Written Answers of 25 January 1999

DEFENCE

  Gulf War Veterans
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much the Government are spending on research into the illnesses of Gulf war veterans. [65533]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  As I told the House earlier today,Official Report, column 7, my Department has a programme of research into Gulf Veterans' illnesses covering four main areas. So far, about £1.9m has been spent on these studies and we estimate that they will cost a further £4m to complete.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated concerning the health effects on service personnel of depleted uranium shells used in the Gulf War. [64225]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Ministry of Defence is currently funding four research programmes into different aspects of Gulf veterans' illnesses. However, none of these programmes is specifically aimed at investigating the relationship between possible exposure to depleted uranium (DU) and the illnesses being experienced by some Gulf veterans. The MOD has previously published the Defence Radiological Protection Service's (now the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency's Radiation Protection Service) 1993 assessment of the radiological and chemical hazards of DU. The MOD continues to monitor published research which may be relevant to the issue of Gulf veterans' illnesses, including any material concerning DU.

  I have asked my Department to collate the information which it possesses concerning mechanisms which would be used to test for the presence of uranium in the human body. I will publish this work shortly.

  The MOD is well aware that a link has been suggested between exposure to DU and Gulf veterans' illnesses. However, this is only one of a number of factors which have been suggested as causes of Gulf veterans' illnesses and, pending further medical and scientific evidence, my Department is keeping an open mind on this issue.

  Armed Forces (Education and Training)
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to increase education and training provision in the armed forces. [65534]

  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to increase education and training opportunities within the armed forces. [65551]
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  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We already provide a wide range of education and training opportunities for Armed Forces personnel. Our 'Learning Forces' initiative extends from recruitment to resettlement and beyond. It is a major contribution to the Government's commitment to improving educational opportunities and to ensuring that the qualifications Service personnel receive are fully recognised and transferable when they return to civilian life.

  Queen's Regulations
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to amend Queen's Regulations. [65535]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  As with primary legislation, Queen's Regulations are constantly kept under review and amended when necessary, either as a result of changes to primary legislation, departmental policy, or for administrative reasons.

  Defence Medical Services
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much the Government plan to spend over the next four years on the Defence Medical Services. [65536]

  Mr. Rapson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much the Government plan to spend over the next four years on the Defence Medical Services. [65541]

  Mr. George Robertson
  This Government are fully committed to improving the present state of the Defence Medical Services. To this end, as I announced recently, an additional £140 million pounds is being put into the Defence Medical Services as a result of the Strategic Defence Review. This sum is spread over the current financial year and the next three years to March 2002. We plan to maintain increased expenditure in subsequent years.

  Shoeburyness
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the disposal of the MOD sites in Shoeburyness; and if he will make a statement. [65537]

  Mr. Spellar
  Horseshoe Barracks and Old Ranges, including Gunners Park at Shoeburyness have been declared surplus to MOD's requirements and are now being prepared for disposal. A draft Planning Brief, which was subject to a public consultation exercise was approved by the Borough Council's Planning and Transportation Committee on 19 January and will be placed before the full Council on 25 February. Marketing of the site will begin once the Council have approved the brief. DERA are currently examining possible development opportunities at the New Ranges. Should any part of the New Ranges become surplus to MOD requirement, the Borough Council has suggested that it be the subject of a separate Planning Brief.

  Cadets (Expenditure)
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Government's current expenditure plans in relation to cadets. [65538]
  3
  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Government's expenditure plans in relation to cadets. [65542]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We are fully committed to supporting the Cadet Forces. Our planned expenditure in the current financial year totals some £58 million. As a further indication of its commitment, the Government previously announced an increase in cadet forces' expenditure of £3 million over the next four years. This is in addition to up to £12 million which will be made available in order to ensure that those cadet units affected by Reserve Forces' Restructuring announced within the Strategic Defence Review will be provided with alternative accommodation.

  Operation Desert Fox
  Mr. Martin Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of Operation Desert Fox. [65539]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Operation Desert Fox was a success. It met our military objectives. We assess that 87 per cent. of targets were damaged or destroyed and that the ability of Saddam Hussein to make or use chemical and biological weapons or otherwise threaten his neighbours has been set back significantly. I have sent a full report on the effects of Operation Desert Fox to all Members and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the number of civilian casualties caused by the bombing of Iraq during December 1998. [65480]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The risk of civilian casualties was a major consideration in selecting targets during Operation Desert Fox and only precision guided weapons were used where there was any risk of collateral damage. Indeed, Operation Desert Fox was the most accurate bombing campaign in which we have ever been involved. Whilst the Iraqi regime have prevented UN humanitarian workers from independently viewing all but a carefully selected few of the sites hit, we are confident that civilian casualties were minimal.

  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the selection of targets during the recent bombing of Iraq was influenced by reports received from any member of UNSCOM. [66001]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 20 January 1999]: I do not discuss detailed operational issues and withhold such information under category 1a (National Security and Defence) of the Code of Conduct. Both the UK and US Governments have made it clear, however, that all information exchanges between themselves and UNSCOM have been strictly in pursuit of UNSCOM's mandate to dismantle Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction capability. Target selection for Operation Desert Fox was a very thorough and detailed process involving information from a wide variety of sources.

  Nuclear Weapons (Russian Federation)
  Mr. Beard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on measures to 4
  stockpile tactical nuclear weapons in the Russian Federation and to prevent radioactive substances of military origin being traded. [65540]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Russia continues to maintain physical security arrangements at its nuclear weapon storage sites. Matters relating to tactical nuclear weapons are a subject of discussion in the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council. We and Allies continue to seek to develop the dialogue in this area. International efforts to prevent illicit trafficking in nuclear materials are also co-ordinated through the International Atomic Energy Agency.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the security situation in Kosovo. [65543]

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current security situation in Kosovo. [65550]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Sutcliffe),Official Report, column 11.

  Armed Forces (Overstretch)
  Mr. McWilliam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to reduce overstretch in the armed forces. [65544]

  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to reduce overstretch in the armed forces. [65547]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  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. The Army, in particular, anticipates meeting its challenging target for soldier recruitment this year, for the first time since 1991.

  We are also making efforts to improve retention in the armed forces. Our new "Policy for the People" is designed to make the services a more attractive career, both for those already serving and for those considering joining. The Policy includes significant educational and training opportunities for service personnel, and improvements to Service life, for the forces themselves and their families.

  In addition, the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review should reduce overstretch in the Services by improving the flexibility and operational effectiveness of the armed forces through better assignment of resources to commitments.

  Global Nuclear Disarmament
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to promote global nuclear disarmament. [65545]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Ms King),Official Report, column 14.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the involvement of Her Majesty's Government's armed forces in the current situation in Sierra Leone. [65546]

  Mr. George Robertson
  HMS Norfolk was sent to Sierra Leone to demonstrate the UK's commitment to promoting peace and stability and to support our diplomatic and humanitarian efforts there. The ship is liaising with the Government of Sierra Leone and the Military Observer Group of the Economic Community of West African States forces. The ship's helicopter has already delivered some much-needed medical supplies provided by the UK Government to the devastated main hospital in Freetown. There are no plans for UK armed forces to become involved in the military conflict in support of the Government of Sierra Leone and the Military Observer Group of the Economic Community of West African States.

  It is planned that the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Oakleaf will re-supply HMS Norfolk on 26 January. We are using Oakleaf's spare container capacity to transport further humanitarian aid to Freetown provided by the UK Government.

  Seven UK military personnel were deployed in Sierra Leone with the UN monitoring mission. All but one have now been withdrawn by the UN as part of a reduction in their mission.

  Trident
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in the construction of the fourth Trident submarine. [65548]

  Mr. George Robertson
  HMS Vengeance, the fourth Trident submarine, was launched in September last year. Contractors Sea Trials are due to start in the Spring.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the percentage reduction in Trident warhead totals typically deployed on each submarine since 1 May 1997. [65555]

  Mr. George Robertson
  As I said in my answer to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) on 16 July 1998,Official Report, column 237, Trident submarines had typically deployed on deterrent patrol with 60 warheads. One outcome of the Strategic Defence Review was our decision that each Trident submarine will carry a reduced load of 48 warheads. This is a 20 per cent. reduction in warheads carried.

  Single Soldiers' Accommodation
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve single soldiers' accommodation. [65549]

  Mr. Spellar
  We have a firm commitment to continue to improve the standard of accommodation for all soldiers. Work is currently underway on a programme of major capital works to deliver these improvements.

  Iraq
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next intends to visit the Gulf states to discuss Iraq. [65552]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I hope to visit a number of Gulf states in the coming weeks to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including Iraq.

  Chile (Military Equipment Orders)
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the cost to the United Kingdom of the recent cancellation of military equipment orders by the Government of Chile. [65553]

  Mr. Spellar
  I am not aware of the recent cancellation of any defence equipment orders from the UK by the Government of Chile.

  43 (Wessex) Brigade
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on proposals to move the headquarters of 43 (Wessex) Brigade from Exeter to Bulford; and if he will make a statement. [65554]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I have received a number of representations about our plans for Headquarters 43 (Wessex) Brigade, including from my right hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Sir P. Emery), and the hon. Members for Teignbridge (Mr. Nicholls), for Tiverton and Honiton (Mrs. Browning) and for Torbay (Mr. Sanders), and from Devon County Council.

  Defence Diversification Agency
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress towards establishing a defence diversification agency. [65556]

  Mr. Spellar
  As foreshadowed in our White Paper ("Defence Diversification: Getting the most of defence technology", Cm 4088 published November 1998), the Defence Diversification Agency began operating last month.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment his Department made of the possibility of moving a TA battalion HQ from south to north Wales during its consideration of the restructuring of the TA; and what estimate it made of the cost; [65015]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the benefits of transferring a battalion headquarters from south Wales to north Wales. [63812]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  There are at present two Infantry battalion Headquarters in Wales, one in the North of the principality and the other in the South. The amalgamation of TA infantry units in Wales into one battalion will require only one of these headquarters in the future, necessitating a choice to be made between the two for the new TA Infantry battalion Headquarters. Taking into account the recommendation of the TAVRA, we decided that the Infantry battalion Headquarters should
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  be based in Cardiff. The cost of basing the battalion Headquarters in either of the two locations was taken into account as part of the considerations.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has(a) to improve recruitment of officers in the north Wales TA and (b) to fill the existing officer vacancies in the north Wales TA. [65021]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We plan to launch a new national recruit marketing campaign, beginning in February 1999, as part of the launch of the new TA structure. In addition, we will encourage the transfer of suitable TA volunteers by the creation of a nationwide TA 'Job Shop', and by making arrangements to identify those who wish to take up these opportunities and to match individuals to posts where possible.

  Northern Ireland (Observation Structures)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the location of the structures other than surveillance towers that are maintained by the security forces in Northern Ireland for a variety of observation purposes referred to in his answer of 3 November 1998,Official Report, columns 443–44. [65997]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 19 January 1999]: All Security Force bases in Northern Ireland have an observation function to some degree or other, for example, guard towers to maintain local security. There are currently 43 bases used by the British Army, including the Royal Irish Regiment, in Northern Ireland which are occupied by a platoon or more of troops. These include bases which are exclusively military or shared --with the RUC and are listed by Brigade, as follows:
  3rd Infantry Brigade

  Bessbrook

  RUC Crossmaglen

  RUC Forkhill

  RUC Newtownhamilton

  Drumadd Barracks

  RUC Keady

  RUC Middletown

  Mahon Barracks

  Abercorn Barracks and Ballykinler Training Centre

  Rathfriland

  Aughnacloy

  Dungannon

  Cookstown

  8th Infantry Brigade

  RUC Lisnaskea

  Clogher

  Clooney Base

  Ebrington Barracks

  Fort George

  Magherafelt

  Shackleton Barracks

  Lisanelly Barracks

  St. Lucia Barracks

  Grosvenor Barracks

  Magilligan Training Centre

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  St. Patrick's Barracks

  RUC Strabane

  Coleraine (Laurel Hill House)

  39th Infantry Brigade

  RUC Girdwood Park

  RUC Ladas Drive

  RUC Grosvenor Road

  Moscow Camp and Airport Jetty

  Musgrave Park Hospital

  Duke of Connaught Unit

  Malone Road

  RUC Woodbourne

  Carrickfergus

  Massereene Barracks

  Steeple Barracks

  Thiepval Barracks

  Kinnegar

  Palace Barracks

  Long Kesh

  Aldergrove.

  Notes:

  1. At the time of my previous answer of 3 November 1998, Official Report, column 445, there were 44 bases occupied by a platoon or more of troops. Fort Whiterock within 39 InfBde was decommissioned on 11 December 1998 and dismantling of the base is under way.

  2. The list does not include RUC stations which have a token military presence, permanent vehicle check point (PVCPs) or patrol bases which were previously PVCPs.

  Project Horizon
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what alternative systems to Project Horizon are available to the Royal Navy; [66749]

  (2) what representations he has received from European partners concerning Project Horizon; [66755]

  (3) what departmental funds have been spent to date on Project Horizon; [66750]

  (4) what plans he has for his Department's future participation in Project Horizon. [66754]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: The Common New Generation Frigate, CNGF, is a French/Italian/UK collaborative project, comprising of two programmes, the Horizon warship and the Principal Anti-Air Missile System—PAAMS. We have achieved satisfactory progress on PAAMS with our partners, but we require urgent and similar progress on the Horizon warship. We are looking to a successful outcome to the current difficulties; an affordable, effective warship and the establishment of a robust industrial structure to manage the development and build of the warship and its systems. The National Armament Directors met on 14 January 1999 to discuss, among other things, progress on CNGF. No final decisions have been taken, and industry has been asked to provide definitive responses on the areas of concern. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence intends to meet his French and Italian counterparts shortly to discuss these issues further. Clearly, if rapid progress on these matters is not forthcoming, we would need to consider the option of alternative strategies, including a national warship, to

  9
  ensure that the Royal Navy's requirement is fulfilled. The departmental spend on the Horizon programme to the 31 December 1998 was £75 million. The majority of this spend was on feasibility and assessment Studies.

  Sudan
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what response he has sent to the request of the Government of the Sudan that a British inspection team be sent to the Al Shifa factory in Khartoum. [67622]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett), on 30 November 1998,Official Report, column 96, to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan).

  REME (Chorley)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the assessments which are required to establish a full costing of the move of HQ 101 Battalion REME from Chorley to Queensferry which have not yet been prepared. [65019]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  A full costing of the move will depend on finalising what modifications are required at the Queensferry site, the cost of re-locating staff who transfer to the new location, the cost of any redundancies found to be necessary, and the cost of re-locating the HQ's equipment and vehicles. From the costings to date, it is already clear that running cost savings will arise from the co-location of HQ 101 Battalion REME at the Queensferry site.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will place in the Library a copy of the latest version of the memorandum of understanding between the MOD and the Child Support Agency. [66063]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: I have now placed a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Defence and the Child Support Agency in the Library of the House. I have not been able to do so until now as there had been a delay in the signing of the Memorandum. The delay resulted from copies of the latest version of the Memorandum, which had been signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and forwarded to the Child Support Agency for signature by the Agency's Chief Executive, being lost in transit.

  Infra-red Technology
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if infra-red technology is listed by his Department as a key defence technology. [66663]

  Mr. Spellar
  Infra-red technology has a wide spectrum of applications in both defence and civil sectors. Certain elements of infra-red technology are listed as key defence technologies.

  Competition
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken to ensure that 10
  technology developed partly using his Department's funding is given the opportunity to compete for sub-systems work when private contractors are given overall technical responsibility. [66662]

  Mr. Spellar
  Companies involved in developing technology funded wholly, or in part, by the MOD can incorporate both technology into their competitive tenders for subsequent work, subject to the usual rules of competition and licensing.

  Service Lives
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the anticipated service life of(a) Tornado GR4 aircraft engines, (b) Eurofighter aircraft airframes and (c) Type 42 ships. [66664]

  Mr. Spellar
  The anticipated service life of these respective equipments is as follows:

  (a) Tornado GR4 engines—25 years.

  (b) Eurofighter aircraft airframe—25 years.

  (c) Type 42 destroyers—in excess of 22 years but varies for individual vessels in the class.

  HMS Ark Royal
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the cost of the future refit of HMS Ark Royal; and when he expects the refit to commence. [66700]

  Mr. Spellar
  The estimate of the cost of the future refit of HMS Ark Royal is commercially sensitive as we are still engaged in contract negotiations. I am, therefore, withholding the information under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. On current plans the refit is due to commence in May 1999.

  International Military Services
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what basis International Military Services (Iran) is trading; and if he will make a statement on its activities. [66984]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: I understand that IMS Iran Ltd. ceased trading in 1991.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what basis International Military Services Ltd. is trading; and if he will make a statement on its activities. [66998]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: International Military Services Ltd. ceased trading in July 1991, and only remains in being until its outstanding obligations are discharged.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what basis International Military Services (Saudi Arabia) is trading; and if he will make a statement on its activities. [66985]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: I understand that IMS Saudi Arabia Ltd. ceased trading as at 1 January 1985.

  Defence Estate
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements exist for publicising the public access arrangements to the defence estate; and what plans he has to publish the arrangements on the internet. [67003]

  Mr. Spellar
  Public access to the Defence Estate is promoted via the booklet "Walks on MOD Lands", which is issued on request free of charge. There are also leaflets detailing local access arrangements, available from a number of establishments. Whereas access has to be restricted at certain times because of live firing for example, details of the closures are published in the local press and in some areas, broadcast on the local radio. The Dartmoor training area also has a manned telephone line to answer queries, as do some other training areas. It is intended to publish information about access to the Defence estate on the Internet, although no date has yet been set.

  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what income was received by the MoD estate from(a) agricultural lettings, (b) sporting rights and (c) commercial lettings in each year since 1994–95. [67004]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information requested is shown in the table:

  £

  (a) Agricultural lettings

  (b) Sporting rights

  (c) Commercial lettings

  1994–95

  3,787,972

  75,974

  5,307,870

  1995–96

  4,011,546

  44,276

  5,693,040

  1996–97

  3,794,769

  51,973

  5,897,999

  1997–98

  3,674,562

  58,762

  9,036,551

  1998–99

  3,802,096

  43,521

  7,644,033

  Notes:

  1. The figures shown for 1994–95 and 1995–96 are approximate totals as a dedicated computerised system was not set up until 1996.

  2. The figures for 1998–99 have been estimated up until the end of the financial year.

  Departmental Activities (Environmental Impact)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to reduce the environmental impact of his Department's activities. [65522]

  Mr. Spellar
  An Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Working Group has been established to develop an MOD-wide EMS based on ISO 14001. The intention is to use the EMS as a vehicle to enable my Department to meet its Greening Government commitment and to contribute to the Government's sustainable development objectives.

  UN Weapons Inspectors
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) members of the staff of his Department and (b) persons otherwise attached to his Department have served with the UN weapons inspectors in Iraq since 1991. [67019]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The answers are as follows:

  (a) Approximately 220 MOD personnel have served with UNSCOM since 1991. More precise figures are not available without incurring disproportionate cost.

  (b) None.

  Royal Navy (Aircraft Carriers)
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans to develop new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy. [67669]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The Strategic Defence Review set out our plans to replace our existing aircraft carriers from 2012 with two larger new-generation carriers, each capable of operating up to 50 aircraft, fixed wing and helicopters. The Invitation To Tender for the initial assessment phase of the CVF project has been released to industry today.

  The new carriers will be acquired through SMART procurement methods, beginning with an assessment phase. This will have two main stages: first, the examination of a wide variety of carrier design options, which will also inform our choice of Future Carrier Borne Aircraft; and, secondly, detailed work to determine the carriers' design parameters and to reduce technological risk. The assessment phase is expected to be completed in 2003, paving the way for the full development and construction of the two new aircraft carriers.

  An Integrated Project Team, IPT, of MOD and industry personnel will manage the procurement. As part of this new approach, the IPT's leader's post will be filled by open competition.

  RAF Manston
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations his Department conducted with the Civil Aviation Authority prior to stating in its sales literature for RAF Manston the end of March as a completion date. [67366]

  Mr. Spellar
  In accordance with CAA licensing procedures, no formal consultation could take place prior to the appointment of a licensee for the Airfield. This could only follow the exchange of a conditional contract. However, some informal discussions did take place on matters of detail.

  Highly Enriched Uranium Production
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if United Kingdom production levels of highly enriched uranium are adequate to meet current demand. [65526]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The United Kingdom has not produced highly enriched uranium, HEU, for defence purposes since 1962. As stated in Supporting Essay 5 to the Strategic Defence Review, the HEU held by the Ministry of Defence is required to meet current defence requirements. Production for civil purposes is a matter for the Department of Trade and Industry.

  Joint Helicopter Command
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the formation of the Joint Helicopter Command proposed in the Strategic Defence Review. [67855]

  Mr. George Robertson
  In July 1998, following the Strategic Defence Review, I announced our intention to create a Joint Helicopter Command to pool the expertise of the three Services in the operation of Battlefield helicopter fleets and so enhance their fighting effectiveness.
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  I have now accepted the recommendation of the Joint Helicopter Command Study Team that the Command be based at the Army's Land Command headquarters at Wilton, Wiltshire. The headquarters will form on 1 October this year and will be fully operational by 1 April 2000.

  The work of the Study Team has also confirmed that the Joint Helicopter Command should bring together, under a single joint organisation, the Royal Navy's Commando helicopters, all operational Army Air Corps helicopters, including the whole of 16 Air Assault Brigade which in future will include the Attack Helicopter, and the RAF's Support Helicopters. Its role will be to direct the training, planning and resourcing of these forces across the range of defence missions and tasks, thereby making most effective use of the available assets. The Command will draw on the best practices from each of the Services, while retaining and building upon individual Service identity and ethos. Single Service units will continue to be commanded and manned by personnel from that Service, and a mix of Navy, Army, Air Force and Civil Service personnel will man the Headquarters.

  Senator Pinochet
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contact relating to the most recent visit to Britain of Senator Pinochet his Department had with(a) the Chilean Military Attaché and (b) others in the Chilean Embassy; and what was the nature and outcome of such discussions. [67281]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I am not aware of any formal contact between the Ministry of Defence and the Chilean Embassy about the arrangements for Senator Pinochet' s visit to the UK in October last year. Discussions about the UK's defence relations with Chile have continued with the Chilean Military Attaché and others in the Chilean Embassy since Senator Pinochet's arrest. Inevitably, issues arising from Senator Pinochet's arrest have been mentioned from time to time in the margins of these discussions.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Select Committee Chairmen
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Council if she will introduce salaries for Select Committee Chairmen. [66813]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I have no plans to do so.

  Register of Members' Interests
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the President of the Council if she will recommend changes to the Register of Members' Interest to require all pecuniary outside interests to be listed and outside earnings to be shown in appropriate bands. [67371]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The Neill Committee on Standards in Public Life announced on 17 December 1998 that it would review the recommendations of its first report (Cm. 2850) which dealt with, among other things, the outside interests of MPs and the register of interests. I have no plans to propose changes to the rules on registration of interests 14
  before the Neill Committee reports, but Members and others can make suggestions direct to the Neill Committee.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the President of the Council what proposals she has for parliamentary scrutiny of the Regional Development Agencies. [66188]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Regional Development Agencies are non-departmental public bodies and Ministers will be accountable to Parliament for their activities in the usual way.

  The Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 requires the accounts of each RDA to be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Copies of the accounts and the Comptroller and Auditor General's report on them will be sent to the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions who will lay them before each House of Parliament. The Comptroller and Auditor General also has powers to carry out value for money studies on the RDAs.

  RDAs are also required to submit their annual reports to the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions who will lay copies before each House of Parliament.

  Each RDA will have an Accounting Officer, usually the Chief Executive, who will be accountable to Parliament through the Public Accounts Committee for the expenditure of public money.

  RDAs are also open to scrutiny by the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Select Committee. They have just begun their second inquiry into RDAs.

  I also recently announced that I will be submitting a memorandum to the Modernisation Committee inviting them to examine the possibility of reviving and adapting the Standing Committee on regional affairs. Matters relating to RDAs would certainly be within the remit of such a Committee.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the President of the Council what is her current estimate of the total cost to public sector bodies of preparing to avoid millennium bug problems. [67387]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I do not believe that it is possible or worthwhile to attempt to establish the true cost of the Year 2000 preparations for the public sector as a whole given that each organisation assesses its costs in different ways. Typically departments' plans include the additional costs posed by the bug such as contractors, and new systems. They do not tend to include in house resources or routine system up-grades. I do publish the cost estimates for central Government and key elements of the public sector as part of the quarterly reports to Parliament. The total cost for central Government is estimated at £400 million, and will be found from within existing budgets. This figure has remained fairly stable over the last year.
  15
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the President of the Council if she will require public bodies to publish details of the contingency plans which they are developing to deal with the consequences of the millennium bug. [67386]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I have asked all Departments and agencies to have initial contingency plans in place by the end of this month. I will be consulting colleagues about how much of the detail of the plans could sensibly be put into the public domain.

TREASURY

  Ultra Low Sulphur Petrol
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to encourage the use of ultra low sulphur petrol. [66449]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 20 January 1999]: The Chancellor is aware of forthcoming changes in standards for fuel quality, including the timescale for achievement of these standards. These issues will be carefully considered in the run up to the Budget.

  Salaries (Euro)
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make arrangements for civil servants to have the option of receiving their salaries in euros. [66508]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 19 January 1999]: There are no plans to offer civil service staff the option of receiving salaries in euro while the United Kingdom is outside the single currency zone.

  However, Departments with staff posted in eurozone countries have taken steps to enable them to draw their entitlements in euro when arrangements in the host country make that appropriate.

  Oil Tax Revenues
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the UK oil tax revenues from 1999–2000 onwards assuming an oil price of 10 US dollars per barrel; and if he will make a statement. [65701]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 14 January 1999]: Reliable estimates cannot easily be made. They would require detailed assumptions on how an oil price of $10 per barrel would affect the future levels of production and expenditure. A forecast of f1.3 billion for 1999–2000 was published in the Pre-Budget Report in November last year based on the oil price being flat at about $13 per barrel (in real terms).

  Government Debt (Yield Differential)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he has put in place to achieve his policy of reducing the differential between yields on German and British long-term Government debt; what bench mark maturity and yield differential he is using for this target; and if he will make a statement. [65677]
  16
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 14 January 1999]: The Government introduced their new monetary policy framework, with Bank of England independence, to ensure that their commitment to price stability is delivered in practice. Maintaining low inflation will help reduce the differential between yields on German and British long-term debt. Since the Government came into office, the differential has fallen by 1.1 percentage points.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when his Department will publish the final version of PFI Technical Note 1 on How to Account for PFI transactions. [65501]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 14 January 1999]: Shortly.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what addition there would be to Government borrowing if all approved capital developments provided through PFI were to be financed by traditional Government borrowing. [66507]

  Mr. Milburn
  Figures for the total value of private sector investment in the period covered by the Comprehensive Spending Review resulting from PFI projects were given in the answer by the then Paymaster General to my hon. Friend the Member for Hove (Mr. Caplin) on 19 November 1998,Official Report, columns 846–47.

  Air Passenger Duty
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the monthly revenue raised by air passenger duty since its inception. [66079]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: Information in the form requested can be found in the Government Statistical Service publication "Financial Statistics". Table 2.1D "Customs and Excise taxes" shows monthly figures for receipts from Air Passenger Duty.

  Air Passenger Duty was introduced on 1 November 1994. However as duty is required to be paid in the month after that in which the flight took place, the first duty was received in December 1994.

  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the annual cost for collecting air passenger duty(a) to the Treasury and (b) to individual airlines. [66078]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The annual cost to the Treasury of collecting Air Passenger Duty is approximately £400,000. The annual cost to individual airlines will vary depending on the business practices of each airline.

  UK Abatement
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money was received as a result of the United Kingdom's abatement in each year since it was established under the Fontainebleau agreement. [66121]
  17
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The cash amounts made available to the United Kingdom due to its abatement, together with an estimate for this financial year, are as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  Amount

  1985–86

  823

  1986–87

  1,343

  1987–88

  1,137

  1988–89

  1,600

  1989–90

  1,317

  1990–91

  1,838

  1991–92

  2,428

  1992–93

  1,993

  1993–94

  2,350

  1994–95

  1,648

  1995–96

  1,576

  1996–97

  2,418

  1997–98

  1,563

  1998–99 (estimate)

  2,726

  Total

  24,762

  Fraud (EU)
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action was agreed under the last British presidency of the EU to combat fraud. [66124]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The Government made the fight against fraud one of the priorities of the UK Presidency of the EU, ensuring that it was kept high on the agenda. Priority was given to work on the recommendations of the High-Level Group on Organised Crime. Progress was reported to the Cardiff European Council, including conclusion of the pre-accession pact on organised crime with applicant countries, establishment of a European judicial network to improve practical co-operation and improvements to the mechanism for collecting and analysing data on organised crime. Progress was made on legislation to improve the working of the transit system and preparation of the new computerised transit system, aimed at making the Community transit system less vulnerable to fraud. Work continued on the SEM2000 initiative with measures to improve financial management and fight fraud both in the Commission managed programmes and in the 82 per cent. of the EC budget which is administered by Member States. The 19 May ECOFIN Council was devoted to financial management and anti-fraud issues including considering the annual Fight against fraud report and the Commission's anti-fraud work programme for 1998–99. The Council conclusions emphasised the importance of this work.

  Tax and Social Security Contributions
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish figures for the total tax and social security contributions from 1997–98 to 2002–03 on the basis used in Table 4.5 of the July 1997 Red Book, HC 85. [64638]

  Ms Hewitt
  The figures for net taxes and social security contributions as a per cent. of GDP in table B9 of the Pre-Budget Report (PBR) are on a cash basis. The 18
  corresponding figures in table 4.5 of the July 1997 Financial Statement and Budget Report (FSBR) are on an accruals basis. Moving from a cash to an accruals basis requires the addition of accruals adjustments to the cash figures. Accruals adjustments for tax receipts were forecast to be about 0.1 per cent. of GDP in 1998–99, and to remain at about this level in each of the forecast years shown in table B9 of the PBR.

  Under national accounts conventions at the time of the July 1997 FSBR, a small amount of MIRAS and of life assurance premium tax reliefs were scored as public expenditure. These amounts do not significantly affect the PBR tax/GDP ratio. The Working Families Tax Credit will only be introduced in October 1999 and hence no assumptions about its treatment were made at the time of the July 1997 FSBR.

  EMU
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of sterling's performance against the criteria set for membership of economic and monetary union by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement. [66162]

  Ms Hewitt
  In line with the Council decision of 3 May 1998, under Article 109j(4) of the Treaty, the Government accept that exchange rate stability is an important precondition for membership of the single currency. The Government are committed to ensuring a stable and competitive exchange rate for sterling over the medium term, consistent with our objective of price stability. The Government have no intention of rejoining the ERM.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those(a) member states and (b) community bodies which (i) support and (ii) oppose Her Majesty's Government's position that UK accession to the single currency does not require prior participation in an exchange rate mechanism. [66378]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government have no intention of rejoining the ERM. The Government have never believed that the Treaty provisions on membership of the ERM could be applied mechanically given the changes that have occurred since the Treaty was agreed in 1991. The Recommendation of the Commission under Article 109j(2) in March 1998 and the Decision of the Council under Article 109j(4) in May 1998 both avoided a mechanical approach to the application of the criteria, allowing for the exercise of judgment provided by the Treaty.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if, for the purposes of calculating the specific comparability of the DTI and DETR (non local government) for the Welsh block for CSR, expenditure on nationalised industries was included in the calculation; if such decision represented a change in the practice applied in 1998–99; and what his assessment is of the impact of this decision on the Welsh block; [66187]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 11 January 1999, Official Report, columns 20–21, on departmental expenditure, what was the specific comparability determined by the

  19
  coverage of Welsh Office services for (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99 in each of (a) the DTI, (b) the DETR (non local government) and (c) the DFEE; [66185]

  (3) what changes have been made in the method of calculating the comparability percentage relevant for calculating the Welsh block in each of (a) the DTI, (b) DETR (non local government) and (c) the DFEE for the year 1999–2000 as compared to the year 1998–99. [66186]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Government maintained the total allocations for the Welsh Office for 1997–98 and 1998–99 determined by the previous Government in the 1996 Public Expenditure Survey. The comparabilities applied within the 1996 Survey were the responsibility of the previous Government.

  Pensions Review
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made on Phase 2 of the pensions review; and if he will make a statement. [66230]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire (Ms Lawrence) on 14 January,Official Report, columns 283–84.

  2001 Census
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the 2001 census will include a question to enable the calculation of the number of people living outside Wales who speak Welsh. [66190]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government's proposal for the 2001 Census, including the topics to be covered, will shortly be published in a White Paper.

  Prostate Cancer
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in each of the last 10 years; and what are the projected numbers of new cases estimated by his Department over the next five years. [65821]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 20 January 1999]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Excess winter mortality, England and Wales 1997–78 to 1997–98

  All ages

  60–74

  75–84

  85+

  1977–78

  Excess winter deaths1

  41,240

  12,540

  15,090

  10,780

  Percentage increase in mortality in winter

  23

  19

  27

  37

  1982–83

  Excess winter deaths1

  42,820

  11,270

  16,660

  12,350

  Percentage increase in mortality in winter

  24

  18

  28

  40

  1987–88

  Excess winter deaths1

  32,970

  8,160

  12,420

  10,490

  Percentage increase in mortality in winter

  18

  14

  20

  29

  1992–93

  Excess winter deaths1

  25,650

  5,690

  9,330

  9,490

  Percentage increase in mortality in winter

  15

  11

  16

  22

  20
  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Vernon Coaker, dated 25 January 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on prostate cancer.
  The number of new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed from 1971 to 1992 in England and Wales are given in "Cancer statistics—Registrations" (MB1 series). Estimates for 1993–1997 are given in "Estimates of newly diagnosed cases of cancer, England and Wales, 1993–1997" (Monitor MB1 98/2). Copies of these publications are available in the Library of the House. No official projections are available.

  Hypothermia Fatalities
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many deaths where hypothermia was mentioned on the death certificate as the main or contributory cause of death took place in England and Wales in(a) 1997, (b) 1992, (c) 1987, (d) 1982 and (e) 1977 amongst those (i) of all ages, (ii) aged 60 to 74, (iii) aged 74 to 84 and (iv) aged over 85 years; what were the winter mortality rates for (1) the population as a whole, (2) people aged 60 to 74, (3) people aged 75 to 84 and (4) people aged 85 years and over; and what the percentage increase was in each group compared to non-winter deaths in 1997–98, 1992–93,1987–88,1982–83 and 1977–78. [66381]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Eddie O'Hara, dated 25 January 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on how many deaths, where hypothermia was mentioned on the death certificate as the main or contributory cause of death, took place in England and Wales.
  The information requested is shown in the tables below.

  Deaths for selected age-groups where hypothermia was mentioned as the main or contributory cause of death in England and Wales 1977–971

  Year

  All ages

  60–74

  75–84

  85+

  1977

  594

  139

  232

  155

  1982

  645

  147

  224

  188

  1987

  551

  117

  205

  151

  1992

  329

  57

  115

  117

  1997

  357

  51

  127

  127

  1 Data for 1997 are based on deaths that occurred during the year, deaths for all other years are based on those registered during the year

  21

  Excess winter mortality, England and Wales 1977–78 to 1997–98

  All ages

  60–74

  75–54

  85+

  1997–98 2

  Excess winter deaths1

  23,220

  4,940

  7,890

  9,140

  Percentage increase in mortality in winter

  13

  11

  14

  19

  1 Rounded to the nearest 10

  2 Provisional

  Excess winter deaths are defined as the difference between the number of deaths during the four winter months (December to March) and the average of the number of deaths during the preceding autumn (August to November) and the following summer (April to July).

  National Minimum Wage
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of those who will benefit from the national minimum wage are resident in Doncaster, Central. [66566]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Ms Rosie Winterton, dated 25 January 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
  Available information is taken from the New Earnings Survey (NES). As the NES does not collect information on employees' home addresses I have provided information for those who work, not live, in Doncaster Central.
  The NMW will become effective in April 1999 and has been set at £3.60 for workers aged over 21. A development rate of £3.00 per hour will apply for those aged 18 to 21. Workers aged 16 and 17 and all those apprenticeships will be exempt.
  The Low Pay Commission, in arriving at their recommendations, had to adjust 1999 pay rates to 1998 values. Their methodology produces £3.50 and £2.90 as the 1998 values of the government's preferred rates.
  The latest available information, from the 1998 NES, shows that of those over 21 years of age who are affected by the NMW in the UK, 0.3 per cent. work in the parliamentary constituency of Doncaster Central. The information is given as a percentage of workers because appropriate grossing factors for the NES sample are not available at very detailed levels of disaggregation. I am unable to provide data for employees aged 18 to 21 years because the sample size is too small for a reliable estimate to be produced. I will arrange for a copy of this letter to be placed in the Library.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Al Shifa Factory, Khartoum
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the importance of anti-parasitic products produced at the Al Shifa plant in maintaining animal health in Sudan. [67645]

  Clare Short
  Our assistance to Sudan is concentrated on the most pressing humanitarian needs and we are not involved in animal health programmes.
  22
  Because of the civil war, any drugs produced by the Al Shifa plant in Khartoum would not have been available in the rebel held south, where most of the suffering occurs.

  The main threat to animal health in Sudan is rinderpest. The 1998 UN Consolidated Appeal states that
  "the conflict has completely destroyed the pre-war annual Pan-African Rinderpest Campaign vaccination coverage and animal health services".

  The long running civil war is the prime cause of suffering in Sudan. We will continue to press both sides of the conflict to undertake serious negotiations towards a lasting and just peace.

  Coral Reefs
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action the Government have taken since his oral statement in the Adjournment debate on 1 July 1998,Official Report, columns 324–30, to protect coral reefs. [65477]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I have been asked to reply.

  Since the Adjournment debate on 1 July, we have maintained our effort to conserve coral reefs, monitor their status and help to achieve their sustainable use.

  The Department for International Development (DFID) has further extended its support for the creation of a South Asia Regional Coral Reef Monitoring Network in Sri Lanka, Maldives and India, being a contribution to the global network sponsored by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The programme has trained national managers to monitor the biophysical status of reef resources and the use of these resources by dependent coastal communities. DFID has also supported their participation in regional and international planning processes. An independent review in September 1998 concluded that the DFID/IOC programme has laid a very solid foundation for future development of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network.

  A UK/Caribbean Regional Workshop in Jamaica during October 1998, funded by FCO and DFID, attracted representatives from 22 Caribbean States to consider the conservation status of marine biodiversity in the Caribbean including threats to the coral reefs of the region. The results of this Caribbean meeting were reported to the Second London Oceans Workshop sponsored by Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), attended by delegations from 40 countries, at which the keynote address by the Deputy Prime Minister focused on

  23
  the central role of coral reefs as indicators of the health of the oceans, and on the need to take action to protect both reefs and other sensitive marine ecosystems.

  During December 1998, DFID approved funding of £0.6 million to extend for a further three year period the programme implemented by the International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM) studying the social, economic and environmental benefits which have arisen from the protection of coral reefs in Jamaica and in British Virgin Islands.

  DFID has also approved new support for the Coastal Resources Management Project providing advice to the Government of Turks and Caicos Islands for the protection and management of a marine protected area including some spectacular coral reefs, and the development of local capacity and infrastructure to ensure that this is a long sustained process.

  The UK's ratification of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance has been extended to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and this came into force on 8 January 1999. BIOT is now preparing to put forward for listing as a Ramsar site an area of the Chagos Archipelago which includes a number of globally outstanding coral reefs.

  Child Labour
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the countries with which she is having discussions regarding use of child labour. [66651]

  Clare Short
  Our work on child labour currently involves the following countries:

  India

  Pakistan

  Bangladesh

  Nepal

  Thailand

  Cambodia

  Laos

  Vietnam

  China

  Kenya

  South Africa

  Tanzania

  Zambia

  Zimbabwe.

  In addition, we are supporting the UK-based Ethical Trading Initiative, which aims to investigate ways of dealing with labour issues in supermarket and other supply chains. We have also contributed $1 million to the International Labour Organisation's International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour which has over 50 participating countries. In July last year, with the aim of engaging workers organisations, we staged a child labour workshop at which unions and NGOs from the south and the north could exchange ideas.

PRIME MINISTER

  Prisoners of War (Japan)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 7 December regarding former prisoners of war of the Japanese. [66583]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 19 January 1999]: I replied to my hon. Friend on 22 January.

  Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister what invitations have been extended to political parties other than the Liberal Democrats to develop policy jointly with the Government using the JCCC mechanism. [66879]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: None.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the membership of the JCCC. [67688]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian (Mr. Clarke) on 21 October 1998,Official Report, columns 1123–35.

  Sudan
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will assess the report from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in relation to the reported opposition by the US Attorney-General to the bombing of the Al Shifa plant in Sudan. [67644]

  The Prime Minister
  As I said at the time of the strike against Al Shifa, the United States said that they had compelling evidence that the chemical plant was being used for the manufacture of chemical weapons materials.

  It is not for me to comment on what this study claims to be the reported opinions of the US Attorney-General.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 18 January 1999,Official Report, column 342, what proposals have been made by the Russians to find a way forward in respect of Iraq. [67348]

  The Prime Minister
  The Russians have circulated a paper informally among Security Council members, proposing a number of ideas on how the Council might wish to proceed in dealing with Iraq's continued failure to meet its obligations under Security Council resolutions, particularly on its weapons of mass destruction programmes. The Russians have not yet made these ideas public. These and French proposals tabled earlier will be discussed further in the Security Council in the near future.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish a White Paper on the constitutional implications for Great Britain of joining the economic and monetary union. [67277]
  25
  The Prime Minister
  In his statement to the House of Commons on 27 October 1997,Official Report, columns 583–88, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer set out clearly the Government's view of the constitutional implications of joining the single currency.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Overseas Companies (Funding)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much Government funding has been given to overseas companies in the last 10 years for the establishment of factories in the United Kingdom that have closed in the first three years of operation or never opened. [66026]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: Comprehensive information on total Government funding given to foreign owned companies and the number of associated factory closures is not held centrally. To provide such information would involve disproportionate cost.

  However, for Regional Selective Assistance (RSA), the DTI's main investment grant scheme, available data show that, in the last 10 years, over 300 foreign owned companies accepted offers of RSA for new start-up projects in GB. Grant payments to these companies amounted to £227 million. Within three years of accepting offers, two of these companies were subject to legal process and a further six companies were invoiced for full recovery of grant paid because the RSA projects were abandoned. A total of £1.5 million grant was involved of which £150k has been recovered to date. The recoveries do not include possible action to recover grant paid in the case of Siemens.

  Departmental Assistance
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial assistance the Government have provided to small businesses to assist them in preparing for(a) the euro and (b) the millennium bug. [66024]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The Government funded a major campaign to raise awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the implications of the euro and encourage them to send for the Treasury's euro preparation factsheets. This campaign is also supported by a website and practical support for 12 regional euro forums, Business Links and other sources of advice for SMEs. No direct financial assistance to help firms prepare for the euro has, however, been made available.

  My Department set up Action 2000 which has a budget of £19.3 million to lead the work on behalf of Government in ensuring that small businesses are aware of, and obtain help in, dealing with the millennium bug. Action 2000 is working regionally with Business Links and other business support organisations to deliver practical advice and guidance to SMEs, signposting local
  26
  services and consultants. Since last June, there have been some 170,000 requests for the Action Pack published by Action 2000 and 150,000 calls to its Action Line.

  The Government have made £26 million available to help small and medium enterprises train their staff to tackle the date change problem. Employers with 250 employees or fewer are eligible for 100 per cent. grants for sending existing staff or new recruits on short courses in skills related to dealing with the millennium bug. Courses are provided by the training organisations who have been accredited for the programme by the IT National Training Organisation.

  White Goods
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what plans he has to ensure competition and choice for consumers purchasing electrical appliances; [66572]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the findings of his Department' s survey on the prices of washing machines in retail outlets; [66571]

  (3) what further steps he is taking to introduce competition in the market for white goods. [66570]

  Dr. Howells
  Under UK competition legislation, the Director General of Fair Trading is responsible for keeping the operation of markets under review and considering allegations of anti-competitive behaviour, abuse of monopoly power or restrictive trade practices.

  As part of his responsibilities, the Director General is keeping under review compliance with the Order made by my right hon. Friend the former President of the Board of Trade on 19 May 1998, following the 1997 Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the supply of eight categories of domestic electrical goods (including washing machines). The Order prohibits suppliers of those goods from recommending retail prices to retailers, and from influencing the prices at which retailers sell their goods, and came into force on 1 September 1998.

  The Government are keen to ensure that UK consumers are not disadvantaged by anti-competitive practices. The new Competition Act 1998 therefore gives the Director General tougher powers to investigate anti-competitive practices. For the first time, it gives him powers to seize company records, take quick action to halt commercial practices which are anti-competitive and fine companies whose behaviour is found to be anti-competitive.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with consumer groups about price competition in the white goods sector. [66576]

  Dr. Howells
  I meet with consumer groups regularly to discuss a wide range of issues, and will continue to do so.

  Embedded Generators
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what was the total installed capacity of embedded generators for each of the last five years for which data are available; [66915]

  (2) how many units of electricity were supplied to the distribution system by embedded generators in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [66899]

  Mr. Battle
  No central records are kept of the precise amount of generating capacity embedded within the distribution networks of electricity companies in the United Kingdom, nor of the output from such capacity.

  However, the capacity of generating plant other than that owned by major power producers over the latest five years for which data are available was as follows:

  GW

  end December 1993

  3.6

  end December 1994

  3.8

  end December 1995

  3.9

  end December 1996

  4.2

  end December 1997

  4.2

  Source:

  Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 1998; Table 6.5.

  The figures may over-estimate the amount of embedded capacity since some generating plants may not be capable of exporting electricity to the local network or local conditions may be such that there are limits on the capacity that can be exported. However, the figures may also understate the amount of embedded capacity to the extent that some of the plant belonging to major power producers is embedded.

  In each of the last five years, the following quantities of electricity were supplied to the public distribution system in the United Kingdom by generators other than major power producers:

  TWh

  1993

  3.2

  1994

  3.9

  1995

  3.2

  1996

  3.2

  1997

  3.4

  Source:

  Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 1998; Table 6.3.

  These figures do not include electricity generated by embedded stations but consumed on the site where generated. Neither do they include generation from any embedded station owned by major power producers.

  Note:
  Major power producers are those companies whose prime purpose is the generation of electricity. The public distribution system comprises the transmission and distribution grids in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

  Anglo-Yemeni Trade Relations
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on Anglo-Yemeni trade relations. [66691]
  28
  Mr. Wilson
  UK-Yemeni trade relations remain stable. The official figures for 1997 are as shown, together with the latest available figures for January to November 1998:

  UK trade in goods with Yemen

  £ million

  1997

  January to November 1998

  UK Exports

  72.1

  70.0

  UK Imports

  5.1

  3.2

  UK Balance

  67.0

  66.8

  Source:

  HM Customs & Excise Business Monitor MM20 DTI/ES Statistics

  Bananas
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the changing trading relationships between the United States of America and(a) the European Union as a single entity and (b) individual EU member states with reference to the continuing sanctions relating to the trade dispute over bananas. [67116]

  Mr. Wilson
  The European Union acts as a single entity in external trade policy matters, under Article 113 of the EC Treaty. There are currently no sanctions in place against EU exports to the US, and intensive efforts to avoid such action is continuing.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made by BNFL in developing the tank waste remediation system for vitrification of long-lived radioactive wastes at Hanford; and what plans it has to apply this technique to the immobilisation of high level radioactive wastes at BNFL' s Sellafield site. [67105]

  Mr. Battle
  While this is a commercial matter for BNFL, the company announced in July 1998 that they had been awarded the contract for the first phase in developing the tank waste remediation system at Hanford. Much of the technology and approach for this contract has been developed at BNFL' s Sellafield site.

  This phase involves BNFL in carrying out a 2 year study on the feasibility of designing and constructing a processing facility to immobilise USDOE-owned radioactive waste in glass form using vitrification technology.

  Wealth Warnings (Radio)
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to announce the results of the consultation completed in May 1998 on the abolition of wealth warnings on commercial radio; and if he will make a statement. [66818]

  Dr. Howells
  I will make an announcement shortly.

  Defence and Security Equipment Exports
  Mr. Lock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list in respect of foreign(a) companies and (b) Governments which have been given guarantees in relation to defence and security equipment in the past three

  29
  years (i) the name of the country to which defence and security equipment has been sold, (ii) the level of debt guaranteed for sales to each country in each of the last three years and (iii) the amount of that debt which was paid out by the ECGD in each of the last three years. [66981]

  Mr. Wilson
  The following tables detail by country the amount of business which ECGD has guaranteed for sales to defence buyers in each of the last three years and the incidence of claims under these same guarantees.

  £ million

  Country

  Amount guaranteed

  Amount paid as claims under these Guarantees 1996–97 to 1998–99

  1996–97

  Bahrain

  1.4

  0

  Indonesia

  143.6

  11.7

  Republic of Korea

  13.6

  0

  Lithuania

  1.5

  0

  Qatar

  5.5

  0

  Saudi Arabia

  225

  0

  Singapore

  18.6

  0

  Turkey

  2.0

  0

  1997–98

  Egypt

  8.8

  0

  Greece

  18.7

  0

  Indonesia

  16.5

  0

  Italy

  2.7

  0

  Republic of Korea

  62.4

  0

  Kuwait

  55.7

  0

  Lithuania

  4.8

  0

  Oman

  908

  0

  Qatar

  222.9

  0

  Saudi Arabia

  225

  0

  Thailand

  27.3

  0

  Turkey

  35.6

  0

  United Arab Emirates

  9.8

  0

  USA

  58.3

  0

  1998–99 (to 20 January)

  Brazil

  29.3

  0

  Brunei

  580

  0

  India

  14.3

  0

  Indonesia

  5.8

  0

  Italy

  1.5

  0

  Oman

  21.1

  0

  Sweden

  4.1

  0

  USA

  6.9

  0

  1 Paid 1998–99

  Shoe Industry
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment he has made of the state of the UK shoe manufacturing industry; [67014]

  (2) what proposals he has for a national strategy for the UK shoe manufacturing industry. [67016]

  Mr. Battle
  The DTI prepared a Competitive Analysis of the Footwear Industry which was issued in December 1996. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.

  I launched an Action Plan to improve the competitiveness of the UK footwear industry at the National Footwear Conference in Rossendale in February 1998. The Plan is being taken forward by the Footwear Liaison Action Group (FLAG). This is an
  30
  industry led Group which has representatives from companies, trade associations, unions, training organisations, Business Links, DTI and DFEE.

  Rover-BMW Cars
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the expected future production by Rover-BMW cars. [67053]

  Mr. Battle
  Rover Group produce a range of vehicles in the UK from the Mini to the Land Rover series. Last year, Rover launched the new R75 which will be produced at Cowley and go on sale this year as a replacement for the 600–800 models. And in November, Bernd Pischestreider, Chairman of BMW, announced that the new Mini will be produced at Longbridge from 2000.

  Longbridge currently produces the Rover 200 and 400 models, which are due to be replaced early in the new millennium. BMW has yet to make a decision as to where the new model will be produced.

  The Government naturally remain in close contact with both Rover and BMW on many issues including the location of production of future models.

  EU Research Council
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the EU Research Council held on 22 December 1998. [67650]

  Mr. Byers
  Lord Sainsbury represented the UK at the meeting of the EU Research Council on 22 December 1998. I am pleased to say that the Council reached final agreement on the legislation for the Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Development (FP5), paving the way for the launch of the programme in the next few weeks. Agreement on FP5 marks a major step forward in Europe's research effort, opening up new opportunities for collaborative research tackling major European challenges relating to competitiveness and the quality of life. I look forward to continued strong participation by UK researchers.

  The Council adopted Decisions on the two Framework Programmes that, under the EC Treaty and the Euratom Treaty, set the budget and broad priorities for FP5, and on the rules for detailed participation in the programme stemming from Article 130j of the EC Treaty. It reached political agreement on FP5's ten specific programmes, which set out scientific and technological content in detail and provide for the internal distribution of each programme's budget, in preparation for formal adoption later this month.

  The Council also agreed conclusions calling for greater emphasis on research, development and innovation activities in the EU's MEDA programme for development co-operation with Mediterranean countries. It approved signature of an agreement for scientific and technological co-operation between the European Community and

  31
  China and made decisions progressing a number of other scientific and technological co-operation agreements between the Community third countries.

  Textile Industry
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress he has made towards developing a strategy for future support for the textile industry; and if he will make a statement. [67734]

  Mr. Battle
  Last year, a joint industry-union group produced an Action Plan for the Textiles and Clothing Industry. I subsequently met the authors of this Document and offered the services of DTI officials to facilitate the production, by an industry-led Group, of a more detailed strategy for the industry. The industry and the unions decided to take the initiative forward and have formed the Textiles and Clothing Strategy Group. My Department will provide the Group's secretariat. To ensure that the Group is wholly representative of the industry and its supply chain, the Group is to include representatives from trade associations, unions, the retail sector, manufacturing, academia and Government. The first meeting of the Group will be on 1 February and preparatory work has already begun.

  Local transport capital settlements1

  £ million

  Allocation category

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Principal road carriageway maintenance

  0

  95

  173

  151

  141

  86

  90

  80

  113

  Bridge assessment and strengthening

  91

  111

  137

  137

  117

  101

  110

  100

  128

  Local safety schemes

  0

  0

  0

  50

  50

  55

  60

  50

  60

  Local authority packages

  0

  0

  0

  10

  64

  79

  79

  85

  135

  Minor works

  75

  89

  115

  60

  64

  40

  0

  0

  25

  Grant reduction for previous underspends

  -48

  -54

  -64

  -67

  -67

  -40

  -16

  -7

  -4

  Existing commitments2

  561

  522

  529

  431

  485

  463

  407

  308

  173

  New major schemes

  41

  61

  93

  47

  39

  6

  0

  0

  6

  Total

  768

  877

  1,047

  886

  960

  830

  746

  623

  641

  1 Total for 1990–2000 excludes support for European Regional Development Fund grant (£26 million in 1998–99), which is now funded separately from the local transport capital settlement.

  2 Support for Croydon Tramlink and South Yorkshire Supertram.

  Rainham Marsh
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what information(a) his Department and (b) English Partnerships holds relating to contamination of land at Rainham Marsh in Havering; and if he will place such information in the Library. [65901]

  Mr. Meale
  When English Partnerships was formed in 1993 it also inherited, acting as Agent for the Secretary of State, a commitment to pay Derelict Land Grant to the London Borough of Havering, for the preparation of site investigation reports. A contamination report and consequently a remediation report, both funded by Derelict Land Grant, via English Partnerships, have been produced. Copies of the reports are available upon request from the London Borough of Havering, who own the Havering Riverside site (known as Rainham Marsh) and commissioned production of the reports.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will publish a table showing total local authority capital expenditure allocations for transport for the year 1999–2000; and for each of the previous eight years; [65242]

  (2) if he will publish a table indicating local authority transport capital expenditure allocations for 1999–2000 for existing commitments and new major schemes; and the equivalent figures for each of the previous eight years. [65243]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 11 January 1999]: As part of our commitment to integrated transport policies as set out in "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone", in the 1999–2000 local transport capital settlement we increased support to local transport packages, local safety schemes and the maintenance of highways and bridges. We also reintroduced funding for rural and non-package minor works, which had been suspended for the two previous settlements. The information is shown in the following table.

  Asbestos
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ban the import of all forms of asbestos; if he will list those members of the EU which have introduced such a ban; and if he will make a statement. [66058]

  Mr. Meacher
  We are firmly committed both to a national and to a Europe-wide solution to the problem of asbestos, based on sound science. It is increasingly likely that the European Commission's draft proposals for further restrictions on asbestos marketing and use within the EU will be voted on by Member States in March 1999. At around the same time, I expect to receive the Health and Safety Commission's recommendation following its recent consultation exercise on a British ban.

  I understand that Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden have asbestos bans in place.

  Local Government Modernisation
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he will require town and parish councils to take as part of his plans for the modernisation of local government. [65772]

  Mr. Raynsford
  As our White Paper "Modern Local Government—In Touch with the People" makes clear, it is important that parish councils embrace the culture of openness and accountability, putting their local people first. Our modernisation agenda therefore provides for such councils to continue to play their local democratic role and to be subject—as appropriate to their size and functions—to the disciplines of the new ethical framework and the duty of best value.

  London Underground (Funding)
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how London Underground will be funded when the central Government grant is phased out in 2000. [66094]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are keeping funding for London Underground under review with London Transport, and will take decisions in the light of progress to implement the public private partnership and LT's overall financial position.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what occasions Ministers in his Department have made journeys in non-scheduled or private aeroplanes since 1 May 1997; and at what cost to public funds. [66463]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: I refer to my answer of 19 November 1998, Official Report, columns 838–39, to the hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Mr. Maples).

  Water and Sewerage Companies
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he proposes to take to ensure that information is made publicly available to enable a proper scrutiny of the environmental and public health performance of the water and sewerage companies; and if he will make a statement. [66555]

  Mr. Meale
  Details of companies' discharge consents and compliance monitoring data for both consents and quality standards set for bodies of water, including bathing water quality results, are made publicly available on the Environment Agency's statutory pollution control registers, as are details of authorisations of processes subject to integrated pollution control (IPC). The Agency also compiles an inventory of emissions from processes subject to IPC, which it proposes to extend to require reporting of emissions by other processes it regulates, such as sewage treatment works.

  As regards drinking water, water companies are required to compile annual records, including details of tests of water quality which they have conducted, in respect of each of their water supply zones. This information is available for public inspection. In addition,
  34
  the Chief Inspector of the Drinking Water Inspectorate produces an annual report of checks made by the Inspectorate on the quality of water supplied by water companies.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the length of critical sewers in(a) grade 1, (b) grade 2, (c) grade 3, (d) grade 4 and (e) grade 5 by water and sewerage company. [66557]

  Mr. Meale
  This information is not available in the form requested but Ofwat's annual reports on Financial Performance and Capital Investment, copies of which are in the Library of the House, list the total lengths of critical sewers renovated and replaced each year and in 1997–98 these renovations and replacements were at their highest level since 1991–92.

  Ofwat assesses the performance of underground assets by reference to trends in their serviceability to customers and they will publish more information about serviceability of assets later this year.

  National Walking Strategy
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the National Walking Strategy consultation document; and if he will make a statement. [66335]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Walking Steering Group completed a report late last year. The Government are grateful to the Group for the work that they put into producing this document. We are committed to encouraging walking as part of our policy of reducing dependency upon the private motor car and we will be publishing a Government strategy statement shortly.

  Construction Industry
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the policy of his Department on the setting-up of elected safety representatives and safety committees within the construction industry; and if he will make a statement. [66649]

  Mr. Meale
  The Government place great importance on the role of safety representatives and the contribution which employees can play in securing health and safety both in the construction sector and more widely. I hope that wherever they are able to do so, trade unions will appoint safety representatives to work with employers to improve standards of health and safety in the workplace.

  Statutory arrangements for the appointment of safety representatives by recognised trade unions, and the establishment of safety committees where two or more safety representatives request this, are laid down in the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977. These regulations apply in construction as in other sectors onshore. Where there are groups of employees who are not covered by safety representatives appointed under the 1977 regulations, their employer has a duty, under the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996, to consult them on matters related to their health and safety, either direct or through representatives elected by the employees for that purpose.
  35
  In addition, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 require the principal contractor to ensure that employees and the self-employed are able to discuss and offer advice on matters which might affect their health and safety and to ensure that there are arrangements for the co-ordination of the views of employees or their representatives.

  We have asked the Health and Safety Commission to review arrangements for health and safety consultation and representation, and to consider ways to enhance the role of safety representatives.

  Petrus Oil Ltd.
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many cases the Environment Agency has taken to court concerning Petrus Oil Ltd.; and if he will list the outcome of each case. [66853]

  Mr. Meale
  The Environment Agency has brought prosecution cases against Petrus Oil Ltd. arising from four separate pollution incidents on 28 September 1996, 17 October 1996, 14 April 1997 and 1 July 1997.

  All the cases were consolidated into one indictment of 11 counts. Counts 1, 3, 5 and 6 have been stayed by the judge on the basis of abuse of process. Counts 2 and 4 lie on the file as not justifying the expense of a Crown Court trial in isolation. Counts 7–11 relating to the incidents on 14 April 1997 and 1 July 1997 remain to be decided and await the outcome of the Revocation Appeal Inquiry which commences on 2 March 1999 in Stoke-on-Trent.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the irrecoverable costs to the Environment Agency of its cases relating to Petrus Oil Ltd. indicating the amount of costs and date of court order for the Environment Agency to reimburse Petrus Oil Ltd. [66854]

  Mr. Meale
  The irrecoverable costs to the Environment Agency of its cases relating to Petrus Oil Ltd. are difficult to estimate but will be in the region of £150,000 including Counsel's fees, staff costs and consultancy fees. The order for costs to be paid by the Environment Agency was made on 18 December 1998 and was for £118,605.45.

  Used Oils
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on the disposal of used oils. [66851]

  Mr. Meale
  The Government's policy on waste disposal, including used oils, is being reviewed as part of the review of the waste strategy. The consultation paper, Less Waste More Value (DETR 1998) sets out the policy that decisions on the management of waste should be based on the Best Practical Environmental Option (BPEO) with the waste management hierarchy as a guide to making decisions under this principle. Under the hierarchy the most effective solution is, usually, not to produce the waste at all. Failing that, value should be recovered from waste. In Less Waste More Value the Government set out their view that incineration with energy recovery should not be undertaken without consideration first being given to the possibility of 36
  recycling. Waste should, therefore, only be disposed of once options for re-use and recovery have been considered.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many sites are licensed for the re-refining of used oils. [66852]

  Mr. Meale
  Within England and Wales five sites are authorised by the Environment Agency under Part I of the Environment Protection Act 1990 for re-refining of used oils.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if used oils are re-refined in EC and OECD countries. [66873]

  Mr. Meale
  Two main companies re-refine used oils in the United Kingdom. A study for the European Commission in 1996, showed that used oil is re-refined in other European Union countries including, Germany, Italy, France and Spain. We are also aware that re-refining takes place in other OECD countries, including New Zealand and the United States.

  Court Costs
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy concerning the timing of the payment of court costs. [66855]

  Mr. Meale
  Costs due to be paid under a court order by my Department or a body for which I am responsible should be paid promptly, subject to any available remedy by way of appeal or application to set aside the order.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Regional Development Agency for the North west will be established; and where its offices will be located. [66733]

  Mr. Meale
  We appointed the Board members for Regional Development Agencies in each of the regions outside London which were established 14 December 1998. The Agencies will become operational from 1 April 1999. The North West Development Agency is currently based in temporary accommodation in Warrington and is considering its future location requirements. These are likely to include Head Office and a number of sub-regional offices.

  Liverpool Lime Street-Freshfield Station Rail Line
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the adequacy of track maintenance carried out by Railtrack on the line between Liverpool Lime Street and Freshfield Station in Merseyside. [66732]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Within the last three months the Health & Safety Executive's (HSE's) Railway Inspectorate has inspected the adequacy of track maintenance carried out by Railtrack on the line between Liverpool and Southport (which includes Freshfield station). This action was taken as a direct result of
  37
  complaints from local residents concerned about noise and vibration resulting from the operation of the railway. HSE's inspection did not find that track maintenance standards presented a risk to the health and safety of passengers or railway employees. A factual statement to this effect was provided to the local authority.

  Local Government
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the numbers of local authorities that will adopt the cabinet-style model of local government; and if he will list them. [66729]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government have not made any such estimate; councils will need to consult their local communities before deciding which model to adopt.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to encourage local authorities to make the decision process of local government more accessible to the public. [66730]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Local Government Bill, which received its Second Reading on 12 January, is the first step in delivering our wide-ranging agenda for bringing councils closer to the people which was set out in our White Paper "Modern Local Government—In Touch with the People". Our proposals to transform the political management and ethical framework of councils will be published soon in a draft Bill and other measures will follow.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many local authorities have offered a referendum to the public following the White Paper on local government reform. [66731]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We are aware that a number of councils have already signalled their intention to hold referendums on reforms to their political management structures.

  Beaches
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assistance his Department is providing to ensure that beaches in the North West are improved to Blue Hag standard. [66929]

  Mr. Meale
  The Environment Agency and North West Water are working together closely and intensively to raise standards of bathing water quality in the north west. Last year we approved additional works to bring improvements to the Fylde Coast bathing waters. Options for further investment to achieve water quality required for Blue Flag status are being considered as part of the current review of water company price limits form 2000–05.

  Pesticides
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for which pesticides he has received unpublished scientific evidence 38
  that relates to the introduction of additional financial revenues which would lead to quantified changes in the volume of their use. [66867]

  Mr. Meale
  The Government have been exploring the possibility of introducing a pesticide tax as a component of its minimisation policy. The consultants engaged on this work have relied on scientific information available in the published literature about the nature of active ingredients when considering various designs for a tax.

  Catalytic Converters
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to permit(a) comparable and (b) better-performing technology to displace catalytic converters. [66712]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The introduction of catalytic converters on vehicles has been a major factor in reducing traffic pollution and contributing to improvements in air quality. The Government have a range of measures promoting cleaner vehicles, but these are not aimed either at favouring or displacing catalyst technology. Tighter exhaust emission standards to be introduced in 2000, with a further tightening in 2005 and beyond, will see an expansion of effective emission reduction technology on new petrol, diesel and gas powered vehicles. Catalysts are also a key factor in the development of future fuel cell technology. Only pure electric vehicles have no need for catalysts.

  Purchasers of low emission technology vehicles—both electric and catalysed—are eligible for financial support through the Energy Saving Trust's "Powershift" programme. We are also looking at electric, hybrid and fuel cell technologies through the DTI's Foresight Vehicle Programme.

  Allotments
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many allotment sites have been(a) approved for sale and (b) sold since 24 June 1998. [67026]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Secretary of State has given his consent for the sale of the following statutory allotment sites since 24 June 1998. The Department does not record whether sites are actually sold after consent for sale is given.

  Date

  Allotment site

  9 July

  Wharf Road, Woodston

  31 July

  Castleman Road, Chichester

  10 August

  Broadwater Gardens, Hillingdon

  17 August

  Efford Crescent, Plymouth

  17 August

  Green Street, Eastbourne

  2 October

  Woodhall, Chelmsford

  16 October

  Bartram Avenue, Braintree

  17 November

  Mimms Hall Road, Potters Bar

  30 November

  Hawcliffe Road, Mountsorrel

  9 December

  Hengrove Farm, Bristol

  16 December

  Wilton Road, Camberley

  5 January

  Yorktown Trading Estate, Surrey Heath

  Housing
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many new housing units were built and how many existing housing units were cleared in each local authority area in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland in the calendar years 1993 to 1998. [67299]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The statistics relate to the number of housing units completed by calendar years from 1993 to November 1998 (provisional) and all demolition figures for financial years from 1992–93 to 1996–97. (The demolitions data are collected on a financial years basis only.)

  Housebuilding completions

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  11998

  Tyne & Wear

  Gateshead

  492

  514

  330

  844

  363

  389

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  474

  520

  690

  1,210

  254

  341

  N. Tyneside

  732

  914

  1,019

  1,933

  727

  630

  S. Tyneside

  485

  323

  288

  611

  218

  140

  Sunderland

  560

  317

  551

  868

  490

  459

  Northumberland

  Alnwick

  96

  99

  45

  144

  107

  67

  Berwick upon Tweed

  74

  36

  65

  101

  83

  109

  Blyth Valley

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Castle Morpeth

  72

  101

  94

  195

  170

  117

  Tynedale

  172

  92

  131

  223

  166

  137

  Wansbeck

  121

  202

  264

  466

  286

  127

  1Date up to the end of November 1998

  Demolitions

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Tyne & Wear

  Gateshead

  1

  0

  29

  0

  226

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  0

  0

  44

  54

  48

  N. Tyneside

  327

  0

  0

  0

  0

  S. Tyneside

  153

  82

  80

  24

  9

  Sunderland

  71

  0

  0

  0

  249

  Northumberland

  Alnwick

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Berwick upon Tweed

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Blyth Valley

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Castle Morpeth

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Tynedale

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Wansbeck

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  National Bus Company
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made towards resolving the issue of the former National Bus Company pension scheme; and if he will make a statement. [67102]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Colchester (Mr. Russell) on 12 January 1999,Official Report, column 167.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what evidence he has assessed that biotechnology may cause permanent changes to the ecosystem. [66680]
  40
  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: All applications for consent to release GM crops are assessed on a case by case basis. The applicants for consent are required to submit evidence regarding the potential impact on the environment. This evidence may be based on the applicants own trials and on studies carried out by independent workers.

  In deciding whether or not to grant consent, the Government are advised by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). A consent would only be granted if the evidence suggests that the GMOs are unlikely to result in harm to human health and the environment occurring.

  Further evidence is gathered through a Government funded research programme which investigates specific issues in order to underpin the risk assessment and decision making process.

  An ACRE sub-group will be set up shortly to consider the wider biodiversity implications of the introduction of GMOs, taking into account current practices and the Government's Biodiversity commitments, to halt and where possible reverse declines in farmland wildlife. Where such research indicates that GM crops have or could cause reductions in this wildlife, action will be taken to stop this.

  A number of research studies have indicated potential interference with ecological systems from GM crops, with varying degrees of permanance.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential of horizontal gene transfer biotechnology to produce new viruses and bacteria. [66684]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: Horizontal gene transfer technologies are the basis of modern biotechnology and allow the transfer of genes between unrelated species under contained laboratory conditions. Such work often involves the production genetically modified viruses and bacteria as vectors for gene transfer or research tools. All such work is subject to a risk assessment which considers the potential to unintentionally create new viruses and bacteria that may be pathogenic to man or harmful in the wider environment. If the risk assessment indicated there may be a danger then the work would either not be allowed or it would proceed under the highest containment levels. If a risk assessment turned out to be deficient or incorrect it could unwittingly lead to the production of new viruses or bacteria. However, experience of this technology over the last 25 years both in the UK and worldwide has demonstrated that such events are unlikely.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with beekeepers about and what assessment he has made of (i) the possible implications for the health of the bee population and (ii) the possible contamination of honey resulting from the cultivation of GM crops; and if he will make a statement. [67482]

  Mr. Meale
  My officials have responded to correspondence and telephone inquiries from beekeepers regarding these two issues. The possibility that crops genetically modified to resist attack from insect pests
  41
  might also cause harm to non-target beneficial insects is considered in the risk assessment of the approvals procedure. The risks of eating honey made by bees that have visited GM plants have been considered by MAFF. They were advised by the Advisory Committee for Novels Foods and Processes (ACNFP) that the risks were negligible. This is contained in the ACNFP Annual Report 1992, a copy of which is available in the library.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish the result of the research project by IACR Rothamsted on the impact on non-target insects of insect-resistant GM crops. [67486]

  Mr. Meale
  My Department's research contract with IACR Rothamsted to investigate the environmental impact of insect resistance in genetically modified plants with insect resistance genes is due to finish on 31 December this year. The report of the outcome of these studies will be published by the Department early in 2000.

  East Midlands Development Agency
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire concerning the lack of representatives of their counties on the East Midlands Development Agency Board. [67265]

  Mr. Meale
  Representations have been received from Northamptonshire County Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Wellingborough Borough Council, and West Lindsey District Council; from my hon. Friends the Members for Northampton, South (Mr. Clarke), for Wellingborough (Mr. Stinchcombe), for Kettering (Mr. Sawford) and for Lincoln (Gillian Merron) and the hon. Member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell); and the MEPs from Northampton and Blaby and Lincolnshire and Humberside, South. Representations have also been received from the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, Lincolnshire Industrial Mission and Nene University College Northampton; and a member of the public.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people of Asian origin he has appointed to the Board of the East Midlands Development Agency. [67264]

  Mr. Meale
  No candidates of Asian origin have been appointed to the Board of the East Midlands Development Agency. People from ethnic minorities make up to 5% of the board membership nationally.

  Bridge Strengthening Directive
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many bridges are(a) closed and (b) weight-limited pending full implementation of bridge strengthening works required under EU Directive 85/3/EEC. [67559]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Bridge closures and weight-limits are decided by the highway authority in each case following risk assessment procedures published by the Highways Agency last year. We have no central record of the numbers of temporary closures and weight limits imposed by local highway authorities pending strengthening of structures.
  42
  However, the Directive does allow authorities to place permanent weight restrictions on structures where strengthening is not regarded as necessary on the basis of strategic importance for HGVs. The Transport Policies and Programmes submitted in July 1998 suggest that some 1,000 permanent weight restrictions have been placed as a result of the bridge assessment programme. These are largely on minor roads.

  Pending completion of the strengthening programme for Highways Agency bridges, 2 bridges carrying trunk roads or important routes over trunk roads have been temporarily closed and 6 are weight limited.

  Sewage Works (Isle of Wight)
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the timing of the introduction of secondary sewage treatment at the new sewage works under construction at Yaverland, Sandown, Isle of Wight. [67563]

  Mr. Meale
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer of 11 January 1999,Official Report, column 47.

  Public Water Supplies
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in what ways he expects the Environment Agency and the Director General of Water Services to ensure that water companies have satisfactory plans for maintaining public water supplies. [67651]

  Mr. Meacher
  My Department together with the Welsh Office, has today published Maintaining Public Water Supplies—Ministerial guidance to the Director General of Water Services and to the Environment Agency on issues arising in the preparation of Water Resources Plans by the water companies of England and Wales. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Telecommunications Masts
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the health and associated risks from the placement of telecommunications masts in residential areas; and what plans he has to review his assessment. [67627]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Guidance on limiting exposure to electro-magnetic radiation is issued by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), which has a statutory function to provide advice to Government on all radiation matters. The Board continuously reviews and assesses the published scientific studies covering the fields of biology and medicine, epidemiology and dosimetry, and has concluded that there is no convincing evidence that exposure to emissions from telecommunications transmitters below the recommended guideline levels causes any adverse effects on people's health. In respect of telecommunications base stations, the NRPB further advises that experience with typical personal telecommunications installations has shown that the specified maximum exposure power densities are only likely to be exceeded within a few metres and directly in front of the antenna. However, the strength of radio waves at ground level and in regions accessible to the public tend to be many times below guideline levels and should present
  43
  no health risk. My Department has issued for consultation the draft of a joint circular on land use planning and electro-magnetic fields (EMFs). The circular provides advice to local planning authorities in deciding applications for development giving rise to EMFs, such as telecommunications base stations. A copy of the consultation package has been placed in the Library. The closing date for responses is 19 February.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the means by which people are informed of proposed masts for telecommunications; and if he will make a statement. [67648]

  Mr. Raynsford
  It is important that the public has an opportunity to comment on the proposed installation of telecommunications masts. Where it is proposed to erect a mast subject to a planning application, the statutory requirement for a local authority to publicise any planning application will apply. In respect of mast development carried out under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (GPDO), we last year consulted on a number of proposed changes to that Order, including one designed to improve opportunities for informing the public. Following consideration of the responses to our proposals, my hon. Friend the Minister for the Regions, Regeneration and Planning announced in November our intention to introduce a new 42 day prior approval procedure in respect of ground-based masts which it is proposed to erect under the GPDO in place of the current 28 day procedure. This will include a new requirement that the developer should erect a site notice to publicise the development proposed. Local planning authorities will also be advised of the importance of giving additional publicity to the proposal. In this way people will have a better opportunity to comment on the siting and appearance of all proposals to erect ground-based masts under the GPDO.

  "Urban Renaissance"
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that copies of his document, "Urban Renaissance", are placed in the Vote Office and that in future all such documents are placed there upon publication. [67254]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Urban Task Force published their halfway report "Urban Renaissance" on 13 January. The report is largely a summary of the responses received to the consultation on the Urban Task Force's prospectus.

  Copies of the document were placed in the House Library on the day of publication and some copies were made available to the Vote Office. I apologise that sufficient copies were not available to meet demand. Further copies are being provided.

  The Urban Task Force's recommendations will be set out in their report to the Deputy Prime Minister in the early summer. Copies of this report will be placed in the House Library and the Vote Office.

  Council of Ministers Meetings
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which EU Council of Ministers meetings Ministers in his 44
  Department plan to attend during the German presidency; and if he will make a statement about each of the matters that will be discussed. [67619]

  Mr. Meale
  A DETR Minister normally attends meetings of the Environment Council and the Transport Council, and, depending on the business, may attend the Labour and Social Affairs Council. The scheduled dates for these Councils during the German presidency from January to June 1999 are:

  Environment Council

  11–12 March, 24–25 June

  Transport Council

  29 March, 17–18 June

  Labour and Social Affairs

  9 March, 25 May, 22 June (poss.).

  The agendas for these meetings have not yet been settled.

  Warsaw System
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish a current list of parties to the instruments of the Warsaw system for carriage by air. [67617]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This Department has no plans to publish such a list. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which monitors the status of the various instruments, provides this information. The list was last published in the July/August 1998 edition of the ICAO Journal.

  Future Transport System
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to paragraph 2.3 of the White Paper, "A New Deal for Transport", what indicators he proposes to publish in order to measure progress towards a transport system(a) which supports more jobs and a strong economy, (b) which helps increase prosperity and tackles social exclusion, (c) which does not damage health and (e) is sustainable. [67616]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Last year we published our first "Transport Trends" report containing key indicators relevant to many of the objectives set out in the White Paper. We will continue to publish these reports each year so that progress against key indicators can be monitored. The indicators will be developed to include breakdowns by income groups, rural and urban areas and by age and gender so that we can monitor the impact of policies in tackling social exclusion. We will carry out the further work needed to ensure that the range of published indicators is appropriate, seeking advice from the independent Commission for Integrated Transport which is being set up to monitor and advise on progress towards our objectives.

  Road Noise
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to paragraph 2.70 of the White Paper, " A New Deal for Transport", what indicators he proposes to publish to measure the impact of road noise(a) in urban areas, (b) in suburban areas and (c) in rural areas. [67613]
  45
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  As stated in paragraph 2.70 of the White Paper, noise is one of the areas where further work is needed to ensure that indicators are appropriate and effective. This work is being taken forward in conjunction with current work on noise indicators by the European Commission which aims to harmonise methods of calculating noise exposure as part of a proposed Framework Directive on Noise. It would be premature for us to reach conclusions about noise indicators until that work is further advanced.

  West Sussex County Council (Road Safety)
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will allocate specific funds to West Sussex County Council to improve road safety around schools in Mid Sussex. [67274]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have already allocated over a million pounds of resources to West Sussex County Council which they could choose to use on capital works to improve road safety around schools in Mid Sussex. It is for the County Council to decide where this funding can be used most effectively to save lives and prevent casualties.

  In the Local Transport Capital Expenditure Settlement for 1999–00 we have allocated £526,000 to the County Council for expenditure on Local Safety Schemes, and £400,000 for expenditure on rural and non-package minor works. In addition, we have allocated £100,000 for expenditure on the East Grinstead transport package, which includes a safer routes to schools initiative.

  Further local transport capital funds for use in 2000–01 will be provided to all English highway authorities later this year following assessment of their local transport plans.

  Welsh Highland Railway
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reasons underlie the delay in announcing a decision on the inquiry into the application by the Ffestiniog Railway Company to reopen the Welsh Highland Railway between Dinas and Porthmadog; and if he will make a statement. [67136]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Inspector's report following the public inquiry is being considered by the Secretary of State. A decision will be made as soon as possible. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further whilst the matter is before the Secretary of State.

  Thaumasite
  Mr. Donald Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the findings of the expert group looking into thaumasite. [67914]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I am today publishing the Report of the Expert Group which has under the chairmanship of Professor Leslie Clark, President of the Institution of Structural Engineers, been studying the thaumasite form of sulfate attack on concrete.

  I announced the appointment of Professor Clark to chair an expert group on 1 April 1998, Official Report, columns 532–33, following the discovery by the
  46
  Highways Agency during bridge strengthening operations on the M5 in Gloucestershire of unexpected deterioration in some of the concrete columns below ground level. This was identified by the Building Research Establishment as the thaumasite form of sulfate attack.

  I asked the Expert Group to consider the available research and other evidence on thausmasite and to report giving advice and guidance on the implications for existing buildings and structures and on the specification and design of new construction. The Group was also asked to recommend any longer term programme of investigations and research which it considered necessary.

  The Expert Group reported to me at the beginning of December and I have since discussed the conclusions and recommendations with Professor Clark. I am very grateful to him and all his colleagues on the Expert Group for producing such a thorough and well-considered Report in a technically complex area in such a short period of time. It provides a great deal of re-assurance about the extent of the problem.

  The main findings of the Group are that:
  the thaumasite form of sulfate attack will only occur in buried Portland cement based concretes when all the primary risk factors are present simultaneously and developed to a significant degree. These primary risk factors are:

  the presence of sulfates and/or sulphides in the ground;

  the presence of mobile groundwater;

  the presence of carbonate, generally in the concrete aggregates; and

  low temperatures

  the probability of all these factors being present simultaneously is low for most existing buildings and structures and the number potentially at risk of the occurrence in the UK is considered small;
  the structural consequences of thausmasite attack are rarely of serious concern in respect of public safety, as most buildings would exhibit warning signs of distress well before there was any danger of collapse;
  it is not necessary to specifically inspect domestic properties for occurrence of thaumasite attack in foundations or above ground. Data from the National House Building Council indicate that the incidence of sulfate attack in domestic properties is very small in relation to other building defects. Thaumasite can be addressed as part of general repair and maintenance of houses.

  The Report recommends a range of options open to specifiers and designers to minimise the risk of occurrence of the thaumasite form of sulfate attack in new construction.

  Although the Group's findings are re-assuring, the Report stresses the need for the construction industry not to be complacent. It recommends that the industry, with appropriate support from Government, instigates a structured programme of research aimed at understanding the outstanding issues.

  My Department is already taking steps to put in hand a programme of research in collaboration with the industry to take forward the Report's specific recommendations.

  The BRE will be amending Digest 363, which gives advice to designers, to reflect the Report's recommendations. We have also asked the BRE to continue to monitor occurrences of thaumasite and the conditions under which these take place.
  47
  The Highways Agency is currently reviewing its interim guidance on thaumasite and will be issuing updated guidance shortly. It is completing its programme of investigations and repairs in Gloucestershire and Avon and is undertaking a phased limited programme of continued investigations in association with its planned bridge inspection programme.

  I have also asked Professor Clark to review the Report's conclusions in a year's time with help from the experts at BRE and, in the light of the findings of further research and monitoring now being commissioned, to consider whether there may be a need to reconvene the Group.

  Sky Glow
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reduce sky glow from street lighting in rural areas. [67612]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on the 12 November 1998,Official Report, column 276.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Theological Training (Ordinands)
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the funding of theological training for ordinands. [65650]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  There are 1,381 Anglican ordinands in training, whose costs are met primarily by money raised each year from the dioceses. The dioceses also provide financial support for the dependents of married ordinands in full-time training. Some support is also provided by the Church Times Train-a-Priest Fund, and other charities and trusts.

  None of the training institutions receive direct support from public funds, although a small minority of ordinands attract LEA mandatory awards.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to paragraph 20, on page 4 of "Partnership in Pensions", Cm 4179, what proportion of people currently work throughout their working life. [65578]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  The available information drawn from an analysis of National Insurance records shows that nearly 20 per cent. of the 800,000 people aged 54, who had computer records on the system in 1995–96, were employees throughout their working lives. This is based on a working life to 1995–96 of 34 years and men and women have been treated equally. (To qualify for the full rate of basic State
  48
  pension a person has to pay or have credited National Insurance contributions for nine-tenths of their working life).

  The Government's new State Second Pension will boost the second pension entitlement of those on low income, carers and long-term disabled people with broken work records. The combination of basic State pension and a second pension will cut the number of people who need to rely on income-related benefits in retirement.

  Notes:

  1. A cohort of 54 year old people was chosen as this is the only age group for which a full 1 per cent. sample is available at present.

  2. Before 1975 a full working year has been taken as one in which a person paid Class I contributions for 50 weeks in that year; and, after 1975, contributions on earnings equivalent to 50 times the lower earnings limit. Periods of employment outside Class 1 employment have not been included. For example, self-employment and, prior to the raising of school leaving age in 1972, periods in employment under the age of 16 years.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what will be the incremental value to(a) the basic state pension and (b) the state second pension, of a year spent caring for a disabled person under his proposed pension reforms. [65577]

  Mr. Timms
  The incremental value of a year of caring will depend upon a number of factors, including the year in which care is given, the total number of years spent caring and the total number of years worked.

  An individual who has a single year of caring upon introduction of the State Second Pension, who has 43 other qualifying years before retirement and no further years of caring, would receive £0.80 per week Basic State Pension and £0.90 per week State Second Pension more than if they had no years of caring.

  Notes:

  Figures are given in constant 1998 earnings terms.

  Figures are rounded to the nearest £0.10.

  Family Credit
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the target time scales for family credit appeals to be decided. [66823]

  Angela Eagle
  The Independent Tribunal Service (ITS) is responsible for the administration of Social Security Appeals. ITS is independent of the Department of Social Security and is not, therefore, subject to targets set by the Secretary of State.

  However, his Honour Judge Harris, the ITS President, has an objective to clear all Social Security Appeals in 26 weeks from the date of lodgement to the date of hearing.

  The Government are committed to speeding up the arrangements for handling appeals. The Social Security Act 1998 introduced measures to modernise and streamline the appeals process. One of the changes will be the launch of The Appeals Service, an executive agency responsible to the Secretary of State which will administer Social Security Appeals. Once The Appeals Service Agency has been launched, the Secretary of State will set demanding targets and will publish and report on the results.

  Income Support
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will update his estimates, based on the Family Resources Survey 1996–97 of non-take-ups of income support by persons in each age, sex and marital status group, consistent with his answer of 19 October 1998,Official Report, columns 957–58. [66876]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not available. Following the discovery of the error in the published take-up statistics, work continues towards the publication of revised statistics relating to 1996–97. Publication is likely in the Spring.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of current CSA clients are in shared care arrangements above two nights per week or equivalent. [67140]

  Angela Eagle
  As at 31 August 1998, the latest date for which figures are available, around 5 per cent. of non-resident parents with a full maintenance assessment shared the care of one or more qualifying children for the equivalent of two nights a week and 2 per cent. shared care for longer periods.

  Source:

  CSA Quarterly Summary of Statistics August 1998.

  Severe Disablement Allowance
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he plans to allow recipents of severe disablement allowance the right to have a home interview to satisfy the requirement to attend an interview for the Single Gateway to Work. [67367]

  Angela Eagle
  Home visits will be arranged in any cases where circumstances make it impractical for the claimant to attend the office.

  Personal Adviser Interviews
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to allow a claimant the right(a) to object to attending a personal adviser interview under the Single Gateway to Work and (b) to appeal against a decision requiring him to attend such an interview. [67394]

  Angela Eagle
  Under the Single Work-focused Gateway pilots, payment of benefit to people of working age will be conditional upon attendance at an interview with a personal adviser. Claimants who are refused benefit or who are paid at a reduced rate as a result of their failure to take part in a personal interview without good reason will be able to take their case to an independent appeal tribunal.

  Child Benefit
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families in Doncaster Central, will receive the increase in child benefit, effective from April 1999. [66564]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of Child Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. He will write to my hon. Friend.
  50
  Letter from Peter Mathison to Ms Rosie Winterton, dated 21 January 1999:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many families in Doncaster Central will benefit from the increase in child benefit, effective from April 1999.
  Unfortunately the information is not readily available to identify families, by region, who are receiving Child Benefit. These figures could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
  I can however explain the new rates of Child Benefit from April 1999. They will be £14.40 for the eldest child and £9.60 for each subsequent child. The increase for the eldest child includes the extra £2.50 a week announced in the March Budget, plus uprating. This is an overall increase of £3.25 for a family with two children.
  I am sorry on this occasion I could not be of more help but I am pleased to have the opportunity to comment.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what performance targets have been set for the disability living allowance administration, Norcross, Blackpool, in respect of the length of time to reply to inquiries by hon. Members. [66673]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 21 January 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what performance targets have been set for the Disability Living Allowance administration, Norcross, Blackpool, in respect of the length of time to reply to enquiries by honourable Members.
  The target is to reply within 10 working days.
  I hope this reply is helpful.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Judges' Interests
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to introduce a register of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests for judges. [66951]

  Mr. Hoon
  There are no plans for the introduction of a general register of either pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests for judges. However, in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr. Cohen) on 18 January 1999,Official Report, column 325, I referred to the steps already taken by the Lord Chancellor to ensure the proper disclosure of interests in any individual case by Members of the House of Lords in its judicial capacity.

  Notaries
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has for abolishing the monopoly of notaries in London by the Worshipful Company of Scriveners; and if he will make a statement. [66977]
  51
  Mr. Hoon
  The Department has obtained the views of interested parties on this issue. My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor is currently considering whether the monopoly should be abolished. He hopes to be able to announce his conclusion shortly.

  Local Deprivation Indicators
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department which measures of local deprivation his Department and its agencies use in considering allocation of funds to local projects. [66721]

  Mr. Hoon
  Thirteen Regional Legal Services Committees (RLSCs) have been established to advise the Legal Aid Board on the nature and extent of need for legal services throughout England and Wales and how need should be prioritised. Each RLSC is developing a Regional Strategy which identifies local need for legal services and makes recommendations for supply in relation to that need. The assessment of need is based on census data, the Index of Local Deprivation, the number of Income Support claimants, Housing Benefit claimants and Disability Living Allowance claimants.

  Queen's Counsel
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to introduce post-appointment appraisals for Queen's Counsel. [66949]

  Mr. Hoon
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has no plans to introduce post-appointment appraisals for Queen's Counsel.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department how many(a) High Court judges and (b) Circuit judges appointed in each of the last five years had previously been Queen's Counsel. [66950]

  Mr. Hoon
  Of those judges appointed in the last five years, 37 High Court Judges and 30 Circuit Judges had previously been Queen's Counsel. The breakdown is as follows:

  High Court

  Circuit Bench

  1994

  6

  3

  1995

  12

  3

  1996

  7

  7

  1997

  6

  10

  1998

  6

  7

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department for each of the last five years, what was(a) the highest figure and (b) the average figure given as the gross fee income by applicants to be made Queen's Counsel who were (i) successful and (ii) unsuccessful. [66957]

  Mr. Hoon
  This information can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the cost of the consultation procedure for the appointment of Queen's Counsel for each of the last five years; and what the total 52
  cost was of the staff employed in work related to the appointment of Queen's Counsel for each of the last five years. [66972]

  Mr. Hoon
  I list the departmental expenditure, excluding overheads, apportionable for considering applications for Queen's Counsel in each of the previous five financial years. I also list the costs incurred, excluding overheads, in relation to the appointment of Queen's Counsel for each of the previous five financial years. These are recovered by means of a fee charged for the grant of Queen's Counsel.

  £

  Year

  Departmental costs

  Appointment costs

  1993–94

  62,575

  10,780

  1994–95

  69,824

  9,940

  1995–96

  82,130

  9,900

  1996–97

  80,168

  10,200

  1997–98

  65,264

  9,000

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will state, for each of the last five years(a) the average number and (b) the highest number of unsuccessful previous applications made by applicants to be made Queen's Counsel. [66971]

  Mr. Hoon
  The average of unsuccessful previous applications made by applicants for Queen's Counsel in 1998 was 2.5. The highest number of unsuccessful previous applications by an applicant for Queen's Counsel in 1998 was 25. In respect of earlier years the information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to make the system of appointment of Queen's Counsel more transparent. [66975]

  Mr. Hoon
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has recently made the system more transparent. This year he is consulting more of the legal community than before about the suitability of candidates. Applications for silk are invited in a notice published in the national press. The policies, procedures and criteria that he applies to these appointments are published each year in a guide for applicants. The Guide for Applicants can be found on the Lord Chancellor's Department's website. The Lord Chancellor continually reviews the system with a view to making it even more transparent.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what plans he has to recover(a) the cost of the Queen's Counsel consultation procedure and (b) the related departmental staff costs from applicants; [66973]

  (2) what plans he has (a) to introduce an application fee for appointment to Queen's Counsel, (b) to review the £150 fee paid by successful applicants only and (c) to introduce an annual Queen's Counsel renewal fee. [66974]

  Mr. Hoon
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has no current plans to recover the departmental expenditure apportionable to the procedure for considering applications for Queen's Counsel by means of an application fee. He will, however, continue to review the situation. The £150 fee paid by successful applicants is currently under review. My noble
  53
  and learned Friend has no plans to introduce an annual Queen's Counsel renewal fee. The award of Queen's Counsel is by letters patent and is not subject to annual renewal.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department for each of the last five year, what was(a) the total number of applications to

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Total number of applicants

  539

  492

  488

  500

  511

  Number of successful applicants

  77

  71

  66

  68

  60

  Number of female applicants

  43

  42

  40

  41

  46

  Number of successful female applicants

  9

  8

  4

  5

  10

  Number of applicants from an ethnic minority background

  11

  12

  14

  12

  18

  Number of successful ethnic minority background applicants

  1

  1

  1

  1

  4

  Number of solicitor applicants

  —

  —

  5

  6

  7

  Number of successful solicitor applicants

  —

  —

  0

  2

  1

  Number of applicants under 38

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  Number of successful applicants under 38

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Number of applicants over 50

  —

  —

  —

  —

  95

  Number of successful applicants over 50

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  Solicitors, provided they met the eligibility criteria, have been able to apply since 1996.

  With regard to applicants under 38 and over 50 the information requested prior to 1998 is not available save at disproportionate cost.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Commercial Lobbyists
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what rules or guidance her Department has to govern the(a) formal and (b) informal interaction between her civil servants and commercial lobbyists. [66207]

  Number of appeals heard

  Number of appeals upheld

  Number of appeals dismissed

  Year

  Retained

  Wholetime

  Retained

  Wholetime

  Retained

  Wholetime

  1994

  8

  5

  3

  3

  5

  2

  1995

  5

  2

  2

  2

  3

  —

  1996

  2

  3

  1

  3

  1

  —

  1997

  6

  5

  4

  3

  2

  2

  1998

  5

  3

  4

  2

  1

  1

  The hon. Member should note that 44 cases in total were heard, 27 of which were upheld and 17 dismissed.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many appeals under article 62 of the Firemen's Pension Scheme Order (Northern Ireland) 1973 have been heard in each of the last five years in respect of(a) full-time firemen and (b) retained firemen; and in how many cases the appeal was decided in favour of the fireman. [66442]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  One appeal under article 62 of the Fireman Pension Scheme Order (NI) 1973 has been heard in the last 5 years (in 1994).
  54
  be made Queen's Counsel, (b) the number of successful applicants and (c) of (a) and (b), how many were (i) women, (ii) from ethnic minorities, (iii) below the age of 38, (iv) over the age of 50 and (v) solicitiors. [66952]

  Mr. Hoon
  The information is as follows:

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I refer my hon. Friend to an answer given by the Prime Minister on 27 July 1998,Official Report, column 4, to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice).

  Firemen's Pensions
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many appeals have been heard against the opinion of the medical practitioner of the Fire Authority for Northern Ireland under Article 61 of the Firemen's Pension Scheme Order (Northern Ireland) 1973 in each of the last five years in respect of(a) full-time firemen and (b) retained firemen; and in each year how many of the appeals found in favour of the firemen in each of the two categories. [66443]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Details of appeals to the opinion of the medical practitioner as requested for the last 5 years are shown in the table.

  This case was in respect of a retained firefighter and the appeal was decided in the appellant's favour.

  NIACRO
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sums from the phase two programme administered by the Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders have been expended in each of the last four years in respect of persons who have had to leave Northern Ireland because of threats from terrorist organisations; and how many of these departures were the result of pressure from(a) Loyalist and (b) Republican terrorist organisations. [66568]
  55
  Mr. Ingram
  NIACRO run the Base 2 project which was established in 1990. The project aims to prevent individuals from being the victims of paramilitary punishment attacks. The services provided by the project are used by a number of statutory and voluntary agencies

  Overall levels of funding (by financial year)

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99 (to date)

  Making Belfast Work (MBW)

  80,000

  —

  —

  —

  Probation Board for NI (PBNI)

  —

  82,080

  82,080

  —

  Social Services Inspectorate

  11,851

  12,768

  —

  —

  Trusts

  10,000

  5,500

  37,580

  39,500

  Total

  101,851

  100,348

  119,660

  39,500

  The project does not receive funding from Central Government.

  The funds identified relate to the totality of the Base 2 activities and it is not possible to extract financial information that relates specifically to the cost of removing those under threat from Northern Ireland.

  Source of threat1

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Republican

  129

  238

  329

  337

  Loyalist

  90

  155

  218

  292

  Unknown

  5

  —

  16

  17

  1Figures are detailed by calendar year

  The table details the total numbers of people dealt with based on the origin of the threat against them.

  Final outcome—left country1

  Year

  Number

  1995

  55

  1996

  106

  1997

  81

  Date

  Visits

  21 January

  Inter-denominational Service at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Armagh.

  5–8 April

  Convent of Mercy School, Rostrevor; Institute of Directors' Annual Dinner; Hillsborough Castle; Flax Trust; Wave Trauma Centre; Cornerstone Community Centre; Launch of EU Peace and Reconciliation Directive (PROTEUS), Belfast; St. Michael's Grammar School, Lurgan; St. Mark's High School, Arrenpoint.

  8–10 May

  Annual Dinner of St. Mary's Christian Brothers' School, Belfast.

  16 August

  Omagh in aftermath of bomb.

  22 August

  Inter-denominational Service, Omagh; Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast.

  21–22 October

  St. Joseph's High School; Clonalig Primary School, St. Brigid's Primary School, Crossmaglen; Creggan Parent and Toddler Association; Dove House Community; Rural Area Partnership in Derry; Well Woman Centre; Talking Hands, Londonderry, International Fund for Ireland projects in Brookeborough and Lisnaskea.

  17 November

  St. Oliver Plunkett's School, Forkhill, Bunscoil an luir, Newry, New Start Millennium Awards, Ashton Centre, Institute for Counselling and Personal Development, Amnesty International, Queen's University, St. Louise' School Concert, Belfast.

  16–17 December

  Graduation Ceremony, Queen's University; Mater Hospital, Belfast, Whiteabbey Primary School; Thornfield Trust Speech Disability Unit, Jordanstown.

  Note:

  All of the visits were private working visits.
  56
  including Social Services, Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), Families Against Intimidation and Terror (FAIT) and previously by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI). Base 2 also receive a large number of self referrals.

  Final outcome—left country1

  Year

  Number

  1998

  88

  1 Figures are detailed by calendar year

  The table relates to those people who were assisted to leave the country.

  I have also arranged for a copy of the Base 2 Annual Report for 1997 to be placed in the Library.

  Irish Presidential Visits
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the visits made to Northern Ireland in 1998 by the President of the Irish Republic and indicate(a) which were of a private nature and (b) which were official, showing in the latter case the (i) purpose of the visit and (ii) who issued the invitation. [66440]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The President of the Republic of Ireland paid eight visits to Northern Ireland during 1998. Details are as follows:

  Irish Language
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on developments in promoting the Irish language. [65305]

  Mr. McFall
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) on 20 January 1999,Official Report, columns 893–95.

  Cleft Palate
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many infants and children are waiting for operations to deal with cleft palate. [67017]

  Mr. McFall
  Information on the waiting list of children requiring surgery for Cleft Lip and Palate at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children is set out in the table:

  Table 1: Waiting list at 21 January 1999

  Number

  First surgery1

  Cleft palates

  11

  Cleft lip and palates

  4

  Pharynngo plasty

  5

  Second surgery

  Nasal adjustments

  17

  Lip revisions

  12

  1 It is generally accepted that those in the "first surgery" grouping should have their procedure carried out within 3 Month timescale

  Paramilitary Violence
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for the weeks ending(a) 5 December and (b) 12 December the number of punishment (i) beatings and (ii) shootings which took place in Northern Ireland; and how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalists and (ii) Republicans. [64196]

  Mr. Ingram
  The table shows the number of casualties as a result of paramilitary style attacks for the period 29 November to 12 December.

  29 November to 5 December

  6 December to 12 December

  Totals

  Shootings

  By Loyalist

  1

  0

  1

  By Republican

  2

  1

  3

  Assaults

  By Loyalist

  1

  2

  3

  By Republican

  1

  0

  1

WALES

  NHS (Resources)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what extra resources he has provided for the NHS since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [66031]
  58
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Since May 1997, the following additional resources of £163 million has been allocated to NHS Wales as follows:

  £600,000 in May 1997 for Breast Cancer;

  £2.5 million in May 1997 for Primary Care;

  £9.5 million in October 1997 to alleviate winter pressures and emergencies;

  £113 million cash increase for 1998–99 including £60.2 million new money from the 1997 Budget and £1.3 million from Welsh Office Block;

  £25.1 million in March 1998 to bring inpatient waiting lists down; and,

  £12.5 million in November 1998 to alleviate winter pressures and emergencies.

  In July 1998, following the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review, an additional £175, £345 and £510 million—a total of over £1 billion—was announced to be available for health for the 3 years from April 1999.

  Nurses
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many nurses there were in(a) 1980 and (b) 1990; and if he will make a statement. [66035]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The available information, which relates to all staff in the nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff group, is as follows:

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, Wales1

  Year

  Number

  1980

  20,778

  1990

  25,017

  1 Whole-time equivalent numbers in post at 30 September excluding pre-registration learners

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many whole-time equivalent nurses were employed in Wales on 30 April 1997; [66497]

  (2) how many whole-time equivalent nurses are currently employed in Wales. [66498]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information on the whole-time equivalent number of staff in the nursing, midwifery and health visiting group is collected centrally as at the last day of each quarter. The available information is given in the following table.

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, Wales

  Date

  Number

  31 March 1997

  23,513

  30 September 1998

  23,691

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to encourage more people to enter the nursing profession. [66373]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  In 1998 there were over 8,000 applications for around 1,000 student places for pre-registration nursing and midwifery education in Wales. While this suggests that there is not a recruitment problem to nurse training in Wales, action is being taken to ensure that this situation continues. This includes ensuring that
  59
  entry to pre-registration programmes remains as wide as possible; offering a range of programmes from diploma to undergraduate level all of which lead to registration; and encouraging the development of recruitment initiatives by individual education providers including formal links with local schools and colleges.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on nursing staff recruitment in the NHS in Wales. [66164]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information received from workforce planning data and the nurse executive survey in 1998 showed that there were around 500 funded vacancies for qualified nurses in the NHS in Wales. About 600 students completed their training and qualified in 1998 to meet this need. Recruitment difficulties are limited to a small number of individual Trusts but the year on year increases in training numbers should help to alleviate such problems.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many hospital beds there were in(a) 1979 and (b) 1991; and if he will make a statement. [66033]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information requested is as follows:In 1979 the average daily availability of NHS beds in Wales was 23,456. By 1991–92 this had fallen to 18,640.

  Best Value
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he has taken to promote best value in local government; and if he will make a statement. [66438]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  In July 1997 a joint Welsh Office and Welsh Local Government Association Project Group was established to develop and promote best value in Wales. This group also includes representatives from the TUC, CBI, Audit Commission, District Audit Service and the voluntary sector.

  The group has commissioned a 2 year evaluation study to test the best value policy framework. All 22 authorities, a combined fire authority and a police authority are now participating in this study which is being independently assessed by the Cardiff Business School. The work being done as part of the study will help the Assembly make orders and draw up guidance on how best value will operate in Wales.

  Each month this group meets the best value Project Managers from the study authorities to monitor progress and discuss policy issues arising from the study.

  The group has recently started a best value monthly newsletter. I enclose a copy for my hon. Friend to see. It is also currently negotiating the establishment of a best value website.

  In addition to this work, I am undertaking a series of visits to local authorities to promote best value and discuss progress with the study.

  My first visit was to Flintshire on 19 January. I also addressed a best value conference at a Neath Port Talbot on 15 January and will be speaking at another best value conference organised by the Audit Commission on 23 March.

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the(a) current and (b) proposed budget of each division in Wales of the Welsh Development Agency. [66439]

  Mr. Hain
  The budget for individual Divisions of the Welsh Development Agency is an operational matter for the Agency and I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend directly. I will arrange for a copy of the Agency's letter to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Council House Sales (Flintshire)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the amount of money realised from sales of council houses by Flintshire County Council. [66417]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Flintshire County Council has been in existence since 1 April 1996. Information on Flintshire's receipts from the sale of council houses is as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1996–97

  1.0

  1997–98

  11.6

  1998–99

  21.6

  1 Provisional outturn

  2 Local authority forecast

  Crime and Disorder Act 1998
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on progress in the co-operation between Flintshire County Council and the North Wales Police Authority following the enactment of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [66420]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The Flintshire Community Safety Executive, consisting of a variety of agencies from the local area including Flintshire County Council and the North Wales Police Authority, has been set up in order to meet the requirements of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The Executive which has now met on three occasions has set out a programme of work and initial targets for the completion of a crime audit and a crime and disorder reduction strategy in line with the requirements of the Act. The crime audit was produced by a team of staff from various agencies and was published in November 1998. There has been widespread consultation on the crime audit. At the latest meeting of the Executive on 18 January 1999 the partnership agreed a draft crime and disorder reduction strategy which will be the subject of discussion at a Public Consultation Meeting to be held in mid-March in Flint.

  Traffic Calming
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his policy on traffic calming. [66412]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government have conducted trials across the United Kingdom to establish the most effective means of reducing traffic speeds and to reduce the risk of accidents caused by inappropriate driving behaviour. Our policy on trunk roads is to target sites with poor accident
  61
  records and/or excessive vehicular speeds for treatment. On some urban and residential roads research has shown that 20 mph is a realistic, sensible and effective level at which to set speed limits. When properly enforced, dramatic casualty reductions can be achieved. The Government have decided to amend the legislation to free local authorities from the requirement to seek the consent of the Secretary of State to introduce 20 mph zones.

  Drug Abuse
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress he is making in his strategy to combat drugs abuse in (i) Wales and (ii) Flintshire; and if he will make a statement. [66437]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The Welsh substance misuse strategy 'Forward Together' was launched in 1996. As part of this 5-year strategy, Drug and Alcohol Action Teams (DAATs) have been established in each of the five health authority areas in Wales, including North Wales. Each DAAT has reviewed the extent of the substance misuse problems in its area and has developed a local strategy to tackle them. 'Forward Together', and the subsequent formation of the Flintshire Local Advisory Team, has led to a marked increased in the joint delivery of services and a better co-ordination of activity across Flintshire with significant progress against a number of the strategy's objectives.

  'Forward Together' is currently being reviewed in the light of the new UK Anti-Drugs strategy 'Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain'.

  Midwives
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the(a) current situation and (b) forecast position in 12 months, with regard to midwife recruitment. [66183]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Staff recruitment remains a service issue. However, no major recruitment difficulties were identified in 1998 workforce planning round for midwives. The predicted demand from NHS Trusts in Wales for newly qualified midwives in 1999–2000 is 70. Training numbers across Wales will meet this demand. Information for 2000–01 will be available, following the outcome of the workforce planning exercise, in May 1999.

  School Management
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to allow private companies to take over the running of schools in Wales. [66182]

  Mr. Hain
  None. The running of schools is a matter for their governing bodies. Local education authorities (LEAs) have powers to intervene if they have serious concerns about a school; or if governors do not address failure or serious weakness identified in an inspection carried out under section 10 of the School Inspections Act 1996.

  The Secretary of State in turn can intervene if an LEA is failing to perform its functions. I have no evidence that any LEA in Wales is failing in its responsibilities towards schools where problems have been identified which would justify intervention.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he is taking to ensure improved road safety in the vicinity of schools in Queensferry, Shotton and Connah's Quay; and if he will make a statement. [66411]

  Mr. Hain
  I recently announced that I have allocated £39,000 to Flintshire County Council, for 1999–2000, under the Safe Routes to School Initiative. This will help the local authority to improve road safety in the vicinity of eleven primary and two secondary schools in the Connah's Quay, Shotton and Queensferry areas.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what discussions he has had with the Treasury on EU Structural Fund match funding commitments in Wales; and what was the outcome of these discussions; [66472]

  (2) how much money has been identified by his Department to meet EU Structural Fund match funding commitments for 1999 to 2002; [66473]

  (3) how much money has been allocated in each Welsh Office department to meet EU Structural Fund match funding commitments in 1999 to 2002; [66474]

  (4) if EU Structural Fund match funding in Wales will be met from within the Barnett Formula Settlement. [66475]

  Mr. Michael
  I refer the hon. Member to the discussion held at the Welsh Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday, 19 January. As I reported then, the European Commission is still considering the new Structural Fund arrangements. Once these have been confirmed, the Government will review forecasts of European receipts contained in its overall expenditure plans. The Government will then consider the distribution of these for wider programmes and the way in which to meet the relevant requirements. I shall ensure that the interests of Wales are taken into account at each stage.

  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each of the last 10 years the amounts of(a) money Wales received from the EU through Structural Funds and (b) match funding money which the Welsh Office made available for Structural Fund projects; and what percentage of the potential money available was drawn down in Wales from EU Structural Funds in each year. [67355]

  Mr. Hain
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  House Condition Survey
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he plans to publish the 1997 Welsh House Condition Survey. [67282]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Current plans are to issue initial results from the 1997–98 Welsh House Condition Survey in April 1999 and a more detailed publication by the summer.

  Sixth Forms
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to implement proposals to abolish sixth forms in secondary schools. [67147]

  Mr. Hain
  There are no plans to abolish schools sixth forms in secondary schools. On the contrary in those schools with sixth forms, we are looking to increase pupil choice and opportunities.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to implement proposals to set up a new NDPB to fund and administer sixth forms. [67145]

  Mr. Michael
  There are no plans to set up and administer a new body to fund and administer sixth forms in Wales.

  Education and Training Action Group will produce a final document following consultation covering a range of proposals which will principally be for consideration by the National Assembly.

  Education and Training
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with teaching unions regarding the proposals in the report, "An Education and Training Action Plan for Wales". [67148]

  Mr. Hain
  The Group's draft Action Plan is currently the subject of wide public consultation, including the teaching unions.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with head teachers of secondary schools regarding the report, "An Education and Training Action Plan for Wales". [67146]

  Mr. Hain
  The Education and Training Action Group was established in November 1997.

  The Group's draft Action Plan is currently the subject of wide public consultation which has included all secondary schools in Wales. A conference specifically for the secondary schools' head teachers was held on 19 January.

  Porthmadog Hospital
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give approval for the project proposed by the North Wales Health Authority to build a new community hospital at Porthmadog. [67137]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The proposal to build a new community hospital at Porthmadog will be considered along with all other priorities for 1999–2000.

  A487
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will announce the start for work on constructing the Llanllyfni, Penygroes and Groeslon bypass on the A487 trunk road. [67055]

  Mr. Hain
  We are still considering the resource implications of commencing work on this scheme. An announcement will be made shortly.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  World Athletics Championships (2003)
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's bid to host the 2003 World Athletics Championships at Wembley. [66618]

  Mr. Banks
  The Government are committed to attracting major sporting events to this country and supporting bids which are of genuine high quality and are economically viable. The bid to hold the 2003 World Athletics Championship is being made by the London 2003 Consortium and was given full Government support when it was presented to the IAAF in November. The IAAF will announce the result of the bidding process in April 1999.

  Lottery Funding (ICT)
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out the basis on which it was decided that National Lottery funding for ICT for teachers should not be made available to(a) the independent sector, (b) special schools, (c) assistant teachers and (d) teachers on maternity leave. [65941]

  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The basis on which the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) funds the ICT initiative for teachers was set out in their Policy Directions, copies of which are available in the Libraries of both Houses.

  National Lottery funding for ICT training for teachers is available for teachers of maintained special schools; for teachers on maternity leave, if they are currently registered with a school; and for assistant teachers, as opposed to teacher assistants who are not normally teachers, if they are registered at a school. Independent schools and teachers assistants are not funded under this initiative because of the need to maintain a viable programme within the limited Lottery money available. However, there is nothing to prevent independent schools from using their own resources to take advantage of available training once the Lottery funded scheme is in place.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when it was decided that vouchers for ICT training for teachers in schools funded by the National Lottery should be paid to local education authorities and not headteachers. [65942]

  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The process by which the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) will fund ICT training for teachers was determined by the NOF Board, which will calculate training entitlements for individual schools across the United Kingdom.

  Local education authorities in Wales, education authorities in Scotland, and education and library boards in Northern Ireland will have a delegated role in distributing entitlements to schools on behalf of NOF. In England, schools will be responsible for applying for their training entitlements.

  Copies of the Policy Directions for NOF's ICT initiative for teachers are available in the Libraries of the House.

  Tourism (North West)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will estimate the annual amount of financial support provided by his Department for tourism in the North-west in each of the last five years. [66897]

  Janet Anderson
  The North-west, like all parts of England, benefits from the work of the British Tourist Authority and of the English Tourist Board. For 1998–99, the BTA has a grant of £35 million and the ETB a grant of £9.7 million.

  A significant part of the grant to the ETB is passed on to the ten regional tourist boards. ETB funding to the North-west Tourist Board over the last five years has been as follows:

  £

  1998–99

  292,000

  1997–98

  292,619

  1996–97

  299,274

  1995–96

  414,000

  1994–95

  400,199

  Source:

  English Tourist Board

  New support structures announced on 14 December 1998, Official Report, column 588, as part of the results of the DCMS Departmental Spending Review, will ensure that in future more effective use is made of public spending on tourism in England, with a greater proportion going to the regions.

  In addition, tourism in the North-west has benefited, both directly and indirectly, from National Lottery funding (nearly £450 million in total has gone to the region), and from the support under the European Regional Development Fund.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assistance his Department is providing to ensure that beaches in the North West are brought up to Blue Flag standard. [66928]

  Janet Anderson
  My Department does not provide assistance specifically for the purpose of raising the quality of beaches. However, my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment has asked the Environment Agency and North West Water to work closely together to sort out the remaining problems and last year he approved additional expenditure to bring improvements to the Fylde Coast bathing waters. Options for further investment to achieve water quality required for Blue Flags are being considered as part of the current review of water company prices.

  Channel 5
  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans exist to increase the broadcasting coverage of Channel 5 to areas that currently are unable to receive transmissions, with particular reference to Worcester. [67029]

  Janet Anderson
  The Independent Television Commission (ITC) is responsible for monitoring the terms of the Channel 5 licence, which include issues regarding reception or availability of their services. Worcester is served primarily by the Malvern relay which does not 66
  carry Channel 5. I understand that there are currently no plans to install Channel 5 analogue at Malvern. However, Malvern, is one of the 81 transmitter sites which comprise the launch phase of digital terrestrial television which will offer Channel 5. Digital terrestrial television broadcasts from Malvern are expected to begin in the summer of this year. Channel 5 has also enhanced its existing coverage by offering its service free-to-air on cable and satellite.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Mr. Anthony Stewart
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the decision not to prosecute Asda or its staff following the death of Mr. Anthony Robert Stewart. [66848]

  The Attorney-General
  On 16 October 1997 Mr. Anthony Robert Stewart died following an incident in the restaurant at Asda Superstore in Wallington. Mr. Stewart had been restrained by members of Asda staff.

  The pathologist concluded that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to the position in which Mr. Stewart had been restrained: postural asphyxiation.

  The police investigated the incident and the members of staff were interviewed under caution. The police sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.

  As with all cases which involve the unexpected death of persons, effectively in custody, the papers received the most careful scrutiny and consideration to determine whether a criminal offence may have been committed. The reviewing Crown Prosecutor considered possible offences of assault and manslaughter against the individuals and corporate manslaughter against Asda. In addition, the Crown Prosecutor obtained the advice of Senior Treasury Counsel.

  The Crown Prosecution Service concluded that there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction of a criminal offence by any one of the individuals involved or by the company, arising out of Mr. Stewart's tragic death.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police (Early Retirement)
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes have been(a) considered and rejected and (b) made since the publication of the Home Affairs Committee First report of Session 1997–98 on police disciplinary and complaints procedures (HC 894) into the ability of police officers to avoid disciplinary procedures by taking retirement. [66648]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Home Affairs Committee's Inquiry Report into police disciplinary and complaints procedures made no recommendations about police officers taking retirement to avoid disciplinary proceedings. However, it expressed concerns about officers who go sick, which effectively halts disciplinary proceedings, and recommended that the regulations should be changed to enable chief officers to complete
  67
  hearings in the absence of an accused officer (recommendation 33). The Government accepted this recommendation, which had in fact already been agreed for new procedures then in draft form. New police misconduct procedures, which incorporate this and a number of other important changes, will come into force on 1 April 1999.

  The present police regulations already provide that, where police officers are suspended in connection with disciplinary proceedings, retirement cannot take place. Police authorities and forces will seek to complete any outstanding disciplinary proceedings before retirement but this is sometimes not possible in the time remaining. Also, under the police pensions regulations, police authorities have discretion to decide against requiring an officer to retire on the grounds of ill health and may, therefore, withhold medical retirement in a case where there are outstanding disciplinary proceedings.

  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the procedures under which Metropolitan Police officers are able to take early retirement to avoid facing disciplinary action that is outstanding at the time of their retirement. [66478]

  Mr. Straw
  Police officers throughout England and Wales up to and including the rank of superintendent may retire either after 30 years' service with a full pension being paid, or after 25 years' service with a reduced pension payable when they reach age 50, provided they give one month's notice. They may leave without an immediate pension before they have served for 25 years, for instance where they have found different employment.

  Police authorities and forces aim to complete any outstanding disciplinary proceedings before retirement but this is sometimes not possible in the time remaining. In those disciplinary cases in which police officers are already suspended, retirement cannot take place. Under the Police Pensions Regulations, police authorities have discretion to decide against requiring an officer to retire on the grounds of ill health and may, therefore, withhold medical retirement in a case where there are outstanding disciplinary proceedings. The implications of these procedures for police discipline are matters which we keep constantly under review with regard to all forces, to identify the potential for improved performance in this aspect.

  I have made clear that I will, of course, consider any relevant recommendations which arise from the Inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence.

  Torture
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 9 December 1998,Official Report, column 210, what guidance has been given to state parties by the UN Committee on Torture on appropriate responses to its recommendations; what measures he will take to act upon its recommendations prior to the deadline for the fourth UK Periodic report in 2002; and what steps he has taken to secure the agreement of other Ministerial departments to respond to the recommendations of the UN Committee. [66084]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 19 January 1999]: The United Nations Committee against Torture has issued no specific guidance to state parties. However, the United
  68
  Nations has published guidance on the reporting requirements of the six main human rights treaties in its "Manual on Human Rights Reporting". This requires a periodic report to contain information on any action taken as a result of conclusions and recommendations reached by the Committee.

  The Government have taken note of the Committee against torture's recommendations made after the oral hearing on 16 November 1998. All interested Departments have been made aware of its recommendations, and will give them due consideration. The Government wrote to the Committee on 25 November about its third recommendation relating to section 134 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. I am sending a copy of that letter to my hon. Friend and placing a copy in the Library. The United Kingdom's Fourth Periodic Report to the Committee will be prepared in consultation with all interested Departments, as has been the case with earlier reports.

  Cycling on Pavements
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to introduce regulations permitting fixed penalties for the offence of cycling on pavements. [66849]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Order to introduce a fixed penalty for the offence of cycling on the pavement is being drafted and will be laid as soon as possible.

  DNA Database
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the letter of 21 July (FL/98 333/1039/3 PO 10689/98) to the hon. Member for Linlithgow, what progress has been made in the joint research programme between the Forensic Science Service and the police on the development of the national DNA data-base. [65398]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 20 January 1999]: The development of the National DNA database is currently being reviewed by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Forensic Science Service (FSS) on the basis of its performance to date, the elimination of the analysis backlog in the spring, and the emerging results from joint projects between the FSS and individual police forces. I will write to my hon. Friend when the results are available.

  On wider issues of the usefulness of DNA analysis which was also covered by the letter of 18 June 1998, the joint research programme has assessed the value of an alternative and more sensitive method of DNA analysis known as Mitochondrial DNA. This can be used to analyse human material such as hair shafts, faeces and fingernails, which cannot be analysed using conventional DNA methods. This has proved valuable in casework. Other research to identify and use commonplace characteristics is on-going.

  Firearms (Compensation)
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the National Audit Office study into the surrender of handguns and compensation schemes. [66817]
  69
  Mr. Boateng
  The arrangements for the submission of National Audit Office reports are a matter for the Comptroller and Auditor General, but I understand that his report on the handgun surrender and compensation schemes is likely to be submitted soon, following the final stages of clearance with the Departmental Accounting Officer which are currently in hand.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list how each new appointee to the Firearms Consultative Committee fulfils the criteria provided by section 22 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988. [66816]

  Appointees

  The Earl of Shrewsbury and Waterford

  Chairman—Farmer and game shooter

  Graham Bennet

  Assistant Chief Constable (Designate), Fife Constabulary

  Tony Burden

  Chief Constable, South Wales Police

  Brian Carter

  Director of Gun Trade Association and firearms dealer

  Robin Cooper

  Head of Firearms Policy Team, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise

  Jim Duncan

  Superintendent, Grampian Police

  Sandy Ewing

  Firearms consultant to National Rifle Association

  William Harriman

  Head of Firearms, British Association of Shooting and Conservation

  Tony Hill

  Engineer, member of Gun Control Network

  John Hoare

  Secretary and Chief Executive of National Small-Bore Rifle Association

  Barry Hughes

  Barrister. Assistant Chief Crown Prosecutor

  Gill Marshall-Andrews

  Chair of the Gun Control Network

  David McCrone

  Assistant Chief Constable, Greater Manchester Police

  David Penn

  Curator of the Exhibits and Firearms, Imperial War Museum

  Bob Pitcher

  Proof Master of the London Proof House

  Stephen Smith

  Head of Technical Services, National Farmers Union

  Ian Snedden

  Head of Police Department, Scottish Office

  Tom Warlow

  Forensic Scientist and ballistics expert

  Graham Widdecombe

  Head of Firearms and Explosives Section, Home Office

  James Winnington

  Farmer and magistrate

  In making these appointments, the Secretary of State was satisfied that all members appeared to have knowledge and experience—either direct or indirect—of one or more of the matters set out in section 22(1) of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988.

  National Family and Parenting Institute
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what stage he has reached in the establishment of the National Family and Parenting Institute; [66736]

  (2) what requirements there will be for the National Family and Parenting Institute to have regard to different social, ethnic, religious, moral and spiritual values; [66738]

  (3) what will be the arrangements for the selection and appointment of trustees for the National Family and Parenting Institute. [66737]

  Mr. Boateng
  I hope to make an announcement on the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the National Family and Parenting Institute before April 1999.

  I am being advised on the appointment of the Board of Trustees by a small group of representatives from key family support charities and others from the voluntary sector and professional bodies. The Trustee body will be broadly based, consistent with the suggestion of the reference group that it should not be too unwieldy.
  70
  Mr. Boateng
  I am satisfied that all new appointees to the Firearms Consultative Committee appear to have knowledge and experience—either direct or indirect—of some or all of the matters set out in section 22(1) of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the members of the Firearms Consultative Committee whom he has nominated in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 together with the reasons for which they were appointed. [66936]

  Mr. Boateng
  The following persons have been appointed to the Firearms Consultative Committee:

  The Government will not seek the power to appoint future trustees of the National Family and Parenting Institute, which will be an independent charity.

  In applying for Government funding to take forward its work programme, the Institute's trustees will need to adhere to the grant conditions attached to the Family Support Grant which require that applicants must include a strategy to ensure that their services reach, are relevant to, and get taken up by black and ethnic minority organisations.

  Brian Parsons
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of Hampshire as to the cost of the investigation into the handling by the Devon and Cornwall Police of the Brian Parsons case. [66976]

  Mr. Boateng
  I understand that the cost of the investigation to date, excluding the salary costs of the officers on the inquiry, is £84,000. This is being borne by the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

  Local Deprivation Indicators
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which measures of local deprivation his Department and its agencies use in considering allocation of funds to local projects. [66719]
  71
  Mr. Boateng
  The Home Office funds a number of local projects. In considering the allocation of funds, account is taken of whether the project meets the criteria for the individual scheme and the aims, objectives and targets in the Public Service Agreement for the Home Office set out in the White Paper "Public Services for the Future: Modernisation, Reform and Accountability" (cm 4181).

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make grants to youth organisations to match in full the fee required by the Criminal Records Bureau for checks on adult volunteers. [66979]

  Mr. Boateng
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I have him on 18 January 1999,Official Report, column 337.

  Speed Cameras
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will take steps to ensure that revenue from fines imposed for speeding are made available to fund speed limit enforcement measures; [66735]

  (2) what additional funds is he planning to make available for the funding of speed limit enforcement cameras. [66711]

  Mr. Boateng
  Enforcement of road traffic law is an operational matter for chief officers of police and they decide how to allocate their funding. We do not provide policing funds specifically designated for speed enforcement cameras and there are no plans to do so under current arrangements. But on 9 December, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury announced criteria under which fine income might be used to finance specific projects. Additional funding for speed enforcement camera is being considered under those criteria.

  Deportation Orders
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deportation orders were made between 1 June 1997 and 31 May 1998; and how many have not yet been executed. [67345]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Between 1 June 1997 and 31 May 1998, 1,090 deportation orders were made, of which around 650 have yet to be given effect.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the deportation orders made between 1 June and 30 November 1998 were in respect of people who were in custody. [67347]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I regret that information relating to the number of persons who were in custody when deportation orders were made against them between 1 June and 30 November 1998 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were deported between 1 June 1997 and 31 May 1998; and of these how many were on the strength of deportation orders made before 1 June 1997. [67346]
  72
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Between 1 June 1997 and 31 May 1998, some 720 persons were removed as a result of the enforcement of a deportation order. Around 60 per cent. of those persons were removed on the strength of deportation orders made before 1 June 1997.

  An additional 1,230 persons were removed or departed voluntarily during the same period following the initiation of deportation action against them but without a deportation order being made.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the cost of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into animal experiments. [67339]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We estimate that such a Royal Commission would cost at least £800,000 per annum and that it would need to sit for between two and three years, although both the cost and duration of such a Commission would depend on the terms of reference and other factors which are difficult to assess and quantify.

  Special Constables
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives he has taken to promote the recruitment of special constables among members of the ethnic minority communities. [66935]

  Mr. Boateng
  As part of Specials Week, a week in January to highlight the Special Constabulary and assist police forces with their campaigns to recruit more special constables, I visited events in four force areas specifically targeting ethnic communities.

  Cleveland Police held an open day at the Racial Equality Council offices in Middlesbrough on 11 January during which I launched Specials Week. In Bradford, West Yorkshire ethnic minority special constables are involved in a scheme in which they work in their own communities promoting community safety initiatives and recruitment to the Special Constabulary.

  The 50 members of the West Midlands Police Authority, many of whom are from ethnic minority communities, have agreed to take part in a programme to each recruit a person from their community to the Special Constabulary. Leicestershire Constabulary invited representatives from local religious, ethnic and business groups to an event at a community centre in Leicester to recognise the work of special constables within the ethnic communities.

  All these forces, and others with high ethnic minority populations, are developing good working relationships with the ethnic communities through the work of the regular force and the contribution of special constables.

  In addition, last November the Home Office invited police forces to staff a stand at the Mega Mela exhibition at the Birmingham NEC, an event in celebration of the Asian culture. Asian officers, including special constables, were able to talk to visitors about what it is like to work for the police and encourage applicants to the service.

  A copy of a recruitment leaflet produced for the event has been placed in the Library.

  Jeff and Jenny Bramley
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the cost to public funds of the police appeal for Jeff and Jenny Bramley. [66934]

  Mr. Boateng
  I understand from the Chief Constable that the total estimated cost to the Cambridgeshire Constabulary of the investigation to trace the Bramley family was £50,000.

  Feltham Young Offenders Institution
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the number of staff on establishment at Feltham Young Offenders Institution when it is at full strength; and what is the current number of staff at Feltham; [67048]

  (2) when it is planned to end doubled-up cell accommodation at Feltham Young Offenders Institution. [67047]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on 21 January 1999,Official Report, column 554.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young offenders on remand at Feltham Young Offenders' Unit were locked in their cells for 22 hours or more on any day between July and October 1998. [66399]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Prison Service records time out of cell for prisoners by establishment. Recording of time out of cell is not broken down between remand and convicted prisoners and separate figures could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Between 29 June and 12 December 1998 at Feltham Young Offenders Institution, the average time out of cell for wings which held remand prisoners, was 22.5 hours per week. It is not possible to identify which prisoners did not receive more than two hours out of cell as the figures available are calculated on a wing rather than an individual basis.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the practice of doubling up on cell accommodation at Feltham is planned to end. [66400]

  Mr. George Howarth
  At the end of December 1998, 14 prisoners at Feltham were located in seven cells designed for one. Steps are being taken to address this issue and doubling is expected to cease at Feltham shortly.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983 aged(a) 5 to 17 years and (b) 17 to 21 years were held in the health care centre at Feltham Young Offenders Unit between October 1997 and December 1998. [66395]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Between October 1997 and December 1998, seven prisoners aged from 15 to 17 and 39 aged from 18 to 21 were transferred to hospital from Feltham Young Offenders Institution by direction of the Home Secretary under sections 47 and 48 of the Mental Health Act 1983. The majority will have been held in the health care centre before being transferred.

  Prison Service (Recruitment)
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the Job Simulation Assessment Centre system of prison service recruitment. [67046]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Job Simulation Assessment Centres (JSACs) form part of the new approach to recruitment within the Prison Service. JSACs have been developed to provide fairer, more objective and more reliable assessments of candidates than the recruitment process which they replaced.

  The evidence to date is that the use of JSACs has resulted in a perceptible improvement in the calibre of new prison officers under training together with increased numbers entering the Prison Service from ethnic minorities. The Prison Service is continuing to evaluate the new arrangements with the assistance of Goldsmiths College, University of London.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned to ascertain how asylum seekers who have not taken up the offer of assistance under the National Assistance Act 1948 are currently supporting themselves. [67114]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have commissioned no new research into this subject.

  Prisons Inspectorate
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisons were visited in England and Wales by Sir David Ramsbotham during the last 12 months; and how many of his reports of such visits have to date been published. [67223]

  Mr. George Howarth
  During the year 15 January 1998 to 15 January 1999, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons visited 40 Prison Service establishments in England and Wales. To date, 25 reports have been published. Ten reports have been submitted to the Home Secretary and are currently with the Prison Service which, in line with the agreed protocol, is checking their factual accuracy. The remaining five reports are still in preparation.

  Prison Officers (Ethnic Minority Communities)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of uniformed prison officers who are working in prisons in England and Wales are from ethnic minority communities. [67220]

  Mr. George Howarth
  As at 31 December 1998, 2.5 per cent of uniformed prison officer grades are from ethnic minority communities.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inquiries were made to the PEO of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in Croydon on 15 January. [67239]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  On Monday 18 January 1999, 754 callers came to the Public Enquiry Office in Croydon.

  Electronic Warfare
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the threats posed to systems and data, critical to the national infrastructure, by electronic attack. [67441]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government will be introducing a series of measures to minimise the risk of electronic attack. This will enhance the United Kingdom's reputation as a safe place to undertake electronic commerce. The present risk should not be exaggerated but we must take action. The measures include:ensuring that within Government all critical systems are identified and that the protection of those systems is effectively managed and audited; working with the private sector to develop measures, which keep pace with the levels of risk, to ensure adequate standards of protection for the key systems falling within the critical national infrastructure;
  raising awareness and standards of information security more generally in the private sector by pursuing existing initiatives to promote best practice; and developing a dialogue on these issues with international partners.

  In view of my responsibilities for crime prevention and public protection, I will be taking lead responsibility within government for this new work. Government Departments will ensure that the security of their systems is kept under review and, in relevant cases, existing initiatives are pursued with the private sector.

  Ensuring that our electronic systems are properly protected from electronic attack is a longer-term enterprise which will not be at the expense of the immediate challenge we are facing to deal with the Millennium Bug.

  Circuses (Winter Quarters)
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers local authorities have to regulate circus winter quarters. [67414]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Winter quarters are not defined in animal welfare legislation, but are taken as meaning the place where the circus animals are kept during the winter while the circus is not touring.

  Under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925, local authorities and the police have the power to enter at all reasonable times and inspect any premises in which performing animals are kept for training or exhibition, and to inspect the animals kept there.

  Under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, local authorities have the power to inspect any premises where any wild animal is kept. The Act does not apply to any dangerous wild animal kept in a circus, which is defined as including
  "any place where animals are kept or introduced wholly or mainly for the purpose of performing tricks or manoeuvres".

  For winter quarters, local authorities have the power to enforce, on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission, the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and other relevant statutory provisions within the meaning of the Act.

  Home Detention Curfew Orders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were eligible to 76
  be considered for release on 28 January under the home detention curfew provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 subject to an enhanced risk procedure. [67316]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We estimate that about 135 prisoners will meet the eligibility criteria under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to be considered for a home detention curfew starting on 28 January 1999. All prisoners eligible to be assessed for the home detention curfew scheme would be subject to a rigorous enhanced risk assessment if this was judged necessary in the particular case.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the timetable for further releases after 28 January under the home detention curfew provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998; and what is the most recent estimate of the number of prisoners to be released. [66992]

  Mr. George Howarth
  From 28 January, prisoners eligible for home detention curfew under the provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 will, if assessed as suitable for home detention curfew, be placed on curfew on their home detention curfew eligibility date, or as soon as possible thereafter once the assessment has been completed. Prisoners whose eligibility date falls on a weekend or bank holiday will not be released until the next working day. The numbers of offenders on home detention curfew will build up over the 60 days after 28 January to reach the standard number of offenders likely to be on curfew at any one time.

  The numbers of prisoners placed on home detention curfew will depend on the assessments conducted by prison governors. On the basis of trials of the risk assessment conducted in a range of establishments last year, it was provisionally estimated that around 4,000 offenders might be on home detention curfew at any one time.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the prisoners to be released on 28 January under the home detention curfew provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 were subject to an enhanced risk assessment procedure. [66989]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The assessments for home detention curfew are still ongoing. I will write to the hon. Member after 28 January, when this information becomes available.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the prisoners eligible to be considered for release on 28 January under the home detention curfew provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 are serving sentences of(a) three years or (b) more than three years. [67313]

  Mr. George Howarth
  This data will not be available until after 28 January. The likely numbers would be too small for a reliable estimate to be made on the basis of more global figures. I will write to the hon. Member after 28 January when this information is available.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are(a) eligible for release and (b) being released on 28 January under the home detention curfew provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [66988]
  77
  Mr. George Howarth
  We estimate that about 135 prisoners will meet the eligibility criteria under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to be considered for a home detention curfew starting on 28 January 1999. If 50 per cent. of those eligible were suitable for release on home detention curfew, this would mean that an estimated 60–70 prisoners would be placed on home detention curfew on 28 January.

  No eligible prisoner will be placed on the home detention curfew scheme without the completion of a rigorous assessment of their suitability. The assessments for home detention curfew are still ongoing. I will write to the hon. Member when information on the numbers of prisoners who were curfewed, on 28 January 1999 is available.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the prisoners to be released on 28 January under the home detention curfew provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 are serving sentences as a result of convictions for offences(a) of violence, (b) of burglary and (c) to which Part I of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 applies. [66990]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The assessments for home detention curfew are still ongoing. I will write to the hon. Member after 28 January, when this information is available.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners eligible to be considered for release on home detention curfew on 28 January are serving sentences as a result of convictions for offences(a) of violence, (b) of burglary and (c) to which Part I of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 applies. [67314]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We estimate that about 45 prisoners serving sentences as a result of convictions for violence, about 40 prisoners serving sentences as a result of convictions for burglary, and less than 10 prisoners serving sentences as a result of convictions to which Part I of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 applies, would, on 28 January, meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 for the home detention curfew scheme. However, no offender serving a sentence as a result of convictions for offences to which Part I of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 applies will be placed on a home detention curfew other than in exceptional circumstances and following the most rigorous enhanced risk assessment.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if offenders sentenced to three years imprisonment under the provisions of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 relating to minimum sentences for persistent burglars will be eligible for release on home detention curfew. [67142]

  Mr. Boateng
  Those sentenced under the provisions of section 4 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 are not automatically excluded from being considered for the Home Detention Curfew scheme. However, Home Detention Curfew is not an entitlement, and only those prisoners who pass a risk assessment will be allowed on the scheme.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the prisoners to be released on 28 January under the home detention curfew 78
  provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 have curfew conditions specifying (a) nine hours, (b) a period of between nine and 12 hours and (c) more than 12 hours as the period to which they are subject to a home detention curfew. [66987]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the prisoners to be released on 28 January under the home detention curfew provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 are serving sentences of(a) three years and (b) more than three years imprisonment. [66991]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The assessments for home detention curfew are still ongoing. I will write to the hon. Member after 28 January, when this information is available.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the prisoners who are(a) to be released and (b) eligible for release on 28 January under the home detention curfew provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 were serving sentences of six months' imprisonment. [67315]

  Mr. George Howarth
  These data will not be available until after 28 January. The likely numbers would be too small for a reliable estimate to be made on the basis of more global figures. I will write to the hon. Member after 28 January when this information is available.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long is spent in custody by(a) an offender serving a sentence of 10 weeks imprisonment and (b) an offender serving a sentence of three months imprisonment who is suitable for release on home detention curfew. [67312]

  Mr. George Howarth
  A prisoner who is serving a sentence of ten weeks imprisonment would normally be entitled to automatic release once he had served half of that period. The period in custody may last, however, up to the full ten weeks if the prisoner is subject to additional days imposed by the prison governor for disciplinary offences.

  An offender serving a sentence of three months imprisonment would normally be entitled to automatic release after serving half that period. If he were allowed home detention curfew, he could expect to spend 30 days in custody, and then serve the period until the halfway point of sentence on a curfew enforced by electronic monitoring. Home detention curfew is not an entitlement, and only those prisoners who pass a risk assessment will be allowed on the scheme. The period in custody may last up to the full three months in custody if the prisoner is subject to additional days imposed by the prison governor for disciplinary offences.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the reply of 14 January from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Knowsley, North and Sefton, East (Mr. Howarth), to the hon. Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox), if the distinct estate for boys aged 15 to 17 years remanded
  79
  or sentenced to custody is (a) to be managed by the Prison Service and (b) to be located in existing Prison Service premises. [66993]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The new distinct estate for boys aged 15 to 17-years-old, remanded or sentenced to custody, will be managed by the Prison Service, either directly or under contract, and will comprise of a mix of dedicated juvenile establishments and juvenile units within Young Offender Institutions. The premises will be upgraded to offer enhanced regime facilities and, where necessary, adapted to ensure the separation of 15 to 17-year-old boys and older young offenders.

  Calfa Case
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the decision of the European Court in the case of Calfa (C-348/96) on(a) criminal law in the United Kingdom and (b) the development of a EU system of criminal law; and if he will make a statement. [67054]

  Kate Hoey
  The judgment of the European Court in the case of Calfa (C-348/96) has no effect on criminal law in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom does not have legislation requiring automatic deportation akin to the Greek law at issue in this case. Nor does the judgment significantly further the development of an European Union system of criminal law. The judgment is in line with previous jurisprudence of the Court and is concerned with the compatibility of the Greek law with Community law on free movement.

  Electronic Tagging
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders are currently subject to electronic tagging. [67143]

  Mr. George Howarth
  As of 18 January 1999, 540 offenders are being electronically monitored in England and Wales; 447 offenders under the Criminal Justice Act 1991, 55 under the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 and 38 cases in which electronic monitoring has been imposed as a condition of bail.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for immigration, the hon. Member for North Warwickshire, (Mr. O'Brien) plans to reply to the letter of 23 December from the hon. Member for Hertsmere. [66986]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I will write shortly.

  My reply will also respond to the points raised in the hon. Member's further letter of 24 January.

  Life Sentences
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the mandatory life sentence for murder. [66212]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government have no plans to review the mandatory life sentence for murder.

  Young Offenders (Medical Assessment and Examination)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines his Department has issued on the medical assessment and examination of young offenders on induction into young offender units. [66392]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Prison Service published health care standards cover the health assessment and examination of all prisoners, including young offenders, on first reception into custody. These were laid down in 1994.

  Prison Visitors (Drugs Smuggling)
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to deter prisoners and their visitors from smuggling drugs into prison through visits. [67724]

  Mr. Straw
  Governors have a range of sanctions available to deal with visitors, prisoners and young offenders involved in such activity. But I am keen to see a more consistent approach across the prison estate. To this end, I have asked the Director General of the Prison Service to introduce a more standardised response.

  It is clear that most drugs coming into prison are brought in by visitors. I intend to provide governors with a new power to ban a visitor for a specified time. The imposition of a ban, and its duration, will be determined by the quantity and type of drugs passed, the relationship between the visitor, prisoner or young offender and the circumstances of the offence. I would expect a typical ban to be at least three months. In cases where a ban is not justified, visitors may be subject to warnings, closed visits and increased security. Prison and Young Offender Institution staff will continue to report all attempts to smuggle drugs to the police.

  Prisoners and young offenders believed to be involved in bringing in drugs will face the increased use of closed visits, regular targeted mandatory drug testing, and disciplinary proceedings.

  These measures will support one of the key elements in our overall prison drugs strategy namely supply reduction. The Prison Service will also maintain its commitment to the provision of drug treatment and education within prisons. Last year's Comprehensive Spending Review resulted in an additional £14 million for treatment, £6 million for throughcare and £2.5 million for voluntary testing.

  A short implementation phase for the new measures will take place, enabling relevant parties to be briefed on the new arrangements, before they are universally implemented on 1 April 1999.

  Sexual Offences Review
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government will announce the terms of reference for their review of sexual offences. [67722]

  Mr. Straw
  The intention to review sexual offences and penalties was announced by the then Minister of State, Home Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, South and Penarth (Mr. Michael), on 15 June
  81
  1998, Official Report, column 10. I have today published the terms of reference of this review. Copies of a consultation leaflet describing the review, and inviting views to inform its work, have been placed in the Library.

  The terms of reference of the review are:
  "To review the sexual offences in the common and statute law of England and Wales, and make recommendations that will:
  Provide coherent and clear sexual offences which protect individuals, especially children and the more vulnerable, from abuse and exploitation;
  Enable abusers to be appropriately punished; and
  Be fair and non-discriminatory in accordance with the European Court of Human Rights and the Human Rights Act."

  The review will be conducted by a Steering Group of officials from relevant Departments and expert advisers. This Group will have the benefit of advice from an External Reference Group made up of individuals and organisations with experience, expertise and opinions on a range of issues relevant to the consideration of sexual offences. The review should take about a year to complete its work and its recommendations will form the basis of a consultation paper.

  Child Protection
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Interdepartmental Working Group on Preventing Unsuitable People from Working with Children and Abuse of Trust has made its report; and if he will make a statement. [67723]

  Mr. Straw
  I have today placed a copy of the report of the Interdepartmental Working group in the Library. This follows their interim report on abuse of trust which I placed in the Library on 25 November last year.

  The Working Group have made a number of recommendations in principle for establishing an integrated scheme to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children. Following a written consultation exercise they undertook initial discussion of the emerging proposals with a number of organisations outside Government before making their report and received their broad support. Their report acknowledges there is much work to be done on the scheme including further consultation. The detailed elements of the scheme will need to be worked up before firm proposals can be made.

  The Government welcome the report as the basis for an integrated scheme to provide greater protection for children and, in due course, vulnerable adults. We have asked the Working Group to work up the proposals as a matter of priority with a view to bringing forward detailed recommendations. Primary legislation will be required to put the new scheme in place.

  The integrated scheme envisages a central access point for three sources of information, criminal records (with certain offences attracting a ban on working with children); List 99 (maintained by the Department for Education and Employment); and the Consultancy Index (maintained by the Department of Health). This central access point would be the Criminal Records Bureau. The Protection of Children Bill currently before Parliament makes provision for the necessary amendment to Part V of the Police Act 1997 for the Bureau to act as a one stop shop able to receive and pass on information from List 99
  82
  and the Consultancy Index. This should allow work on this wider role to form part of the work now underway on establishing the Criminal Records Bureau.

  Strategic Police Operations
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department issues on the provision of information by police constabulary or police authorities on the costs to the public purse of major strategic police operations. [66333]

  Mr. Boateng
  No central guidance has been issued. It is for the police authority and the chief constable to account for the force's expenditure. Chief Constables will generally maintain records of the cost of major police operations and investigations not only for the purposes of sound financial management, but to keep their police authorities and the public informed.

  We issued guidance on efficiency planning to Chief Constables and police authorities last November. We are also working with the service to develop a robust and consistent approach to activity costing, which will help the service to identify and manage the pressures it has.

  EU Legislation
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent his Department treats EU legislation as an international agreement; and if he will make a statement. [66914]

  Kate Hoey
  Legally binding instructions adopted pursuant to Title V or Title VI of the Treaty of European Union (the "Second and Third Pillars") are treated as international agreements governed by international law. In this way, they differ from legislation adopted under the Treaties establishing the European Communities, which forms part of community law.

  Channel Islands
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the nature of the advice given to the Channel Islands representatives by the Minister of State, Lord Williams of Mostyn, on 16 October 1998 on their constitutional position, with particular reference to the European Union Code of Conduct on Business Taxation. [66913]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Following the meeting on 16 October between my noble Friend, the Minister of State, Lord Williams of Mostyn, United Kingdom officials and representatives of the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, descriptions of the constitutional relationship between the United Kingdom and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man, discussed with the Island authorities, were submitted to the European Union Code of Conduct Group.

CABINET OFFICE

  Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what(a) secretarial and (b) other administrative help is given to right hon. and hon. Liberal

  83
  Democrat Members of the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee; and what is the estimated cost of this assistance to date. [66880]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: No dedicated staff support is provided to the Liberal Democrats. There are two individuals (one in 10 Downing Street and one in the Cabinet Office Secretariat) who are the designated points of liaison with the Liberal Democrats in relation to the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee. This role is undertaken as part of their normal job and no additional costs are involved.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Disabled Claimants (Facilities)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what provision is planned for disabled claimants attending Single Gateway to Work interviews in job centres which do not have appropriate toilet facilities; and what plans he has to offer such interviews in alternative venues which do have appropriate toilet facilities. [67393]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Employment Service (ES) have been interviewing people with disabilities to help them, where appropriate, into work for many years. Since 1995 the Employment Service has been implementing a planned programme of works in its Jobcentres to improve access and facilities for disabled people, including disabled toilets. 64 per cent. of all Jobcentres have disabled toilet provision.

  Where dedicated disabled toilets are not available, Jobcentre staff are sympathetic to the needs of their disabled clients and make staff facilities available to them. Where wheelchair access is a problem and there are no disabled toilets available, disabled clients can if they wish, be interviewed at another nearby Jobcentre with facilities or, if necessary in their own homes.

  Month

  Consultation Document

  Response Time

  January

  Numeracy matters: The preliminary report of the numeracy task force

  10 weeks

  February

  Draft guidance on LEA educational development plans

  10 weeks

  March

  LEA-School relations: Draft Code of Practice

  10 weeks

  The regulations of early education and day care

  16 weeks

  April

  Parent governor representatives on education committees

  14 weeks

  Implications of religious designation

  10 weeks

  Homework: Draft guidelines for secondary schools

  10 weeks

  Homework: Draft guidelines for primary schools

  10 weeks

  Education and day care

  10 weeks

  Induction for new teachers—a consultation document

  10 weeks

  Composition of the general teaching council (GTC)

  13 weeks

  Meeting the childcare challenge—Green paper on national childcare strategy + summary

  10 weeks

  New arrangements for effective student support in further education

  10 weeks

  The education (Grammar School ballots) draft regulations 1998

  10 weeks

  The religious character of schools (designated procedure) draft regulations 1998

  10 weeks

  July

  Changing the procedures for calculating 1998 performance tables to include excluded pupils

  10 weeks

  Home-schools agreements—Draft guidance for schools and LEAs

  10 weeks

  Target setting for reducing exclusions and unauthorised absence

  10 weeks

  Promoting disabled people's rights: Creating a disability rights commission fit for the 21st Century

  12 weeks

  Review of TECs: TECs—Meeting the challenge of the millennium

  11 weeks

  84
  A review will be undertaken of accessibility to facilities used for the Single Work Focused Gateway interviews so that the best possible service can be made available to disabled clients.

  Secondary Education (Reorganisation Costs)
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps his Department has taken to estimate the costs of re-organising secondary education in any area which votes to end selection. [67412]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  None. As I have explained in my replies to previous questions on the subject of reorganisation which may result from parents voting in favour of ending selection, the law only requires the admissions authorities of the grammar schools involved to change their admission arrangements. Any other changes would be a matter for decision at local level.

  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what funds are available in his Department's budget for helping local education authorities faced with extra costs as a result of secondary school re-organisation following any ballot which ends selective education. [66232]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  If parents choose to trigger a ballot and vote in favour of removing selection, the law would only require the admissions authorities of the grammar schools involved to change their admission arrangements. Any other changes would be a matter for decision at local level. If schools and local education authorities agreed other changes, they would plan them within the resources available.

  School Consultation Exercise
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 18 January 1999,Official Report, column 351, if he will list the 27 consultation documents issued by his Department in 1998 for which a response time of 10 weeks or more was given. [67579]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The consultation documents and response times were as follows:
  85

  Month

  Consultation Document

  Response Time

  Locally agreed syllabuses for religious education: Draft order

  15 weeks

  Targets for reducing exclusion and unauthorised absence

  10 weeks

  New requirements to make goods and facilities and services more accessible to disabled people

  10 weeks

  October

  Ingredients for success: a consultation paper on nutritional standards for school lunches

  12 weeks

  Draft regulations under Section 494 of the Education Act 1996

  10 weeks

  School and business—Sustaining partnerships

  10 weeks

  December

  Draft regulations on the statutory arrangements for induction

  10 weeks

  Teachers: Meetings the challenge of change (green paper) + summary and questionnaire

  16 weeks

  New Opportunities Fund (ICT Training)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) by what date the CD Rom being prepared for the Teacher Training Agency by ICL to assist in the self-assessment procedure for bids for the New Opportunities Fund moneys for information and communications technology skills training will be available to schools; [67388]

  (2) by what date the self-assessment materials required by schools to bid for the New Opportunities Fund moneys for information and communications technology skills training will be available to them. [67389]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Work carried out in-house by the Teacher Training Agency (TTA) will ensure that packs of printed materials are available to schools prior to Easter 1999. These packs will contain the expected outcomes of the New Opportunities Fund training, case studies by subject and phase to exemplify key factors for teachers in deciding when and how to use Information and Communications Technologies effectively, pro-formas for recording training needs, and guidance on the use of materials. These materials, together with those for school librarians, will also be available in electronic format through the National Grid for Learning.

  This first phase is to be extended in scope through the provision of further case studies in an interactive CD-ROM format, for which initial work has been undertaken by ICL. The TTA is now continuing the development and production in time to despatch the CD-ROM to schools in the summer term, for use during the training programme.

  Redundancies (K Shoes)
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assistance his Department will make available to those made redundant by K Shoes in Kendal in the first quarter of 1999. [67013]

  Mr. Mudie
  Officials from the Employment Service will be visiting the factory every week to answer questions and offer Jobsearch advice. Additionally, the local Jobcentre are arranging to display job vacancies within the factory.

  The redundancy has been declared as 'Large Scale' which means that employees who are being made redundant will have preferential access onto Employment Service and Enterprise Cumbria's (formerly the TEC) programmes.

  Enterprise Cumbria in conjunction with Cumbria Careers are working closely with the company and have offered them a comprehensive package of assistance, including careers counselling and a resident training Adviser.

  Glasgow Employment Zone
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase the budget of the Glasgow Employment Zone; and if he will make a statement. [67642]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Employment Service is negotiating with Glasgow Employment Zone to determine the funds required for the Zone's delivery plan proposals for 1999–2000.

  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the total budget for the Glasgow Employment Zone; how much funding is received from the European social fund; and if he will make a statement. [67641]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The ES contribution to the Glasgow Employment Zone is based on the number of long-term unemployed people participants it attracts. The 1998–99 contract was re-negotiated in November and is currently valued at £801,012 for 900 participants. The Zone was awarded £391,000 from the European Social Fund towards its 1998 costs. Overall expenditure in 1998 is likely to be less than anticipated; this will correspondingly reduce the amount of European Social Fund grant.

  Labour and Social Affairs Ministers Meeting
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is on the agenda for the Council meeting of Ministers for Labour and Social Affairs from 4 to 6 February; and which Minister will be attending. [67411]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The informal meeting of EU Labour Minister will focus on two topics. The first will be the German presidency plans in employment and social affairs. The second will be the partnership between economic and monetary union and employment.

  The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry, my hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney), and I expect to attend the meeting.

  Education Action Zones
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 18 January 1999,Official Report, column 352, if he will break down the money so far received by the 25 education action zones, into the sums paid in (a) cash and (b) kind for each education action zone. [67635]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  A detailed breakdown will be provided in the audited financial statements which each zone is required to provide by the end of the year.

  Disability Rights Commission
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 11 January 1999,Official Report, column 97, if he will list the assessments of associated costs for each of proposed functions of the Disability Rights Commission. [67621]

  Ms Hodge
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 18 January 1999,Official Report, column 352.

  Early Education (Portsmouth)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the participation rate of three-year-olds in early education in Portsmouth. [67226]

  Ms Hodge
  The information is not available in the form requested. There were 459 three year olds in maintained nursery and primary schools in the Portsmouth Local Education Authority area in January 1998. In addition, the Government are supporting a significant national expansion of free places for three year olds in the maintained, voluntary and private sectors from 1999–2000.

  Supply Teachers
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the number of supply teachers employed within each local education authority at the latest date for which information is available. [65909]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information is in the table.

  Occasional teachers1 by local education authority in England January 1997 and 1998

  Local Education Authority

  1998

  City of London

  0

  Camden

  88

  Greenwich

  71

  Hackney

  76

  Hammersmith & Fulham

  89

  Islington

  58

  Kensington & Chelsea

  74

  Lambeth

  31

  Lewisham

  97

  Southwark

  132

  Tower Hamlets

  112

  Wandsworth

  69

  City of Westminster

  70

  Barking

  96

  Barnet

  64

  Bexley

  62

  Brent

  56

  Bromley

  39

  Croydon

  101

  Ealing

  59

  Enfield

  87

  Haringey

  119

  Harrow

  39

  Havering

  67

  Hillingdon

  31

  Hounslow

  61

  Kingston

  39

  Merton

  70

  Newham

  157

  Redbridge

  38

  Richmond

  24

  Sutton

  44

  Waltham Forest

  47

  Birmingham

  463

  Coventry

  82

  Dudley

  131

  88

  Occasional teachers1 by local education authority in England January 1997 and 1998

  Local Education Authority

  1998

  Sandwell

  65

  Solihull

  79

  Walsall

  62

  Wolverhampton

  72

  Knowsley

  55

  Liverpool

  130

  St. Helens

  62

  Sefton

  90

  Wirral

  89

  Bolton

  102

  Bury

  54

  Manchester

  143

  Oldham

  43

  Rochdale

  92

  Salford

  110

  Stockport

  125

  Tameside

  29

  Trafford

  59

  Wigan

  184

  Barnsley

  99

  Doncaster

  74

  Rotherham

  98

  Sheffield

  152

  Bradford

  116

  Calderdale

  52

  Kirklees

  112

  Leeds

  164

  Wakefield

  94

  Gateshead

  56

  Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

  72

  North Tyneside

  61

  South Tyneside

  29

  Sunderland

  105

  Isles of Scilly

  0

  Bath & North East Somerset

  28

  City of Bristol

  155

  North Somerset

  77

  South Gloucestershire

  66

  Hartlepool

  28

  Middlesborough

  42

  Redcar and Cleveland

  51

  Stockton on Tees

  70

  City of Kingston-Upon-Hull

  91

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  89

  North East Lincolnshire

  69

  North Lincolnshire

  87

  North Yorkshire

  126

  York

  80

  Bedfordshire

  206

  Luton

  83

  Bedfordshire

  289

  Buckinghamshire

  37

  Milton Keynes

  38

  Buckinghamshire

  75

  Derbyshire

  189

  Derby

  51

  Derbyshire

  240

  Dorset

  2

  Poole

  33

  Bournemouth

  40

  Dorset

  75

  Durham

  217

  Darlington

  13

  Durham

  230

  East Sussex

  95

  Brighton & Hove

  43

  East Sussex

  138

  Hampshire

  293

  Portsmouth

  36

  Southampton

  48

  Hampshire

  377

  Leicstershire

  82

  89

  Occasional teachers1 by local education authority in England January 1997 and 1998

  Local Education Authority

  1998

  Leicester City

  68

  Rutland

  5

  Leicestershire

  155

  Staffordshire

  253

  Stoke

  72

  Staffordshire

  325

  Wiltshire

  68

  Swindon

  37

  Wiltshire

  105

  Berkshire

  126

  Cambridgeshire

  124

  Cheshire

  151

  Cornwall

  126

  Cumbria

  133

  Devon

  247

  Essex

  236

  Gloucestershire

  78

  Hereford & Worcester

  141

  Hertfordshire

  93

  Isle of Wight

  38

  Kent

  129

  Lancashire

  513

  Lincolnshire

  137

  Norfolk

  156

  Northamptonshire

  241

  Northumberland

  138

  Nottinghamshire

  454

  Oxfordshire

  112

  Shropshire

  129

  Somerset

  137

  Suffolk

  229

  Surrey

  134

  Warwickshire

  106

  West Sussex

  101

  Total

  13,149

  1 Occasional teachers are employed on a day to day or short term contract (less than one month) in response to a specific vacancy or short term absence. Figures relate to teachers employed for the whole of the third Thursday in January of each year.

  Notes:

  1. The data are for maintained nursery, primary, secondary, special schools, Pupil Referral Units and education otherwise than in schools.

  2. By way of comparison, in 1997, there were 13,611 such teachers employed by LEAs.

  Education Maintenance Allowance
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he proposes to make an announcement on the pilot areas for the education maintenance allowance. [66231]

  Mr. Mudie
  We expect to announce the Education Maintenance Allowance Pilot areas within the next month.

  Nannies
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what factors underlay the decision to change the rules governing the regulation of nanny agencies; [66931]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the Better Regulation Task Force's report into the regulation of nannies. [66933]
  90
  Ms Hodge
  More than 650 responses to the consultation paper on the regulation of early education and day care were considered in developing the proposals relating to nannies, including those advocating a national register. The Government concluded, like the Better Regulation Task Force, that a register would be bureaucratic and unworkable and would raise false expectations among parents. Rather, the Government propose to work with the industry to establish new, higher standards for nanny agencies which are clear to parents, supported by guidance to all parents on employing child carers in the home.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Sea Anglers
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the occasions when sea anglers have been prohibited from landing fish consequent upon the need to close fisheries to vessels under 10m in length; [67150]

  (2) when his Department reclassified landings by sea anglers from being part of the natural mortality of fish to being part of the quota; and if he will make a statement; [67151]

  (3) which EU regulation requires him to take account of landings made by sea anglers for quota management purposes. [67149]

  Mr. Morley
  Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3760/92 of 20 December 1992, establishing a Community system for fisheries and aquaculture, requires Member States to ensure that non-commercial activities do not jeopardise the conservation and management of resources covered by the common fisheries policy. The annual EU Council regulations, laying down total allowable catches and quotas for the coming year, make no exemption for landings by vessels fishing for pleasure.

  Fisheries closures orders have applied to sea angling since the introduction of the current quota management arrangements in the mid-1980s. The table lists the closures for 1998 which have applied to both commercial vessels of 10m and under in overall length and to vessels fishing for pleasure. Most of these closures would have had little, if any, impact on recreational sea angling because of the stocks involved or the timing of the closure.

  Date

  North Sea sole

  14 January-21 April

  Area VIIhjk plaice, West of Scotland sole, Area VIIhjk sole, Norway others

  14 January-31 December

  Area VII b-k cod

  12 May-6 September

  Area VIIe sole

  7 September-31 December

  North Sea herring

  15 December-31 December

  West Coast mackerel

  18 December-31 December

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if agricultural crops
  91
  engineered to contain biopesticides will be regulated as foods or pesticides; and if he will make a statement. [66013]

  Mr. Rooker
  Agricultural crops that have been genetically modified to contain biopesticides are regulated under EC Directive (90/220) on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment rather than under pesticides legislation. Foods derived from such crops are regulated under the EC Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients Regulation (258/97). The aim of both these sets of regulations is to ensure that all crops that have been modified to improve insect resistance, and their products, have been thoroughly assessed for environmental and food safety before being allowed onto the market. In this respect they provide comparable environmental and consumer protection to the legislation on pesticides.

  BSE
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many confirmed BSE cases there were in each year between 1988 and 1998 in(a) Eire, (b) Portugal and (c) Switzerland. [66561]

  Mr. Rooker
  The following table shows by calendar year the number of confirmed cases of BSE in Eire, Portugal and Switzerland.

  Number of confirmed BSE cases per year

  Year

  Eire1

  Portugal1

  Switzerland2

  1988

  0

  0

  —

  1989

  0

  0

  —

  1990

  11

  0

  1

  1991

  17

  0

  9

  1992

  18

  0

  15

  1993

  16

  1

  29

  1994

  19

  7

  63

  1995

  16

  14

  68

  1996

  73

  29

  45

  1997

  77

  30

  38

  19983

  79

  104

  14

  1 Data obtained from The Commission, Directorate-General VI 18/1/99.

  2 Based on data provided by the British Embassy, Berne.

  3 Date of last confirmation: Eire 23 December 1998, Portugal 31 December 1998, Switzerland 10 December 1998.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what experiments have shown the presence of BSE infectivity in cattle feed. [66506]

  Mr. Rooker
  None. Existing methods for the surveillance of compliance with the statutory feed bans detect the presence of mammalian proteins rather than infectivity. The detection of infectivity would require inoculation of laboratory animals on a very large scale without guaranteeing a satisfactory outcome.

  However, experiments have shown that if material which is rendered to produce meat and bone meal is artificially infected with either BSE or scrapie containing brain before rendering, detectable levels of infectivity can be found in the meat and bone meal resulting from the rendering processes which were in use in the UK in the late 1980s. Until July 1988, meat and bone meal was a permitted constituent of feed for cattle and sheep.
  92
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the average figures for compensation paid to farmers for cattle each year between 1988 and 1998 that were(a) reported as suspect BSE cases and not subsequently confirmed as such, and (b) reported as suspect BSE cases and subsequently confirmed as such. [66505]

  Mr. Rooker
  The following table shows by calendar year the average compensation rates paid to farmers for animals slaughtered as BSE suspects:

  £

  Year

  Average compensation paid if BSE confirmed

  Average compensation paid if BSE not confirmed

  1988

  205.27

  410.54

  1989

  314.61

  629.22

  1990

  521.62

  692.20

  1991

  543.84

  679.81

  1992

  652.42

  815.52

  1993

  889.89

  1,112.37

  1994

  848.87

  1,061.09

  1995

  618.78

  773.47

  1996

  650.90

  813.63

  1997

  578.15

  722.68

  1998

  653.55

  816.94

  These figures have been calculated by dividing the total expenditure in a calendar year by the number of animals slaughtered as BSE suspects which were placed under restriction in that year. Because of the delay in making payments following slaughter and confirmation of the disease status of an animal, this calculation does not give a true average payment for the year.

  A true average of individual payments could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Scrapie
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the procedures used in the current survey into sheep brains as discussed by SEAC on 9 November 1998; and if he will list how many have(a) been tested to date and (b) found to be diseased due to (i) sheep scrapie or (ii) BSE-like illness. [66502]

  Mr. Rooker
  In May 1997, SEAC recommended an abattoir survey of sheeps' brains to determine the likely exposure of the human population to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in sheep submitted for slaughter. Sampling of material took place between August 1997 and August 1998 from almost 3,000 sheep selected at random from approximately 130 abattoirs throughout Great Britain. Tests have been carried out using histological, scrapie associated fibril (SAF), and immunocytochemical examinations. The preliminary findings are inconclusive with no cases of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy definitely confirmed. SEAC received a preliminary report in November 1998 but have not yet scheduled a substantive discussion on it. Further examination of brains and tonsils collected are expected to commence shortly. These tests will not differentiate whether the brains from the abattoir survey will have BSE or scrapie.
  93
  Currently, the only way of definitively differentiating BSE from scrapie involves testing suspect material in a panel of specially bred mice and observing the characteristics of any disease that develops. It takes 1–2 years for them to succumb to a disease, if they are incubating BSE, and longer if they are not. Two research projects are underway to examine clinical scrapie cases using this method. No cases of BSE have been found in any of the sheep from the national flock tested so far in this assay.

  At their meeting on 9 November, SEAC discussed a draft report from their sheep sub-group which had been looking at research and surveillance for TSEs in sheep. A further draft is being prepared by the sub-group. It is expected that the final report will indicate the priority of recommendations for further work. This was explained by the Chairman of SEAC, Professor Sir John Pattison, at a press conference on 30 November 1998 when the public summary of the November meeting was issued.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the changes in(a) compensation levels, (b) legal requirements and (c) administrative procedures in the reporting and confirmation of sheep scrapie in the last 10 years. [66501]

  Mr. Rooker
  (a) The rates since the payment of compensation was introduced in July 1998 are:

  £

  July 1998

  24.51

  August 1998

  25.34

  September 1998

  23.87

  October 1998

  19.54

  November 1998

  15.53

  December 1998

  15.41

  January 1999

  12.72

  The compensation rate is equal to the average cull ewe price collected the calendar month two months before actual slaughter. It is a variable figure calculated monthly using prices collected from the Meat and Livestock Commission Weekly Market Survey. If an animal is clinically diagnosed by a Veterinary Officer as affected by scrapie, but this cannot be confirmed by laboratory diagnosis, owners may then be eligible to receive a greater payment, not exceeding £400, subject to documentary evidence of the animal's value.

  (b) Scrapie was made a notifiable disease in the EC on 1 January 1993 by Council Directive 91/68 on animal health conditions governing intra-Community trade in ovine and caprine animals. This was implemented by The Specified Diseases (Notification) Order 1991, as amended by The Specified Diseases (Notification and Slaughter) Order 1992. Surveillance requirements including the compulsory slaughter of suspect animals were laid down in Commission Decision 98/272. With effect from 29 July 1998 requirements for the compulsory slaughter of suspect
  94
  animals, veterinary investigations, and the payment of compensation respectively, were laid down in the following SIs:

  The Sheep and Goats Spongiform Encephalopathy Order 1998 (SI 1998/1645);

  The Sheep and Goats Spongiform Encephalopathy Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/1646);

  The Sheep and Goats Spongiform Encephalopathy (Compensation) Order 1998 (SI 1998/1647).

  (c) Since 1 January 1993 owners of animals suspected of having scrapie have been required to notify the relevant Agriculture Department. If a clinical diagnosis of scrapie was made by a veterinary officer a movement restriction notice was served to prevent the movement of the suspect animal off the premises. Once the animal had died, or was slaughtered with the owner's agreement, the head was submitted to a veterinary investigation centre (VIC) for laboratory confirmation of scrapie. This was on the basis of examination of the brain material either by histological examination or by electron microscopy examination for scrapie associated fibrils at the Veterinary Laboratory Agency.

  Although scrapie has been notifiable since 1993, not all cases were submitted for laboratory confirmation. From 1 January 1993 to 3 July 1996, in general, only the first case reported and subsequently confirmed on a holding in a 2 year period was sent for laboratory examination. Second and subsequent diagnoses were made on clinical grounds only. There were 75 of these between 1993 and 1996. These have been included in statistics as confirmed cases.

  With the implementation of above mentioned SIs the slaughter of animals suspected of being clinically affected by scrapie is now compulsory. All suspect animals are slaughtered at a VIC (unless the animal is unfit to travel from the farm) who remove the tissues required for disease confirmation, and arrange for the carcase to be incinerated. Compensation is payable at the time of slaughter. A veterinary officer will complete an epidemiological investigation on farm on confirmation of disease on new premises.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many reported and confirmed cases of sheep scrapie there were in the United Kingdom in each year from 1989 to 1998. [66500]

  Mr. Rooker
  Scrapie was made a notifiable disease in Great Britain on 1 January 1993 and in Northern Ireland on 31 December 1992.

  The number of cases notified since 1993 is given in the following table for Great Britain only. Equivalent data is not available for Northern Ireland.

  Year

  Cases reported

  1993

  494

  1994

  327

  1995

  311

  1996

  549

  1997

  595

  1998

  1602

  1 1998 data is provisional—data as at 13.1.99

  95
  Before 1993, notification was voluntary and of those reported, only confirmed cases were recorded. Cases confirmed by laboratory analysis for whole period 1989 to 1998 are given in the following table:

  Year

  Great Britain

  Northern Ireland

  Total UK

  1989

  252

  7

  259

  1990

  347

  8

  355

  1991

  906

  0

  906

  1992

  595

  5

  600

  1993

  306

  4

  310

  1994

  210

  5

  215

  1995

  232

  2

  234

  1996

  453

  8

  461

  1997

  508

  1

  509

  1998

  1417

  1

  1418

  1 1998 data is provisional—data as at 13.1.99

  Biomass Industry
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what support his Department is giving to the development of a United Kingdom biomass industry; and if he will make a statement. [66620]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Ministry, through the Alternative Crops Unit, promotes alternative crops including biomass at agricultural shows and farmer workshops and through a dedicated Website. In 1998 we secured, at the June Agriculture Council, an increase in the ceiling for the grant which can be paid to establish biomass crops, and the Forestry Commission immediately implemented this for a short-rotation coppice near the UK's first biomass-fuelled power station. Expenditure on strategic research and development totalled around £400,000. Future development of biomass crops depends on support to make them competitive with more traditional agricultural activities. This will depend on the outcome of Agenda 2000 and on finding the necessary resources.

  Sheep Dip
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what provisions have been made for the disposal of List I and List II substances under the Groundwater Regulations 1998 when it is necessary to use them at short notice due to animal welfare considerations or other unforeseen circumstances. [66587]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 19 January 1999]I have been asked to reply.

  The requirements for prior authorisation for disposals to land (subject to the exemptions specified) are of universal application under the Groundwater Regulations 1998. It would therefore be prudent for those who may need to undertake disposal at short notice to apply in advance for appropriate authorisation. Under transitional arrangements applications for authorisations may be made now, prior to the Regulations coming into force.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on responsibility under the Groundwater Regulations 1998 for obtaining the appropriate authorisations under the new legislation, with particular regard to the disposal of spent sheep dip. [66594]
  96
  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 19 January 1999]I have been asked to reply.

  Under the Groundwater Regulations 1998 it is the discharger who requires authorisation for a discharge. This is consistent with the Water Resources Act 1991, under which it is an offence to cause or knowingly permit any polluting matter to enter controlled waters, including groundwater—other than in accordance with a consent. Where the discharger and the landowner are not the same person, it will clearly be necessary for each to be aware of any authorisation and their consequent obligations.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what refund provisions there will be under the Groundwater Regulations 1998 for farmers who pay for an authorisation application on the basis of Environment Agency advice which is subsequently deemed unnecessary once the full guidance has been developed. [66588]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 19 January 1999]I have been asked to reply.

  In line with the Environment Act 1995, Regulation 16 of the Groundwater Regulations 1998 provides for the Environment Agency to recover the costs of applications and prior investigations through a charging scheme. The Agency is responsible for the day to day operation of the charging scheme, and have indicated that where an application is made and the disposal is found to fall outside the scope of the Regulations, then the application fee will be refunded.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what provisions have been made under the Groundwater Regulations 1998 for the disposal of List I and List II substances in large areas of exposed aquifers, with particular reference to the Cotswolds. [66586]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 19 January 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  The Goundwater Regulations 1998 apply throughout Scotland, England and Wales. It is not the intention of the Environment Agency in England and Wales and SEPA in Scotland to classify large areas of exposed aquifers, such as the Cotswolds, as unsuitable for disposal. However it is for these agencies to determine individual applications in the light of prior investigation of proposed disposal sites. Where authorisations cannot be granted it will be necessary for the applicant to identify alternative and acceptable disposal sites, alternative means of disposal or alternative methods of treatment for sheep which do not require disposals of waste products.

HEALTH

  Attention Deficit Disorder Syndrome
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines his Department has issued on the recognition of the symptoms of potential attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in(a) children and (b) adults. [64909]

  Mr. Hutton
  The issue of clinical guidance on mental health problems is primarily a matter for the relevant professional bodies. However in relation to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children the
  97
  Department has collaborated with professional and other groups seeking to raise general levels of awareness of ADHD and related disorders in order to facilitate better diagnosis and treatment. We have worked in this way with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the production of factsheets on child mental health problems including attention deficit disorders, with representatives of general practitioners on similar guidance for general practitioners and with the voluntary group 'Young Minds' on advice for schools.

  We support the initiative being taken by the Royal College of Psychiatrists Research Unit to produce evidence based briefing on the use of stimulant medication in ADHD. This will be published shortly.

  The recognition of ADHD in adults is very recent in the United Kingdom. As far as we are aware, no clinical guidelines have yet been produced.

  Health Services Accreditation
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the next meeting of the Board of Health Services Accreditation to take place. [65495]

  Mr. Denham
  The Health Services Accreditation advisory board is still in place but there are currently no meetings scheduled. The board will meet when the health authority has made its final decision on Health Service Accreditation's future.

  Older People
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the findings of the Health Advisory Service 2000 report, "Not Because They Are Old", will be reflected in the development of improvement programmes. [65325]

  Mr. Denham
  A Health Service Circular (HSC1998/220) issued in November 1998 to all chief executives of health authorities and National Health Service trusts, along with a copy of the report "Not Because They Are Old" required chief executives of health authorities, in partnership with colleagues in NHS

  Membership of Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation

  Name

  Organisation

  Chair

  Mr. S. Day

  Regional Director, NHS Executive, West Midlands

  Members

  Mr. I. Carruthers

  Chief Executive, Dorset Health Authority

  Dr. M. D'Souza

  General Practitioner (National Association of Primary Care)

  Dr. L. Davies

  Regional Director of Public Health, NHS Executive, Trent

  Professor I. Diamond

  Dean of Social Sciences, University of Southampton

  Mr. D. Edmundson

  Chief Executive, North West Lancashire Health Authority

  Mr. K. Ford

  Chief Executive, Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust

  Dr. J. Gilley

  General Practitioner (British Medical Association)

  Professor H. Glennerster

  Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics

  Mr. M. A. Harris

  NHS Executive, Finance

  Dr. C. Heath

  General Practitioner (National Association of Primary Care)

  Professor J. Higgins

  Chair, Manchester Health Authority

  Mr. C. Howgrave-Graham

  Chief Executive, Coventry Health Authority

  Mr. J. Hurst

  NHS Executive, Economist

  Dr. R. Hussey

  Director of Public Health, Liverpool Health Authority

  Mr. J. H. James

  Chief Executive, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster Health Authority

  Mr. R. Jeavons

  Chief Executive, Lincolnshire Health Authority

  98
  trusts and social services, to ensure that the findings of the report are considered when preparing Joint Investment Plans for older people.

  These Joint Investment Plans will be included in local Health Improvement Programmes which will include both national and local priorities.

  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he expects the findings of the Health Advisory Service 2000 report, "Not Because They are Old", are required to be reflected in service agreements for commissioning acute hospital services. [65321]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 14 January 1999]Long-term service agreements will be a key means of delivering the local Health improvement programmes. Health improvement programmes becoming effective from April 1999 will include joint investment plans for services for older people which will consider the findings of the "Not Because They Are Old" report.

  Agency Nurses
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish data on the number of agency nurses currently employed, in relation to full-time establishments in(a) each hospital trust and (b) each health authority and region. [66052]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Resource Allocation Committee
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the membership of the Committee which determined the weighted capitation formula, indicating in each case the member's employer and whom the member represents. [66101]

  Mr. Denham
  The committee which gives advice to Ministers on these issues is the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation. The list gives the current membership and shows either their National Health Service or other employer, or the organisation they represent. Members from health service bodies are invited to serve the committee in a personal capacity and not as representatives of their employer.
  99

  Membership of Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation

  Name

  Organisation

  Professor Sir B. Jarman

  Emeritus Professor of the Department of General Practice, Imperial College of Medicine

  Professor K. Judge

  Professor of Social Policy, Personal Social Services Research Unit, University of Kent

  Ms R. MacDonald

  Programme Director, Avon Health Authority

  Mr. A. Meekings

  Director of Finance and Performance, NHS Executive, South East

  Professor P. C. Smith

  Director of the Health Economics Programme, Centre for Health Economics, University of York

  Mr. M. Swindells

  Director of Clinical Services, Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospital NHS Trust

  Dr. A. Willis

  General Practitioner (NHS Primary Care Group Alliance)

  Royal London Hospital Trust
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the level of price increases which the Royal London Hospital Trust has charged health authorities using its services(a) last year and (b) in the current year; what is the proposed increase for next year; what measures it is taking to achieve its three per cent. efficiency savings target; and if he will make a statement. [66100]

  Mr. Denham
  Information on the level of service agreements between individual National Health Service trusts and health authorities is not routinely collected by the NHS Executive. A national schedule of reference costs, published on 2 November 1998, contains information on hospital costs for 1997–98 and is available in the Library. Information on 1998–99 costs will be available in June 1999.

  The NHS as a whole is expected to achieve an overall 3 per cent. efficiency improvement in 1999–2000. Details of measures taken by individual NHS trusts will be available from NHS trusts themselves.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what targets for the reduction of sickness absence rates have been set for NHS trusts in England for the period to(a) 2001 and (b) 2003; and what account was taken in setting these targets of trusts' individual current sickness absence rates. [65911]

  Mr. Denham
  Targets for reductions of sickness absence rates for National Health Service trusts have been set at 20 per cent. by 2001 and 30 per cent. by 2003.

  These targets reflect those defined by the Cabinet Office for the public sector as a whole, and therefore do not take into account individual NHS sickness absence rates.

  Physiotherapy (Recruitment)
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have to tackle recruitment problems in physiotherapy. [66039]

  Mr. Denham
  We are employing a twin track approach to enable the National Health Service to secure the physiotherapists it needs by ensuring that training levels are sufficient to get a better match between supply and demand and by investing in initiatives to improve the recruitment, retention and return to practice of qualified staff, including more supportive and family-friendly ways of working.

  Nurses' Pay
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the average pay levels for each nursing grade from 1992 to date; and if he will make a statement; [66048]

  (2) if he will list the percentage pay increases to nurses for each year from 1992 to date; and if he will make a statement. [66047]

  Mr. Denham
  Estimated total annual average earnings for nursing staff by grade, taken from the Department's August 1997 earnings survey, are shown in the table. Similar information for earlier years is not available centrally, but advance letters issued to the National Health Service containing information about the national rates of pay for nursing staff since 1992 have been placed in the Library. These advance letters also give details of the percentage increases in the national rates of pay for nursing staff since 1992.

  National Health Service hospital and community health services nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff: total annual average earnings by grade; England

  £ per annum

  Grade

  August 1997

  December 19981

  A

  11,200

  11,800

  B

  12,500

  13,100

  C

  14,500

  15,200

  D

  15,600

  16,400

  E

  18,200

  19,100

  F

  20,800

  21,900

  G

  22,300

  23,500

  H

  23,900

  25,100

  I

  26,200

  27.500

  1 Figures for December 1998 are extrapolated from figures for August 1997. They assume no change in the number of staff on each grade or incremental point, and incorporate all parts of the 1998–99 pay settlement for nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff.

  Notes:

  It is not possible to show annual percentage changes because the available figures do not cover a discrete 12 month period. Between August 1997 and December 1998 components of the 1997–98 and 1998–99 national pay settlements for nursing staff would have been implemented.

  Total annual average pay was estimated across all incremental points for each grade.

  Data are rounded to the nearest £100.

  Source:

  Department of Health's August 1997 NHS Earnings Survey

  Hospital Bed Statistics
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of(a) general and (b) acute NHS hospital beds (i) nationally and (ii) in Shropshire for each year from 1992 to date; and if he will make a statement. [66050]
  101
  Mr. Denham
  Bed availability data are collected by National Health Service trusts. The information provided in Table 2 is an aggregate of the figures for all NHS trusts to reflect the 1997–98 structure of the Shropshire Health Authority geographic area.

  Table 1: Average daily number of available beds open overnight (i.e. 24 hours), 1991–92 to 1997–98, England

  Year

  Acute1

  General2 and acute

  Total3

  1991–92

  115,140

  157,247

  242,677

  1992–93

  112,862

  153,208

  232,201

  1993–94

  109,713

  147,153

  219,476

  1994–95

  108,008

  144,803

  211,812

  1995–96

  108,296

  142,624

  206,136

  1996–97

  108,869

  140,515

  198,848

  1997–98

  107,807

  138,047

  193,625

  Table 2: Average daily number of available beds open overnight (i.e. 24 hours), 1991–92 to 1997–98, Shropshire Health Authority

  year

  Acute1

  General2and acute

  Total3

  1991–92

  1,076

  1,216

  1,709

  1992–93

  978

  1,092

  1,565

  1993–94

  859

  1,096

  1,510

  1994–95

  872

  1,110

  1,500

  1995–96

  817

  1,084

  1,471

  1996–97

  843

  1,117

  1,515

  1997–98

  791

  1,059

  1,398

  1 Since 1996–97, acute figures have included paediatric intensive care beds.

  2 General and acute is defined as acute plus geriatric.

  3 Total figures are for all specialities excluding neonatal cots in maternity wards.

  Source:

  Department of Health publications "Bed availability and occupancy for England" and "Bed availability for England"

  Commercial Lobbyists
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what rules or guidance his Department has to govern the(a) formal and (b) informal interaction between his civil servants and commercial lobbyists. [66201]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice), on 27 July 1998,Official Report, column 4.

  The guidance that was referred to in the response has since been fully adopted by the Department and its agencies.

  Hospital Re-admissions
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the first and second quarter figures for 1998–99 for the number of patients aged(a) under 20, (b) 20 to 59 and (c) 59 to 74 years who were readmitted to hospital as an emergency within 28 days of discharge. [66466]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the form requested. We will be publishing clinical indicators shortly which will include information on emergency re-admissions which occur within 28 days of hospital discharge. Data are being compiled using a complex 102
  process which links different hospital episodes for the same patient and will be available for the financial years 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98.

  Nurse Training
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the total number of nurse training places for each year from 1992 to date; and if he will make a statement. [66046]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Numbers of National Health Service funded pre-registration nurse training commissions 1992–93–1998–99

  Year

  Project 2000/traditional commissions

  Degree commissions

  Total commissions (Project 2000/traditional and degree)

  1992–93

  14,883

  190

  15,073

  1993–94

  12,439

  199

  12,623

  1994–95

  10,594

  255

  10,849

  1995–96

  11,495

  256

  11,751

  1996–97

  13,011

  297

  13,308

  1997–98

  14,429

  297

  14,726

  1998–991

  15,523

  21,314

  16,837

  1 1998–99 data is forecast and subject to change.

  2 The increase in degree commissions in 1998–99 compared to 1997–98 is primarily due to the transfer of funding and responsibility for degree programmes from DfEE to Department of Health from September 1998.

  Notes:

  1. The training activity is funded through the Non-Medical Education and Training levy. It excludes training activity funded through Department for Education and Employment/other means.

  2. In addition to the training activity there are pre-registration midwifery training commissions. However, this is not included here because we do not have comparable data for each year.

  Cosmetic Dentistry
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that dentists engaging in cosmetic dentistry are skilled in the relevant techniques. [65788]

  Mr. Denham
  We are satisfied that the present undergraduate curriculum covers cosmetic dentistry adequately and that there are sufficient training opportunities for qualified dentists to update their skills. If my hon. Friend knows of a particular problem, we would be happy to investigate.

  Food Standards Agency
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he anticipates the Food Standards Agency will begin giving guidance on health and diet. [66575]

  Ms Jowell
  We will be publishing a draft Bill for consultation later this month. If legislative time permits, we propose to introduce a revised Bill during the current Parliamentary session. If Parliament's assent is received quickly, we hope that the agency will begin work in 2000.

  Private Hospital Beds
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the proportion of all private beds in use at any specific time. [66389]

  Ms Jowell
  In 1996–97, the latest figures for which information is available, 50.4 per cent. of beds in private hospitals and clinics in England registered under Section 23 of the Registered Homes Act 1984 were occupied at the time of inspection. Information on occupancy of private beds in National Health Service hospitals is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) private hospitals there are in England and Wales, (b) private beds there are in these hospitals and (c) private beds there are in NHS hospitals in England and Wales. [66388]

  Ms Jowell
  At 31 March 1998 there were 396 private hospitals and clinics in England with a total of 11,089 registered beds. Information on the number of private beds in NHS hospitals is not currently collected centrally.

  The figures for Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales.

  HIV/AIDS Steering Group
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the membership of the Steering Group convened to develop the HIV/AIDS strategy. [66577]

  Ms Jowell
  The membership of the steering group to develop the HIV/AIDS Strategy for England is currently under consideration and will be announced in the near future.

  Eye Tests
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the take-up by pensioners in Doncaster, Central of free eye tests after their introduction; and if he will make a statement. [66563]

  Mr. Denham
  As it is difficult to predict the rate of take-up, an estimate for such a relatively small population would not be meaningful. Nationally, we estimate that, from 1 April 1999, some 6 million to 7 million more people aged 60 and over will become eligible for free National Health Service sight tests and, in 1999–2000, there will be between 2 and 3 million more NHS tests.

  ENT Services (West Pennines)
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to announce his decision on the future of ear, nose and throat services in the West Pennine Health Authority area. [66615]

  Investing in dentistry requests by health authority

  Health authority

  Number of applications submitted

  Number of applications approved

  Gross funding awarded £

  Gross funding requested £

  Avon

  12

  4

  81,000

  428,100

  Barnet

  6

  —

  —

  214,900

  Barnsley

  5

  3

  72,900

  124,200

  Bedfordshire

  2

  2

  30,000

  30,000

  Berkshire

  12

  5

  85,000

  385,000

  Bexley and Greenwich

  3

  —

  —

  396,000

  104
  Mr. Denham
  We hope to be able to make a decision on this issue in the near future after we have had the opportunity to consider all of the relevant factors.

  Dental Services
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was(a) the budget and (b) the outturn for general dental services for England for the financial year 1997–98. [66654]

  Mr. Denham
  General dental services (GDS) is not cash limited, so there is no set annual budget. The original vote provision and final expenditure in the GDS in England is shown in the table.

  General dental service: 1997–98 expenditure England

  £ million

  Gross expenditure

  Net expenditure

  Provision made in main

  Estimate

  1,405.8

  1,021.5

  Outturn

  1,349.3

  959.1

  Gross expenditure includes all fees and allowances payable to general dental practitioners, which cover their income and practice expenses, together with supplementary cost such as employers' superannuation contributions, payments of salaried dentists who provide GDS care in certain localities, and refunds to patients who incorrectly paid dental charges. Net expenditure shows costs after taking into account all dental charges collected from patients.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list for each health authority area(a) the number of applications received and (b) the gross funding awarded under Investing in Dentistry; and if he will make a statement; [66658]

  (2) how much money has been allocated to Investing in Dentistry up to 31 December; which health authority areas applied for such funds; how much each has bid for; and how many applications were (a) received and (b) successful in each health authority area. [66659]

  Mr. Denham
  Since the "Investing in Dentistry" initiative was announced in September 1987, 614 applications have been received and grants totalling nearly £7 million have been approved. The table gives details of the health authorities who submitted "Investing in Dentistry" funding requests to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State in 1997–98 and 1998–99, the number of applications submitted, the gross amount of funding requested, the number of applications approved and gross funding awarded.
  105

  Investing in dentistry requests by health authority

  Health authority

  Number of applications submitted

  Number of applications approved

  Gross funding awarded £

  Gross funding requested £

  Birmingham

  2

  1

  57,000

  76,700

  Bradford

  4

  1

  52,700

  354,300

  Bury and Rochdale

  2

  —

  —

  33,100

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  4

  —

  —

  240,700

  Cambridge and Huntingdon

  5

  4

  127,400

  396,400

  Camden and Islington

  2

  —

  —

  100,000

  City and East London

  8

  5

  164,000

  290,800

  Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

  13

  7

  251,800

  990,600

  County Durham

  10

  3

  110,000

  332,900

  Coventry

  1

  —

  —

  49,000

  Doncaster

  5

  2

  32,900

  119,400

  Dorset

  5

  2

  29,500

  101,600

  Dudley

  1

  —

  —

  39,500

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  9

  6

  112,600

  155,000

  East Kent

  4

  —

  —

  518,400

  East Lancashire

  15

  1

  44,000

  605,600

  East Norfolk

  6

  3

  96,000

  453,800

  East Riding

  13

  6

  184,500

  423,000

  East Sussex

  3

  —

  —

  60,000

  Enfield and Haringay

  8

  —

  —

  197,000

  Gloucestershire

  20

  10

  172,000

  645,800

  Herefordshire

  2

  2

  50,000

  60,000

  Isle of Wight

  3

  2

  85,000

  165,000

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  18

  —

  —

  267,000

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  7

  2

  77,700

  207,000

  Leeds

  4

  —

  —

  557,300

  Leicestershire

  5

  2

  29,300

  162,100

  Lincolnshire

  2

  2

  117,000

  130,000

  Liverpool

  2

  1

  96,000

  147,100

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  5

  2

  34,900

  95,800

  Morecambe Bay

  10

  6

  137,000

  226,500

  Newcastle and North Tyneside

  7

  2

  67,400

  240,300

  Northamptonshire

  7

  4

  50,000

  90,000

  North Cheshire

  1

  1

  50,000

  50,000

  North Cumbria

  14

  6

  206,600

  309,300

  North Derbyshire

  2

  1

  60,400

  60,400

  North and East Devon

  8

  7

  218,300

  346,300

  North Essex

  2

  2

  37,400

  38,400

  North and Mid Hampshire

  21

  7

  185,200

  658,600

  North Staffordshire

  10

  6

  168,800

  276,500

  North West Lancashire

  7

  5

  161,800

  311,700

  North Yorkshire

  30

  8

  194,400

  550,900

  North West Anglia

  4

  —

  —

  90,000

  Nottingham

  7

  2

  35,700

  222,800

  Oxfordshire

  8

  6

  222,000

  242,000

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

  18

  8

  170,500

  719,400

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  6

  4

  57,700

  209,700

  Rotherham

  10

  6

  141,500

  312,700

  Salford and Trafford

  2

  2

  22,300

  22,300

  Sandwell

  8

  —

  —

  151,000

  Sefton

  1

  —

  —

  48,500

  St Helens and Knowsley

  7

  3

  80,000

  162,100

  Shropshire

  12

  7

  221,000

  457,000

  Solihull

  1

  —

  —

  22,000

  Somerset

  18

  5

  132,000

  722,200

  Southern Derbyshire

  4

  1

  12,000

  116,600

  South Cheshire

  10

  7

  155,700

  303,500

  South Essex

  5

  1

  40,000

  45,000

  South Humber

  3

  2

  59,000

  83,000

  South Lancashire

  5

  1

  23,300

  187,400

  South Staffordshire

  7

  2

  55,000

  143,000

  South West Devon

  12

  8

  213,700

  359,300

  Southampton and South West Hampshire

  18

  9

  306,200

  918,800

  Stockport

  1

  —

  —

  14,000

  Suffolk

  6

  6

  109,000

  124,000

  Sunderland

  6

  —

  —

  207,600

  Tees

  3

  —

  —

  146,900

  Walsall

  3

  —

  —

  100,500

  Warwickshire

  1

  —

  —

  154,000

  West Hertfordshire

  2

  1

  40,000

  107,900

  West Kent

  3

  2

  80,200

  102,200

  106

  107

  Investing in dentistry requests by health authority

  Health authority

  Number of applications submitted

  Number of applications approved

  Gross funding awarded £

  Gross funding requested £

  West Surrey

  9

  4

  168,100

  902,600

  West Sussex

  31

  5

  90,616

  783,600

  Wigan and Bolton

  4

  1

  63,200

  194,000

  Wiltshire

  20

  14

  584,800

  1,128,600

  Wirral

  5

  —

  —

  123,000

  Wolverhampton

  4

  1

  50,000

  132,500

  Worcestershire

  3

  1

  40,000

  232,000

  Notes:

  1. Gross funding figures have been rounded up to the nearest hundred pounds.

  2. Some gross funding requested figures may be inflated due to the inclusion of revised or re-submitted applications.

  Primary Care Groups
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to appoint a pharmacist to membership of each primary care group; [66657]

  (2) when primary care groups will have their membership expanded to include a community optician. [66656]

  Mr. Denham
  Pharmacists and opticians are recognised as important stakeholders in the community and primary care group boards have the power to co-opt them onto the board so as to make proper use of their skills and knowledge, but we do not intend to require a pharmacist or optician member on all boards.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from community health councils regarding the composition of primary care groups. [66652]

  Mr. Denham
  The Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales has been involved with discussions about the establishment of primary care groups since February 1998.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons dentists were excluded from the membership of primary care groups. [66655]

  Mr. Denham
  Dentists are not excluded from primary care groups. Dentists are recognised as important stakeholders in the community and primary care group boards have the power to co-opt them onto the board so as to make proper use of their skills and knowledge, but we do not intend to require a dentist member on all boards.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 January 1999,Official Report, columns 381–82, what estimate he has made of the annual number of general practitioner appointments with patients which will have to be covered by either locum GPs or other GPs within the practices, as a result of GP participation in the administration of primary care groups. [67253]

  Mr. Denham
  We have put in place a framework of allowances for primary care group board members that enables general practitioner practices to claim locum costs to cover the absence on PCG business of a member of the practice. The number of GP appointments that may have to be covered by either locum GPs or other GPs within the practices as a result of GP participation in the 108
  administration of PCGs is entirely dependent upon how each of the 481 PCG boards organises its business and to what degree that business is conducted within individual GPs' surgery hours.

  Nurse Education
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for improvements to nurse education and training. [66864]

  Mr. Denham
  We want to see nurse education become more accessible and provide nurses with the practical skills they need when they enter the National Health Service. We will be discussing how we achieve this with representatives of the professions and the universities, and with Sir Len Peach, Chair of the United Kingdom Central Council Commission for Education. The commission is reviewing nurse education and will report in the summer.

  Loyalty Bonuses
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce a loyalty bonus pay scheme for years of service accrued in the National Health Service. [66927]

  Mr. Denham
  We want to see a fair and modern pay system in the National Health Service. We intend to publish proposals for achieving pay reform in the spring.

  Residential Care Workers
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his oral statement to the House on 5 November 1998,Official Report, columns 1011–13, what assessment he has made of the call for a comprehensive system of training and qualification for all residential care workers contained in the Residential Forum's report, "A Golden Opportunity". [66814]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are working to reshape training for residential child care staff in the context of the White Paper Modernising Social Services and as an integral part of our Quality Protects programme. To achieve our aims, we shall work in partnership with employment, users, professional and education interests in order that the best possible training opportunities may be provided for these staff. We have already begun this work through a series of initiatives reviewing the content of professional social work training, investing in new post qualifying training specifically for child care to be delivered in centres of excellence and by funding training to National Vocational Qualifications level 3 for other residential child care staff.
  109
  We see residential child care work as being firmly rooted in the values and ethos of social work and we intend to continue this as the basis of training for staff who deal with damaged and vulnerable children.

  Multiple Sclerosis
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he(a) is taking and (b) intends to take to ensure that the guidelines set out in EL 95/97 for choosing those MS patients suitable for treatments with beta interferon are consistently implemented. [66740]

  Ms Jowell
  Most health authorities now have procedures in place by which suitable patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis can receive treatment with beta interferon. However, consideration is being given to the possible need for further guidance, in the light of continuing debate about the clinical and cost effectiveness of beta interferon.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients with MS were prescribed Azathiopine between 1995 and 1998. [66856]

  Ms Jowell
  The information requested is not available. 1,024,500 National Health Service prescriptions for Azathioprine were dispensed in the community in England between 1995 and 1997 (1998 data are not yet available), but hospital dispensing data, and information on medical conditions for which the drug was prescribed, and the numbers of patients for whom it was prescribed are not held centrally.

  Care Pathways
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to issue guidance on the provision of care pathways for patients with long-term medical conditions. [66874]

  Mr. Hutton
  There are no plans at present to issue guidance on care pathways for patients with long-term care conditions.

  The Health Select Committee in its investigation into the relationship between health and social services has recommended that the Department draw up user pathways for a comprehensive range of conditions and services.

  The Department is currently reviewing all recommendations set out the Committee's report on the relationship between health and social services and will be responding in due course.

  Local Deprivation Indicators
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which measures of local deprivation his Department and its agencies use in considering allocation of funds to local projects. [66724]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department provides project funding to a range of voluntary organisations through a number of grant schemes. Decisions about which projects to fund are made, essentially, by referral to the aims and strengths of the individual applications and how each one relates to the Department's aims and objectives. The extent to which a project grant would have an impact on local deprivation would be considered alongside all the other aspects, and the particular circumstances, of that specific project.

  Aldehydes
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants plans to consider aldehydes; and if he will make a statement; [66728]

  (2) what further action he plans to take to reduce levels of aldehydes in ambient air; and what plans he has for further research into their sources. [66713]

  Ms Jowell
  This Department's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants will be examining the health effects of aldehydes as part of its on-going review of pollutants, probably towards the end of 1999. The committee's advice will determine whether further research is appropriate, including the further identification of sources.

  We understand that there is no detailed inventory of the sources of formaldehyde emissions in the United Kingdom. However, road vehicles are likely to be a significant source, particularly in built-up areas. Action taken to implement new European legislation to reduce emissions from new passenger cars and light duty vans in 2000 and 2005 is likely to reduce emissions of hydrocarbons (including aldehydes) from road transport. Further changes to improve fuel quality from 2000 and 2005 are also expected to reduce significantly the level of noxious emissions from the existing vehicle fleet.

  Operating Department Practitioners
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will assess the(a) benefits and (b) disadvantages of regulating operating department practitioners. [66877]

  Mr. Denham
  This is a matter for the profession.

  Housing
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what appraisal he has made of the incidence and cost of ill-health currently attributable to poor ventilation and condensation in the housing stock. [66884]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: We recognise the very important links between poor housing and ill health. That is why Ministerial colleagues within the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions have released substantial additional resources for housing, regeneration and energy efficiency measures. Additional Government action to tackle poverty, unemployment and unhealthy lifestyles will also play a key role.

  Significant risks to health arise from cold and damp conditions. Those likely to be most affected are often the most vulnerable in society: the old, the very young, the disabled and those living on low incomes. The main health outcomes are respiratory diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis and cardiovascular diseases, as well as accidents and mental health.

  The Department and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions are jointly funding a £1 million research programme over 3 years. This programme, "The effects on health of exposure to air pollutants and damp in the home", is focusing on indoor air pollution and its effects on health. The effects on sensitive individuals in the population, interactions

  111
  between indoor air pollutants and the health effects of damp, including respiratory disease and asthma, as well as ventilation and the relationship between indoor and outdoor pollutants, are main focuses of the studies.

  Health Action Zones are targetting special effort in areas of deprivation to develop new approaches to improving health and services and a number of these are working to improve housing and energy efficiency in poor homes. From April this year, all health authorities will begin developing local health improvement programmes in partnership with local National Health Service bodies and local authorities to achieve improvements in health. Housing will be a key area where these bodies can work together to improve the health of local communities.

  Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research has been commissioned into the incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by long-term exposure to poorly-ventilated domestic gas appliances; [65329]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the level of awareness among general practitioners of the incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning from poorly-ventilated domestic gas appliances and the medical symptoms of long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide. [65330]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 21 January 1999]: Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning causes 50 accidental deaths and nearly 200 serious injuries in the United Kingdom each year and is still a significant public health issue. First, we welcome the Department of Trade and Industry's recent campaign "Carbon Monoxide Can Kill—Keep Your Family Safe". This campaign will help to raise the awareness of the dangers of CO to those made at risk.

  The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has regularly reminded all doctors over the last two years, through his update, of the importance of identifying cases of CO poisoning. To reinforce the message even further and more widely the CMO and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) published a letter "Carbon Monoxide: The Forgotten Killer" in September last year, which provided the most up-to-date information about CO to community nurses, midwives, health visitors, general practitioners and other health professionals. In particular, health professionals were reminded about the similarity of the symptoms of long-term exposure to lower levels of CO to food poisoning and influenza.

  This Department, in association with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, is currently funding a £1 million joint research programme about the effects of exposure to air pollutants and damp in the home. Three of these research projects specifically address CO exposure.

  A major three-year Department of Health/Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions £3 million research programme, which focused mainly on outdoor pollutants, is coming to an end shortly and decisions will be taken shortly on future research funding. One priority area will be CO poisoning in the home.

  Stroke Care
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what rights stroke victims or their relatives have to insist on patients' treatment in specialist stroke units; [66837]

  (2) if he will make a statement on national implementation plans for stroke care. [66839]

  Mr. Hutton
  Following a stroke patients are entitled to expect that an appropriate service will be provided, but that service will not necessarily be within a specialist stroke unit. The organisation of health authorities services, including those for people who have had a stroke, and the manner in which they are delivered are matters for the health authority, taking account of the needs of the local population and the priorities set for the use of the available resources.

  In the recent guidance which we issued on "Commissioning in the New NHS" in October 1998 the importance of care pathways was stressed. Our proposals for "Pathways" of care will link primary care, secondary care and social care where appropriate. We emphasised in this guidance that care pathways would be developed to cover a range of preventative diagnostic, palliative, rehabilitative and supporting caring components of an integrated programme of care. The care and treatments of patients with stroke provides an example of how care pathways can work in practice.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (1) is his estimate of(a) the amount of money and (b) the percentage of the NHS budget spent annually over the last five years on stroke treatment and rehabilitation; [66838]

  (2) how many stroke patients were treated in the NHS outside specialist stroke units in the last year for which figures are available; [66840]

  (3) how many specialist stroke units there are and how many patients were treated in them in the last year for which figures are available; [66841]

  (4) what is his estimate of the effectiveness of specialist stroke units. [66842]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not available. The organisation of health services, including services for people who have had a stroke, and the manner in which they are delivered are matters for the health authority, taking account of the needs of the local population and the priorities set for the use of the available resources.

  Cardiac Disease (Hospital Waiting Times)
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what targets he has set for the maximum possible waiting time for operations to deal with life-threatening cardiac conditions. [67015]

  Mr. Denham
  We have set no new targets for maximum waiting times for operations to deal with life-threatening cardiac conditions. However, an external reference group is currently working with the Department of Health to develop a national service framework covering all aspects of National Health Service care for people with coronary heart disease.

  Bone Marrow Transplants
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many registered bone marrow donors there are; [67134]

  (2) what is the average cost of a bone marrow transplant; [67133]

  (3) how many people are currently waiting for bone marrow transplants. [67135]

  Mr. Hutton
  According to the recently published "New NHS 1998 Reference Costs" the average unit cost of a bone marrow graft is £10,600.

  There are approximately 381,000 potential bone marrow donors registered currently on the two bone marrow registers operating in England. The British bone marrow register holds around 91,000 names and the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust has approaching 290,000.
  114
  Figures for the number of people currently waiting for a bone marrow transplant are not kept centrally.

  Shopmobility Schemes
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial support his Department is providing to shopmobility schemes in the current financial year. [67144]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Federation of Shopmobility, which is the umbrella body for local shopmobility schemes, is not receiving any financial support under Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 during the current financial year from the Department. The National Federation of Shopmobility has submitted two applications under the Section 64 grant scheme for the financial year commencing 1 April 1999 and these are currently under consideration.

SCOTLAND

  Glasgow City Council
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what form of financial support has been made by the Scottish Office to Glasgow City Council to pay for a feasibility study into its proposed mass stock transfer initiative. [63324]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 10 December 1998]: Glasgow City Council has been granted consent to borrow £1.065 million in order to undertake feasibility work under the new housing partnerships initiative. Loan charges support for this borrowing will be available from The Scottish Office.

  Commercial Lobbyists
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what rules or guidance his Department has to govern the(a) formal and (b) informal interaction between his civil servants and commercial lobbyists. [66206]

  Mr. Dewar
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 27 July 1998,Official Report, column 4.

  Hunterston B Nuclear Plant
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the emergency declared at the Hunterston B nuclear plant on 27 December. [66426]

  Mr. Dewar
  In order to operate their cooling systems all nuclear power stations need access to either the Grid or to their own power sources. As a result of the severe weather that affected the West of Scotland on 26–27 December 1998 connection to all 4 power Grid lines to Hunterston B was lost shortly after midnight. Staff safely shut down both the reactors at Hunterston B. Back-up generators were activated automatically to prevent overheating.

  The generators were shut down when the Grid connection was restored. However, they did not restart automatically when the Grid connection was lost for a second time. An on-site emergency was declared early on the morning of 27 December. Management at the station took that decision to ensure that additional technical staffing resources were available to deal with the on-site consequences of the power loss as rapidly as possible. By this time the reactors had been safely shut down for nearly 11 hours. There was no damage to, or release of radioactivity from the plant.

  Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors are investigating the incident and will report on it in
  their Quarterly Statement of Nuclear Incidents at Nuclear Installations; and
  their report to the Local Community Liaison Committee.
  116
  I have asked HSE to send copies of these documents to my hon. Friend when they are published.

  Drugs
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each project of over £10,000 the programmes funded by (i) Scotland Against Drugs and (ii) the Drugs Challenge Fund in 1997–98 indicating the programmes of over £10,000 which have been commissioned under these headings in financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; what is the total proposed budget for(a) SAD and (b) the Drugs Challenge Fund for each of the next three financial years; what are the running costs; and what percentage of total funds will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65939]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: Funding of £1 million per annum has been made available to Scotland Against Drugs, including £0.5 million for the Drugs Challenge Fund for the years 1998–99 to 2000–01. Running costs for this financial year are estimated at £0.250 million. These funds will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Information on programmes over £10,000 is set out in the tables.

  (i) Scotland against drugs

  £

  Programme

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  National Drug Awareness Week Activity/Promotion

  115,942

  —

  —

  Young People's Programme

  Primary School Project

  40,038

  —

  —

  Youth Action Fund

  80,550

  —

  —

  SFA Partnership Project

  71,768

  —

  —

  Concession Card

  190,314

  —

  —

  Young Scot Activities

  25,438

  —

  —

  Youth Events

  14,801

  —

  —

  Media Strategy

  389,408

  —

  —

  Total

  812,317

  —

  —

  Adult/Parent Programme

  Adult/Parent Programme

  178,637

  —

  —

  Adult/Media Strategy

  608,770

  —

  —

  Total

  787,407

  —

  —

  Business/Commerce Programme

  Business Support

  7,275

  —

  —

  Education in the Workplace

  66,937

  —

  —

  Total

  74,212

  —

  —

  Public Relations

  Communications Strategy

  —

  119,000

  2—

  Young People Programme

  Primary School Initiative

  —

  1130,000

  2—

  Adult/Parent Programme

  Drugs in the Workplace

  —

  1131,000

  2—

  1 Estimated out-turn

  2 Uncommitted

  117

  (ii) Scottish drugs challenge fund

  £

  Project

  1997–98

  1998–99

  11999–2000

  Glasgow City Council Parks and Recreation Department

  14,000

  —

  —

  Govan Initiative Ltd

  10,146

  —

  —

  Enhance RDP (Turning point)

  34,133

  —

  —

  Queen of the South FC

  10,200

  —

  —

  Motherwell Athletics Club

  52,700

  —

  —

  Renfrewshire Council

  11,400

  —

  —

  Evening Times

  40,000

  —

  —

  Health Promotions—Grampian Health Board

  50,000

  —

  —

  Friends of Craigmillar

  20,667

  —

  —

  Paisley Partnership

  11,050

  —

  —

  Drumchapel Community Drugs Forum

  10,000

  —

  —

  North Lanarkshire Council Education Department

  16,000

  —

  —

  Drumchapel Adventure Group

  12,940

  —

  —

  Greater Easterhouse Development Co Ltd.

  17,000

  —

  —

  Fablevision

  32,000

  —

  —

  Calton Athletic Recovery Group

  50,000

  —

  Lanark Road Project

  11,136

  —

  —

  Govan Youth Access Project

  10,500

  —

  —

  Forfar Drugs Initiative Group

  23,000

  —

  —

  Drumchapel Adventure Group

  —

  14,000

  33,110

  Evening Times

  —

  5,000

  45,000

  Drumchapel Drugs Forum

  —

  5,000

  12,200

  Simpson House

  —

  11,120

  11,125

  Renfrewshire Council Education and Leisure Services

  —

  6,000

  13,984

  Mayfield and Easthouses Manse Project

  —

  25,350

  —

  Renfrewshire Council Social Work Department

  —

  25,440

  —

  Central Scotland NHS Trust Community Addiction

  —

  14,481

  —

  Media Education

  —

  12,750

  12,755

  Mastrick Youth Café

  —

  26,000

  —

  Community Athletics 2000

  —

  41,000

  —

  Govan Youth Access Project

  —

  10,000

  —

  Tayside Police

  —

  20,000

  —

  South Lanarkshire Council

  —

  26,666

  —

  Tayside Police

  —

  7,333

  7,333

  Scottish Football Association

  —

  50,000

  —

  Health Promotion, Grampian Health Board

  —

  50,000

  —

  Fablevision

  —

  34,150

  —

  Renfrewshire Council

  —

  11,200

  —

  Friends of Craigmillar

  —

  20,775

  11,600

  Glasgow City Council Cultural and Leisure Services

  —

  28,280

  —

  1 Committed

  Rough Sleepers Initiative
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of all allocations of money over £10,000 made under the rough sleepers initiative in the financial year 1997–98 indicating allocations over £10,000 already made under the initiative for financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; what is the

  £

  Local authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Total

  Aberdeen City Council

  —

  232,184

  308,482

  540,666

  Dundee City Council

  70,313

  249,812

  586,625

  906,750

  East Lothian Council

  20,000

  56,526

  169,579

  246,105

  East and West Dunbartonshire Councils

  —

  11,200

  34,300

  45,500

  City of Edinburgh Council

  821,000

  2,379,328

  1,590,880

  4,791,208

  Falkirk Council

  —

  —

  522,300

  522,300

  Fife Council

  141,535

  118,330

  170,666

  430,531

  Glasgow City Council

  1,072,900

  2,223,700

  2,353,300

  5,649,900

  Highland Council

  16,700

  16,800

  —

  33,500

  Inverclyde Council

  13,600

  33,500

  34,300

  81,400

  Moray Council

  14,600

  49,745

  280,380

  344,725

  North and South Ayrshire Councils

  15,000

  46,100

  218,250

  279,350

  North Lanarkshire Council

  16,800

  257,497

  526,813

  801,110

  118
  total available under the initiative for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65953]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The breakdown of allocations of over £10,000 made under the Rough Sleepers Initiative on 1997–98 and 1998–99, including allocations for the year 1999–2000, was as follows:

  119

  £

  Local authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Total

  Perth and Kinross Council

  137,000

  318,162

  354,351

  809,513

  Renfrewshire Council

  10,100

  24,800

  134,925

  169,825

  South Lanarkshire Council

  16,600

  67,640

  73,580

  157,820

  Stirling Council

  —

  11,650

  23,900

  35,550

  West Lothian Council

  —

  37,500

  37,500

  75,000

  Glasgow Council for Single Homeless

  —

  24,334

  33,163

  57,497

  A further £14 million has been identified for the Rough Sleepers Initiative over the 2 years, 2000–01 and 2001–02. All of these funds will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Mental Health Development Fund
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each project of over £10,000 the programmes(a) funded from the Mental Health

  Health board

  Project

  1998–99 Funding (£)

  Argyll and Clyde

  Joint commissioning development project

  61,000

  Pilot for jointly appointed manager for combined community mental health team

  42,000

  Needs assessment led service development for children and young people with mental disorder in care and on the child protection register

  57,000

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Establishment of co-ordination and support for community
  health teams

  88,000

  User and carer involvement in community care planning

  63,000

  Fife

  Needs led integrated service development

  117,000

  Real jobs initiative—employer liaison

  10,000

  Forth Valley

  Shared learning initiative

  28,000

  Grampian

  Joint commissioning manager

  50,000

  Community education workers

  50,000

  Senior care managers—mental health

  75,000

  Greater Glasgow

  Dementia Glasgow 1999

  220,000

  Assessment of mental health needs of homeless population

  78,000

  Challenge of change—project 1

  78,000

  Challenge of change—project 2

  49,000

  Ethnic minorities development worker

  22,000

  Lanarkshire

  Project team approach to mental health needs assessment and user and carer involvement

  203,000

  Lothian

  Housing liaison project

  38,000

  Planning for training, education and employment

  29,000

  Developing a community sensitive mental health service

  44,000

  Orkney

  Dementia project

  12,000

  Note:

  Invitations have issued for bids for funds for later years

  As health related expenditure the Fund will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Crime (Research)
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of all allocations of money over £10,000 for research projects into crime, the causes of crime, the prison system, the police or the criminal justice system; if he will give the allocations over £10,000 already made for such research projects for financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; if he will give the total funds available for each of the next three financial years for such projects; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65812]

  Mr. McLeish
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: Research on crime, the causes of crime, the prison
  120
  Development Fund in 1997–98 and (b) commissioned by his Department to be funded from the Mental Health Development Fund in (i) 1998–99 and (ii) 1999–2000; what is the total proposed budget for such projects for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this he estimates will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65932]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The first allocation made from the Mental Health Development Fund issued during financial year 1998–99. Awards over £10,000 in that year were as follows:

  system, the police and the criminal justice system is commissioned by The Scottish Office from its criminal law research vote and, in part, from the social work research vote (offender social work services). Funds available from these research votes over the next three years are shown in the following table. From July 1999, these funds will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  £

  Year

  Criminal law research vote

  Social work research vote

  1999–2000

  532,000

  150,000

  2000–01

  532,000

  150,000

  2001–02

  532,000

  150,000

  Research projects for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 costing over £10,000 are listed in the table.

  121

  £000

  Research projects

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Young men and offending

  65

  —

  Young women and offending

  8

  2

  Women offenders

  —

  60

  Evaluation of Freagarrach (President Young Offenders)

  13

  17

  Children Jointly Reported to Reporters and Procurators Fiscal Children's Hearing's Cohort Study (not soley offenders)

  —

  18

  Evaluation of Diversion

  30

  10

  Taking Account of Victims Views

  12

  —

  Social Work and Criminal Justice Programme—Phase 3: Re-conviction of probationers and ex-prisoners

  9

  5

  Evaluation of Supervised Attendance Orders

  —

  34

  Evaluation of Airborne Initiative

  —

  28

  Research To Develop A New Police Standard Entrance Test

  36

  —

  Child Witness Support Initiative

  13

  —

  Intermediate Diets and the Agreement of Evidence

  22

  9

  Evaluation of the Strathclyde Police Witness Protection Pilot Project

  17

  —

  Comparison of Homicide Rates in Scotland, England and Wales

  14

  —

  Evaluation of the Open Doors Programme HMP Barlinnie

  20

  19

  Young Offenders Held in Custody

  31

  —

  Repeat Victimisation

  21

  3

  Evaluation of the Young Offender Mediation

  11

  —

  Evaluation of Electronically Monitored Restriction of Liberty Orders

  15

  25

  Survey of Crimes Against Business in Scotland

  46

  69

  Experience of Violence and Harassment of Gay Men in the City of Edinburgh

  11

  3

  Local Care Partnership Scheme
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of all allocations of money over £10,000 made under the Local Care Partnership scheme in the financial year 1997–98; if he will list the allocations over £10,000 already made under this scheme for the financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; if he will give(a) the amount allocated to running costs and (b) the total funds available for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65811]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The allocations over £10,000 made from the Local Care Partnership Scheme in financial year 1998–99 were as follows:

  £

  Health board area/project

  1998–99 funding

  Argyll and Clyde

  Strategic approach to joint commissioning of addiction services—Joint Development Officer

  34,000

  Co-operation in Levern Valley

  64,000

  Rapid response team

  51,000

  Borders

  Multi agency model for assessment in care management

  57,000

  Fife

  Integrated assessment care delivery project

  66,000

  Forth Valley

  Community care joint information system

  25,000

  Greater Glasgow

  Carewell one stop care shop for older people

  48,000

  Highland

  Skye support workers scheme

  42,000

  Inverness and Culloden Project

  100,000

  122

  £

  Health board area/project

  1998–99 funding

  Lothian

  Broxburn Challenge Centre Partnership

  59,000

  Tayside

  Development of care pathways for patients with fractured neck of femur

  17,000

  Allocations made over £10,000 for financial year 1999–2000 were as follows:

  £

  Health board area/project

  1999–2000 funding

  Borders

  Hitting the targets

  51,000

  Lanarkshire

  Services for homeless people

  55,000

  The Scheme did not operate in 1997–98. The Scheme will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Social Inclusion Partnerships
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of all allocations of money over £10,000 made under the Social Inclusion Partnerships in the financial year 1997–98; if he will state the allocations over £10,000 already made under this programme for the financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; if he will give(a) the amount allocated to running costs and (b) the total funds available for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65808]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: No allocations have yet been made to Social Inclusion Partnerships. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 13 November that he would allocate

  123
  £18 million of the £48 million available over the next 3 years to 3 new Social Inclusion Partnerships in Drumchapel, Greater Pollok and Blantyre/North Hamilton when they submit detailed strategies which demonstrate satisfactorily that they can meet their objectives. They have been asked to do so by 15 February. Further decisions on the designation of Social Inclusion Partnerships have yet to be made.

  The funds earmarked for Social Inclusion Partnerships will be included within the Scottish Administration's Assigned Budget and will be subject to decisions of the Scottish Parliament.

  Contingency Fund
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current amount of his Department's emergency reserve or contingency fund; and what amount he proposes it should be in each of next three financial years. [65813]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The Scottish Office does not have and has no plans for an emergency reserve or contingency fund. After devolution it will be for the Scottish Parliament to decide whether it wishes to set aside resources for this purpose.

  New Opportunities Fund
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of projects receiving assistance under the New Opportunities Fund in the current financial year; what funds have already been earmarked(a) in total and (b) by project where already allocated for the next three financial years; and what percentage will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65796]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: National Lottery funding is not subject to annuality. Current estimates of cash allocations for the first three initiatives over the next four years, and of the percentages allocated for Scottish projects, are as follows:

  Initiative

  Total allocation (£ million)

  Percentage allocation to Scotland

  Healthy Living Centres

  300

  11.5

  ICT training for teachers and librarians

  300

  10.2

  Out of school hours learning and child care

  400

  11.5

  The New Opportunities Fund will be inviting applications under these initiatives over the next few months. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has also published a consultation paper on three further possible initiatives to be funded by the New Opportunities Fund over the next four years. £400 million is expected to be available for these initiatives, but its division among them and the percentages to be allocated to Scotland have not yet been
  124
  determined. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will make an announcement shortly on the involvement of Scottish Ministers in National Lottery distribution after devolution.

  Empty Homes Initiative
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of all allocations of money over £10,000 made under the Empty Homes Initiative in the financial year 1997–98; if he will give the allocations over £10,000 already made under this programme for financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; if he will give(a) the amount allocated to running costs and (b) the total funds available for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65801]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The breakdown of allocations of over £10,000 made under the Empty Homes Initiative in 1997–98 and 1998–99 was as follows:

  £

  Local authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Total

  Aberdeen City Council

  —

  45,610

  45,610

  Aberdeenshire Council

  31,066

  544,000

  575,066

  Angus Council

  —

  30,000

  30,000

  Argyll & Bute Council

  —

  30,000

  30,000

  Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

  28,000

  40,000

  68,000

  Dumfries and Galloway Council

  —

  55,000

  55,000

  Dundee City Council

  —

  30,027

  30,027

  East Ayrshire Council

  58,000

  156,400

  214,400

  East Lothian Council

  —

  65,000

  65,000

  East Renfrewshire Council

  —

  77,092

  77,092

  City of Edinburgh Council

  254,980

  1,249,050

  1,504,030

  Falkirk Council

  140,000

  192,000

  332,000

  Fife Council

  —

  29,000

  29,000

  Glasgow City Council

  627,332

  1,603,860

  2,231,192

  Highland Council

  127,100

  461,074

  588,174

  Inverclyde Council

  —

  22,588

  22,588

  Moray Council

  15,000

  169,500

  184,500

  North Ayrshire Council

  —

  141,300

  141,300

  North Lanarkshire Council

  348,322

  305,371

  653,693

  Perth & Kinross Council

  —

  20,000

  20,000

  Scottish Borders Council

  64,000

  674,873

  738,873

  Shetlands Islands Council

  10,700

  51,100

  61,800

  South Ayrshire Council

  —

  27,500

  27,500

  South Lanarkshire Council

  —

  168,470

  168,470

  Stirling Council

  140,000

  230,000

  370,000

  West Dunbartonshire Council

  30,000

  149,000

  179,000

  West Lothian Council

  110,000

  425,000

  535,000

  The running costs associated with the Empty Homes Initiative are covered within the Scottish Office administration budget. Over the next three financial years, 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02, a further sum of up to £15 million has been identified for the Initiative and local authorities have been asked to submit proposals by 12 February. All Empty Homes Initiative funds will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications have been received to date under the Empty Homes Initiative broken down by(a) council and (b) amount. [66267]
  125
  Mr. Macdonald
  Thirty-one local authorities have applied to date for funding through the Empty Homes Initiative. The applications, broken down by council and amount, are as follows:

  £

  Local authority

  Applications for funding in 1997–98

  Applications for funding in 1998–99

  Aberdeen City Council

  13,000

  788,010

  Aberdeenshire Council

  103,766

  592,200

  Angus Council

  38,500

  130,000

  Argyll & Bute Council

  30,000

  30,000

  Clackmannanshire Council

  —

  500,000

  Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

  120,250

  92,500

  Dumfries & Galloway Council

  —

  55,000

  Dundee City Council

  —

  112,258

  East Ayrshire Council

  734,279

  956,400

  East Dunbartonshire Council

  —

  350,000

  East Lothian Council

  57,000

  65,000

  East Renfrewshire Council

  30,000

  77,092

  City of Edinburgh Council

  717,857

  2,582,250

  Falkirk Council

  140,000

  192,000

  Fife Council

  35,000

  183,208

  Glasgow City Council

  2,016,000

  6,530,647

  Highland Council

  266,045

  573,074

  Inverclyde Council

  —

  163,588

  Midlothian Council

  151,200

  151,200

  Moray Council

  15,000

  193,827

  North Ayrshire Council

  —

  441,300

  North Lanarkshire Council

  598,322

  900,262

  Perth & Kinross Council

  —

  20,000

  Renfrewshire Council

  396,000

  648,000

  Scottish Borders Council

  188,400

  1,054,873

  Shetland Islands Council

  10,700

  211,200

  South Ayrshire Council

  94,900

  94,750

  South Lanarkshire Council

  410,500

  239,352

  (a) Central Challenge Fund

  £000

  Authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Financial year 2001–02

  Angus

  2,613

  1,705

  854

  —

  —

  Aberdeenshire

  1,701

  1,500

  199

  —

  —

  Clackmannanshire

  310

  210

  —

  —

  —

  Dumfries and Galloway

  700

  1,175

  —

  —

  —

  East Ayrshire

  1,520

  910

  —

  —

  —

  East Dunbartonshire

  185

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Renfrewshire

  300

  200

  —

  —

  —

  Edinburgh, City of

  2,935

  1,416

  2,649

  —

  —

  Eilean Siar

  800

  1,200

  1,200

  650

  —

  Glasgow City

  1,076

  1,842

  1,488

  157

  99

  Moray

  100

  700

  200

  —

  —

  North Lanarkshire

  500

  1,000

  2,300

  —

  —

  Perth and Kinross

  0

  4,400

  8,100

  3,600

  380

  South Ayrshire

  375

  503

  —

  —

  —

  West Dumbartonshire

  127

  173

  158

  —

  —

  West Lothian

  1,646

  1,898

  1,888

  —

  —

  Total

  14,888

  18,832

  19,036

  4,407

  479

  Note:

  The figures describe original awards which, due to slippage and other factors, are subject to change

  Source:

  Scottish Office Development Department
  126

  £

  Local authority

  Applications for funding in 1997–98

  Applications for funding in 1998–99

  Stirling Council

  200,000

  230,000

  West Dunbartonshire Council

  30,000

  409,000

  West Lothian Council

  215,000

  525,000

  Total

  6,611,719

  19,091,991

  Sixteen authorities were awarded a total of £2 million for 1997–98 and 27 authorities were awarded a total of £7 million for 1998–99. In November 1998 local authorities were invited to submit applications by 12 February 1999 for funding in the three years from 1999–2000 to 2001–02.

  From 1 July 1999 the Empty Homes Initiative will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Challenge Fund
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of allocations of money over £10,000 made from the Challenge Fund in the financial year 1997–98, indicating allocations over £10,000 already made from the fund for financial years 1998–-99 and 1999–2000; what is the total available under the fund for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65952]

  Mr. McLeish
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The information is set out in the tables. The allocations shown are fully committed for those projects that were successful in the 1997–98 Central Challenge Fund and the 1997–98 and 1998–99 Transport Challenge Funds. These resources will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  127

  (b) Transport Challenge Fund

  £000

  Financial year

  Authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Aberdeen City

  —

  2,400

  2,900

  Angus

  1,000

  1,000

  —

  Argyll and Bute

  3,000

  —

  —

  East Renfrewshire

  —

  800

  1,700

  Edinburgh, City of

  4,000

  7,200

  5,000

  Falkirk

  —

  500

  2,500

  Fife

  —

  900

  1,800

  Highland

  3,000

  —

  —

  Midlothian

  —

  1,000

  1,500

  Scottish Borders

  4,000

  2,500

  —

  South Lanarkshire

  —

  500

  2,000

  Stirling

  —

  1,200

  2,800

  SPTA

  —

  800

  4,200

  Total

  15,000

  18,800

  24,400

  Note:

  1. The figures describe original awards which, due to slippage and other factors, are subject to change.

  2. There are no Transport Challenge Fund awards due in 2000-01 or 2001–02.

  Source:

  Scottish Office Development Department

  Non-custodial Offenders
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a break-down of all allocations of money over £10,000 made under the non-custodial offenders services scheme in the financial year 1997–98; if he will give the allocations over £10,000 already made under this scheme for the financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; if he will give(a) the amount allocated to running costs and (b) the total funds available for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65795]

  Mr. McLeish
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The table shows the allocation of grants made to local authorities in 1997–98 and 1998–99 by Central Government for the provision of criminal justice social work services. Allocation of grant for 1999–2000 has yet to be made. Most of the grant allocated to authorities is used for revenue funding: the capital element is very small. The total funds available for criminal justice social work services in 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02 are £40.8 million, £42.8 million, and £44 million respectively. All of the funding for criminal justice social work will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  £

  Local authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Aberdeen City

  2,120,749

  2,064,735

  Aberdeenshire

  720,000

  701,792

  Angus

  715,793

  749,043

  Argyll and Bute

  347,081

  354,366

  City of Dundee

  1,528,586

  1,737,279

  City of Edinburgh

  3,349,954

  3,363,637

  City of Glasgow

  5,739,105

  6,548,835

  Clackmannan

  259,400

  297,600

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1,022,100

  1,018,698

  East Ayrshire

  791,360

  769,660

  East Dunbarton

  382,000

  348,250

  East Lothian

  455,888

  429,964

  East Renfrew

  416,100

  361,089

  Falkirk

  710,000

  800,480

  Fife

  2,321,795

  2,315,582

  128

  £

  Local authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Highland

  1,493,500

  1,412,500

  Inverclyde

  751,100

  836,723

  Midlothian

  383,089

  383,477

  Moray

  346,000

  352,396

  North Ayrshire

  882,260

  828,800

  North Lanark

  1,740,883

  1,803,563

  Orkney Islands

  357,293

  324,454

  Perth and Kinross

  759,604

  811,645

  Renfrewshire

  994,813

  1,054,990

  Scottish Borders

  577,500

  577,750

  Shetland Islands

  214,980

  199,747

  South Ayrshire

  595,231

  608,841

  South Lanark

  2,005,304

  2,060,594

  Stirling

  590,050

  613,580

  West Dunbarton

  668,381

  714,413

  West Lothian

  811,469

  784,627

  Western Isles

  135,276

  108,043

  Totals

  34,186,644

  35,337,153

  Millennium Festival Fund
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those projects which have been allocated funding from the Millennium Festival Fund(a) in the current financial year, (b) for 1999–2000 and (c) for 2000–01; what is the total moneys available from the fund in each of these years; and what percentage will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65805]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The Millennium Festival Fund has been established to help the nation to celebrate the Millennium. Like other National Lottery expenditure, it is not subject to annuality. Each of the National Lottery distributing bodies operating in Scotland—the Scottish Sports Council, the Scottish Arts Council, the National Lottery Charities Board, the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Millennium Commission—has contributed towards a Scottish fund of some £10.4 million.

  Applications for large grants, over £5,000, were invited in May last year, with a closing date of late October. Details of the successful projects will be announced late next month. A further funding round, aimed at local communities and small organisations seeking grants of £500–£5,000, is expected to be launched shortly. It will be operational until June 2000.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will shortly make an announcement on the involvement of Scottish Ministers in National Lottery distribution after devolution.

  New Deal for Communities
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of all allocations of money over £10,000 made under the New Deal for Communities in the financial year 1997–98; if he will give the allocations over £10,000 already made under this programme for financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; if he will give(a) the amount allocated to running costs and (b) the total funds available for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65799]
  129
  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The Working for Communities and Listening to Communities programmes were introduced earlier this financial year. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced in May 1998 that two initial pathfinders would be established in Greater Easterhouse (Glasgow) and Wester Hailes (Edinburgh) under the Working for Communities programme; I expect the total cost of the two pathfinders in the current year to be between £250,000 and £300,000. An annual allocation of up to £200,000 is available to support each of the two pathfinders for the following three years.

  Funding of £315,000 is being made available to support the development of New Community Schools in this financial year. Funding for this initiative will in future years be made available through the Excellence Fund for Schools.

  A total of £3.3 million is available to support the Working for Communities and Listening to Communities programmes in each of the next two financial years, rising to £6.3 million in 2001–02. I have already announced the broad objectives for these two programmes and I expect to make a further announcement on the allocation of funds under these programmes before the end of March.

  The running costs associated with the programmes are covered within the Scottish Office administration budget, and the funds earmarked for the Working for Communities and Listening to Communities programmes will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Transport Projects
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the transport projects of over £100,000 for which contracts have been signed which will require public funds in each of the next three financial years; what will be the annual cost of each of these projects for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of proposed spending on(a) road, (b) rail, (c) air, (d) sea and (e) other transport for this period has thus been allocated. [65928]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Information on individual contracts entered into by local authorities is not held centrally.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each project of over £10,000 the moneys he has provided to(a) local authorities, (b) other groups and (c) projects commissioned by his Department for energy efficiency projects in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000; what is the total proposed budget for energy efficiency projects for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65937]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: In 1997–98 local authorities were allocated £2.5 million to improve the energy efficiency of their housing stock. In 1998–99 the Warm Deal has provided local authorities with £3 million, Home Energy Efficiency Installers with £1.75 million and Scottish Homes with £0.5 million to improve home energy efficiency across all tenures. An
  130
  extra £1 million has been made available but has not yet been allocated. The budget for the Warm Deal in 1999–2000 will be £6 million. These funds will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament. Local authorities may use other resources for energy efficiency projects but no details are held centrally.

  Innovation Fund for Child Health
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of all allocations of money over £10,000 made under the Innovation Fund for Child Health in the financial year 1997–98; if he will give the allocations over £10,000 already made under this programme for financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; if he will give(a) the amount allocated to running costs and (b) the total funds available for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65814]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: I announced details of the Innovation Fund for children's services in November 1998. No funds have been allocated from the fund for the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99.

  The total amount made available in the next three financial years is as follows:

  £ million

  1999–2000

  2

  2000–01

  4

  2001–02

  3

  No funds have been allocated to running costs.

  As health related expenditure the Fund will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Child Care Projects
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown by(a) local authority and (b) policy objective of the money made available for child care projects in financial years 1992–93 to 1997–98; what money has been allocated for child care by policy heading and local authority in financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; what are the proposed total amounts to be made available for child care over each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65927]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) for children's services provided by local authorities for the years 1992–93 to 1999–2000 is shown in Table 1. It is for authorities to determine the proportion that may be spent on child care projects.

  In addition to this funding, following the publication of the Green Paper "Meeting the Childcare Challenge: a Childcare Strategy for Scotland" (Cm 3958) an additional £4.7 million has been made available in 1998–99 to develop and support child care generally. Of this, £3.8 million was allocated to local authorities. The breakdown by authority is given in Table 2. Also in

  131
  1998–99, an extra £515,000 was allocated to Scottish Enterprise and £50,000 to Highland and Islands Enterprise to support the child care strategy.

  Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, a further £49 million will be available over the three year period covering 1999–2000 to 2001–02 to support implementation of the child care strategy. £33 million of this will be allocated to local authorities: £5.75 million in 1999–2000, £13.75 million in 2000–01, and £13.75 million in 2001–02. In addition, £42 million will be made available to local authorities over 1999–2002 to expand support for families with very young children in areas of greatest need: £9 million in 1999–2000, £14 million in 2000–01, and £19 million in 2001–02. The breakdown of funding by authority for 1999–2000 is given in Columns 1 and 2 of Table 3. Decisions on allocations of funding to individual authorities in later years will be taken in due course.

  A new Children's Services Development Fund totalling £36.7 million over 3 years from 1999–2000 was announced in November last year. The Fund will help provide improved advocacy for children, extension of fostering services and expansion of support for families with very young children. The first year allocations are set out in Column 3 of Table 3. Allocations for later years will be determined in due course.

  This funding will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Table 1: Services for children

  GAE £000

  Local authority

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Borders

  1,956

  1,959

  2,295

  2,003

  Central

  9,134

  6,258

  10,959

  14,798

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3,554

  3,886

  4,535

  4,143

  Fife

  10,028

  9,847

  12,534

  12,055

  Grampian

  16,430

  15,300

  15,689

  12,224

  Highland

  5,532

  5,555

  6,342

  6,679

  Lothian

  27,240

  27,535

  30,855

  29,198

  Strathclyde

  114,053

  110,928

  119,404

  106,520

  Tayside

  14,514

  14,649

  14,858

  14,023

  Orkney

  319

  316

  355

  405

  Shetland

  414

  586

  461

  414

  Western Isles

  631

  614

  624

  642

  Table 1 (continued): Services for children

  GAE £000

  Local authority

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Aberdeen City

  6,716

  6,405

  6,824

  7,082

  Aberdeenshire

  3,765

  4,040

  2,998

  2,942

  Angus

  2,683

  2,575

  2,542

  2,644

  Argyll and Bute

  2,555

  2,528

  2,362

  2,300

  Clackmannanshire

  1,727

  1,729

  1,708

  1,799

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3,788

  3,905

  3,767

  4,215

  Dundee City

  7,475

  7,510

  8,475

  8,519

  East Ayrshire

  4,793

  4,960

  4,993

  5,232

  East Dunbartonshire

  2,434

  2,107

  1,852

  1,529

  East Lothian

  2,444

  2,472

  1,957

  2,375

  East Renfrewshire

  1,837

  1,991

  1,757

  1,624

  Edinburgh, City of

  17,602

  17,894

  18,758

  17,313

  Eilean Siar

  628

  609

  480

  499

  Falkirk

  4,914

  4,682

  5,058

  5,325

  Fife

  10,652

  11,460

  11,634

  11,964

  Glasgow City

  44,264

  44,182

  46,873

  48,385

  Highland

  6,204

  6,048

  5,449

  5,769

  Inverclyde

  4,428

  4,145

  4,661

  4,472

  Midlothian

  2,333

  2,532

  2,814

  2,779

  Moray

  1,677

  1,958

  1,617

  1,544

  132

  Table 1 (continued): Services for children

  GAE £000

  Local authority

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  North Ayrshire

  6,545

  6,215

  6,534

  7,075

  North Lanarkshire

  13,495

  13,754

  14,000

  14,877

  Orkney Islands

  275

  275

  237

  242

  Perthshire and Kinross

  2,814

  2,989

  2,915

  2,949

  Renfrewshire

  7,462

  7,842

  7,772

  7,863

  Scottish Borders

  2,016

  2,229

  2,043

  1,931

  Shetland Islands

  338

  330

  301

  295

  South Ayrshire

  3,265

  3,389

  3,422

  3,187

  South Lanarkshire

  10,032

  9,969

  10,164

  9,960

  Stirling

  2,554

  2,401

  2,460

  2,553

  West Dunbartonshire

  5,466

  5,410

  6,035

  6,150

  West Lothian

  5,610

  6,498

  6,725

  6,334

  Table 2: Additional money available in 1998–99 to develop and support child care

  £000 rounded to nearest £000

  Local authority

  1998–99

  Aberdeen City

  126

  Aberdeen

  145

  Angus

  82

  Argyll and Bute

  73

  Clackmannanshire

  58

  Dumfries and Galloway

  100

  Dundee City

  122

  East Ayrshire

  105

  East Dunbartonshire

  83

  East Lothian

  72

  East Renfrewshire

  75

  Edinburgh, City of

  240

  Eilean Siar

  43

  Falkirk

  104

  Fife

  218

  Glasgow City

  491

  Highland

  135

  Inverclyde

  87

  Midlothian

  69

  Moray

  72

  North Ayrshire

  114

  North Lanarkshire

  239

  Orkney Islands

  39

  Perthshire and Kinross

  91

  Renfrewshire

  135

  Scottish Borders

  77

  Shetland Islands

  41

  South Ayrshire

  87

  South Lanarkshire

  205

  Stirling

  70

  West Dunbartonshire

  93

  West Lothian

  112

  Table 3: Additional money allocated for 1999–2000 to develop and support child care

  £000

  Local authority

  Column 1 Child care strategy development

  Column 2 Support for families with very young children

  Column 3 Children's services development fund

  Aberdeen City

  198

  315

  301

  Aberdeenshire

  228

  257

  182

  Angus

  116

  151

  135

  Argyll and Bute

  95

  117

  106

  Clackmannanshire

  69

  91

  92

  Dumfries and Galloway

  146

  207

  190

  Dundee City

  157

  341

  391

  East Ayrshire

  134

  229

  241

  133

  Table 3: Additional money allocated for 1999–2000 to develop and support child care

  £000

  Local authority

  Column 1 Child care strategy development

  Column 2 Support for families with very young children

  Column 3 Children's services development fund

  East Dunbartonshire

  113

  123

  95

  East Lothian

  100

  130

  116

  East Renfrewshire

  100

  109

  86

  Edinburgh, City of

  429

  735

  747

  Eilean Siar

  50

  32

  27

  Falkirk

  147

  239

  237

  Fife

  368

  581

  584

  Glasgow City

  926

  1,699

  2,039

  Highland

  213

  309

  285

  Inverclyde

  102

  176

  191

  Midlothian

  94

  126

  120

  Moray

  100

  117

  95

  North Ayrshire

  154

  287

  314

  North Lanarkshire

  368

  637

  667

  Orkney Islands

  45

  22

  16

  Perthshire and Kinross

  132

  169

  150

  Renfrewshire

  188

  337

  353

  Scottish Borders

  109

  129

  107

  Shetland Islands

  49

  28

  20

  South Ayrshire

  116

  161

  156

  South Lanarkshire

  325

  518

  515

  Stirling

  93

  123

  117

  West Dunbartonshire

  116

  232

  265

  West Lothian

  169

  270

  258

  Excellence Fund
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown by(a) local authority and (b) policy objective or project over £10,000 of the money made available through the Excellence Fund to support children's learning in financial year 1997–98; what moneys have been allocated by policy objective or project or by local authority under the Excellence Fund in financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; what are the proposed total amounts to be made available under this heading for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65929]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The Excellence Fund for Schools was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland on 15 July 1998. The Fund will operate for the three years 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02 and comprises a Core Programme and a Special Programme. The £322 million of the Core Programme will be allocated by formulae to authorities in accordance with Scottish Office Education Circulars 4/98, 6/98 and 9/98 copies of which have been placed in the library.

  £55 million will be made available under the Special Programme to support New Community Schools (£26 million), School Action Plans (£15 million) and Specialist Provision (£14 million). This money will be allocated to authorities on the basis of bids made against specific criteria. The Scottish Parliament will assume responsibility for expenditure from July.

  Fishing Industry (Grants)
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown detailing the 134
  value of grants of projects or groups receiving assistance by way of EU and Scottish Office grants to the fishing industry and the fish processing industry in the current financial year, individually and in total; what funds have already been earmarked (a) in total and (b) by project where already allocated for the next three financial years; and what percentage will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65797]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: Under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG), EC and UK funding is being made available between 1994–1999 to the fishing industry and fish processing industry in Scotland for various purposes. These funds will have been allocated before the Scottish Parliament is established. Expenditure on grants under the current EU programme is as follows:

  £

  Funds earmarked in this financial year

  3,968,397

  Funds already earmarked

  24,996,818

  Funds remaining to be awarded

  3,760,358

  Funds allocated to projects over the next three financial years

  5,488,651

  As the information required on individual projects relating to these figures is rather lengthy, I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library.

  The possibility of a successor scheme and its funding is being negotiated in the context of the Agenda 2000 proposals, but such aid will not be available before January 2000. The funding for any such scheme will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Business Growth Fund
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of all allocations of money over £10,000 made under the Business Growth Fund in the financial year 1997–98; if he will give the allocations over £10,000 already made under this programme for financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; if he will give(a) the amount allocated to running costs and (b) the total funds available for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65809]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: I intend the new Business Growth Fund to become operational from April 1999. Planned provision is: £3 million in 1999–2000, £4 million in 2000–01, and £5 million in 2001–02.

  Details of the scheme, including the amount to be allocated to running costs, are currently being finalised in discussion with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I hope to be able to announce the final framework of the scheme shortly.

  From July these resources will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Consort Healthcare
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what NHS properties have been sold to Consort Healthcare and for what amounts; who carried out the
  135
  valuation of the properties and at what sums they were valued; what Government body or bodies were involved in the transactions; what assessment he made of the advantages of selling the properties on the open market and for what reasons he decided not to; if he will publish details of the transactions; and if he will make a statement. [65519]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: Throughout the PFI process our guiding principle has been to ensure the completion of proper economic appraisals and assure the delivery of value for money at all stages of this project. Furthermore through our openness policies we have ensured that as much information as is commercially possible has been put in the public domain.

  The disposal of excess sites by the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust has been done in such a way as to ensure that the Trust has received the proper value for the sites based on independent valuation and has been safeguarded against development gains.

  In accordance with our guidance, the Trust will in due course be publishing an Addendum to their Full Business Case setting out changes between FBC approval and financial close and summarising the commercial contract in plain English. That document will detail the land values and the contractual arrangements agreed to safeguard the Trust against overage.

  The sites at the City Hospital, the Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital and the Dental Hospital were included as a prepayment in the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal with Consort Healthcare. Planning restrictions reduce significantly the area of developable land at the City and Princess Margaret Rose Hospitals. The values bid by Consort were as detailed in the following Table:

  Site

  Value bid £ million

  City Hospital

  6.640

  Princess Margaret Rose Hospital

  3.725

  Dental Hospital

  0.500

  The values due to the Trust will be different since the values bid for the City and Princess Margaret Rose Hospitals will be subject to an inflation uplift from August 1996 until the date on which the sites are transferred to Consort Healthcare and potentially there may be reductions in the value of the Dental Hospital due to asbestos decontamination and Section 75 planning conditions.

  The estimated total value of the City and Princess Margaret Rose Hospital sites after a 3 per cent. inflation uplift is almost £12 million.

  Furthermore the Trust has entered into Overage Agreements whereby additional payments will be made to the Trust if, in the case of the City and Princess Margaret Rose Hospitals, the construction of houses is in excess of the anticipated number or the use of any part of the site is changed from residential to retail or business use; and, in the case of all three sites, if any undeveloped part of the site is sold for profit.
  136
  The values bid by Consort Healthcare were considered by the Trust to compare favourably to the values prepared by the District Valuer and the Trust's property adviser (Ryden International). The District Valuer and Ryden International's values are detailed in the table.

  £ million

  Site

  District valuer

  Ryden International

  City Hospital

  6.25–7.25

  6.80

  Princess Margaret Rose Hospital

  3.25–3.70

  3.70

  Dental Hospital

  0.50–0.55

  0.35

  The disposal of surplus sites within a PFI deal is the responsibility of the Trust. It is a generally accepted principle of PFI that such sites are included in the PFI deal. The average time taken to dispose of surplus NHS property is about 16 months. Where a site is not sold prior to becoming vacant the NHS has to bear the continuing costs of security and maintenance. I am content that when considered alongside the risks transferred to Consort Healthcare and the reduction in interest charges generated by the prepayment, the Trust has, as demonstrated in the Full Business Case approved by The Scottish Office and HM Treasury, achieved best value for money.

  Research Grants
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown detailing the value of grants made to higher education establishments for the purchase of new research equipment in the current financial year, individually and in total; what funds have already been earmarked(a) in total and (b) by project where already allocated for the next three financial years; and what percentage will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65798]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) makes research grants to institutions to support a basic research capability in Scottish higher education institutions. These grants enable institutions to maintain and develop their research infrastructure. All SHEFC funding will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  The total value of SHEFC research grants in 1998–99 is £118.2 million. Most of this will be allocated to individual institutions selectively on the basis of the quality of research in institutions, as determined by the findings of the UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise. The allocation of this formula research grant (including an element for equipment) to each individual institution is set out in the table.

  For 1998–99

  RAE-based

  University of Aberdeen

  8,462,434

  University of Abertay Dundee

  306,746

  University of Dundee

  9,959,103

  Edinburgh College of Art

  500,649

  University of Edinburgh

  33,489,881

  Glasgow Caledonian University

  937,913

  Glasgow School of Art

  330,912

  University of Glasgow

  21,255,359

  Heriot-Watt University

  4,975,575

  Moray House Institute of Education

  516,478

  137

  For 1998–99

  RAE-based

  Napier University

  808,208

  Northern College of Education

  0

  University of Paisley

  238,220

  Queen Margaret College

  439,136

  Robert Gordon University

  931,987

  Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama

  0

  St. Andrew's College of Education

  0

  University of St. Andrews

  7,175,199

  Scottish College of Textiles

  101,416

  University of Stirling

  4,453,386

  University of Strathclyde

  13,622,399

  Total

  108,505,001

  Note:

  This includes higher education institutions which have now merged

  The SHEFC research allocations include a contribution to the UK-wide Joint Research Equipment Initiative, conducted jointly by the Higher Education Funding Councils and the Research Councils. The Council allocated £2.85 million to higher education institutions under this scheme in 1998–99 with joint funders providing a further £3.68 million. (Investments by the Research Councils and joint funders allocated a further £2 million to Scottish higher education institutions in 1998–99 under the JREI.) The Council allocations to higher education institutions are detailed in the table.

  For 1998–99

  JREI

  University of Aberdeen

  641,000

  University of Abertay Dundee

  36,000

  University of Dundee

  81,000

  Edinburgh College of Art

  0

  University of Edinburgh

  375,000

  Glasgow Caledonian University

  0

  Glasgow School of Art

  0

  University of Glasgow

  0

  Heriot-Watt University

  0

  Moray House Institute of Education

  0

  Napier University

  0

  Northern College of Education

  0

  University of Paisley

  155,000

  Queen Margaret College

  0

  Robert Gordon University

  0

  Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama

  0

  St. Andrew's College of Education

  0

  University of St. Andrews

  947,000

  Scottish College of Textiles

  0

  University of Stirling

  0

  University of Strathclyde

  615,000

  Total

  2,850,000

  The total sums earmarked for SHEFC funding for the next three years are £588 million, £607 million and £640 million. The Council is currently working on final allocations for 1999–2000, including the split between teaching and research, and will publish details in March. However, included within that total is a new £23 million (£3/5/15 million) component which has been specifically earmarked to improve infrastructure in areas of research excellence aligned to the needs of the Scottish economy.

  The only other major public investment in new research equipment is the Joint Infrastructure Fund, which will invest £600 million over the next two years. This collaborative UK-wide competition is being funded
  138
  jointly by the UK Research Councils and the Wellcome Trust. The UK Research Councils are reserved under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1999.

  School Refurbishments
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in total and by project of over £50,000 the money made available to each local authority for school upgrade and refurbishment projects in real terms in financial years 1992–93 to 1997–98, indicating the allocations already made in the current financial year, and those earmarked for 1999–2000, in total and by project of over £50,000 for school upgrades and refurbishments; what is the total budget available for school upgrades and refurbishments in the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65938]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: Such work is funded by the local authorities from the general resources available to them for capital expenditure across a range of services, including educational building. Capital allocations to the authorities, which are, in effect, general borrowing consents, are neither project nor programme specific. However, provision under the Comprehensive Spending Review allows for an increase of £185 million in local authority capital expenditure on school buildings over the three years from April 1999.

  As part of the New Deal for Schools announced in the July 1997 Budget, £115.7 million is being made available to authorities over five years, in addition to the general resources available under the normal capital allocation arrangements, to tackle the backlog of repairs to school buildings and to improve facilities for ICT. These resources are being distributed to authorities on a formula basis through capital grant. The amounts payable to authorities in the 1997–98 and 1998–99 financial years are listed in the table. Project information is not available centrally in the form requested. Authorities have been advised that the distribution under this grant arrangement in 1999–2000 is expected to be broadly the same as in the current year.

  An announcement about the distribution of the general resources available to local authorities for capital expenditure in future years is expected late next month. Capital allocations to local authorities will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Budget 1997—New Deal for Schools capital distribution

  £000

  1997–98 Capital

  1998–99 Capital

  Total for distribution

  8,900,000

  26,700,000

  Aberdeen City

  282

  847

  Aberdeenshire

  385

  1,155

  Angus

  196

  587

  Argyll & Bute

  202

  607

  Borders

  188

  563

  Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

  91

  273

  City of Edinburgh

  556

  1,667

  City of Glasgow

  1,003

  3,008

  Clackmannanshire

  80

  240

  Dunfries & Galloway

  253

  759

  Dundee City

  244

  732

  East Ayrshire

  216

  649

  East Dunbartonshire

  222

  667

  139

  Budget 1997—New Deal for Schools capital distribution

  £000

  1997–98 Capital

  1998–99 Capital

  East Lothian

  137

  412

  East Renfrewshire

  169

  506

  Falkirk

  226

  679

  Fife

  593

  1,778

  Highland

  447

  1,341

  Inverclyde

  179

  537

  Midlothian

  150

  450

  Moray

  165

  495

  North Ayrshire

  263

  788

  North Lanarkshire

  640

  1,919

  Perth & Kinross

  207

  621

  Renfrewshire

  310

  931

  South Ayrshire

  200

  601

  South Lanarkshire

  553

  1,658

  Stirling

  156

  467

  West Dunbartonshire

  186

  557

  West Lothian

  273

  820

  Shetland

  71

  213

  Orkney Islands

  57

  172

  Total

  8,900

  26,700

  Education Research Programmes
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each project of over £10,000 the education research programmes commissioned by his Department in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000; what is the total proposed budget for education research projects for each of the next three financial years; and what percentage of this will be under the control of the Scottish Parliament. [65931]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 18 January 1999]: A list of the education research projects commissioned over £10,000 in (a) 1997–98, and (b) 1998–99 is set out. No projects have yet been commissioned for 1999–2000:

  Projects Commissioned over £10,000: 1997–98

  School Improvement in Deprived Areas

  Cost of Pre-school Education Provision

  Apple Classroom of Tomorrow (ACOT) (2nd Stage)

  The Effectiveness of Careers Services

  Teachers Knowledge Needs of Information and Communications Technology

  Commitment and Barriers to Learning

  Quality in Pre-school Education Provision: The Role of Parents

  Quality in Pre-school Education Provision: Staffing and Staff Development

  Research Studentship—Improving School Effectiveness

  Pre-school Education: Supply and Demand

  Assessment Practice for Special Training Needs

  Scottish School Leavers Survey—Special Studies

  Survey of Career Destinations of Contract Researchers

  Evaluation of the Early Intervention Programme

  Institutional Support for Overseas Students (SETEG)

  Projects Commissioned over £10,000: 1998–99

  Impact of Higher Still on Attainment in Core Skills

  Teachers' Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

  Literature Review for the Beattie Committee

  Costs of FE Provision in Rural, Remote and Island Areas in Scotland

  Costs of Partnerships in Initial Teacher Training

  140

  Factors influencing Changes to School Effectiveness

  Higher Still Evaluation—Survey of HE Staff, Careers Officers, Trainers and Employers

  Pre-school Provision in Rural Areas

  New Entrants to FE

  Distribution of FE Provision

  Impact of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Initiatives

  OECD Survey of Student Achievement in Reading, Maths and Science at Age 15

  Higher Still Evaluation—Survey of School and FE Staff

  Higher Still Evaluation—Cohort Study

  Developments in Pre-school Education

  Review of Partnership in Pre-school Education

  Scottish School Leavers Survey of 22/23 Year Olds in 1999

  Baseline Survey of Parents Demand for Childcare.

  The total proposed budget for education research projects over each of the next three financial years is £947k per annum. This budget will come under the control of the Scottish Parliament.

  Knee and Hip Joint Replacements
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the average waiting times for each health board for(a) knee and (b) hip joint replacement operations for September (i) 1997 and (ii) 1998. [66887]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The mean waiting time for knee and hip joint replacement operations for the years ending 30 September 1997 and 30 September 1998 for each Health Board in Scotland is provided in the table.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Knee and hip joint replacement operations carried out by NHS in Scotland—mean waiting times area of residence

  Knee joint replacement Year ending 30 September

  Hip joint replacement Year ending 30 September

  Health Board

  1997

  11998

  1997

  11998

  Argyll and Clyde

  177

  181

  159

  141

  Ayrshire and Arran

  104

  117

  100

  119

  Borders

  88

  109

  82

  113

  Dumfries and Galloway

  206

  165

  158

  134

  Fife

  105

  143

  104

  130

  Forth Valley

  243

  223

  155

  192

  Grampian

  95

  95

  86

  63

  Greater Glasgow

  200

  222

  173

  205

  Highland

  198

  211

  193

  178

  Lanarkshire

  135

  126

  118

  108

  Lothian

  151

  161

  136

  141

  Orkney

  57

  77

  51

  60

  Shetland

  105

  109

  102

  115

  Tayside

  140

  159

  125

  123

  Western Isles

  66

  67

  77

  110

  1 Provisional

  Source:

  ISD Scotland

  Class Sizes
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what(a) number and (b) percentage of children in primary (i) one, (ii) two and (iii) three were in classes of 31 or more in September 1998 (1) in total and (2) by local authority. [66889]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information requested will not be available until mid February. I will write to the hon.

  March 1997

  September 1997

  March 1998

  September 1998

  Central

  686

  683

  703

  710

  Dumfries and Galloway

  412

  424

  439

  445

  Fife

  831

  845

  855

  850

  Grampian

  1,173

  1,189

  1,193

  1,214

  Lothian and Borders

  2,691

  2,689

  2,691

  2,641

  Northern

  649

  651

  657

  659

  Strathclyde

  7,231

  7,326

  7,299

  7,233

  Tayside

  1,116

  1,126

  1,143

  1,154

  Total

  14,789

  14,933

  14,980

  14,906

  Housing Budget
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the estimated Scottish Office housing budget in cash terms and at 1998–99 prices for the years(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02. [66890]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Planned expenditure, from the Scottish Office budget, on housing over the next three years is shown in the table. From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  £ million

  Cash terms

  1998–99 prices

  1999–2000

  512

  500

  2000–01

  622

  592

  2001–02

  640

  594

  NHS in Scotland: Number of patients with a Patient's Charter Guarantee who waited more than 12 months for inpatient and day case treatment

  Health board of residence

  31 March 1997

  30 June 1977

  30 September 1997

  31 December 1997

  31 March 1998

  30 June 1998

  30 September 1998

  Argyll and Clyde

  2

  26

  21

  5

  —

  —

  —

  Ayrshire and Arran

  15

  2

  3

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Borders

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Dumfries and Galloway

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Fife

  1

  7

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Forth Valley

  1

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Grampian

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Greater Glasgow

  1

  98

  191

  345

  —

  —

  —

  Highland

  —

  3

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Lanarkshire

  —

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lothian

  1

  3

  15

  33

  —

  —

  —

  Orkney

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Shetland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tayside

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other/Unknown

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Scotland

  22

  142

  235

  394

  —

  —

  —

  Source:

  ISD Scotland
  142
  Member at that time and arrange to have a copy of my letter placed in the Library. From 1 July this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Police Officers
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many police officers there were in each force in Scotland in(a) March 1997, (b) September 1997, (c) March 1998 and (d) September 1998. [66888]

  Mr. McLeish
  The information is shown in the table.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many NHS patients have been waiting over 12 months for their NHS operation(a) by health board and (b) by quarter from March 1997. [67364]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The number of patients with a Patient's Charter guarantee who waited over 12 months for inpatient and day case treatment, by Health Board area, on the dates requested, is provided in the following table.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
  143
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many NHS patients were waiting to be(a) seen following GP written referral and (b) following referral to consultation, for each quarter since 30 March 1997. [67362]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Information on waiting lists is collected centrally only for hospital inpatients and day cases. Data are available on first outpatient referrals and the length of time that patients waited for their first outpatient appointment. The percentage of patients who received a first outpatient appointment within nine weeks and 18 weeks following a General Medical Practitioner/ General Dental Practitioner referral for each quarter since March 1997, is provided in the table.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  NHS in Scotland: Percentage of patients waiting within 9 weeks and 18 weeks for a first outpatient appointment

  Date

  Percentage waiting within 9 weeks

  Percentage waiting within 18 weeks

  31 March 1997

  70.7

  91.2

  30 June 1997

  72.3

  93.2

  30 September 1997

  66.5

  91.7

  31 December 1997

  67.1

  89.7

  31 March 1998

  68.3

  90.2

  30 June 1998

  68.9

  91.5

  30 September 19981

  64.6

  89.8

  1 Provisional

  Source:

  Form SMR0/SMR01, ISD Scotland

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Yemen
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the British Consul General in Aden first learnt of the detention of the five British citizens being detained in Aden. [66685]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Yemeni officials first mentioned on 29 December that they had arrested some, unnamed, British nationals. The Yemeni authorities confirmed the names and details of the five British nationals on 7 January.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of British visitors to Yemen in each of the last three years. [66945]

  Mr. Fatchett
  There are no reliable estimates available for the number of British visitors to Yemen.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase the number of diplomatic personnel at the British mission in Yemen. [66942]

  Mr. Fatchett
  None at present.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when his Department first learnt that the five detainees in Yemen had been charged. [66940]
  144
  Mr. Fatchett
  In the afternoon of 15 January the British Consul General in Aden reported that four of the men had been charged and the fifth was due to be charged later that night. Our Consul General confirmed on 16 January that the fifth man had been charged late on 15 January.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the British Consul General in Aden met each of the five detainees in Yemen. [66939]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The British Consul General in Aden visited Shahid Butt, Ghulam Hussein and Sarmad Ahmed on 8 January and Mohssen Ghailan on 9 January. He visited Malik Nasser Harhara, who is a British/Yemeni dual national on 14 January. He is pressing for recurring consular access.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British nationals he estimates live in Yemen. [66944]

  Mr. Fatchett
  According to our latest Annual Consular Return dated 1997, there were approximately 350 British Nationals resident in Yemen. The current figure is believed to be in the region of 400.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to gain access to a doctor for the five detainees in Aden. [66941]

  Mr. Fatchett
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary telephoned Prime Minister Iriyani on 14 January to register our concern about complaints of ill-treatment and torture, and asked for access to the detainees by an independent doctor. Mr. Iriyani undertook to work for a positive response. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State asked for access when she met the Yemeni Ambassador on 13 January. Our Embassy continues to raise the matter daily with the Yemeni authorities.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when and how he first learnt of the kidnap of two Britons in Yemen on 17 January. [66938]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Netherlands Embassy in Sana'a notified our Embassy at 1500 hours local time on 17 January that a Dutch family and Mr. and Mrs. Rosser had not returned to Sana'a as expected. A few hours later their vehicles were found abandoned 180 kms north of Sana'a. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office was immediately informed.

  Brian Peters and Malcolm Rennie
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communication the Government have had with the Australian Government since 1975 concerning investigations into the deaths of Brian Peters and Malcolm Rennie; and if he will make a statement. [66850]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Australian government have taken the lead on this issue as the two British journalists, one New Zealander and two Australians killed at Balibo, East Timor, in 1975 were based in Australia and worked for Australian television companies. We keep in regular contact with the Australian government and welcome their
  145
  decision to refer recent new material on the killings, to Mr. Tom Sherman, who conducted the comprehensive 1996 report on Balibo, for his consideration.

  During my meeting in Jakarta in October 1998, I raised the Balibo incident with President Habibi, who promised to look into the matter further.

  UN Security Council
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what policies the British Government intend to pursue with a view to ensuring that future decisions of the United Nations Security Council are upheld. [66739]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The United Kingdom is committed to ensuring that the authority and decisions of the Security Council are upheld. The policies to be pursued will depend on the UN decisions concerned.

  Honorary Consuls
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the conditions of service and method of appointment of honorary consuls. [66869]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Prospective Honorary Consuls are nominated by Heads of Mission and their appointment is approved by the Head of Consular Division in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The candidates are usually individuals of some standing in the local community. They may be foreign nationals.

  Honorary Consuls are not salaried employees. They give their time free of charge and receive a honorarium; the maximum currently is £1,835. They may claim certain admissible expenses e.g. official postage. Their consular functions are carried out from their private or business address. Generally no payment is made from official funds towards rent.

  Honorary Consuls perform statutory and non-statutory functions. Statutory functions include duties under the Merchant Shipping Acts, notarial acts, and levying of Consular Fees. Non-Statutory duties include protecting the interests of British nationals, particularly those in distress; and promoting British commercial interests. They do not register births and deaths or issue standard passports. They are not expected to undertake political reporting or information work.

  Honorary Consul appointments are for a period of five years and may be terminated by either side giving not less than one months's notice. At the end of the initial term and subsequent five year terms, the appointment may be renewed subject to the exigencies of the public service and provided the Head of Mission is satisfied with the incumbent's performance. The retirement age is 65.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many honorary consuls are in post. [66868]

  Mr. Fatchett
  There are 242 Honorary Consults in 90 countries.
  146
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many honorary consuls are currently employed by the UK owned(a) tobacco, (b) armaments and (c) other industries with commercial interests in the host country. [66870]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Most Honorary Consuls are business people. A breakdown of their activity or type of employment is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Yugoslav authorities in respect of the massacre at Racak. [66947]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Acting on the instructions of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, the UK Chargé in Belgrade took action on 17 January on behalf of the EU members of the Contact Group to express condemnation of the Racak killings to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belgrade, and to call for the withdrawal of the forces then in Racak, full compliance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and the agreements entered into by President Milosevic last October, access to Kosovo for the Chief Prosecutor of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and the suspension of police and army officers in the Racak area on 15 January. The UK Chargé also joined in an EU demarche to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 18 January which made similar points. That same day a senior official of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office saw the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and made clear to him that we condemn the killings at Racak and stressed the need for the authorities in Belgrade to comply with the demands of the international community, also handing him a copy of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's Statement to the House that afternoon, 18 January 1999,Official Report, columns 565–67.

  The UK has also played an active role in deliberations of the UN Security Council, the OSCE, NATO and the EU leading to the clear statements issued by those bodies in reaction to the Racak killings. The authorities in Belgrade can be in no doubt of our condemnation of what happened, and our view of the action which now needs to be taken.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Yugoslavian Ambassador in respect of the massacre at Racak. [66948]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  A senior official of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office saw the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 18 January, and made clear to him that we condemn the killings at Racak and stressed the need for the authorities in Belgrade to comply with the demands of the international community, also handing him a copy of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's Statement to the House that afternoon, 18 January 1999,Official Report, columns 565–67. Together with EU colleagues, the UK Chargé in Belgrade has taken similar action.

  BBC World Service
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what stage discussions with the BBC World Service have reached in relation to their three year plan; and if he will make a statement. [67106]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The BBC World Service is drawing up its strategic plan for the next three years. The BBC are considering their priorities in the light of political, technological and commercial developments, given the increase in World Service funding of on average 3.8 per cent. in each year over the 1998–99 level. We expect detailed proposals to be submitted to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary soon.

  Kashmir
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish six-monthly reports on progress towards a resolution of the conflict in Kashmir. [67039]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Our view is that it is primarily for India and Pakistan to reach a solution over Kashmir although we have regularly repeated our willingness to assist if that is what the parties wish. We do not believe that publication of progress reports will help towards a settlement.

  Swathi Pankhania
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis the entry clearance officer in Bombay is calling for additional evidence in the case of Swathi Pankhania, HO Ref. S787788. [67235]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Migration and Visa Correspondence Unit will be writing shortly to my hon. Friend to inform him of the outcome of this case.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to ensure that the entry clearance officer in Bombay is informed of his letters to the hon. Member for Leicester, East in respect of the case of Swathi Pankhania, Ref S787788. [67233]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have no record of having sent any letter to my hon. Friend about the case of Swathi Pankhania. However, we have seen reference to a letter from the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. O'Brien), to my hon. Friend, dated 11 August 1998.

  Iraq
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if a mechanism has existed for British members of the UN Weapons Inspection Team in Iraq to provide intelligence information to Her Majesty's Government and its agencies. [67051]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Government have made clear that all information exchanges between the UK and UNSCOM have been strictly in pursuit of UNSCOM' s mandate to dismantle Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction capability.
  148
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what circumstances British members of the UN Weapons Inspection Team in Iraq carried out tasks in that country beyond those required by the UN. [67020]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  None. All activities carried out by UK nationals serving as UNSCOM inspectors have been strictly in pursuit of UNSCOM's mandate to dismantle Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction capability.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the talks by his Department's Director for the Middle East and North Africa with the Government of Iran about the Iraq situation. [67354]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The FCO Director for the Middle East and North Africa visited Iran on 13–14 January for talks with Deputy Foreign Minister Sarmadi, Deputy Foreign Minister Zarif and the Director General for Western Europe, Mr. Qasemi. The Director briefed the Iranians on our thinking on the way forward on Iraq, focusing on activity in the Security Council, particularly on weapons of mass destruction issues, and the need to respond to the humanitarian situation.

  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the objectives of Her Majesty's Government policy on Iraq. [67275]

  Mr. Fatchett
  As a permanent member of the Security Council, our main objective is to ensure that Iraq complies with its obligations under UN resolutions. This is in line with the parallel aim of protecting the UK's interests both in the region and more widely. In pursuit of those objectives we are discussing with other Security Council members how to move forward, both on the key outstanding disarmament questions and on the humanitarian issues.

  Al Shifa Factory, Khartoum
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he received from the Ambassador to the Sudan following his visit to the Al Shifa factory prior to the US air strike. [67643]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The British Ambassador has visited the Al Shifa factory only once, for the official opening in July 1997. There was no reporting following this ceremonial occasion.

  Senator Pinochet
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the basis for his oral statement of 19 January 1999,Official Report, column 705, that Senator Pinochet could not be permitted to return to Chile without the Government defying the courts and ending due legal process. [67311]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Mr. Loughton) asked whether it would not have been better to send Senator Pinochet to face due process in Chile. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's reply was on the basis that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary issued an Authority to Proceed in respect of the Spanish request and that this has been passed to Bow Street Magistrates court to consider
  149
  committal. Issues relating to state immunity are currently being heard by the House of Lords. Due legal process is being followed.

  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his oral answer of 19 January 1999, Official Report, column 701, if he will indicate the location in the Official Report of the answer to which he referred. [67633]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I am pleased to have this opportunity to set the record straight. I was incorrect in my belief that the answer was in the Official Report. I have written to the hon. Member to apologise for this inadvertent mistake.

  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when his Department was first contacted by Scotland Yard concerning the question of the diplomatic immunity status of Senator Pinochet. [67625]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Metropolitan Police contacted the FCO about Senator Pinochet's diplomatic immunity on 16 October.

  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department was asked for help by the Chilean Embassy in London in arranging a flight to Santiago for Senator Pinochet in the week beginning 12 October 1998. [67634]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Chilean Ambassador telephoned the FCO on 15 October to discuss Senator Pinochet's travel arrangements. FCO officials referred the Ambassador to British Airways. On 16 October, the Ambassador informed the FCO that he had secured a seat for Senator Pinochet on the British Airways flight leaving for Santiago on 20 October.

  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department received from the Chilean Embassy on 16 October 1998. [67631]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Chilean Ambassador telephoned the FCO on 16 October to follow up a conversation the previous day about Senator Pinochet's travel arrangements. The Ambassador informed officials that he had secured a seat for Senator Pinochet on a British Airways flight leaving for Santiago on 20 October.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 20 January 1999,Official Report, column 508, for what reasons Mr. Penfold did not use the communication facilities at the German Embassy to communicate with London. [67626]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Whilst Mr. Penfold was in Conakry he received a number of classified telegrams via the German Embassy. He did not use these facilities for sending reports to London. He has said it was not necessary. A commercial fax facility was available at his hotel and allowed him to communicate with London directly.

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 150
  18 January, Official Report, column 347, on St. Helena, if he will state the reason for Mr. Timmreck being the subject of an exclusion order by the Governor of St. Helena; and what right of appeal is available to him. [67353]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The then Chief Secretary of the Government of St. Helena gave full reasons for the exclusion order to Mr. Timmreck in a letter dated 4 March 1994. If Mr. Timmreck' s permission were obtained by the hon. Member for Wrexham, I would arrange for him to receive a copy of the letter.

  I understand that Mr. Timmreck has applied to the Governor for the exclusion order to be revoked. This was considered. Mr. Timmreck was asked for more information which he has not yet furnished.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to provide St. Helena with landing facilities for aircraft. [67118]

  Clare Short
  I have been asked to reply.

  In 1998 we agreed to fund a preliminary desk study into the technical feasibility of an airlink to St. Helena. The final report is due by Easter. If this is positive, we will fund a broader feasibility study of the engineering, economic financial and social considerations.

  Iran
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with Iran. [67276]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The New York agreement of September 1998 has allowed a welcome improvement in relations between the United Kingdom and Iran. We will continue to look for ways of strengthening relations further in areas of mutual interest while also pressing, with our EU partners, for improvements in Iranian policies which give us particular concern.

  Dependent Territories
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that the laws on homosexuals in dependent territories will be changed. [67569]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Homosexual acts remain an offence in the five Caribbean Overseas Territories. We have pointed out to the Governments of these Territories that their legislation must comply with the international obligations which Britain has extended to them, and that, in the absence of local reforms in this area, we may have to impose appropriate legislation by Order in Council.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK overseas territories have brought their law on human rights in line with that of the UK since May 1997. [67566]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  There are three human rights issues on which the laws of some of the UK's Overseas Territories differ substantively from those of the UK; capital punishment for murder (though only in Bermuda), judicial corporal punishment, and the law relating to homosexual acts. Since May 1997 three Overseas
  151
  Territories have abolished judicial corporal punishment. No other human rights legislation has been enacted in the Overseas Territories since May 1997.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to publish the White Paper on Dependent Territories. [67565]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We expect that the White Paper will be published shortly. Preparation for the Paper has involved wide ranging consultation on a broad range of subjects. It has been a complex process now drawing to a close.

  Tobacco Advertising
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions he has given to UK diplomatic posts abroad regarding the promotion of tobacco products. [67568]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Following last month's White Paper, this Department is preparing guidelines for posts.

  EU Meetings
  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the EU for the period until 31 March and the major EU meetings for the period until the end of the German presidency. [67620]

  Ms Quin
  I refer the hon. Member to the European Calendar: January-June 1999, which was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 14 January 1999.

  Referendums (EU Funds)
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conclusions he has reached from his consideration of the Neill Committee's recommendations on the conduct of referendums, with particular reference to the distribution of European Community funds. [66144]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government will announce their conclusions on these issues when they publish a draft Bill, to implement the main findings of the Neill report, before the summer recess.

  Securities and the GDP
  Securities and the GDP
  GDP: Local Area Figures and Eurostat
  GDP: Local Area Figures and Eurostat
  Sudan: Destruction of al-Shifa Medicine Factory
  Sudan: Destruction of al-Shifa Medicine Factory
  Joint Helicopter Command
  Joint Helicopter Command
  Aircraft Carriers
  Aircraft Carriers
  Unauthorised Signs on Roads
  Unauthorised Signs on Roads
  Marine Nature Reserves
  Marine Nature Reserves
  Vehicle Emission Standards
  Vehicle Emission Standards
  EU Research Council, 22 December
  EU Research Council, 22 December
  Agriculture Council, 18 and 19 January
  Agriculture Council, 18 and 19 January
  Lupus Erythematosus
  Lupus Erythematosus
  Sex Offences: Review
  Sex Offences: Review
  Children: Abuse of Trust
  Children: Abuse of Trust
  Electronic Commerce: Risk of Attack
  Electronic Commerce: Risk of Attack
  Drug Smuggling into Prisons
  Drug Smuggling into Prisons
  Christopher Sherwood: Shooting Incident
  Christopher Sherwood: Shooting Incident