Written Answers of 22 February 1999

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Portadown
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been(a) charged, (b) prosecuted and (c) convicted under section 8(7) of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 in relation to contravention of the conditions placed by the Parades Commission on the legally notified marches organised by the Orange Order in Portadown on (i) 5 July 1998, (ii) 5 September 1998, (iii) 28 November 1998, (iv) 19 December 1998, (v) 30 December 1998 and (vi) 2 January 1999. [70208]

  Mr. Ingram
  None.

  Prisoners
  Mr. MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been convicted of scheduled offences within the meaning of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Acts 1973, 1978, 1991 and 1996 since 10 April 1998; and how many of them received(a) a mandatory life sentence and (b) a fixed term sentence of five years or more. [70140]

  Mr. Ingram
  From 10 April 1998 to 31 December 1998, 123 people have been convicted of scheduled offences. Of those convicted six were given mandatory life sentences and 23 received a fixed term sentence of five years or more.Note:
  These statistics are currently being updated and may be subject to change.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in Northern Ireland have been(a) arrested on suspicion of, (b) charged and (c) convicted of conspiracy to commit offences outside the United Kingdom under section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 as amended by the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998. [69878]

  (a) Public admission

  (b) Hold public meetings

  (c) Lay or consumer representatives

  (d) Appeal or complaints procedure

  NI Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  No

  Sports Council for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Youth Council for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Arts Council of Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Museums Council

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Belfast Education and Library Board

  1,2Yes

  1,3Yes

  1Yes

  1Yes

  North Eastern Education and Library Board

  1,2yes

  1,3Yes

  1Yes

  1Yes

  2
  Mr. Ingram
  No one has been charged or convicted under the equivalent provision in Northern Ireland. I am unable to say whether or not anyone has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit offences outside the United Kingdom: no central record is kept of arrests made under that heading.

  RUC
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the status of the current review of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. [70097]

  Mr. Ingram
  The independent Policing Commission is consulting widely and has received over 2,000 submissions—the vast majority from individual members of the public. It has met with many of the key figures in the field of policing and has recently held a number of public meetings throughout Northern Ireland. As the Agreement says, the Commission will report by summer 1999.

  Legal Services
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list(a) the London banisters' chambers and (b) the London solicitors' firms that have performed services for her Department (i) since 1 May 1997 and (ii) in the equivalent period preceding that date, indicating the remuneration paid in each particular case. [70034]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The detailed information requested is either the subject of confidentiality or could not be answered on the ground of disproportionate costs (or both).

  Departments may use firms of solicitors in addition to the Departmental Solicitors Office and the Crown Solicitors Office, for example, where the relevant expertise lies in the private sector. The relationship is subject to the usual confidentiality which operates between lawyer and client.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by her Department(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings, (b) hold public meetings, (c) have lay or consumer representatives on their boards and (d) operate some form of appeal or complaints procedure; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement.[69989]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:
  3

  (a) Public admission

  (b) Hold public meetings

  (c) Lay or consumer representatives

  (d) Appeal or complaints procedure

  South Eastern Education and Library Board

  1,2Yes

  1,3Yes

  1Yes

  1Yes

  Southern Education and Library Board

  1,2Yes

  1,3Yes

  1Yes

  1Yes

  Western Education and Library Board

  1,2Yes

  1,3Yes

  1Yes

  1Yes

  Staff Commissioner for Education and Library Board

  No

  No

  1Yes

  No

  Commission for Racial Equality for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Equal Opportunities Commission for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Fair Employment Commission for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Labour Relations Agency

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Construction and Industry Training Board

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Enterprise Ulster

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Ulster Supported Employment Ltd.

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Local Enterprise Development Unit

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Tourist Board

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Commissioner for Protection Against Unlawful Industrial

  Action

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Commissioner for the Rights of Trade Union Members

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Laganside Corporation

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Housing Executive

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Local Government Staff Commission

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation Committee

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Fire Authority for Northern Ireland

  1Yes

  1Yes

  No

  Yes

  Mental Health Commission for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Northern

  Ireland

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Pig Production Development Committee

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Agricultural Wages Board for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Foyle Fisheries Commission

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Harbour Authority

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Fisheries Conservancy Board for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Police Authority for Northern Ireland

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland

  Yes

  No

  No

  Yes

  Probation Board for Northern Ireland

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Juvenile Justice Board

  No

  No

  No

  No

  1 Under a statutory requirement

  2 Other than a Teaching Appointments Committee meeting

  3 Except where the nature of the business to be transacted would be prejudicial to the public interest

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by her Department(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings, (b) hold public meetings and (c) have lay or consumer

  (a) Public Admission

  (b) Hold public meetings

  (c) Lay or consumer representatives

  Health and Safety Agency for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Industrial Research and Technology Unit (Advisory Board)

  No

  No

  Yes

  Training and Employment Agency (Advisory Board)

  No

  No

  No

  Statistics Advisory Committee

  No

  No

  Yes

  Charities Advisory Committee

  No

  No

  No

  Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1—

  Distinction and Meritorious Service Awards Committee

  No

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Disability Council

  No

  No

  No

  Statute Law Committee for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  Yes

  Law Reform Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Economic Council

  No

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Higher Education Council

  No

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Advisory Committee on Travellers

  No

  No

  Yes

  Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside

  No

  No

  No

  Historic Buildings Council

  No

  No

  No

  4
  representatives on their boards; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69966]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:
  5

  (a) Public Admission

  (b) Hold public meetings

  (c) Lay or consumer representatives

  Historic Monuments Council

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Construction Industry Advisory Council

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Committee

  No

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Water Council

  No

  No

  Yes

  Drainage Council for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights

  No

  No

  No

  1 No statutory requirement for these actions except: the regulations provide for the board to include one member with experience of dealing with a disabled person. This can be a lay person.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by her Department publish(a) the minutes of meetings, (b) the agendas of meetings and documents for those meetings and (c) a register of

  (a) Minutes of meetings

  (b) Agendas of meetings and documents

  (c) Register of Members interests

  Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment

  No

  No

  No

  Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Sports Council for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Youth Council for Northern Ireland

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Arts Council of Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1No

  National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Museums Council

  No

  No

  1No

  Belfast Education and Library Board

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  North Eastern Education and Library Board

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Southern Education and Library Board

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Western Education and Library Board

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Staff Commission for Education and Library Boards

  No

  No

  Yes

  Commission for Racial Equality for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1No

  Equal Opportunities Commission for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1No

  Fair Employment Commission for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1No

  Labour Relations Agency

  No

  No

  1No

  Construction Industry Training Board

  No

  No

  1No

  Enterprise Ulster

  No

  No

  1No

  Ulster Supported Employment Limited

  No

  No

  1No

  General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1No

  Local Enterprise Development Unit

  No

  No

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Tourist Board

  No

  No

  1No

  Northern Ireland Commissioner for Protection Against Unlawful Industrial Action

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Commissioner for the Rights of Trade Union Members

  No

  No

  No

  Laganside Corporation

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Housing Executive

  Yes

  No

  No

  Local Government Staff Commission

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation Committee

  No

  No

  No

  Fire Authority for Northern Ireland

  Yes

  No

  No

  Mental Health Commission for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1No

  Northern Ireland for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education

  No

  No

  No

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Northern Ireland

  2Yes

  2Yes

  2Yes

  Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1No

  Pig Production Development Committee

  No

  No

  1No

  Agricultural Wages Board for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1No

  Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  Yes

  Foyle Fisheries Commission

  No

  No

  1No

  Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority

  No

  No

  1No

  Fisheries Conservancy Board for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1No

  Police Authority for Northern Ireland

  1No

  1No

  1No

  Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Probation Board for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Juvenile Justice Board

  No

  No

  No

  1 Available for inspection on request

  2 Statutory requirement

  6
  members' interests; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69955]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:
  7
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by her Department publish(a) the minutes of meetings, (b) the agendas of meetings and documents for those meetings and (c) a register of

  (a) Minutes of meetings

  (b) Agendas of meetings and documents

  (c) Register of members interests

  Health and Safety Agency for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  1No

  Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  2No

  Industrial Research and Technology Unit (Advisory Board)

  No

  No

  2No

  Training and Employment Agency (Advisory Board)

  No

  No

  2No

  Statistics Advisory Committee

  No

  No

  2No

  Charities Advisory Committee

  No

  No

  No

  Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Distinction and Meritorious Service Awards Committee

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Disability Council

  No

  No

  No

  Statute Law Committee for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Law Reform Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Economic Council

  2No

  2No

  No

  Northern Ireland Higher Education Council

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Advisory Committee on Travellers

  No

  No

  No

  Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside

  No

  No

  No

  Historic Buildings Council

  No

  No

  No

  Historic Monuments Council

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Construction Industry Advisory Council

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Committee

  No

  No

  No

  Northern Ireland Water Council

  No

  No

  No

  Drainage Council for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland

  No

  No

  No

  Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights

  No

  No

  No

  1 Published in the Annual Report

  2 Available for inspection on request

  Note:

  No statutory requirements for these actions

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the executive non-departmental bodies sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office have a statutory base; and which are subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner. [69888]

  Statutory base

  Subject to Parliamentary Commissioner Investigation

  NI Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment

  Yes

  Yes

  Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

  Yes

  Yes

  Sports Council for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Youth Council for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Arts Council of NI

  Yes

  Yes

  National Museums and Galleries of NI

  Yes

  Yes

  NI Museums Council

  No

  Yes

  Belfast Education and Library Board

  Yes

  Yes

  North Eastern Education and Library Board

  Yes

  Yes

  South Eastern Education and Library Board

  Yes

  Yes

  Southern Education and Library Board

  Yes

  Yes

  Western Education and Library Board

  Yes

  Yes

  Staff Commissioner for Education and Library Board

  Yes

  Yes

  Commission for Racial Equality for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Equal Opportunities Commission for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Fair Employment Commission for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Labour Relations Agency

  Yes

  Yes

  Construction Industry Training Board

  Yes

  Yes

  Enterprise Ulster

  Yes

  Yes

  Ulster Supported Employment Ltd.

  Yes

  Yes

  General Consumer Council for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Local Enterprise Development Unit

  Yes

  Yes

  Northern Ireland Tourist Board

  Yes

  Yes

  8
  members' interests; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69940]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:
  9

  Statutory base

  Subject to Parliamentary Commissioner Investigation

  NI Commissioner for Protection Against Unlawful Industrial Action

  Yes

  Yes

  NI Commissioner for the Rights of Trade Union Members

  Yes

  Yes

  Laganside Corporation

  Yes

  Yes

  NI Housing Executive

  Yes

  Yes

  Local Government Staff Commission

  Yes

  Yes

  NI Local Government Officers' Superannuation Committee

  Yes

  Yes

  Fire Authority for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Mental Health Commission for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  NI Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education

  Yes

  Yes

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Livestock and Meat Commission for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Pig Production Development Committee

  Yes

  No

  Agricultural Wages Board for NI

  Yes

  No

  Agricultural Research Institute of NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Foyle Fisheries Commission

  Yes

  No

  NI Fishery Harbour Authority

  Yes

  Yes

  Fisheries Conservancy Board for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Police Authority for NI

  Yes

  No

  Independent Commission for Police Complaints for NI

  Yes

  No

  Probation Board for NI

  Yes

  Yes

  Juvenile Justice Board

  Yes

  Yes

  Speeding Fines
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money has been raised by speeding fines issued by(a) speed cameras and (b) police officers, in each of the past five years. [71402]

  Mr. Ingram
  The following Fixed Penalty notices and Endorsable Fixed Penalty notices, in respect of speed detection, were issued by the Royal Ulster Constabulary during the last 5 years:

  Year

  Police Officers

  Speed cameras

  1994

  31,089

  n/a

  1995

  27,005

  n/a

  1996

  27,380

  n/a

  1997

  126,926

  n/a

  1998

  13,858

  6,674

  1 Including 3,983 endorsable fixed penalty notices

  Mobile speed cameras were first introduced in Northern Ireland on 1 October 1997. Therefore the first full year for which information is available is 1998. Up to 30 September 1997 speeding offences attracted a £20 fine and no penalty points. From 1 October 1997 they attracted a £40 fine and 3 penalty points.

  Punishment Beatings
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many punishment beatings there were in Northern Ireland between 1 May 1998 and 31 December 1998; and in respect of how many of these incidents, charges have been laid against the alleged perpetrators. [71581]

  Mr. Ingram
  The table shows the number of casualties as a result of paramilitary-style attacks during the period 1 May to 31 December 1998. Charges are made on the basis of specific offences, for example, Common assault, Grievous bodily harm and Actual bodily harm. Those which are deemed to be paramilitary-style attacks are not recorded separately and it is therefore not possible to provide information on the number of persons made amenable for these attacks.
  10

  By Loyalists

  By Republican

  Shootings

  25

  19

  Assaults

  65

  40

  Total

  90

  59

  Note:

  The figures may be subject to minor amendment

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by her Department(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings, (b) hold public meetings and (c) have lay or consumer representatives on their boards; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69968]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 10 February 1999)The information is as follows:

  (a) Admission of members of the public:

  Members of the public may be admitted to meetings of the Know How Fund Advisory Board, ordinarily at the request of Board members, but individual requests by the public to attend would be considered on their merits. It has not been the practice to admit members of the public to meetings of other advisory bodies. There are no statutory requirements to do so.

  (b) Public meetings:

  It has not generally been the practice to hold public meetings principally because of the nature of the remit or the scope and size of the bodies in question. However, my Department has recently conducted a series of Regional Policy Forums culminating in a National forum to which members of the public were invited and which have contributed to the deliberations of the Development Awareness Working Group. There are no statutory requirements to hold public meetings.

  (c) Lay/Consumer representatives:

  The following bodies have either lay or consumer representatives:

  The Development Awareness Working Group

  The Indian Family Pensions Fund Body of Commissioners

  11

  The Overseas Service Pensions Scheme Advisory Board

  The Know How Fund Advisory Board

  There are no statutory requirements to appoint lay or consumer representatives.
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by her Department(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings, (b) hold public meetings, (c) have lay or consumer representatives on their boards and (d) operate some form of appeal or complaints procedure; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69977]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 10 February 1999]We do not admit members of the public to meetings of the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission and the Crown Agents Holding & Realisation Board and neither of these organisations hold public meetings of those bodies. The nature of their remit is not such as to require lay or consumer representation or an appeal/complaints procedure and there are no statutory requirements to do so.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by her Department publish(a) the minutes of meetings, (b) the agendas of meetings and documents for those meetings and (c) a register of members' interests; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69946]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 10 February 1999]Minutes of meetings of the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission are available on request but the minutes, agenda and other papers are not routinely published. A register of members' interests is currently being compiled.

  The Crown Agents Holding & Realisation Board does not satisfy the terms of the question but is expected to be wound up in the near future.

  There are no statutory requirements of this nature.

  a) Contracts awarded to KPMG since 1 May 1997

  Project title

  Country

  Value (£)

  Personnel Controls and Information Systems

  Uganda

  113,902

  Salaries Review Commission—implementation

  Lesotho

  379,950

  Evaluation of company database

  Hungary

  69,488

  Public sector development programme: phase 2

  Grenada

  533,775

  Anguilla public sector development programme

  Anguilla

  77,474

  Caribbean Drugs Initiative: training study formulation

  Caribbean Regional

  24,910

  Emergency assessment of public sector resourcing requirements

  Montserrat

  28,590

  Strengthening government finance and accounting functions

  Kenya

  79,120

  Job evaluation and grading implementation

  South Africa, Republic of

  23,500

  Preparation of Project Memorandum

  Turks and Caicos Islands

  33,330

  Job evaluation implementation project

  South Africa, Republic of

  295,860

  Taxation reform

  Yemen, Republic of

  550,158

  Extension: Salaries Review Commission

  Lesotho

  163,560

  World Bank/DFID institutional specialist

  Ethiopia

  28,448

  Strengthening of Presidential efficiency unit: phase II

  Colombia

  369,865

  Support to the government of Kenya in the development of medium term strategy for Civil Service Reform

  Kenya

  75,830

  Public Sector Development Project—value for money studies

  Dominica

  307,650

  Assistance on rating insurance companies

  Russia

  9,306

  Lesotho police rank structure review

  Lesotho

  37,540

  Caribbean Drugs Initiative: Training Implementation

  Caribbean Regional

  24,620

  Brazil—value for money audit

  Brazil

  496,805

  12
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by her Department have a statutory base; and which are subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner. [69913]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 10 February 1999]The Crown Agents Holding and Realisation Board was established under the authority of the Crown Agents Act 1979. Statutory provision for the operations of the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission is made in the Overseas Development and Co-operation Act 1980. Neither fall within the remit of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

  Honduran Street Children
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the projects her Department is supporting concerning street children in Casa Alianza, Honduras. [72519]

  Clare Short
  We are not currently funding any Casa Alianza projects in Honduras. Officials from the Department for International Development met representatives of Casa Alianza in Honduras in November last year to discuss their Honduran projects but decided we could not make this project a priority. Obviously it is not possible or efficient for any one donor to work in all sectors.

  KPMG
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the services that KPMG have performed for his Department(a) since 1 May 1997 and (b) in the corresponding period prior to 1 May 1997, indicating the remuneration made in each case. [72015]

  Clare Short
  Since 1 May 1997 DFID has awarded KPMG 27 contracts for services. In the corresponding period prior to 1 May 1997 KPMG were awarded 31 contracts. The tables show the project title, the country to which the contract applies, and the total value of the contract.
  13

  a) Contracts awarded to KPMG since 1 May 1997

  Project title

  Country

  Value (£)

  Country policy plan: strategic review

  Anguilla

  29,420

  Institutional appraisal and strategic review of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force

  St. Lucia

  34,175

  Support of restructuring of Russian private enterprise

  Russia

  168,650

  Institutional appraisal and strategic review of the Royal Grenada Police Force

  Grenada

  30,600

  Financial advice for United Nations Relief and Works Agency

  West Bank and Gaza

  207,124

  Public service pay reform in Uganda

  Uganda

  128,303

  b) Contracts awarded by DF1D to KPMG in the corresponding
  period prior to 1 May 1997

  Project title

  Country

  Value (£)

  Spares management study

  India

  37,000

  Assistance to Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue

  South Africa, Republic of

  12,950

  Enterprise Development Review: consultancy team

  Swaziland

  58,000

  Personnel and training specialist

  St. Kitts-Nevis

  95,050

  Public service development project

  Grenada

  208,900

  Restructuring of electricity sector

  Ukraine

  84,960

  Review of the media sector

  Ethiopia

  49,090

  Aden free zone project

  Yemen, Republic of

  89,487

  Assistance in insurance supervision

  Poland

  38,250

  Guyana forestry commission—human resources development study

  Guyana

  49,920

  Good government project identification mission

  Mexico

  22,000

  District primary education West Bengal—institutional consultants

  India

  33,920

  Restructuring of electricity sector

  Ukraine

  382,885

  Presidential review commission

  South Africa, Republic of

  24,050

  Job Evaluation and Grading Project

  South Africa, Republic of

  498,500

  Uganda—Mildmay Palliative care centre

  Uganda

  16,141

  Good government programme

  Mexico

  22,060

  Audit of agricultural bank

  Armenia

  185,358

  Zahony enterprise zone—technical assistance to coordination committee

  Hungary

  89,008

  Efficiency unit project

  Colombia

  184,988

  Civil service reform consultancy

  Malawi

  144,875

  Assistance to the public service salaries review

  Lesotho

  64,546

  Good government—focus on results

  Mexico

  175,808

  Administrative assistance to Eastern Cape

  South Africa, Republic of

  33,804

  Strengthening Government finance and accounting functions

  Kenya

  88,180

  Assistance on rating of insurance companies

  Russia

  49,671

  Public sector development: resource allocation review

  Montserrat

  245,845

  Assistance to review United Nations Relief and Works budget management system;

  West Bank and Gaza

  25,238

  Jamaica: agency development project

  Jamaica

  1,999,480

  Russia—petroleum fiscal reform

  Russia

  941,769

  Review of support to general sales tax

  Pakistan

  18,911

  Japan
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will set out the responsibilities of the Crown Agents in respect of the administration of (i) debt relief grants and (ii) other aid matters on behalf of the Japanese Government; and if she will make a statement. [72577]

  Clare Short
  Ownership of the Crown Agents transferred from Her Majesty's Government to an independent Foundation in March 1997. The hon. Gentleman may wish to pursue this matter with the Foundation.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what(a) reviews, (b) task forces and (c) advisory groups have been established by her Department since 1 May 1997; what costs they have incurred to date; and what reports they have published. [71516]
  14
  Clare Short
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Since 1 May 1997 the Department for International Development (DFID) has undertaken a review of international development policy, and a review of DFID' s relationship with Civil Society. The review of international development policy led to the publication of the White Paper on International Development in November 1997. A report of the consultation which DFID conducted with Civil Society, North and South, will be published shortly. Key conclusions were set out in my speech on `NGOs in a Global Future' on 13 January at Birmingham University. The costs incurred for these reviews are not separately identified, add little to the normal running costs of the department and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The Department has also set up the Development Awareness Working Group. Expenditure of this advisory group is, to date, £10,500. Preparatory documents, minutes of the meetings, and a report commissioned on "Learning from Others" are all available on the DFID website.

  No task forces have been established.

  Civil Servants (Misconduct)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the offences or acts of misconduct under which a civil servant in her Department could have his pension removed or reduced; and how often this has happened during the last five years. [70770]

  Clare Short
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 15 February 1999,Official Report, columns 569–70. My Department has had no such cases within the last five years.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the amounts of British aid to Zimbabwe for each of the last 10 years, the projects for which it has been assigned and the conditions attached to it. [70588]

  Clare Short
  Total Overseas Development Administration (ODA) and the Department for International Development (DFID) aid to Zimbabwe in
  each of the last 10 years was:

  Year

  £000

  1987–88

  11,708

  1988–89

  15,278

  1989–90

  13,373

  1990–91

  28,937

  1991–92

  36,682

  1992–93

  39,172

  1993–94

  24,560

  1994–95

  27,343

  1995–96

  14,804

  1996–97

  11,057

  1997–98

  12,215

  ODA and DFID funded 170 projects (including Joint Funding Scheme projects cofinanced with British NGOs) in the last 10 years over the value of £100,000. I will place a list in the Library of the House.

  Specific conditions are not attached to country programmes. Individual projects are appraised and funded in the context of agreed country strategies and may have specific conditions attached, to ensure the project will be effective and sustainable.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71848]

  Clare Short
  In common with other Departments, the work of press officers in my Department includes responding to any misinformed allegations concerning 16
  Government policy or activity which are published in the media. They are supported in this work by other officials as necessary.

  Because this is a routine part of a Department's work and it is not separately recorded from other tasks, to provide the further information required would involve disproportionate cost.

  Pakistan (Zina Law)
  Mrs. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made within the EU on the introduction of the Zina Law in Pakistan. [72511]

  Clare Short
  I have not made such representations. The Zina Law is one of five laws introduced as part of the Huddood Ordinances in 1979. The implications of the proposed 15th Constitutional Amendment are not yet clear, but it is likely that it would extend the coverage of Islamic Law in Pakistan. This Amendment still has to be passed by the Senate, for which a two-thirds majority is required. We will continue to monitor developments. More generally, the Government regularly raise their concerns with the Pakistani authorities about human rights and particularly the rights of women and girls issues; and we shall continue to do so.

  Mrs. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what regard she has taken of the Zina Law's effect on Pakistan's human rights record when deciding the level of bilateral aid for that country from the UK. [72510]

  Clare Short
  The Zina Law is part of the Huddood Ordinance which has proved controversial in Pakistan since its introduction in 1979. Our development co-operation with Pakistan is clearly focused on reducing poverty, and takes careful account of human rights factors. We are working with the Government of Pakistan and other partners to make gender considerations an integral part of the development policy and planning; and we provide direct support for human rights and women's groups concerned with gender equity issues.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the total number of staff(a) in her Department and (b) in each of the agencies for which she is responsible and their location in (i) London, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) each of the English regions. [70476]

  Clare Short
  The information is as follows. Including contract and other staff who are not classified as civil servants, my Department employs 1,656 staff located as follows:

  Location

  Staff

  (i)London

  755

  (ii) Wales

  0

  (iii) Scotland

  414

  (iv)English Regions

  0

  17
  The remaining 487 are employed overseas. I would also refer my hon. Friend to "Civil Service Statistics 1998" which is available in the Library of the House and provides a regional breakdown of civil service staff.

  My Department has no agencies.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Rental Income
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, how much income has been received in rents from land owned by the commission in each of the last 10 years. [70529]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  I have arranged for this information to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  In order to assist my hon. Friend, however, he should note that, while the rental income figures for 1998 have not yet been finalised, for the previous 10 years the income amounted to £647.3m.

  Clergy (Stipends)
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the commissioners have taken to ensure that the initial stipend is sufficient to attract new entrants to the clergy. [70532]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  Clergy stipend recommendations are no longer made by the Church Commissioners, and their functions as Central Stipends Authority have been transferred by the Ministry Division of the Archbishops' Council from 1 January this year. The Central Stipends Authority gives very careful consideration to the question of stipend adequacy, including consultations with dioceses about stipend levels, and measuring the disposable income of clergy with that of other professions. A detailed review of stipend adequacy was last carried out in 1991/92, and it is likely that a further review will take place later this year.

  The number of candidates recommended for ordination in 1998 was 343, an increase of 5.6 per cent. on the previous year. This would clearly suggest that the level of stipend is not deterring candidates for ordination.

  Redundant Churches
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the number of redundant churches that the Church Commissioners have become responsible for in the last 3 years; and what the cost to them has been in each of the last 3 years. [70530]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  In the 3 years to 31 December 1998, 96 churches have been declared redundant and the Commissioners have become involved in settling their future. In the same period the Commissioners have vested 15 redundant churches in the Churches Conservation Trust for preservation. The Trust now maintains 317 such churches and the Commissioners provide 30 per cent. of their costs, or about £1.07m in each of the Trust's last 3 financial years.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  School Admissions Code of Practice
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will place in the Library copies of responses he received to the School Admissions Code of Practice Consultative Draft. [71750]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I have arranged for copies of all responses received on the Draft School Admissions Code of Practice to be placed in the Library.

  Failing LEAs (Contractors)
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 1 February 1999,Official Report, column 490, on failing LEAs, how many formal expressions of interest from organisations able to (a) perform LEA functions and (b) provide management consultancy services for LEAs had been received by 15 February. [72508]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  98 expressions of interest were received for consultancy work and 107 for the delivery of LEA functions.

  Disabled People (Interviews)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in the pilot areas for the New Deal for Disabled People(a) how many initial interviews with personal advisers have been booked, (b) how many initial interviews with personal advisers have taken place, (c) how many disabled people have agreed to participate in the New Deal following an initial interview and (d) how many people obtained jobs following participation in the New Deal. [72372]

  Ms Hodge
  The Personal Adviser Service is in the early stages of pilot operation, and it is too soon to draw conclusions. Figures show that by 5 February, 1,528 interviews had been booked, 1,364 people had been seen by Personal Advisers, and some 821 people had begun to implement an employment focused action plan. We know that most people in this client group will need many months of support before they are ready to start work. However, I am delighted that so far 50 people have secured work.

  KPMG
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the services that KPMG have performed for his Department(a) since 1 May 1997 and (b) in the corresponding period prior to 1 May 1997, indicating the remuneration made in each case. [72006]

  Mr. Mudie
  The services and levels of remuneration provided to my department by KPMG are given in the following table.

  Period

  Service

  Remuneration (£)

  1 May 1997–31 January 1999

  Management Consultancy

  22,291

  Policy advice

  47,880

  1 April 1996–30 April 1997

  Management Consultancy

  265,864

  19
  Complete figures for the 'corresponding period' 1 August 1995–30 April 1997, are not available in a comparable form. This is due to the different accounting systems used by the former Department of Education and the Employment Department which merged under the previous administration

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 1999,Official Report, column 566, on ministerial visits, which hon. Members have been informed of a planned visit to their constituency by him in the last 12 months. [72225]

  Mr. Mudie
  In accordance with paragraph 79 of the Ministerial Code, hon. Members are informed in advance about planned visits to their constituencies by myself and Ministerial colleagues.

  Jobfinder Grants
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many Jobfinder grants have been paid in each year since the introduction of the scheme. [72184]

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

  Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Frank Field, dated 22 February 1999:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked me to reply to your question about the number of Jobfinder Grants that have been paid in each year since the introduction of the scheme. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.
  The number of Jobfinder's Grants paid nationally in each year since the introduction of the scheme is as follows:

  Year

  Number of Grants

  1994–1995 pilot

  4,708

  1995–1996

  12,383

  1996–1997

  17,300

  1997–1998

  15,820

  1998-Jan 99 (10 months)

  8,281

  I hope this is helpful.

  Ofsted Inspectors
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will make it his policy to ensure that all Ofsted inspectors periodically undertake some teaching in schools; [72269]

  (2) what is the average age of Ofsted inspectors; [72270]

  (3) what is the average length of time since an Ofsted inspector last taught in a school. [72271]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  These are matters for HM Chief Inspector of Schools and I have therefore asked Chris Woodhead to write to my hon. Friend and to place a copy of his letter in the Library.

  Pre-school Expenditure
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements are made to assist with public funds capital expenditure on pre-school provision. [71966]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, over £5 billion will be available over the next three years for investment in school buildings, including facilities for under fives. Earmarked capital grant for Early Excellence Centres is available through the New Deal for Schools programme.

  "Teachers"
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many copies of the magazine "Teachers" have been distributed to(a) teachers direct and (b) schools; what was the cost of producing the magazine; and what was the cost of distributing the magazine. [72506]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  No copies have been distributed direct to teachers. A total of 334,300 copies of the magazine have been distributed to schools: teachers requested approximately 8,000 extra copies after 326,300 copies were initially distributed to schools.

  The magazine costs 9p a copy to produce and 11p a copy to distribute. It replaces the DfEE's previous publication, Schools Update. The magazine is paid for from the Department's central advertising and publicity budget which has already been earmarked for spending on publicity material.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make copies of his Department's magazine, Teachers, available in the Library. [72239]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Copies have been placed in the Library.

  Private-public Partnerships
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he plans to issue draft regulations for consultation on private/public sector partnerships under section 128(1)(2) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. [72505]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  : It is planned to issue draft regulations for consultation in May 1999.

  School Meals
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what advice his Department has issued to local education authorities on the use of genetically modified foods in school meals services. [72237]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Responsibility for determining the content of school meals rests with local education authorities and the governing bodies of grant maintained schools.

  Specialist Teachers
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he intends to publish details of the position of specialist teachers in relation to his proposals to restructure teachers' salary scales. [72507]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  There is no statutory definition of the term "specialist teacher".

  The technical consultation document on pay and performance management, published on 1 February 1999, sets out the Government's proposals in respect of teachers' salary structure.

  Paragraph 59 seeks views on the proposal that teachers below the new performance threshold who make additional contributions to teaching and learning, could be awarded salary supplements by the governing body on the advice of the head. Paragraph 65 proposes that, once a teacher has passed threshold assessment, that teacher's allocated salary range on the upper pay spine should reflect the nature of his or her responsibilities as well as personal performance.

  The Government propose to ask the School Teachers' Review Body, following the Green Paper consultation, to advise what guidance should be available to schools on how to reflect teacher responsibilities in setting salary levels below and above the threshold.

  Infant Class Sizes
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the annual recurrent cost of reducing infant class sizes to a maximum of 30 pupils. [72504]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have already allocated £22 million in revenue funding in 1998–99 for the reduction of infant class sizes. Over the next three financial years, £400 million will be available to meet the revenue costs of implementing our pledge:

  1999–2000: £80 million

  2000–2001: £160 million

  2001–2002: £160 million.

  In addition, there will be £160 million over the same period to meet the capital costs of implementing the pledge.

  Au Pairs
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the effect on the availability of childcare provision by au pairs for poorer families of the inclusion of au pairs within the minimum wage provisions. [70373]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 10 February 1999]I have been asked to reply.

  I do not expect the introduction of the National Minimum Wage to affect the availability of childcare provision by au pairs. The National Minimum Wage Regulations, which were laid before Parliament on Tuesday, 16 February, provide for the exclusion from coverage of workers who reside in their employer's family household, are treated as members of that family and share in the tasks and leisure activities of the family.

DEFENCE

  GEC Marconi-British Aerospace Merger
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact that the merger of GEC Marconi and British Aerospace will have on defence procurement(a) within the United Kingdom and (b) overseas; and if he will make a statement. [70501]

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the defence implications of the BAe-GEC Marconi merger. [70516]

  Mr. Spellar
  The proposed merger of BAe and Marconi will be subject to regulatory approval and it is therefore not appropriate for me to comment at this stage. The MOD's views on the military aspects of the merger will be given to the regulatory authorities in confidence at the appropriate time.

  Cadets
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the Government's expenditure plans in relation to cadets. [70503]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  During the past twelve months my Department has received a number of representations from hon. Members and others concerning the Government's expenditure plans in respect of our Cadet Forces. The Government remain fully committed to supporting the Cadet Forces, with planned expenditure upon them in the current financial year totalling some £58m. As a further indication of our commitment, we previously announced an increase in Cadet Forces' expenditure of £3m over the next four years.

  Learning Forces Initiative
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made in establishing the learning forces initiative announced in the strategic defence review. [70505]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We are making good progress with our important "Learning Forces" initiative. At home and abroad, our service personnel are already benefiting from increased educational opportunities. The "Learning Forces" initiative is a powerful tool which will aid recruiting and retention.

  Staff College, Camberley
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future use of the buildings of Staff college, Camberley. [70506]

  Mr. Spellar
  Options for the future of the former Staff College Buildings at Camberley are being studied. No proposals have yet been put to Ministers.

  Future Large Aircraft
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress with the design and manufacture of the future large aircraft; and when it is planned to go into production. [70507]
  23
  Mr. Spellar
  The MOD received bids at the end of January for competing aircraft to meet our requirement for future transport aircraft. The Future Large Aircraft—now designated the A400M by Airbus Industries—is a candidate in this competition. UK officials are assessing these bids with other European partners. I will announce the outcome to the House once a decision has been made.

  Dr. Gwyn Prins
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with NATO officials about the decision to employ Dr. Gwyn Prins of Chatham house in the office of the NATO Secretary-General. [70508]

  Mr. George Robertson
  None.

  Iraq
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British service personnel are currently involved in helping to patrol the no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq. [70509]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Just over 2,000 service personnel are currently involved in conducting or supporting operations in the northern and southern no-fly zones. Around half of these are land-based and regularly involved in such duties; the other half are aboard HMS Invincible, whose aircraft are currently participating in the patrolling of the no-fly zones.

  Service Families
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what policies his Department has for improving the quality of life for service families. [70510]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Following the Strategic Defence Review, we created the Service Families Task Force. Under my leadership the Task Force is addressing the problems Service families have told us they encounter and we are pursuing measures to help them in the areas of education, employment and health. In addition, each Service is developing specific initiatives to improve the quality of life for their families.

  Anthrax
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to recommence his programme of voluntary immunisation of personnel against anthrax. [70512]

  Mr. George Robertson
  We will resume our programme of voluntary immunisation against anthrax for personnel deploying to the Gulf as soon as practicable. However, new licensed supplies of vaccine will not be available before next year.

  Land Mines
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to complete Britain's land mine destruction programme. [70513]

  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress with Britain's land mine destruction programme. [70525]
  24
  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton, South (Ms Taylor) on 22 February 1999,Official Report, column 7.

  Gulf War Syndrome
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department is spending on research into the illnesses of Gulf war veterans. [70514]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Ministry of Defence's portfolio of research into Gulf veterans' illnesses matters currently comprises two major epidemiological studies, a neuromuscular systems study, an independent review of research literature and a programme to investigate possible interactions between the medical countermeasures which were used during the 1990–91 Gulf conflict. So far, about £1.9 million has been spent on these studies and we estimate that they will cost a further £4 million to complete.

  Armed Forces (Overstretch)
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he has taken to address potential overstretch resulting from increasing United Kingdom military commitments. [70515]

  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to reduce overstretch in the armed forces. [70700]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  As I explained in my reply of 25 January 1999, to my hon. Friends the Members for Blaydon (Mr. McWilliam) and for South Ribble (Mr. Borrow),Official Report, column 4, we are firmly committed to addressing overstretch in the Armed Forces. We are taking a number of steps to increase recruitment to the Armed Forces, which continues to improve for all three Services. We are also making efforts to improve retention in the Armed Forces. Maintenance of morale within the Armed Forces as a whole is a high priority. Any decision to increase operational commitments will be taken only after careful consideration of personnel resources.

  Ethnic Recruitment (Brent)
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Army's ethnic recruitment initiative in Brent. [70517]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Army's recruiting initiative in Brent was an integral part of the Army ethnic minority recruiting campaign for 1997–98, and was designed to last for three months between January and March 1998. The Brent campaign was used as a trial of a Community Partnership Model developed by a consultancy firm. Under this approach, personnel are allocated specifically to liaise with council, education and community leaders and students, in order to promote the Army as a potential career.

  Research carried out before and after this initiative shows that it was a success, and that it has created a generally more positive attitude to the Army in Brent.

  During the current financial year, the Army has included Brent in its programme of visits by recruiting teams, including the Ethnic Minority Recruiting Team,

  25
  and links with the community continue to improve. The Army is currently on target to achieve its aim that two per cent. of its recruits for the year should come from ethnic minorities.

  The Community Partnership Model will be employed at various locations around the country over the next three years, including Brent, with the aim of increasing ethnic minority recruiting to five per cent. over this period.

  Scottish Armed Forces
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) Scots and (b) non-Scots are currently serving in the UK armed forces. [70518]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We estimate that some 23,000 Service personnel, or around 11 per cent. of the armed forces are Scots.

  Chamber of Shipping
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution was made by the United Kingdom Chamber of Shipping to the strategic defence review; and if he will make a statement. [70519]

  Mr. Spellar
  The UK Chamber of Shipping contributed to the Strategic Defence Review as part of the Review's public consultation process. Copies of submission made to the Review have been placed in the Parliamentary and selected reference libraries. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Ministry of Defence enjoys a close and productive relationship with the Chamber on defence issues, primarily through the auspices of the Shipping Defence Advisory Committee and its various working groups and sponsored discussions.

  Defence Medical Services
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the defence medical services. [70520]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The future strategy for the Defence Medical Services was outlined by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 14 December 1998,Official Report, column 329. Work on the implementation of the proposals identified in the Strategic Defence Review and the future strategy for the Defence Medical Services is now well in hand.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 14 December 1998,Official Report, column 329, if the harmonising of different conditions of service within the Defence Medical Services will extend to civilian employees and co-workers. [70877]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  No. The work on harmonisation is focused exclusively on eliminating differences in the terms of service of Defence Medical Service military personnel undertaking similar functions.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he informed the Secretary of State for Health of his policy of direct targeting of nurses and specialist registrars for recruitment into the Defence Medical Services. [70880]
  26
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence wrote to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health on 8 December 1998.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 14 December 1998,Official Report, column 329, concerning the Defence Medical Services, if he will provide a breakdown of the funding to be provided over the next four years for investment in additional medical personnel and equipment. [70898]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Of the additional £140M which we announced in the SDR that we planned to spend on Defence Medical Services over the period 1998–99 to 2001–02, some £50M represents personnel costs, with the remainder attributed to a wide range of equipment, infrastructure and IT enhancements, including Primary Casualty Receiving Ship, Medical and Dental Equipment, and Medical Stores and Supplies over this period.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 14 December 1998,Official Report, column 329, how he intends to identify overstretch in the Defence Medical Services; and what deadlines he has set for this. [70876]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  New work is currently being undertaken in Surgeon General's Department to establish a better understanding of the maximum level of medical deployment which we can sustain on a continuous basis. The results of this work will allow us to better match resources to tasks and will help operational planners to identify not only current overstretch but also the implications of proposed new deployments. The initial work should be completed by 1 March 1999.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications of a long-term deployment of forces in Kosovo on the(a) force structures and (b) budget planned by his Department. [70521]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath). In the event of such an operation, where the costs cannot be accommodated within the agreed Defence Budget, I would expect to fund them through a claim on the reserve in accordance with normal procedures.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the mission statement for the Kosovo extraction force based in Macedonia. [68802]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [pursuant to his reply, 3 February 1999, c. 651]I regret that it was wrong to withhold the exact mission statement of the NATO-led Extraction force, operation "Joint Guarantor" as it had, in fact, been authorised for publication by Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers (SHAPE). More recently it has been replaced by a shorter version which more accurately reflects the mission of the force in Kosovo. For completeness, the full and abbreviated versions are as set out.
  27
  Mission Statement (Full version)
  As authorised by the NAC, SACEUR will assume overall authority for the operation and Operational command or control of designated forces which will conduct an extraction of OSCE KVM verifiers and/or PDSS (Persons of Designated Special Status) in Kosovo at short notice with minimum use of force, followed by rapid redeployment of forces concerned outside the FRY and with the required reaction times.

  Mission Statement (Abbreviated version)
  On order, to conduct an extraction of OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission (KVM) Verifiers and/or Persons with Designated Special Status in Kosovo in order to assure their safety.

  Airborne Stand-off Radar
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the airborne stand-off radar to enter service with the Royal Air Force. [70522]

  Mr. Spellar
  The In Service Date, ISD, in May 1997 was 2003. Since then the bidders for the Airborne Stand-Off Radar programme have been asked to review the feasibility of the current In Service Date of 2003, in their proposals for the Full Development and Production phase of the programme.

  The Department is currently in the process of evaluating bids, and it would, therefore, not be appropriate to make specific comments on any aspect of the bids at this time. On current plans we aim to announce a decision on the project in the spring, and award a contract later this year. The new ISD is dependent upon the selected bid.

  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an announcement on the contract for the Astor system. [70490]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Department is currently in the process of evaluating bids for the Full Development and Production phase of the Airborne Stand-off Radar (ASTOR) programme. On current plans we aim to announce a decision on the project in the spring, and award a contract later this year.

  NATO
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress towards NATO enlargement. [70523]

  Mr. George Robertson
  All 16 members of NATO have now ratified the Protocols of Accession to NATO in respect of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. The NATO Secretary-General wrote to the Foreign Ministers of the three countries on 29 January inviting them formally to accede to the North Atlantic Treaty. They will do so by depositing the instruments of accession with the United States Government. No date has yet been decided for their formal accession, but we expect it to be during March. The Government warmly welcome this progress and look forward to working with our new Allies.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of morale in the Territorial Army. [70524]
  28
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I am encouraged by indications that morale is maintained in the TA, and that it continues to attract new volunteers. We expect that the restructuring of the Territorial Army once implemented will, ensure that the TA is both more relevant and usable and, as a result, more satisfying to those who join.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the net effect of the review of the Territorial Army, in terms of number of units per head of the population, in(a) North West England and (b) North Wales. [69318]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  North Wales does not contain any TA units of Regiment or Battalion size. There are a number of sub-units in Northern Wales, but as sub-units vary considerably in size, a comparison between North Wales and the North West based on numbers of sub-units would not be meaningful. However, a comparison between the two regions based on numbers of TA members shows the net effect of the restructuring of the Territorial Army on each region.

  Before the review of the Territorial Army, the ratio of members of the TA to population in the North West was 1:1,023. After the review, the ratio was 1:1,366, or a net increase in the ratio of 36 per cent.

  Before the review of the Territorial Army, the ratio of members of the TA to population in North Wales was 1:1,050. After the review, the ratio was 1:1,832, or a net increase in the ratio of 74 per cent.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) on what date Land Command submitted to Ministers the(a) first, (b) second and (c) final set of proposals for reorganisation of the Territorial Army; [69316]

  (2) on what date Land Command made the recommendation to (a) transfer HQ 101 Battalion REME to Queensferry and (b) close HQ 101 Battalion REME in Chorley. [69343]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Land Command's recommendations for the future structure of the Territorial Army were put to Ministers on 2 November 1998.

  Training
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to review the value for money of professional training in the armed forces. [70502]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We keep the cost-effectiveness of training in the Armed Forces under continual review.

  Smart Procurement
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in implementing the smart procurement programme; and if he will make a statement. [70504]

  Mr. George Robertson
  This Government are committed to improving defence procurement performance. Under our Smart Procurement initiative ten projects have just completed an encouraging pilot
  29
  phase and lessons will be reflected in a full transition plan to be implemented over the next year.

  Royal Hospital, Haslar
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received calling for the retention of Royal Hospital, Haslar as the tri-service medical centre. [70875]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The new strategy for the Defence Medical Services was the subject of comprehensive consultation within the three single Services and their respective medical Directors General are fully committed to implementing the recommendations.

  Since the announcement of the closure of the Royal Hospital, Haslar, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has received direct representations from the Trade Unions and members of the public and there has been a protest march in Gosport. The Hospital Commander is consulting with local TUs, mainly through the Whitley process; staff in HQ DSCA are responding to the letters from the public. The representations of the protest marchers were received by the Agency Chief Executive.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason it has been determined that the Royal Hospital, Haslar will remain open until 2002. [70874]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  In his statement on 14 December 1999,Official Report, column 329, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence made clear that the Royal Hospital, Haslar will remain open until new arrangements are in place. The booklet supporting the strategy announcement added that closure was unlikely before 2002. The plans of the Portsmouth and South East Hants Health Authority include the redevelopment of their Queen Alexandra Hospital site. This and the establishment of our new Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit (MDHU) will take a number of years. We have agreed with the NHS that the process of change should be managed and gradual to ensure that RHH is able, in the meantime, to maintain its training role for Military personnel and treatment services for both Service and NHS patients.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the reasons for choosing to establish a new Defence Medical Services Hospital Unit in Portsmouth rather than expanding the Royal Hospital, Haslar. [70878]

  RH Haslar A&E attendances 1995–98

  Year

  New attendances

  Service Follow up attendances

  Total

  New attendances

  Civilian Follow up attendances

  Total

  Totals for year

  1995

  1,690

  5

  1,695

  16,968

  30

  16,998

  18,693

  1996

  1,769

  9

  1,778

  16,713

  45

  16,758

  18,536

  1997

  1,819

  6

  1,825

  18,585

  69

  18,654

  20,479

  1998

  1,698

  5

  1,703

  19,066

  60

  19,126

  20,829

  Total

  6,976

  25

  7,001

  71,332

  204

  71,536

  78,537

  30
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The decision to close the Royal Hospital, Haslar (RHH) was announced on 14 December 1998 Official Report, columns 328–29, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence as part of the overall new strategy for the Defence Medical Services.

  Since RHH became the core Service hospital in 1994, significant changes have occurred which put the continued viability of the hospital in doubt. In particular, it has become increasingly difficult for RHH to provide the specialist levels of care demanded by local GPs, new healthcare strategies have been introduced by the local NHS Trust and the location of RHH is no longer ideal for the majority of Service personnel. Additionally, the running costs of RHH (not least the use of Grade 2 listed buildings) are significantly higher than any possible alternatives. Closer DMS co-operation with the NHS, through the Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit (MDHU) concept, has already demonstrated clear operational and financial advantages over isolated military hospitals. We intend to pursue this option in Portsmouth.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the effect of the closure of the Royal Hospital, Haslar on local employment. [70871]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Until the size and shape of the proposed Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit in Portsmouth is established it is much too early to estimate the impact of the closure of the Royal Hospital, Haslar on local employment. Once it is possible to do so, the Defence Secondary Care Agency will consult closely with Trade Unions and the Employment Services to ensure that any transfers and releases are carefully managed throughout the long lead time.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the costs of upgrading NHS facilities to replace the services supplied by Royal Hospital, Haslar to the civilian population. [70873]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This is a matter for the Department of Health. The provision of health care to the local population is the responsibility of the Portsmouth and South East Health Authority.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (i) civilian and (ii) military personnel have been treated at the Royal Hospital, Haslar since 1995(a) in total and (b) for accident and emergency cases. [70869]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Hospitals count the numbers of admissions and the number of outpatient appointments. Those details for the Royal Hospital, Haslar, along with those for accident and emergency cases, are as follows in the table, from 1 January 1995.

  Military Personnel Wastage
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the military personnel wastage rates for(a) Royal Navy (i) officers and (ii) other ranks, (b) Army (i) officers and (ii) other ranks and (c) Royal Air Force (i) pilot officers, (ii) non-pilot officers and (iii) other ranks for each of the years 1995–96,1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 to date; [71930]

  (2) how his Department defines military personnel wastage. [71929]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Military personnel wastage is defined as all outflow of trained personnel. This is usually expressed as a rate which is calculated by taking the total outflow of all trained personnel during a period as a proportion of the average number of trained personnel in the period.

  The wastage rates in the Armed Forces in the years from 1995–96 to 1997–98 and the current financial year are as follows:

  Percentage

  Total

  PVR1

  Redundancies2

  Retirements3

  Other exits4

  Naval Service Officers

  1995–96

  8.0

  1.5

  1.3

  4.7

  0.5

  1996–97

  11.8

  1.9

  5.1

  4.1

  0.7

  1997–98

  7.3

  2.5

  0.0

  4.2

  0.5

  1998–995

  6.6

  2.4

  0.0

  3.7

  0.5

  Naval Service Other Ranks

  1995–96

  9.2

  3.6

  1.1

  3.1

  1.4

  1996–97

  14.2

  5.2

  4.1

  3.3

  1.6

  1997–98

  10.4

  5.1

  0.0

  3.5

  1.8

  1998–995

  11.0

  5.5

  0.0

  3.3

  2.2

  Army Officers

  1995–96

  8.4

  2.7

  0.6

  4.5

  0.5

  1996–97

  7.8

  2.9

  0.6

  3.3

  0.9

  1997–98

  7.5

  3.6

  0.0

  3.5

  0.4

  1998–995

  8.9

  4.5

  0.0

  3.8

  0.5

  Army Other Ranks

  1995–96

  12.2

  7.3

  0.1

  2.5

  2.3

  1996–97

  11.2

  6.8

  0.1

  2.0

  2.3

  1997–98

  10.9

  6.7

  0.0

  1.8

  2.3

  1998–995

  11.4

  6.9

  0.0

  2.1

  2.4

  RAF Pilot Officers

  1995–96

  8.9

  1.2

  3.1

  4.0

  0.6

  1996–97

  11.3

  1.5

  4.5

  5.1

  0.2

  1997–98

  7.7

  2.8

  0.0

  4.6

  0.3

  1998–995

  9.0

  2.5

  0.0

  5.9

  0.6

  RAF Non-Pilot Officers

  1995–96

  10.3

  1.5

  4.2

  4.0

  0.5

  1996–97

  12.7

  1.9

  6.3

  4.1

  0.4

  1997–98

  5.3

  2.0

  0.0

  3.0

  0.3

  1998–995

  5.8

  2.7

  0.0

  2.7

  0.3

  RAF Other Ranks

  1995–96

  12.6

  3.3

  4.3

  4.3

  0.7

  1996–97

  18.0

  3.1

  9.5

  4.6

  0.7

  1997–98

  8.2

  3.6

  0.0

  3.8

  0.8

  1998–995

  8.7

  4.3

  0.0

  3.8

  0.6

  1 PVR—Premature Voluntary Release. This includes those personnel who left the Services because of pregnancy and due to marriage.

  2 Redundancies include both voluntary and compulsory redundancies.

  3 Retirements refer to personnel who have either reached the end of their commission or the end of their engagement in their Service.

  4 Other exits include deaths, medical discharges, those personnel whose services are no longer required and compassionate release.

  32
  5 For the 1998–99 financial year, the wastage rates have been estimated by taking the number of exits from 1 April-31 December 1998 and multiplying by a factor of 4/3, and dividing by the average trained strength in this period. This takes into account the fact that the number of exits during 1998–99 is for a nine-month period; the other financial years given here are for twelve-month periods.

  The rates given for the Naval Service include all personnel who were serving in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service.

  The rates given for the Army exclude those serving in the Gurkhas and those who were serving in the Royal Irish Regiment.

  Those personnel serving in Bosnia as mobilised reservists during these periods have also been excluded.

  The total wastage percentages given in the answer may not necessarily be the same as the sum of the individual wastage percentages due to rounding.

  KPMG
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the services that KPMG have performed for his Department(a) since 1 May 1997 and (b) in the corresponding period prior to 1 May 1997, indicating the remuneration made in each case. [72005]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Ministry of Defence has used the services of KPMG along with other large consultancy companies for a number of years and in the course of which they have received numerous contracts from the Department. It is not possible to provide full details of all contractual engagements which include many small contracts without incurring disproportionate cost, but the company have competitively tendered and been engaged to support a number of Departmental efficiency initiatives including Competing for Quality, the Private Finance Initiative and most recently SMART procurement, an initiative arising from the strategic defence review designed to introduce faster, cheaper and better defence purchasing. My Department's payments to KPMG pre/post 1 May 1997 are as follows:

  Date

  £

  1 August 1995–30 April 1997

  1,413,972.75 (ex VAT)

  1 May 1997–1 January 1999

  4,089,789.38 (ex VAT)

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure has been incurred by his Department in respect of the Gibraltar base in each of the last 10 years at current prices. [71692]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The costs falling to the budget of the Commander British Forces Gibraltar for the last seven years and an estimate of the costs of the current year are as follows:

  FY

  Amount (£ million)

  Current prices

  1991–92

  60.7

  74.5

  1992–93

  59.0

  69.9

  1993–94

  60.4

  69.1

  33

  FY

  Amount (£ million)

  Current prices

  1994–95

  56.5

  63.6

  1995–96

  58.6

  63.9

  1996–97

  63.0

  66.9

  1997–98

  61.3

  63.8

  1998–99

  57.6

  57.6

  Note:

  Figures uprated to current prices.

  Similar information is not available for the years 1989–90 and 1990–91.

  Staff Travel
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the mileage rates currently applicable to staff, indicating what changes have been made to encourage staff to switch from cars to public transport and other less polluting forms of travel. [70956]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]The MOD reimburses motor mileage for official travel in private vehicles at two different levels. The higher (Standard) rate is restricted to journeys which would be impracticable by public transport, taking into account the overall cost to the Department. It reflects the full costs of travel by car. The lower (Public Transport) rate is set at a level which reflects the average cost of travel by public transport and is paid for all other official travel by car.

  The rates applicable in the current tax year are as follows:

  Standard Rates of Motor Mileage Allowance

  Pence per mile

  Car engine capacity

  Up to 1000cc

  1001cc to 1500cc

  1501cc to 2000cc

  2001cc and over

  Up to 4,000 miles

  28

  35

  45

  63

  Over 4,000 miles

  17

  20

  25

  36

  Public Transport Rate of Motor Mileage Allowance

  All cars: 25.9p per mile

  MOD discourages the unnecessary use of private cars and staff are required to undertake official travel by the most cost effective means. However, the dispersed and sometimes remote locations of Defence establishments means that public transport does not always offer a suitable option.

  Northern Division
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of army personnel in the areas covered by(a) the Scottish District based in Edinburgh and (b) the Second Division based in York. [70125]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]The establishments of regular Army units in these areas is currently as follows:

  Scottish District 2,684

  2nd Division 12,969.

  Of these, some 400 personnel in Scottish District and 11,238 in the 2nd Division are in units which, though based in the area, will not be under the operational command of the General Officer Commanding the planned new northern division.
  34
  Following the restructuring of the Territorial Army announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 17 November 1998, the establishment of TA soldiers in these areas from June 1999 will be as follows:

  Scottish District 4,501

  2nd Division 8,574.

  Equipment Exhibition
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition to the United Kingdom Government. [70387]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Under the arrangements set out in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Hackney, South and Shoreditch (Mr. Sedgemore) on 8 June 1998,Official Report, column 423, the principal costs for the exhibition will fall to the organisers, Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd. However, my Department will make a contribution towards the cost of the missions from the 50 or so countries to be invited by Her Majesty's Government. Detailed arrangements have yet to be finalised, but we have estimated a direct cost to MOD of about £250,000. In addition, representatives of Her Majesty's Government may carry out other activities associated with the exhibition as part of their normal duties. These could only be identified at disproportionate cost.

  Weapons
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the benefits of using the PFI to fund the next generation of weapons of mass destruction designed to replace Trident. [71172]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Simpson) on 3 February 1999,Official Report, column 650.

  Airfields
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans the Government have to close or scale down his Department's airfields at(a) Lyneham, (b) Boscombe Down and (c) Brize Norton; and what discussions he has had on the possible closure of these airfields; [71580]

  (2) what proposals he has for the future of RAF Brize Norton; [71577]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on his Department's airfields in the south of England. [71579]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]I have no plans to close or scale down the airfields at Lyneham, Boscombe Down or Brize Norton. RAF Brize Norton remains the RAF's primary strategic air transport and air-to-air refuelling base. The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has determined this Government's defence policy and the tasks and roles that need to be carried out in future. These, in turn will determine our requirements, among other things for airfields in the UK. Some SDR
  35
  measures may have implications for airfields in the South of England, which will be announced and consulted upon in the normal way.

  Military Training (Indonesian Personnel)
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 February 1999,Official Report, column 737, how many Indonesian military personnel are currently receiving training in the United Kingdom; at which locations they are stationed; and what is the cost to United Kingdom public funds of that training. [71949]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  There are currently five Indonesian military personnel attending courses at UK military training establishments. One Indonesian Navy officer is at the Joint Services Command and Staff College; another is on the International Principal Warfare Officer course at HMS Dryad, and three Indonesians are on courses at the Royal Military College at Shrivenham as part of a private and commercial initiative organised by Cranfield university. Participation on courses at the Joint Services Command and Staff College and HMS Dryad have been provided from the Defence Military Assistance Fund at a cost of £85,000.

  Details of Indonesian military personnel attending courses at non-military UK educational establishments are not the responsibility of my Department. However, based on the information available to us, we understand that a further four Indonesian military personnel are currently attending academic courses at non-military educational establishments in the UK. These students are on the Chevening scholarship programme at a cost of £100,000. Information on the location of those establishments has been withhold under Exemption 4 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Disability Discrimination
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact on his Department's policies of the goods and services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to be implemented in October 1999. [71272]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  My Department will have a number of new statutory responsibilities as a result of the implementation of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act next October. These include the provision of departmental publications in alternative formats, such as Braille or large print, access arrangements for people with disabilities to Service museums and at open days or other events held on MOD property, and the provision of suitable housing for Service personnel with disabled dependants.

  Assessment of the impact of Part III has already been set in hand, and my Department will continue to be made aware of the requirements, to ensure that the needs of members of the public with disabilities are taken into account.

  HMS Glorious
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral statement of 28 January 1999,Official
  36
  Report, column 574, if he will publish in the Official Report the text of the note instructing HMS Glorious to proceed to Scapa Flow to conduct the court martial. [71396]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The relevant extract of the Home Fleet War Diary (ADM 199/361) has been placed in the Library of the House. The Diary itself is available in the Public Record Office.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what amounts in his Department's budget for 1998–99 can be attributed to spending on disabled people; and what proportion this represents of total departmental spending. [71286]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Most expenditure related to disabled people by my Department is not held in a single budget but is one part of a number of different budgets, and thus cannot be provided without disproportionate cost. This includes such items as modifications to buildings and their surroundings to enable access, the provision of training material and publications in alternative formats, the use of interpreters, and disability awareness training and good practice guidance for MOD staff.

  There is, however, some central provision for staff with disabilities, amounting to around £100K in 1998–99. This covers items such as specialised equipment and associated training, and funding for a disability bursary for a member of MOD's staff.

  Liability in Tort
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will introduce legislation to ensure that in an action for liability in tort against the armed forces a plaintiff need not in all cases show negligence on the part of the Crown. [71689]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  My Department has no plans to introduce legislation that will affect the present position in respect of its liability in tort in cases involving members of the Armed Forces. Since the enactment of The Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987, which was not made retrospective, members and former members of the Armed Forces have had exactly the same rights as their civilian counterparts to pursue their employer, the Ministry of Defence, for common law compensation arising from my Department's negligence. When claims for compensation are submitted, they are considered on the basis of whether or not my Department has a legal liability to pay compensation. Where there is a legal liability to pay compensation, it is paid in accordance with common law principles.

  NATO Exercises
  Mr. Alan Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on NATO exercises in the Barents Sea between 7 and 11 February 1974, with special reference to(a) collisions and (b) damage to NATO vessels. [71501]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  My Department is not aware of any NATO exercises in the Barents Sea between 7 and 11 February 1974. Similarly, we are not aware of any collisions or damage involving RN vessels at that time,
  37
  neither am I aware of the presence of any RN vessels in the Barents sea at that time. MOD does not hold records concerning collisions and damage to NATO vessels.

  Strategic Defence Review
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the public opinion research commissioned by his Department into the Strategic Defence Review covered attitudes to the Defence Medical Services; and if he will make a statement on the conclusions of the research. [71661]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  My Department commissioned two items of public opinion research prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review White Paper. The purpose of the research was to explore public attitudes, feelings and knowledge regarding the key issues covered by the Review. The research addressed attitudes to the Armed Forces as a whole and did not address the Defence Medical Services specifically. Copies of the research reports have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Defence Medical Training Organisation
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Defence Medical Training Organisation; and what was the figure at its inception. [71909]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Defence Medical Training Organisation currently employs 385 people. At the launch of the agency on 1 April 1997 it employed 289 people. This did not include 102 people in the Fort Blockhouse Support Unit who transferred to the Agency in October 1998.

  Training Exercises
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which countries had armed forces involved in the 15 training exercises in Cyprus carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [71894]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The only country to have personnel involved in these exercises was Australia.

  Defence Intelligence and Security Centre
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which targets the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre did not meet in 1997–98; and what monitoring he has undertaken for those targets in 1998–99. [71907]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC) achieved all of the Key Targets it was set for FY 1997–98.

  The performance of the DISC is monitored by the Agency Owner's Advisory Board, which is chaired by the DISC's Owner, the Director General Intelligence and Geographic Resources (DGIGR), and which is made up of the Agency's major customers and its Non Executive Director. The Chief Executive of the DISC formally reports his progress against Key Targets to the Owners Board twice a year and also through the Owners Quarterly Performance Reviews with the Chief Executive. The first Owner's Board meeting to review 1998–99 Key Targets
  38
  met on 22 October 1998 and the second is scheduled for 8 March 1999. In his capacity as the Owner, DGIGR is acting on behalf of the Secretary of State.

  Challenger 2
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the in-service date for the 120 millimetre stretch programme replacement for the Challenger 2 CHARM ammunition system. [71491]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Challenger 2 is expected to be in service with the British Army until 2025. As a key battle winning equipment, it will be the subject of enhancements throughout its life in order that it can continue to provide an effective capability. A number of enhancement measures are already being considered for the future. Specific details regarding these enhancements are classified, for reasons of operational security.

  Aircraft Flying Hours
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 February 1999,Official Report, column 731, for what reasons the average number of flying hours for Tornado GR aircraft was lower in 1998 than in 1997. [71981]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  For Tornado GR aircraft, there was a difference of just one hour flying time per aircraft per month between 1997 and 1998. We do not consider this to be a significant difference. In such a large fleet of aircraft there are numerous minor reasons for aircraft flying varying hours, but the main one in this case was the major modifications programme that the aircraft were and are still undergoing.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 8 February 1999,Official Report, column 21, for what reasons the average flying hours for Tornado F3 aircraft was lower in 1998 than in 1997. [71979]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The principal reason for Tornado F3 aircraft flying fewer hours in 1998 than in 1997 is that the aircraft were undergoing a major upgrade programme.

  Infantry Exercise (Botswana)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the purpose of the infantry exercise in Botswana between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998; and which units took part. [72202]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  One joint infantry exercise, Exercise Diamond Cutter, took place in Botswana from 4 February to 12 March 1998. The purpose of the exercise was to provide company level dry and live firing training in a rugged environment, over extended lines of communication. B Company 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment participated on the UK side.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 1999,Official

  39
  Report, column 486, on ministerial visits, which hon. Members have been informed of a planned visit to their constituency by him in the last 12 months. [72223]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  In accordance with paragraph 79 of the Ministerial Code, hon. Members are informed in advance about planned visits to their constituencies by me and my ministerial colleagues. Records relating to such visits are not held on a constituency basis, and could be constructed only at disproportionate cost.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71852]

  Mr. George Robertson
  In common with other Departments, the work of press officers in my Department includes responding to any misinformed allegations concerning Government policy or activity which are published in the media. They are supported in this work by other officials as necessary. Because this is a routine part of a Department's work and it is not separately recorded from other tasks, to provide further information requested would involve disproportionate cost.

PRIME MINISTER

  Ethnic Special Advisers
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) how many (i) black people, (ii) Asian people and (iii) women have been appointed by the Government as special advisers since 1 May 1997; and on what dates these appointments were made; [69652]

  (2) how many (i) black people, (ii) Asian people and (iii) women were appointed by the Government as special advisers between 1 May 1992 and 30 April 1997; and (b) on what dates these appointments were made. [69654]

  The Prime Minister
  Information in the detailed form requested is not held in respect of appointments made under the last Administration.

  At 15 February, there are 69 Special Advisers in post of which 16 are women. In response to a voluntary survey 58 have been identified as white. The other 11 have not responded to the survey. Information on the dates individuals were appointed is not held centrally.

  Joined-up Government
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will define the term, joined-up Government. [69484]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]The forthcoming White Paper on Modernising Government will set out the Government's vision for improving the way in which policy is developed and public services are designed and delivered. In central Government it means the different parts of Government working more closely together and across departmental and institutional boundaries than they have in the past.40
  The work of the Social Exclusion Unit and Performance and Innovation Unit are examples of this approach being applied to Government. This approach is also reflected in local authorities, government agencies, voluntary and private organisations working together.

  Departmental Asset Sales
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the items sold by his Department, its agencies and associated public bodies from those listed in the National Assets Register of November 1997; if he will give in each case the amount of money realised; if he will estimate the total cash raised from such sales to date; and if he will make a statement. [70420]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]For the purpose of this question, this answer includes my Office and the Cabinet Office and its Agencies.

  IT equipment, and vehicles in the fleet of the Government Car and Despatch Agency, are routinely replaced at the end of their useful life. The old equipment and vehicles are sold where it is appropriate and economic to do so.

  In addition to these replacement programmes, the Cabinet Office has sold two of the fixed related assets, one of which is listed in the vehicles category the other from the plant and machinery category. The sale realised £1,500.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71330]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]I undertake visits to all parts of the country, but records of official visits are not held on a constituency basis and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list each overseas visit in an official capacity by a special adviser since 2 May 1997, stating the cost and who paid. [69723]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]In respect of my Policy Unit, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 8 December 1998,Official Report, column 143.

  My Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary—who are employed under the terms of the amended Civil Service Order in Council—are usually part of the official party accompanying me on overseas visits.

  Information covering travel by special advisers for each Government Department over the last 20 months is not held centrally.

  Oskar Lafontaine
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Prime Minister what role his Press Secretary had in the preparation and placing of Oskar Lafontaine's article in The Daily Telegraph on 11 February. [71586]
  41
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Mr. Lafontaine's office advised mine that he was writing an article for The Daily Telegraph. They sought advice on the style of the article's presentation, as I routinely ask of other Governments when I write articles for foreign newspapers.

  Poland
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister when he next intends to pay an official visit to Poland. [71813]

  Title

  Appointed

  Report

  Industrial Relations

  1 March 1969

  Wound up in 1971

  The Constitution

  15 April 1969

  10 October 1973

  Environmental Pollution1

  20 February 1970

  February 1971

  Civil Liability and Compensation for Personal Injury

  19 March 1973

  March 1978

  Press

  16 July 1974

  July 1977

  Distribution of Income and Wealth

  23 August 1974

  First 1975

  Final October 1979

  Standards of Conduct in Public Life

  6 December 1974

  July 1976

  Gambling

  24 February 1976

  July 1978

  National Health Service

  19 May 1976

  July 1979

  Legal Services

  20 July 1976

  October 1979

  Criminal Procedure

  3 February 1978

  January 1981

  Criminal Justice

  14 March 1991

  July 1993

  Long Term Care for the Elderly

  17 December 1997

  Will report shortly

  1 As standing body the Commission reports from time to time

  The Royal Commission on Long Term Care for the Elderly was asked to report within 12 months of its establishment. No deadline was set for any of the other Royal Commissions listed.

  Mackerel Fishing
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Totnes (Mr. Steen) of 10 February 1999,Official Report, column 321, on commercial fishing of mackerel, what assessment he has made of allegations of fishing by EU member states' vessels in the conservation box. [72153]

  The Prime Minister
  The majority of the Mackerel Box lies outside UK territorial waters. Vessels from other member States are free to fish there provided that they have quota and do not target mackerel using mobile fishing gear or purse seine nets.

  One of the tasks of the Royal Navy's Fisheries Protection Squadron and our aerial surveillance team is to patrol this area. In 1998, enforcement action included reporting two incidents to the Danish Authorities who later suspended the licences of the skippers concerned for one month. Four other cases were successfully prosecuted in the UK Courts.

  We have not detected any infringements of access rights in the UK territorial waters included in the box and neither have we been informed of any infringements of those access rights.

  Fish Conservation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Totnes of 19 January 1999,Official Report, column 395, if the reduction of fishing effort includes decommissioning of fishing boats. [71926]
  42
  The Prime Minister
  I hope to visit Poland in the near future.

  Royal Commissions
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list for each Royal Commission established since 1969 the date of the establishment; what deadline was set for their report; and when they reported. [72204]

  The Prime Minister
  An up to date list is as follows.

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for St. Ives (Mr. George) by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 11 January 1999,Official Report, column 117.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Prime Minister what response he made to the petition presented in December, calling on Her Majesty's Government to reject the Spanish proposals for joint sovereignty. [72211]

  The Prime Minister
  The Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office responsible for Gibraltar, my right hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin), sent a letter in response to the December petition organised by the Self-Determination for Gibraltar Group. In this, she made clear that we will respond to the proposals from Spain at the next Brussels Process meeting. Our commitment under the 1969 Gibraltar Constitution is that we will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against their freely and democratically expressed wishes.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Social Representation (Judiciary)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is taking to encourage wider social representation in the judiciary. [70657]

  Mr. Hoon
  Judicial appointments are made solely on merit; the Lord Chancellor's policy is to appoint or recommend for appointment the candidates who satisfy
  43
  the statutory qualifications and who in his opinion best meet the criteria for appointment. Without prejudice to this overriding principle, the Lord Chancellor is taking a number of measures designed to encourage more applications for judicial appointment for women and minority ethnic practitioners. These include more flexible part-time sitting arrangements, an increase in the upper age limit for appointment as an Assistant Recorder and the development of work-shadowing and mentoring schemes.

  Personal Injury Actions
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the alternatives to conditional fee agreements and legal aid available to finance personal injury actions. [71975]

  Mr. Hoon
  In addition to conditional fee agreements and legal aid, personal injury actions may also be financed, amongst other things, by before the event legal expenses insurance, which is a common addition to many motoring and home contents insurance; after the event legal expenses insurance; through benefits arising from membership of organisations or trade unions and such arrangements as are agreed between solicitors and their clients.

  Legal Expenses Insurance
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the insurance companies who offer after-the-event legal expenses insurance(a) in conjunction with conditional fee agreements and (b) on a stand-alone basis; and if he will make a statement. [71973]

  Mr. Hoon
  Insurance products to underpin conditional fees have been available since July 1995. I am aware of at least eight providers of after the event insurance to underpin conditional fees. I doubt that a comprehensive list exists or can be put together given the expanding nature of this market.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the research projects which his Department has(a) undertaken and (b) plans to undertake, into after-the-event legal expenses insurance; and if he will make a statement. [71972]

  Mr. Hoon
  My officials are currently discussing proposals for the research and monitoring of the operation on conditional fee agreements, with representatives from the professions, insurance providers and consumer groups. After the event insurance may form a component of that research.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71847]

  Mr. Hoon
  In common with other departments, the work of press officers in my Department includes responding to any misinformed allegations concerning 44
  Government policy or activity, which are published in the media. They are supported in this work by other officials as necessary.

  Since this is a routine part of the Department's work and is not separately recorded from other tasks, to provide the further information requested would involve disproportionate costs.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 1999,Official Report, column 457, on ministerial visits, which hon. Members have been informed of a planned visit to their constituency by him in the last 12 months. [72222]

  Mr. Hoon
  In accordance with paragraph 79 of the Ministerial Code, hon. Members are informed in advance about planned visits to their constituencies by myself and my Ministerial colleagues. Records relating to such visits are not held on a constituency basis, and could be constructed only at disproportionate cost.

  Scriveners Jurisdiction
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received from the Scriveners Company concerning proposals to amend Scriveners' jurisdiction. [72159]

  Mr. Hoon
  Last year the Lord Chancellor undertook to review the desirability of preserving the monopoly of the Worshipful Company of Scriveners over notarial work in the central London area. As a result of this review the Department received representations from the Scriveners' Company in letters dated 10 June 1998, 25 June 1998 and 3 February 1999. The Company was opposed to the abolition of the monopoly.

  KPMG
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the services that KPMG have performed for his Department(a) since 1 May 1997 and (b) in the corresponding period prior to 1 May 1997, indicating the remuneration made in each case. [72011]

  Mr. Hoon
  (a) The total remuneration to KPMG in respect of work awarded by my Department between May 1997 and January 1999 inclusive was £276,132. The bulk of this related to an engagement which began prior to 1 May 1997. (b) The total remuneration to KPMG in respect of work awarded by my Department between July 1995 and April 1997 inclusive was £106,136.

  For the period before May 1997 complete information on the specific services performed is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Since 1997, the payments relate to two specific pieces of work, one on the Ancillary Relief Pilot Scheme, which began prior to 1 May 1997, and the second a report on the feasibility of solicitors operating a financially viable business if most money claims were pursued under conditional fee arrangements.

  Legal Services
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the London solicitors' firms that have performed services for his Department (i) since 1 May 1997 and (ii) in the equivalent period preceding that date, indicating the remuneration paid in each particular case. [70006]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]The Lord Chancellor's Department may use firms of solicitors in addition to the Treasury Solicitor and their departmental legal advisers, for example where the relevant expertise lies in the private sector. The relationship is subject to the usual confidentiality which operates between lawyer and client. London solicitors' firms have been used for advice on the drafting and negotiation of contracts let under the private finance initiative:

  (i) Since 1 May 1997 services have been performed by Denton Hall (remuneration £223,284 to date), Masons (£228,111 to date) and Bird & Bird (£103,926);

  (ii) In the proceeding period services were performed by Masons (remuneration: £119,276).

  The Public Trustee and Official Solicitor instruct private solicitors in their representative capacity but to provide details would involve disproportionate cost.

  CPS (Rights of Audience)
  Mr. Burnett
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list(a) those Crown courts where the Crown Prosecution Service has had rights of audience, (b) the dates on which those rights of audience were first granted and (c) the number of successful appeals from (i) courts where rights of audience have been so granted and (ii) Crown courts where rights of audience have not been so granted. [71499]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 16 February 1999] Under Section 4 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, Crown Prosecutor solicitors are entitled to appear in the Crown Courts at Caernarvon, Barnstaple, Bodmin (later replaced by Truro), Doncaster and Lincoln. However, these rights were not exercised until 1991, and have only been exercised at Truro.

  On 26 February 1997, CPS solicitors (in common with other employed solicitors) were granted restricted rights of audience in the Crown Court (sitting at any location) subject to their obtaining a Higher Court Advocacy Qualification. These rights were exercised from 24 July 1998. Barrister Crown Prosecutors have never appeared before the Crown Court.

  No separate records are kept of appeals from Crown Court centres where Crown Prosecutors have been granted or have exercised rights of audience.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will set out the conventions governing the propriety and cost of press releases issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies; and what is the total cost of the press releases issued since May 1997. [71466]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Rules governing the work of the GCIS are laid down in the Guidance on the work of the Government Information 46
  Service published by the Cabinet Office in July 1997. More specific guidance on the writing and issuing of press releases is given in the Working Guide for Government Information Officers. Copies of both documents are in the Libraries of the House.

  No cost is incurred by my Department, its agencies and non-governmental bodies for the use of external consultants for the preparation of press releases. However, both my Department and HM Land Registry use the services of the Central Office of Information (COI) for the electronic distribution of press releases. The cost for this service to my Department was £24,561.62 for the period between May 1997 and the end of March 1999. The cost for HM Land Registry was £10,472.79 for the same period.

  Since neither staff time spent on the preparation of press releases nor stationery costs or postage incurred in their distribution are separately recorded the further information requested could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  The Mall
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when authorising the closing of The Mall, what steps were made within his Department to conform to the code of practice for the co-ordination of street works published by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. [72268]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Responsibility for the subject of this question has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency under its Chief Executive, Mr. David Welch. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Viviane Robertson to Mr. Nicholas Soames, dated 22 February 1999:
  In the absence of the Chief Executive, Mr. David Welch, I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to answer your Parliamentary Question about the closure of the Mall, because it is an operational matter that falls within the responsibility of this Agency.
  The code of practice is designed for use by local authorities in relation to street works in an urban setting. However, the Agency is aware of, and follows, the requirements of the code of practice and it consulted Westminster City Council, as the local highway authority, about the works.

  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reason The Mall is to be closed for the three weeks from 15 February. [70813]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]The Royal Parks Agency is closing The Mall in order to carry out necessary work to resurface the road and to effect safety improvements at accident black spots. In accordance with the advice received following consultation with Westminster City Council, as the local highway authority, and the Metropolitan Police, the Royal Parks Agency has sought to concentrate works in the shortest period in order to minimise disruption, and this unfortunately requires total closure of The Mall for three weeks.

  Film Industry
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions he has had with the Department for Education and Employment over the film education group proposed in A Bigger Picture; [71742]

  (2) what representations he has received from the film industry about (a) the Skills Investment Fund and (b) the definition of a culturally British film; [71746]

  (3) what meetings have taken place of the (a) Film Finance Forum, (b) Skills Investment Fund, (c) All Industry Fund, (d) Film Marketing Agency and (e) Film Action Committee. [71748]

  Janet Anderson
  I have discussed the progress of the film education group with Ministerial colleagues at the Department for Education and Employment and officials from our two Departments are in regular contact. There is also a DfEE representative on the group itself. Good progress has been made and the group is due to publish its report in April.

  A wide range of representations about the Skills Investment Fund has been received and discussions with key industry players are proceeding very constructively. We will make an announcement on the Fund in due course.

  We have received only a few representations on the proposed definition of a culturally British film. Several respondents argued that the existence of two film definitions, even if used for different purposes, could be confusing. It is for the industry to decide whether it should use such a definition to help target its marketing activities. The Film Policy Review Action Committee has not pursued this recommendation from A Bigger Picture.

  There have been four meetings of the Film Policy Review Action Committee and one meeting of the Film Finance Forum. The Action Committee is discussing with representatives of the distributors and exhibitors plans for establishing a Film Marketing Agency. On the All Industry Fund, the Action Committee decided that the model set out in A Bigger Picture was not practicable, but is taking forward discussions with the industry about possible support for specific initiatives in areas such as development and generic marketing.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions he has had with the Treasury concerning continued tax exemptions for British films; [71749]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the £15 million production costs limit for films, for tax purposes. [72324]

  Janet Anderson
  My Department has kept the Treasury fully informed of the industry's views about the beneficial effects of the tax write-off and about the £15 million production costs limit. The Film Policy Review Action Committee has also developed a proposal for a new tax relief aimed at boosting the domestic distribution sector, which has been submitted to the Treasury.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the predicted financial savings arising from the amalgamation of British Screen, the British Film Commission and the British Film Institute. [71752]
  48
  Janet Anderson
  Last December my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that a new public body, British Film, will be established by 1 April 2000. British Film will deliver a coherent strategy for the development of film culture and the film industry. British Screen and the British Film Institute will not be incorporated in the new body. British Screen will retain its private-sector status, which enables it to operate effectively within the commercial industry. The BFI will retain its charitable status, which helps it to pursue its educational and cultural objectives. Discussions about the relationship between the British Film Commission and British Film are currently in progress.

  The bringing together of grant-in-aid and Lottery funding for film under one strategic body will ensure that resources are used as cost-effectively as possible and avoid duplication of expenditure.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much lottery money(a) was spent by the Arts Council in the last 12 months for which figures are available and (b) he expects the Arts Council to have at its disposal in each of the next three years for the British film industry. [71747]

  Janet Anderson
  In 1997–98 the amount of lottery money committed by the Arts Council was £323.8 million.

  In December I announced the creation of a new public body, British Film, that will take over the role of the Arts Council of England in distributing funds for film. British Film will be established as a Lottery distributor with its own percentage stream of Lottery money from the arts good cause, guaranteeing, for the first time, a dedicated share of Lottery resources for film. The percentage will be set to ensure British Film receives at least £27 million each year from the Lottery; the figure may well be higher if the numbers playing the Lottery continue as at present.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71343]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]I have undertaken a number of visits to regions around the UK in the past 12 months as part of my Department's strategy of stimulating thinking on cultural development in the regions. Records of official visits are not held on a constituency basis as many take in more than one constituency at a time. Since 1 March 1998, and excluding the Greater London region, the following cities or regions were visited:

  Bath: 1

  Berkshire: 3

  Birmingham: 2

  Bournemouth: 1

  Cambridge: 1

  Cornwall: 1

  Doncaster: 1

  Edinburgh: 2

  Lake District: 1

  Leeds/Bradford: 2

  Luton: 1

  49

  Manchester: 5

  Newcastle: 1

  Nottingham: 2

  Oxfordshire: 1

  Peterborough: 1

  Portsmouth: 1

  Preston: 1

  Salisbury: 1

  Sheffield: 3

  Sussex: 3

  York: 1.

  Royal Opera House
  Mr. Kemp
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the running costs of the Royal Opera House are for the current financial year; and what level of public subsidy is required for the next financial year. [70358]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The total expenditure budget of the Royal Opera House for the current financial year is £36,553m. For the next financial year, grant in aid from the Arts Council of England will be £16.0m. In addition the Royal Opera House will receive £5.12m in closure grant from Arts Council Lottery funds.

  Concessionary Television Licences
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to review the regulations in respect of the granting of concessionary television licences to elderly and disabled people; and if he will make a statement. [71386]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]The current review of the future of the BBC licence fee after 2002 will include a consideration of the structure of the existing concessionary television licence scheme and whether a suitable alternative structure could be available. The independent review panel will report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State by the end of July this year. There will then be a period of public consultation on the panel's recommendations.

  Cricket and Football
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to develop facilities for(a) cricket and (b) football within Herefordshire; and if he will make a statement. [71156]

  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]The English Sports Council (ESC) is working closely with the governing bodies of sport and others to identify ways in which to promote cricket and football in Herefordshire.

  Facility provision for cricket in Herefordshire will be included in the ESC/England and Wales Cricket Board facilities joint strategy which is to be published in the spring. Among potential projects are a new County Ground and specialist indoor cricket centre.

  The South West Region of the Football Association has recently drawn up a facilities strategy for football in Herefordshire, which examined the requirements for
  50
  football from professional down to local club level. The FA will use the strategy as part of its overall measures to promote football in the County.

  There have been two awards to cricket and three to football in Herefordshire from the lottery sports fund, totalling £2,600,000.

  Television Subtitles
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the possible future use of digital television for the broadcasting of sign language inserts and audio description services to complement the use of programme subtitles. [71378]

  Janet Anderson
  The Broadcasting Act 1996 and The Broadcasting (Sign Language) Order 1996 set minimum targets of 10 per cent. for the audio description and 5 per cent. for the signing of digital terrestrial programme services by the tenth anniversary of the start of the service. These percentages can be amended by order and the Government intend to review these on the second anniversary of the launch of digital services.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the level of(a) public awareness of and (b) usage of closed caption television subtitles (i) amongst people with a hearing impairment and (ii) generally. [71375]

  Janet Anderson
  The Government are aware of the results of research undertaken by the RNID into the use of subtitles and we are taking this into account in our consideration of how we might increase the provision of subtitling on cable and satellite television, on a voluntary basis.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress he has made towards establishing targets for the percentage of programmes which should carry subtitles on(a) digital, (b) cable and (c) satellite television media. [71376]

  Janet Anderson
  The Broadcasting Act 1996 sets out the minimum requirements for the subtitling of digital terrestrial programme services. There are no similar requirements on cable and satellite services and we are currently considering what might be done on a voluntary basis to increase the provision of subtitling on these services.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to promote greater awareness and use of closed caption television subtitles. [71377]

  Janet Anderson
  The need for greater promotion of subtitling both within the broadcasting industry and generally is one of a number of issues raised in my officials' meetings with those representing viewers with sensory disabilities and subtitling providers. We are currently considering how we might now take this issue forward.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will estimate when digital, cable and satellite television media will provide subtitling to the same extent as conventional free to air television media;
  51
  and if he will ensure that such a level is reached on all digital television media before analogue television broadcasting services are withdrawn. [71548]

  Janet Anderson
  We are currently considering the Government's strategy for analogue switch off and will make an announcement in due course. We are aware of concerns over the levels of subtitling which will be available on digital services and will ensure that the needs of those who rely on these services are taken into account.

  Film Archives
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the(a) role and (b) levels of public funding of each of the regional film archives. [71167]

  Janet Anderson
  The role of the regional film archives is to collect material of relevance and significance to their areas, so that it can be made available locally for screenings, supply to television programmes and individual research. Each depends on a range of public funding from local and central government and public bodies. Support from my Department, which is channelled through the British Film Institute, is as follows:

  1998–99

  East Anglian Film Archive

  20,000

  Media Archive for Central England

  9,000

  Northern Region Film and Television Archive

  35,000

  Northern Ireland Film Commission

  10,000

  North West Film Archive

  16,200

  South East Film and Video Archive

  17,500

  TSW Film and Television Archive

  10,000

  Wales Film and Television Archive

  22,000

  Wessex Film Archive

  18,000

  Yorkshire Film Archive

  11,500

  Total

  159,200

  1Forecast for 1999–2000

  In addition, the British Film Institute currently channels some £3.8 million of its Government grant to the National Film and Television Archive which has a national remit to preserve and make accessible its collections of film and video material.

  Museums and Art Galleries
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals the Government have made to encourage those on low incomes to visit museums and art galleries. [70787]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  All charging Museums and Galleries funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport offer concessions for those on low incomes.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced in December that funds have been allocated to allow free entry for children to currently charging national museums in England from April this year and for pensioners next year. This will allow those people on low incomes hitherto deterred by entrance charges to visit. We wish to broaden access further in 2001.

  Television Licences
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people were(a) prosecuted
  52
  and (b) threatened with prosecution for failing to have a television licence in 1998 broken down by those aged (i) under 25, (ii) 25 to 39, (iii) 40 to 59 and (iv) 60 years and over. [71407]

  Janet Anderson
  Prosecutions for television licence fee evasion are not recorded separately from other offences under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts of 1949 and 1967, though the great majority of offences under these Acts relate to licence fee evasion. The number of prosecutions in England, Scotland and Wales in 1997, the most recent year for which information is available, was 92,749. The age breakdown (where a person's age is not known, it is recorded automatically as 25) was as follows:

  Age

  Number

  Under 25

  9,138

  25 to 39

  76,125

  40 to 59

  6,948

  60 and over

  538

  The most recent available figures for Northern Ireland are for the financial year 1996–97, when there were a total of 11,301 prosecutions, but no age breakdown is available.

  In 1997, TV licensing took 315,621 prosecution statements.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out the conventions governing the propriety and cost of press releases issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies; and what is the total cost of the press releases issued since May 1997. [71459]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Rules governing the work of the GICS are laid down in the Guidance on the work of the Government Information Service published by the Cabinet Office in July 1997. More specific guidance on the writing and issuing of press releases is given in the Working Guide for Government Information Officers. Copies of both have been placed in the Library of the House.

  The cost of press releases issued since May 1997 by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and its predecessor the Department of National Heritage was £46,614 excluding VAT.

  Information on press releases issued by the Royal Parks Agency, and Department's 41 Executive non-departmental Public Bodies, 9 Advisory non-departmental Public Bodies, and 5 Public Corporations is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many press releases have been issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies in each of the years 1990 to 1998. [71444]

  Mr. Chris Smith [holding answer 16 February 1999]
  The Department of National Heritage, predecessor to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, was created in April 1992. Since the creation of the Department the following press releases have been issued;
  53

  Date

  Amount

  14 April 1992 to 31 December 1992

  129

  1 January 1993 to 31 December 1993

  191

  1 January 1994 to 31 December 1994

  189

  1 January 1995 to 31 December 1995

  256

  1 January 1996 to 31 December 1996

  414

  1 January 1997 to 31 December 1997

  349

  1 January 1998 to 31 December 1998

  319

  Information on press releases issued by the Royal Parks Agency, the Department's 41 Executive non-departmental Public Bodies, 9 Advisory non-departmental Public Bodies, and 5 Public Corporations is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71851]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  In common with other Departments, the work of press officers in my Department includes responding to any misinformed allegations concerning Government policy or activity which are published in the media. They are supported in this work by other officials as necessary.

  Because this is a routine part of a Department's work and it is not separately recorded from other tasks, to provide the further information requested would involve disproportionate cost.

  Feature Films
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will estimate the amount of(a) inward investment to and (b) total investment in the United Kingdom for feature film production in each of the last five years. [71153]

  Janet Anderson
  Information from industry sources shows the following levels of investment:

  £ million

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  a) inward investment

  229.45

  206.71

  398.03

  238.85

  219.18

  b) total investment

  435.76

  420.79

  725.59

  557.99

  487.16

  Countryside
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much land held by his Department he estimates would fall within the definition of open country as set out in the consultation document "Access to the Open Countryside" of February 1998. [71640]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My Department has no land which falls within the definition of open countryside.

  National Lottery
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what amount and what percentage of the total awarded by the National Lottery Charities Board has been allocated to organisations representing older people and pensioners in each year since the Lottery's establishment; and if he will list the recipients and the amounts received. [71406]

  Mr. Banks
  To date the National Lottery Charities Board (NLCB) has made over 18,700 awards totalling over £1,004 billion. A number of these have been to organisations representing older people and pensioners. The following table is derived from NLCB's annual reports. Many other NLCB funded projects will also benefit older people even if they are not the main beneficiary group but these cannot be separately identified.

  Annual Report Year

  Value of awards to groups representing older people (£)

  NLCB total awarded (£)

  Awards to older people groups as percentage of total awards %

  1995–96

  9,015,267

  184,097,769

  4.89

  1996–97

  11,678,280

  319,236,293

  3.66

  1997–98

  50,169,146

  307,386,464

  16.32

  Details of Lottery awards are listed on the Department for Culture, Media and Sports website at www.lottery.culture.gov.uk.

  Landmark Millennium Projects
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from the organisers of Landmark Millennium projects about the availability of private sponsorship; and if he will make a statement. [72020]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I shall write to the hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Tourism (Farm Buildings)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what grants are available to enable the conversion of farm buildings for tourism in the Chorley constituency. [68476]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 1 February 1999]I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave on 18 January 1999,Official Report, columns 318–19.

  The Redundant Building Grant Scheme, currently operated by the Rural Development Commission, can provide grants for the conversion or refurbishment of redundant buildings to bring them back into productive business use or to enhance their current business use. The European Regional Development Fund grants I referred to in my earlier answer are not available in the Chorley constituency itself.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Roofs (Latent Defect Insurance)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will meet representatives of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors to discuss the implications of the Latent Defect Insurance Scheme; [70380]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the Latent Defect Insurance Scheme being launched by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors; [70378]

  (3) what plans he has to support the Latent Defect Insurance Scheme being launched by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. [70379]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I was very interested to hear of the Latent Defect Insurance Scheme which has been prepared by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, and am pleased to offer support for a scheme which seeks to improve standards in the construction industry.

  If there are specific issues where my Department may be able to assist, which the Federation wishes to discuss in relation to their scheme, I will be happy to consider a request for a meeting.

  A3 (Hindhead)
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) which body is responsible for drawing up the proposal for the A3 improvements at Hindhead; and if he will publish the schedule for the necessary decisions and announcements relating to that proposal; [70809]

  (2) when he plans to visit Hindhead to examine the A3 and its effects on business and the environment. [70808]

  Mr. Prescott
  I have no plans currently to visit Hindhead. We already recognise that there is a serious congestion problem there and, in December of last year, announced our intention that an A3 Hindhead study would form part of a group of road based studies proposed to start within the next two years.

  Constituency Visits
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which parliamentary constituencies he has visited in the past year to discuss road proposals. [70807]

  Mr. Prescott
  Paragraph 79 of the Ministerial Code makes it clear that Ministers should inform hon. Members in advance of planned visits to their constituencies. Ministers in the Department undertake visits to all parts of the country and discuss various subjects of local and national interest, but records of official visits are not held on a constituency basis. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  London Underground (Disabled Access)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve access for disabled people to London Underground services. [70726]
  56
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government are committed to a fully accessible public transport system. However, full accessibility cannot happen overnight, especially on London Underground, where most of the stations are old and not designed with access for mobility impaired people in mind.

  London Transport has been developing a scheme to improve access to a core of 68 Underground stations and plans shortly to consult the Disabled Peoples Transport Advisory Committee, London Boroughs and local disability groups about these plans.

  The Jubilee line extension will be fully accessible and will mean that wheelchair users will be able to travel from mainline stations at Waterloo, Stratford and London Bridge stations to the Millennium Exhibition at North Greenwich.

  Railway Stations (Disabled Access)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many of those railway stations which have been(a) refurbished and (b) restructured in the last five years do not have access for the disabled. [70802]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  All new stations planned or in build will provide full unassisted wheelchair access. In addition, Railtrack are on course to meet the target, set in the Network Management Statement 1998, of providing unassisted wheelchair access at a further 119 stations this year.

  On refurbishment and restructuring projects information is available only for those stations which are included in Railtrack's Station Regeneration Programme. Of the 786 stations which have been subject to such works, 607 are not able to offer unassisted wheelchair access to all platforms. Wheelchair access may be available at these stations, however staff assistance will be required because of goods lifts, barrow crossings, or other barriers to independent access.

  Civil Servants (Misconduct)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the offences or acts of misconduct under which a civil servant in his Department could have his pension removed or reduced; and how often this has happened during the last five years. [70772]

  Mr. Prescott
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 15 February 1999,Official Report, columns 567–70.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what amounts in his Department's budget for 1998–99 can be attributed to spending on disabled people; and what proportion this represents of total departmental spending. [71292]

  Mr. Meale
  Amounts within the Department's budget for 1998–99 that can be attributed to spending on disabled people are as follows:
  57

  (a) the Department's Mobility Unit is responsible for transport policy as it affects the mobility of disabled people and has a net running cost budget of £950,000 and a net programme budget of £477,000;

  (b) there are some specific allocations within the Department's housing programmes as follows: (i) £60 million of disabled facilities grants to help disabled people adapt their homes to enable them to live more independently; (ii) £50,000 available through the housing research programme project "housing options for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems"; and (iii) around £17 million of the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme is being spent on disabled people. In addition the Housing Corporation's revenue funding programme for supported housing schemes includes provision for the disabled;

  (c) about £4.6 million is available through the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme to households specifically on the basis of a disability benefit;

  (d) the Department administers the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 with a budget of £8,269,000; and

  (e) the Air and Environment Quality air pollution information service provides information on the levels of air pollution, a forecast of levels and advice on health at a cost of about £100,000 a year.

  Many of the Department's other programmes are of benefit to disabled people, although it is not possible specifically to attribute such expenditure, or to specify how much it represents as a proportion of total departmental spending.

  The Department spends approximately £45,000 a year on providing technical aids for its own central staff who are disabled and about another £9,000 for the disability access survey for its central buildings and other improvements.

  A3
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) miles of single carriageway road and (b) sets of traffic lights are on the A3 between London and Portsmouth. [71159]

  Dr. Reid
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to the right hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mrs. Virginia Bottomley, dated 22 February 1999:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked Lawrie Haynes, Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to reply to your recent question about how many miles of single carriageway and how many traffic lights there are on the A3 between London and Portsmouth. I am replying in Mr. Haynes' absence.
  The A3 around Hindhead in south west Surrey is the last remaining section of single carriageway between Wandsworth in south west London and Portsmouth. There are twenty sets of traffic lights on the A3 between London and Portsmouth, sixteen in Wandsworth, three in Kingston and one at Hindhead.

  Resident Students
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what financial adjustments were made to each local education authority for 1999–2000 in respect of(a) net movement of resident students into other local education authorities and (b) resident students in the non-maintained sector. [71708]

  Ms Armstrong
  Financial adjustments between authorities in respect of pupils without special educational needs educated in the maintained sector outside their authority of residence ('recoupment') ended on 31 March 1995.

  The Education Standard Spending Assessments use estimates of resident pupils. These are defined in the Local Government Finance Report (England) 1999–2000 on pages 40–41.

  London Underground
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Mr. Brake) of 13 January 1999,Official Report, column 212, if he will list the consultancy firms with contracts to provide advice jointly to London Transport and the Government on the implementation of his public/private partnership plans for London Underground. [71763]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The main consultants working on the London Underground Public-Private Partnership (PPP) are:-

  PricewaterhouseCoopers (financial)

  Freshfields (legal)

  Ove Amp and Partners (engineering)

  Arthur Andersen (operations entity design)

  PA Consulting (infrastructure entities design and financial modelling)

  Homagold & Hills (project management)

  Richard Ellis (property)

  Sedgwick (insurance)

  Bacon & Woodrow (pensions).

  All of these firms are employed by London Transport, but their advice is available to the Government, and Ministers and officials can, through London Transport, ask them for advice on matters relating to the PPP.

  Light Pollution
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to introduce legislation for the control of light pollution. [71683]

  Mr. Raynsford
  External lighting may require planning permission, particularly, for example, where installations are substantial and affect the external appearance of a building. Local authorities may also attach conditions to planning permissions for new development which cover the design and operation of lighting systems. These conditions can control the type and siting of light installations, and place restrictions on the spread and duration of light. The guidance, "Lighting in the Countryside: Towards good practice", issued in 1997 jointly by my Department and the Countryside
  59
  Commission, gives further advice on what can be done to lessen the intrusive effects of lighting schemes. In addition, advice on floodlighting is given in Planning Policy Guidance Note 17, 'Sport and Recreation'. My officials are also in discussion with the DIY industry to identify ways in which their customers might be made more aware of the problems which badly positioned lighting can cause. Our view is that the present combination of planning controls and practical advice is the best way forward and we are not proposing to introduce further legislation in this area.

  Hazardous Waste Landfill Sites
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the one day meeting of experts organised by the Institute of Environment and Health, at the request of his Department, to discuss the links between congenital anomalies and hazardous waste landfill sites. [71691]

  Mr. Meale
  The one day meeting of experts was held on 26 January 1999 at the joint request of my Department and the Department of Health. Experts in toxicology, epidemiology, exposure assessment and landfill technology were present. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss recent research findings, to identify gaps in knowledge base, and to agree and prioritise further research requirements.

  The meeting made a number of recommendations for further research work. We are currently considering the best way to take forward these recommendations.

  London to Portsmouth Rail Services
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the impact on road and rail traffic levels between London and Portsmouth of(a) an improvement in the quality of the rail rolling stock and (b) an increase in the frequency of main line rail services; [71559]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the investment required to reduce main line rail journey times from Portsmouth to London by (a) 10 per cent. and (b) 20 per cent. [71562]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Secretary of State has made no such assessments.

  Rolling Stock (Connex)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will discuss with the rail franchising director the condition of the rolling stock operated by Connex services into Portsmouth; [71564]

  (2) what representations he has received about the condition of the rolling stock operated by Connex services to Portsmouth. [71523]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  No specific representations have been received on the condition of the rolling stock operated by Connex services to Portsmouth, although general complaints about performance may have included reference to dissatisfaction with the condition of trains. The Health and Safety Executive has published draft 60
  regulations for consultation which would require the replacement or modification of mark 1 rolling stock by 1 January 2003 and, if modified, the stock to be rebodied or replaced by 2007. We are currently considering these proposals.

  London to Portsmouth Road Services
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on capital investment needs of the main railway line from Portsmouth to London. [71558]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Secretary of State has received no such representations.

  Portsmouth Ferry Port (Rail Interchange)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received in support of the creation of a passenger rail interchange at Portsmouth Ferry Port. [71563]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 February 1999,Official Report, column 235.

  The Secretary of State has received no representations in support of the creation of a passenger rail interchange at Portsmouth Ferry Port.

  Local Transport Plans
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he proposes to give to local authorities as to the(a) targets for road casualty reductions and (b) road safety strategy to be included in the first local transport plans that they are required to draw up. [71478]

  Dr. Reid
  The Department issued draft guidance on local transport plans on 12 November 1998. This includes advice on the preparation of road safety strategies and the adoption of targets for road casualty reduction. The guidance emphasises the need to consider road safety in all aspects of the local transport plan. The guidance is intended both as interim advice to enable authorities to make a start on preparing their plans, and as a draft for consultation. The consultation period has now closed and we are in the process of preparing revised guidance, due for publication in the Spring.

  Hush-kit Aircraft
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the use of hush-kit aircraft in Britain and Europe after 2002; and if he will make a statement. [71539]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have received representations from three sources about the draft EU regulation on recertificated aircraft, raising specific concerns about the provision on re-engined aircraft. We do not believe that it would be possible to meet these concerns without undermining the aims of the regulation, which we support.

  Local Authority Expenditure (Education)
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list how much each local authority spends on education as a percentage of their total budget. [71547]

  Ms Armstrong
  The requested information has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Housing Conditions
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on identifying the locations of the worst housing conditions (i) in general terms and (ii) in respect of energy efficiency. [71405]

  Mr. Raynsford
  My Department carries out a five-yearly English House Condition Survey that assesses the number and distribution of dwellings nationally and regionally in poor condition and with poor energy standards. The last survey was carried out in 1996 and another is planned for 2001. As the survey is only a (representative) sample of the stock it cannot identify which particular local areas have concentrations of poor housing conditions or low energy efficiency levels. Local authorities themselves assess housing conditions and energy efficiency levels in their areas to produce locally based strategies.

  Housing Stock (Energy Efficiency)
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what information local authorities have provided to him on the relative energy efficiency of their housing stock. [71404]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Local authorities are expected in their Housing Investment Programme submission to demonstrate that they have an energy conservation policy as part of their housing strategy. They are also required to set out, in energy conservation reports prepared under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995, their plans for improving the energy efficiency of all residential accommodation, and they now provide an annual return covering a range of standard information on energy efficiency improvements.

  Bus Grant
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the impact of increases in bus grant on the pattern of(a) rural bus services, with particular reference to passenger usage, (b) frequency and (c) routings. [71637]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We will be gathering information from local authorities in the coming months to assess the impact of the first year's funding for rural bus services announced in the last Budget. We will carry out a similar review in subsequent years. This information will inform future policy on this matter.

  PFI Waste Management Schemes
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the operational effectiveness of waste 62
  management schemes funded to date under the PF1; and what plans he has to develop more PH-backed waste management schemes. [71168]

  Mr. Meale
  Five PH waste management schemes have been approved but only 3 contracts have been signed and the most advanced of these is at a very early stage of implementation. Given this and the fact that each of the contracts is for 25 years, it is too early to judge their effectiveness.

  We will continue to approve PH waste management schemes if funds are available and they meet the Department's criteria for endorsement.

  Radioactive Waste Management
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he received a copy of the Commission Communication on the present situation regarding prospects for radioactive waste management in the European Union, COM(1998) 799, dated 11 January 1999; what assistance the United Kingdom nuclear authorities gave to the Commission in its preparation; and if he will make a statement on the implications of the report for radioactive waste management in the United Kingdom. [71178]

  Mr. Meale
  A copy of the report was received in January this year. United Kingdom input to the report was co-ordinated by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions with assistance from producers of radioactive waste. The international perspective provided by the report may prove useful in considering how to respond to the report on nuclear waste management which the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology is expected to produce shortly.

  HOMES
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many staff were employed by HOMES for each year from 1993; [71678]

  (2) what was the total cost of HOMES for each year from 1993. [71677]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The cost to DOE, now the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions—of HOMES and the number of staff HOMES has employed since 1993 are as shown in the following table.

  Financial year

  Total HOMES expenditure (£)

  DOE/DETR grant (£)

  Average number of staff employed

  1993–94

  2,271,224

  1,667,067

  35

  1994–95

  2,201,070

  1,646,000

  40

  1995–96

  2,088,727

  1,672,900

  40

  1996–97

  2,075,138

  1,975,138

  45

  1997–98

  2,457,485

  1,593,997

  52

  1998–99

  12,183,223

  1,535,063

  48

  1 Forecast

  Source:

  Apart from 1998–99, figures derived from HOMES published accounts.
  63
  HOMES also generate their own income and have received some smaller amounts of grant support from other Departments and the Housing Corporation during this period.

  Air Pollution
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he plans to ensure that the air pollution targets set out in the National Air Quality Strategy will be met. [71911]

  Mr. Meale
  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced last month the outcome of the Government's review of the National Air Quality Service. We are now consulting on our proposals to amend the Strategy in order to deliver our commitment to cleaner air.

  National policies will go a significant way to meeting our air quality objectives throughout the country. However, action at local level will also be essential since air quality has an important local dimension which needs

  South Cambridgeshire: April 1997 to March 1998

  Grid reference

  Monitoring site

  Environment

  Nearest road

  East

  West

  Annual mean Parts per billion(ppb)

  Histon 1N

  Kerbside

  Glebe Way (B1049)

  5440

  2635

  20

  Histon 2N

  Intermediate

  Narrow Close

  5440

  2641

  15

  Histon 3N

  Background

  Narrow Lane

  —

  —

  12

  Histon 4N

  Background

  The Coppice, Impington

  4552

  2620

  14

  Cambridgeshire: April 1997 to March 1998

  Grid reference

  Monitoring site

  Environment

  Nearest road

  East

  West

  Annual mean Parts per billion(ppb)

  Cambridge 1N

  Kerbside

  Parker Street

  5454

  2584

  34

  Cambridge 2N

  Intermediate

  Abbey Road

  5462

  2589

  21

  Cambridge 3N

  Background

  Cockburn Street

  5466

  2577

  15

  Cambridge 4N

  Background

  Oak Tree Avenue

  5459

  2601

  16

  Further information and daily data up to September 1998, can be obtained via the World Wide Web, at DETR's Air Quality Archive at http://www/environment.detr.gov.uk/aiq/aqinfo.htm.

  The Government's policies with respect to improving air quality in the UK were published on the 13 January, in the "Report of the Review of the National Air Quality Strategy". Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give details of the 1999–2000 charging scheme for local air pollution control under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. [72364]

  Mr. Meale
  Charges to cover the costs of local enforcing authorities in regulating processes which are subject to Part 1 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 were introduced in April 1991.

  With the approval of the Treasury, and following consultation with local authority associations and industry, my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for
  64
  a focused local approach. Local Authorities are therefore required to carry out periodic reviews of air quality in their areas and to assess present and likely future air quality against the objectives set out in the Strategy. Where any of the objectives are not likely to be met by 2005, authorities are required to designate Air Quality Management Areas and prepare and implement action plans in pursuit of the objectives.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the average levels of air pollution affecting residential homes adjacent to(a) motorways, (b) major trunk roads and (c) minor trunk roads in South Cambridgeshire in 1997–98. [71912]

  Mr. Meale
  There are eight Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Diffusion Tube Network sites in or near Cambridge (sites and annual mean levels recorded in the following table). None of the sites are adjacent to motorways or trunk roads although the Cambridge Parker Street site is in the busy town centre.

  the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Secretary of State for Wales have made a revised scheme specifying the scale of fees and charges to take effect from 1 April 1999.

  The level of fees and charges will be increased by approximately 20 per cent. to cover an identified shortfall in recovery of costs. The main changes are that the standard application fee is increased by £215 to £1,280, the substantial change fee is increased by £135 to £815, and the annual subsistence charge is increased by £130 to £790.

  The scheme will be laid before both Houses and copies placed in the Libraries.

  Night Flights
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the departmental consultation document relating to night flights at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports; and if he will publish a breakdown by constituency of the responses. [71915]
  65
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The closing date for responses was 12 February 1999 and analysis of them is proceeding. I will comment on the responses when announcing the decision and will make available for inspection, following the decision, those responses where confidentiality has not been requested. It is not the intention to prepare a breakdown of responses by parliamentary constituency, as this would involve disproportionate cost. Responses from organisations do not relate to particular districts, but consideration will be given to making available a breakdown of responses from individuals by postal district.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to commission independent research into the effects of night flights on people living around Heathrow Airport. [71922]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Our intention to commission a new research trial on the effect of night-time aircraft noise on sleep disturbance was announced on 27 February last year, when the first stage consultation on night restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports was published. The trial is expected to focus on methodologies, assessing experimental and analytical techniques—and their limitations—which are related to the measurement of sleep disturbance. The findings of the trial will help us decide whether to proceed with a full-scale study of sleep disturbance, and to determine what should be included in any such study. The trial will be based at Manchester Airport, which provides a suitable combination of densely populated communities close to the airport with a spread of aircraft noise throughout the night. It may be extended to Heathrow if actual noise levels in the early morning at Manchester prove insufficient for the purposes of the trial. If, on completion of the trial, we decide to continue with more detailed research, the question of where that study would be based is one of many issues which would need to be considered at that time, based on objective research considerations.

  A steering group, which includes community and industry representatives, has been established to oversee the trial and expert advice is obtained from a technical group made up of specialists in relevant scientific fields. Further peer group advice will also be sought from a panel of international experts. Detailed proposals for the trial will be announced following completion of discussions with these groups.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the studies used in preparing the latest departmental consultation document on night flights at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. [71914]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The second stage consultation paper on night restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, issued on 17 November 1998,Official Report, column 492, refers at Appendix D to the following studies:

  1. "Aircraft Noise and Sleep Disturbance: final report", DORA Report 8008 (£3.50)

  2. "Aircraft Noise and Sleep Disturbance: designated night data for sites surveyed in the main phase of the study", DORA Communication 8004 (£1.50)

  3. "Noise Disturbance at Night near Heathrow and Gatwick Airports: 1984 check study", DR Report 8513 (£2.50)

  66

  4. "Noise Disturbance at Night near Heathrow and Gatwick Airports: Critique of the technical issues raised by consultees during the 1986 Public Consultation", DORA Report 8715 (£3.00)

  5. "Report of a Field Study of Aircraft Noise and Sleep Disturbance", Department of Transport 1992 (£11.00)

  6. "Night Noise Contours: a feasibility study", National Physical Laboratory 1997.

  Also referred to in the consultation document are:

  7. "Night Time Ground Noise", DORA Report 9850 October 1998 (£20.00)

  8. "Assessment of Revised Heathrow Early Mornings Approach Procedures Trials", DORA Report 9823, November 1998; and

  9. historical daytime noise exposure contours for Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted airports prepared by DORA on behalf of the Department; those for 1996 being the most recent available at the time the consultation paper was issued.

  Reference was also made to the "Heathrow Runway Alternation Trials—Research Among Local Residents" Final Report, March 1998, prepared by MVA for the Heathrow Airport Consultative Committee. In addition the consultation document includes information on such matters as usage of the noise quotas and movement limits since October 1993 and the main points made in the responses to the preliminary consultation, some of which referred to studies carried out.

  Advice on how to obtain copies of each document or to consult reference copies free of charge, was given in the consultation document.

  Northumberland National Park Committee
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what qualifications are required for appointment to the Northumberland National Park Committee, with particular reference to residence within England. [71741]

  Mr. Meale
  Our approach in respect of Secretary of State appointments to the National Park Authorities is to encourage candidates to be put forward from as broad a range of backgrounds as possible. The aim is to achieve both a strong and a diverse membership. Secretary of State appointees are expected to represent the national interest and, although there is no specific requirement to be resident in England, preference will be given wherever possible to those candidates who combine the qualities sought with local association to the Park to which they seek appointment.

  National Public Transport Information
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what role National Rail Inquiries will play in the one point of inquiry national public transport information system; [72574]

  (2) what progress he has made in meeting the commitment in paragraphs 3.73 and 3.74 of the Transport White Paper in respect of the creation of a national integrated journey timetable; [72572]

  (3) how the provision of a one point of inquiry national public transport information system is to be funded. [72573]

  67
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Our aim is to develop a framework for public transport information that builds on existing local and national sources—including the National Rail Enquiry Service—and extends them systematically across the country. At my request, the relevant parties are working together under the auspices of the Confederation of Passenger Transport. Decisions have yet to be taken on the preferred system architecture and funding, but the Department has given over £1 million of credit approvals this year to enable local authorities to play their part, and has invited further bids for funding in 1999–2000.

  Home Buyers
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his discussions with mortgage lenders and insurers on protection for home buyers. [72509]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Government are committed to working with mortgage lenders to encourage greater provision of flexible mortgage products and better protection for home buyers. A mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments of most people's lives. Home buyers need to think seriously about how they would meet their mortgage payments if they lost their income. Help with mortgage payments through the benefits system (Income Support Mortgage Interest) is confined to people receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance; most claimants wait for nine months before Income Support Mortgage Interest is paid. Home buyers therefore need better, more effective insurance to protect their mortgage payments against unforeseen periods of financial difficulty caused by problems such as accidents, sickness and unemployment. Following discussions with the Government, the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the Association of British Insurers intend to announce tomorrow a new benchmark for mortgage payment protection insurance products which all lenders and insurers will need to meet or exceed. The Government welcome this move, which paves the way for higher quality, better value insurance operating alongside state benefits to provide a more effective level of protection. Everyone with a mortgage or applying for a mortgage should consider carefully whether mortgage payment protection insurance is suitable for their needs and circumstances. If it is, they should seek professional information and advice on a policy which meets their requirements and offers good value.

  Greater London Authority
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 1999,Official Report, column 603, concerning Best Value, if the provision of services for the Greater London Assembly will be covered by the Best Value regime. [72595]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Local Government Bill allows for the Secretary of State to provide, by Order, for the GLA to be a best value authority in relation to those specified functions of the Authority which it does not exercise through the Mayor. This includes services for the Assembly which will be provided through the GLA's Chief Administrative Officer.

  Signing Routes (M25)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 1999,Official Report, columns 439–40, what representations he, or the Highways Agency, has received concerning the siting of individual signs. [72625]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 22 February 1999:
  The Minister for Transport, Glenda Jackson has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking about the representations which we or the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions had received, in respect of the siting of individual direction signs under the London Primary Route network Signing project.
  Over 900 signs have been replaced since work began and we have received only 13 representations, mainly from local residents, about the siting of six of them. Of these, two duplicated representations were sent to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. They include those that the London Borough of Sutton, a local Councillor and yourself made on behalf of one of your constituents.
  The representations have focused on peoples concerns about replacement direction signs being erected nearer their property. As a result of the representations, one sign has been moved and consideration is being given to the location of two other signs.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what detailed plans are in place for(a) the provision of Channel Tunnel Rail Link Eurostar passengers services to Staffordshire and (b) the opening of rail freight routes on the West Coast Main Line through the Channel Tunnel; [72340]

  (2) when he expects the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to reach Staffordshire specifically in relation to Eurostar passenger services and wider freight services. [72339]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  (a) My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister received a report from Inter-Capital and Regional Rail Ltd (ICRR), the consortium appointed by London and Continental Railways to manage and operate Eurostar (UK) Ltd, on 13 November 1998 entitled "Review of Regional Eurostar Services". On 28 January 1999, Official Report, column 340, he announced the commissioning of a thorough and independent review. The terms of reference address a wide range of key issues including, in particular, the study by ICRR and the alternative proposals for regional Channel Tunnel services put forward by the Virgin Group.

  (b) Railtrack are responsible for the maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the rail network, including any rail freight gauge upgrade of the West Coast Main Line. However, any such upgrade would require significant amounts of Government grant. No grant application has been received.

  Local Agenda 21 Strategies
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he
  69
  will make a statement clarifying the relationship between Local Agenda 21 strategies and the planning process; [72053]

  (2) what plans he has to ensure that local authorities' Local Agenda 21 strategies are integrated with unitary development plans; [72047]

  (3) what representations he has received from local authorities about the legal status of Local Agenda 21 strategies in the determination of local planning applications. [72052]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Section 54A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires that planning applications are determined in accordance with the statutory development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Local planning authorities are required to have regard to national and regional planning guidance when preparing their development plans. National and local strategies, including Local Agenda 21 strategies, may also inform the plan preparation process to the extent that they have a bearing on land use planning matters. Such strategies may also relate to matters which are, or which are capable of being, material considerations to be weighed when local planning authorities take decisions on individual planning applications. Local Agenda 21 strategies do not, however, form part of the statutory planning system.

  The Local Agenda 21 process is a useful means of engaging members of the public in identifying ideas, issues and interests which can add value in shaping development plan policies and proposals.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will indicate(a) how many and (b) what proportion of local authorities have adopted Local Agenda 21 strategies. [72055]

  Mr. Meale
  The most recent survey of Local Agenda 21 activity in the UK was carried out in autumn 1998 by the Local Government Management Board. Of the authorities who responded 129 (35 per cent.) had produced Local Agenda 21 strategies. A further 187 (52 per cent.) were committed to producing a strategy by December 2000 to meet the Prime Minister's target.

  Journey Costs
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the statistics from the Department of Transport and Infrastructure at Imperial College, London, concerning the change in real terms in the costs of journeys by(a) public transport and (b) car in the past 20 years. [71197]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The statistics were taken from my Department's publication "Transport Statistics Great Britain". They show that bus and rail fares have increased by 25–27 per cent. in real terms over the past 20 years. Total motoring costs fell by 10 per cent. to 1990, but have increased since then to the levels of 20 years ago. Labour costs, which rise faster than average prices, tend to have had a greater influence on the costs of public transport and car maintenance than on car purchase costs, which have fallen in real terms because of improved 70
  productivity. Duty is the main component of car fuel costs. Since 1990, increases in duty have caused fuel costs to rise more rapidly than public transport fares.

  Fats and Proteins (UK) Ltd.
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will revoke the decision of the Planning Inspectorate with regard to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 section 78 and Schedule 6 appeals by Fats & Proteins (UK) Ltd. application Nos. 97/01177/FUL and 97/01178/FUL. [72231]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Secretary of State uses his powers to revoke planning permission only in exceptional circumstances. These particular planning decisions were reached only after a public inquiry had been held to examine the appeals.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71853]

  Mr. Meale
  In common with other Departments, the work of the press officers in my Department includes responding to any misinformed allegations concerning Government policy or activity which are published in the media. They are supported in this work by other officials as necessary.

  Because this work is a routine part of a Department's work and it is not separately recorded from other tasks, to provide the further information requested would involve disproportionate cost.

  Education SSAs
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the SSA levels for(a) education provision and (b) social services provision in North Yorkshire; and if he will make a statement. [72161]

  Ms Armstrong
  During the consultation period on the Local Government Finance Settlement for 1999–2000, Ministers received four formal representations from Members of Parliament or from the local authority concerning the SSA level for social services funding in North Yorkshire. No representations were received concerning the SSA level for the education budget.

  All of the issues raised in the representations have been taken into account in the final settlement.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to visit North Yorkshire to discuss(a) education and (b) social services SSA levels for North Yorkshire County Council. [72158]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Deputy Prime Minister has no plans at present to visit North Yorkshire to discuss these matters.

  Air Services Agreements
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress there has been in the UK-US air services negotiations; and if he will make a statement. [72162]

  Dr. Reid
  The last round of formal negotiations on full liberalisation of UK/US air services ended abruptly on 7 October when the US team decided to terminate the discussions. A round of informal exploratory discussions on liberalisation is scheduled for 18–19 February in London. Meanwhile, routine negotiations on matters such as increases in the allowable capacity on UK/US routes under the Bermuda 2 agreement continue as normal.

  Flight Paths
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what variations in flight paths and regulations of night flights have been made in the last two years over, or in relation to, flights above the(a) county boroughs of (i) Thurrock and (ii) Southend, (b) the county of Essex and (c) the London boroughs to the east of Central London; and when the relevant hon. Members were consulted. [72147]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The routes followed by aircraft taking off from City and Stansted airports, and those followed by aircraft inbound to the Lambourne holding position (stack) over SW Essex used by aircraft waiting to land at Heathrow, have not changed in the last two years. Aircraft preparing to land at City, Heathrow and Stansted are managed tactically by air traffic control within controlled airspace set aside for the purpose which also has not changed over this period. Much of the airspace over Essex, including that over Thurrock below an altitude of 2500ft and over Southend below an altitude of 3500ft, does not form part of the controlled airspace of the London Terminal Control Area and is available for use by general aviation.

  Restrictions on night flights at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports have not been changed in the last two years, but future arrangements to apply from 31 October 1999 were the subject of a consultation paper issued by my Department on 17 November 1998, Official Report, column 492, with a closing date for responses of 12 February 1999. The consultation paper included details of the Early Morning Landings Trial for aircraft approaching to land at Heathrow from the east. As a result of the trial, which began in September 1995, more aircraft are joining Heathrow's instrument landing system at higher altitudes further from touchdown, including over London boroughs east of Central London, but there have been no variations to flight paths over Essex.

  Croydon Tramlink
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects Croydon Tramlink to be fully operational. [71950]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Croydon Tramlink is being constructed and will be operated under a 99 year concession agreement awarded by London Transport to Tramtrack Croydon Limited.

  I understand that Tramtrack aim to open the system in November 1999.

  London First
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much funding(a) London First and (b) London First Centre has received from his Department per annum since 1992; and for what purposes the funding was specified. [72164]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Contributions have been made to several London First initiatives. I will write to the hon. Member with full details and place copies in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many civil servants have been seconded from his Department to(a) London First and (b) London First Centre since 1992; and for what purposes. [72168]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Since 1992 the Department has had one member of staff seconded to London First, between May 1996 and April 1998, to manage a project promoting manufacturing industry in London. No staff have been seconded to the London First Centre.

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what sums the Government Office for London has contributed towards the London First/Centre for Management of Traffic and the Environment study being undertaken by Halcrow Fox on road pricing. [72169]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government Office for London has contributed £5,000 to this study.

  KPMG
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the services that KPMG have performed for his Department(a) since 1 May 1997 and (b) in the corresponding period prior to 1 May 1997, indicating the remuneration made in each case. [72007]

  Mr. Meale
  The following services have been performed by KPMG for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions:

  £

  Services

  1 May 1997–1 February 1999

  1 August 1995–30 April 1997

  Research Consultancy

  404,328.00

  —

  Specific Consultancy (i.e. Privatisation)

  95,211.65

  —

  IT Consultancy

  —

  45,264.00

  General MNGT Consultancy

  192,541.76

  129,301.00

  Total

  692,081.41

  174,565.00

  Car Headlights (Migraines)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will investigate reports that car headlights are setting off migraine attacks. [72517]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I can confirm that the possibility of new car headlights setting off migraine attacks is being considered as part of a current research project that the Department is carrying out into glare from headlights.
  73
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning the effect on migraine sufferers of the use of intense white lights on car headlights. [72518]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Department has received two representations on this issue. The possibility of new car headlights setting off migraine attacks is being considered as part of a current research project that the Department is carrying out into glare from headlights.

  Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish all the advice which he has received from the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment since 1 May 1997. [72233]

  Mr. Meacher
  All the advice which I have received from the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment is published on the statutory public register held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  The agendas and Minutes of ACRE meetings are also published on the DETR website.

  National assets register: Sales up to November 1997

  Part of DETR

  Type of asset sold

  Amount realised (£)

  DETR (Central)

  RTCC Cardington, Bedfordshire—Land only

  512,000

  5 No Mobility Vehicles

  3,695

  The Highways Agency

  128 No Properties retained for construction

  10,147,000

  1,019 No Surplus properties

  78,417,000

  Various items of Plant and Equipment

  76,000

  DVLA

  Furniture (3 cabinets and 1 desk)

  36

  48 No Laser Printers

  828

  Miscellaneous Catering equipment

  1,457

  DSA

  6 No Properties

  1,150,000

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  Various items of Plant and Equipment

  4,304

  12 No Cars

  8,474

  3 No Vans

  4,926

  MCA

  GP Boat

  4,400

  Vehicles/Trailers

  38,367

  1 No Property

  57,500

  Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre

  Various Fixtures and Fittings

  21,513

  PINS

  Computer Hardware (various)

  18,175

  Commission for the New Towns

  Loans and Mortgages, Built Assets, and Land awaiting development

  11,197,000

  English Nature

  1 No Building

  73,000

  Health and Safety Commission/Executive

  Machinery, Equipment, Computers and Plant, Vehicles, Furniture and Office Machinery1

  11,000,000

  North Hull Housing Action Trust

  1 No Building

  600,000

  Rural Development Commission

  Property, Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings

  857,000

  Traffic Director for London

  Furniture

  1,000

  British Waterways Board

  Property, Plant and Equipment

  12,871,000

  London Regional Transport

  Land and Property, Plant and Machinery

  33,300,000

  OFWAT

  IT equipment, and Fixtures and Fittings1

  13,000

  Ordnance Survey

  Vehicles1

  18,000

  Total

  150,375,675

  1Approximate value

  Foreign Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prosecutions of(a) foreign and (b) EU lorry drivers arose in 1997–98 as a result of the Vehicle Inspectorate's examination of goods vehicles. [69269]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]In 1997–98 the Vehicle Inspectorate recorded one prosecution of a driver who gave his place of residence as outside the EU, 5,082 prosecutions of drivers who gave their place of residence as inside the EU and one prosecution of a driver whose place of residence was unknown. The Vehicle Inspectorate's records do not include prosecutions by the police or Procurators Fiscal as a result of Vehicle Inspectorate checks.

  Departmental Asset Sales
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the items sold by his Department, its agencies and associated public bodies from those listed in the National Assets Register of November 1997; if he will give in each case the amount of money realised; if he will estimate the total cash raised from such sales to date; and if he will make a statement. [70419]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]Details regarding asset sales from items listed in the National Assets Register of November 1997 are in the table.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71331]

  Mr. Prescott
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]Paragraph 79 of the Ministerial Code makes it clear that Ministers should inform hon. Members in advance of planned visits to their constituencies. Ministers in the Department undertake visits to all parts of the country and records of official visits are not held on a constituency basis. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which the Minister of Transport has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71350]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]Paragraph 79 of the Ministerial Code makes it clear that Ministers should inform hon. Members in advance of planned visits to their constituencies. Ministers in the Department undertake visits to all parts of the country and records of official visits are not held on a constituency basis. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Vehicle Documents (Mileage Information)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for the compulsory inclusion of mileage information on vehicle documents. [71076]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]We are committed to providing the public with more information about second hand cars and, as part of the initiative to reduce vehicle crime, we are currently considering how best to introduce a scheme for the compulsory inclusion of mileage information on vehicle documents.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many press releases have been issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies in each of the years 1990 to 1998. [71446]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]The information is as follows:

  Department of the Environment

  Department of Transport

  1990

  736

  461

  1991

  819

  392

  1992

  865

  375

  1993

  893

  525

  1994

  743

  502

  1995

  655

  440

  1996

  579

  410

  19971

  171

  96

  1 1 January 1997 to 30 April 1997

  76

  Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

  19971

  586

  1998

  1,121

  1 1 May 1997 to 31 December 1997

  Regional Press Releases

  DoE/Dot 19961

  DoE/DoT/DETR 1997

  DETR 1998

  North East

  55

  71

  100

  North West

  50

  108

  127

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  196

  259

  360

  West Midlands

  183

  120

  162

  South West

  n/a

  175

  258

  East Midlands

  100

  95

  115

  Eastern

  n/a

  170

  379

  South East

  83

  109

  119

  1Figures prior to 1996 are not available. Figures for 1996 are aggregates of those issued on behalf of the former DoE and DoT. For 1997 DoE, DoT and from 1 May 1997 the DETR. Figures for 1998 relate to DETR.

  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

  1990: 30

  1991: 28

  1992: 22

  1993: 26

  1994: 31

  1995: 23

  1996: 24

  1997: 26

  1998: 24

  Driving Standards Agency

  1990: 6

  1991: 24

  1992: 45

  1993: 29

  1994: 35

  1995: 10

  1996: 33

  1997: 71

  1998: 61

  Highways Agency (Established 1994)

  1994: 11

  1995: 34

  1996: 67

  1997: 33

  1998: 33.

  Regional Press Releases

  19961

  1997

  1998

  North East

  40

  46

  103

  North West

  200

  124

  180

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  286

  258

  346

  West Midlands

  191

  199

  230

  South West

  n/a

  75

  87

  East Midlands

  189

  87

  175

  Eastern

  n/a

  74

  167

  South East

  190

  225

  213

  1 Figures prior to 1996 are not available

  77

  Year

  Number

  Marine Safety Agency (Established 1994)

  1994

  14

  1995

  41

  1996

  33

  1997

  21

  19981

  2

  Coastguard Agency (Established 1994)

  1994

  9

  1995

  23

  1996

  2

  1997

  94

  19981

  31

  Maritime and Coastguard Agency (Established 1998)

  19982

  280

  1 1 January 1998 to 31 March 1998

  2 1 April 1998 to 31 December 1998

  Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre

  1990: 7

  1991: 8

  1992: 9

  1993: 8

  1994: 10

  1995: 9

  1996: 12

  1997: 14

  1998: 13

  Vehicle Certification Agency

  1990: nil

  1991: 1

  1992–1995: nil

  1996: 2

  1997–1998: nil

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  1990–1991 press releases issued by the then DoT on behalf of VI and included in DoT figures above

  1992: 23

  1993: 16

  1994: 9

  1995: 15

  1996: 40

  1997: 34

  1998: 32.

  In addition to the above agencies, the DETR has responsibility for 47 non departmental public bodies on whose behalf the Department issues a small number of press releases each year. To provide the information requested for each NDPB individually from the totals issued by DETR since its formation in May 1997, and prior to that from the totals issued by the former Department of the Environment and Department of Transport would be disproportionately costly.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the conventions governing the propriety and cost of press releases issued by his Department, its agencies and 78
  non-departmental bodies; and what is the total cost of the press releases issued since May 1997. [71461]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Rules governing the work of the GICS are laid down in the Guidance on the work of the Government Information Service published by the Cabinet Office in July 1997. More specific guidance on the writing and issuing of press releases is given in the Working Guide for Government Information Officers. Copies of both documents are in the Libraries of the House.

  Press releases are principally issued on my Department's behalf via the Central Office of Information's News Distribution Service. The cost of this service for DETR for the period in question was £111.8k. Figures for DETR staff and postage costs specifically in relation to the issue of press releases are not available.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Privy Council (Cash Limits)
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the President of the Council what changes she intends to make to the 1998–99 cash and running cost limits for the Privy Council. [72366]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit for Class XVIII, Vote 3 will be increased by £157,000 from £2,887,000 to £3,044,000 and the gross running costs limit will be increased by £157,000 from £2,360,000 to £2,517,000.

  The increase in the cash and running cost limits reflects the transfer to the Department of responsibility for minor occupier charges, together with the cost of establishing an office and support for my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood (Mr. Tipping) on his appointment as Parliamentary Secretary, Privy Council Office.

  The increase in minor occupier charges will be offset by a transfer of £87,000 from Cabinet Office Class XVIII, Vote 1, and savings elsewhere within Class XVIII; and the remainder will be a charge to the Reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Genetically Modified Plants
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Council when the then Select Committee on European Legislation reported on proposals from the European Commission to regulate the growing of genetically modified plants for research and sale, when such proposals were considered in Standing Committee and on the Floor of the House; and what resolutions were passed. [72180]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The European Commission adopted a proposal in February 1998 to amend Council Directive 90/220/EEC. This Directive establishes a system of controls which require prior consent from a Member State competent authority or any research and development release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Approval at Community level is required before any
  79
  product containing GMOs may be placed on the Community market. The proposed amendment, which is contained in EC document 6378/98, COM(98)85 final, is currently under negotiation. The Government submitted an explanatory memorandum on the proposal on 23 March 1998 which was considered by the then Select Committee on European Legislation on 29 April 1998. The Committee reported that the proposal raised issues of political importance but requested further information from the Government and did not clear it from scrutiny (26th report, 97–98, HC 155-xxv1). The Committee subsequently reconsidered the proposal on 9 December 1998 on the basis of further information provided by the Government in a letter of 27 November 1998 from my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment. The Committee maintained that the proposal raised issues of political importance and recommended that it should be debated in European Standing Committee A (3rd report, 98–99 HC 34-iii). That debate has yet to take place but will be held in good time before any decisions are taken on the proposed amendments by the Council of Ministers. An adjournment debate on the effect of Directive 90/220/EEC was held on 16 December 1998, Official Report, columns 927–33, by my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, North (Dr. Gibson).

TREASURY

  Smuggling (Tobacco and Alcohol)
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value of confiscated smuggled or bootlegged(a) tobacco and its products and (b) alcohol in each year since 1994. [70017]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I regret that figures on the value of confiscated smuggled tobacco and alcohol products are not available.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individuals who were caught smuggling alcohol and tobacco(a) were given a final warning, (b) received a caution, (c) received a conviction and fine and (d) were imprisoned in each of the last three years. [70817]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]I regret that central records are not kept in this format.

  Fines (Income)
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the agreed Treasury criteria for income from certain fines to be used to meet some of the costs of those engaged in the enforcement and prosecution of offenders. [70231]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]The Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report (Command 3978) announced that Departments would keep more of their receipts, including from fines, where this would further the Government's economic objectives, improve efficiency and not prejudice spending plans and priorities. Further details on the criteria are set out in a technical Treasury paper (PES(98)7(Revise)) which was circulated to 80
  Departments on 31 July 1998. I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library.

  Civil Servants (Misconduct)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the offences or acts of misconduct under which a civil servant in his Department could have his pension removed or reduced; and how often this has happened during the last five years. [70771]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to him by the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 15 February 1999,Official Report, columns 569–70.

  Arms Embargoes
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the United Kingdom companies currently under investigation by Customs and Excise for alleged breaches of(a) United Kingdom, (b) European Union and (c) mandatory UN arms embargoes. [71049]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is not the normal practice of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to comment publicly about the existence or nature of any current investigations.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many United Kingdom companies have been found guilty of breaching(a) United Kingdom and (b) mandatory UN arms embargoes in the periods (i) January 1996 to January 1997, (ii) January 1997 to January 1998 and (iii) January 1998 to January 1999. [71051]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No United Kingdom companies were found guilty of breaching United Kingdom or mandatory UN arms embargoes during the periods in question. Three individuals have been found guilty in connection with the activities of UK companies, two in 1996 in relation to a destination subject to a United Kingdom arms embargo and one in 1998 in relation to a destination subject to a European Union arms embargo.

  Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative
  Mr. Benton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the contribution which the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative will make towards the achievement of the OECD target of halving world poverty by 2015. [71308]

  Ms Hewitt
  Debt relief is one of the means by which the Chancellor hopes to meet the OECD target of halving world poverty by 2015. Data on the exact contribution which the HIPC initiative will make towards achieving the target are not currently available.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 16 December 1998,Official Report, column 568, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred (a) by task forces and review bodies, (b) by focus groups, (c) on market research

  81
  and (d) for publications and publicity; and if he will list the bodies which incurred the expenditure. [71015]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]There was no expenditure for the categories required which was not included in the earlier answer.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 16 December 1998,Official Report, column 568, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred by (a) his agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for his Department. [71014]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]There was no expenditure relating to work carried our for HM Treasury by the bodies listed for the categories required which was not included in the earlier answer.

  Travel Insurance
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of people affected by the extension of insurance premium tax to travel insurance announced in the 1998 Budget. [70690]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]None. Insurance Premium Tax has always applied to travel insurance.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to announce changes in the Vehicle Excise Duty system for cars; and if he will make a statement. [71079]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]A consultation paper setting out the options for reforming vehicle excise duty was published on 3 November 1998. The formal consultation ended on 31 January 1999 and all responses are now being considered. An announcement will be made in due course.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many substantive responses he has received to the Vehicle Excise Duty consultation paper. [71080]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]The total number of responses received to 5 February is over 2,200.

  Foreign Earnings Deduction
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) businesses and (b) individuals are affected by the abolition of the foreign earnings deduction announced in the 1998 Budget; and in each case, if he will estimate the average annual cost. [70654]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]There is no information available on the number of businesses that employ people who were affected by the abolition of the foreign earnings deduction.

  All UK taxpayers are affected by the abolition of the foreign earnings deduction. The closing of this loophole means that ordinary taxpayers no longer have to make
  82
  good the shortfall created by a minority of UK residents being able to escape tax on their income. The estimated number of employees who have lost the advantage they previously enjoyed as a result of the foreign earnings deduction is about 20,000. All those affected are simply put on an equal footing with other UK residents.

  Property Purchases
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many purchases of(a) private dwellings and (b) business premises in excess of £250,000 were made in 1998. [70691]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]It is provisionally estimated that there were about 40,000 residential transactions and about 20,000 commercial and land transactions in excess of £250,000 in 1998, out of a total of 1.5 million property transactions.

  Pensions
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of(a) personal pension plans and (b) occupational pension schemes which will be affected by the abolition of ACT credits. [70684]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]Most pension providers receive dividends from UK companies. To remove a distortion, which encouraged payment of dividends rather than retention of profits for investment, payable tax credits on those dividends were abolished in July 1997.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of people who(a) were originally mis-sold personal pensions and (b) had reached a satisfactory settlement in respect of their pension entitlement (i) by 1 May 1997 and (ii) at the latest available date. [71557]

  Ms Hewitt
  The number of people mis-sold personal pensions will not be known until the review is completed. The priority review identified a population of approximately 685,000. At 1 May 1997, the regulators' published figures showed about 15 per cent. of these case reviews had been completed. The latest figures for 30 November 1998 showed 91 per cent. of priority reviews completed.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of businesses which will be affected by the introduction of quarterly payments of corporation tax; and what will be the average cost per business. [70652]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]The introduction of quarterly payments of corporation tax will affect some 20,000 companies. This measure was part of a package of measures introduced in the 1998 Budget which included the abolition of Advanced Corporation Tax (ACT) and a 1 per cent. cut in the main rate of corporation tax from April 1999. After a four year transition period, the effect for these companies of introducing quarterly payments, abolishing ACT and the 1 per cent. rate cut is likely on average to be a reduction in liability.

  Business Costs
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of(a) the number of businesses which will be affected by the 1998 Budget announcement of withdrawal of cash basis for professional businesses and (b) the average cost per business. [70653]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]Inland Revenue has no central record of which businesses are on the cash basis, and no estimate of the total number of such businesses. It is therefore not possible to estimate an average cost per business.

  Fiscal Measures
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many businesses were affected by the 1997 Budget announcement which prohibited the(a) transfer of unused past allowances and (b) acceleration of capital allowances; and if he will estimate the average cost to each affected business; [70685]

  (2) how many businesses were affected by the 1997 Budget announcement that dividends will be taxed as trading profits; and if he will estimate the average cost per business; [70686]

  (3) how many businesses were affected by the 1997 Budget announcement which blocked company purchase schemes; and if he will estimate the average cost to each affected business; [70699]

  (4) what estimate he has made of the number of businesses which will be affected by the change in rules on (a) capital gain buying and (b) controlled foreign companies which were announced in the 1998 Budget; and what will be the average cost per business. [70687]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]In respect of all but the 1998 changes obliging companies to include amounts chargeable under the controlled foreign company (CFC) rules in their self assessment tax returns the measures referred to are aimed at stemming the loss of tax through avoidance devices and possibly outright evasion, rather than being tax raising. The relevant tax yields in the respective Budget Reports reflect the direct effects of the measures within the existing level of activity. The measures protect the Exchequer against greater losses in the future. Accurate estimates of the number of businesses affected directly at the time action was taken, or who might in future have been involved if action had not been taken, are not available.

  In respect of the CFC change relating to self assessment, it is estimated that 1,500 groups will be affected by the new legislation and that the total compliance cost will be under £10 million in the first year. Recurrent costs will be considerably less than initial costs. The change is estimated to raise £50 million in a full year.

  Biofuel Industry
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on Government policy on the proposed EU Energy Products Directive as it affects the biofuel industry. [71397]
  84
  Ms Hewitt
  The Government's position on the Energy Products Directive is that we favour some aspects of the proposal, such as higher minimum rates of tax on road fuels. However, we could not accept, for social policy reasons, any obligation to impose new taxes on domestic fuel and power. Our attitude to new taxes on business use of energy will depend on the decisions we take in the light of Lord Marshall's report on 'Economic Instruments and the Business Use of Energy', which was published on 3 November 1998.

  Under the terms of the draft Directive, Member States may introduce optional exemptions from tax or reduced rates for certain types of energy product and to products put to particular uses. This applies to energy products used in pilot projects for the development of more environmentally friendly products, or in relation to fuels from renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and geothermal power and biofuels.

  Private Capital Inflows
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide data for each of the last 20 years on non-foreign direct involvement private capital inflows into the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on their quantifiable effect on the balance of payments. [71812]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]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. David Chaytor, dated 22 February 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on non-FDI private capital inflows into the UK.
  Estimates for non-FDI private capital inflows into the United Kingdom can be derived from the 1998 edition of "United Kingdom Balance of Payments: The Pink Book". The data in the Pink Book are available on the ONS database, which can be accessed by the Library. Capital inflows form part of the Financial Account within the Balance of Payments.

  Arms Exports
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will investigate reports that two British companies have transported arms in breach of UN embargoes on arms exports to Sierra Leone and the Congo. [71566]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]The investigation and prosecution of any alleged breaches of UK legislation implementing UN arms embargoes is a matter for the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. Anyone in possession of information which might suggest offences have been committed should make the material available to them.

  Smuggling
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what circumstances Customs and Excise are permitted to make a private arrangement with an individual caught smuggling rather than pursuing the full legal process. [70816]
  85
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Under section 152(a) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 the Commissioners may "compound" any proceedings for an offence under the Customs and Excise Acts i.e. accept a monetary penalty in lieu of prosecution. The decision whether to prosecute or compound proceedings is taken on the merits of each case. Offers to compound are made only if there is sufficient evidence to support criminal proceedings. Where an offer to compound is refused it is the policy of the Commissioners to prosecute for the alleged offence.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Legal Services
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list(a) the London barristers' chambers and (b) the London solicitors' firms that have performed services for his Department (i) since 1 May 1997 and (ii) in the equivalent period preceding that date, indicating the remuneration paid in each particular case. [70037]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]The remuneration paid to London barristers and solicitors by this Department is not collated or held centrally, and the information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General appointed Phillip Sales as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Common Law) and Jonathan Crow as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Chancery) to advise and represent the Government in their important civil cases. In addition, the Attorney-General maintains at present two London panels of junior Counsel whom departments are expected to use for the government's civil litigation. The panels currently comprise 103 banisters from 42 different sets of chambers. The Attorney-General will shortly appoint a third panel of very junior barristers. The Attorney-General's individual nomination is required before a barrister who is not on one of the approved panels can be instructed to appear for the Government in litigation.

  Departments may use firms of solicitors in addition to the Treasury Solicitor and their departmental legal advisers, for example where the relevant expertise lies in the private sector. The relationship is subject to the usual confidentiality which operate between lawyer and client.

  Employment Policy (Business Costs)
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what impact on business costs(a) the minimum wage, (b) the Working Time Regulations and (c) the Fairness at Work White Paper proposals have had to date; and what estimate he has made of the annual impact when fully implemented. [69816]

  Mr. Byers
  Regulatory impact assessments have been published for each of these measures and are available in the Library of the House.

  Deep-mined Coal
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the change in deep mined coal output in(a) the last quarter and (b) the last year; and how many pits closed in each time period. [69813]

  Mr. Byers
  Deep mined output in quarter 4 1998 compared with quarter 4 1997 has decreased by 0.8 million tonnes. This compares to a decrease of 3.6 million tonnes in quarter 4 1994 compared to quarter 4 1993.

  Deep mined output in calendar year 1998 compared with calendar year 1997 has decreased by 5 million tonnes. This compares to a decrease of 18.5 million tonnes between calendar year 1993 and 1994.

  One major pit and four smaller pits closed in quarter 4 1998 and six small pits closed during the first three quarters of the year.

  Export Licences
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many export licence applications his Department has received in each of the last three years for(a) Iran and (b) other countries. [70063]

  Dr. Howells
  The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the following results were obtained. Between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 1998, 37,478 applications for Standard Individual Export Licences were received.

  Number of applications for Standard Individual Export Licences received in each calendar year covering exports (a) to Iran or (b) to any other destination (enduser).

  Year

  Iran

  All other destinations

  1996

  146

  13,382

  1997

  118

  12,071

  1998

  164

  12,025

  This information should be considered in light of the answer given by the former Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

  Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) routinely cover exports to a number of countries (unlike Standard Individual Export Licences, each of which normally covers exports to a single country). Any country initially specified on an OIEL application but not included as a permitted destination on the licence issued is not recorded on the Export Control Organisation's computer databases. Accordingly, as regards OIELs, the information requested could be compiled only by manual examination of the paper records of all 1,515 applications made in the period, which would entail disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the average length of time taken by his Department to issue export licences; if he will estimate
  87
  the impact on the value of export orders of the length of time taken; and what representations he has received from exporters. [70759]

  Dr. Howells
  From time to time, exporters and representative bodies express concern about the time taken to process specific applications or generally. All such cases are carefully investigated and replied to.

  The average length of time taken to process individual export licence applications is not recorded. However, performance is monitored against published targets, which were set out to the hon. Member in my answer of 11 February 1999, Official Report, column 404. Data on performance will be included in the forthcoming Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls, and in future reports.

  The sensitive issues raised by many applications mean that it is not possible to guarantee that the decision on a particular application can be taken by a specific date. However, the Export Control Organisation does aim wherever possible to give exporters a reasonable indication of the additional time that the processing of their applications is likely to take.

  As recognised by the Trade and Industry Committee in its recent report on strategic export controls, the overall performance of the Government's export licensing system depends on contributions from all of the Departments involved. The Government have already taken steps to improve the information provided to exporters on the status of pending licence applications. Within DTI, the Export Control Organisation has in place both formal and informal procedures to encourage the timely provision of advice on urgent or exceptionally delayed applications; in addition, as appropriate, exporters may be put in direct contact with relevant advisers in other Departments.

  Finally, the introduction of the ELATE computer system on 1 March should, among other advantages, improve the exchange of licensing information between Departments and is intended to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the licensing process.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to accept applications for export licences by means of telephone and e-mail. [70758]

  Dr. Howells
  As the processing of applications for export licences cannot be completed without relevant supporting documentation, and applications need formally to be signed by specifically designated persons it would be impractical for them to be made by telephone.

  The introduction of a new export licence application form and the ELATE computer system on 1 March 1999 is a first step in the process towards the use of electronic data in export licence processing. For the first time, exporters will be able to apply for a standard individual export licence using electronic information transferred on a floppy disk. The information on the disk will be entered into the ELATE system at the DTI and, where applications have to be circulated to the FCO or MoD for advice, the electronic information will be transferred to them via a modem link or on disk. Additional supporting documentation, such as end-user documentation and technical specifications will still be required in paper form.
  88
  Once the effectiveness of ELATE has been proven, the aim will be to extend the transfer of information by disk or modem link to all advisory departments involved in export licence consideration. The Government will work towards full electronic applications where the end-user documentation and technical specifications can be transferred together with the application by electronic mail subject to satisfactory assessment of security and other relevant considerations.

  Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the oral answer to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) of 21 January 1999,Official Report, column 1007, if he will list each company with which the Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry has been associated, indicating the dates upon which their annual returns were filed in each year of the company's existence. [70129]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 10 February 1999]As my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House made clear on 4 February 1999,Official Report, columns 1091–92, my oral answer to the right hon. Member for Wokingham referred to Attractions Limited. The annual return for Attractions Limited in 1997 was filed on 1 November in compliance with the deadlines set by Companies House. It was returned by Companies House on 5 November for completion of the SIC code and it was registered on 13 November 1997. The annual return for Attractions Limited in 1998 was sent to Companies House on 21 October 1998. It was lost in transit. Companies House sent a reminder on 10 December, setting a deadline of 10 January 1999. A new return for Attractions Limited was received by Companies House on 8 January 1999.

  Travel Industry
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about takeovers and regional integration in the travel industry; and if he will make a statement. [70921]

  Dr. Howells
  I have received a limited number of representations about takeovers in the travel industry.

  The Director General of Fair Trading advises on mergers which qualify for investigation under the Fair Trading Act 1973. Where a merger raises concerns in respect of a particular market—whether throughout the whole of the United Kingdom or in a particular region—it can be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) for investigation.

  Civil Servants (Misconduct)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the offences or acts of misconduct under which a civil servant in his Department could have his pension removed or reduced; and how often this has happened during the last five years. [70781]

  Mr. Byers
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 15 February 1999,Official

  89
  Report, columns 569–70. No Department of Trade and Industry civil servants have had their pensions removed or reduced for disciplinary reasons in the last five years.

  Departmental Asset Sales
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the items sold by his Department, its agencies and associated public bodies from those listed in the National Assets Register of November 1997; if he will give in each case the amount of money realised; if he will estimate the total cash raised from such sales to date; and if he will make a statement. [70413]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]The information requested by the hon. Member is not available in the form requested.

  Cigarette Lighters
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment he has made of the assistance which the introduction of a requirement for cigarette lighters to bear the identity of the manufacturer or importer would provide to the work of trading standards officers; and if he will make a statement; [70804]

  (2) what representations he has received from (a) trading standards officers and (b) the BSI on introducing a requirement for the identity of the manufacturer or importer to be marked on each cigarette lighter; and if he will make a statement. [70790]

  Dr. Howells
  Apart from the recent correspondence from my hon. Friend and concerns raised by European lighter manufacturers about imported lighters, I have not received any recent representations from trading standards officers or the British Standards Institution about introducing a requirement for the identity of the manufacturer or importer to be marked on cigarette lighters. However, a requirement to provide for such traceability will be included in the revised European and international standard for lighters (BS EN ISO 9994). I believe that this requirement will help enforcement, although I have not made a formal assessment of this.

  Fireworks
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the number of people injured by fireworks in 1998; and if he will make a statement. [71065]

  Dr. Howells
  DTI is still collating the firework injury data and I do not believe that we should speculate when we are so close to having the final figures. I expect the detailed statistics to be available shortly and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as they have been verified.

  Foreign Inward Investment
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide data on foreign direct investment in the United Kingdom for each of the last 20 years, broken down into,(a) the stocks and flows of inward investment for each year, (b) the percentage
  90
  of foreign direct investment in mergers and acquisitions for each year, (c) the percentage of the labour force employed in foreign direct investment for each year, (d) the contribution of foreign direct investment to United Kingdom tax revenues for each year, (e) the total subsidies given to foreign investors for each year and (f) the total royalties paid to abroad by the United Kingdom on foreign direct investment for each year. [71561]

  Mr. Wills
  Available information is given in the tables. No official data are collected for tax revenues from foreign enterprises or total royalties paid to abroad by the UK on FDI.

  (a) Table 1 shows the stocks and flows of foreign direct investment into the UK each year from 1978 until 1997, the latest year available. FDI covers not only the acquisition of fixed assets, stock building and stock appreciation but all other financial transactions, such as additions to, or payments of, working capital, other loans and credit, and acquisitions of securities. The figures cover transactions where the investor's purpose is to have an effective voice in the company, taken to be equivalent to a holding of 20 per cent. or more (10 per cent. in the 1997 figures). Stock figures are recorded at the end of the stated period. They are not cumulative totals of investment flows, but also take account of goodwill write-offs, revaluation of assets and exchange rate fluctuations.

  Table 1: Foreign direct investment in the UK

  £ million

  Year

  Stocks

  Flows

  1978

  11,098

  1,261

  1979

  —

  1,740

  1980

  —

  2,541

  1981

  16,962

  980

  1982

  —

  1,137

  1983

  —

  2,063

  1984

  38,484

  —245

  1985

  —

  4,417

  1986

  —

  5,645

  1987

  58,430

  8,986

  1988

  71,652

  11,562

  1989

  93,554

  17,405

  1990

  105,760

  17,155

  1991

  111,373

  8,418

  1992

  114,409

  8,816

  1993

  121,005

  9,871

  1994

  121,336

  6,046

  1995

  128,885

  12,654

  1996

  134,654

  15,662

  1997

  156,969

  21,751

  Note:

  Figures for stocks of FDI were collected only triennially before 1987.

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics

  (b) Table 2 shows the percentage of FDI flows into the UK represented by mergers and acquisitions of companies. The value of acquisitions is the sum of the value of transactions where the foreign business takes their percentage share of the relevant UK target to over 50 per cent. Figures are available only from 1986.
  91

  Table 2: Percentage of FDI represented by acquisitions and mergers

  Year

  Percentage

  1986

  21

  1987

  26

  1988

  23

  1989

  62

  1990

  58

  1991

  51

  1992

  38

  1993

  42

  1994

  74

  1995

  88

  1996

  41

  1997

  53

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics

  (c) Figures for the percentage of the labour force employed in foreign enterprises are available only for the manufacturing sector. This sector represents between 20 and 25 per cent. of total employees over the years shown. Comparable figures are not available for earlier years. In Table 3 foreign enterprises are defined as those controlled by companies incorporated overseas; this is different from the definition used in Table 1, where figures include all transactions where the investor's purpose is to have an effective voice in the company, taken to be equivalent to a holding of 20 per cent. or more.

  Table 3: Percentage of employees in the manufacturing industry employed by foreign enterprises

  Year

  Percentage

  1983

  14.5

  1984

  14.8

  1985

  14.0

  1986

  13.0

  1987

  13.4

  1988

  13.1

  1989

  14.9

  1990

  16.1

  1991

  17.2

  1992

  18.1

  1993

  17.9

  1994

  18.6

  1995

  17.2

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics

  (e) Table 4 shows offers of grant accepted by foreign owned businesses in GB under Regional Selective Assistance (RSA), the DTI's main investment grant scheme, in each of the last ten years. Figures for earlier years are not available:

  Table 4

  £ million

  Year

  Grant

  1989

  141

  1990

  166

  1991

  79

  1992

  85

  1993

  157

  1994

  155

  1995

  133

  1996

  170

  1997

  364

  1998

  167

  Source:

  DTI

  Dormant Companies
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes have been made to the CHN21, Dormant Company Accounts booklet to ensure that directors of dormant companies are made aware of the DCA forms. [71136]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]A new version of CHN 21 is currently being printed. It makes reference to the availability of a form DCA for dormant companies that have not traded since incorporation. This is not a statutorily prescribed form. It is offered as a helpful aid for dormant companies and its use is entirely optional.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what publicity has been arranged for the Dormant Company Accounts form relating to the submission of annual accounts by dormant companies. [71135]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]The availability of the Dormant Company Accounts form was communicated via the Companies House Magazine for customers, "The Register". This is widely read by professional presenters, who submit accounts to the Agency on behalf of companies. It has also been publicised via Companies House User Groups and at their Road Shows. Companies House cannot readily target individual dormant company directors. The Companies House publicity budget does not allow it to do more than publicise the most important issues in national media and mail drops.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to relocate staff in(a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. [70458]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]The Department has 46 per cent. of its staff located outside London. This includes the Patent Office and Companies House, which relocated from London to Wales, a strong presence in the Government Offices for the Regions and the regional networks of the Insolvency Service, Employment Tribunals Service and Radiocommunications Agency. There has been no major decentralisation in recent years. The scope for further relocation is limited by operational requirements.

  GATT
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the benefits to the United Kingdom economy in(a) output and (b) jobs of the Uruguay round of trade and investment talks. [71757]

  Mr. Wilson
  In 1994, the GATT secretariat estimated that, by the year 2005, the Uruguay Round Agreement could boost world incomes by up to 1.4 per cent. per annum and European Union incomes by up to 1.7 per cent. per annum.
  93
  No reliable estimates have been made of the output or employment benefits of the Agreement to the UK alone. However, as the second largest trader with non-EU economies among EU Member States, the UK is likely to be a major beneficiary of these projected income gains.

  Precious Metals Directive
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects the draft Precious Metals Directive to be discussed next by EU ministers. [71370]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]The draft directive is under consideration at Council Working Group level and is unlikely to be discussed by Ministers unless a greater degree of consensus can be reached. I have had no indication as to whether Germany intends to convene meetings of the Council Working Group to consider the proposal during her Presidency.

  Venture Capital
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning competition between financial intermediaries to which small businesses can apply for venture capital; and if he will make a statement. [71527]

  Mr. Wills
  I am not aware of any representations concerning competition between financial intermediaries to which small businesses can apply for venture capital.

  I am aware that growing businesses have faced difficulties in raising venture capital in small amounts. We therefore announced, in the Competitiveness White Paper (Cmd 4176), the creation of the Enterprise Fund. One of the functions of this Fund will be to stimulate the availability of venture capital for smaller businesses.

  We are also working with the key players in the informal investment or "business angel" markets to stimulate the availability of venture capital from individual investors.

  Hallmarks
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many copies of "New Hallmarks", a consumer guide, have been printed; and by what means it is being distributed. [71364]

  Dr. Howells
  One million copies have been printed. The Assay offices are sending copies to their entire client base and DTI is also asking the principal retail trade associations to make their members aware of the leaflet. Individual retailers will then be able to order copies free of charge to be displayed at the point of sale. Further copies are being made available to Citizens Advice Bureaux, Consumer Advice Centres and public libraries.

  Businesses (South Yorkshire)
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses in the Barnsley MBC area are registered at Companies House; and how many of these businesses have fewer than 20 employees. [71141]

  Dr. Howells
  There are 242 companies registered at Companies House in Barnsley (S71) area. Companies House has no information on how many of these have fewer than 20 employees.
  94
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses in the Doncaster MBC area are registered at Companies House; and how many of these businesses have fewer than 20 employees. [71140]

  Dr. Howells
  There are 598 companies registered at Companies House in the Doncaster DN1 area. Companies House has no information on how many of these have fewer than 20 employees.

  British Aerospace
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when his predecessor, the right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson), met as Secretary of State(a) the Chairman and (b) the Chief Executive of British Aerospace plc during 1998; and what subjects were discussed on each occasion. [70651]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]I refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Hartlepool to the hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) on 3 December 1998,Official Report, column 291. These described all his meetings as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry with British Aerospace in 1998 up to that date.

  Subsequently, my right hon. Friend also met the Chairman and Chief Executive of British Aerospace on 15 December at a reception to mark the twenty-first anniversary of the creation of that company. DTI officials were also present.

  Manufacturing Best Practice
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he plans to introduce to encourage UK manufacturing companies to adopt the best practice techniques of their international competitors. [71644]

  Mr. Battle
  There is a wide variety of existing measures available to manufacturing companies to learn from and adopt the best practice of their international competitors. New measures include the CBI-led "Fit for the Future" Campaign, launched by the Secretary of State in December 1998 and featured in the recently published Competitiveness White Paper. The Campaign will provide an umbrella to enable business to get help and advice when and where is it needed. The Campaign is business led and is supported by the Department to ensure coverage of all sectors and sizes of industry.

  The White Paper announced other measures designed to increase competitiveness through the process of "Business learning from Business". Two examples are the adaptation of the successful automotive sector project where "world-class" engineers work within the supply base to make significant improvements in manufacturing practice. The Department will be investing £15 million to support projects in up to 10 new sectors. A further example is the Department's work to gather international data based to the UK Benchmarking Index. This development will enable SMEs to compare their own business performance with peer groups in the UK and world-wide.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71349]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]Paragraph 79 of the Ministerial Code makes clear that Ministers should inform hon. Members in advance of planned visits to their constituencies. I and my Ministers undertake visits to all parts of the country but records of official visits are not held on a constituency basis.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out the conventions governing the propriety and cost of press releases issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies; and what is the total cost of the press releases issued since May 1997. [71470]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Rules governing the work of the GICS are laid down in the Guidance on the Work of the Government Information Service published by the Cabinet Office in July 1997. More specific guidance on the writing and issuing of press releases is given in the Working Guide for Government Information Officers. Copies of both documents are in the Library of the House.

  Since April 1997 my department has spent £399,000 on distributing press releases through the Central Office of Information's News Distribution Service.

  Airline Industry
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the liberalisation of the airline industry and on the potential exploitation of monopoly positions at certain British airports. [71656]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]The liberalisation of the airline industry is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister. My Department has received a number of representations in relation to competition cases involving airlines.

  City Flyer Express
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received over the take-over of City Flyer Express by British Airways; and if he will make a statement. [71655]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has received a number of representations on the proposed acquisition by British Airways plc of City Flyer Express Ltd. He announced on 20 January that, in accordance with the advice of the Director General of Fair Trading, he had referred the merger to the Monopolies 96
  and Mergers Commission under the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973. The MMC are to make their report by 28 April 1999.

  BNFL
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what studies his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) funded on the technical feasibility of British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. conditioning German spent nuclear fuel and German nuclear waste currently held at Sellafield for final disposal in Germany; and what studies have been undertaken into the commercial opportunities for the company in Germany for undertaking such conditioning; [71919]

  (2) what discussion he has had with British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. on the conditioning of German spent fuel and German waste currently held at Sellafield for final disposal in Germany; and if he will make a statement. [71916]

  Mr. Battle
  None. Subject to meeting relevant safety, security and international safeguard requirements, it is for the owners of spent nuclear fuel to choose whether to reprocess it or whether to seek alternative management options. The contracts now in place between BNFL and German electricity utilities are for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. Since 1976 all new contracts for reprocessing of overseas spent fuel have contained options for return of wastes. The government intend that such options should be exercised and that wastes arising from reprocessing be returned to the country of origin. Arrangements for the return of wastes are a commercial matter between BNFL and its overseas customers, subject to meeting relevant regulatory requirements.

  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the German Government on final disposal in Germany of German spent fuel and German nuclear waste that is currently held at Sellafield by BNFL. [71917]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor) on 15 February 1999,Official Report, columns 453–54.

  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library a copy of the KPMG report on British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. [72591]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 15 December 1998,Official Report, column 455.

  Small Businesses (New Jobs)
  Mr. Townend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new jobs he expects will be created by small businesses over the next 12 months. [72298]

  Mr. Wills
  The Department of Trade and Industry does not produce forecasts of the number of jobs created by small businesses. Previous studies have shown that small businesses (those with under 50 employees) are responsible for six out of every ten new jobs created in the UK.

  Written Answers
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many parliamentary questions for written answer have been tabled to his Department in each session since May 1997; and how many have not been answered on grounds of disproportionate cost. [71933]

  Mr. Byers
  In the 1997–98 session, my Department gave written answers to 4,146 questions, of which 18 could not be answered on the grounds of disproportionate cost.

  So far in this session, 692 questions have been given written answers, with 3 not answered on the grounds of disproportionate cost.

  Plutonium Shipments (Japan)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answers to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent, 15 February 1999,Official Report, column 451, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew), 18 January 1999, Official Report, columns 364–65, if he will set out what proportion of the costs for physical protection of transporting plutonium fuels will be borne by Japan and the United Kingdom respectively; and if he will indicate what proportion of the United Kingdom's costs will be borne by the public purse. [72608]

  Mr. Battle
  All the capital costs incurred by BNFL in undertaking contracts for transporting MOX fuel from Europe to Japan, including the costs of ensuring the physical protection of the shipment, would be reflected in the value of the contracts between BNFL and its customers.

  Film Industry
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the Working Time Directive on the film industry. [71744]

  Company Name

  Project Nature

  Date of announcement

  Acer Peripherals

  Computer monitors

  18 December 1997

  Almedica

  Clinical contract packaging

  1 February 1995

  Halla Euro Enterprise

  Excavators and fork lifts

  1 February 1996

  LG Electronics

  Monitor assembly

  1 July 1996

  LG Semiconductors

  Semiconductor fabrication

  1 July 1996

  Robertson Associates

  Can ends for beverage industry

  1 December 1992

  Schulman Plastics

  Plastics

  1 April 1992

  Showa Corporation

  Suspension and steering systems

  23 August 1996

  Unites States Can Co

  Aerosol cans

  20 September 1996

  Au Pairs
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the application of the national minimum wage to au pairs. [71970]
  98
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  There was no specific assessment of the impact of the Working Time Directive on the film industry. An assessment for the whole of British industry was made, a copy of which is held in the Library of the House.

  Payment Cards
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the post offices that have been automated to take payment cards under the BA PoCL scheme. [72023]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Post Office have provided a list of the 204 post offices in the North-East and South-West of England that have been automated and are paying Child Benefit by Payment Card as part of a limited trial. A copy of the list has been placed in the library of the House.

  London First
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many civil servants have been seconded from his Department to(a) London First and (b) London First Centre since 1992; and for what purposes. [72166]

  Mr. Wills
  There have been three members of DTI staff out on secondment to London First Centre at different times since 1992: the first, for six months, on Inward Investment work during the initial months of the London Investment Agency; the second, for two years, as a Project Manager, co-ordinating the Inward Investment Programme by promoting London as a location of excellence to overseas investors; and the third, for two years, as Business Development Manager, particularly identifying Inward Investment from North America.

  Inward Investment (Wales)
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the inward investments to Wales since 1992 to which the Invest in Britain Bureau contributed. [72295]

  Mr. Wills
  Between the years 1992 and 1998 my Departments Invest in Britain Bureau were significantly involved in 18 projects into Wales. The following list includes only those projects where the company has not requested commercial confidentiality and is based on information provided by the companies at the time of the announcement of the decision to invest in the UK—it takes no account of subsequent developments.

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The draft National Minimum Wage Regulations, which were laid before Parliament on 16 February, provide an exemption from the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 for work carried
  99
  out, where the worker is living as a member of the employer's family. Overseas nationals in the UK under the Au Pair scheme, who undertake light household work and various childcare duties, and are treated as members of the host families, clearly fall within this category.

  Where au pairs, or any other worker, live in their employer's household and do not fully enjoy such benefits, the national minimum wage will still apply.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to issue guidance to those employing au pairs on the implications of the national minimum wage. [71971]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Detailed guidance on the application of the national minimum wage will be published shortly along with leaflets for employers and workers. It will be widely publicised and available from the helpline number—0845 8450 360.

  World Trade Organisation
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the position of Her Majesty's Government following the joint statement by the European Commission and Japan calling for investment to be included in the Millennium Round of WTO negotiations. [72043]

  Mr. Wilson
  It is also the long-established position of the UK Government that investment should be included in any future Round of negotiations in the WTO.

  European Commission
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the membership of the Article 113 Committee of Directorate-General I of the European Commission. [72042]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Article 113 Committee is an organ of the Council, not the Commission. It meets monthly at Full Member level, weekly at Deputy level, and on an ad-hoc basis at expert level. Each EU Member State is represented on the Committee as is the European Commission. Secretariat services are provided by the Council Secretariat.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement clarifying the(a) status and (b) decision-making process of Article 113 Committee of Directorate-General I of the European Commission. [72054]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Article 113 Committee is an organ of the Council of the EU. The Commission is required to conduct the Common Commercial Policy, in particular in negotiations with third countries and international organisations, in consultation with the Committee. It does not have a formal decision-making role.

  Postal Charges
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 1999,Official Report, column 662, concerning postal charges, what representations he has received concerning the financial effects of the charges on the publishers of periodicals. [72596]
  100
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My right hon. Friend and I have received representations from a number of individual companies and from the Periodical Publishers Association on the effects of the proposed changes to postal tariffs on the publishers of periodicals, which we have carefully noted. Changes to postal tariffs are primarily a matter for the Post Office in consultation with the Post Office Users' National Council.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if an internationally agreed standard for year 2000 compliance for computer systems has been agreed and published; and if he will make a statement. [72157]

  Mr. Wills
  I understand that a draft international standard ISO/IEC/16509 has been circulated by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for balloting within their member bodies. National standards bodies have been asked to reply by 12 March 1999. The British Standards Institution (BSI) is presently formulating the United Kingdom response to the document.

  Tobacco
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the development of global rules for tobacco marketing and on the resources he plans to commit to developing such rules. [70760]

  Ms Jowell
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Ayr (Ms Osborne) on 15 December 1998, Official Report, column 456.

  European Directives
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the simpler legislation for the Internal Market Initiative applies to single market legislation which does not take the form of European Community directives; and what measures exist to simplify legislation currently in force outside of the single market field. [72531]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I have been asked to reply.

  Apart from EC Directives, the Simpler Legislation for the Internal Market (SLIM) initiative also covers EC Regulations—the other type of generally-applicable legally-binding EC instrument—in the Single Market field.

  A Community simplification initiative that goes wider than the Single Market field is the work by the European Commission, European Parliament and Council of Ministers on codification of existing EC legislation. By providing official consolidated texts of legislative acts and their amendments it makes EC legislation more accessible and provides greater legal certainty. It covers all areas of EC legislation and has for example already been applied to legislation in the fields of agriculture, fisheries and social policy in addition to Single Market legislation.
  101

  St. Kilda
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has responded to the request from the UN for an explanation of the licensing of oil developments around St. Kilda; and if he will make a statement. [70868]
  102
  Mr. Macdonald
  I have been asked to reply.

  The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has asked that we respond to the request by 15 April and we shall comply with that timetable.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a breakdown for (i) persistent young offenders and (ii) all young offenders, for each of the past three years, of the time taken from(a) arrest to charge, (b) charge to first appearance, (c) first appearance to start of trial, (d) start of trial to verdict and (e) verdict to sentence. [70620]

  Mr. Boateng
  I shall write to the right hon. Member.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young offenders appeared before youth courts and were convicted for the first time in the most recent year for which figures are available. [71086]

  Mr. Boateng
  The most recent estimate of the number of first time young offenders found guilty in magistrates' courts (both youth and adult magistrates' courts) sets the figure at around 37,000 in 1996. This figure rises to approximately 38,900 if cases heard in the Crown Court are included.

  Criminal Record Certificates
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ask the Active Community Unit to investigate the effect of the cost of criminal record certificates on the voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement. [71864]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Criminal Records Bureau is being established to enable checks to be carried out to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children or vulnerable adults. Costs will be kept to a minimum and the highest form of certificate should cost around £10 for those volunteers having substantial, largely unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults.

  Not all volunteers will require a certificate, and a certificate will not obviate the need for voluntary organisations to carry out their own checks and references as part of normal recruitment procedures. However,

  New instructions

  Appeals disposed of

  1997–98

  Asylum

  Immigration

  Asylum

  Immigration

  Unit cost (£)

  Refugee Legal Centre

  6,123

  —

  4,454

  —

  3796.38

  Immigration Advisory Service

  3,020

  4,667

  1,279

  3,536

  2640.89

  Immigration Appellate Authority

  —

  —

  118,600

  111,200

  —

  1Both rounded to the nearest 00.

  2Overall unit cost for asylum and immigration cases. Immigration cases
  may be more easily dealt with, which may affect the overall figure.

  3Refugee Legal Centre normally deal with more complex asylum claims.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons claimed asylum(a) at the port of entry and (b) at his Department in each of the years 1993 to 1998, broken down by (i) successful application, (ii) unsuccessful application and (iii) application as yet undecided. [70731]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  This information is not available at present but I hope to receive it shortly. I will then write to my hon. Friend.
  104
  the over-riding consideration at all times must be the protection of the vulnerable, and the service to be provided by the Criminal Records Bureau will help to achieve this. We do not believe that volunteering will diminish with the introduction of these checks.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the categories of people he plans to exempt from charges for applications for(a) criminal conviction certificates and (b) criminal record certificates; and if he will make a statement. [71863]

  Mr. Boateng
  All applicants will have to pay for certificates from the Criminal Records Bureau. We considered very carefully whether there was any way in which free checks could be provided for any groups, especially volunteers. We have concluded that it will not be practicable to provide any free checks from the Criminal Records Bureau. We realise that this is unwelcome news but providing free checks would prove an unsustainable burden on the public purse and may increase demand for certificates from the Bureau to an uncontrollable extent. In addition, we do not consider it would be fair to allow one or two groups to have free certificates when there are other equally deserving groups.

  Asylum and Immigration Appeals
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the number of (1) new instructions and (2) disposals in(a) asylum and (b) immigration appeals undertaken by (i) the Immigration Advisory Service and (ii) the Refugee Legal Centre for 1997–98 and the number of appeals in both categories disposed of by the Immigration Appellate Authority in the same period together with the unit cost in both categories. [70755]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  It should be noted that the figures for the Refugee Legal Centre and the Immigration Advisory Service are based on outcomes (those cases in which the appeal may or may not have finally been disposed). The cases dealt with by the Refugee Legal Centre based on outputs is 8,154. The Immigration Advisory Service do not have any comparable statistical information on outputs.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time(a) European Union nationals and (b) non-European Union nationals who have not applied for asylum have spent on temporary admission in each year from 1993 to the latest date for which figures are available. [70747]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Information is available only for non-European Union nationals granted temporary admission at the 12 largest ports in 1998 whose case has
  105
  been resolved. Such persons, excluding those who applied for asylum, spent an average of 11 days on temporary admission.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time between lodging an out-of-country appeal against refusal of entry and removal from the UK and the date of hearing of the appeal in(a) asylum and (b) non-asylum cases, for those (i) removed on the latest convenient date and (ii) who had appeal hearings on the latest convenient date. [70746]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The average length of time between the lodging of an out-of-country non-asylum appeal and the date of the appeal hearing date is 366 days. This information relates to data extracted on 15 February 1999, and covers the 12 largest ports (Heathrow (4 terminals), Gatwick (2 terminals), Manchester (2 terminals), Dover East, Harwich, Stansted and Waterloo.)

  There are very few out-of-country asylum appeals recorded and, therefore, information on average times for these cases may not be representative.

  Police Contingency Reserves
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the level of police contingency reserves in each police force on the last date for which figures are available; what is the level of reserves which the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy recommends police forces should hold; and if he will make a statement. [71925]

  Mr. Boateng
  The level of unallocated balances held by each police authority at 31 March 1998 is shown in the table. In addition, police authorities hold earmarked reserves in respect of provisions, including pensions, insurances, and capital projects.

  The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has recently re-issued to police authorities advice in determining the appropriate level of reserves and balances. CIPFA recommends that the level of balances for a Police Authority should be around 2 per cent. to 5 per cent., depending on local circumstances.

  Police general balances at 31 August 1998

  £000

  Force

  Amount

  Avon & Somerset

  2,539

  Bedfordshire

  1,549

  Cambridgeshire

  1,755

  Cheshire

  6,162

  City of London

  —

  Cleveland

  1,563

  Cumbria

  198

  Derbyshire

  2,423

  Devon & Cornwall

  6,064

  Dorset

  1,227

  Durham

  1,524

  Dyfed-Powys

  527

  Essex

  2,148

  Gloucestershire

  3,320

  Greater Manchester

  8,552

  Gwent

  2,123

  Hampshire

  7,835

  106

  Police general balances at 31 August 1998

  £000

  Force

  Amount

  Hertfordshire

  3,514

  Humberside

  319

  Kent

  5,538

  Lancashire

  7,421

  Leicestershire

  3,054

  Lincolnshire

  522

  Merseyside

  7,452

  Metropolitan Police

  26,495

  Norfolk

  2,735

  Northamptonshire

  5,106

  Northumbria

  —

  North Wales

  2,036

  North Yorkshire

  2,873

  Nottinghamshire

  3,335

  South Wales

  3,600

  South Yorkshire

  6,123

  Staffordshire

  6,996

  Suffolk

  2,002

  Surrey

  3,975

  Sussex

  8,919

  Thames Valley

  5,130

  Warwickshire

  1,750

  West Mercia

  2,880

  West Midlands

  5,010

  West Yorkshire

  3,881

  Wiltshire

  10,907

  Total

  181,082

  Prisoners
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average number of hours per day that prisoners were locked in their cells in each of the last three years, in each(a) Prison Service establishment, (b) privately managed prison and (c) in total; and if he will make a statement. [71924]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Information on the average number of hours per weekday that prisoners were locked in their cells for each of the last three calendar years is given in the table:

  Prison name

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Public prisons

  Acklington

  11.95

  11.95

  11.95

  Albany

  13.0

  13.0

  13.2

  Aldington

  12.2

  12.8

  12.5

  Ashwell

  8.5

  8.5

  8.5

  Askham Grange

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Aylesbury

  14.8

  15.5

  14.6

  Bedford

  13.5

  13.2

  13.3

  Belmarsh

  14.1

  15.8

  15.0

  Birmingham

  17.2

  18.2

  18.5

  Blantyre House

  8.8

  8.8

  8.8

  Blundeston

  12.3

  13.9

  13.9

  Brinsford

  15.5

  12.8

  13.8

  Bristol

  12.4

  14.2

  13.8

  Brixton

  15.4

  10.9

  14.0

  Brockhill

  11.7

  12.8

  13.3

  Bullingdon

  12.9

  14.4

  13.9

  Bullwood Hall

  12.0

  12.0

  12.5

  Camp Hill

  11.9

  12.0

  12.0

  Canterbury

  12.7

  13.8

  13.3

  Cardiff

  12.1

  12.7

  12.1

  107

  Prison name

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Castington

  14.6

  14.2

  14.1

  Channings Wood

  12.8

  12.8

  12.8

  Chelmsford

  16.0

  13.9

  14.8

  Coldingley

  10.5

  10.9

  10.7

  Cookham Wood

  13.5

  15.1

  13.9

  Dartmoor

  14.0

  14.1

  15.2

  Deerbolt

  13.3

  13.5

  13.6

  Dorchester

  13.6

  13.6

  15.6

  Dover

  14.8

  14.8

  14.8

  Downview

  12.5

  12.5

  12.7

  Drake Hall

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Durham

  13.7

  15.2

  15.8

  East Sutton Park

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Elmley

  13.5

  13.8

  14.0

  Erlestoke

  11.2

  12.9

  13.0

  Everthorpe

  12.9

  15.1

  14.9

  Exeter

  14.0

  14.2

  14.2

  Featherstone

  13.7

  13.7

  13.7

  Feltham

  16.1

  16.0

  16.0

  Ford

  10.8

  10.8

  10.6

  Frankland

  14.0

  14.7

  14.6

  Full Sutton

  13.5

  14.2

  14.5

  Garth

  14.9

  14.7

  14.0

  Gartree

  12.0

  13.0

  13.2

  Glen Parva

  14.9

  14.8

  14.8

  Gloucester

  14.5

  14.5

  14.5

  Grendon

  5.7

  9.7

  10.0

  Guys Marsh

  10.8

  10.8

  10.8

  Haslar

  11.8

  12.0

  12.0

  Hatfield

  10.8

  10.8

  10.8

  Haverigg

  11.5

  11.2

  11.2

  Hewell Grange

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Highdown

  12.7

  12.8

  13.8

  Highpoint

  11.0

  12.7

  14.6

  Hindley

  15.6

  16.7

  15.3

  Hollesley Bay

  15.0

  7.7

  8.9

  Holloway

  14.4

  14.1

  13.5

  Holme House

  15.1

  13.7

  14.5

  Hull

  13.4

  13.9

  13.5

  Huntercombe

  12.0

  13.0

  13.0

  Kingston

  11.5

  11.3

  10.8

  Kirkham

  10.5

  10.7

  10.5

  Kirklevington

  0.0

  0.0

  0.4

  Lancaster

  12.3

  12.7

  13.3

  Lancaster Farms

  12.0

  13.0

  14.1

  Latchmere House

  0.0

  0.0

  2.1

  Leeds

  17.1

  16.7

  15.8

  Leicester

  12.6

  13.1

  12.5

  Lewes

  14.8

  15.1

  14.6

  Leyhill

  0.0

  0.0

  2.7

  Lincoln

  12.8

  12.8

  13.7

  Lindholme

  8.7

  8.7

  8.9

  Littlehey

  13.5

  13.5

  13.5

  Liverpool

  16.8

  16.7

  17.1

  Long Lartin

  13.3

  13.6

  14.5

  Low Newton

  14.8

  14.8

  14.5

  Maidstone

  12.6

  12.6

  13.4

  Manchester

  11.6

  12.9

  13.7

  Moorland

  12.1

  12.0

  11.5

  Morton Hall

  0.0

  9.0

  9.0

  Mount

  11.9

  12.2

  13.9

  New Hall

  12.0

  12.0

  12.4

  North Sea Camp

  7.5

  7.5

  7.6

  Notherallerton

  13.8

  13.8

  13.8

  Norwich

  12.9

  14.2

  14.7

  Nottingham

  12.0

  12.2

  14.3

  Onley

  12.0

  12.4

  12.5

  Parkhurst

  13.0

  13.1

  13.7

  Pentonville

  13.9

  15.2

  15.0

  Portland

  13.3

  13.4

  13.3

  Preston

  15.2

  14.8

  15.8

  108

  Prison name

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Ranby

  10.8

  10.9

  10.8

  Reading

  13.5

  15.2

  14.9

  Risley

  13.1

  13.2

  14.2

  Rochester

  12.3

  11.7

  12.3

  Send

  11.3

  11.3

  11.3

  Shepton Mallet

  12.0

  12.0

  12.0

  Shrewsbury

  14.1

  10.0

  10.6

  Stafford

  14.5

  14.5

  14.6

  Standford Hill

  9.5

  9.3

  3.1

  Stocken

  11.5

  11.5

  11.5

  Stoke Heath

  11.9

  12.3

  12.8

  Styal

  10.7

  10.8

  10.8

  Sudbury

  6.3

  0.0

  0.0

  Swaleside

  14.0

  14.2

  14.3

  Swansea

  13.3

  14.7

  16.7

  Swinfen Hall

  13.9

  13.9

  15.4

  Thorn Cross

  11.5

  11.5

  11.5

  Usk

  8.2

  7.8

  7.6

  Verne

  9.5

  9.5

  9.5

  Wakefield

  12.4

  13.1

  14.3

  Wandsworth

  14.1

  14.5

  15.8

  Wayland

  12.0

  12.3

  13.5

  Wealstun

  11.4

  11.4

  11.7

  Wellingborough

  12.0

  12.0

  12.7

  Werrington

  10.5

  10.5

  10.5

  Wetherby

  12.0

  12.6

  13.3

  Whatton

  11.3

  11.3

  11.3

  Whitemoor

  13.8

  13.9

  13.9

  Winchester

  15.5

  13.5

  15.6

  Woodhill

  12.1

  12.5

  13.1

  Wormwood Scrubs

  13.7

  15.8

  15.3

  Wymott

  10.8

  11.7

  11.8

  Privately managed prisons

  Blakenhurst

  10.7

  13.3

  13.3

  Buckley Hall

  10.7

  11.5

  10.9

  Doncaster

  11.9

  12.5

  12.9

  Wolds

  10.5

  10.6

  12.0

  Service Total

  11.8

  12.0

  12.2

  Altcourse1

  —

  —

  11

  Lowdham Grange1

  —

  —

  10.5

  Parc1

  —

  —

  10

  1These establishments began operating during the course of the year. The data are therefore only partial and so have not been included in the service totals.

  Home Detention Curfew
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what level of probation supervision those offenders released under the Home Detention Curfew scheme will be subject to; and if he will make a statement. [71927]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Offenders sentenced to 12 months and over are subject on release to supervision by a probation officer in accordance with National Standards, which apply whether or not an offender qualifies for the home detention curfew scheme. These Standards lay down, amongst other things, minimum levels of contact. A copy of the Standards is in the Library. They are now being reviewed in consultation with interested bodies, but revisions will not come into effect before April 2000.

  Offenders subject to shorter sentences are not liable to statutory probation service supervision, but may approach probation staff for advice or assistance.
  109
  No offenders are placed on home detention curfew scheme in the first place without a probation service assessment of suitability.

  Prisoners (Repatriation)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many foreign nationals, excluding Irish nationals, serving prison sentences in the UK have(a) applied for repatriation to their home countries in the last two years to complete their sentences and (b) had their applications granted; and if he will make a statement. [71865]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The number of foreign national prisoners (excluding Irish nationals) in England and Wales who applied for repatriation to their home countries to complete their sentences were as follows:

  1997: 90

  1998: 112.

  The number1 of foreign national prisoners (excluding Irish nationals) transferred from England and Wales to their home country over the same period were:

  1997: 5

  1998: 20.

  Figures relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Northern Ireland respectively.
  1These figures do not necessarily relate to applications made in the same period.

  Violence (NHS and School Staff)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each of the last three years for which figures are available, how many incidents of violence were recorded(a) against NHS staff, (b) against school staff and (c) in total; and if he will make a statement. [71862]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested for NHS and schools staff is not collected centrally. The total numbers of violent crimes notified to the Home Office in the last three financial years, which includes offences of violence against the person, robbery and sexual offences, are as follows:

  Number of offences

  1995–96

  319,675

  1996–97

  348,032

  1997–98

  352,873

  Bookmakers
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the proposed changes to the Bookmakers Committee. [70991]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We issued a consultation letter to interested organisations seeking comments by 8 February. We have received representations from Tyndallwoods solicitors (on behalf of the British Betting Office Association, the National Association of 110
  Bookmakers and the Scottish Independent Bookmakers' Association), the Betting Office Licensees Association, William Hill, Coral, Ladbroke and Stanley Leisure.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact on the competitiveness of small and independent bookmakers of replacing the existing scheme by an increased flat percentage rate of levy payable on each bookmaking shop. [70992]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Government have made no such assessment. The structure and rates of levy are matters for the Horserace Betting Levy Board.

  Civil Servants (Misconduct)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the offences or acts of misconduct under which a civil servant in his Department could have his pension removed or reduced; and how often this has happened during the last five years. [70785]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 15 February 1999,Official Report, column 570.

  Airside Transit Visas
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people of which nationalities holding airside transit visas were(a) permitted to transit at a UK airport and (b) refused entry to the UK in (i) 1996, (ii) 1997 and (iii) 1998; [70739]

  (2) how many people of which nationalities arriving in the UK holding airside transit visas did not leave the UK as required and how many of these (a) applied for asylum, (b) were recognised as refugees, (c) were granted exceptional leave and (d) were refused entry to the UK in (i) 1996, (ii) 1997 and (iii) 1998. [70738]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Information is available only on holders of airside transit visas refused entry at the 12 largest ports, and is given in the table. Only 2 of these persons applied for asylum, both in 1996—a Ghanaian who made a voluntary departure from the United Kingdom before a decision was reached on the application, and a Nigerian whose application was refused.

  Number1

  1996

  China

  2

  Ghana

  2

  Iran

  1

  Iraq

  1

  Nigeria

  3

  Somalia

  1

  Total

  10

  1997

  Afghanistan

  1

  China

  1

  Ethiopia

  1

  Ghana

  1

  111

  Number1

  Iran

  4

  Sri Lanka

  2

  Uganda

  1

  Total

  11

  1998

  China

  1

  Ghana

  1

  Iran

  3

  Iraq

  2

  Slovakia

  2

  Sri Lanka

  2

  Yugoslavia

  2

  Total

  13

  1Data cover Heathrow (4 terminals, Gatwick (2), Manchester (2), Dover East, Harwich, Stansted, Waterloo.

  Serious Assaults
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of serious assaults reported to the police in England and Wales in 1998 resulted in charges being laid against the alleged perpetrators. [72022]

  Mr. Boateng
  These data are not collected centrally. For 1997 the proportion of all crimes of violence against the person, recorded by the police in England and Wales, which was cleared up by a charge or summons was 39 per cent.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71849]

  Mr. Straw
  In common with other Departments, the work of press officers in my Department includes responding to any misinformed allegations concerning Government policy or activity which are published in the media. They are supported in this work by other officials as necessary.

  Because this is a routine part of a Department's work and it is not separately recorded from other tasks, to provide the further information requested would involve disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Nigel Locke
  Mr. Lock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Mr. Nigel Locke of Vine Street, Kidderminster, can expect to receive compensation for the hand guns he has surrendered as required by law; and if he will make a statement concerning the reason for the delay in making payment to Mr. Locke. [72367]

  Mr. Boateng
  Compensation was paid under Option A of the statutory surrender scheme for small-calibre pistols on 25 November 1998 and under Option C of the scheme on 17 February 1999. The more complicated Option C claims, based on individual evidence of value, are dealt with at a second stage in the interests of efficiency and to smooth the payment process. I outlined the measures we 112
  are taking to speed the processing of these compensation claims in my reply to the hon. Member for Tewkesbury (Mr. Robertson) on 28 October 1998, Official Report, columns 179–80.

  Asylum Seekers
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the implications for access to the social security benefits system of where asylum seekers seek refuge. [72019]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Whilst I have not commissioned any independent research, Home Office officials have examined this issue and have provided advice for Ministers.

  Review of Sex Offences
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) which(a) (i) religious and (ii) other bodies and (b) individuals have been invited to take part in the Review of Sex Offences; [72343]

  (2) if he will list those (a) bodies and (b) individuals who have been invited to meet regularly with his Department's officials as part of the Review of Sex Offences. [72350]

  Mr. Boateng
  The following organisations and individuals form part of the steering group and external reference group of the review of sex offences under the chairmanship of the Home Office:(a)(i) Religious bodies

  CARE (Christian Action, Research and Education)

  Kairos in Soho

  Board of Deputies of British Jews

  (a) (ii) Other bodies

  NSPCC

  The Law Society

  Metropolitan Stipendiary Magistrates

  Association of Chief Police Officers

  Victim Support

  The Bar Council

  Barnardo's

  The Children's Society

  NCH Action for Children

  Blackliners

  Campaign to End Rape

  Rape Crisis Federation

  Stonewell

  St. Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre

  British Medical Association

  Women's National Commission

  MIND

  MENCAP

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers

  Cabinet Office Women's Unit

  Department of Health

  Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

  Department for Employment and Education

  Northern Ireland Office

  113

  Welsh Office

  Scottish Office

  Crown Prosecution Service

  Her Majesty's Treasury

  Department for Culture, Media and Sport

  (b) Individuals

  Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

  Martin Bowley QC

  The Reverend Canon Donald Gray CBE TD PhD

  Reverend Chris Russell

  Dan Lambeth

  Professor Jennifer Temkin

  Dr. Liz Kelly.

  No other bodies or individuals have been asked to meet regularly with my officials but there will be consultation conferences and seminars where other organisations and individuals will be able to contribute their views.

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if the closure date for submissions to the Review of Sex Offences is likely to be extended; [72349]

  (2) which (a) bodies and (b) individuals have been consulted to date as part of the Review of Sex Offences; [72346]

  (3) if (a) bodies and (b) individuals who have not been invited to meet regularly with his Department's officials as part of the Review of Sex Offences will have any further opportunity to contribute to the Review after the closure date for submissions. [72348]

  Mr. Boateng
  The review of sex offences is being carried out in an open and inclusive manner. The terms of reference were set out in a consultation leaflet issued on 25 January. The leaflet "A Review of Sex Offences" invites views on how the criminal law should apply in the area of sex offences, and asks for responses by 19 March 1999. Some 4,000 copies of the leaflet have been sent out to a wide cross-section of organisations and individuals concerned with criminal justice and social policy. The leaflet is also available on the Internet.

  There are no plans formally to extend the period of this initial consultation which is intended to enable people to put their views on the present law in at the beginning so

  Table A: Number of persons convicted at all courts of buggery
  offences by type of offence, England and Wales, 1987–97

  Offence description

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Buggery with a boy under the age of sixteen or with a woman or animal

  195

  232

  183

  189

  168

  163

  136

  135

  86

  5

  —

  Buggery by a man with a male of the age of 16 or over without consent

  14

  18

  15

  13

  14

  15

  17

  23

  8

  2

  —

  Buggery by a man of the age of 21 or over with another male under the age of 21 with
  consent

  10

  20

  12

  9

  10

  12

  4

  7

  1

  —

  —

  Buggery by a man with another male other than above

  6

  15

  3

  4

  5

  3

  5

  1

  2

  —

  —

  Male member of staff of hospital or mental nursing home committing buggery or act of gross
  indecency with a male patient

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Man committing buggery or an act of gross indecency with mentally disordered male patient who
  is subject to his care

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Attempt to commit buggery with a boy under the age of 16 or with a woman or an animal

  20

  31

  26

  18

  26

  17

  20

  16

  14

  2

  —

  Attempt by a man to commit buggery with a male of the age of 16 or over without consent

  3

  5

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  1

  2

  —

  —

  114
  that they can contribute directly to the work of the review at an early stage. The review would however like to continue to receive views as its work progresses.

  This initial consultation exercise will be followed by a series of conferences and seminars on particular aspects of sex offences, which will enable bodies and individuals who are not on the steering group or external review group to contribute to the work of the review.

  The recommendations of the review will form the basis of further public consultation exercise on the proposals that emerge.

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Review of Sex Offences will be considering raising the ages of consent for sexual activity. [72347]

  Mr. Boateng
  The review will be considering the whole framework of sex offences, which would include whether the ages of consent should be raised. We have already made it absolutely clear that this Government will not accept any reduction in the age of consent below that of 16 years.

  Buggery
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for each of the years 1987 to 1997 of those convicted of the offence of buggery (1) in how many cases the victim or other party to the offence was aged(a) under 14, (b) 14 to 17, (c) 18 to 20, (d) 21 to 40, (e) 41 to 64 and (f) 65 years and over, giving in each age group the number who were (1) male and (2) female; [72345]

  (2) of those convicted of (a) indecent assault on a male, (b) indecency between males and (c) buggery in each of the years 1987 to 1997, for each of the age groups (i) under 14, (ii) 14 to 17, (iii) 18 to 20, (iv) 21 to 40, (v) 41 to 64 and (vi) 65 years and over, how many were sentenced to immediate custody; [72342]

  (3) for each of the years 1987 to 1997, what were the numbers of (a) prosecutions, (b) convictions and (c) cautions for (1) indecency between males and (2) buggery; and in each of the categories what were the numbers of those persons who were aged (i) under 14, (ii) 14 to 17, (iii) 18 to 20, (iv) 21 to 40, (v) 41 to 64 and (vi) 65 years and over. [72338]

  Mr. Boateng
  Available information is given in the tables. The Home Office Court Proceedings Database cannot identify the ages of victims to the detail required.
  115

  Table A: Number of persons convicted at all courts of buggery
  offences by type of offence, England and Wales, 1987–97

  Offence description

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Attempt by a man of the age of 21 or over to commit buggery with another male under the age
  of 16 or over without consent

  3

  4

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Attempt by a man to commit buggery with another male other than above

  —

  2

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Assault with attempt to commit buggery

  4

  1

  6

  5

  3

  —

  2

  2

  1

  —

  5

  Buggery and attempted buggery offences under S12 Sexual Offences Act 1956, as
  amended by S143 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994

  Buggery or attempted buggery by a male of a male under 16

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  29

  66

  70

  Buggery or attempted buggery by a male aged 21 or over with a male aged 16 or 17

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  2

  3

  6

  Buggery by a male aged 18–20 with a male aged 16 or 17

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  —

  —

  1

  Buggery or attempted buggery by a male aged 16 or 17 with a male aged 16 or over

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  —

  —

  —

  Buggery or attempted buggery by a male with another male not included above

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  7

  2

  9

  Buggery or attempted buggery by a male with a female under 16

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  7

  17

  21

  Buggery or attempted buggery by a male aged 21 or over with a female aged 16 or 17

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  2

  2

  —

  Buggery or attempted buggery by a male aged 18–20 with a female aged 16 or 17

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1

  —

  —

  Buggery or attempted buggery by a male with a female not included above

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  7

  10

  7

  Buggery or attempted buggery with an animal

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  —

  4

  1

  Other buggery offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Total buggery offences

  257

  328

  254

  241

  233

  213

  187

  189

  169

  113

  120

  1Not applicable

  Table B: Number of persons cautioned, prosecuted at
  magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for offences of (a) indecency between males and
  (b) buggery by age—1987–97, England and Wales

  Offence and age

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  (a) Indecency between males

  Age 10–13

  Cautioned

  5

  4

  5

  9

  6

  2

  3

  —

  1

  2

  2

  Prosecuted

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Convicted

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Age 14–17

  Cautioned

  22

  24

  36

  36

  13

  22

  10

  10

  8

  11

  5

  Prosecuted

  10

  15

  20

  20

  6

  7

  2

  6

  6

  1

  1

  Convicted

  9

  12

  15

  14

  5

  3

  —

  4

  3

  2

  —

  Age 18–20

  Cautioned

  20

  19

  24

  19

  22

  30

  22

  8

  8

  6

  13

  Prosecuted

  45

  58

  54

  53

  31

  26

  11

  11

  8

  7

  11

  Convicted

  42

  52

  46

  36

  15

  20

  6

  8

  3

  4

  3

  Age 21–40

  Cautioned

  60

  63

  77

  121

  180

  239

  259

  265

  176

  156

  183

  Prosecuted

  577

  770

  877

  673

  455

  401

  283

  289

  246

  135

  154

  Convicted

  523

  645

  772

  534

  349

  299

  192

  226

  203

  108

  112

  Age 41–64

  Cautioned

  28

  32

  43

  47

  82

  161

  145

  128

  133

  106

  90

  Prosecuted

  395

  612

  695

  534

  285

  304

  209

  280

  202

  124

  132

  Convicted

  353

  553

  606

  427

  232

  230

  169

  226

  176

  97

  105

  Age 65+

  Cautioned

  20

  21

  30

  18

  24

  22

  34

  26

  21

  23

  15

  Prosecuted

  32

  80

  70

  46

  37

  38

  35

  22

  32

  16

  20

  Convicted

  24

  71

  63

  37

  26

  27

  22

  16

  25

  8

  17

  All ages

  Cautioned

  155

  163

  215

  250

  327

  476

  473

  437

  347

  304

  308

  Prosecuted

  1,059

  1,535

  1,717

  1,326

  815

  776

  540

  608

  494

  283

  318

  Convicted

  951

  1,333

  1,503

  1,048

  627

  579

  389

  480

  410

  219

  237

  116 117

  Table B: Number of persons cautioned, prosecuted at
  magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for offences of (a) indecency between
  males and (b) buggery by age—1987–97, England and Wales

  Offence and age

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  (b) Buggery offences

  Age 10–13

  Cautioned

  5

  7

  10

  13

  6

  4

  9

  8

  6

  5

  1

  Prosecuted

  1

  1

  —

  2

  1

  1

  —

  4

  3

  1

  1

  Convicted

  1

  —

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  2

  1

  —

  —

  Age 14–17

  Cautioned

  37

  34

  28

  42

  31

  30

  21

  30

  5

  7

  7

  Prosecuted

  22

  38

  28

  41

  41

  27

  25

  37

  15

  9

  7

  Convicted

  17

  26

  17

  24

  15

  16

  10

  17

  7

  3

  3

  Age 18–20

  Cautioned

  12

  14

  11

  6

  7

  4

  9

  2

  1

  —

  3

  Prosecuted

  27

  34

  27

  20

  27

  24

  24

  18

  7

  2

  7

  Convicted

  21

  30

  20

  17

  14

  20

  10

  11

  9

  4

  4

  Age 21–40

  Cautioned

  15

  18

  19

  21

  20

  18

  12

  14

  6

  4

  3

  Prosecuted

  178

  209

  182

  197

  192

  203

  184

  191

  108

  47

  51

  Convicted

  131

  158

  135

  109

  119

  95

  90

  100

  81

  45

  46

  Age 41–64

  Cautioned

  6

  7

  10

  7

  3

  7

  7

  5

  3

  2

  1

  Prosecuted

  97

  136

  126

  140

  130

  163

  129

  153

  103

  73

  86

  Convicted

  85

  109

  74

  88

  78

  72

  71

  52

  67

  54

  54

  Age 65+

  Cautioned

  —

  4

  3

  6

  2

  1

  —

  2

  1

  1

  2

  Prosecuted

  4

  5

  13

  13

  11

  8

  9

  7

  9

  8

  25

  Convicted

  2

  5

  7

  2

  6

  10

  6

  7

  4

  7

  13

  All ages

  Cautioned

  75

  84

  81

  95

  69

  64

  58

  61

  22

  19

  17

  Prosecuted

  329

  423

  376

  413

  402

  426

  371

  410

  245

  140

  177

  Convicted

  257

  328

  254

  241

  233

  213

  187

  189

  169

  113

  120

  Table C: Number of persons sentenced at all courts to
  immediate custody for offences of (a) indecent assault on a male, (b) indecency
  between males and (c) buggery by age-group, England and Wales, 1987–97

  Offence and age group

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  (a) Indecent assault on a male

  Age 10–13

  Total sentenced

  4

  3

  3

  2

  2

  1

  4

  6

  —

  2

  5

  Age 14–17

  Immediate custody

  2

  3

  2

  2

  2

  2

  4

  1

  3

  5

  3

  Total sentenced

  34

  37

  32

  32

  24

  30

  22

  28

  34

  41

  45

  Age 18–20

  Immediate custody

  9

  6

  11

  10

  5

  4

  8

  8

  8

  10

  3

  Total sentenced

  28

  32

  45

  35

  26

  23

  23

  22

  18

  22

  14

  Age 21–40

  Immediate custody

  107

  108

  85

  103

  88

  77

  92

  93

  84

  109

  107

  Total sentenced

  240

  253

  205

  259

  199

  191

  175

  168

  180

  176

  167

  Age 41–64

  Immediate custody

  93

  87

  83

  73

  84

  86

  92

  97

  151

  141

  141

  Total sentenced

  178

  193

  194

  209

  185

  197

  158

  166

  229

  205

  216

  Age 65 and over

  Immediate custody

  8

  11

  10

  9

  7

  5

  9

  7

  14

  15

  10

  Total sentenced

  26

  30

  27

  34

  29

  22

  30

  20

  25

  29

  20

  All ages

  Immediate custody

  219

  215

  191

  197

  186

  174

  205

  206

  260

  280

  264

  Total sentenced

  510

  548

  506

  571

  465

  464

  412

  410

  486

  475

  467

  (b) Indecency between males

  Age 10–13

  Total sentenced

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Age 14–17

  Immediate custody

  1

  —

  2

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total sentenced

  9

  12

  15

  14

  5

  3

  —

  4

  3

  2

  —

  Age 18–20

  Immediate custody

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total sentenced

  42

  52

  46

  36

  15

  20

  6

  8

  3

  4

  3

  Age 21–40

  Immediate custody

  19

  8

  13

  6

  5

  4

  4

  3

  5

  3

  3

  Total sentenced

  522

  645

  772

  532

  349

  299

  191

  226

  203

  108

  112

  118 119

  Table C: Number of persons sentenced at all courts to immediate custody for offences of (a) indecent assault on a male, (b) indecency
  between males and (c) buggery by age-group, England and Wales, 1987–97

  Offence and age group

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Age 41–64

  Immediate custody

  11

  12

  7

  5

  6

  3

  2

  4

  12

  1

  3

  Total sentenced

  353

  553

  605

  429

  231

  231

  169

  226

  176

  97

  104

  Age 65 and over

  Immediate custody

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  Total sentenced

  24

  71

  63

  37

  26

  27

  21

  16

  25

  8

  17

  All ages

  Immediate custody

  31

  20

  23

  11

  11

  8

  6

  8

  18

  4

  6

  Total sentenced

  950

  1,333

  1,502

  1,048

  626

  580

  387

  480

  410

  219

  236

  (c) Buggery offences

  Age 10–13

  Total sentenced

  1

  —

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  2

  1

  —

  —

  Age 14–17

  Immediate custody

  4

  3

  —

  2

  8

  1

  2

  1

  3

  —

  —

  Total sentenced

  17

  26

  17

  23

  16

  16

  10

  17

  7

  3

  3

  Age 18–20

  Immediate custody

  11

  13

  11

  7

  10

  8

  6

  7

  6

  2

  1

  Total sentenced

  21

  30

  20

  17

  15

  20

  10

  11

  9

  4

  4

  Age 21–40

  Immediate custody

  108

  117

  105

  79

  93

  75

  65

  68

  68

  40

  39

  Total sentenced

  131

  158

  135

  109

  119

  95

  90

  100

  81

  45

  46

  Age 41–64

  Immediate custody

  73

  95

  65

  81

  71

  55

  61

  50

  59

  50

  50

  Total sentenced

  85

  109

  74

  88

  78

  72

  71

  52

  67

  54

  54

  Age 65 and over

  Immediate custody

  2

  5

  7

  2

  5

  8

  5

  4

  4

  7

  12

  Total sentenced

  2

  5

  7

  2

  6

  10

  6

  7

  4

  7

  13

  All ages

  Immediate custody

  198

  233

  188

  171

  187

  147

  139

  130

  140

  99

  102

  Total sentenced

  257

  328

  254

  240

  235

  213

  187

  189

  169

  113

  120

  Indecency Offences (Males)
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for each of years 1987 to 1997 what was the number of notifications for the offence of indecency between males. [72344]

  Mr. Boateng
  The numbers of recorded offences of indecency between males from 1987 to 1997 in England and Wales are as listed.

  Year

  Number

  1987

  1,127

  1988

  1,306

  1989

  2,022

  1990

  1,159

  1991

  965

  1992

  892

  1993

  671

  1994

  683

  1995

  727

  1996

  553

  1997

  520

  KPMG
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the services that KPMG have performed for his Department(a) since 1 May 1997 and (b) in the corresponding period prior to 1 May 1997, indicating the remuneration made in each case. [72010]
  120
  Mr. Straw
  Services performed by KPMG for my Department and the estimated remuneration made in each case are as follows:

  (a) From 1 May 1997 to date (ie 20 months)

  Service

  Amount (£)

  Management Consultancy Services

  181,784

  Training/Personnel services

  123,445

  Project Management/Participation

  2,382,012

  Audit Services

  144,279

  Benchmarking Services

  102,385

  Financial Advice

  122,385

  Total

  3,056,290

  (b) From 1 November 1995 to 30 April 1997 (ie 20 months prior to 1 May 1997)

  Service

  Amount (£)

  Management Consultancy Services

  7,984

  Training/Personnel services

  8,216

  Project Management/Participation

  40,537

  Audit Services

  3,000

  Benchmarking Services

  —

  Financial Services

  —

  Total

  59,737

  The information does not include data for the Prison Service for the period 1 November 1995 to 31 March 1996, as records were not kept before April 1996.

  Crime (Victims and Witnesses)
  Ms Christine Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve services for victims of crime and witnesses. [72146]

  Mr. Boateng
  I will be announcing very shortly how we intend to improve services for victims and witnesses at magistrates' courts and the enhanced level of funding we shall be making available to Victim Support.

  Ministerial Meetings (US Ministers)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times Ministers in his Department have met their counterparts in the US Administration since 1 June 1998, indicating the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved, and the name of the US counterpart. [71964]

  Mr. Straw
  I am in regular contact with Janet Reno, the United States Attorney General, and have had a number of meetings with her. In the period covered by the question, I also chaired a meeting of G8 counterparts, on 16 December 1998, which was conducted by video conference, at the request of Janet Reno.

  Since June 1998, there have been no other meetings between Ministers in my Department and their United States counterparts.

  CS Aerosol Incapacitants
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the guidelines for the police on the use of personal issue, hand-held CS aerosol incapacitants. [71963]

  Mr. Boateng
  Copies of the guidelines issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) were placed in the Library on 17 April 1996, in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Sheerman). I understand that the guidelines are currently being reviewed by ACPO. No guidelines are issued by the Home Office.

  Railways (Trespassing)
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which organisation has overall responsibility for prosecuting trespass on railways; and how many prosecutions for trespassing on railways have taken place in each year since 1996. [71531]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The initial decision to prosecute trespassers is taken by the British Transport Police but the final decision to continue a prosecution with a court hearing lies with the Crown Prosecution Service. The figures for prosecutions since 1996 are as follows:

  Prosecuted

  Cautioned/warned

  Total

  1996

  321

  4,390

  4,711

  1997

  589

  4,751

  5,310

  1998

  485

  4,574

  5,059

  Total

  1,395

  13,685

  15,080

  122
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions since 1996 an individual identified by the police as causing a rail accident whilst trespassing on the railway has not subsequently been prosecuted. [71532]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The British Transport Police have no record of any occasion where an identified person who has caused a rail accident while trespassing on the railways has not been prosecuted.

  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) the hunts which have been investigated by the police for possible offences since 1996 and (b) the investigations which related to (i) trespassing on railways and (ii) causing road accidents. [71530]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Domestic Violence
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate how many women reported domestic violence for the years(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98, indicating the methodology used in his estimate. [71782]

  Mr. Boateng
  Recorded crime statistics relate to offence type, not to the relationship between offender and victim. There is, therefore, no definitive figure for the number of crimes which are domestic in nature.

  Statistical returns submitted to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) by police forces in England and Wales have included a figure on domestic violence incidents, but, until now, the definition of "domestic violence" has been interpreted very differently between forces. From April 1999, HMIC will be adopting a narrower, but common, definition.

  The 1996 British Crime Survey included a new computerised self-completion questionnaire designed to give the most reliable findings to date on the extent of domestic violence in England and Wales.

  The report on the findings of this questionnaire (Home Office Research Study 191) was published on 21 January 1999, and a copy has been placed in the Library. 4.2 per cent. of women said they had been physically assaulted by a current or former partner in the last year. The police were told of 9 per cent. of incidents against women who reported one or two attacks, and 22 per cent. of incidents against women who reported three or more attacks. Medical staff were the next most likely to hear of incidents.

  Drug Dealers
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convicted drug dealers now serving prison sentences in England and Wales who have been convicted in the last five years, and were ordered by the trial judge to hand over financial assets thought to have been acquired as a result of dealing in drugs, have not done so to date; and if he will make a statement. [69806]
  123
  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is not collected centrally to the detail required.

  The available information, taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database, shows that between 1993 to 1997, 22,959 offenders were sentenced to immediate custody at the Crown Court for drug trafficking offences. Out of these, a confiscation order was imposed on 5,322 (23 per cent.).

  Mediation UK
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of discussions with Mediation UK for core funding for 1999–2000. [71542]

  Mr. Boateng
  Mediation UK does valuable work, which contributes to the policy objectives of a number of Government Departments. It has not previously been funded by the Home Office but I am meeting its Director, this week, to discuss possible ways of keeping the organisation in being while longer-term funding issues are considered.

  Legal Services
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) the London barristers' chambers and (b) the London solicitors' firms that have performed services for his Department (i) since 1 May 1997 and (ii) in the equivalent period preceding that date, indicating the remuneration paid in each particular case. [70033]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]The information sought could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

  My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General appointed Philip Sales as First Junior Counsel (Common Law) and Jonathan Crow as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Chancery) to advise and represent the Government in their important civil cases. In addition, the Attorney-General maintains at present two London panels of junior Counsel whom Departments are expected to use for the rest of the Government's civil litigation. The panels currently comprise 103 barristers from 42 different sets of chambers. The Attorney-General will shortly appoint a third panel of very junior barristers. The Attorney-General's individual nomination is required before a barrister who is not on one of the approved panels can be instructed to appear for the Government in litigation.

  Departments may use firms of solicitors in addition to the Treasury Solicitor and their departmental legal advisers, for example, where the relevant expertise lies in the private sector. The relationship is subject to the usual confidentiality which operates between lawyer and client.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what amounts in his Department's budget for 1998–99 can be attributed to spending on disabled people; and what proportion this represents of total departmental spending. [71287]
  124
  Mr. Straw
  It is not possible to identify the amounts in my Department's budget which can be specifically attributed to spending on people with disabilities. Such spending is contained within wider budgets allocated to different parts of my Department.

  South Devon Hunt
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the progress of the investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police into the road accidents on the A38 near Ashburton in December 1998 involving the South Devon Hunt. [71590]

  Mr. Boateng
  I understand from the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary that the investigation into the two accidents is nearing completion and that they will be writing to those involved in the near future.

  Mink-keeping Licences
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) prosecutions have been brought and (b) convictions have been secured against individuals in connection with protests against establishments holding a mink-keeping licence in the last five years. [71312]

  Mr. Boateng
  Protesters would not be prosecuted unless they were committing an offence, for example, aggravated trespass, criminal damage, or breach of the peace, or breaking conditions which may be imposed on processions and assemblies by the police under the Public Order Act 1986. The Home Office Court Proceedings Database does not identify the circumstances of an offence to the detail required.

  Criminal Cases Review Commission
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the operation of the Criminal Cases Review Commission; and if he will make a statement. [71359]

  Kate Hoey
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's view on the performance and effectiveness of the Commission was set out in a recent note for the Home Affairs Select Committee, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for how long the Criminal Cases Review Commission has been considering the case of Mr. John Kamara; and when he expects them to reach a decision. [71360]

  Kate Hoey
  I understand that the Commission began work on Mr. Kamara's application in July 1997, and that the case is due to be considered next month by a case committee of three Commission members, which may either decide whether or not to refer the case to the Court of Appeal, or that further investigation is required.

  Trespass (Prosecutions)
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of trespass onto private property have resulted in prosecution in each of the past 10 years. [71526]
  125
  Mr. Boateng
  Information given in the table is for criminal prosecutions under sections 61 and 68 to 71 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

  In the past, the police and courts had dealt with trespass situations covered by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act using pre-existing powers and offences. These included sections of the Public Order Act 1986, common law breach of the peace, public nuisance and criminal damage. Information on the Home Office Court Proceedings Database does not identify the circumstances of such offences.

  Number of defendants prosecuted for criminal trespass offences under sections 61, 68 and 69 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, England and Wales, 1995–97

  Offence description

  1995

  1996

  1997

  S61 Power to remove trespassers on land

  4

  4

  15

  S68 Offence of aggravated trespass

  111

  359

  160

  S69 Powers to remove persons committing or participating in aggravated trespass

  15

  27

  25

  S70(pt)1 Take part in prohibited assembly

  —

  —

  —

  S70(pt)1 Inciting another to take part in a prohibited assembly

  2

  2

  —

  S70(pt)1 Inciting another to take part in a prohibited trespassory assembly

  1

  2

  —

  S712 Ignoring a directive not to proceed in the direction of the assembly (trespassory)

  —

  1

  —

  1As added to Part II S14A and 14B of Public Order Act 1986

  2As added to Part II S14C of Public Order Act 1986

  Road Policing
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what actions he is taking to ensure greater consistency among police forces in road policing. [71479]

  Mr. Boateng
  In the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, we provided the means to tackle local road policing issues. In August 1998 we set new overarching aims and objectives for the police. The importance of road policing is emphasised in both the objective of improving road safety and the objective of reducing crime and the fear of crime. In November, in his letter to forces about his new development priorities, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary specifically emphasised the importance of road policing.

  The recent thematic inspection of road policing by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary concluded that not enough attention had previously been given to road policing and its recommendations seek the proper integration of the function which would lead to greater consistency of approach across forces.

  National Insurance Numbers and Passports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate how many illegally obtained(a) National Insurance numbers and (b) UK passports are currently held by non-UK nationals. [71097]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There are no figures available on illegally obtained United Kingdom passports currently in the possession of non-United Kingdom nationals. The Passport Agency keeps records of the numbers of fraudulent passport applications detected. The level of abuse detected in 1998 was 1,368 applications, amounting to under 0.03 per cent. of total passport issues. The vast majority of these abuses related to fraudulent applications detected before a passport was issued.
  126
  The Home Office has no responsibility for National Insurance numbers; but the Department of Social Security has indicated that they have no figures relating to non-United Kingdom nationals and illegally obtained National Insurance numbers.

  Speed Cameras
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many speed cameras are situated in each county police force area. [71438]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not available centrally. The enforcement of road traffic law is an operational matter for each individual chief officer and they decide whether to deploy such technology in the light of their local conditions and policing priorities.

  Cyclists
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cyclists have been convicted of riding on pedestrian footpaths in(a) 1996, (b) 1997 and (c) 1998. [71550]

  Mr. Boateng
  Available information for the years 1995 to 1997 (latest available) is given in the table. 1998 data will begin to become available in the Spring of this year.

  Number of persons cautioned and convicted for cycling on footpaths1, England and Wales, 1995–1997

  Disposal

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Cautioned

  204

  268

  270

  Convicted

  282

  383

  594

  1Offences under Highways Act 1835 S72 (as amended by Local Government Act 1888 s85(1); the Statute Law Revision (no2) Act 1888; Highways Act 1959 Sch25; Criminal Justice Act 1967 3rd Sch; Criminal Justice Act 1982 ss39 and 46 and Sch3); Metropolitan Police Act 1839 s54(7), and Bylaws.

  Au Pairs
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to alter his Department's recommendation of £35 to £40 as a reasonable weekly allowance for au pairs working a maximum of 25 hours under rule 88 of the Immigration Rules. [71735]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  [pursuant to his reply, 16 February 1999, c. 654]Work undertaken by nationals living in the United Kingdom under the au pair scheme will not be subject to the National Minimum Wage provisions. The recommended weekly allowance will be kept under review.

  Drugs and Driving
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the incidence of driving while under the influence of illegal drugs. [69111]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are working closely with the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and Association of Chief Police Officers. The Home Office Police Scientific Development Branch is researching into the possible development of roadside drugs screening technology and we support the Association of Chief Police Officers in its work to ensure that officers have the appropriate training to enforce the
  127
  current legislation as effectively as possible. We will consider possible changes in legislation in the light of the results of the DETR research into the incidence of drugs in road fatalities.

HEALTH

  Minimum Wage and Working Time Regulations
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the annual cost to the NHS of(a) the national minimum wage and (b) the working time regulations. [69762]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]There are no national rates of pay for adult staff working in the National Health Service at or below the national Minimum Wage level of £3.60 per hour.

  Responsibility for implementing the Working Time Regulations is for local National Health Service employers. Information on the cost of implementing the regulations is not available centrally.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the annual additional cost to the NHS resulting from the European working time directive. [69741]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell),Official Report, columns 127.

  Legal Services
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list(a) the London barristers' chambers and (b) the London solicitors' firms that have performed services for his Department (i) since 1 May 1997 and (ii) in the equivalent period preceding that date, indicating the remuneration paid in each particular case. [70032]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General appointed Philip Sales as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Common Law) and Jonathon Crowe as First Junior Treasury Counsel (Chancery) to advise and represent the Government in their important civil cases. In addition, the Attorney-General maintains at present two London panels of junior Counsel whom departments are expected to use for the rest of the government's civil litigation. The panels currently comprise 103 barristers from 42 different sets of chambers. The Attorney-General will shortly appoint a third panel of very junior barristers.

  The Attorney-General's individual nomination is required before a barrister who is not one of the approved panels can be instructed to appear for the government in litigation.

  Departments may use firms of solicitors in addition to Her Majesty's Treasury Solicitor and their departmental legal advisers, for example, where the relevant expertise lies in the private sector. The relationship is subject to the usual confidentiality which operates between lawyer and client.
  128
  The Department of Health Headquarters (being the Departmental offices other than the NHS Executive regional offices) has not used London solicitors during the time under consideration.

  As part of an arrangement made with the regional health authorities prior to their absorption into the Department as regional offices of the NHS Executive on 1 April 1996, the Department have continued to use outside solicitors (not all in London) for litigation that was already underway and for land transactions. However, identifying each firm of solicitors and specifying the amount paid to them would involve disproportionate cost.

  Blood
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to ensure a sufficient supply of blood, plasma and other blood products within the National Blood Service over the millennium fortnight. [70168]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Health Service Executive is working closely with the National Blood Authority to ensure sufficient stocks and contingency arrangements are in place. At local level health authorities and NHS trusts will be working with blood centres to plan adequate supplies for transfusion. The National Blood Authority's Bio Products Laboratory will be manufacturing and issuing sufficient supplies of blood products, which have a longer shelf life.

  Health Technology Assessment
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list his Department's expenditure on the health technology assessment for each year from 1992 to 1998. [69781]

  Ms Jowell
  Expenditure in the National Health Service Health Technology Assessment Programme from 1992 to 1998 was as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1992–93

  nil

  1993–94

  nil

  1994–95

  nil

  1995–96

  1.8

  1996–97

  4.4

  1997–98

  3.8

  1998–99

  16.3

  1Estimate

  Copies of the "Annual Report of the NHS Health Technology Assessment Programme 1998" will be placed in the Library. This report gives details of expenditure by project.

  Clinical Perfusionists
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what reply his Department sent to the letter of 5 November 1998 to its Chief Scientific Officer from Her Majesty's Coroner for Inner South District, Greater London, following an inquest into the death of a baby, asking that urgent consideration be given to the early introduction of statutory regulation of clinical perfusionists; [70173]
  129
  (2) what progress has been made (a) towards state registration of clinical perfusionists and (b) in dealing with the danger to the public posed by unaccredited perfusionists. [70172]

  Mr. Denham
  My noble Friend the Baroness Hayman responded directly to Her Majesty's Coroner on 16 December 1998 indicating that we expect the employment of clinical perfusionists in the National Health Service to be confined to professionally accredited practitioners and are consulting the profession on the practical steps required to implement this effectively. We are also considering options for the regulation of the profession in the longer term.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings, (b) hold public meetings and (c) have lay or consumer representatives on their boards; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69958]

  Ms Jowell
  Of the Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) none admits members of the public to all board or committee meetings.

  Of the Department's advisory NDPBs the following hold public meetings:

  The Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing

  The Gene Therapy Advisory Committee

  The United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority.

  In none of these cases is this under a statutory requirement.

  Of the Department's advisory NDPBs the following have lay or consumer representatives on the boards:

  The Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens

  The Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards

  The Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing

  The Advisory Committee on the Micro-biological Safety of Food

  The Committee of the Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food. Consumer Products and the Environment

  The Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy

  The Committee on the Safety of Medicines

  The Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment

  The Expert Advisory Group on AIDS

  The Gene Therapy Advisory Committee

  The Medicines Commission

  The Standing Committee on Postgraduate Medical Education

  The United Kingdom Advisory Panel for Health Care Workers Infected with Bloodborne Viruses

  The United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority

  The Unrelated Live Transport Regulatory Authority.

  In the case of the Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing and the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee this is under a statutory requirement.

  Chiropody Services
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultations there were per chiropodist in England in the latest year available, in each health authority, in terms of(a) all consultations, (b) initial contact and (c) number of people seen for the first time that year. [70340]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information available will be placed in the Library.

  ChildLine
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much financial assistance he has provided to ChildLine in the past three years; and how much he is making available to ChildLine for the next three years. [70712]

  Mr. Hutton
  ChildLine were awarded a grant under Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 for a three year period in 1996–97. They received £183,000 in 1996–97, £173,000 in 1997–98, and £163,000 in 1998–99. ChildLine have also received a Section 64 Grant of £60,000 over the last three years for their special helpline for children in care.

  We intend to award ChildLine a Renewal Core grant under the Section 64 Grant award scheme for the next three years. We will be making £187,500 available in 1999–2000, £180,000 in 2000–01 and £175,000 in 2001–02. In addition, we will be making £50,000 a year available for the three financial years 1999–2000, 2000–01, and 2001–02 so that ChildLine may provide a helpline for looked after children.

  National Reference Cost Tables
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what sources of data are used in compiling the National Reference Cost tables for NHS trusts. [71064]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Schedule of Reference Costs, published in November 1998, is based on information supplied by National Health Service trusts. The information is based on the 1997–98 final accounts. The information is submitted to the NHS Executive by June 30 each year, on the same timescales as the final accounts information and is therefore retrospective in nature.

  Dental Services (Herefordshire)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of dental services in Herefordshire by the National Health Service. [70742]

  Mr. Denham
  There are 70 dentists treating patients under National Health Service provisions in Herefordshire. The Community Dental Service and an emergency dental service also provide NHS treatment. We have approved two applications under Investing in Dentistry, together intended to allow 4,000 new patients to receive NHS treatment.

  Medical Records (Access)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will abolish charges for patients to access their medical records; and if he will make a statement. [70945]
  131
  Mr. Denham
  We are considering the issue of access charges in the light of the Data Protection Act 1998 but no decision has yet been made.

  Carers
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will estimate the number of carers who are currently pursuing (i) part-time and (ii) full-time courses of further or higher education in(a) Bolton, (b) the North West and (c) England; [70793]

  (2) what is his estimate of the number of carers in (a) Bolton, (b) the North West and (c) England; [70791]

  (3) what is his estimate of the number of carers over the age of 25 years in (a) Bolton, (b) the North West and (c) England. [70792]

  Mr. Hutton
  There are an estimated 4.9 million carers in England, of whom 4.6 million are over the age of 25 years. Of these, around 900,000 (800,000 of whom are aged over 25) are in the North West. This information comes from the General Household Survey for 1995 and cannot be used reliably to estimate the numbers of carers in individual cities or local authority areas. The General Household Survey also suggests that around 2 per cent. of carers are in full-time education in England. The numbers in the survey are too small to allow estimates to be made for the North West or for Bolton. There is no information on part-time students in the General Household Survey.

  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the factors which prevent those carers who wish to enter further or higher education from so doing; [70801]

  (2) what plans he has to enable carers to pay for substitute care when pursuing a course of further or higher education. [70800]

  Mr. Hutton
  Carers may be prevented from entering further or higher education by the extent of their caring responsibilities, particularly if they are providing care for a large number of hours each week. Other factors which may have an effect include the availability of substitute care and the effects of caring on the carer's own health and wellbeing. Our National Strategy for Carers, "Caring about Carers", copies of which are in the Library, sets out proposals to meet carers' needs better than in the past. The availability of substitute care, to give carers a break from their caring responsibilities, will be enhanced by additional funding of £140 million over the next three years for England.

  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the extra moneys for carers announced on 8 February 1999,Official Report, columns 21–33, will be paid (a) through local authorities, (b) direct to carers or (c) by other means. [70894]

  Mr. Hutton
  The additional £140 million to help carers to have a break from their caring responsibilities will be paid as a special grant and included in allocations to local authorities. The draft special grant report will be published shortly.

  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much per carer for years(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02 will be provided by the £140 million additional
  132
  funding for England announced on 8 February 1999, Official Report, columns 21–33, (a) in England, (b) in south-west Hertfordshire and (c) in Hertfordshire. [70895]

  Mr. Hutton
  Local authorities, together with their health authority partners, will be responsible for assessing the needs of carers in their area for services to allow them to have a break from their caring responsibilities, for establishing whether current services meet carers' needs and for extending the range of services provided where this appears necessary. They will also be responsible for deciding who is eligible to receive services. In assessing how to use the additional funding, local authorities will take account of their current expenditure on respite care.

  Allergies
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will commission further research into the causes of the increasing incidence of hay fever, eczema, asthma and similar allergies; [65327]

  (2) what evidence his Department has identified linking asthma, eczema and similar allergies to chemical by-products from (a) home heating systems and (b) car exhaust fumes. [65328]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]The Department has carried out detailed investigations into the possible links between air pollution and asthma. The Department's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants published an extensive report on the subject, "Asthma and Outdoor Air Pollution", in 1995. The report made it clear that, while asthma and other atopy based diseases, such as hay fever and eczema, had increased considerably in many western countries over the past thirty years, this increase was unlikely to be caused by air pollution. The report acknowledged that exposure to some air pollutants could adversely affect individuals already suffering from asthma and trigger attacks.

  Since then, evidence that air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (an indoor as well as an outdoor air pollutant) and diesel particles, may enhance the body's biological response to allergens has strengthened. There does not appear to be any convincing evidence that eczema is related to exposure to air pollution.

  The prevention and treatment of asthma and allergic conditions are high priority topics within the Department's research programmes, including the £4 million National Health Service asthma management programme. The Department also funds a number of research projects as part of its joint air pollution research programme with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Medical Research Council, which are examining the impact of air pollutants on asthma sufferers as well as a separate joint programme on indoor air pollutants and damp in the home. In addition to this, the Medical Research Council also funds a substantial Government programme of basic research into asthma and allergies amounting to over £2 million in 1997–98.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what amounts in his Department's budget for 1998–99 can be attributed to spending on disabled people; and what proportion this represents of total departmental spending. [71290]
  133
  Mr. Hutton
  The money allocated by the Department each year to health authorities is not differentiated according to the patient groups for whom services are to be provided. At the local level, most service agreements between health authorities and National Health Service trusts and other provider bodies for hospital and community health services relate to general service areas or to specific medical and surgical specialties, which will cover disabled people like others. The same is true of expenditure on family health services.

  Disability Discrimination Act 1999
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on his Department's policies of the goods and services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to be implemented in October 1999. [71276]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Health Service Executive appointed "Disability Matters", a specialist consultancy, to develop a proposed action programme for the implementation of Section 21 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 across the NHS. We plan to issue guidance, based on the report submitted by "Disability Matters" later this year.

  It is for individual social services authorities to assess the impact on them of the implementation of the goods and services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 from October 1999. All social services authorities in England were included in the consultation carried out by the Department for Education and Employment on the implementation of the new requirements. The vast majority of social services departments were aware of what their new duties entailed, and were content with the proposals.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the parliamentary constituencies which he has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71342]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has made the following official visits between 1 January 1998 and 11 February 1999:Airedale Hospital, Keighley; Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Huddersfield; Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, Selly Park General Practitioner Commissioning Group, Birmingham; Moselely Hall Hospital, Birmingham; Hartlepool General Hospital, Hartlepool; North Tees General Hospital, Stockton; Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester; Glaxo Wellcome, Stevenage; Halton General Hospital, Runcorn; Homerton Hospital, London; Holly St. Hackney Development, Hackney; Whipps Cross Hospital, London; United Leeds Teaching Hospital, Leeds; South Buckinghamshires Ground Breaking Ceremony, High Wycombe; Minor Surgery Unit, Slough; St. Cross Hospital, Rugby; Shipley Community Hospital, Bradford; Neptune Health Park, Tipton; Jagonari Womens Centre, London; Gloucester Royal Infirmary, Gloucester; GP Surgery, Pontypridd; West Derby St. Liverpool; Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup; Ladywell Unit, Lewisham; North Middlesex Hospital, London; Bart's WRVS Shop, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London; Hebden Bridge Health Centre, Hebden Bridge; Royal Free Hospital, London; NW Region GP Practice. Preesall, Lancashire; Trafford General Hospital, Trafford; Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Greenwich; St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London; Indian Senior Citizens Centre, Whalley Range, Manchester; Carlisle Private Finance Initiative Ceremony, Carlisle; Workington Health Action
  134
  Zone, Workington; Equal Opportunities Commission, Manchester; SMA Medical Centre, Leyton; Norfolk Mental Health Care Trust, Norwich; University of Nottingham, Nottingham; Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester; National Records Monument Centre, Swindon; Princess Margaret Hospital, Swindon; Swindon Health Centre, Swindon; Norwich Research Park, Norwich; Norfolk and Norwich Healthcare Trust, Norwich; Halifax General Hospital, Halifax; Calderdale Healthcare NHS Trust, Halifax; Middleton Lodge Practice, New Ollerton; Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Welwyn Garden City; Women & Childrens Centre, Deptford; Royal Lancaster Hospital, Lancaster, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool; Preston Acute Services, Preston; Red Cross Exhibition, Brighton; Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel; Birmingham Childrens Hospital, Birmingham; Southern Grove, Tower Hamlets, London; University of Central Lancashire, Preston; East Lancashire Health Authority, Nelson; GP Premises, Blackford House, Bury; Bury and Rochdale Health Authority, Bury; New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton; Bromley PFI Ceremony, Orpington; Scarborough Hospital, Scarborough; Amber Project, Plaistow; Meadowfields Medical Practice, Challerton, Derby; Mary Seacole Research Centre, Leicester; Royal London Hospital, London; London Ambulance Service, London; Community Integrated Care Team, London; Whittington Hospital, London; Abbey Road Health Centre, London; Hodgson Medical Centre, Peterborough, Bedford Hospitals NHS Trust, Bedford.

  The Department does not hold records of official visits on a constituency basis and this information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Incontinence
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish the report of the working party on the problems of incontinence. [71702]

  Mr. Hutton
  On 2 September 1998, we announced the details of the review of continence policy which involves representatives from the health service, social services and voluntary organisations. This review will lead to updated guidance on continence services which we plan to issue in the spring.

  Departmental Reviews
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) reviews, (b) task forces and (c) advisory groups have been established by his Department since 1 May 1997; what costs they have incurred to date; and what reports they have published. [71508]

  Ms Jowell
  The reviews and taskforces, established since 1 May 1997, which have published their final reports are:

  Review of the law relating to surrogacy

  Review of evidence relating to silicon breast implants

  Review of the breast screening programme in Devon and the implications for the breast screening programme as a whole

  Strategic review of Health Services in London

  Review of the latest information available on inequalities in Health

  Independent review of proposals for the transfer of bulk blood processing and testing from Liverpool to Manchester

  Review of NHS Charter

  Ministerial task force on the Government's response to the Children's Safeguards Review.

  135
  The reviews and taskforces, established since the 1 May 1997, which have yet to publish reports are:

  Mental Health Act Review

  Thoracic Surgical Services Review

  United Kingdom Transplant Support Service Authority Review

  Review of general anaesthesia and sedation with dental treatment

  Review of the wheelchair voucher scheme and the provision of electrical and indoor wheelchairs

  Eight regional task forces to support the Waiting List Action Team

  NHS efficiency task force

  NHS task force on staff involvement.

  Information on advisory groups and on the costs incurred by reviews and taskforces could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Learning Disabilities
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are followed in resolving differences of preference between authorities and individual patients as to their transfer from a learning disability hospital to alternative care; how many patients have been moved against their express wish over the last three years; and with what medical consequences for the patients involved. [71487]

  Mr. Hutton
  The move of patients from hospital to alternative care is the responsibility of local statutory authorities, taking into account the needs and wishes of people with learning disabilities, their carers and/or their families.

  Guidance has been issued to local authorities and health authorities stressing the importance of joint working between relevant agencies, providers and professionals which involve users and carers, in providing a well co-ordinated range of services to meet the diverse needs of this client group.

  However, we do not have any centrally available information about the number of patients moved from learning disability hospitals against their wishes in the last 3 years.

  Percentage

  Distribution of practices2

  Proportion of overspend attributable to each type of practice3

  £1m+ overspenders1

  Dispensing

  Prescribing

  Dispensing

  Prescribing

  Bury and Rochdale

  0

  100

  0

  100

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  4

  96

  0

  100

  Cambridge and Huntington

  57

  43

  66

  34

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  49

  51

  57

  43

  East and North Hertfordshire

  13

  87

  12

  88

  East Kent

  22

  79

  16

  84

  East Lancashire

  6

  94

  9

  91

  East London and the City

  0

  100

  0

  100

  East Riding

  19

  81

  17

  83

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove

  12

  88

  8

  92

  Enfield and Haringey

  0

  100

  0

  100

  Gloucestershire

  33

  67

  45

  55

  Leeds

  7

  93

  5

  95

  Leicestershire

  15

  85

  24

  76

  Lincolnshire

  58

  42

  87

  13

  Liverpool

  0

  100

  0

  100

  136
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are currently accommodated within hospitals for learning disabilities. [71488]

  Mr. Hutton
  This information is not held centrally. However, it is estimated that there were 8,400 in-patients in hospitals under the care of a mental handicap consultant at 31 March 1998.

  Mental Health Service (Leeds)
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department plans to submit the business case for mental health service provision in Leeds to the Treasury. [71553]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Health Service Executive has been actively evaluating the full business case submitted by the Leeds Community and Mental Health Services National Health Service Trust in November 1998. The trust and Bradford and Northern Housing Association, the private finance initiative partner, are being advised on the further work that needs to be done before the full business case can be submitted to Her Majesty's Treasury for approval.

  Family Health Services Drugs Expenditure
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authorities overspent their Family Health Services drugs allocations in 1997–98; and in those health authorities which overspent the allocation by over £1 million, what proportion of practices were(a) dispensing and (b) prescribing; what proportion of the overspend was attributable to each type of practice; and in each case what was the expenditure on branded drugs where a generic equivalent exists. [71574]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Seventy-eight Health Authorities overspent their family health services drugs allocations in 1997–98. The total net overspend was £69 million. Of these overspending health authorities, forty four overspent their allocation by less than £1 million. For the thirty four health authorities which overspent their allocation by greater than £1 million, the available information is provided in the table. Data for expenditure on branded drugs where a generic equivalent exists are not available.
  137

  Percentage

  Distribution of practices2

  Proportion of overspend attributable to each type of
  practice3

  £1m+ overspenders1

  Dispensing

  Prescribing

  Dispensing

  Prescribing

  Manchester

  0

  100

  0

  100

  North Essex

  38

  62

  34

  66

  North West Anglia

  48

  53

  58

  42

  Portsmouth and South-East Hampshire

  5

  95

  6

  94

  Salford and Trafford

  0

  100

  0

  100

  Shropshire

  32

  68

  28

  72

  South Cheshire

  17

  83

  17

  83

  South Essex

  6

  94

  12

  88

  South Staffordshire

  20

  80

  37

  63

  Southampton and South-West Hampshire

  8

  92

  5

  95

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  0

  100

  0

  100

  Stockport

  0

  100

  0

  100

  Suffolk

  47

  53

  51

  49

  West Kent

  23

  77

  27

  73

  West Pennine

  0

  100

  0

  100

  West Sussex

  19

  81

  20

  80

  Wigan and Bolton

  0

  100

  0

  100

  Wiltshire

  24

  76

  39

  61

  1Source: Allocations from EL(96) 107 and outturns from PPA PACT
  data

  2Source: PPA

  3Source: PPA, HA Prescribing Annual Returns Statement

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the overall Family Health Service drugs expenditure is accounted for by dispensing general practitioner practices. [72622]

  Mr. Denham
  In 1997–98, 15 per cent. of Family Health Services drugs expenditure was accounted for by dispensing general practitioner practices.

  Complementary Medicine
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish a cost benefit analysis of(a) the use of complementary medicine in the NHS and (b) the use of drugs; and if he will make a statement. [71921]

  Ms Jowell
  Given the wide range of treatments available both through orthodox and complementary medicine, it would be very difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions about their relative cost/benefits as a whole. The National Research Register includes details of projects which have examined the clinical and cost effectiveness of certain types of treatment or intervention for individual conditions, including complementary therapies. The Register is available in the Library and most medical libraries on CD Rom, and on the Internet at: http://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each health authority the spending on holistic therapy projects for each year since 1992; and if he will make a statement. [71918]

  Ms Jowell
  The amount spent by each health authority on holistic therapy projects of any sort is not recorded centrally, and the funding of research projects is handled separately. A report published in 1995 by the Medical Care Research Unit of Sheffield University showed that some 40 per cent. of general practitioner partnerships in 138
  England provided some form of complementary therapy for their National Health Service patients.

  Project details of work directly funded by the Department or supported through the NHS research and development levy can be found on the National Research Register (NRR). This is available in the Library and most medical libraries on CD Rom, and on the Internet: http://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm. The NRR also contains many details of projects funded by the MRC and other funders.

  Osteopathy
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to make osteopathy treatment available on the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement. [71920]

  Ms Jowell
  The availability of osteopathy within the National Health Service, as with any other forms of treatment, reflects decisions taken locally by health authorities and general practitioners about the clinical and cost effectiveness of such services and the priority given to their provision in the light of competing demands for the resources. A report published in 1995 by the Medical Care Research Unit of Sheffield University showed that some 40 per cent. of general practitioner partnerships in England provided some form of complementary therapy for their NHS patients.

  Adoption
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to amend family law to give birth relatives access to information about adopted members of their family. [72041]

  Mr. Hutton
  There are no plans at present to amend the Adoption Act 1976 to change the provision enabling birth relatives to have information on adopted relatives.

  Mid-Essex Hospital NHS Trust
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in the Mid-Essex Hospital NHS Trust area have been waiting(a) 13 to 25 weeks and (b) more than 26 weeks to see a consultant at the latest date for which figures are available. [72154]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 21 January 1999,Official Report, column 185. This provides the latest published figures for outpatient waiting times. Figures for the end of December 1998 will be available from 25 February.

  Beta-interferon
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if, in considering the cost effectiveness of beta-interferon, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence will be allowed to consider social care and social security costs and lost tax revenues as well as health-related costs; [72567]

  (2) what time-scale he will expect the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to work to in drawing up advice on the role of beta-interferon. [72566]

  Mr. Denham
  We are currently consulting on a discussion paper,Faster access to modern treatment, which sets out its detailed proposals for how the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) will carry out appraisals of the clinical and cost effectiveness of individual health treatments. Until responses have been received and considered by Ministers, no firm decisions will be taken either on the topics to be referred to NICE, or on the precise methods of appraisal to be used.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71850]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department's communications planning unit includes an officer whose job is to make more systematic and orderly the process of responding to criticism on Government policy, and, in particular to inaccurate or misleading allegations. This is in common with other departments, where the work of press office includes responding to misinformed allegations. The salary of that officer is £22,746.95. Three hundred and ninety-nine rebuttals have been issued since May 1997.

  KPMG
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the services that KPMG have performed for his Department(a) since 1 May 1997 and (b) in the corresponding period prior to 1 May 1997, indicating the remuneration made in each case. [72009]

  Ms Jowell
  Detailed information about the services provided for the Department by KPMG, and their costs, are not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  140
  The total for all expenditure on services provided by KPMG is:

  Year

  £

  1995–96

  471,767

  1996–97

  298,897

  1997–98

  331,058

  1998–99 (until 9 February)

  115,068

  plus £21,949 for work commissioned by the National Health Service Estates Agency between September 1995 and March 1997.

  Silicone Breast Implants
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice he has received from professional bodies on the use of silicone breast implants; [72523]

  (2) what advice he has received from his scientific advisers on the long-term effects on the human body of silicone breast implants. [72524]

  Ms Jowell
  In response to continuing concerns expressed by some implanted women, an Independent Review Group was set up by the Chief Medical Officer in May 1997 to review the possible health issues associated with silicone gel breast implants and to examine the issues relating to pre-operative patient information. The members of the group were selected for their independent views, their knowledge and understanding of the issues and lack of any vested interest in the conclusions reached. The group reported back to the Chief Medical Officer in July 1998 and a copy of that report is available in the Library.

  The Independent Review Group took evidence from various organisations and individuals, including a representative of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and a representative of the British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons. Subsequent to the group's report, the Royal College of Surgeons has agreed to develop multidisciplinary clinical standards for breast implant surgery.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the safety of silicone breast implants. [72522]

  Ms Jowell
  In July 1998, the Independent Review Group on silicone gel breast implants concluded that, on the basis of the information available, silicone gel breast implants were not associated with any greater health risk than other surgical implants.

  Copies of the group's full report are available in the Library.

CABINET OFFICE

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his answer of 21 January 1999,Official Report, columns 576–77, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred by (a) his agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for his Department. [71020]
  141
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]Expenditure by Cabinet Office non-departmental public bodies was included in my previous answer to the hon. Member. The table lists the expenditure since May 1997

  £

  Public Opinion Research

  Television, radio and newspaper advertising

  Direct Mail

  Publicity

  Central Computer Telecommunications Agency

  nil

  1,620

  19,066

  486,259

  Central Office of Information

  nil

  nil

  31,329

  50,362

  Civil Service College

  nil

  nil

  105,644

  341,919

  Government Car and Despatch Agency

  nil

  nil

  nil

  1,000

  Property Advisers to the Civil Estate

  nil

  nil

  nil

  11,504

  Security and Facilities Division1

  nil

  nil

  nil

  35,649

  The Buying Agency

  551

  10,649

  12,843

  662,434

  1Operated as Security and Facilities Executive Agency until July 1998.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71854]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  In common with other Departments, the work of press officers in my Department includes responding to any misinformed allegations concerning Government policy or activity which are published in the media. They are supported in this work by other officials as necessary.

  This is a routine part of a Department's work and it is not recorded separately from other tasks.

  Women's Unit
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the arrangements and mechanisms whereby the Women's Unit will ensure that women's interests are taken into account in the development and delivery of policies by all Government Departments in line with the performance targets. [71533]

  Ms Jowell
  I have been asked to reply.

  "Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment" was issued jointly by my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Women, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in November 1998. These guidelines, which were placed in the Library on 5 November 1998, show how to ensure that both policy making and service design consider the impact upon women and other groups. They have been sent to all Departments and agencies under cover of a note from the Cabinet Secretary emphasising their importance. This updated previous guidelines issued in 1992.

  As set out in the Cabinet Office Public Service Agreement (PSA) (published as part of the "Public Services for the Future" White Paper in December 1998), the Women's Unit will develop further guidance for policy makers by the end of the year on how to consider the needs and requirements of women. This will
  142
  by the Department's Executive Agencies, including own expenditure by Central Office of Information and the Buying Agency, which are Trading Funds.

  supplement the policy appraisal guidance. This will be circulated to all Government Departments and placed in the Library when complete.

  The Women's Unit worked closely with Her Majesty's Treasury and other Departments in the development on PSAs which reflect women's interests. A performance target on tackling domestic violence against women has been included in the PSA for the Home Office and on the National Childcare Strategy in the PSA for the Department for Education and Employment. My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Women sits on the relevant Cabinet Committee which will be monitoring Departments' performance. Monitoring will cover the handling of cross-cutting issues, including women's interests.

  The Women's Unit convenes a women's policy group of senior officials from Departments across Whitehall with responsibility for women's issues in their Departments. This group maintains an overview of activity to ensure that women's interests are taken into account coherently and consistently.

  The Director of the Women's Unit is also responsible for the Women's National Commission (WNC), the advisory non-departmental public body on women. The WNC represents some 50 organisations with around 8 million members, and provides advice and comment on all aspects of Government policy.

SCOTLAND

  Consultancies
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate his Department's expenditure on (i) internal and (ii) external consultancy in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01 and (e) 2001–02. [69250]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]It is not possible to provide the information for the Scottish Office and its Agencies in the time available. I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible, placing a copy of my letter in the Library.

  From 1 July, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Departmental Advisers
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the(a) salary costs and (b) other costs of special advisers in his Department in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98, (iii) 1998–99 and (iv) 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [69264]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]Special Advisers' salaries are negotiated individually within the three-band range announced to the House by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 354. Individual salaries and pension contributions are confidential. Other costs of the Special Advisers in my Department since I took up office amounted to around £35,000 in 1997–98 and are estimated to amount to £57,000 in 1998–99. It is not possible to predict the costs for 1999–2000.

  NHS Staff (Pay)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the cost of paying the proposed salary rises for NHS staff in Scotland,(a) in total and (b) by category; if he will estimate the additional cost of an additional 0.5 per cent. increase (i) in total and (ii) by category; how much extra each grade of Scottish nurse would receive if given the same percentage increase as the equivalent grade in London; and if he will make a statement. [69853]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]The total cost of the awards is £89 million. Details of cost for particular categories are as follows:

  £ million

  Nurses and Midwives

  49

  PAMs

  7

  Hospital Doctors and Dentists

  13

  Ophthalmic Practitioners

  1

  General Medical Practitioners

  15

  General Dental Practitioners

  4

  The estimated additional cost of an 0.5 per cent. increase in total by category would be as follows:

  £ million

  Nurses and Midwives

  4.5

  PAMs

  0.6

  Hospital Doctors and Dentists

  1.7

  Ophthalmic Practitioners

  0.2

  General Medical Practitioners

  1.2

  General Dental Practitioners

  0.6

  Total

  8.8

  Each grade of Scottish nurse would receive between £398 and £750 per annum extra if given the same percentage increase as the equivalent grade in London.

  From 1 July, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Deer
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to safeguard the public in West Sutherland from increased numbers of straying deer. [69597]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]The Deer Commission for Scotland is encouraging Deer Management Groups and estate owners to take measures as appropriate to reduce the numbers of deer straying onto roads or feeding on roadside verges, for example by introducing supplementary feeding as a method of drawing deer away from public highways. The Commission is also continuing to discuss with the roads authorities and the police matters such as road design, installation of warning signs, and use of wildlife roadside reflectors or fencing. These authorities also have discretion to introduce lower speed limits in certain circumstances.

  Although deer numbers in the area have not increased, there is evidence to suggest that deer are spending more time on lower ground.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department publish(a) the minutes of meetings, (b) the agendas of meetings and documents for those meetings and (c) a register of members' interests; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69954]

  Mr. Dewar
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) The following bodies publish minutes of meetings:

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland

  National Museums of Scotland

  Royal Botanic Garden

  Scottish Arts Council

  Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board

  Scottish Environment Protection Agency

  Scottish Sports Council

  Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council

  All do so voluntarily and not under a statutory requirement.

  (b) The following bodies publish the agendas of meetings and documents for those meetings:

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland

  National Museums of Scotland

  Scottish Arts Council

  Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board

  Scottish Environment Protection Agency

  Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council

  All do so voluntarily and not under a statutory requirement.

  (c) The following bodies publish a register of members' interests:

  Accounts Commission for Scotland

  Hannah Research Institute*

  Highlands and Islands Enterprise

  Macaulay Land Use Research Institute

  145

  Moredun Research Institute*

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting of Scotland

  National Galleries of Scotland

  National Library of Scotland

  National Museums of Scotland

  Rowett Research Institute*

  Royal Botanic Garden

  Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Scotland

  Scottish Arts Council*

  Scottish Conveyancing and Executory Services Board

  Scottish Council for Educational Technology*

  Scottish Crop Research Institute*

  Scottish Enterprise

  Scottish Environment Protection Agency

  Scottish Further Education Unit

  Scottish Higher Education Funding Council

  Scottish Homes

  Scottish Natural Heritage

  Scottish Sports Council

  Scottish Tourist Board

  Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council

  Those marked * do so under a statutory requirement; the other voluntarily.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings, (b) hold public meetings, (c) have lay or consumer representatives on their boards and (d) operate some form of appeal or complaints procedure; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69987]

  Mr. Dewar
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) The following bodies admit members of the public to all board and committee meetings:

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland

  Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board

  Scottish Environment Protection Agency

  Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council

  All do so voluntarily and not under a statutory requirement.

  (b) The following bodies hold public meetings:

  Crofters Commission*

  Deer Commission for Scotland

  Highlands and Islands Enterprise

  Moredun Research Institute

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland

  Royal Botanic Garden

  Scottish Arts Council

  Scottish Community Education Council

  Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board*

  Scottish Council for Educational Technology

  Scottish Enterprise

  Scottish Environment Protection Agency

  Scottish Higher Education Funding Council

  146

  Scottish Homes

  Scottish Natural Heritage

  Scottish Screen

  Scottish Sports Council

  Those marked * do so under a statutory requirement; the others voluntarily.

  (c) The following bodies have lay or consumer representatives on their boards:

  Accounts Commission for Scotland

  Crofters Commission

  Hannah Research Institute

  Macaulay Land Use Research Institute

  Moredun Research Institute

  Parole Board for Scotland

  Rowett Research Institute

  Royal Botanic Garden

  Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland

  Scottish Arts Council

  Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board*

  Scottish Council for Educational Technology

  Scottish Crop Research Institute

  Scottish Environment Protection Agency

  Scottish Further Education Unit

  Scottish Higher Education Funding Council

  Scottish Homes

  Scottish Legal Aid Board

  Scottish Medical Practices Committee*

  Scottish Screen

  Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council*

  Those marked * do so under a statutory requirement; the others voluntarily.

  (d) The following bodies operate some form of appeal or complaints procedure:

  Accounts Commission for Scotland

  Crofters Commission

  Deer Commission for Scotland

  Highlands and Islands Enterprise

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland*

  National Galleries of Scotland

  National Library of Scotland

  National Museums of Scotland

  Royal Botanic Garden

  Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland

  Scottish Arts Council

  Scottish Children's Reporter Administration

  Scottish Community Education Council*

  Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board

  Scottish Council for Educational Technology

  Scottish Enterprise

  Scottish Environment Protection Agency

  Scottish Higher Education Funding Council

  Scottish Homes

  Scottish Legal Aid Board

  Scottish Natural Heritage*

  Scottish Qualifications Authority

  147

  Scottish Screen

  Scottish Sports Council

  Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council

  Those marked * do so under a statutory requirement; the others voluntarily.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings, (b) hold public meetings and (c) have lay or consumer representatives on their boards; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69969]

  Mr. Dewar
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) The General Teaching Council for Scotland voluntarily admits members of the public to all board or committee meetings.

  (b) The following bodies hold public meetings:

  Extra Parliamentary Panel

  General Teaching Council for Scotland

  Historic Buildings Council for Scotland

  Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland

  Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum

  All do so voluntarily except for Extra Parliamentary Panel which is subject to a statutory requirement.

  (c) The following bodies have lay or consumer representatives on their boards:

  Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland

  Building Standards Advisory Committee

  Central Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace

  General Teaching Council for Scotland

  Health Appointments Advisory Committee

  Justices of the Peace Advisory Committees

  Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse

  Scottish Childcare Board

  Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum

  Secretary of State's Advisory Committee on Scotland's Travelling People

  All do so voluntarily except the General Teaching Council for Scotland which is subject to a statutory requirement.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department publish(a) the minutes of meetings, (b) the agendas of meetings and documents for those meetings and (c) a register of members' interests; and if in each case this is under a statutory requirement. [69941]

  Mr. Dewar
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) The following bodies publish the minutes of meetings:

  Advisory Committee on Dental Establishments*

  Extra Parliamentary Panel*

  General Teaching Council for Scotland

  Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Scotland

  Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland

  Scottish Advisory Committee on the Medical Workforce*

  Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum

  148

  Those marked * do so under a statutory requirement; the others voluntarily.

  (b) The following bodies publish the agendas of meetings and documents for those meetings:

  Advisory Committee on Dental Establishment*

  General Teaching Council for Scotland

  Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Scotland

  Scottish Advisory Committee on the Medical Workforce*

  Those marked * do so under a statutory requirement; the others voluntarily.

  (c) The following bodies publish a register of members' interests:

  Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland

  Scottish Childcare Board

  Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum

  Secretary of State's (Electricity) Fisheries Committee

  Secretary of State's Advisory Committee on Scotland's Travelling People

  All do so voluntarily and not under a statutory requirement.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Departmental Spending
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will allow representatives of the Scottish National Party, Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party access to view, on a confidential basis, papers relating to spending by his Department already allocated and contracts signed by his Department for the period after 1 July for spending within the control of the Scottish Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [69920]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]The allocation of all of the resources which will, after 1 July 1999, be under the control of the Scottish Parliament is set out in the booklet 'Scotland's Supply Estimates 1999–2000, which was laid before the House on 4 February. There is no central record kept within the Department of the wide range of contracts and similar arrangements entered into throughout the year by the Scottish Office, its agencies and associated Departments.

  Civil Servants (Misconduct)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the offences or acts of misconduct under which a civil servant in his Department could have his pension removed or reduced; and how often this has happened during the last five years. [70779]

  Mr. Dewar
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 15 February 1999,Official Report, column 570.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the selection criteria and priorities of the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance scheme against which projects are selected. [70713]
  149
  Mr. Macdonald
  Guidance notes for applicants, which are widely available, provide information on selection criteria and priorities of the scheme. Copies of the guidance notes have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Hunting
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Forestry Commission met Mr. Roger Harris to discuss hunting; and what action is to be taken as a result of this meeting. [70926]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Some of the Forestry Commissioners met Dr. Harris on 29 January to discuss the Joint Universities Study on deer hunting. The Commissioners will formally consider the findings of the study once it has been published and subjected to peer review.

  New Deal
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people his Department is committed to employing during 1999 under the subsidised job option of the New Deal programme. [71433]

  Mr. Dewar
  The Scottish Office is offering a total of 50 places under the subsidised job option of the New Deal programme.

  City Status
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements his Department proposes to make in order to select candidates to propose for City Status. [71430]

  Mr. McLeish
  Awards of city status are made by Her Majesty The Queen acting under the Royal Prerogative, on the advice of the Government of the day. Her Majesty has expressed the intention of making awards in 2000 and 2002. Towns which have indicated an interest in city status will be contacted in May and invited to submit a formal application.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what amounts in his Department's budget for 1998–99 can be attributed to spending on disabled people; and what proportion this represents of total departmental spending. [71282]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Elements of the expenditure on a wide range of services within my right hon. Friend's budget, including social work, health, housing, education and transport, are of benefit to disabled people. It is not possible to identify these separately.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Colleges (European Funding)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how much of the funding allocated to colleges under European funding schemes is currently outstanding; [71362]
  150
  (2) how many bids by Scottish colleges for European funding have been successful; and what has been the average length of time between the initial approval of the scheme and the receipt by the college of the first and the final payments. [71363]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The information requested could not be identified except at disproportionate cost. Further Education colleges in Scotland secure from the European Social Fund assistance amounting to over £20 million per year for over 400 projects per year. Payments are made as soon as possible following the receipt of valid claims.

  The administration of the European Structural Funds in Scotland will, from 1 July 1999, be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Prisoners (Employment)
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average daily number of prisoners employed and the percentage of prisoners involved in vocational training by(a) quarter and (b) month in 1998. [71646]

  Mr. McLeish
  The information requested is not available at this time in the detail sought, as figures for prisoners in employment are collated centrally for the full period required by the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts, that is, from April to March each year. The numbers involved in vocational training are collected separately. Provisional figures for the number of prisoners engaged in vocational training for 1998 are as follows.

  Month

  Average daily number of prisoners

  January

  292

  February

  289

  March

  297

  April

  281

  May

  286

  June

  310

  July

  316

  August

  109

  September

  310

  October

  316

  November

  322

  December

  273

  The Scottish Prison Service is developing a computerised management information system for regime activity to support continuous improvement in prisoner programmes and other opportunities, and data collection.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Education Expenditure
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the total spending on education for Scotland across all categories of education expenditure for each year from 1994–95 to 2000–01 in (i) current and (ii) constant 1998–99 prices. [71776]
  151
  Mrs. Liddell:
  The information is as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  Cash terms

  1998–99 Prices

  1994–95

  3,485

  3,894

  1995–96

  3,534

  3,837

  1996–97

  3,590

  3,781

  1997–98

  3,596

  3,695

  1998–99

  3,758

  3,758

  1999–2000

  4,036

  3,938

  2000–01

  4,351

  4,141

  Local authority education spending

  £000

  Councils

  1996–97 Final outturn in cash terms

  1996–97 Final outturn at 1998–99 prices

  1997–98 Provisional outturn in cash terms

  1997–98 Provisional outturn at 1998–99 prices

  1998–99 Budget estimates

  Aberdeen, City

  87,162

  91,798

  86,437

  88,814

  88,210

  Aberdeenshire

  109,686

  115,520

  112,025

  115,106

  111,739

  Angus

  48,012

  50,566

  48,192

  49,517

  49,866

  Argyll and Bute

  49,507

  52,140

  47,188

  48,486

  49,095

  Clackmannanshire

  24,084

  25,365

  24,458

  25,131

  25,198

  Dumfries and Galloway

  67,532

  71,124

  69,214

  71,117

  70,643

  Dundee

  70,320

  74,060

  69,074

  70,974

  69,168

  East Ayrshire

  59,089

  62,232

  58,104

  59,702

  60,657

  East Dunbartonshire

  53,343

  56,180

  51,531

  52,948

  53,922

  East Lothian

  37,557

  39,555

  36,970

  37,987

  37,881

  East Renfrewshire

  42,645

  44,913

  41,980

  43,134

  44,144

  Edinburgh, City

  159,099

  167,561

  159,859

  164,255

  164,035

  Eilean Siar

  23,591

  24,846

  23,523

  24,170

  24,604

  Falkirk

  62,762

  66,100

  61,704

  63,401

  64,222

  Fife

  167,748

  176,670

  164,946

  169,482

  167,128

  Glasgow City

  290,555

  306,009

  273,361

  280,878

  288,201

  Highland

  114,011

  120,075

  113,125

  116,236

  115,812

  Inverclyde

  42,823

  45,101

  42,884

  44,063

  45,504

  Midlothian

  40,623

  42,784

  40,721

  41,841

  41,236

  Moray

  41,888

  44,116

  39,903

  41,000

  41,716

  North Ayrshire

  65,239

  68,709

  67,212

  69,060

  68,906

  North Lanarkshire

  161,135

  169,705

  159,380

  163,763

  165,241

  Orkney

  15,372

  16,190

  14,980

  15,392

  15,358

  Perth and Kinross

  56,188

  59,176

  56,677

  58,236

  58,795

  Renfrewshire

  82,644

  87,040

  82,199

  84,459

  84,651

  Scottish Boarders

  48,314

  50,884

  46,928

  48,219

  47,702

  Shetland

  23,886

  25,156

  23,384

  24,027

  23,821

  South Ayrshire

  52,534

  55,328

  50,656

  52,049

  47,151

  South Lanarkshire

  145,592

  153,336

  143,589

  147,538

  140,775

  Stirling

  40,639

  42,800

  36,802

  37,814

  39,536

  West Dunbartonshire

  49,655

  52,296

  50,439

  51,826

  53,287

  West Lothian

  83,209

  87,635

  77,700

  79,837

  79,355

  Scotland

  2,416,444

  2,544,698

  2,375,145

  2,440,461

  2,437,559

  Notes:

  1. All figures are net current expenditure excluding loan and leasing charges as returned by the individual local authorities to the Scottish Office, adjusted, where necessary, to 1998–99 prices using the GDP deflator.

  2. The provisional outturn figures for 1998–99 and the budget estimates for 1999–2000 and 2000–01 are not yet available.

  Housing Expenditure
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will estimate the spending on housing in Scotland as a whole for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000 and (e) 2000–01 in (i) current and (ii) constant 1998–99 prices; [71777]
  152
  As from July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the spending on education in each of the current local government areas and for Scotland as a whole for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000 and (e) 2000–01 in (i) current and (ii) constant 1998–99 prices. [71775]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The available information is given in the following table. Final outturn figures for any year are generally higher than the budget estimates.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  (2) if he will estimate the total spending on housing for Scotland across all categories of housing expenditure for each year from 1994–95 to 2000–01 in (i) current and (ii) constant 1998–99 prices. [71778]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The table shows outturn and planned housing expenditure from the Scottish Office budget for
  153
  the years 1994–95 to 2000–01. From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Housing programme

  £ million

  Cash terms

  Real terms (1998–99 prices)

  Outturn

  1994–95

  533

  595

  1995–96

  499

  542

  1996–97

  484

  510

  1997–98

  470

  483

  Plans

  1998–99

  488

  488

  1999–2000

  512

  500

  2000–01

  622

  592

  Notes:

  1. Expenditure by the 5 New Town Development Corporations (which were dissolved by 31 March 1997) is excluded.

  2. The figures exclude non-HRA resources which were included in the single non-housing capital allocation from 1996–97.

  3. The figures for 1995–96 and 1996–97 exclude additional allocations to local authorities of £109 million and £57 million respectively for the purchase of New Towns' stock.

  4. The figure for 1997–98 excludes additional grant of £46 million for Scottish Homes redemption of debt.

  Health Expenditure
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will estimate the spending on health for Scotland as a whole for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000 and (e) 2000–01 in (i) current and (ii) constant 1998–99 prices; [71779]

  (2) if he will estimate the total spending on health for Scotland across all categories of health expenditure for each year from 1994–95 to 2000–01 in (i) current and (ii) constant 1998–99 prices. [71780]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The information requested is as follows:

  £ million

  Current prices

  Constant 1998–99 prices

  1994–951

  3,948

  4,411

  1995–961

  4,092

  4,442

  1996–971

  4,237

  4,462

  1997–981

  4,354

  4,474

  1998–992

  4,642

  4,642

  1999–20003

  4,924

  4,804

  2000–013

  5,214

  4,963

  1Outturn

  2Estimated outturn

  3Plan

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Rough Sleepers Initiative
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the extra funding for the Rough Sleepers Initiative announced on 16 December 1998 will be spent. [70318]
  154
  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 16 February 1999)The intention is that the additional funding announced for the Rough Sleepers Initiative on 16 December 1998 should be spent in the financial years 2000–01 and 2001–02.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Carers
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each local authority(a) the amount of grant that will be payable in each year to support the National Carers Strategy, (b) the estimated number of carers and (c) the product of dividing (a) by (b). [71102]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Local authorities have been allocated £1.1 billion for social work services in Scotland in 1999–2000. Although not ring-fenced, at least £5.1 million is for carers and respite care. Also £5 million of the total has been specifically allocated to encourage local authorities to implement the Community Care Action Plan, a key theme of which is support for carers. Information on the numbers of carers is not held centrally. It is for each authority to determine how much of its total resources to allocate to assisting carers.

  From 1 July, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Fixed Penalties
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in(a) Scotland and (b) each individual sheriffdom last year were charged with (i) one to three, (ii) four to five, (iii) five to 10 and (iv) more than 10 fixed penalty offences. [71874]

  Mr. McLeish
  Procurators Fiscal are empowered to make a conditional offer of a fixed penalty (fiscal fine) in relation to any offence in respect of which an alleged offender could competently be tried before the district court. The police or the Procurator Fiscal may also make a conditional offer of a fixed penalty in respect of certain road traffic offences.

  Information collected since 1996 indicates that 92 per cent. of fiscal fines accepted involved one fine, 7 per cent. involved 2 fines, 1 per cent. involved 3 fines and 0.4 per cent. 4–8 fines.

  From 1 July, Procurator Fiscal conditional offers (fiscal fines) will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament. Police and Procurator Fiscal fixed penalties for road traffic offences will be reserved.

  Local Government Boundary Commission
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland with reference to the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland's report to him on the Second Statutory Review of Electoral Arrangements, in how many local authorities(a) detailed counter-proposals were lodged against the Commission's draft proposals, by (i) political parties, (ii) individuals and (iii) community groups; (b) the Commission agreed to hold a local hearing; and (c) the Commission's draft proposals were amended subject to local hearings. [71890]
  155
  Mr. McLeish
  The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland advises me that its records are not held in a form from which this information could be quickly extracted. I am asking the Commission to write to the hon. Member, and shall arrange for a copy of the reply to be placed in the Library.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland with reference to the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland's report to the Secretary of State for Scotland on the Second Statutory Review of Electoral Arrangements, how many local authorities' amendments to the draft proposals of the Commission were incorporated in the Commission's final recommendations to the Secretary of State. [71885]

  Mr. McLeish
  In the case of every authority, amendments to the draft proposals of the Commission were incorporated in the Commission's final recommendations to the Secretary of State. From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Solicitors (Payments)
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Legal Aid Board about the number of solicitors who will continue to register for criminal legal aid work in Caithness following the introduction of fixed fees for summary criminal legal aid cases. [71861]

  Mr. McLeish
  The Scottish Legal Aid Board have made no representations. From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Rowett Institute
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date he received information from Dr. Pusztai in respect of work he had been undertaking at the Rowett Institute in Aberdeen involving experiments with rats and genetically modified potatoes; and if he will place a copy of it in the Library. [72570]

  Mr. Macdonald
  A copy of the report produced by Dr. Pusztai in response to the report of the Audit Committee was received by the Scottish Office on 26 October 1998. A copy of the report, together with the Audit Committee's response to the report, has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library the papers relating to Dr. Pusztai's research released by the Rowett Research Institute. [72362]

  Mr. Macdonald
  A copy of the Audit Committee Report and the Press Release issued by the Rowett Research Institute; Dr. Pusztai's Report in response to the Audit Committee; and the Audit Committee's response to that report and the accompanying Press Release, have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
  156
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will require the instruction to say nothing, given to Dr. Pusztai by his superiors at the Rowett Institute in Aberdeen, to be lifted forthwith. [72576]

  Mr. Macdonald
  I have been asked to reply as responsibility for this subject lies with the Scottish Office.

  The restriction was lifted by the Director of the Rowett Research Institute on 16 February 1999.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Housing
  Dr. Moonie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he plans to publish the Green Paper on housing in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [71994]

  Mr. Dewar
  I am publishing the Green Paper "Investing in Modernisation—An Agenda for Scotland's Housing" today, and have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.

  The Government's firm belief is that every household should be able to live in a decent, secure and affordable home, and the Green Paper sets out a range of ideas and proposals for achieving this objective. We have already made substantial progress towards this goal, for example, by providing an additional £300 million of investment for housing; by developing new programmes through the Warm Deal, Empty Homes, and Rough Sleepers initiatives; by establishing New Housing Partnerships to lever in private finance; and by putting community regeneration and tenant empowerment at the centre of our strategy. The publication of "Investing in Modernisation"—the first Scottish Housing Green Paper in twenty years—is further evidence of the importance which this Government attach to improving housing in Scotland.

  The Green Paper seeks views on a wide-range of issues and proposals, some forty in all. It emphasises the need for a long-term strategy which recognises the links with health, employment, and environmental policies and the role that housing can play in promoting social inclusion. It addresses all housing tenures, and places particular emphasis on the housing needs of the most vulnerable members of our society—rough sleepers and the homeless, community care users and families in cold and damp homes. "Investing in Modernisation" sets out the Government's ideas for revitalising public housing through the promotion of community ownership, which offers the prospect of fundamental and radical change which should bring major benefits to tenants, local authorities and communities. The Green Paper also highlights the importance of local authorities developing a strategic role in respect of housing in their areas, and it assesses the current activities of Scottish Homes and seeks views on how these might best be carried out in future.

  "Investing in Modernisation" is a consultative document which is intended to stimulate debate and discussion about the long-term housing policies and strategies which are most relevant to Scotland's

  157
  distinctive needs and circumstances. The closing date for responses to the Green Paper is 31 May 1999. Responses will be made available to the Scottish Parliament and Executive, who will have responsibility for determining, after 1 July, whether these proposals should be taken forward.

  Skye Bridge
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the annual cost of abolishing the tolls on the Skye Bridge and paying a shadow toll to Skye Bridge Ltd. for the remaining years of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [69246]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 4 February 1999]The terms of the contract with the concessionaire are that any changes to the concession agreement must have the consent of the concessionaire. Accordingly, it is not possible to estimate the final cost of shadow tolling. However, as my right hon. Friend said in his written answer of 4 July 1997,Official Report, columns 288–90, the idea of removing tolls completely through 100 per cent. shadow tolls is not less expensive than buying out the contract nor in public expenditure terms does it have the effect of spreading the cost over a number of years, as people have tended to assume. The full cost of the project would be a public expenditure charge immediately because of the absence of the transfer of risk to the private sector, which is what justifies the phased public expenditure cost for DBFO roads contracts entered into before construction has begun. The cost of buying out the contract is estimated to be at least £25m, but the final figure would depend upon the outcome of negotiations with the concessionaire. Hence, full shadow tolling is not considered an affordable option given the other competing pressures upon the roads budget.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Disabled People
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what amounts in his Department's budget for 1998–99 can be attributed to spending on disabled people; and what proportion this represents of total departmental spending. [71288]

  Mr. Bayley
  Expenditure on those people with a long term illness or disability is estimated to be £24.8 billion in 1998–99. This represents approximately 25 per cent. of total Social Security expenditure.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the total savings to the social security budget, for the past five years, resulting from maintenance paid to families through the Child Support Agency. [71099]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.
  158

  A breakdown of total savings to the Social Security budget from maintenance paid through the Child Support Agency

  £ million

  Year

  Benefit savings

  1993–94

  418

  1994–95

  479

  1995–96

  493

  1996–97

  469

  1997–98

  464

  1998–991

  314

  Total

  2,637

  >1up to 31 December 1998

  Note:

  The figures include maintenance, collected or arranged which directly offsets benefit expenditure, together with estimated savings where a claim for Income Support ceases as a result of action by the Agency.

  Transfer of Functions
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on plans for the division of responsibilities between the Treasury and the Department of Social Security with respect to(a) answering parliamentary questions and (b) appearances before Select Committees following the implementation of the Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, Etc.) Bill [Lords]. [71124]

  Mr. Timms
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security, announced to the House on 8 February 1999,Official Report, columns 35–45, that Treasury Ministers would take on responsibility for policy on National Insurance on 1 April 1999. The Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, Etc. Bill currently before Parliament transfers operational responsibility for National Insurance contributions, Statutory Sick Pay, Statutory Maternity pay and contracting out matters, together with control and management of the National Insurance Fund, to the Board of the Inland Revenue. It also transfers responsibility for policy on National Insurance contributions from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to Treasury Ministers.

  Policy responsibility for Statutory Sick Pay, Statutory Maternity Pay, contracting out, credits, Home Responsibilities Protection and the security of the National Insurance Number system remains with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. He will also continue to be responsible for benefits. Ministers and, where appropriate, officials will be accountable to Parliament on the areas for which they are responsible. Treasury Ministers will answer questions relating to the Inland Revenue including those responsibilities transferred to it by the Bill. It is for the House to decide on the areas of responsibility for Select Committees.

  Guaranteed Minimum Pension
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the additional annual cost of the introduction of the guaranteed minimum pension. [71373]
  159
  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.

  The estimated additional cost from April 1999 to 2002 (the period covered by the comprehensive spending review settlement) of providing a minimum income guarantee for pensioners

  £ million

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  20001–02

  Cost of introducing the minimum income guarantee

  495

  670

  840

  Note:

  The costs include the effect on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit arising from increasing the rates in line with Income Support, and the additional numbers qualifying for full HB as a result of becoming entitled to the Minimum Income Guarantee.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the additional annual cost of increasing the state retirement pension to the same level as the guaranteed minimum pension. [71374]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer my right hon. Friend, the then Minister of State for Social Security, gave my hon. Friend the Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) on 18 November 1998,Official Report, columns 624–25.

  Asylum Seekers (Fraud)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to investigate the level of social security fraud committed by asylum seekers. [71096]

  Mr. Timms
  Our estimates of fraud levels do not identify asylum seekers as a distinct group. However, we investigate fraud wherever it is alleged to occur, regardless of the category of the claimant involved.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security where an employee takes out a stakeholder pension through the access given by his employer and then changes job, what arrangements will ensure continued access to the same stakeholder pension. [71174]

  Mr. Timms
  The Green Paper "Partnership in Pensions" indicated that the requirement on employers to provide access to stakeholder pension schemes, including the deduction of contributions from pay, would initially apply only to a single scheme nominated by the employer. An employee who moved to a new employer with a different nominated scheme and who wished to remain in his or her current scheme would be able to do so, but would need to make his or her own arrangements for passing contributions to the scheme, unless the new employer agreed to pass on contributions on a voluntary basis.

  We believe it would be desirable in the longer term to move to a position where employers would be required to pass employees' contributions to any stakeholder scheme. Before doing so, we would want to ensure that such a requirement did not impose an undue administrative burden on employers. The Green Paper indicates that we plan to consult further on the idea of a clearing house for contributions, which could be helpful in reducing the cost to employers of passing contributions to a number of different schemes.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many non-married pensioners with income below £80 per week are(a) men and (b) women who are (i) 65 to 69, (ii) 70 to 74, (iii) 75 to 79 and (iv) 80 years or above; and if he will list separately the figures in each case for those who are (1) widows/widowers, (2) divorced or separated and (3) never married. [71176]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.

  Non-married pensioners in Great Britain with income below £80 per week, by status—All non-married (non-cohabiting) pensioners

  Age band

  Men

  Women

  Total

  65 to 69

  30,000

  100,000

  130,000

  70 to 74

  20,000

  180,000

  200,000

  75 to 79

  40,000

  190,000

  220,000

  80 or above

  60,000

  270,000

  330,000

  All 65 or above

  150,000

  730,000

  880,000

  Widow/widower pensioners

  Age band

  Men

  Women

  Total

  65 to 69

  10,000

  70,000

  80,000

  70 to 74

  10,000

  140,000

  150,000

  75 to 79

  30,000

  160,000

  190,000

  80 or above

  50,000

  230,000

  290,000

  All 65 or above

  100,000

  600,000

  710,000

  Divorced or separated pensioners

  Age band

  Men

  Women

  Total

  65 to 69

  10,000

  20,000

  30,000

  70 to 74

  10,000

  20,000

  20,000

  75 to 79

  1—

  10,000

  20,000

  80 or above

  1—

  10,000

  10,000

  All 65 or above

  20,000

  60,000

  80,000

  Never-married pensioners

  Age band

  Men

  Women

  Total

  65 to 69

  10,000

  10,000

  20,000

  70 to 74

  1—

  20,000

  20,000

  75 to 79

  10,000

  20,000

  20,000

  80 or above

  10,000

  20,000

  30,000

  All 65 or above

  20,000

  70,000

  90,000

  1Estimates of fewer than 5,000 pensioners

  Notes:

  1. Estimates are given to the nearest 10,000 pensioners, although they are not necessarily accurate to that degree. Components may not sum to totals due to rounding.

  2. Estimates, particularly those for 'divorced or separated', 'never married' and male widowed pensioners, should be treated with caution since they are based on small sample sizes.

  3. Income is defined as net income before housing costs at July 1996 prices.

  4. Non-married pensioners who are currently cohabiting are excluded from the analysis.

  Source:

  Family Resources Survey, 1996–97

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate from the PENSIM simulation the numbers of pensioners eligible for the minimum
  161
  income guarantee (a) under current arrangements and (b) if the Government's proposals on pensions are implemented in (i) 2000, (ii) 2010, (iii) 2020, (iv) 2030 and (v) 2040. [72192]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is given in the table.

  Proportion of pensioners receiving the minimum income guarantee

  2000

  2025

  2050

  Current arrangements

  1 in 5

  1 in 5

  1 in 3

  After implementation of proposals (excluding effect of behavioural change)

  1 in 5

  1 in 5

  1 in 4

  Notes:

  1. The estimates of the numbers in receipt of the Minimum Income Guarantee under current arrangements are based on our intention, over the long-term and as resources permit, to uprate the Minimum Income Guarantee in line with average earnings.

  2. Projections forward to the year 2050 are subject to a high degree of uncertainty, given the number of assumptions that need to be made in making these estimates. The estimates have been made by extrapolating estimates from the PENSIM model, but these can only give a broad indication of the likely order of magnitude of figures so far into the future.

  Income Support
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 13 January 1999,Official Report, columns 222–23, on income support, what assessment he has made of the gender breakdown of the one in four pensioners whom he expects to be on income support in 2050. [71437]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available. Projections forward to 2050 are subject to a high degree of uncertainty, given the number of assumptions that need to be made in making these estimates. Estimates have been made by extrapolating estimates from the PENSIM model, but these can only give a broad indication of the likely order of magnitude of figures so far into the future.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the effects of his over-indexation of income support rates for pensioners on the number of pensioners receiving(a) housing benefit and (b) council tax benefit in 1999–2000. [71957]

  Mr. Timms
  It is estimated that, as a result of increasing the Income Support rates for pensioners above price indexation in April 1999, an additional 5,000 pensioners will become entitled to Housing Benefit and an additional 10,000 cases will become entitled to Council Tax Benefit.

  Notes:

  1. The estimates are based on the 1995–6 Family Resources Survey and have been adjusted by administrative data. Figures are uprated to 1999–2000 prices and benefit levels and rounded to the nearest 5,000 cases.

  2. Pensioners are defined as pensioner benefit units at and above State pension age, (at least one of SPA or above), rather than individual Pensioners.

  3. The two figures do not sum. Pensioners entitled to Housing Benefit will also be entitled to Council Tax Benefit, but not all Council Tax Benefit recipients will be receiving Housing Benefit.

  Widows
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what will be the rights of women who are widowed(a) before and (b) after pension age in respect of their late husband's state second pension. [71177]

  Angela Eagle
  We intend that men and women widowed over State pension age will be able to inherit half the State second pension entitlement of their late spouse (subject to the overall maximum). In line with the proposals for bereavement benefits currently before Parliament, those with dependent children who are widowed before State pension age will also be able to inherit half their late spouse's State second pension entitlement as part of their Widowed Parent's Allowance. Those without dependent children will be able to inherit half their late spouse's State second pension entitlement when they reach State pension age (again subject to the overall maximum).

  LISA
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the current charging levels of unit trusts, with respect to the feasibility of incorporating lifetime individual savings accounts within the stakeholder pension framework. [71173]

  Mr. Timms
  The consultation paper "Helping to deliver stakeholder pensions" indicates that the proposed new investment mechanism could be used for all existing types of defined contribution pension scheme and, in due course, for stakeholder pension schemes.

  Pooled investment schemes, including unit trusts, typically take most of their income from an annual percentage charge on the funds under management and should therefore be well placed to deliver flexible arrangements with charges that do not penalise individuals who stop paying in, or who wish to transfer their pension savings to another scheme. Details of the minimum standards that all stakeholder pension schemes will be required to meet, including those on charges, will be set out in due course.

  New Deal
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide a breakdown of the types of benefit received by those leaving the New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds to transfer to other benefits. [71186]

  Angela Eagle
  Of the 82,600 young people who have left the New Deal up to November 1998 (the latest date for which figures are available) 10,150, 12 per cent. of all leavers, have claimed other benefits. Of these, 5,600 have claimed Incapacity Benefit, 1,700 have claimed Income Support and 2,850 have claimed other benefits for which no detailed breakdown by benefit is available.

  Source:

  New Deal Evaluation Database.

  NIRS2
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many extra staff have been recruited to compensate for the delays in the NIRS2 project; how many of these staff are(a) short-term and (b) part-time

  163
  workers; what has been the cost of employing these staff including employment on-costs; and how much of this cost is recoverable from Anderson Consulting. [71788]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Rendel) on 15 February 1999,Official Report, column 556.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for which customers and from what dates the Contributions Agency has declined to accept national insurance contributions because of an inability to record those contributions; how many customers are affected; how much revenue has been lost; and how it will be recovered. [71784]

  Mr. Timms
  The Contributions Agency has never declined to accept National Insurance contributions from its customers or contributors because of an inability to record the contributions paid on the new National Insurance Recording System (NIRS2).

  However, there have been some situations where the Department has been unable to register an individual to pay Class 2 self-employed contributions either by the Direct Debit or quarterly payment method as a consequence of the delays in introducing the NIRS2 on-line facilities.

  The Department identified approximately 160,000 customers who were affected by the delays and provided them with information. Contingency arrangements were invoked where appropriate to minimise the impacts to customers.

  Since the introduction of the on-line facility, the Agency has cleared approximately 31,000 cases from the 160,000 outstanding backlog cases. It is also continuing to action all new applications as they are received.

  Collections of all outstanding Class 2 liabilities affected by the delays will be handled sensitively.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the objectives of the NIRS2 project; when the final decision was taken to implement the project; on what dates revisions of the objectives were approved; what has been the expenditure on this project to date; and if he will list the remaining implementation milestones to completion. [71770]

  Mr. Timms
  The objectives of the NIRS2 project were to develop a new computer system that would replace the ageing NIRS1 system and to support the legislative changes brought about by the Pensions Act 1995.

  The original NIRS2 Agreement was to deliver the system in 3 releases between February 1997 and April 1999. A subsequent Deed of Agreement was agreed in July 1996, which allowed for a phased delivery of the first release. Although incorporating the original time frame, the phasing of delivery between those dates was significantly altered.
  Release 1a
  The agreement delivery date of 10 February 1997 was achieved.
  Release 1b
  The original agreement date of 27 October 1997 was not achieved. Delivery took place on the 28 January 1998.
  164
  Release 1c
  The original agreement date of 6 April 1998 was not achieved. Part of the service was delivered on the 13 July 1998, and final acceptance took place on the 28 August 1998.

  Release 2–3 is the remaining milestone. The agreed delivery date is the 6 April 1999, and this is still the current target. A maintenance release incorporating changes requested by the business is also planned for 6 April 1999.

  As reported by the National Audit Office on 29 May 1997 the cost of implementing the NIRS2 computer system is likely to be around £134 million.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what studies have been commissioned under the Housing Benefit Computing Strategy Study; when such studies were commissioned; what agencies are employed in the study; how much expenditure has been committed so far; and what are the implementation milestones to completion. [71786]

  Angela Eagle
  The Housing Benefit Computing Strategy (HBCS) study was announced on 5 March 1996 to explore the benefits of integrating local authority Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (HB/CTB) computer systems with the next generation of departmental computer systems. A range of studies were commissioned in 1996. They included a national survey of local authorities (to establish details of their existing systems and their attitude towards a national computing system); an HB/CTB process mapping exercise (to baseline the business requirements of an integrated system) and a financial analysis (to model the costs and benefits for the department and local authorities of such a system).

  Further analytical work has been undertaken during the course of 1997 and 1998. At present, only the Department is involved in continuing work, but local authority Housing Benefit practitioners and a number of consultancy firms have been involved in the past. Excluding civil service and local authority costs, expenditure of approximately £640,000 has been committed so far. The study into whether Departmental computer systems should take account of HB/CTB is continuing. Integration of local authority and Departmental computer systems is a major undertaking and progress is dependent on the implementation of the Department's overall information systems/information technology strategy. Final decisions on the outcome of the HBCS study and any future implementation plans will be dependent on this.

  Smartcard
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will indicate the objectives of the benefits payments smartcard project; on what date the final decision was taken to implement the project; what has been the expenditure on the project so far; and if he will list the remaining implementation milestones to completion. [71764]
  165
  Mr. Timms
  The Benefits Agency is involved, with Post Office Counters Ltd., in a Programme to automate post offices and benefit payments. The objectives of this Programme are:

  To deliver a secure method of paying benefits at post offices;

  To develop a system that meets recognised accountancy practices;

  For automation to provide greater commercial opportunities enabling Post Office Counters Ltd. to improve competitiveness and increase efficiency;

  To provide an improved level of service to all customers.

  The project is being taken forward under the Private Finance Initiative and the contract was awarded to ICL Pathway on 15 May 1996.

  To date, the Department's expenditure amounts to £241 million. This expenditure provides a range of services and an Information Technology infrastructure that will also support our wider programme of modernisation.

  The Programme is presently undergoing a limited trial in the North East and South West of England using the Benefit Payment Service to pay Child Benefit and the Order Book Control Service to record bar coded order books. The remaining milestones consist of the completion of post office automation nationally, the introduction of card payment for all other benefits and the delivery of the remaining services; the Electronic Point of Sale Service which records post office product sales; and the Automated Payment Service that provides automated bill payment facilities.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he requires customers receiving child benefit to distinguish between children of different relationships. [71709]

  Angela Eagle
  Generally, a person who is responsible for a child either because the child is living with them, or because they are contributing regularly towards the maintenance of the child, will be eligible for Child Benefit. The relationship between the child and the person claiming is immaterial.

  Where competing claims are received in respect of the same child and both claimants live at the same address, a parent will have priority of title over a person who is not the child's parent. Step-parents and legally adoptive parents are treated as natural parents.

  Accord Project
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the objectives of(a) the accord project and (b) the assist computerisation project; on what date the final decision was taken to implement the project;

  Review

  Cost

  Reports

  Review of the major components of the Social Security system

  Costs are subsumed within the Department's ordinary running costs.

  Green paper; "New Ambitions for Our Country: A new contract for welfare", published 26 March 1998. Decisions on support for disabled people, bereavement benefits and a single work-focused gateway to the benefits system for working age people will be taken forward in the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill. Further announcements in due course.

  166
  what was the expenditure on each project; and if he will list the remaining implementation milestones to completion. [71781]

  Mr. Timms
  The Access to Corporate Data (ACCORD) Procurement project was established to provide the Department with long term supply options to take forward the delivery of the new generation of Information Systems/Information Technology (IS/IT) needed to underpin the modernisation of the Welfare State. The procurement set out to establish Private Finance Initiative/Private Public Partnership arrangements with suitable service providers.

  The announcement of the selected service providers (AFFINITY, ARCWAY and 1ACCORD) to take this work forward on behalf of the Department was made on 5 November 1998, Official Report, column 646. Specific business allocations will be made to the service providers under the provision of an overarching IS/IT Services Agreement. Milestones for these individual projects will then be defined as part of the projects management activity.

  The ACCORD Procurement Project team has, since its inception in 1996, cost in the order of £3.8 million. No payments have yet been made to any service provider as a result of the procurement project. Expenditure commitments will be linked to the business allocations made under the IS/IT Services Agreement.

  The ASSIST (Analytical Services Statistical Information System) Project was established to produce a comprehensive statistical package to support statisticians and policy makers within the Department, with final approval for the implementation of the system given on 9 February 1998. The final milestone will be the roll out of the Data Repository to users in the Departments Analytical Services Division from 5 April 1999. Total expenditure from April 1995 to the end of the financial year 1998–99 is expected to be £6.2 million.

  Benefits Agency Offices (Closure)
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he first assessed the advantages of closing the Benefits Agency offices in Abingdon and Wantage. [71688]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave him on 18 November 1998,Official Report, column 629.

  Reviews and Task Forces
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what(a) reviews, (b) task forces and (c) advisory groups have been established by his Department since 1 May 1997; what costs they have incurred to date; and what reports they have published. [71512]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.
  167

  Review

  Cost

  Reports

  Review of Pensions

  Costs are subsumed within the Department's ordinary running costs.

  "Stakeholder Pensions: a Consultation Document" November 1997.

  "A New Contract for Welfare: Partnership in Pensions" December 1998.

  "Strengthening the Pensions framework: a Consultation Document" December 1998.

  Review of Child Support

  Costs are subsumed within the Department's ordinary running costs.

  Green Paper "Children First: a new approach to child support" published July 1998.

  We will shortly publish our detailed strategy for safeguarding Social Security.

  Review of the evidence on which the Department's approach to the assessment of noise induced sensorineural hearing loss is based

  Costs are subsumed within the Department's ordinary running costs but travel and subsistence for members was £2,100.

  Outcome of the review was announced on 5 March 1998.

  Housing Benefit Simplification and Improvement Project

  Costs are subsumed within the Department's ordinary running costs.

  Report will be published in due course.

  Task Forces

  Pensions Education Working Group

  Costs are subsumed within the Department's ordinary running costs.

  "Getting to know about Pensions"—June 1998

  Pension Provision Group

  Costs are subsumed within the Department's ordinary running costs

  "We all need pensions—the prospects for pension provision"—June 1998

  Advisory Groups

  Disability Benefits Forum

  Costs are subsumed within the Department's ordinary running costs but travel and subsistence, hospitality and other miscellaneous services amount to £6,580 to date

  None

  Ad hoc Group of External Stakeholders—Decision Making and Appeals

  Nil

  No reports produced. It is a discussion group for consultation on regulations from Social Security Act 1998 and DMA implementation proposals.

  Pension Sharing Consultation Panel

  Nil

  None

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of extending entitlement to invalid care allowance to those above state pension age. [71498]

  Mr. Bayley
  Extending eligibility for Invalid Care Allowance to people initially claiming aged 65 years or over would cost an estimated £30 million in terms of benefit expenditure in 1999–2000, including the cost of increased eligibility for carer premium within the income related benefits.Note:
  The expenditure estimate has been given at 1998–99 prices and is rounded to the nearest £5 million.
  Source:
  1996–97 Family Resources Survey. Due to limitations in the survey data the estimate should be treated with caution.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71855]
  168
  Mr. Timms
  In common with other Departments, the work of press officers in this Department includes responding to any misinformed allegations concerning Government policy or activity which are published in the media. They are supported in this work by other officials as necessary.

  As this is a routine part of a Department's work and it is not separately recorded from other tasks, to provide the further information requested would involve disproportionate cost.

  "A New Contract for Welfare"
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list changes made to the proposals in the Green Paper, "A New Contract for Welfare: Support in Bereavement and Support for Disabled People", as a result of the consultations he undertook. [72187]

  Mr. Bayley
  An announcement will be made shortly.

  Back-to-work Bonuses
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Back-to-Work bonuses have been paid in each year since the introduction of the scheme. [72186]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.
  169

  Number of back to work bonuses made

  Number

  7 October-31 December 1996

  1,374

  January-December 1997

  41,353

  January-December 1998

  45,542

  Note:

  Data based on information held on the Income Support Computer System (ISCS) and the Jobseeker's Allowance Payment System (JSAPS). No clerically processed claims included. Excludes JSAPS activity for November 1996.

  Source:

  Back to Work Bonus management information statistics.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the numbers of individuals who will lose entitlement under his changes to incapacity benefit and the numbers who, as a result, will claim means-tested assistance. [72191]

  Mr. Bayley
  Most of the people who would be affected by the proposal to take some account of occupational and personal pensions over £50 a week will continue to receive Incapacity Benefit. The estimated reduction in the number of people on Incapacity Benefit as a result of the proposed change to the National Insurance contribution conditions is 30,000 in year one, 60,000 in year three and 120,000 in year ten. Approximately 70 per cent. of these people will already be receiving income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Income Support when their claim for Incapacity Benefit is made and we would expect their entitlement to means-tested benefit to continue.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the change in the number of people claiming incapacity benefit(a) in the six pilot areas of the New Deal for Disabled People and (b) in control areas. [72356]

  Mr. Bayley
  We are piloting a Personal Adviser Service under the New Deal for Disabled People in 12 areas. The first six pilots were launched on 28 September, and pilots in the remaining six areas are expected to start in the Spring. The latest available information about Incapacity Benefit caseloads in the pilot areas relates to August 1998, before the pilots started. Data are collected quarterly, and information for the quarter ending November 1998 will be available at the end of March.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many widows currently receive incapacity benefit on the basis of their husband's contributions; what is the total cost of the payments; and what is the average payment received; [72354]

  (2) how many widows and widowers he estimates will not be able to claim incapacity benefit on the basis of their spouses' contributions as result of the changes proposed in the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill. [72353]

  Mr. Bayley
  Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows. It is estimated there may be up to 2,000 successful claims a year to Incapacity Benefit on the basis of a late spouse's contributions. We estimate that about 1,500 people will be affected in the first year and 5,000 in the long run by the proposed changes to the contribution conditions.

  Housing and Council Tax Benefits
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit extension period for each year since the introduction of the concession. [72189]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Housing benefit/council tax benefit extended payments

  Housing benefit

  Council tax benefit

  1996–97

  Total extended payment applications

  110,000

  100,000

  Number of successful applications

  87,000

  85,000

  Percentage of successful applications

  82

  83

  1997–98 Provisional

  Total extended payment applications

  170,000

  170,000

  Number of successful applications

  150,000

  140,000

  Percentage of successful applications

  85

  85

  Notes:

  1. Figures have been rounded to two significant figures.

  2. Figures refer to a benefit unit, which may be a single person or a couple.

  3. 1997–98 figures are provisional. Final figures will be released in HB/CTB Quarterly Summary.

  4. Statistics—May 1998, on 25 February 1999.

  Source:

  Quarterly Administrative returns April 1996 to March 1998.

  SERPS
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of men with SERPS entitlement who retired between 1986 and 1996. [72044]

  Mr. Timms
  We estimate that there are approximately 2 million male pensioners in Great Britain, who are aged between 68 and 78 and who have some entitlement to additional pension from SERPS.

  Source:

  5 per cent. sample of the Pensions Strategy Computer System (PSCS) drawn at January 1999.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of the men with SERPS entitlements who retired between 1986 and 1996 he estimates may have made financial arrangements on the basis of the incomplete information included in DSS leaflets NP45 and NP46 published between 1986 and spring 1996. [72045]

  Mr. Timms
  We estimate that there are approximately 2 million male pensioners in Great Britain who retired between 1986 and 1996 and who have some SERPS entitlement. They will have made their financial arrangements on the basis of various sources of information.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he plans to write to all the men with SERPS entitlements who retired between 1986 and 1996 whose decisions may have been affected by the incomplete information provided in DSS leaflets NP45 and NP46 between 1986 and spring 1996; and if he will compensate all those who have been affected. [72046]
  171
  Mr. Timms
  We are considering ways to heighten general awareness of the reduction from 100 per cent. to 50 per cent. in the amount of SERPS which can be inherited by a surviving spouse from 6 April 2000. Current widows and those widowed before 6 April 2000 will not be affected by this change. Existing compensation arrangements can offer redress to those who can show that their financial decisions have been affected to their detriment by misleading information provided by the Department.

  KPMG
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the services that KPMG have performed for his Department(a) since 1 May 1997 and (b) in the corresponding period prior to 1 May 1997, indicating the remuneration made in each case. [72012]

  Date

  Service provided

  Value (£)

  7–31 May 1996

  Consultancy support for ITSA's Management Team review of lessons learnt from recent PFI and
  out sourcing exercises

  24,462

  12–30 August 1996

  Review of Financial Systems that form part of the Accounting Requirement for Shared System
  Infrastructure—part of the emerging corporate IS/IT strategy

  17,010

  5 August 1996–22 November 1996

  Consultant to undertake pre-feasibility study of Programme Accounting Group (PAG) computer
  systems capabilities for debt management

  81,400

  12 November 1996–31 December 1996

  Programme Accounting Group (PAG) systems development work on the Accounting Systems

  364,500

  21 October 1996–24 January 1997

  Programme Accounting Group (PAG) Consultancy for Third Party Payment Purchasing study

  118,471.70

  5–26 February 1997

  Independent review of Departmental Year 2000 Project

  17,745

  10 February 1997–4 April 1997

  IS/IT Systems Support for Programme Accounting Groups (PAG) Computer System

  33,250

  9 June 1997–3 October 1997

  Consultant to review/assess and analyse opportunities within ITSA's Customer Service
  Function

  53,025

  14 July 1997–31 January 1998

  Program Accounting Group (PAG) Project Manager for Benefits Agency Financial System
  enhancements

  63,000

  16 March 1998–30 September 1998

  Assisting Banking and Allocation Branch in the evaluation of ACCORD Proposals

  386,815

  13 October 1997–12 October 1998

  Assisting Banking and Allocation Branch in defining the requirement for MIS, Financial
  control and accounting for the ACCORD project and Modern Service Programme

  437,400

  25 November 1997–31 March 1999

  Assisting Banking Allocation Branch to further develop MIS and Financial Strand of Modern
  Service Programme work

  399,600

  Total

  1,996,678.70

  Annuities
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate on the basis of the figures provided by the Government Actuary the weekly income which could be purchased via an indexed annuity by(a) a man and (b) a woman, aged 65 years with an accumulated sum of £10,000 from a stakeholder pension if that annuity was intended to last (i) for a fixed period of 10 years and (ii) until death. [72182]

  Mr. Timms
  £10,000 would provide an annuity income of £730 per annum for a man and £630 per annum for a woman. Both of these are payable for life. The Inland Revenue's rules do not permit a retirement annuity to be payable for a fixed period of ten years.

  Benefit Integrity Project
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to publish the final figures of
  172
  Angela Eagle
  All of the business awarded to KPMG has been competitively tendered amongst a selection of suppliers, under the Computer and Related Services Framework Agreement, which has been in place since 1 June 1996. No records are available prior to this date.

  This Framework is covered by the provisions of the EC Services Directive (92/50/EEC), which came into effect on 1 July 1993. This ensures that all tender exercises are compliant with EC Procurement legislation.

  This Department spends in the order of £60 million per annum under the Computer and Related Services Framework Agreement on consultancy and contractor services, under 2 per cent. of which has been spent with KPMG during the whole period of the Framework. All contracts of over £10k are listed in the table, three other minor contracts below this value have been awarded.

  cases under the Benefit Integrity Project following its conclusion on 31 March. [72355]

  Mr. Bayley
  Benefit Integrity Project (BIP) statistics for the period ending 31 March 1999 will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses by the end of April 1999. BIP cases being actioned on 31 March 1999 will continue to be processed. Statistical information will continue to be provided as these cases pass through all stages of adjudication, including review and appeal.

  Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 11 February 1999,Official Report, column 378, on stakeholder pensioners, if he will provide corresponding estimates of income as a percentage of the minimum income guarantee for (i) 10 years and (ii) 15 years after retirement. [72183]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.
  173

  Pension as a proportion of the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG)

  Number of years after retirement

  Earnings-indexed MIG%

  Price-indexed MIG%

  0

  110

  240

  10

  90

  200

  15

  80

  175

  Notes:

  1. The hypothetical individual in this example is assumed to begin work at 16 years old in 2002; work for 49 years until retirement; and earn £10,000 per annum in 1998 earnings terms throughout their working life.

  2. Only National Insurance rebates are paid into the stakeholder pension scheme.

  3. Real earnings growth is assumed to be 1.5 per cent.

  4. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 per cent.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what data sources are available to him which would enable him to assess long-term trends in the living standard of widows over pension age relative to other groups of people over pension age. [71958]

  Angela Eagle
  Information on incomes of widows over pension age and other groups of people over pension age is available from the Family Expenditure Survey for selected years between 1979 and 1996–97. Such information is also available from the Family Resources Survey from 1994–95 to 1996–97. Reliable estimates may not be available from these sources for all years, or for certain subgroups of people over pension age, due to small sample sizes.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 11 February 1999,Official Report, column 379, on pensions, if he will provide a breakdown of the total package between (i) the minimum income guarantee, (ii) winter fuel payments, (iii) free eye tests and (iv) concessionary travel, and indicate in each case how the expenditure is phased over the three year period. [72040]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.

  Estimated DSS expenditure based on comprehensive spending review forecasts

  £ million

  Year

  Mimimum Income Year Guarantee1

  Winter Fuel Payments

  1999–2001

  495

  155

  2000–01

  670

  160

  2001–02

  840

  165

  1This includes additional cost for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

  In addition, costs in the region of between £120 million and £150 million per annum (depending on take up) will be incurred by the Department of Health in respect of free eye tests for people aged 60 and over. the introduction of a national minimum scheme for pensioners on buses depends on the passage of primary legislation.

  Bereavement Allowance
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much he estimates it would cost to extend the payment of bereavement allowance from six months to(a) one year, (b) two years, (c) three years, (d) four years and (e) five years. [72282]
  174
  Angela Eagle
  The following is the information:

  Additional cost of extending bereavement allowance

  £ million

  2001

  2005

  2020

  One year

  10

  30

  50

  Two years

  10

  90

  150

  Three years

  10

  140

  200

  Four years

  10

  180

  250

  Five years

  10

  200

  350

  Notes:

  1. Figures are in 1998–99 prices and are rounded to the nearest £10 million. Figures for year 2020–21 are rounded to the nearest £50 million. The estimates for 2020–21 are broad orders of magnitude and are provided for illustrative purposes only.

  2. Estimates are presented net of means-tested benefit offsets, in line with those in the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill. Means-tested benefit offsets were estimated using the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey and the Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiries. They assume a constant offset ratio for each year.

  Source:

  Gross costs were provided by the Government Actuary's Department

  Vouchers
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will release the report of the Social Security Advisory Committee concerning luncheon vouchers and other vouchers. [72281]

  Mr. Timms
  We are considering the Social Security Advisory Committee's report on regulations to bring non-cash vouchers into line with the treatment of cash earnings for National Insurance contribution purposes. Where the Committee reports on a set of regulations, the Secretary of State is required to publish it, and the Government's response, when tabling the regulations. There is no requirement to publish the Committee's report where a decision is taken not to table the regulations. We shall make a further statement shortly.

  Benefit Claimants
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for the latest available year the value of benefits paid by his Department to claimants in the(a) Liverpool and (b) Wirral areas. [72185]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables. Where a benefit is paid centrally its value cannot be broken down to local figures, unless it is paid with a locally administered benefit such as Income Support.

  The value of benefit claims for the Financial Year 1997–98, period ending March 1998, for Liverpool and Wirral areas

  Benefits

  Liverpool

  Wirral

  Attendance Allowance1

  41,436,945

  11,854,879

  Community Care Grants

  3,321,647

  833,135

  Disability Living Allowance1

  25,840,578

  6,324,555

  Funeral Payments

  94,884

  22,665

  Incapacity Benefit

  210,017,961

  66,275,699

  Income Support

  380,229,248

  106,703,915

  Industrial Death Benefit

  868,650

  533,175

  Industrial Injuries Benefit

  11,543,984

  8,578,417

  Job Seekers Allowance

  105,322,360

  29,589,854

  Maternity Allowance

  278,828

  115,242

  175

  The value of benefit claims for the Financial Year
  1997–98, period ending March 1998, for Liverpool and Wirral areas

  Benefits

  Liverpool

  Wirral

  Maternity Expenses

  484,029

  140,829

  Retirement Pension1

  382,241,952

  140,576,855

  Severe Disablement Allowance

  22,899,682

  7,067,890

  Widows Benefit

  13,987,575

  4,675,006

  Winter Fuel Payments

  3,051,760

  1,002,410

  Xmas Bonus

  1,737,431

  608,596

  Other2

  43,961

  23,244

  Total

  1,203,401,475

  384,926,366

  1The benefits marked are centrally paid benefits and the full value of
  these benefits paid in Liverpool and Wirral is not shown. The amounts shown are only the value of
  the benefit where it is combined with a locally paid benefit such as Income Support.

  2The "other" figure consists of the remaining benefits whose value
  individually are small.

  Notes:

  1. Other centrally administered benefits that could not be shown in the table are: War Pensions, Family Credit, Child Benefit, Earnings Top-Up, Disabled Working Allowance, and Invalid Care Allowance.

  2. Liverpool consists of Knowsley, Liverpool Mersey, Liverpool North and Sefton Districts. The BA local offices which make up these districts are: Liverpool Huyton, Liverpool Kirkby, Liverpool Belle Vale, Liverpool Edgehill, Liverpool Garston, Liverpool Toxteth, Liverpool Breckfield, Liverpool West Derby, Liverpool Bootle, Liverpool Crosby and Southport.

  3. Wirral is one BA district with Birkenhead and Wallasey local offices.

  4. Figures are provisional and subject to change.

  Source:

  Programme Accounting Computer System of the BA based at Norcross.

  The amount of Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit subsidy paid out by the Department for 1997–98

  Benefits

  Liverpool

  Wirral

  Housing Benefit Subsidy

  137,797,161

  39,894,852

  Council Tax Benefit Subsidy

  80,723,071

  19,439,489

  Total

  218,520,232

  59,334,341

  Notes:

  1. Local Authorities included above are Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

  2. The amounts for Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit represent the subsidies paid to Local Authorities by the Department as opposed to the actual amount of benefit paid to claimants by the Local Authorities.

  3. Figures may be subject to change at audit.

  Source:

  The Local Authorities initial final claims for 1997–98.

  Asbestosis
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many United Kingdom civilians employed in war-related work have received war pensions for asbestosis since 1969; and what factors led to their award. [72000]

  Mr. Bayley
  As at 31 December 1998, there were 3,183 civilians receiving a War Disablement Pension. However, information on how many of these pensions relate to asbestosis, how many pensions have been awarded since 1969 and what factors led to their award is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Second Pension
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the additional annual cost of the second pension in(a) 10, (b) 15, (c) 20 and (d) 25 years' time. [71372]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.

  The estimated gross public expenditure costs of the state second pension

  £ billion 1998–99 prices

  Year

  SERPS

  SSP

  Difference, net of Income Related Benefit effects

  2010

  9.4

  9.0

  -0.4

  2015

  11.0

  10.7

  -0.4

  2020

  12.0

  11.9

  -0.3

  2025

  13.2

  13.8

  0.0

  Notes:

  1. This shows the net public expenditure effects of the difference between the costs of SERPS and Second State Pension (SSP), taking into account the effects of income related benefits.

  2. The SSP figures include all expenditure on State second-tier pensions, including SERPS pensions already in payment and pre-2002–03 SERPS accruals yet to come into payment.

  3. These figures exclude the effect of the introduction of stakeholder pensions, which is expected to lead to higher levels of contracting out.

WALES

  Millennium Celebrations
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make additional funds available to the ambulance service and the fire service in Wales, above their normal revenue budgets, to meet the one-off costs associated with the millennium celebrations. [70308]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  No additional funding is being made available to the ambulance or fire service in respect of the millennium celebrations.

  Following the transfer of functions, this matter will be a responsibility of the National Assembly.

  Aricept
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which area health authorities in Wales fund the prescription of the drug Donepezil Hydrochloride (Aricept) to treat Alzheimer's disease. [71486]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Generally, Health Authorities do not set aside funding for specific drugs, whether these are prescribed by GPs or by hospital doctors.

  On 29 May 1998 the Chief Medical Officer circulated to clinicians and pharmacists in Wales the advice of the Standing Medical Advisory Committee that treatment with Donepezil should be initiated and supervised only by a specialist experienced in the management of dementia, that the benefit should be assessed at 12 weeks, and that treatment should continue only for those patients who have benefited from its use.

  There is, therefore, no Departmental prohibition on the use of Donepezil in Wales but Health Authorities have to consider its use in the light of their locally determined priorities. The Dyfed Powys Health Authority has set up

  177
  a formal referral system and Iechyd Morgannwg Health have decided to treat patients within the protocol of a randomised control trial. The Gwent, North Wales and Bro Taf Health Authorities are reconsidering their position and are expected shortly to propose formal arrangements for the use of Donepezil in their areas.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what reviews, task forces and advisory groups have been established by his Department since 1 May 1997; what costs they have incurred to date; and what reports they have published. [71517]

  Mr. Michael
  I will write to the right hon. Member as soon as possible, and will place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Underground Spoil (Grovesend)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the potential implications for(a) public health and (b) traffic on the M4 of the burning of underground spoil at Grovesend. [71295]

  Mr. Hain
  Responsibility for the health of the population of the area around Grovesend lies primarily with Morgannwg Health Authority. I understand that both the Health Authority and Swansea County Council have been monitoring and assessing the implications of underground burning of the tip at Grovesend.

  The traffic position has been discussed with the police and local authorities in the area and resources have been made available to establish extra road signs, which will be erected shortly. A diversionary route has also been discussed and proposals for signing this have been put to

  Managers directly employed by the NHS in Wales1

  September 1996

  30 September 1997

  30 September 1998

  Staff group/grade

  Number

  Wte

  Number

  Wte

  Number

  Wte

  Ambulance Staff.

  Manager2

  69

  69

  92

  92

  89

  89

  Administration and estate staff.

  Senior manager

  459

  423

  488

  451

  518

  486

  Manager

  802

  780

  823

  801

  834

  814

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff.

  Manager

  268

  263

  259

  258

  264

  259

  Scientific, therapeutic and technical staff.

  Manager

  124

  121

  137

  135

  136

  132

  Total of above

  1,722

  1,656

  1,799

  1,737

  1,841

  1,780

  1It should be noted that data may underestimate the true position as some non-medical staff (1.5 per cent. in 1995, 0.3 per cent. in 1997 and 0.2 per cent. in 1998) did not have a valid occupation code and have not, therefore, been assigned centrally to a staff group or grade.

  2Some staff in this group were erroneously included with administrative and estates staff during 1996.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Princess of Wales Hospital
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many doctors are employed at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend; and how many were employed there in May 1997. [71169]
  178
  the affected local authorities. It is considered that implications on traffic will diminish through the summer months but even with a start on works to address the problem in the near future, it will be some time before the position is substantially improved.

  This is clearly a very serious problem. While others have primary responsibility for dealing with it, Welsh Office officials are working with the various interested parties to try to resolve the problem and I have called for regular reports on progress.

  Nurses
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many whole time equivalent nurses were employed in Wales on 31 January. [71155]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information on NHS staff is currently collected centrally on a quarterly basis. At 30 September 1998, the latest date for which information is available, there were 23,691 whole-time equivalent staff directly employed by the NHS in the nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff group.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  NHS Managers
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of managers in the NHS in Wales in each of the last five years. [71165]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information on a comparable basis is available only for the last three years and is given in the following table. Prior to this the term "manager" was only applied to persons in the administrative and clerical grades. The whole-time equivalent number of managers in this group was 1,292 in 1994 and 1,350 in 1995.

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information on hospital doctors is collected by the NHS Trust as at 30 September each year. At 30 September 1997, the latest date for which information is available, there were 180 hospital doctors employed in the Bridgend and District NHS Trust which related to a whole-time equivalent of 157.5.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Meningitis
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the cost to date of tackling the meningitis outbreak in the Bro Taf Health Authority area. [72258]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Details of the costs incurred by Bro Taf Health Authority during the recent outbreak are not held centrally. No additional funding has been sought from the Welsh Office and no additional costs have been incurred by my Department.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the cost of advertising information relating to the meningitis outbreak to the public in Wales during the recent outbreak. [72253]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The Department has incurred no additional expenditure: all publicity material available has been produced as part of the Department's on-going meningitis awareness campaign.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last had discussions with the National Meningitis Trust. [72260]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Welsh Office officials have had discussions with the National Meningitis Trust and that organisation has been invited to nominate a representative to join the group that I have set up to examine meningitis in Wales.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what extra resources have been provided to the Bro Taf Health Authority to meet the cost of the meningitis outbreak. [72259]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  No additional funding has been sought by, or provided to, Bro Taf Health Authority. Each Health Authority receives an element of discretionary funding in their annual resource allocation which is for the Health Authority to spend according to their priorities in their area.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last had discussions with the Meningitis Research Foundation. [72261]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Welsh Office officials have had discussions with the Meningitis Research Foundation and that organisation has been asked to nominate a representative to join the group that I have set up to examine meningitis in Wales.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action is being taken to educate people in South Wales about meningitis. [72257]
  180
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  A bilingual leaflet entitled "Knowing About Meningitis and Septicaemia", containing advice on recognising the signs and symptoms of meningitis, is widely available. This information is also included in the "The Guide to Childhood Immunisation" given to all new mothers.

  There is also a successful yearly campaign "Look out for your mate" in universities and colleges.

  Helplines and advice are made available to local people by Health Authorities when an outbreak occurs.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Ford Motor Company
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the meetings he has had with representatives of the Ford Motor Company since he became Secretary of State; and if he will make a statement. [72256]

  Mr. Michael
  I have met representatives of the Ford Motor Company on two occasions:

  23 November 1998 at the Welsh Office in London.

  25 January on a visit to the Ford factory at Bridgend with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  Trade Unions (Meetings)
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the meetings he has had with trade unions over the last six weeks in his official capacity. [72255]

  Mr. Michael
  Over the last six weeks I have met representatives of trade unions on two occasions:5 January
  Trade union side at Bronglais Hospital. During the course of this visit I also met members of the management of Ceredigion NHS Trust, Dyfed Powys Health Authority, and various other representatives.
  17 February
  UNISON about Sully Hospital.

  I make it a matter of course to meet trade unions during the industrial visits I undertake, for instance Ford at Bridgend, and BAE and Raytheon at Broughton.

  Over the same period, the Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain) has also had two meetings with representatives of trade unions:

  1 February

  Unions at Lucas SE1;

  11 February

  NUT.

  National Assembly (Opening Ceremony)
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the cost of the opening ceremony of the National Assembly for Wales. [72251]
  181
  Mr. Michael
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne) on 16 February 1999,Official Report, column 683.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71859]

  Mr. Michael
  Rebuttals of allegations in the media are made in my Department by individual press officers either through telephone calls to the organisation concerned, or through an appropriate letter signed by an official or a Minister. Generally, it is found that reporting of Welsh matters in the regional and national media is of a response nature, and the need for rebuttals is infrequent. For that reason, there is no special unit in the Department to handle rebuttals, and no record is kept centrally of the number or cost of rebuttals.

  Teacher Morale
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on teacher morale. [72033]

  Mr. Hain
  Teaching is a demanding and vitally important profession. Our White Paper "Building Excellent Schools Together" (Cm 3701) acknowledged, however, that teachers' professionalism had been disdained all too often over the last decade; that morale had been badly damaged; and that this had to stop.

  We have recently published our Green Paper "The Best for Teaching and Learning In Wales" on the future of the teaching profession in Wales. The Green Paper offers fundamental reform and the opportunity to give teachers the recognition and support they deserve. In return for a newly enhanced professionalism, greater individual accountability, more flexibility and still higher standards, its proposals set out measures that would offer teachers higher status, better prospects, a more rewarding career structure, less bureaucracy and more freedom to teach. We are undertaking a widespread consultation with all interested parties on these proposals

  We have also undertaken to establish a General Teaching Council for Wales to maintain high professional standards in Wales and promote a positive image of teaching both within the teaching profession and to those outside.

  Following the transfer of functions, these issues will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on class sizes in infant schools. [72030]
  182
  Mr. Hain
  The January 1998 annual Schools' Census showed the following percentages of pupils in Wales were educated in classes of 30 or less:

  Year group

  Usual age of pupils

  Percentage

  Reception

  5

  74.3

  Year 1

  6

  66.4

  Year 2

  7

  62.5

  Other key stage 1 classes of mixed year groups

  —

  74.9

  At January 1998, there were 30,734 pupils in Key Stage 1 classes of over 30 pupils.

  In 1998–1999, £3.7 million in infant class size reduction grant has been allocated to local education authorities across Wales. It is estimated that more than 270 additional teachers have been taken on using this grant, with more than 700 classes being brought down to 30 pupils or less. This means that there are now 23,500 more Welsh infants in classes of less than 30 than there would have been without the grant. The 1999 Schools' Census will give the actual position.

  In 1999–2000, £11.3 million will be available to local education authorities to continue funding existing measures and to make further progress in tackling the remainder of the problem. Local education authorities have submitted bids for 1999–2000 infant class size reduction grant and successful bids will be announced by end March. Eligible expenditure in the 1999–2000 round includes teachers' salaries, minor refurbishment works and the capital costs of new build classrooms and demountable classrooms.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will indicate(a) how many and (b) what percentage of nursery age children are in nursery education in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [72027]

  Mr. Hain
  In line with the Government's commitment to nursery education, a free, at least part-time education place has been available under local early years development plans from September 1998 to all four year olds whose parents want this, from the term following the fourth birthday. Local early years development partnerships can decide to secure and fund places in the maintained or non-maintained sector, provided they work within an agreed quality assurance framework.

  There were 25,590 children in maintained nursery schools or nursery classes in maintained primary schools, as at January 1998. This is 35 per cent. of 3 and 4 year olds.

  In addition, there were 29,346 children under 5 years old who attended ordinary or special classes in maintained schools. This represents a further 40 per cent. of 3 and 4 year olds.

  Non-maintained settings also provide nursery education places for three and four year olds which are funded under local early years development plans. Information on the

  183
  number of such places is not yet available centrally but should be in late Spring when draft plans for school year 1999–2000 are submitted to the Secretary of State for approval.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Social Exclusion Unit
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the impact upon Wales of the Social Exclusion Unit. [72029]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the hon. Member for Monmouth (Mr. Edwards) on 3 February 1999,Official Report, column 612.

  New Deal
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many employers are involved in the New Deal for the (i) young unemployed and (ii) long-term unemployed; and if he will make a statement. [72031]

  Mr. Hain
  The latest statistics produced by the Department for Education and Employment indicate that up to the end of December 1998, over 2,900 employers in Wales had signed up to provide subsidised jobs for the New Deal for 18–24 year olds or for the New Deal for the 25 plus.

  I am very encouraged by these figures. From the outset we made it quite clear that the involvement of employers was crucial to the success of the New Deal in Wales. We have made an excellent start and I look forward to this continuing.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Date-based Export Scheme
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the Federation of Fresh Meat Wholesalers about(a) their views on and (b) the willingness of their members to participate in, the date-based export scheme; and if he will make a statement. [70867]

  Mr. Rooker
  My right hon. Friend the Minister met the Federation of Fresh Meat Wholesalers on 12 January and I met them today. Officials have had a number of meetings with them about the Date-Based Export Scheme and the Federation wrote on 22 January responding to the consultation on our proposals for operating the scheme.

  The Federation has expressed reservations about the attractiveness of the scheme to potential exporters. They see the requirement for plants to be dedicated to the slaughter of export eligible animals as a major drawback and have advised that their members are unwilling to commit to this requirement. They suggest that it will not be possible for the industry to export profitably under the scheme as it is currently planned to operate.

  Nevertheless, the Federation recognises the importance of setting a date from which the UK is allowed to resume exports. I agree with them that the scheme rules are difficult and we expect the uptake to be low initially. But
  184
  given the current climate of concern about BSE in other Member States, I believe then we could not have negotiated a more liberal scheme.

  Covent Garden
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to dispose of the fruit, flower and vegetable market at New Covent Garden. [70888]

  Mr. Rooker
  We intend to dispose of the assets of the Covent Garden Market Authority as soon as parliamentary time can be found for the necessary legislation.

  Meat Hygiene
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the meat hygiene costs borne by the livestock industry in England and Wales in(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98; [70944]

  (2) if he will list the meat hygiene (a) charges to and (b) costs borne by the (i) UK and (ii) EU member states' livestock industries which result from EU regulations; [70920]

  (3) which meat hygiene costs in other member states of the EU are borne by (a) public authorities and (b) the relevant livestock industry; and in cases where costs are shared, if he will indicate the proportions paid. [70922]

  Mr. Rooker
  Council Directive 85/73/EEC (as amended) on the financing of veterinary inspections and controls requires Member States to recover the costs of those hygiene inspections conducted at licensed fresh meat plants in accordance with harmonised EC meat hygiene rules. The Directive sets standard charges (in ECU) applicable in all Member States for hygiene inspections of red meat, poultry meat and game meat, with rates varying depending on the species and size of animals being slaughtered. Subject to meeting specified criteria, such as the efficiency of operations at individual plants, the Directive provides for the standard charge to be abated by up to 55 per cent. Conversely, where the actual cost of inspection exceeds the standard charge, the Directive provides for actual costs to be charged. Similar principles apply in respect of charges in licensed cutting plants.

  The total cost to the meat industry of hygiene inspections carried out in Great Britain by the Meat Hygiene Service in 1996–97 was £26.0 million and in 1997–98 was £29.8 million.

  The actual level of hygiene inspection charges levied on individual meat plants in other Member States is set by the appropriate competent authority within the framework laid down by Directive 85/73/EEC. I am currently seeking information about the level of such charges, including the extent to which hygiene inspection costs are borne by public authorities. Once I have received this information I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning methods of enforcement of meat hygiene regulations in other EU states as compared to enforcement in the United Kingdom and the impact of any differences on the competitiveness of UK products; and if he will make a statement. [71158]
  185
  Mr. Rooker
  The European Commission's Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) is responsible for ensuring that individual EU member States comply with their Community public health obligations, including the enforcement of the EU meat hygiene Directive. The FVO carries out a regular programme of inspection visits to all Member States and publishes the reports of such visits on the Commission's website on the Internet (http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg24health/vi/reports). A list of the relevant reports also appears each month in MAFF's Meat Hygiene Enforcement Report and BSE Enforcement Bulletin.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost to producers if the charges for Meat and Hygiene Service inspections are passed on to them. [68726]

  Mr. Rooker
  Meat Hygiene Service charges are levied on the occupiers of licensed fresh meat premises. It is a commercial decision for such operators whether they pass these costs onto their suppliers.

  The total cost to the meat industry of meat inspection and hygiene supervision carried out in Great Britain by the Meat Hygiene Service was £29.8 million for 1997–98 and is forecast to be £33.1 million for 1998–99. Certain MHS enforcement costs, such as those for Specified Risk Material controls, were met by Government.

  The MHS budget for 1999–2000 is currently being prepared. However, after careful consideration, my right hon. Friend the Minister announced on 14 January that the Government can no longer defer the introduction of charges to industry to cover the costs of SRM controls. It is proposed that these costs, estimated to be £21.5 million, should be transferred from the taxpayer to industry from 29 March 1999. We are currently considering the results of the consultation exercise on this matter.

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research has been done by(a) his Department and (b) consultants to his Department into the possible effects of genetically modified crops or plants on (i) how insects pollinate and (ii) the quality of soil. [72527]

  Mr. Rooker
  All of the work within MAFF's research programme to assess the risks to the agricultural environment from the release of genetically modified crops is carried out by researchers under contract to the Ministry; none of the work is done in-house by the Ministry.

  The Ministry has commissioned no research to date on possible effects of genetically modified crops on how insects pollinate, or on the quality of the soil.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if crops grown in genetically modified food trials will be allowed to enter the food chain. [71413]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]Foods or food ingredients produced from GM crops may enter the food chain provided they have first passed a rigorous safety assessment and have been approved and labelled in accordance with the EC Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients Regulation.

  Food Standards (Schools)
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many schools his Department estimates will be subject to the levy to fund the Food Standards Agency. [72238]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is proposed that the levy be applied to certain food premises required to register with the local authority under the Food Premises (Registration) Regulations 1991. Schools as such will not be required to pay. The requirement to pay the levy would depend on whether the premises concerned were required to register. Details of the number of registered food premises located in schools are not collected centrally and could be derived only at disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many schools are currently registered under the Food Premises (Registration) Regulations 1991. [72236]

  Mr. Rooker
  Registers of food premises under these regulations are prepared and maintained by individual local authorities. Details of the number of food premises located in schools that are required to register are not collected centrally and could be derived only at disproportionate cost.

  Rights of Way
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce cross-compliance measures which would prevent agricultural subsidies and other public money going to landowners who block public rights of way. [70889]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Commission's proposals on CAP reform would provide for Member States to apply cross-compliance measures to protect the environment. Access provisions could not be applied under this provision.

  We will consider cross-compliance measures further in light of the terms of the eventual Agenda 2000 agreement and the responses to the current consultation exercise.

  Civil Servants (Misconduct)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the offences or acts of misconduct under which a civil servant in his Department could have his pension removed or reduced; and how often this has happened during the last five years. [70776]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 15 February 1999,Official Report, columns 569–70.

  Countryside
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much land held by his Department he estimates would fall within the definition of open country as set out in the consultation document "Access to the Open Countryside" of February
  1998. [71639]
  187
  Mr. Morley
  It is estimated that of the 4,000 or so hectares of agricultural land held by my Department—approximately 1,150 hectares (28%)—would come within the definition of open country. This is part of a research farm in Northumberland which is partly freehold and partly leasehold and has been let to ADAS Consulting Ltd. for moorland research.

  Organic Cereal Production
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what grants the Home Grown Cereals Authority has made for research into organic cereal production. [71534]

  Mr. Rooker
  To date the Authority has funded no research projects directed specifically at organic cereal production. The Authority is, however, currently in the process of revising its cereals R&D strategy. As part of this process, it has held formal discussions with a number of organisations representing the interests of organic producers.

  Pork Products
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received about a possible ban on the sale of pork products whose methods of production are illegal in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [71525]

  Mr. Rooker
  I and my Ministerial colleagues have received a large number of representations calling for a ban on the import of pork and pork products which do not match British production standards. It remains the case, however, that Single Market Legislation and European Court of Justice Rulings protect the free circulation of goods in the EU. In areas where there is a common market, such as pigmeat, if products conform to EU requirements, individual member states cannot introduce a unilateral ban.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 12 January 1999,Official Report, columns 160–61, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred (a) by task forces and review bodies, (b) by focus groups, (c) on market research and (d) for publications and publicity; and if he will list the bodies which incurred the expenditure, [71025]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 12 January 1999, Official Report, columns 160–61, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred by (a) his agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for his Department; [71024]

  (3) if he will list the expenditure incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on (a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been
  188
  above that budgeted; and if he will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70978]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]The information asked for is not all held centrally. I will write to the hon. Member when it has been gathered together.

  Exchange Rates
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effects of the decline of the euro against sterling on the green pound. [70617]

  Mr. Rooker
  As from 1 January 1999, "green" rates ceased to exist, because the agrimonetary system, which converts amounts under the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy into national currency, has been completely overhauled. Daily market exchange rates are now used to convert from euros into sterling.

  Overall, sterling has strengthened slightly against the euro since 1 January 1999, but it is too soon to predict long term trends. Compensation may be available if the sterling value of direct payments or market support payments is adversely affected by a decline in the euro.

  Synthetic Pyrethroid
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the impact of synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips on water courses. [71540]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) reported to Ministers on the use of synthetic pyrethroid and other non-OP sheep dips in January 1998. The Committee's recommendations, which included the extension of the Certificate of Competence Scheme to non-OP dips with effect from 31 December 1998, are being implemented. Applications for Marketing Authorisations for all veterinary medicinal products must satisfy the statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy. Safety includes the safety of the environment. Environmental pollution incidents involving sheep dips should be reported to the Environment Agency or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Officials of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) liaise closely with the environment agencies and all suspected adverse reactions to veterinary medicinal products, including those affecting the environment, should also be reported to the VMD.

  Beef Imports
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the importation of hormone-treated beef from the United States of America; and if he will make a statement. [71537]

  Mr. Rooker
  We have received a number of representations on the importation of hormone-treated beef from the United States of America. In each case we
  189
  have provided the assurance that, in line with the European Union (EU) ban on the use of hormone growth promoters in food producing animals, any third country which permits the use of these substances is required to guarantee that no animal, and no meat coming from animals, to which they have been administered will be exported to the EU. Exports for the EU market must be certified accordingly and Commission inspectors verify compliance with all the requirements.

  Farm Land
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many acres of farm land in(a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland have been bought in each of the last five years for which figures are available with funds released by roll-over relief. [71161]

  Mr. Rooker
  I regret that the information requested is not available. The data collected on agricultural land transactions do not identify the source of funding for land purchased. The estimated total area of agricultural land sold over the last five years for which figures are available are as follows:

  Hectare

  England

  Scotland

  Wales

  Northern Ireland

  1993

  146,032

  30,639

  16,811

  4,721

  1994

  163,021

  27,149

  13,836

  4,605

  1995

  156,785

  17,202

  10,735

  4,050

  1996

  214,386

  22,506

  17,232

  3,425

  1997

  200,695

  33,795

  12,824

  2,912

  In Great Britain sales of less than 5 hectares are excluded, and in Northern Ireland sales of less than 2 hectares are excluded. In Scotland the series excludes sales of whole estates and inter-family sales. For England, Wales and Northern Ireland there is a delay between the date of sale and the inclusion in the analysis whereas for Scotland the analysis is based on the date of sale and is subject to retrospective revision.

  Groundwater
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the EU Groundwater Directive and the cost of its implementation in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [71528]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have received a number of representations which refer to this Directive. As the Groundwater Directive is a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Environment, they have been passed to his Department for an answer.

  Tobacco Subsidy
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much the tobacco subsidy to EU growers cost in the last year for which figures are 190
  available; and when he expects the subsidy to be discussed next in the Council of Ministers. [70405]

  Mr. Rooker
  In 1998, the EU spent 868 million ecu (£583 million1) on subsidies under the EU tobacco regime.

  In November last year the Commission issued a proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation 2075/92 and fixing the premiums and guarantee thresholds for leaf tobacco by variety group and Member State for the 1999, 2000, and 2001 harvests. This is likely to be discussed at the Agriculture Council soon, but no date has been specified.
  1Using an exchange rate of £1 = 1.4887 ecu.

  Sniffer Dogs (Quarantine)
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the quarantine regulations will apply on their return to the sniffer dogs sent from the United Kingdom to assist in the search for survivors of the recent earthquake in Colombia. [71504]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Yes, the two dogs in question returned to the United Kingdom on 4 February and are currently undergoing six months quarantine.

  Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current statistical risk of dying from new variant CJD as a result of the consumption of beef on the bone(a) using 1999 data together with the SEAC published 1997 risk analysis formula and (b) provided to him by his Department. [70089]

  Mr. Rooker
  It has still not been established that nvCJD is caused by exposure to BSE infectivity in food, but the Government, based on expert scientific advice, have always proceeded on the assumption that it could be. There continues to be great uncertainty about the nature of new variant CJD and about how susceptible people may be to infection. It is, therefore, not possible to estimate the current statistical risk of dying from the disease as a result of consuming beef or beef products which had been cooked on the bone.

  In its 1997 advice, the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) quoted an estimate of a 1 in 20 chance of one case of nvCJD arising as a consequence of exposure to infectivity in dorsal root ganglia in 1998.

  In November 1998, SEAC concluded that it was still not known how many people had become infected with nvCJD as a result of exposure to the BSE agent, nor how much BSE infectivity is needed to cause disease. Consequently predictions as to public health risks are very uncertain and SEAC did not quote specific levels of risk. However, the Committee was of the opinion that, in view of the continued decline in the BSE epidemic, the number of infected cows entering the human food chain would be less in November 1998 than in 1997.

  On this basis, the Committee concluded that any risk from dorsal root ganglia and bone marrow in 1999 is less than it was 12 months previously. The pattern of experimental results obtained with bone marrow led the

  191
  Committee to conclude that the risk, if any, from that tissue is likely to be very small. With the Over Thirty Month Scheme in place, the Committee thought it likely that the risk from dorsal root ganglia is also very small and negligible in comparison to the possible risk earlier in the epidemic. Due to the uncertainty, neither SEAC nor Departmental officials has sought to quantify the risks numerically.

  The decision to retain the controls on the sale, use and disposal of beef bones was made for the reasons explained to the House by my right hon. Friend the Minister on 4 February 1999, Official Report, columns 1077–82.

  Quality Standard Marks (Pigmeat)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the annual budget for the Meat and Livestock Commission's new quality standard mark for pigmeat; and if he will make a statement on how the success of the scheme will be measured. [71036]

  Mr. Rooker
  The funding of the British Quality Standard for Pigmeat and its measures of success are matters for the industry through the Meat and Livestock Commission's Pig Strategy Council.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the(a) timescale and (b) budget for extending the new Meat and Livestock Commission quality standard mark on pigmeat to other meat products. [70923]

  Mr. Rooker
  The British Quality Standard for Pigmeat was developed by the pigmeat industry itself through the Meat and Livestock Commissions Pig Strategy Council. The possible development of quality standard marks for lamb and beef are matters for the respective strategy councils for those products. The budget is to be set-aside for technical and promotional work of this nature is a matter for the MLC in consultation with the industry. Poultry meat is outside the remit of MLC.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what(a) plans he has for and (b) representations he has received on the incorporation of existing farm assurance schemes into the new Meat and Livestock Commission quality standard mark for pig meat. [70924]

  Mr. Rooker
  None; the British Quality Standard for Pigmeat and the various farm assurance and quality schemes in the pigmeat sector are all industry run and industry funded operations. The relationship between them is therefore a matter for the industry itself.

  Food Premises (Registration) Regulations 1991
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate how many food premises are exempt from the Food Premises (Registration) Regulations 1991 by reason of not being open for more than four days in any consecutive period of five weeks. [71365]

  Ms Jowell
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested is not available.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Rotherham Euro Experiment
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the nature of the involvement of (i) the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the Baroness Simons and (ii) the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane) in the Rotherham Euro Experiment; if(a) ministerial transport and (b) departmental equipment were available to them over the period of their involvement; and what reports have been made by them subsequently. [70789]

  Ms Quin
  The Rotherham Euro Ready Week was organised by the local Chamber of Commerce Training and Enterprise Council, the Rotherham Advertiser, and other local public and private sector bodies. It was welcomed by HMG as making a significant contribution to the Government's campaign to raise awareness of the introduction of the Euro.

  My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State attended in her Ministerial capacity in support of HMG's public information campaign. She travelled by rail to Doncaster, her ticket paid for from public funds. The organisers kindly provided a car to take her from Doncaster to Rotherham. She had her usual departmental equipment with her.

  My hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane) was present in his constituency capacity. This Department did not provide him with transport or equipment.

  Civil Servants (Misconduct)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the offences or acts of misconduct under which a civil servant in his Department could have his pension removed or reduced; and how often this has happened during the last five years. [70773]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 15 February 1999,Official Report, columns 570.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what amounts in his Department's budget for 1998–99 can be attributed to spending on disabled people; and what proportion this represents of total departmental spending. [71283]

  Mr. Fatchett
  So far in 1998–99, £37,523.58 of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office budget can be attributed to spending on people with disabilities. This represents 0.0036 per cent. of the total FCO departmental spending.

  However, this does not represent a complete picture since spending on people with disabilities has, to date, been subsumed into a number of the FCO's general budgets. In addition, there is the general spend on items such as building repairs/improvements which benefits all staff, but which takes particular account of the needs of people with disabilities.
  193
  During the new financial year 1999–2000, budgets will have a sum allocated specifically for people with disabilities. This will enable us to form a more accurate picture of spending on people with disabilities.

  Disability Discrimination Act 1995
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact on his Department's policies of the goods and services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to be implemented in October 1999. [71269]

  Mr. Fatchett
  In the United Kingdom the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is responsible for the provision of Consular and Legalisation services to the public. We already ensure that where a customer has difficulty in accessing these services, by reason of a disability, alternative arrangements are made to ensure that person can access those services.

  Consular Division of the FCO, which has responsibility for delivering these services, is to be relocated in 2000. A detailed disability access audit has already been carried out on the new site and the requirements of part III of the DDA have been fully incorporated into refurbishment plans.

  Whilst the provision of goods and services by British Diplomatic Missions overseas is not covered by this legislation, our staff overseas will do all they can to adhere to the spirit of the Act in the provision of, for example, Commercial, Passport and Consular services to British Citizens, as well as entry clearance services to Citizens of other countries.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the expenditure incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of web sites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if he will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70972]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]The following is the information:

  £

  Set-up costs (including VAT)

  Running costs (per annum)

  FCO website (http://www.fco.gov.uk)

  53,490

  35,000

  FCO Publications Online (http://informationfrombritain.com)

  85,767

  17,866

  Wilton Park Conference (http://www.wiltonpark.org.uk)

  10,780

  506.04

  Planet Britain (http://www.planet-britain.org)

  1—

  28,200

  British Council (http://www.britcoun.org)

  90,000

  72,000

  Commonwealth Institute (http://www.comonwealth.org.uk)

  2,000

  1,000

  GB-China Centre (http://www/gbcc.org.uk)

  2,250

  100

  Britain-Russia Centre (http://briteastwest.easynet.co.uk)

  none

  143

  194

  Set-up costs (including VAT)

  Running costs (per annum)

  British Association for Central and Eastern Europe (http://ourwold.compuserve.com/homepages/BACEE/bacee.htm)

  none

  90

  1The Planet Britain website is an online version of a CD-ROM of the same name. Cable and Wireless provide free bandwidth and server space to host the site.

  i) The main FCO website covers British policy and the work of the FCO. Average monthly hits are 3.8 million.

  ii) The publications website is an online ordering catalogue for FCO publications. The site has registered 24,222 hits between its launch on 1 December 1998 to 5 February 1999.

  iii) The Wilton Park website gives details of Wilton Park conferences. It registers an average of 6,000 hits per month.

  iv) The Planet Britain website is aimed at a youth audience overseas and gives an overview of modern Britain (science, sport, culture, media etc.). It has registered 420,000 hits since May 1998 to date.

  v) The British Council website promotes the work of the Council worldwide and receives an average of 4 million hits per month.

  vi) The Commonwealth Institute website promotes the work of the Commonwealth in the UK and registers an average of 5–6,000 hits per month.

  vii) The Great Britain-China Centre website covers the work of that organisation and provides links to other related organisations. It receives approximately 1,600 hits per month.

  viii) The Britain-Russia Centre website covers the work of that organisation and receives approximately 250 hits per month.

  ix) The British Association for Central and Eastern Europe (BACEE) website covers the work of that organisation. It was launched on 25 January 1999 and user statistics are not yet available.

  Estimated running costs for these websites are expected to remain roughly the same over the next three years. The FCO Publications website hopes to recover some costs from the sale of publications and the Great Britain-China Centre website hopes to offset some costs by carrying advertising.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 17 December 1998,Official Report, column 721, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred (a) by task forces and review bodies, (b) by focus groups, (c) on market research and (d) for publications and publicity; and if he will list the bodies which incurred the expenditure. [71013]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]Since May 1997 there has been no expenditure by task forces, review bodies or focus groups on public opinion research, television, radio and newspaper advertising, or direct mail. From centrally held funds there has been no expenditure on market research. £4,818,211 has been spent on publications and publicity commissioned through the Publications Section of the FCO's Information Department. This figure does not include publications for in-house communications purposes. It would involve disproportionate costs to establish what individual FCO posts may have spent on these activities from their devolved budgets.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 17 December 1998,Official Report, column 721,

  195
  if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred by (a) his agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for his Department. [71012]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]I am asking the Chief Executives of FCO Agencies and non-departmental public bodies to write directly to the hon. Member with information on expenditure on(a) public opinion research, (b) television, radio and newspaper advertising, and (c) direct mail since May 1997.

  The COI undertakes work for the FCO on a contractual basis competing with other providers. All expenditure incurred by the COI on work carried out on behalf of the FCO is included in my previous answer.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what(a) reviews, (b) task forces and (c) advisory groups have been established by his Department since 1 May 1997; what costs they have incurred to date; and what reports they have published. [71507]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Since 1 May 1997 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has established the following task forces, reviews and advisory groups:Review of the Criteria Used in Considering Licence Applications for the Export of Conventional Arms.

  The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs announced the new criteria on 28 July 1997, Official Report, columns 26–29. There were no additional direct costs to this review.
  Review of Policy Towards the Remaining UK Overseas Territories.

  The Government intend to publish a White Paper soon. The direct cost of this review is £4,342 to date.
  Panel 200 Advisory Group.

  Panel 2000 published a consultation Document on 10 September 1998 which was laid before Parliament on the same date. The direct cost of this group is £49,519 to date.

  The indirect office and staff costs of these reviews have been absorbed by the FCO.

  Spain
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the amount of European funding allocated to Spain in each year since accession. [71697]

  Ms Quin
  The EC budget is not broken down by Member State. But in its report "Financing of the European Union" COM (98) 560, deposited in the House Library on 26 October 1998 (Batch list 121), the Commission show at Table F Annex 8 the total EU 196
  expenditure in all Member States from 1992–97. The table shows that between those years Spain received the following from the EC budget:

  Mecu

  1992

  7,536.0

  1993

  8,215.0

  1994

  7,889.7

  1995

  10,898.4

  1996

  10,661.5

  1997

  11,303.6

  Information on Spain's receipts from accession to 1992 can be derived from the European Court of Auditors Annual Reports which provide a comprehensive breakdown of all EC expenditure.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the level of manpower and military assets Spain dedicates to the NATO alliance. [71696]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The forces that Spain makes available to NATO is a matter for the Spanish Government.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to take legal action regarding Spanish imposed delays at the Gibraltar frontier. [71701]

  Ms Quin
  In our discussion of Gibraltar with the Spanish Government, we have emphasised that border restrictions going beyond those compatible with EU norms for a light passport check and customs control (Gibraltar is outside the Community customs territory) are unjustified and counter-productive. We have also drawn the current situation at the Gibraltar/Spain border to the attention of the President of the European Commission; and look to the Commission to remind the Spanish authorities of their obligations. We want to see the outcome of those representations before considering further steps.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what cost burden Gibraltar has imposed upon HM Treasury in each of the last 10 years. [71700]

  Ms Quin
  The Government of Gibraltar budget is self-financing, and Gibraltar has received no technical aid, programme aid or budgetary support in the last ten years. Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Commonwealth Office activities in Gibraltar are financed from departmental budgets while the Department for International Development deals with some Gibraltar-related pension matters.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was his response to the Gibraltar House of Assembly's motion, of 17 December, calling on Her Majesty's Government to reject the Spanish proposals for joint sovereignty; and on what date his response was made. [72212]
  197
  Ms Quin
  We are, of course, aware of the Gibraltar House of Assembly motion of 17 December. We were not asked for a formal response. The Chief Minister drew our attention to the motion in a letter of 18 December (received on 8 January). I responded to that letter on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 28 January.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on self-determination for the people of Gibraltar. [72214]

  Ms Quin
  We support the right or principle of self-determination reflecting the wishes of the people concerned. It should be exercised in accordance with the other principles and rights in the UN Charter and with other Treaty obligations. In Gibraltar's case, that includes article X of the Treaty of Utrecht. This has been the long-standing position of successive British Governments.

  Joint Consultative Committee
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 4 February 1999,Official Report, columns 702–03, if he will list the agenda of the bilateral meeting with the Liberal Democrat spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Defence; at whose request that meeting took place; for how long it lasted; which common foreign and security policy issues were resolved to be specific areas for further discussion; and if he will make a statement. [71355]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  On 12 January I held a short meeting with the Liberal Democrat spokesman on foreign affairs and defence. We agreed to recommend an extension of the Joint Consultative Committee's remit to cover a range of common foreign and security policy issues. The meeting took place by agreement as a result of the widening of co-operation announced by my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party in December.

  European Commissioners
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will deposit in the Library a list of the members of the cabinets of European Commissioners, with their pay scales. [71148]

  Ms Quin
  I have deposited in the Library a list of the members of the different cabinets in the Commission, together with a table of pay scales, as provided by the Commission's Personnel Directorate.

  European Budget
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs further to the reply of 2 February 1999,Official Report, column 542, if he will make a statement on the nature of the activities authorised under (i) 3706-other political activities and (ii) 3708-information work. [71143]

  Ms Quin
  A detailed breakdown of the activities authorised is not readily available. I will write to the right hon. Member in due course. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Tibet
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Chinese Government on its campaign to promote atheism in Tibet. [71163]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The situation in Tibet, including restrictions upon religious freedom, continues to be a matter of concern. We take every opportunity to raise Tibet with the Chinese authorities, both bilaterally and in conjunction with our EU partners.

  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what impact the current situation regarding human rights in China and Tibet will have on(a) bilateral aid to and (b) EU dialogue on human rights with the Chinese Government. [71162]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The EU/China human rights dialogue provides an opportunity for the EU to address many serious human rights concerns, including in Tibet, directly with the Chinese authorities. We will continue to support this dialogue with bilateral assistance, such as in the legal and judicial fields, which is a valuable way of bringing about concrete improvements on the ground in China.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many press releases have been issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies in each of the years 1990 to 1998. [71447]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]1,028 FCO press releases have been issued by the COI since the COI began distributing press releases on the FCO's behalf in 1995. Between 1990 and 1995 1,223 press releases were issued by the FCO direct. The year by year breakdown is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1990

  263

  1991

  221

  1992

  182

  1993

  197

  1994

  180

  1995

  200

  1996

  207

  1997

  296

  1998

  325

  In respect of FCO Agencies and non-departmental public bodies I am asking the Chief Executives of those bodies to write to the hon. Member direct.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the conventions governing the propriety and cost of press releases issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies; and what is the total cost of the press releases issued since May 1997. [71462]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]The conventions governing the propriety and cost of press releases issued by Governments Departments are laid down in the Guidance on the work of the Government Information Service published by the Cabinet Office in
  199
  July 1997. More specific guidance on the writing of press releases is given in the Working Guide for Government Information Officers. Copies of both documents are in the libraries of the House.

  The primary means by which the FCO issues press releases is the News Distribution Service of the COI. Since May 1997 the COI has charged the FCO £44,067.39 for this service. No records are kept for subsidiary costs, such as faxing and postage of press releases direct by the FCO to any applicants.

  In respect of FCO Agencies and non-departmental public bodies, I am asking the Chief Executives of those bodies to write to the hon. Member direct.

  Zimbabwe
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent events in Zimbabwe. [71820]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We are shocked by the detention and apparent torture of Mr. Chavunduka and Mr. Choto by the military authorities in Zimbabwe, and applaud the prompt action by the judiciary in ordering Mr. Chavunduka's release. President Mugabe's recent statements raise serious questions about his Government's commitment to the rule of law and basic human freedoms. We have reminded the Zimbabwe Government of their obligation to uphold international human rights standards, and to act to repair the damage to the country's reputation.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings he has held with(a) Zimbabwean officials and (b) human rights groups in relation to the torture of journalists by the army in Zimbabwe. [71819]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We summoned the Acting High Commissioner for Zimbabwe to protest at the Zimbabwe Army's detention and apparent torture of two journalists. I have written to the Zimbabwe Foreign Minister, and our High Commissioner in Harare has raised our concerns with both Government Ministers and officials. Our officials in London and Harare are in regular contact with human rights groups.

  Sudan
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Usama bin Laden had invested in the Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory in Khartoum; and if he will make a statement. [71762]
  200
  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]Usama bin Laden's past association with Sudan is well known. He had numerous business interests there and we believe that he still has.

  We do not have evidence to indicate whether or not these interests included the Al-Shifa plant.

  Media Allegations (Rebuttals)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list(a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71858]

  Mr. Fatchett
  In common with other Departments, the work of the press officers in this Department includes responding to any misinformed allegations concerning Government policy or activity which are published in the media. They are supported in this work by other officials as necessary.

  Because this is a routine part of the Department's work and it is not separately recorded from other tasks, to provide the further information requested would involve disproportionate cost.

  Caribbean Banana Producers
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met his colleagues from other member states of the European Union to discuss the present circumstances and future trading prospects of the Caribbean banana producers; and if he will make a statement. [71421]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary attended the 7 December General Affairs Council. The Agenda for this meeting covered the dispute with the US over the EU banana regime (the means by which the EU gives preferential access to banana imports from Caribbean ACP producers). Since then my right hon. Friend has on several occasions discussed the dispute, and its implications for UK industry and the Caribbean, with the US Secretary of State.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon will receive a substantive answer to his question concerning ministerial use of RAF and chartered aircraft to which a holding answer was given on 4 February (Ref. 69074). [72297]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 February 1999,Official Report, column 738.

  Electronic Delivery of Government Services
  Electronic Delivery of Government Services
  General Anaesthesia in General Dental Practice
  General Anaesthesia in General Dental Practice
  Northern Ireland: Prisoner Releases
  Northern Ireland: Prisoner Releases
  Immigration Act Detainee Numbers
  Immigration Act Detainee Numbers
  Quantum Project: Costs
  Quantum Project: Costs
  Civil and Political Rights: Review
  Civil and Political Rights: Review
  Country Strategy Papers
  Country Strategy Papers
  Kosovo: Aid Disbursements
  Kosovo: Aid Disbursements
  Bilateral Aid Allocations
  Bilateral Aid Allocations
  Management Information System: Evaluation
  Management Information System: Evaluation
  Digital Battlefield Initiative
  Digital Battlefield Initiative
  Russia: Year 2000 Defence Issues
  Russia: Year 2000 Defence Issues
  Land Command Order of Battle
  Land Command Order of Battle
  Peers' Attendance: Analysis
  Peers' Attendance: Analysis
  Mr. Peter Clarence Foster
  Mr. Peter Clarence Foster
  Disused Railway Lines: Protection of Public
  Disused Railway Lines: Protection of Public
  Synthetic Pyrethroid Sheepdips: Pollution of Watercourses
  Synthetic Pyrethroid Sheepdips: Pollution of Watercourses
  British Railways Board Land Holdings
  British Railways Board Land Holdings
  Deaths in Alcohol-related Road Accidents
  Deaths in Alcohol-related Road Accidents