including the prospects for digital television across all delivery platforms. Whether to seek digital satellite carriage is a commercial decision for individual broadcasters—including ITV—and not one in which Ministers have a locus.

  World Cup
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what support he has given to efforts to attract the 2006 Football World Cup to the United Kingdom. [56029]

  Mr. Banks
  The Government, from the Prime Minister down, are providing the fullest diplomatic and promotional support for the FA's bid to stage the 2006 World Cup. I hold regular meetings with the FA Campaign Team. I have personally discussed the bid with several members of the FIFA Executive Committee, either here in London or in their home countries. I will continue to accompany FA delegations to promote the bid as Parliamentary business allows. I have written to hon. Members urging them to use every opportunity to support the bid, and have been heartened by the positive response. I was delighted that the hon. Member, together with the hon. Member for Suffolk, West (Mr. Spring) and other right hon. and hon. Members, were able to join me at a reception at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 26 October at which Sepp Blatter, the FIFA President, following his meeting with the Prime Minister, was the principal guest.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Iran
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of Iran about(a) the continuation of the execution order against Salman Rushdie, and (b) the continuing violations of human rights with particular reference to executions. [56707]
  199
  Mr. Fatchett
  In New York on 24 September Dr. Kharrazi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, made an unequivocal statement of the Iranian Government's position on the threat to Salman Rushdie. He made it clear that his Government will take no action whatsoever to threaten the life of Salman Rushdie or anybody associated with his work, nor will it encourage or assist anybody to do so. We have long sought such assurances.

  We have made our concerns known to the Iranians about the recent increases in the bounty. The Iranian Government have always maintained that the bounty offered by the XV Khordad Foundation was a private matter over which they had no control. In his statement in New York Dr. Kharrazi said that his government disassociated themselves from the bounty and did not support it. We shall continue to look for ways of resolving this matter satisfactorily.

  We and our EU Partners intend to continue our policy of engagement with the Iranian regime. This will include, as in the past, keeping up pressure for improvements in some Iranian policies, including those affecting human rights. In particular, we shall continue to press the Iranians to allow a visit to Iran by the UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur, Maurice Copithorne.

  Loizidou v. Turkey
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals will be put forward by Her Majesty's Government as a member of the Council of Europe and as a guarantor power to seek enforcement of the judgment of the Court of Human Rights in the case of Loizidou v. Turkey. [56336]

  Ms Quin
  In line with Council of Europe procedure, the UK, along with other members of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, has invited Turkey to inform the Committee of the measures it proposes to take in consequence of the judgment, given its obligation under Article 53 of the Convention to abide by the Court's judgment.

  Tibet
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Chinese Government about China's occupation of Tibet. [56559]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The situation in Tibet is a matter of great concern. It is being addressed through our continuing bilateral and EU human rights dialogues with China. When my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited China in January, he encouraged Chinese leaders to enter into talks with the Dalai Lama in order to seek a lasting solution. He also raised a list of individual human rights cases, which included a number of Tibetans. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister did the same when he met Chinese leaders earlier this month.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia regarding(a) attacks on civilians, arbitrary
  200
  arrests and expulsions, and (b) the actions of the Kosovo Liberation Army; and if he will make a statement about the situation in Kosovo. [56555]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We have made frequent representations to the FYR government concerning the repressive actions of its security forces in Kosovo. In particular, we have condemned the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and the wanton destruction of their homes and livelihoods. We expect the FYR to comply fully with the demands of UNSCR 1199. NATO stands ready to act if they fail to do so. Equally, we expect the Kosovo Liberations Army to meet the demands of UNSCR 1199, including to cease hostilities.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that(a) independent human rights monitors have access to all parts of Kosovo, (b) resources are made available for the UN Human Rights Monitoring Programme, and (c) an independent international criminal court is set up; and if he will make a statement. [56778]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  (a) We co-sponsored United Nations Security Council resolution 1203 (adopted on 24 October) which places the weight of the Security Council behind the commitments made by President Milosevic to comply with early Security Council resolutions 1160 and 1199. The resolution calls for implementation of the agreement with the OSCE to allow 2,000 verifiers to deploy throughout Kosovo to monitor compliance with the earlier resolutions, assisted by NATO reconnaissance flights.

  (b) We have contributed £410,000 to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to support the setting up of a field operation in Kosovo.

  (c) We are among the first 120 states which decided on 17 July this year to establish the International Criminal Court. However, the Court will come into effect only when sixty States have ratified its Statute and will not have jurisdiction over events which take place before then.

  The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute war crimes against humanity throughout the territory of the former Yugoslavia, including Kosovo.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Albania
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance has been given by the United Kingdom Government to Albania in each of the last three years; and if she will make a statement. [56718]

  Clare Short
  UK Government assistance to Albania began in 1993 and has focused on the regulation of capital markets, rural development, health reform, good government and the development of civil society. We have also provided assistance to Albania through multilateral organisations such as the EU, and during last year's disturbances we provided significant emergency assistance.
  201
  Early in 1997 there was a hiatus in bilateral assistance to Albania due to civil disturbances. Since then the programme has been restarted and is focusing on strengthening governance and civil society, rural development and health reform.

  Figures for UK bilateral and multilateral assistance are as follows:

  Bilateral

  Year

  £

  1998–99

  1800,000

  1997–98

  749,104

  1996–97

  1,038,000

  1995–96

  1,093,000

  1 Forecast

  Multilateral: (UK share)

  Year

  Total £

  Of which EC

  1997

  1—

  1—

  1996

  7,800,000

  5,900,000

  1995

  6,100,000

  3,900,000

  1 Not yet available

  Aid and Development Projects
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the 10 largest aid or development projects funded directly by her Department in the 12 months from 1 September 1997; and if she will make a statement. [56225]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: I list below the ten largest new commitments made by my Department in the 12 months from 1 September 1997. These commitments include both project and programme aid.

  Country

  Project title

  Commitment (£)

  Uganda

  Programme Aid for Poverty Reduction 1998–2000

  40,000,000

  Bangladesh

  Bhairab Bridge Project

  35,500,000

  India

  Andhra Pradesh Urban Services for the Poor

  35,000,000

  India

  Civil Society Support Programme

  25,000,000

  Ghana

  Programme Aid 1997

  20,000,000

  Tanzania

  Programme Aid 1997–98

  20,000,000

  Uganda

  Programme Aid (1997) Economic Reform and Primary Education

  20,000,000

  India

  Partnerships for Sexual Health

  18,940,000

  India

  UNICEF: Water and Environmental Sanitation

  15,625,000

  Sudan

  WFP 1998 Sudan Programme (UN Appeal)

  14,100,000

  Commitments to individual projects are made within the framework of country strategies, prepared in consultation with partner governments, which determine the priorities for our development assistance. The overall objective of our country strategies, and the development assistance programme as a whole, is to contribute to the elimination of poverty, as set out in our White Paper published a year ago.

  Jammu and Kashmir
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the current provision of aid to Jammu and Kashmir. [56717]

  Clare Short
  We are providing £500,000 this year to the International Committee of the Red Cross for their humanitarian assistance programme in Jammu and Kashmir and £60,000 to the Save the Children Fund. Under the Small Grants Scheme about £19,000 is being provided to help equip a maternity hospital in Anantnag.

  Developing Countries
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development by what means her Department assesses the economies of developing countries; what is her Department's policy towards assisting such economies; and if she will make a statement. [56541]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: My Department has an experienced group of economic advisers who monitor economic developments in major partner countries. Key assessments of the economies of developing countries are brought together in our Country Strategy Papers. These are developed drawing on the World Bank International Monetary Fund, and other multilateral and national sources of information.

  These strategy papers set out how we will build partnerships with poorer countries with the aim of poverty elimination through the promotion of sustainable development, in accordance with the policies in our White Paper, published last year.

  Monitoring and Accounting Procedures
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what systems are in place for monitoring how her Department's budget is spent by(a) the EU and (b) other recipient organisations. [56224]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: My Department monitors closely spending by the European Commission and other multilateral organisations through regular consultations, participation in meetings of the relevant governing bodies, executive boards and management committees. We maintain an oversight of their financial management systems and their annual audited accounts. All organisations which receive Department for International Development (DFID) funds are required to provide regular certified statements of expenditure, and reports by external auditors.

  Full details of DFID's monitoring and accounting procedures are set out in the Department's Office Instructions, copies of which are in the Library of the House of Commons. The European Commission and the Court of Auditors issue a variety of reports on EC development assistance, which the Government submit for Parliamentary scrutiny.

  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement
  203
  on her Department's assessment of the impact of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment on developing countries. [56538]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: Following France's decision to withdraw from MAI negotiations, it now seems most unlikely that an Agreement will be presented to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministers for signature in May 1999, as had been the intention of MAI negotiators. However the Government remain committed to working for the development of a liberal, rule-based system for international investment, which takes proper account of social, environmental and developmental issues, and which will be in the interests of developing countries.

  Uganda
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the recipient projects in Uganda of the £67 million for educational assistance [56535]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: The £67 million is to be disbursed over a five year period in support of the Government of Uganda's Education Sector Investment Plan (ESIP). The main priority of the ESIP is the achievement of Universal Primary Education by 2003, which is itself an important component of Uganda's broader poverty eradication effort.

  The ESIP has been developed with UK assistance in partnership with the Government of Uganda and other donors. It is to run from 1997 to 2003 and is expected to cost some £430 million in recurrent expenditure (1998–2001) and at least £370 million in new investment proposals. £60 million of our overall commitment will be disbursed as budgetary assistance towards these costs. The remaining £7 million is to be used for technical co-operation in support of the overall programme (including audit and financial reporting). As such, our contributions will not be tied to any particular projects but are intended to support the realisation of the ESIP programme as a whole.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will publish the names of those people she has appointed to public bodies since 1 May 1997, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and whether they receive remuneration. [56806]

  Clare Short
  I have appointed 51 people to public bodies since 1 May 1997.

  Name

  Position

  Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

  Professor Trudy Harpham

  Member

  No remuneration

  Professor John Pendry

  Member

  No remuneration

  Professor Jang Dilawari

  Member

  No remuneration

  Professor William Hill

  Member

  No remuneration

  Know How Fund Advisory Board

  Christopher Beauman

  Member

  No remuneration

  Jim Cousins MP

  Member

  No remuneration

  Robert Davies

  Member

  No remuneration

  Dr. Judith Shapiro

  Member

  No remuneration

  Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill

  Member

  No remuneration

  204

  Name

  Position

  Advisory Committee on Overseas Economic and Social Research

  Professor Graham Chapmar

  Re-appointment Member

  No remuneration

  Professor Tony Killick

  Re-appointment Member

  No remuneration

  Dr. George Kolankiewicz

  Re-appointment Member

  No remuneration

  Professor Pat Caplan

  Member

  No remuneration

  Professor Anne Booth

  Member

  No remuneration

  Professor Jan Willem Gunning

  Member

  No remuneration

  Dr. Caroline Harper

  Member

  No remuneration

  Dr. Athar Hussein

  Member

  No remuneration

  Professor Carole Rakodi

  Member

  No remuneration

  Professor David Hulme

  Member

  No remuneration

  Dr. Frank Ellis

  Member

  No remuneration

  Professor Anil Markandya

  Member

  No remuneration

  Commonwealth Development Corporation

  Carolyn Hayman

  Re-appointment Member

  £7,500

  Pendarell Kent

  Re-appointment Member

  £7,500

  Sir William Ryrie

  Re-appointment Deputy Chairman

  £9,000

  Overseas Service Pensions Scheme Advisory Board

  Timothy Davey

  Member

  No remuneration

  Harvey Smith

  Member

  No remuneration

  Development Awareness Working Group

  Tany Alexander

  Member

  No remuneration

  Douglas Bourn

  Member

  No remuneration

  Professor Tim Brighouse

  Member

  No remuneration

  Paddy Coulter

  Member

  No remuneration

  Liz Cumberbatch

  Member

  No remuneration

  Bisi Adeleye Fayemi

  Member

  No remuneration

  John Fisher

  Member

  No remuneration

  Jaya Graves

  Member

  No remuneration

  Libby Grundy

  Member

  No remuneration

  Judith Hemery

  Member

  No remuneration

  Phil Hope MP

  Member

  No remuneration

  Dr. Kim Howells MP

  Member

  No remuneration

  Elenid Jones

  Member

  No remuneration

  Robin Lloyd-Jones1

  Member

  No remuneration

  David McKenzie

  Member

  No remuneration

  Stephen MacCloskey

  Member

  No remuneration

  Jane Nelson

  Member

  No remuneration

  Ashok Ohri

  Member

  No remuneration

  Dan Rees

  Member

  No remuneration

  Tony Robinson

  Member

  No remuneration

  Scott Sinclair

  Member

  No remuneration

  Jon Snow

  Member

  No remuneration

  John Sutton

  Member

  No remuneration

  Derek Walker

  Member

  No remuneration

  Tom Wylie

  Member

  No remuneration

  1 Has now left and been replaced by David McKenzie.

DEFENCE

  Ships Support Agency
  Mr.Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of state for Defence What have been the targets set for Ships Supports Agency on upkeep period timeliness for each of the years 1996–97,1997–98 and 1998–99; what were the achievements against the target in 1996–97 and 1997–98; and what factors influenced the selection of the target for 1998–99. [56038]

  Mr.Spellar
  The Ships Support Agency's targets and achievements against target for Upkeep period timeliness in 1996–97 may be found in the Cabinet Office's Next Steps Report 1997,a copy of which is in the Library of the House, The Agency's targets and achievements against target in 1997–98 are published in the Agency's Annual Report for 1997–98, a copy of which is also in the Library of the House. For the 1998–99 targets, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the former
  205
  Minister for the Armed Forces to my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Mrs. Gilroy) on 5 June 1998, Official Report, columns 397–98.

  The target for 1998–99 has been adjusted with the agreement of the Agency's owner, Chief of Fleet Support, and its customers to take account of known overruns on maintenance projects which were already in progress in April 1998, and the budget allocated to the Agency.

  RPAX Insurance Scheme
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) Territorial Army and (b) other reserve forces personnel are members of the RPAX insurance scheme; and what change there has been in membership since the scheme's inception. [56065]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  RPAX is a private insurance scheme provided for members of the Reserve Forces by Aon Risk Services. My Department strongly encourages Reservists to take advantage of the benefits that the scheme provides, but it is for Reservists themselves to decide whether they should do so. My Department therefore keeps no record of the number of Reservists who have joined the scheme, though I understand that the number joining has risen steadily since it was introduced in 1991.

  Defence Export Services Organisation
  Mr. Lock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of operating the Defence Export Services Organisation in each of the last three financial years. [56738]

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

  Redundant Military Equipment
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements exist to assist(a) public museums, (b) private museums and (c) private collectors in the acquisition of surplus or redundant military equipment. [56437]

  Mr. Spellar
  This subject was raised by the hon. Member for Gosport (Mr. Viggers), on behalf of the naval museums, during the Easter Adjournment debate on 8 April 1998,Official Report, columns 282–84. I subsequently met him on 3 June.

  Following that meeting, I instructed officials in my Department to draft a set of guidelines to put in place more effective procedures for ensuring that assistance in obtaining surplus equipment can be provided to museums. In conducting this study officials in my Department will be consulting interested parties outside the Ministry of Defence.

  It would be premature, at this stage, to speculate on the outcome. I will write to the hon. Member for Colchester, once the new guidelines have been endorsed.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the names of those people he has 206
  appointed to public bodies since 1 May 1997, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and whether they receive remuneration. [56800]

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

  Pay and Personnel Agency
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors were taken into account when deciding to relocate the PPA Pensions Office from Worcester to Cheadle Hulme; what assessment was made of the impact on the Worcester area of the change; what assessment he has made of the effect on the quality of work following the move; and if he will make a statement. [56561]

  Mr. Spellar
  The proposal to close the Pay and Personnel Agency (PPA) pensions office in Worcester and move the work to the existing spare accommodation on the PPA site in Cheadle Hulme arose from an efficiency review of the whole of the PPA.

  The main factors in the report were the proposals for the most efficient running of the PPA and the important savings arising from implementing them. I understand the disappointment of the 130 staff currently employed in the Worcester office but the proposed closure is part of a reorganisation of the Agency which, when completed, will produce significant and necessary savings in running costs. The review recognised the possibility of redundancies in the Worcester office, although the MOD will aim to find alternative work for as many staff as possible.

  The PPA management board are confident that the work can be satisfactorily transferred to Cheadle Hulme thus avoiding redundancies there. They also recognise the need for a careful transfer of skills to ensure that there is no lessening in the quality of the pensions work undertaken by the PPA.

  The efficiency review recommendations are currently the subject of consultation with MOD Trade Union officials and I shall make a further statement when that process is completed.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Northern Ireland Assembly
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the progress of the Northern Ireland Assembly towards taking over executive functions. [54770]

  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on progress made in respect of the new Assembly for Northern Ireland. [54777]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  A considerable amount of work has yet to be completed before executive and legislative responsibilities could be transferred to the Assembly. There has yet to be agreement on the number and
  207
  responsibilities of ministerial offices, or on the elements of a programme for government, or on areas for co-operation between North and South and how such co-operation should be put into effect. Even once agreements are reached, several Orders and Orders-in-Council will need to be made so that they can be given effect.

  Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister are engaged in intensive discussions with the parties and the Irish Government with a view to reaching early agreement on how the necessary preliminary decisions can best be reached.

  Parades Commission
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions she has had with members of the Parades Commission concerning decisions taken by the commission in the summer. [54772]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Parades Commission is an independent body which makes decisions in respect of individual parades solely on the basis of the criteria laid down in the Public Processions Act 1998. The legislation also provides that the Secretary of State may, on application by the Chief Constable, review a determination issued by the Commission. For these reasons she did not discuss with the Parades Commission determinations being considered by it.

  Paramilitary Groups
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many assaults and murders have been carried out by paramilitary groups since 1 August. [54773]

  Mr. Ingram
  Since 1 August, there has been one terrorist incident which led to the deaths of 29 persons in Omagh. This atrocity was subsequently claimed by the Real IRA. During the same period there have been 31 paramilitary style assaults as attributed in the table:

  Attributed to Loyalist Groups

  Attributed to Republican Groups

  Total

  Deaths

  0

  29

  29

  Paramilitary style attacks

  Shootings

  6

  1

  7

  Assaults

  20

  4

  24

  Notes:

  1. The above figures refer to the number of casualties as distinct from the number of incidents.

  2. All statistics are subject to minor adjustment, as further information comes to light.

  Integrated Education
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to expand the opportunities for children to attend integrated schools. [54774]

  Mr. McFall
  Government will continue to respond to parental demand for integrated education by supporting 208
  the robust proposals for new Grant-Maintained Integrated schools or for the transformation of existing schools to integrated status. This year Malone Integrated College, an independent integrated secondary school, was awarded grant-aided status and six schools were given approval for transformation, bringing the total number of integrated schools to 40. A working group has also been established to examine ways of encouraging and promoting the further development of integrated education.

  Mr. McWalter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made on developing integrated schools. [54787]

  Mr. McFall
  This year Malone Integrated college, an independent integrated secondary school, was awarded grant-aided status and 6 schools were given approval to transform to integrated status, bringing the total number of integrated schools to 40 with a total enrolment of over 10,000 pupils. A working group has also been established to examine ways of encouraging and promoting the further development of integrated education.

  Economy
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in promoting a strong and sustainable economy in Northern Ireland. [54775]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley, South (Mr. Pearson),Official Report, column 324.

  Belfast Agreement
  Ms Southworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she is taking to ensure that proposals contained in the Belfast Agreement are enshrined in legislation. [54776]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The proposals in the Belfast Agreement are contained in the Northern Ireland Bill which was introduced to this House on 15 July, receiving its Third Reading on 31 July. Following consultations with the Northern Ireland political parties a number of changes and technical amendments were introduced after the Bill received its Second Reading in another place on 5 October. I expect the Bill to complete its parliamentary stages within the next few weeks opening the way for the Belfast Agreement to take effect in the new year.

  Peace Process
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement about the development of the peace process. [54778]

  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on progress made in the Northern Ireland peace process. [54781]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  We are continuing to do everything in our power to implement all aspects of the Belfast Agreement. It produced solid gains for all those
  209
  involved and it remains the best hope for long term peace, political stability and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. While some difficult issues remain to be resolved, progress is being made on a number of fronts. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister, in consultation with the other parties, are preparing proposals regarding Ministerial portfolios; the shadow Assembly met during September and most recently on Monday 26 October and has positively addressed a range of issues; the Northern Ireland Bill is under detailed scrutiny in another place; the Police Commission, under the chairmanship of Chris Patten, has commenced work and the review of criminal justice is under way; measures to normalise the security situation have been introduced; and the early release programme has commenced.

  Terrorists
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if those convicted of terrorist offences related to Northern Ireland(a) in Northern Ireland and (b) in England and Wales since the Good Friday Agreement will be eligible for the increased remission of sentence provided for in the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998. [54779]

  Mr. Ingram
  Eligibility to apply for accelerated release is clearly spelt out in the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998. Only those convicted of qualifying offences committed before 10 April 1998 will be eligible to be considered for release in accordance with the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998.

  Independent Commission on Policing
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the work of the Independent Commission on Policing. [54780]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Independent Commission is consulting widely and has received almost 2,000 submissions—the vast majority from individual members of the public. It has met with key figures in the field of policing and has recently held a number of public meetings. As the Agreement says, the Commission will report no later than Summer 1999.

  Local Government
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the future funding of local government in Northern Ireland. [54782]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The present funding of local government in Northern Ireland is provided from the proceeds of the district rates; the General Exchequer

  Date

  Location

  Details

  Attribution

  19 July 1998

  Dill House, New Lodge, Belfast

  Andrew Kearney was shot in both legs after approximately 8 men had forced their way into his home. He died from his injuries.

  Members of IRA

  21 July 1998

  Corry Square, RUC, Newry

  A MK 15 mortar launched at the station from a van parked in a car park nearby. No injuries.

  Claimed by RIRA

  27 July 1998

  Garvagh Court, Londonderry

  Five masked and armed men forced entry into the home of Anthony and Francis Creane. Both brothers were shot and seriously wounded.

  Loyalists

  210
  Grant; other specific grants; loans; and fees and charges for services. There are no plans to change these arrangements.

  Decommissioning
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many illegally held weapons and explosive devices have been voluntarily decommissioned since 1 January. [54783]

  Mr. Ingram
  No weapons or explosives have yet been decommissioned. The British and Irish Governments brought decommissioning schemes into force on 30 June in accordance with the Agreement. All parties must implement the Agreement in full for it to work, including the decommissioning requirements.

  Guardsmen Fisher and Wright
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the case of Guardsmen Fisher and Wright. [54784]

  Mr. Ingram
  Guardsmen Fisher and Wright were released on life licence by the Secretary of State on 2 September 1998. This decision took into account that while the Secretary of State had been carrying out a review of the cases, the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 became law. Although she was aware that the Guardsmen had applied to the Sentence Review Commission for early release, the Secretary of State was conscious that the Sentences Act enables the early release of prisoners who were engaged in terrorism. The Guardsmen were in Northern Ireland as a consequence of that terrorism and committed the offence while on duty to counter it. At the time of her decision the Secretary of State was also aware that the first possible releases under the Sentences Act could have taken place from 7 September onwards.

  Taking all these factors into account, and having consulted me Lord Chief Justice as required by statute, the Secretary of State decided that the Guardsmen should be released on life licence under the Prison Act 1953.

  Terrorist Offences
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what major terrorist incidents pertaining to Northern Ireland have occurred since 15 July; and which organisations the RUC assesses to have been responsible. [54785]

  Mr. Ingram
  The RUC has advised that the following major terrorist incidents have occurred since 15 July 1998.
  211

  Date

  Location

  Details

  Attribution

  1 August 1998

  Banbridge Town Centre

  Following coded telephone warnings a car bomb exploded. Approximately 35 persons injured and extensive damage to the town.

  Claimed by RIRA

  6 August 1998

  Narrow Water, Warrenpoint

  An explosion was heard in this area. A substantial crater was located during the subsequent clearance operation.

  Republican

  15 August 1998

  Market Street, Omagh

  A bomb contained in an abandoned car exploded at this location. Twenty-nine persons were killed and hundreds injured.

  RIRA

  5 September 1998

  Portadown

  Constable Frankie O'Reilly was seriously injured by a blast bomb which was thrown at police lines. He died from his injuries on 6 October 1998.

  Claimed by Red Hand Defenders

  Notes:

  The RUC does not categorise terrorist incidents as major or otherwise, as there are inherent difficulties in that what may be perceived by one person as a major terrorist incident may not be perceived as such by another. This table has been provided in order to be as helpful as possible.

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the number of terrorist acts of violence over the past six months. [54788]

  Mr. Ingram
  During the past 6 months there have been 44 deaths as a result of the security situation including the deaths of 29 innocent members of the public at Omagh and more recently the murder of RUC Constable Frank O'Reilly. Furthermore, there have been an unacceptable number of brutal paramilitary style assaults which have no place in a civilised society.

  Nevertheless—and despite these appalling incidents—overall paramilitary activity is at an historically low level. This is a direct consequence of the Belfast Agreement. As it takes root, the Government and the vast majority of people of Northern Ireland share the hope and the determination that the frequency of paramilitary violence will be further reduced and eventually become a thing of the past.

  Drumcree
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the cost of this year's security operation mounted at Drumcree. [54786]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for West Tyrone (Mr. Thompson),Official Report, column 328.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Northern Ireland first year students have accepted places in English, Scottish and Welsh universities and colleges for the 1998–99 academic year; and how this number compares with the total number of Northern Ireland students who enrolled in English, Scottish and Welsh universities and colleges in each of the previous four years. [54789]
  212
  Mr. McFall
  The information requested is as follows:

  English universities and colleges

  Scottish universities and colleges

  Welsh universities and colleges

  1994–95

  1,989

  1,504

  115

  1995–96

  2,110

  1,482

  118

  1996–97

  2,248

  1,633

  133

  1997–98

  2,506

  1,690

  155

  1998–991

  2,339

  1,665

  163

  1 Position at 23 September 1998 Final figures will not be available until November

  Football Clubs
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what support Her Majesty's Government intends to provide for football clubs in Northern Ireland to enable them to meet the standards demanded by health and safety legislation. [56341]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Funds are currently available to football clubs in Northern Ireland through the Sport Lottery Fund, administered by the Sports Council, to assist them to meet the standards demanded by health and safety legislation. The Government plan to introduce new legislation to improve safety standards at sports grounds in Northern Ireland and are currently considering the financial implications for clubs.

  Fraud
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the number and type of suspected fraud cases which have been investigated in agencies answerable to Northern Ireland departments by department and year since 1995, indicating how many(a) proved erroneous, (b) required no further action and (c) were proven; and what were the penalties in respect of (c). [55574]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information for the Northern Ireland Departments is listed in the table.
  213

  Internal fraud

  Department/year

  Type of fraud

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  DED

  1996

  1 False claim concerning salary cheque

  —

  —

  1 Internally disciplined

  1 Forged invoices

  —

  —

  1 Dismissed

  DFP

  1996

  1 False Travel Claims

  —

  —

  2 Dismissed

  1 Theft

  DHSS

  1995

  1 Misclaiming of fees due

  —

  —

  1 Dismissed

  2 Social Security Benefit irregularities

  —

  —

  1 Dismissed

  1 Suspended without pay

  1996

  1 Misappropriation of Funds

  —

  —

  1 Officer responsible not traced

  1 Overcharging

  —

  —

  1 Police investigation being handled nationally

  2 Social Security Benefit irregularities

  —

  —

  1 Suspended without pay

  1 Still under investigation

  1997

  2 Misappropriation of Funds

  —

  —

  1 Currently at Court

  1 Disciplinary hearing—officer resigned

  3 Misclaiming of fees due

  1

  —

  1 Currently at Court

  1 No criminal offence—referred to disciplinary committee

  1 Understatement of Earnings

  —

  —

  1 Under police investigation

  3 Social Security Benefit irregularities

  —

  —

  1 Dismissed

  2 Still under investigation—1 officer suspended without pay

  1998

  6 Misclaiming of fees due

  1

  —

  3 Under police investigation—

  one of which referred to General Medical Council

  2 Under internal investigation

  1 Misuse of official telephone

  —

  —

  1 Dismissed

  1 Overcharging

  —

  —

  1 Currently under internal investigation

  1 Prescription misuse

  —

  —

  1 Under police investigation

  1 Social Security Benefit irregularities

  —

  —

  1 Dismissed

  DOE

  1995

  1 Theft

  —

  —

  1 Demoted

  1996

  1 Fraudulent travel claims

  —

  —

  1 Dismissed

  8 Theft

  6

  —

  1 Suspended

  1 Dismissed

  1 Collusion with a supplier

  1

  —

  —

  1 Misappropriation of Grant-Aid

  —

  —

  1 Referred to RUC—investigation ongoing

  4 Patronage of contractor

  3

  —

  1 Internal Audit investigation ongoing

  2 Fraudulent activity by water service suppliers

  —

  —

  1 Prosecution

  1 Under consideration

  1997

  5 Theft

  —

  —

  1 Further action pending

  1 Issue of Final Formal Warning

  1 Issue of Final Formal Warning

  1 Dismissed

  2 Cases still under investigation

  1 Misuse of office resources

  —

  1

  DHSS1

  1995–96

  14,731

  SSA benefit fraud cases2

  7,698

  4,714

  2,319

  6 Prison sentences

  39 Suspended sentences

  550 Fines imposed

  153 Community Service or Conditional Discharge

  1996–97

  12,440 SSA benefit fraud cases2

  6,321

  4,877

  1,242

  6 Prison sentences

  29 Suspended sentences

  387 Fines imposed

  153 Community Service or Conditional Discharge

  1997–98

  4,314 Working & Claiming

  5,971

  4,565

  1,089

  901 Living together as husband & wife

  4 Prison sentences

  6,410 Other2

  47 Suspended sentences

  313 Fines imposed

  11,625

  107 Community Service or Conditional Discharge

  1998–99

  1,690 Working & Claiming

  2,256

  2,014

  515

  314 Living together as husband & wife

  4 Suspended sentences

  2,781 Other2

  41 Fines imposed

  4,785

  43 Community Service or Conditional Discharge

  1997

  87 Fraudulent rates claims by the public

  —

  47

  10 Cases referred to Fraud and Prosecution Branch, DHSS 30 Resolved internally by Rate Collection Agency

  1 External fraud relates to fraud by Social Security Agency customers. These statistics are held on a tax year basis.

  2 No breakdown available

  3 The number of proven cases does not equal the number of cases on which legal proceedings are taken because not all cases are suitable for prosecution. In cases where fraud has been proven (whether or not legal proceedings have been pursued) action is normally taken to seek recovery of the overpayment.

  Punishment Beatings and Shootings
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) punishment beatings and (b) punishment shootings have taken place in Northern Ireland since 1 January; and how many of these the RUC has attributed to (i) Irish Republican and (ii) Loyalist terrorist organisations. [54761]

  Mr. Ingram
  From 1 January to 30 September 1998 there have been 58 paramilitary style shootings, 27 attributed to Loyalist groups and 31 attributed to Republican groups. There have been 107 paramilitary style assaults, 67 by Loyalists and 40 by Republicans.

  Schools (Newtownards)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what areas of Victoria Primary School in Newtownards are not being used; what is the reason; and if he will make a statement. [56780]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I understand from the South Eastern Education and Library Board that the assembly hall at Victoria Primary school has been closed because of structural defects. The Board has given approval for the structural upgrading of the hall and the replacement of its windows. Tenders are about to be sought and work should commence in the near future. When work is complete the hall will be re-opened.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals there are to replace Castle Gardens Primary School in Newtownards; what is the timetable for such a proposal; and if he will make a statement. [56779]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The South-Eastern Education and Library Board proposes to replace Castle Gardens Primary School on a new site on the Bowtown Road. Planning for this is at an advanced stage and the school will be considered for a place in next year's capital programme in light of the resources available.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Payments
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the comparative rates of hill livestock compensatory payments in the United Kingdom and each other member state of the European Union, expressed in terms of ecus per livestock units. [56908]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 27 October 1998]: The information requested is not available in up to date form. The European Commission has previously provided the following crude data on the average amount of compensatory allowance paid in 1994:

  ecu

  EU Member State

  Average amount of less favoured area compensatory allowance per livestock unit

  Belgium

  85

  Denmark

  n/a

  Germany

  93

  Greece

  61

  Spain

  36

  216

  ecu

  EU Member State

  Average amount of less favoured area compensatory allowance per livestock unit

  France

  70

  Ireland

  88

  Italy

  57

  Luxembourg

  113

  Netherlands

  104

  Portugal

  54

  United Kingdom

  47

  n/a = not applicable

  Source:

  European Commission working document

  It is up to each member state to determine the rates which are appropriate to its own circumstances and the precise conditions which may attach to these payments. The EU legislation requires that the payment must reflect the degree of permanent natural handicap which is found to exist in the Less Favoured Areas.

  BSE
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library the correspondence between his Department and Dr. Anthony Parish of the University of East Anglia in relation to BSE and toxic reactions to pesticide/insecticide chemicals. [55541]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is not normal practice for the Ministry to place in the Library correspondence between this Department and a private individual and I am not prepared to set such a precedent in respect of Dr. Parish. If Dr. Parish wishes to publish his theory on the origins of BSE, he should submit it to a journal which publishes that type of material.

  Banned Antibiotics
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with his Danish counterpart concerning the decision of the Danish Government to ban the use in animals of virginiamycin; and if he will make a statement. [56273]

  Mr. Rooker
  At the October Agriculture Council meeting, which was attended by my right hon. Friend the Minister, Denmark presented a paper on antimicrobial resistance, which reflected the conclusions of a conference of Chief Medical Officers of the EU in Copenhagen in September. The Minister was represented by the Chief Executive of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Copenhagen Conference was also attended by two members of the Veterinary Products Committee, which advises the Government on veterinary medicines and zootechnical feed additives, including growth promoters.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with his Swedish counterpart concerning the decision by the Swedish Government in 1986 to ban the use of antibiotics in animals when used as growth promoters; what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the ban; and if he will make a statement. [56272]
  217
  Mr. Rooker
  The matter was discussed at a meeting between my right hon. Friend the Minister and the Swedish Minister on 19 October. The United Kingdom was represented at a conference in Stockholm in September on "The Swedish Model of Animal Production" by the Chief Executive of Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Chairman of the independent, scientific Veterinary Products Committee which advises the Government on veterinary medicines and zootechnical feed additives, including growth promoters.

  Industry figures indicate that the use of antibiotic growth promoters saves about 2.25 million tonnes of animal feed in the European Union each year.

  Public Analyst Arrangements
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the review of Public Analyst arrangements in England and Wales to be completed. [57227]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Chairman of the Review Group has now submitted its report to me. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House and will be sent to those who made submissions to the Group. It will also be made available on the Ministry's web site. I am grateful to the Chairman and members of the Group for the timely completion of their review. The Government will need to give careful consideration to the large number of detailed recommendations and decide how to carry them forward in consultation with the other relevant bodies.

  National Census: Religion
  National Census: Religion
  Police Corruption
  Police Corruption
  City Status Award
  City Status Award
  Independent Commission on the Voting System
  Independent Commission on the Voting System
  Personal Medical Service Pilots
  Personal Medical Service Pilots
  Unauthorised Camping: Good Practice Guidance
  Unauthorised Camping: Good Practice Guidance
  River Ure: Water Quality Objectives
  River Ure: Water Quality Objectives