Written Answers of 9 March 1999

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the expenditure incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on(a) the setting up and (b) the operation of websites, indicating the cases in which the expenditure has been above that budgeted; and if he will list for each web site (i) the topics covered, (ii) the current average number of hits per month and (iii) the estimated expenditure on each web site for each of the next three years. [70968]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]: The information sought regarding the websites of my Department, agencies and non-departmental bodies is listed. In no case was expenditure above budgeting.

  Websites

  The Lord Chancellor's Department

  (a) Set up costs: £7,368

  (b) Operation costs: £16,200

  (c) Topics covered: What's New?, Press Notices, The Department, LCD Research, The Courts, Judges-QCs, Magistrates, Speeches, Consultation Papers, Access to Justice, Legal Aid, Civil Matters, Individual and Family Matters, Criminal Matters, Statute Law Database, Related Sites, and Complaints Procedures.

  (d) Average number of hits per month: 10,000

  (e) The estimated expenditure on the website for each of the next three years includes the appointment of a full-time web manager.

  (i) 2000–2001: £45,000

  (ii) 2001–2002: £45,000

  (iii) 2002–2003: £45,000

  The Court Service

  (a) Set up costs: £18,542

  (b) Operating costs: £15,404

  (c) Topics covered: Court of Appeal and High Court judgments, Practice Directions, Daily Lists and Notices; Supreme Court Taxing Office; Crown Court Daily Lists and Warned Lists; county court contact details; court forms and information leaflets, the Court Service IT strategy, annual report and the Courts' Charter; the Office of Social Security and Child Support Commissioners and the Immigration Appellate Authority and links to the Lord Chancellor's website and to various other related sites.

  (d) Average number of hits per month: 50,377

  (e) The estimated expenditure on the website for each of the next three years:

  (i) 2000–2001: £18,000

  (ii) 2001–2002: £18,000

  (iii) 2002–2003: £18,000

  The Northern Ireland Court Service

  (a) Set up costs: nil

  (b) Operating costs: nil. The NICS maintains a number of pages on the Northern Ireland Civil Service website.

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  (c) Topics covered: Courts Charter and complaints procedures.

  (d) Average number of hits per month: not monitored by NICS.

  (e) The estimated expenditure on the website for each of the next three years:

  (i) 2000–2001: unknown at this stage

  (ii) 2001–2002: unknown at this stage

  (iii) 2002–2003: unknown at this stage

  The Public Trust Office

  (a) Set up costs: £2,500

  (b) Operating costs: £2,000

  (c) Topics covered: introduction to the PTO; the work of its Divisions; and details of the complaints procedure.

  (d) Average number of hits per month: Not currently monitored. The PTO monitors the number of e-mails received.

  (e) The estimated expenditure on the website for each of the next three years:

  (i) 2000–2001: £5,000

  (ii) 2001–2002 and 2002–2003: With a view to Better Government targets, the website is to be developed further. Consideration will be given to the provision of forms for downloading and possible inter-active completion. Costs associated with this project will probably be in excess of £100,000.

  The Public Record Office

  (a) Set up costs: nil

  (b) Operating costs: £14,250 (1998–99)

  (c) Topics covered: the public records, the services provided by the PRO and Family Records Centre, the operation of the public records system, the PRO contribution to the National Grid for Learning and information for records managers, conservators and the archives profession.

  (d) Average number of hits per month: 135,000

  (e) The estimated expenditure on the website for each of the next three years:

  (i) 2000–2001: £17,000

  (ii) 2001–2002: £22,000

  (iii) 2002–2003: £30,000

  Her Majesty's Land Registry

  (a) Set up costs: £1,000

  (b) Operating costs: £8,675 (1998)

  (c) Topics covered: About the Land Registry; Exhibitions and events; How to complain; Press Notices; Areas served by the Land Registry; Direct Access Service; Fees calculators; On-line publications including Annual Report and Accounts; Business Plan; information leaflets; District Land Registries; Year 2000 Compliance Reports; Residential Property Price Reports; Guide to Land Registry services; Feedback facility

  (d) Average number of hits per month: 30,000

  (e) The estimated expenditure on the website for each of the next three years:

  (i) 2000–2001: £15,152

  (ii) 2001–2002: £15,152

  (iii) 2002–2003: £15,152

  The Law Commission

  (a) Set up costs: £2,400

  (b) Operating costs: £10,675

  (c) Topics covered: a library containing the full texts of publications since March 1997; background information on the organisation and work of the Law Commission; details of current recruitment campaigns.

  (d) Average number of hits per month: 1,400

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  (e) The estimated expenditure on the website for each of the next three years:

  (i) 2000–2001: £9,900

  (ii) 2001–2002: £9,900

  (iii) 2002–2003: £9,900

  The Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct (ACLEC)

  (a) Set up costs: £673

  (b) Operating cots: £75

  (c) Topics covered: Membership of the Committee and its members' biographies; the work of the Committee; Sub-Committees and Working Groups; and the Committee's publications.

  (d) Average number of hits per month: 480

  (e) The estimated expenditure on the website for each of the next three years: It is likely that ACLEC will be disestablished and the Committee is working on the premise that this will happen before the end of 1999. The Committee therefore has no plans to incur further expenditure on its website.

  The Judicial Studies Board

  (a) Set up costs: £925

  (b) Operating costs: nil to date

  (c) Topics covered: the structure and work of the JSB and its committees, the JSB Annual Report, Specimen Directions, training materials available to the public.

  (d) Average number of hits per month: 450

  (e) The estimated expenditure on me website for each of the next three years:

  (i) 2000–2001: £2,180

  (ii) 2001–2002: £180

  (iii) 2002–2003: £180

  The Magistrates' Court Service Inspectorate

  (a)Set up costs: £7,000.

  (b) Operating costs: due to go 'live' in the summer.

  (c) Topics to be covered: What's New?, MCSI executive summary reports; thematics, MCSI's remit; operational plan and strategic plan; organisational chart; pen pictures of inspectors; publications order form; and related sites.

  (d) Average number of hits per month: nil.

  (e) The estimated expenditure on the website for each of the next three years:

  (i) 2000–2001: £5,490

  (ii) 2001–2002: £4,590

  (iii) 2002–2003: £4,590

  The Civil Justice Council

  (a) Set up costs: £1,116

  (b) Operating costs: £1,175 (1998–99)

  (c) Topics covered: the background of the Council, the membership of the Council and its Sub-Committees, and summary reports of Council and Sub-Committee meetings.

  (d) Average number of hits per month: Not monitored.

  (e) The estimated expenditure on the website for each of the next three years:

  (i)2000–2001: £1,175

  (ii) 2001–2002: £1,175

  (iii) 2002–2003: £1,175.

  Marriage Preparation Schemes
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the marriage preparation pilot schemes. [74808]
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  Mr. Hoon
  The Lord Chancellor's Department funded a programme of 13 marriage support pilot projects in 1997–98. Three of the projects were concerned with marriage preparation.

  The Department assessed the effectiveness of each project in terms of its achievement of specific aims and objectives, and its cost effectiveness. Take-up of the marriage preparation offered was limited, but those who did participate generally found it helpful.

  Mediation Schemes
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the mediation pilot schemes under the Family Law Act 1996. [74809]

  Mr. Hoon
  Research has been carried out, by a consortium led by the University of Bristol on behalf of the Legal Aid Board, into the mediation pilot schemes run by the Board. This research is not yet complete and it is therefore too early for the Government to make any assessment of those pilot schemes.

  Family Law Act 1996
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will postpone the introduction of the remaining provisions of the Family Law Act 1996, until after the implementation of the initiatives set out in the Government consultation document "Supporting Families". [74810]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government have indicated that they will implement Part II of the Family Law Act during the year 2000. It is too early to say whether the outcome of the consultation paper "Supporting Families" will lead to any of the initiatives in that document being implemented.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to bring forward proposals under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. [74953]

  Mr. Hoon
  It would not be appropriate to announce any specific deregulation order proposals at this time as they are subject to detailed consultation with all interested parties.

  However, I propose to use the contracting out order-making power to facilitate the contracting out of functions relating to the summoning of jurors under section 2(6) of the Juries Act 1974.

TREASURY

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the total number of people who will receive the proposed working families tax credit if everyone entitled to the credit were to take up their entitlement; and what would be the cost in 2000–01 of the credit on that basis; [70078]
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  (2) what assumption was made, for the purposes of forecasting the public expenditure consequences of the working families tax credit, about the percentage of those who will be eligible for the new credit who will take up that entitlement. [70077]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 9 February 1999]: In forecasting the cost of the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), it has been assumed that the behavioural response of those households eligible to claim WFTC will be broadly similar to that in Family Credit. This response partly depends on net incomes and differences in the shape of the income distribution of those eligible for Family Credit and WFTC and means that the assumed take-up percentage is slightly higher for WFTC. The assumptions for costing WFTC are consistent with other welfare-to-work measures where the costings and entitlement figures do not take into account any benefit savings from people moving from welfare to work. It is estimated that, if everyone entitled to the WFTC were to take up their entitlement, in 2000–01 there would be about 1.65 million in receipt of the credit, with a total expenditure of about £4.9 billion.

  Tax Ready Reckoner
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to publish the "Tax Ready Reckoner and Tax Reliefs 1999;" and if he will make a statement. [75352]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: Copies have today been deposited in the Library of the House.

  Student Loans
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the second student loan debt sale; and what assessment he has made of the costs. [76048]

  Mr. Milburn
  I welcome the successful second sale of student loan debt of around £lbn announced today, Official Report, House of Lords, columns 20–21, by my noble friend the Minister for Education and Employment.

  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer explained the Government's approach to the student loan debt sales to the House on 10 July 1997, Official Report, columns 607–08. The overriding policy considerations which determined that approach were as follows.

  The Government are committed to the development of a wide range of public-private partnerships which involve a transfer of risk to the private sector. As with the first sale, this sale will shift much of the default risk to the private sector, which has much more experience in dealing with such risks. The sales will also enable the markets to establish a clearer understanding of student loans and could in future encourage financial institutions to play a more direct role in the provision of student support.

  In addition, the Government were elected on the basis of a manifesto pledge to work within the spending plans already announced for 1997–98 and 1998–99. This, and our other economic pledges on inflation and taxes, were designed to create the conditions for economic stability
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  and a platform for sustained growth. Going ahead with both student loan debt sales has played a critical role in enabling us to keep this pledge.

  These overriding objectives were paramount in the decision to proceed with the first and second debt sales.

  The Government accept that the sales will result in the payment of subsidies to purchasers of the loan debt, much of which flows from our commitment to preserve the existing favourable terms for borrowers. We accept that the level of subsidy will vary from year to year in the light of economic conditions, including movement in interest rates, and that it will vary between the sales, as each is based on a separate competition.

  The extra cost of selling loan debt under the first sale compared with the cost of retaining the loans was calculated at £50m-£60m, in accordance with the guidance in the Green Book, "Appraisal and Evaluation in Central Government", published by my Department. Using the same methodology, the additional costs of the second sale will be £85m-£100m. The difference between the two costs reflects changing circumstances at the time of the two sales, including market conditions and the maturity of the portfolio of loans sold. A strong competition was run and the most competitive bid has been accepted. We have therefore achieved the most competitive outcome consistent with our policy objectives.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of people who will benefit from the introduction of the national minimum wage in(a) the Tamworth constituency, (b) Staffordshire and (c) the West Midlands. [75737]

  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. Brian Jenkins, dated 9 March 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on the number of people who will benefit from the introduction of the proposed national minimum wage (NMW).
  The New Earnings Survey (NES) can provide earnings data for small geographical areas. However, the release of NES data is restricted to figures that are derived from a sufficiently large sample of employees, and have an acceptable level of accuracy. Accordingly, no estimates for the parliamentary constituency of Tamworth can be given
  Estimates of the proportion of people who are currently earning below the proposed minimum wage for a range of geographical areas have been placed in the House of Commons Library under the title of New Earnings Survey 1998—National Minimum Wage Distribution Tables. These include available information for Staffordshire and the West Midlands. The tables provide an historical position against the 1998 values of the proposed NMW, and make no judgement on whether its introduction will have any effect on the number of jobs.

  Dividends
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to reply to the letter
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  from the hon. Member for Tewkesbury dated 22 July 1998, regarding tax payable on dividends by non-taxpayers. [75762]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have responded to the hon. Member's letter.

  Government Borrowing
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of the Government's borrowing programme in 1999–2000. [76047]

  Ms Hewitt
  The main details of the Government's borrowing programme are set out in Annex B of the Financial Statement and Budget Report, published today. Copies of the financing remits for 1999–2000 set by the Government for the Debt Management Office and for National Savings have been placed in the Libraries of the House. They will also be included in the 1999–2000 Debt Management Report to be published on 17 March, and copies of the Report will be made available to the Libraries of the House on that day. The report will also set out the Government's debt management policy, review the Government's borrowing programme in 1998–99, and give details of the Government's borrowing programme in 1999–2000.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Summer Schools Programme
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment has been made by Ofsted of the summer schools programme; and what changes will be made this year. [73198]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: I have asked Chris Woodhead, HM Chief Inspector of Schools, to write to my hon. Friend to address the first part of his question regarding Ofsted's assessment of the summer schools programme, and for a copy of his letter to be placed in the Library.

  This summer, the numeracy programme will expand from a pilot of 51 schools to over 300 schools and 9,000 pupils.

  For Literacy the number of schools participating in this summer's programme will rise from over 500 schools to 900 schools catering for over 27,000 pupils. Each school will also introduce a literacy intervention programme during the first four terms of secondary school, to support those children who transfer from primary to secondary with poor literacy skills.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what evaluation he has undertaken of the effectiveness of literacy summer schools. [74772]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Evaluation of the 1998 Summer Schools Programme was carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research. A report of the key findings will be made available to Local Education Authorities next week. Copies will be placed in the Library.
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  Cultural Diversity
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what additional resources his Department plans to make available in order to support the training of teachers and head teachers to implement the new emphasis in the national curriculum on valuing cultural diversity and preventing racism, as proposed in the Macpherson report;[74548]

  (2) if valuing cultural diversity and preventing racism will be designated as a priority area for school management and included as a compulsory element in the new qualifications for deputy and head teachers. [74549]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Government will shortly be publishing a detailed response and action plan about all the recommendations in the Macpherson report, including those relating to education and the national curriculum.

  We are committed to an inclusive education service which enables and encourages all children to achieve to the best of their abilities. As part of our vision for a modernised teaching profession, set out in the Green Paper, "Teachers, Meeting the Challenge of Change", published on 3 December, we are determined to ensure teachers have the skills and knowledge they need effectively to raise standards for all their pupils.

  The national standards for teachers, published by the Teacher Training Agency (TTA) and endorsed by Government, which span qualified teacher status through to headship, make clear the need for teachers, on entry to the profession and at all stages in their careers, to have the skills and understanding necessary to meet the needs of an ethnically diverse pupil body. The national standards for head teachers, which underpin the training programmes for aspiring and serving head teachers, make clear the responsibility of heads for ensuring that pupils are aware of the ethnic and cultural diversity in their schools and in society and that there are positive strategies for developing good race relations and for dealing with racial harassment. The TTA also will be producing supplementary materials for Initial Teacher Training providers to ensure that new teachers have the skills to deal with ethnic and cultural diversity in schools.

  Class Sizes
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many additional full-time qualified teachers have been identified by local education authorities in their plans for reducing infant class sizes submitted to his Department as being required to implement(a) the required reduction in infant class sizes in the school years 1999–2000 and 2000–01 and (b) measures required under paragraph 10 of the Schedule to the Education (Plans for Reducing Infant Class Sizes) (England) Regulations 1998. [75489]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: We have allocated £71,882,000 to fund 4,308 additional teachers to reduce infant class sizes in 1999–2000 (including 1,527 teachers funded from September 1998). For the following two financial years, we will be monitoring local authorities' progress in implementing their plans before making allocations to fund the teachers required. As a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review we have made available £160 million for the revenue costs in each of those years of achieving

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  the pledge. Local education authorities confirmed in their plans the arrangements they have put in place to ensure that no child will have to attend a school more than a reasonable distance from home.

  Sunderland City TEC
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will allow Sunderland City Training and Enterprise Council to retain the proceeds of sale of an asset purchased with funds deriving from his Department. [76008]

  Mr. Mudie
  I have agreed that Sunderland City Training and Enterprise Council can use the proceeds of sale to lever in matched European funds to further develop their Business Innovation Centre thus creating more business opportunities and jobs for the area.

  Student Loans
  Kali Mountford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the competition to sell a second part of the Student Loan Portfolio. [76009]

  Mr. Mudie
  My noble Friend the Minister for Education and Employment has today,Official Report, House of Lords, columns 20–21, announced the conclusion of the second sale of a portfolio of student loans to the private sector for around £1 billion in a written answer to Lord Burlison. The sale has been achieved after a very vigorous competition and we have accepted the most competitive bid. A consortium of the Nationwide Building Society and Deutsche Bank AG was the successful bidder. As a result, the portfolio will be sold to HONOURS Trustee Limited, a company formed for the purpose of acquiring the assets.

  The loans sold are those made under the original loan scheme. None of the new income contingent loans introduced at the beginning of the current academic year are involved.

  My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has confirmed the policy considerations which have determined the Government's approach to student loan debt sales in a written answer today, Official Report, columns 101–02, to my hon. Friend the Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire (Mr. Lawrence).

  HONOURS Trustee Limited have appointed the Student Loans Company, the existing administrator, to administer the sold loans on their behalf. Borrowers who are currently repaying their loans or who have made deferment arrangements will consequently notice little change. We have legislated previously to ensure that the position of borrowers is protected. Borrowers will retain their existing rights of deferment, where their income is below 85 % of average earnings, and interest rates will continue to be linked solely to inflation.

  These rights mean that original scheme student loans are provided at subsidised rates. Subsidies will therefore be paid to the purchaser to reflect this. During the 1999–2000 financial year a subsidy of about £64m will be paid.

  Part of the gross subsidy payment will be repaid to the Government through the administration charges paid to the Student Loans Company and tax receipts on private
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  sector profits. Given the value of loans sold, and that some of the loans will be outstanding for a considerable length of time, the estimated net present value of these subsidies is broadly in the region of £395–£405m. This compares with estimated net present value costs of around £310m which we would have incurred had the loans remained publicly owned. The estimated cost to the Government of selling these loans will therefore be in the region of £85–£100m or 25–30 % above the cost of keeping loans in the public sector over the lifetime of the portfolio.

  The agreement between the Government and HONOURS Trustee Limited, with commercially confidential information removed, will be placed in the Library of the House on completion of the sale.

  School Funding
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each local education authority in England, the funding made available to date through(a) the Standards Fund and (b) the New Deal for Schools. [73537]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Details of funding made available through the Standards Fund for 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000, and through the New Deal for Schools for 1997ߝ98 and 1998ߝ99, are given in tables that have been placed in the Library. The allocation of the grants for New Deal for Schools for 1999ߝ2000 have not yet been made. For the Standards Fund the figures shown in tables include the grant made by the Department and the contribution made by the local education authority.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Prisons (Drugs)
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the amount of illegal drugs discovered in Northern Ireland prisons in each of the last three years, broken down by type of drug. [71400]

  Mr. Ingram
  The amount of illegal drugs discovered in Northern Ireland prisons in each of the last three years is shown in the following table:

  1996–97

  1997–98

  11998–99

  Cannabis

  314 grammes

  1,176 grammes

  79 grammes

  Ecstasy

  6 tablets

  121 tablets

  29 tablets

  LSD

  —

  1 square

  —

  Amphetamines

  —

  —

  2.5 grammes

  Anabolic

  Steroids

  —

  2x10 ml bottles

  6x10 ml bottles

  Other tablets2

  389

  981

  182

  1 Up to 31 December 1998

  1 Mostly prescribed drugs found on a non-prescribed basis

  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what public funds have been spent on mandatory drug tests in Northern Ireland prisons in each of the last three years. [71401]

  Mr. Ingram
  There is no mandatory drug testing in Northern Ireland prisons. The Northern Ireland Prison Service drugs strategy focuses on four key action areas of
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  control, care, education and information. As part of the strategy, a voluntary testing scheme is currently in operation on a pilot basis in one prison establishment.

  Schizophrenia Psychoses
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of those convicted of crimes in Northern Ireland in the last year for which figures are available have ever been admitted to National Health Service mental illness hospitals with a main diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses. [73355]

  Mr. McFall
  The subject of criminal convictions is a matter for the Lord Chancellor's Department. However, I understand from that Department that these figures are not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mater Hospital
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which hospital services Her Majesty's Government are obliged to maintain at the Mater Hospital, Belfast, under the terms of the 1971 Deed of Arrangement. [74453]

  Mr. McFall
  The Mater Infirmorum Hospital entered the health service under the 1971 Deed of Arrangement, which secured the preservation of the Roman Catholic character and association of the hospital. The Deed set out specific requirements for the general administration of the hospital and provided for a review of the internal allocation of beds and facilities and for the preparation of a scheme for the initial reconstruction and modernisation of the hospital's buildings and facilities. The deed of Arrangement does not require the maintenance of specific services at the hospital. Whatever services are provided must however preserve the character and associations of the Hospital.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what extension plans have been prepared for the Mater Hospital, Belfast; and if she will make a statement. [74454]

  Mr. McFall
  The Trust have recently completed an extension to provide a 50-bed acute psychiatric unit. This was approved by the HSSE. A building programme for the construction of a new three storey block containing wards, a day procedures unit and a pharmacy has now started. This will be funded by the Mater Hospital Trustees and does not require Departmental funding. The

  (b)

  Task forces/review groups

  Public consultation exercises

  NIO

  Independent Commission on Policing

  A series of 35 public meetings were held throughout Northern Ireland, and written and oral submission were invited.

  Northern Ireland Drugs Strategy Review

  Public invited by newspaper advertisements to comment on current NI Drugs Strategy.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Review

  Notices were placed in the local press in September 1998 and February 1999 inviting evidence from anyone with an interest in the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme. A series of semi-public meetings also held throughout Northern Ireland to hear from those who had experience of claiming injures compensation.

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  Trust also has plans for the refurbishment and upgrading of the original building. These have not yet been submitted for Departmental approval.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what extension plans for the Mater Hospital, Belfast, have had approval from the Department of Health. [74495]

  Mr. McFall
  A 50 bed acute psychiatric unit has recently been completed. No further extension plans for the Mater Hospital have been approved by the Department at present.

  Maternity Services
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on the 1997 recommendations by Professor Donaldson's Medical Review Panel on(a) the development of a Provinceߝwide strategic plan for maternity services and (b) smaller obstetric units without 24 hour on-site paediatric cover. [74496]

  Mr. McFall
  As with other hospital services, strategic decisions about maternity services will be a matter for the new Northern Ireland Assembly. An analysis of the issues involved was contained in the paper "Putting it Right", which I presented to the Assembly on 14 December 1998. It envisages the concentration of acute hospital services, including maternity services, at Area and Regional level, supported by a network of local hospitals. Board reviews of acute hospital services, some of which have already taken place will be completed in the near future, will help to inform the Assembly's consideration of the issues involved.

  Task Forces
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will publish a list of (1) task forces and (2) policy reviews established by her Department since May 1997 which(a) had external members recruited by way of public advertisement, and details of any person so appointed and (b) engaged in public consultation exercises, and the form that these took. [74471]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:
  (a) Nil
  Most task forces and reviews are shortߝterm bodies established to give thorough consideration to important and difficult issues. External members are invited to sit on some reviews and task forces because they are able to contribute specific experience and expertise. In such cases, public advertising would be inappropriate and disproportionate.
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  (b)

  Task forces/review groups

  Public consultation exercises

  DED

  Economic Development Services Review

  Advertisement in newspapers and associated press release inviting comment.

  Economic Development Strategy Review

  A consultation panel, with representation from some 60 organisations (academic, business, trade union, voluntary and community sectors) was established. Three meetings of the panel have been held and members were also invited to make written contributions.

  Working Group to plan for a single NI Equality Commission

  Consultation paper issued to some 220 organisations/individuals on 2 February 1999. Seminar held on 19 February.

  New Deal in Northern Ireland

  Consultation Seminars, which focused on the design of New Deal for 18–24 year olds, took place at a number of venues throughout Northern ireland during October and November 1997.

  Review of Training Centres and FE Colleges

  Report and Consultation Paper on the Review's findings and recommendations published in September 1998 with comments invited.

  DENI

  Youth Service Policy Review Group

  'Initial Considerations' consultation paper was published in January 1998 and a 'Youth Service Policy Review—A Consultation Report' in October 1998. These were launched at a one-day Conference for young people and at a launch event for delegates from the statutory and voluntary youth sectors respectively.

  DHSS

  Review of the District Councils' Community Services Programme

  Written submissions invited from relevant interests including Political Parties. Focus group meetings held with voluntary and community groups, District Councils' Community Services Officers, and key informants.

  Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm in Northern Ireland-A Policy Development Project

  Advertisements in local newspapers requesting contributions; letters sent to 587 'key stakeholders' asking for contributions and to identify other people/organisations who might have an interest; three workshops with key stakeholders; a series of seven focus groups, five with ex-addiction service users and two with young people; and a 'mini' consultation exercise where initial proposals were sent out to all 587 stakeholders for comment.

  Human Rights Commission
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the known(a) religious and (b) political affiliations of the Commissioners recently appointed to the new body on human rights for Northern Ireland. [75291]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: The Secretary of State announced on 18 January and 1 March appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. There are 10 Commissioners including the Chief Commissioner. The religious background of candidates is established for monitoring purposes only. It is not the Government's policy to release the religious affiliation of each member, but we are satisfied that the Commissioners, as a group, are representative of the community in Northern Ireland. Candidates are asked to declare political activity over the last 10 years; only one of those appointed had declared any political affiliation, which was to the SDLP and the Women's Coalition.

  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for appointment to the Human Rights Commission were received; on what dates the posts were advertised; and in what journals. [75279]
  110
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: There were 28 applications for Chief Commissioner and 154 for Commissioners. The Chief Commissioner post was advertised as follows:

  Date

  The Guardian

  5, 6 & 9 November

  The Guardian Website

  25 November

  Belfast Telegraph

  24 November & 1 December

  Newsletter

  26 November & 3 December

  Irish News

  26 November & 3 December

  NIO Website

  5 November onwards

  The Commissioner posts were advertised as follows:

  Date

  The Guardian

  2 & 3 December

  Belfast Telegraph

  1 December

  Irish News

  3 December

  Newsletter

  3 December

  NIO Website

  1 December onwards

  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many herds were restricted due to evidence of tuberculosis, in each month, from January 1995 to January 1997. [74571]
  111
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information requested is provided in the following table.

  Number of herds restricted due to TB from January 1995-January 1997

  Month

  Number of herds

  January 1995

  127

  February 1995

  117

  March 1995

  144

  April 1995

  114

  May 1995

  121

  June 1995

  99

  July 1995

  82

  August 1995

  92

  September 1995

  99

  October 1995

  93

  November 1995

  88

  December 1995

  86

  January 1996

  105

  February 1996

  128

  March 1996

  138

  April 1996

  141

  Number of tuberculosis infected cattle discovered in each veterinary division area from January 1995 to January 1996

  Armagh

  Ballymena

  Coleraine

  Dungannon

  Enniskillen

  Larne

  L'Derry

  Newry

  Newtownards

  Omagh

  January 1995

  80

  10

  31

  35

  23

  21

  3

  123

  65

  15

  February 1995

  49

  7

  14

  59

  24

  21

  4

  103

  73

  23

  March 1995

  83

  19

  33

  65

  17

  74

  4

  140

  31

  35

  April 1995

  52

  32

  26

  63

  15

  22

  1

  97

  17

  12

  May 1995

  54

  14

  15

  62

  21

  12

  5

  106

  46

  18

  June 1995

  53

  30

  17

  37

  21

  14

  2

  75

  37

  10

  July 1995

  23

  11

  12

  45

  13

  16

  5

  104

  35

  4

  August 1995

  71

  19

  15

  55

  7

  21

  2

  68

  45

  10

  September 1995

  79

  12

  15

  66

  16

  4

  6

  57

  29

  17

  October 1995

  28

  17

  15

  74

  13

  21

  8

  94

  39

  22

  November 1995

  20

  20

  21

  68

  8

  33

  6

  78

  33

  16

  December 1995

  25

  33

  10

  67

  21

  22

  4

  52

  28

  25

  January 1996

  41

  20

  20

  66

  23

  41

  8

  83

  26

  15

  February 1996

  34

  17

  27

  50

  24

  47

  15

  116

  74

  32

  March 1996

  31

  10

  22

  49

  32

  14

  11

  141

  38

  30

  April 1996

  89

  44

  29

  66

  10

  35

  21

  81

  50

  32

  May 1996

  37

  27

  17

  22

  28

  35

  1

  82

  41

  52

  June 1996

  41

  10

  16

  20

  16

  21

  2

  46

  36

  15

  July 1996

  16

  21

  12

  22

  8

  13

  4

  115

  38

  23

  August 1996

  66

  28

  16

  27

  15

  17

  2

  83

  48

  23

  September 1996

  33

  24

  19

  28

  9

  10

  1

  156

  35

  19

  October 1996

  44

  45

  13

  70

  14

  12

  1

  157

  125

  63

  November 1996

  18

  21

  22

  110

  11

  5

  8

  128

  59

  32

  December 1996

  42

  39

  14

  78

  17

  30

  2

  81

  37

  122

  January 1997

  30

  29

  20

  70

  10

  36

  9

  83

  50

  63

  Total

  1,139

  559

  471

  1,374

  416

  597

  135

  2,449

  1,135

  728

  Grand total

  9,003

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Transatlantic Postal Services
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and industry if he will list(a) the air cargo carriers which are currently contracted to transport post in each direction between the United Kingdom and the United States of America and (b) the weight which each carried in each of the last three years. [72881]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The contracting of air carriers to transport post to the United States of America is a
  112

  Number of herds restricted due to TB from January 1995-January 1997

  Month

  Number of herds

  May 1996

  120

  June 1996

  70

  July 1996

  77

  August 1996

  78

  September 1996

  87

  October 1996

  90

  November 1996

  96

  December 1996

  102

  January 1997

  108

  Total

  2,602

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many tuberculosis-infected animals were discovered in each veterinary division area, in each month, from January 1995 to January 1997. [74570]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information requested is provided in the following table.

  commercial matter for The Post Office. The air transport of post from the United States Postal Services to the United Kingdom is a matter for that administration.

  Credit Unions
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to allow credit unions to gain easier access to post offices to(a) encourage saving and (b) publicise their activities. [73914]
  113
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 3 March 1999]: Arrangements for access to post offices for credit unions are an operational and commercial matter for the Post Office and the credit unions. However, I have asked the Post Office to consider what actions can be taken to improve working relations between them and the credit unions, within the context of the Post Office's strategic plans.

  Social Partners Meetings
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those items of legislation since 1 May 1997 which originated from the Social Partners meetings at European Communities level. [75078]

  Mr. Wilson
  The items of legislation since 1 May which originated from agreements between the Social Partners at European Communities' level are the Parental Leave Directive and the PartߝTime Work Directive. These measures will be implemented through provisions in the Employment Relations Bill and through subsequent secondary legislation.

  Discretionary Grants (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Lock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list (i) the names of the beneficiaries of all the discretionary grants awarded by his Department to organisations within Worcestershire during 1998, (ii) their monetary value, (iii) their total value and (iv) the proportion that total sum comprises of the total
  sums awarded by his Department in discretionary grants in 1998. [75251]

  Mr. Wills
  If organisations can be interpreted as companies, we can provide the following information about the RSA, Smart and SPUR schemes for the calendar year 1998 in Worcestershire.

  (i) & (ii) Regional Selective Assistance

  Company name

  Value of offer (£)

  Premier Bathrooms Ltd.

  35,000

  Advanced Casting Co Ltd.

  45,000

  Metal Pressings Group Ltd

  80,000

  (iii) Total value of these offers = £160,000

  (iv) Total RSA offered in the West Midlands Assisted Area in 1998 was £36,614,000. On that basis, RSA offered in Worcestershire accounted for 0.43 per cent. of the total offered in the West Midlands.

  Note:

  Only a very small part of Worcestershire falls within the West Midlands Assisted Area.

  (i) & (ii) Smart and SPUR

  Company name

  Value of offer (£)

  C P Eng Systems Ltd.

  88,391

  Newbow Eng Industries Ltd.

  45,000

  D Parmenter

  45,000

  Lorica Research Ltd.

  45,000

  Bioriginal Ltd.

  45,000

  Spring Electronic Ltd.

  44,071

  Red Deer Herbs Ltd.

  122,276

  Enigma Research Ltd.

  45,000

  Greenfinch Ltd.

  88,390

  114

  (i) & (ii) Smart and SPUR

  Company name

  Value of offer (£)

  Sencon Europe Ltd.

  53,037

  Haydon Marketing Ltd.

  45,000

  Arden Services

  45,000

  (iii) Total value of these offers = £711,165

  (iv) Total Smart and SPUR offered in West Midlands in 1998 = £2,862,665. Therefore, Worcestershire received 25 per cent. of all grant offered on these schemes in the West Midlands during the calendar year.

  Black-start Facility, Keadby
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is yet in a position to make his decision on Keadby Generation Ltd's application to construct a blackߝstart facility at its Keadby power station in North Lincolnshire. [76013]

  Mr. Battle
  I have today granted consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to Keadby Generation Ltd's application to construct a 25MW gasߝfired black start facility (the extension) at its existing power station at Keadby. The decisions have been taken in accordance with the policy set out in the White Paper entitled 'Conclusions of the Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation and Government response to fourth and fifth Reports of the Trade and Industry Committee' (Cm 4071).

  I have also given Keadby Generation Ltd. clearance to build the extension under Section 14(1) of the Energy Act 1976 and directed that planning permission for the extension be deemed to be granted, subject to 36 planning conditions agreed with the North Lincolnshire Council. These conditions meet issues raised by the Council and others.

  Decisions on other applications under consideration will be announced in due course.

  Copies of the Press Notice and decision letter are being placed in the Library of the House.

  Children (Employment Law)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to report the outcome of his review of Employment Law relating to children. [74811]

  Mr. Hutton
  I have been asked to reply.

  We expect that the review will report shortly.

DEFENCE

  Brunei (Jungle Training)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries which had armed forces involved in the jungle training exercise in Brunei carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [72789]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The armed forces of the United Kingdom only were involved in this exercise.
  115

  Fast Insertion Craft
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many fast insertion craft are operated by his Department; what is their cost; and when the first craft was brought into service. [72643]

  Mr. Spellar
  Each vessel costs between £600,000 and £950,000, and they have been in service since 1994. Details of the numbers operated are withheld under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of repairing the damage to the Royal Marines' fast insertion craft incurred on 19 January in Norway. [72645]

  Mr. Spellar
  The cost is estimated to be £106,000.

  Infantry Exercises (France)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries which had armed forces involved in the three infantry exercises in France carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [72928]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The armed forces of the UK and France were involved in these exercises.

  Defence Agencies
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to set targets for the(a) Defence Secondary Care Agency and (b)Defence Vetting Agency for the year 1999ߝ2000. [72952]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Key targets for both agencies will be published by the end of April 1999.

  Departmental Policies
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what systems he has in place to ensure that policies being developed by his Department are subject to a crime impact(a) assessment and (b) audit and are not likely to lead to enhanced criminal opportunities. [72693]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 24 February 1999]: In addition to the regular audit of systems carried out by our Internal Audit organisation, my Department has a Fraud Analysis Unit which is tasked with the evaluation of suspected irregularity in the conduct of MOD business. Lessons learnt are incorporated in the process of policy development. The Department also has, in the Ministry of Defence Police, an independent constabulary whose tasks include the prevention and investigation of crime and fraud in the Defence environment; local policing plans have been developed to reflect the crime concerns at areas policed by the Force.

  Single Currency
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to issue information from his Department to help the public make an informed decision when they vote on the single currency. [73588]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Any plans by the Government to issue information during a referendum campaign on whether or not the UK should join the single currency would be made in light of the Government's response to 116
  the recommendations from the Neill Committee on the conduct of referendums. The Government will announce their conclusions on those recommendations when my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary publishes a White Paper and draft Bill before the summer recess.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the subject areas within his Department's responsibilities which will be covered by the information campaign on Britain's membership of a single currency. [73668]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The Treasury will continue its dialogue with key external bodies to determine what information the public and business would need at each stage of the changeover process. Any information campaign would cover key concerns that the public and business may have. Chapter eight of the Treasury's Outline National Changeover Plan provides further information. Copies of the Plan are available in the Library of the House.

  NATO Exercise (South Africa)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries which had armed forces involved in the NATO joint exercise in South Africa carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [72985]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 2 March 1999]: There were no NATO joint exercises in South Africa between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998.

  Military Exercises (Jordan)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list those countries which had armed forces involved in the two desert exercises in Jordan carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998; [72972]

  what is his assessment of the principal benefits of the two desert exercises in Jordan carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [72976]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 1 March 1999]: Exercise DESERT SONG comprised two exercises involving members of the UK and Jordanian armed forces and was conducted in Jordan in September and October 1997. These exercises were intended to maintain and develop the capacity of the participating personnel to conduct operations in a desert environment, and are assessed to have succeeded in their aim.

  Joint Venture Oversight Group
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the US/UK Joint Venture Oversight Group on the defence response to the threat posed by chemical and biological weapons is due to meet in 1999; in which country each meeting is due to take place; which of his Department's officials attend these meetings; and if any other Government Departments attend these meetings. [74257]

  Mr. George Robertson
  It is currently envisaged that the Joint Venture Oversight Group will meet twice a year and that the meetings will be held alternately in the United
  117
  States and the UK. The inaugural meeting of the Group having taken place in the United States in December 1998, the next will be held in the UK in June

  The principal UK official for these meetings is the MOD Deputy Policy Director. The composition of his supporting team depends on the business of each meeting, but is likely normally to include staff with responsibility for relevant policy issues, operational assessment and scientific research. Other Departments would be represented if required.

  Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list members of the Ministry of Defence, Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee. [74312]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The current make-up of the Defence, Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee is:

  Chairman

  K. R. Tebbit Esq. CMG

  Permanent Under Secretary of State Ministry of Defence

  Vice Chairman and Chairman, Press and Broadcasting Side

  R. Hutchinson Esq.

  Editiorial Policy Adviser to Jane's Information Group

  [Nominated by Periodical Publishers Association]

  Government Members

  D. B. Omand Esq.

  Permanent Under Secretary of State Home Office

  R. T. Jackling Esq. CB CBE 2nd Permanent Under Secretary of State Ministry of Defence

  D. J. Manning Esq. CMG Deputy Under Secretary of State Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Press and Broadcasting Members

  S Anderson Esq. Controller News and Current Affairs, ITV [ITV]

  J. D. Bishop Esq. Editor-in-Chief, Illustrated London News Group [Periodical Publishers Association]

  G. Brock Esq. Managing Editor, The Times [Newspaper Publishers Association]

  J. Cassidy Esq

  Editor, Sunday Mail [Scottish Daily Newspaper Society]

  T. H. S. Cole Esq. Managing Editor, Sky Television pic [Sky TV]

  R. Esser Esq. Executive Managing Editor, Daily Mail [Newspaper publishers Association]

  A. Goode Esq. Chief Executive, Bristol Evening Post and Press [Newspaper Society]

  P. Harding Esq. Controller, Editorial Policy, BBC [BBC]

  A. S. M. Hutchinson Esq. Associate Editor, The Daily Telegraph [Newspaper Publishers Association]

  P. J. Potts Esq. Editor, PA News [Press Association]

  R. G. Tait Esq. Editor-ins-Chief, Independent Television News Ltd. [ITN]

  W. Wilson Esq. Editor, Express and Star, Wolverhampton
  [Newspaper Society]

  Secretary

  Rear Admiral D. M. Pulvertaft CB

  Deputy Secretary

  Commander F. N. Ponsonby LVO OBE.

  Membership of the Committee and the Defence Advisory Notices themselves are kept up-to-date on the Internet at the Committee's home page: WWW.bitinternet.com/~d.a.notices
  118

  MOD Police (Jurisdiction)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what powers of jurisdiction over civilians(a) not employed by his Department and (b) employed by his Department the Ministry of Defence Police Agency has. [74309]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 2 March 1999,Official Report, column 655, by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, which outlined the circumstances in which MOD Police officers have the powers and privileges of constables. There are a variety of circumstances in which MOD Police officers might be able to exercise constabulary powers in relation to civilians whether or not they are employed by the Ministry of Defence.

  Gifts (Weapons and Military Equipment)
  Mr. John Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries which have received gifts of(a) weapons and (b) other military equipment from Her Majesty's Government since 1 May 1997, indicating the (i) types and (ii) value of equipment given. [74679]

  Mr. Spellar
  According to central records, the countries which have received gifts of weapons and other military equipment from Her Majesty's Government since 1 May 1997 are as follows:

  Country

  Value (£)

  (a)Weapons

  Canada

  2 x Chieftain main battle tanks

  @ 5,000 each

  (b) Other military equipment

  Congo (Army)

  Pickets and barbed wire

  450

  Congo (Red Cross)

  Ration packs

  2.578

  Canada

  4 x Ferret scout cars

  4,000

  Former Yugoslavia (Vitez)

  Accommodation equipment

  14,040

  Hong Kong

  Hardstick furniture

  21,605

  Italy

  25 x Portakabins

  25,000

  USA

  Inert WE 177 training round

  1

  Canada

  2 x Land Rovers

  1,154

  All these items were surplus to requirements. The main battle tanks were gifted to museums.

  VALUE Programme
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the key milestones and timetable for the Value-added Acquisition and Logistics for Ultimate Efficiency Programme; and if he will list the names and appointments of(a) civil servants, (b) military personnel and (c) external consultants on the programme. [74660]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 4 March 1999]: The VALUE programme is analysing the processes and key data elements of defence logistics, in support of the formation of the Defence Logistics Organisation and the implementation of the Smart Procurement Initiative. The main analytical work will be completed by 31 March 1999; the remaining work, which is due to be completed by 30 June 1999, will support the establishment of a programme of continuous improvement in defence logistics.
  119
  Members of the VALUE team are listed on the MOD website (http:/www.mod.uk). No external consultants are directly employed on the VALUE work.

  Smart Procurement
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names and appointments of the(a) civil servants, (b) military personnel and (c) external consultants who make up the Smart Procurement Implementation Team. [74647]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 4 March 1999]: The Implementation Team for the Smart Procurement Initiative planning phase comprises 48 full and part-time members. Team members include 25 civilian and 15 military personnel and 8 representatives from industry. The Implementation Team is being supported during the planning phase by external consultants from McKinsey & Co and KPMG, supplemented by occasional temporary attachments of civilian and military personnel on ad hoc activities. The names of some members of the Smart Procurement Implementation Team are included on the team's website (www.mod.uk/policy/smart).

  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent merger of BAe and Marconi on his Department's Smart Procurement policy. [74643]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 4 March 1999]: The MOD is currently assessing the impact of the proposed merger and will be advising the regulatory authorities in due course. It is not, however, expected to have any impact on our Smart Procurement policy.

  Strategic Defence Review
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names and appointments of the(a) civil servants and (b) military personnel of the Strategic Defence Review Implementation Team. [74645]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 4 March 1999]: The central Strategic Defence Review Implementation Team is a small civilian/military team of 9 personnel including support staff. The team has responsibility for monitoring and chasing progress on implementation of the Strategic Defence Review.

  The Implementation Team works closely with many others across the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces engaged in implementing particular aspects of the Review.

  Scout Reconnaissance Vehicle Programme
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the project definition, milestones and costs of the armoured scout reconnaissance vehicle programme. [69571]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 8 February 1999]: The Armoured Scout Reconnaissance Vehicle is a collaborative programme between the UK and the USA to study candidate technologies to meet our common requirements for battlefield reconnaissance for the Army of the future. Contracts for a 42 month Project Definition Phase were awarded to the SIKA and LANCER consortia on 29 January 1999. No commitment has been made to
  120
  the programme beyond the Project Definition Phase. Decisions will be made following a Balance of Investment Study, which will determine the optimum solution to the Land Commander's information gathering requirement. As part of the wider study, we will also be investigating the use of Unmanned Aerial and Land Vehicles.

  The total cost to the UK for the joint elements of the Project Definition Phase contracts will be around £90 million, excluding VAT. In addition, the UK will be spending around £7 million, excluding VAT, on UK specific issues.

  Holy Loch
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the projected cost of the Holy Loch clean-up of debris left behind by US visiting forces has risen to between £8 million and £10 million. [75116]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: The estimated costs of the Holy Loch clean-up operations are based on the practical experience gained during operations covered by the current contract. This has led to the forecasted final expenditure of £8 million to £10 million.

  Iraq
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total weight of bombs dropped by British forces on Iraq(a) during Operation Desert Fox and (b) subsequently. [75671]

  Mr. George Robertson
  During Operation DESERT FOX in December last year, a total of 28,560kg of bombs were dropped by British forces on Iraqi military targets. Subsequently, British forces have dropped 20,520kg of bombs in the course of operations over Iraq.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent RAF pilots forced down in Iraq will be protected by the terms of the Geneva Convention; and if he will make a statement. [75670]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The Geneva Conventions are applicable in any international armed conflict, whether or not a state of war exists between the parties; the application of the Conventions are not dependent upon a formal declaration of war or hostilities. Accordingly, any of our aircrew forced down in Iraq would be entitled to the status of prisoners of war. We would expect Iraq to meet all its obligations under international law, including all applicable international conventions.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review his Department's decision to reduce the number of Tristar flights to the Falkland Islands. [75756]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The reduction in the number of RAF Tristar Airbridge flights to the Falkland Islands by one flight per calendar month was one of a range of efficiency proposals identified by the Strategic Defence Review. It represents a rationalisation of the use of Tristar aircraft, following technical improvements that allow them to carry an increased payload, rather than representing any significant reduction to the overall capacity of the Airbridge. Final arrangements for the implementation of this measure are still under consideration.
  121

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police Officers (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers from an Asian or Afro-Caribbean background hold the rank of(a) chief constable, (b) assistant chief constable and(c) chief superintendent. [74539]

  Mr. Boateng
  Currently there are(a) no Chief Constables, (b) one Assistant Chief Constable, (c) three Chief Superintendents (one currently on temporary promotion) and six Superintendents from an Asian or Afro-Caribbean background.

  The rank of Chief Superintendent was abolished on 1 April 1995. At that time, the number of existing Chief Superintendents maintained their rank and a number of forces continue to use the designation.

  Equine Welfare
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received from equine welfare organisations on the tethering of horses; [75122]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the welfare standards of the existing legislation on the tethering of horses; and if he will make a statement. [75120]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We have not received recent representations from equine welfare organisations about the tethering of horses.

  The welfare of horses that are tethered is safeguarded by the general protection afforded by the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act 1988. Additional protection is provided by the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960.

  Under the 1911 Act, it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal. The Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act 1988 created a specific offence under the 1911 Act of causing unnecessary suffering to a horse by the manner of condition of its tethering. In addition, the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960 makes it an offence to abandon a domestic or captive animal, whether or not permanently, without reasonable excuse and in circumstances likely to cause suffering.

  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there were in England during 1998 of individuals for their ill treatment of horses. [75121]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information held on the Home Office Court Proceedings Database concerning offences under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 does not distinguish individual offences within the Act or identify the species of animal involved.

  London Fire Brigade
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many firefighters in the London Fire Brigade are of black or ethnic minority origin; what 122
  proportion of the total they form; and what measures are planned to increase the number of black and ethnic minority firefighters in London. [75135]

  Mr. George Howarth
  At 31 March 1998, there were 5,771 firefighters on the operational strength of London Fire Brigade. Of these, 249 (4.3 per cent. of the total) classified themselves as black or from an ethnic minority group.

  We have announced that targets will be set for the recruitment of ethnic minority groups into the Home Office and its services. All chief fire officers have been asked to set targets to improve black and ethnic minority representation to reflect the community their brigade serves. The London Fire and Civil Defence Authority has already taken a number of initiatives of its own to increase the numbers of black and ethnic minority firefighters in London.

  Horses (Nutritional Deprivation)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons he granted a project licence for the study of the effects of nutritional deprivation in the womb of horses at the Equine Fertility Unit near Newmarket, with particular reference to the cost benefit test under section 5(4) of the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; into what severity band the procedures were placed and for what reasons; and if he will review the application of the cost benefit test in relation to these procedures. [75174]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The project licence authorising this work was granted in 1994. The objectives of the research were to study pregnancy in mares to determine how genetic and growth factors might affect the nutrition of the foetus, given that poor nutrition of the developing foetus can result in abortion or the birth of poorly viable offspring. The potential benefits of the work are, therefore, to the welfare of horses. It is, however, possible that the results will also be beneficial to other species, including man.

  The procedures on the horses entailed mainly non-surgical recovery of uterine material from pregnant and non-pregnant animals. This involved sedation but no general anaesthesia and the procedures were classified as being of mild severity. However, in the early work under the authority of this licence, some of the procedures also involved surgery, which was classified as being of moderate severity. The overall severity for the project licence is mild.

  The relevant project licence is no longer in force. If further work is to be carried out in this area, a new application will have to be made and the costs and benefits will again be weighed before deciding whether to grant a new licence.

  Criminal Memoirs
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to prevent criminals profiting from the publication of(a) memoirs and (b) magazine and newspaper articles based on their criminal activities. [74879]
  123
  Mr. Boateng
  In the light of the concerns expressed last year after the publication of Gitta Sereny's book 'Cries Unheard' an inter-departmental group is considering the law relating to criminal memoirs, and whether it might sensibly be strengthened. The issues raised are difficult and complex, and include how the need to prevent criminals from benefiting by publishing details of their crimes and causing distress to victims and their families can be balanced against the rights to freedom of expression set out in the European Court of Human Rights and the Human Rights Act. The working group expects to report in the summer.

  Sexual Assaults
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people aged (i) under 14, (ii) 14 to 17, (iii) 18 to 20, (iv) 21 to 40, (v) 41 to 64 and (vi) 65 years and over, convicted of the offence of rape of a man in each year from 1987 to 1997 were sentenced to immediate custody; [75034]

  (2) how many people aged (i) under 14, (ii) 14 to 17, (iii) 18 to 20, (iv) 21 to 40, (v) 41 to 64 and (vi) 65 years and over, convicted of the offence of indecency between males in each of the years 1987 to 1997 were sentenced to immediate custody; [75031]

  Table A: Number of persons convicted at all courts for the offence of indecent assault on a male or female by sex and age of victim, England and Wales, 1987–97

  Offence/sex

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Indecent assault on a male person under 16 years of age

  Males

  420

  455

  400

  413

  338

  356

  287

  316

  331

  349

  353

  Females

  10

  5

  6

  8

  13

  7

  6

  8

  8

  6

  10

  Indecent assault on a male person aged 16 years or over

  Males

  76

  86

  101

  152

  113

  98

  112

  84

  123

  124

  112

  Females

  1

  —

  1

  —

  2

  2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  4

  Indecent assault on a female person under 16 years of age

  Males

  1,542

  1,640

  1,643

  1,525

  1,458

  1,320

  1,193

  1,350

  1,440

  1,590

  1,621

  Females

  14

  10

  14

  12

  11

  11

  12

  5

  6

  7

  6

  Indecent assault on a female person aged 16 years or over

  Males

  755

  858

  1,009

  1,036

  944

  925

  855

  847

  925

  818

  852

  Females

  4

  3

  5

  3

  4

  4

  6

  1

  6

  4

  5

  Table B: Number of persons convicted at all courts of the offence of male rape1 by sex, age and result, England and Wales, 1995–97

  Year/disposal

  Aged 10–13

  Aged14–17

  Aged18–20

  Aged21–40

  Aged 41–64

  Aged 65+

  All Ages

  1995

  Convicted

  Male

  —

  2

  —

  5

  2

  —

  9

  Sentenced

  Male

  —

  2

  —

  5

  2

  —

  9

  Immediate custody2

  Male

  —

  2

  —

  5

  2

  —

  9

  1996

  Convicted

  Male

  1

  9

  4

  5

  5

  —

  24

  Sentenced

  Male

  1

  9

  4

  5

  5

  —

  24

  Immediate custody2

  Male

  —

  9

  4

  5

  5

  —

  23

  124
  (3) how many (a) prosecutions, (b) convictions and (c) cautions for the offence of indecent assault on a male there were of persons who were aged (i) under 14, (ii) 14 to 17, (iii) 18 to 20, (iv) 21 to 40, (v) 41 to 64 and (vi) 65 years and over giving in each age group how many were (1) male and (2) female, in each year between 1987 and 1997;[75032]

  (4) how many (1) cautions and (2) convictions there were for the offences of (i) indecent assault on a female under 16 years, (ii) unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16 years, (iii) indecent assault on a male under 16 years, (iv) gross indecency with a girl under 14 years, (v) unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years, (vi) gross indecency with a boy under 14 years, (vii) buggery of a male under 16 years and (viii) incest in (a) 1985 and (b) 1995; and if he will indicate in each case the percentage change; [75029]

  (5) in how many cases the victim of a person convicted of indecent assault or other party to an offence of indecent assault for which a conviction was secured was aged (a) under 14, (b) 14 to 17, (c) 18 to 20, (d) 21 to 40, (e) 41 to 64 and (f) 65 years and over, giving in each age group the number who were (1) male or (2) female for each year between 1987 and 1997. [75030]

  Mr. Boateng
  Available information is given in the tables. Information held on the Home Office Court Proceedings Database on the age of victims of the offence of indecent assault is restricted to identifying those 'under 16' and '16 and over'.
  125

  Table B: Number of persons convicted at all courts of the offence of male rape1 by sex, age and result, England and Wales, 1995–97

  Year/disposal

  Aged 10–13

  Aged 14–17

  Aged 18–20

  Aged 21–40

  Aged 41–64

  Aged 65+

  All Ages

  1997

  Convicted

  Male

  1

  7

  4

  15

  14

  1

  42

  Sentenced

  Male

  1

  6

  4

  15

  14

  1

  41

  Immediate custody2

  —

  5

  4

  15

  14

  1

  39

  1 New offence created under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Prior to this defendants would have been charged with
  non-consensual buggery.

  2 Includes persons sentenced under section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933.

  Table C: Number of offenders cautioned for the offence of indecent assault on a male by sex and age, England and Wales, 1987–97

  Age and Sex

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  10–13

  Male

  33

  38

  29

  44

  43

  39

  35

  35

  19

  25

  18

  Female

  7

  3

  6

  5

  3

  2

  1

  5

  1

  1

  1

  14–17

  Male

  54

  62

  70

  83

  83

  81

  54

  64

  54

  30

  34

  Female

  4

  4

  9

  7

  7

  7

  4

  4

  6

  3

  4

  18–20

  Male

  10

  8

  10

  22

  14

  22

  12

  7

  10

  7

  5

  Female

  3

  2

  2

  1

  1

  7

  3

  2

  2

  2

  1

  21–40

  Male

  27

  27

  32

  40

  38

  49

  57

  47

  30

  40

  20

  Female

  11

  8

  10

  11

  3

  9

  13

  7

  12

  2

  8

  41–64

  Male

  9

  24

  13

  29

  31

  22

  60

  40

  30

  28

  25

  Female

  1

  1

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  1

  —

  2

  1

  65+

  Male

  19

  13

  24

  16

  20

  16

  20

  14

  14

  12

  12

  Female

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  All ages

  Male

  152

  172

  178

  234

  229

  229

  238

  207

  157

  142

  114

  Female

  26

  18

  27

  24

  15

  27

  21

  19

  21

  10

  15

  Table D: Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates' courts for the offence of indecent assault on a male by sex and age, England and Wales, 1987–97

  Age and Sex

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  10–13

  Male

  5

  6

  3

  4

  3

  1

  1

  11

  4

  3

  4

  Female

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  2

  14–17

  Male

  47

  48

  46

  49

  33

  42

  32

  41

  49

  57

  64

  Female

  1

  —

  4

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  2

  3

  18–20

  Male

  37

  49

  58

  47

  42

  48

  29

  32

  23

  16

  13

  Female

  1

  —

  —

  4

  —

  2

  2

  1

  —

  —

  1

  21–40

  Male

  290

  306

  322

  331

  315

  280

  269

  231

  247

  159

  178

  Female

  16

  9

  7

  15

  11

  11

  9

  14

  11

  10

  14

  41–64

  Male

  235

  244

  238

  288

  290

  243

  231

  262

  239

  206

  241

  Female

  1

  —

  3

  1

  2

  3

  5

  4

  2

  2

  2

  65+

  Male

  34

  35

  34

  33

  38

  25

  37

  42

  33

  28

  20

  Female

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  All ages

  Male

  678

  688

  701

  752

  721

  639

  605

  619

  595

  469

  520

  Female

  19

  9

  15

  20

  13

  17

  16

  21

  14

  14

  22

  126 127

  Table E: Number of offenders convicted1 at all courts for the offence of indecent assault on a male by sex and age, England and Wales, 1987–97

  Age and Sex

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  10–13

  Male

  4

  3

  3

  2

  2

  1

  4

  6

  —

  2

  3

  Female

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  14–17

  Male

  33

  37

  32

  32

  24

  31

  22

  26

  34

  39

  44

  Female

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  2

  2

  18–20

  Male

  29

  32

  44

  32

  24

  24

  22

  24

  18

  21

  13

  Female

  —

  —

  1

  3

  2

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  21–40

  Male

  232

  246

  202

  254

  188

  180

  168

  160

  174

  172

  163

  Female

  8

  5

  4

  5

  12

  7

  5

  7

  6

  4

  9

  41–64

  Male

  172

  192

  193

  211

  184

  197

  155

  165

  230

  208

  221

  Female

  2

  —

  1

  —

  1

  2

  2

  —

  2

  —

  —

  65+

  Male

  26

  31

  27

  34

  29

  22

  29

  20

  25

  31

  21

  Female

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  All ages

  Male

  496

  541

  501

  565

  451

  455

  400

  401

  481

  473

  465

  Female

  11

  5

  7

  8

  15

  9

  8

  8

  9

  6

  14

  1 Includes persons proceeded against in earlier years or for other offences

  Table F: Number of males convicted at all courts for the offence of indecency between males by sex, age and result, England and Wales, 1987–97

  Year/disposal

  Aged 10–13

  Aged 14–17

  Aged 18–20

  Aged 21–40

  Aged 41–64

  Aged 65+

  All ages

  1987

  Convicted

  —

  9

  42

  523

  353

  24

  951

  Sentenced

  —

  9

  42

  522

  353

  24

  950

  Immediate custody1

  2—

  1

  —

  19

  11

  —

  31

  1988

  Convicted

  —

  12

  52

  645

  553

  71

  1,333

  Sentenced

  —

  12

  52

  645

  553

  71

  1,333

  Immediate custody1

  2—

  —

  —

  8

  12

  —

  20

  1989

  Convicted

  1

  15

  46

  772

  606

  63

  1,503

  Sentenced

  1

  15

  46

  772

  605

  63

  1,502

  Immediate custody1

  2—

  2

  1

  13

  7

  —

  23

  1990

  Convicted

  —

  14

  36

  532

  427

  37

  1,046

  Sentenced

  —

  14

  36

  530

  429

  37

  1,046

  Immediate custody1

  2—

  —

  —

  6

  5

  —

  11

  1991

  Convicted

  —

  5

  15

  349

  232

  26

  627

  Sentenced

  —

  5

  15

  349

  231

  26

  626

  Immediate custody1

  2—

  —

  —

  5

  6

  —

  11

  1992

  Convicted

  —

  3

  20

  298

  230

  27

  578

  Sentenced

  —

  3

  20

  298

  231

  27

  579

  Immediate custody1

  2—

  1

  —

  4

  3

  —

  8

  1993

  Convicted

  —

  —

  6

  192

  169

  22

  389

  Sentenced

  —

  —

  6

  191

  169

  21

  387

  Immediate custody1

  2—

  —

  —

  4

  2

  —

  6

  1994

  Convicted

  —

  4

  8

  226

  226

  16

  480

  Sentenced

  —

  4

  8

  226

  226

  16

  480

  Immediate custody1

  2—

  —

  —

  3

  4

  1

  8

  1995

  Convicted

  —

  3

  3

  203

  176

  25

  410

  Sentenced

  —

  3

  3

  203

  176

  25

  410

  Immediate custody1

  —

  —

  —

  5

  12

  1

  18

  128 129

  Table F: Number of males convicted at all courts for the offence of indecency between males by sex, age and result, England and Wales, 1987–97

  Year/disposal

  Aged 10–13

  Aged 14–17

  Aged 18–20

  Aged 21–40

  Aged 41–64

  Aged 65+

  All ages

  1996

  Convicted

  —

  2

  4

  108

  97

  8

  219

  Sentenced

  —

  2

  4

  108

  97

  8

  219

  Immediate custody1

  —

  —

  —

  3

  1

  —

  4

  1997

  Convicted

  —

  —

  3

  112

  105

  17

  237

  Sentenced

  —

  —

  3

  112

  104

  17

  236

  Immediate custody1

  —

  —

  —

  3

  3

  —

  6

  1 Includes persons sentenced under section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933

  2 Not applicable

  Note:

  In some cases total sentenced is higher than total convicted—this will include persons convicted at magistrates' courts but sentenced at a later date at the Crown Court

  Table G: Number of offenders cautioned and convicted at all courts for specific sexual offences for the years 1985 and 1995 and showing percentage change, England and Wales

  Cautioned

  Convicted

  Offence

  1985

  Cautioned 1995

  % change

  1985

  Convicted 1995

  change

  Indecent assault on a female under 16

  970

  670

  -31

  1,446

  1,446

  0

  Unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16

  1,155

  400

  -65

  395

  203

  -49

  Indecent assault on a male under 16

  146

  137

  -6

  528

  339

  -36

  Gross indecency with a girl under 14

  46

  30

  -35

  160

  99

  -38

  Unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13

  58

  41

  -29

  110

  81

  -26

  Gross indecency with a boy under 14

  16

  28

  +75

  106

  56

  -47

  Buggery of a male under 161

  22

  11

  -50

  167

  129

  -23

  Incest

  21

  14

  -33

  128

  48

  -63

  1 For 1995 may include buggery of a woman or animal

  Hostels
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the national average occupancy rate in hostels in England and Wales on the latest date available; and what are his Department's relevant key performance indicators for 1998–99. [75242]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The average occupancy rate in approved probation and bail hostels for the year 1998–99 currently stands at 84 per cent. This is above the 83 per cent. target for the key performance indicator for hostel occupancy, which will increase to 87 per cent. in 1999–2000.

  Gaming Act 1968
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what responses he received to the consultation paper on modernising the Gaming Act 1968 in respect of(a) postal and group applications, (b) limited print advertising and (c) introduction of casino gaming machines; and if he will make a statement. [75219]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We consulted on 5 August 1998 about proposals to relax certain Gaming Act controls on casino membership, advertising and jackpot machines. The consultation period ended on 21 October.

  We received 39 responses, most supporting the proposals. We have been discussing specific issues with the Gaming Board and the industry, and hope to make an announcement shortly.
  130

  Immigration Officers
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if training for immigration officers includes guidance on facilitating legitimate travellers who wish to visit family and friends in the United Kingdom. [75650]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The greater majority of passengers are, of course, entitled or qualified to enter the United Kingdom. This includes those wishing to visit family and friends here. Immigration Officers are given training which reflects this priority, with particular emphasis on professionalism, inter-personal skills and awareness of the needs and concerns of those with whom they come into contact, including the family and friends of passengers.

  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what common training is given to all immigration officers. [75649]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Immigration Officers undergo a variety of common training during their careers in the Immigration Service. In particular, they are given ten weeks' induction training to enable them to apply the requirements of immigration-related legislation and instructions. Areas covered include their powers and obligations, operating the controls in accordance with Government policies, interview skills, professional standards and skills such as forgery detection.

  Thereafter, Immigration Officers are given consolidation training in order to reinforce their knowledge and experience, as well as more specialised training for those working in areas such as computerisation, resource management and training.
  131
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is given to immigration officers working in the Indian sub-continent. [75648]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  All Immigration Officers working abroad, including those in the sub-continent, receive a comprehensive Entry Clearance Officer course which addresses a number of issues in the operation of a faster, fairer and firmer immigration control overseas. Officers are required to demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the principles of Best Practice in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its importance in the successful management of an entry clearance operation. The course reflects the importance of treating each applicant with courtesy and respect as an individual, with particular emphasis on a professional approach to the interview process.

  The four-day course is delivered by Immigration Service trainers all of whom have had recent experience in entry clearance work overseas. Areas covered include types of interviews that Entry Clearance Officers carry out and the range of different applications, including visitors and students. A substantial part of the course is devoted to the area of family settlement.

  On arrival in post, they receive additional training, with particular guidance on the cultural background and life specific to the country in which they will be working. This includes those going to the sub-continent.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the additional special payment allocated to the Metropolitan Police was for each of the years 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000; [75755]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 1 March 1999, Official Report, column 556, if he will set out the basis upon which the additional special payment allocated to the Metropolitan police was calculated; and what criteria were adopted; [75753]

  (3) what new factors he took into account in calculating the additional special payment allocated to the Metropolitan Police for 1999-2000 compared with 1998–99. [75754]

  Mr. Boateng
  The special payment was £130 million for 1997-98, £151 million for 1998-99 and will be £176 million for 1999–2000.

  The payment was set at £151 million for 1998–99 following a review by Home Office officials which was the first comprehensive attempt to cost the Metropolitan Police's national and capital city functions. The report provided a degree of transparency about the additional payment which was not previously available.

  In setting the special payment for 1999–2000, factors taken into account included inflation, policing related to millennium celebrations, and the overall importance of maintaining public confidence in the policing of the capital city.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the letters of 132
  3 December and 26 January, from the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed concerning a computer database for tracing stolen property. [75744]

  Mr. Boateng
  I am sorry for the delay and shall reply to the right hon. Gentleman as quickly as possible.

  Number Plates
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the auto number-plate recognition system in reducing crime. [75659]

  Mr. Boateng
  No systematic assessment has been made, but the technical performance of automatic number plate recognition systems is kept under review.

  Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the investigation into the leak of the Macpherson report will extend to those members of Ministers' staff who are not civil servants and are not based within the Department. [75791]

  Mr. Straw
  The conduct of the inquiry, including the question of who should be interviewed, is a matter for the investigator to determine.

  Ministerial Staff
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what guidelines are in place regarding the disciplinary action which can be taken against those members of Ministers' staff who are not civil servants and are not based within the Department, where they are found guilty of misconduct or gross misconduct; [75797]

  (2) what guidelines are in place regarding access to (a) unpublished documents and (b) material with a restricted classification by members of Ministers' staff who are not civil servants and are not based within the Department. [75798]

  Mr. Straw
  Ministers' staff are either civil servants or paid or unpaid special advisers. Paid special advisers are civil servants, employed under individual contracts (the model of which was promulgated by the Prime Minister on 19 May 1997), and are subject to the same conditions of service and the same rules of conduct as other civil servants. Unpaid advisers are subject to the normal rules of confidentiality, as the Ministerial Code, published in July 1997, makes clear. The employment by Ministers, in their capacity as Members of Parliament, of staff to assist with constituency business, is not a matter for me.

SCOTLAND

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 14 January 1999,Official Report, column 232, if he will list the expenditure not included in his answer incurred by (a) his agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) the Central Office of Information for relevant work carried out for his Department. [71022]
  133
  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]: The information requested is not held centrally for non-departmental public bodies and could be collected only at disproportionate cost. The Central Office of Information has carried out no work for my Department in the period.

  Care and Repair Grants
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish(a) a list of care and repair grants made for each local authority in Scotland and (b) how much each local authority in Scotland received for such grants per 1,000 of population, for each of the last three years. [74014]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: Details of individual Care and Repair grants provided by local authorities are not held centrally. The cost of grants given to owners benefiting from the Care and Repair scheme is met from the gross capital resources available to local authorities. The Scottish Office and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities have agreed that expenditure on Care and Repair should be a shared priority for central and local government. The value of works completed in 1997–98 was around £6 million, covering some 1,400 homes. Revenue funding in 1997–98 amounted to £1.2 million.

  From 1 July, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Percentage of school leavers from publicly funded secondary schools in Scotland entering full-time higher education 1993–94 to 1997–98

  Percentage of school leavers entering full-time HE1

  Local authority

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Scotland

  27

  27

  28

  29

  30

  Aberdeen City

  23

  22

  26

  26

  30

  Aberdeenshire

  28

  28

  33

  36

  38

  Angus

  32

  32

  33

  34

  33

  Argyll and Bute

  35

  35

  32

  34

  33

  Clackmannanshire

  28

  26

  22

  25

  27

  Dumfries and Galloway

  30

  31

  33

  33

  30

  Dundee City

  23

  21

  22

  22

  22

  East Ayrshire

  24

  26

  25

  24

  30

  East Dunbartonshire

  41

  42

  45

  43

  44

  East Lothian

  30

  24

  30

  29

  26

  East Renfrewshire

  43

  42

  45

  42

  47

  Edinburgh, City of

  25

  26

  25

  27

  27

  Eilean Siar

  31

  38

  37

  37

  39

  Falkirk

  22

  20

  27

  25

  27

  Fife

  29

  29

  31

  30

  30

  Glasgow City

  14

  14

  15

  17

  17

  Highland

  30

  30

  30

  28

  31

  Inverclyde

  28

  24

  26

  29

  28

  Midlothian

  24

  25

  26

  26

  22

  Moray

  27

  27

  26

  29

  30

  North Ayrshire

  29

  26

  28

  27

  27

  North Lanarkshire

  24

  23

  25

  26

  28

  Orkney Islands

  46

  39

  37

  36

  40

  Perth and Kinross

  34

  32

  32

  35

  35

  Renfrewshire

  32

  32

  30

  31

  34

  Scottish Borders

  29

  32

  31

  33

  33

  Shetland Islands

  30

  32

  32

  24

  33

  South Ayrshire

  36

  38

  39

  38

  33

  South Lanarkshire

  28

  30

  31

  32

  32

  Stirling

  30

  34

  33

  39

  38

  West Dunbartonshire

  21

  21

  23

  26

  25

  West Lothian

  20

  18

  21

  24

  26

  1 Figures for 1997–98 (but not other years) include those school leavers who have an unconditional offer of a place in higher education, deferred for a year.

  Note:

  Figures exclude school leavers from special and independent schools and people who do not enter higher education direction directly from school

  Source:

  HMI Audit Unit Destinations from Scottish Secondary Schools.
  134

  M74
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the proposal to change the name of the M74 motorway to the M6; and if he will make a statement. [74409]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The previous Government had proposed that once the Glasgow to Carlisle road was upgraded to motorway throughout, its name should change to the M6. I confirm that there is no intention to renumber the route before all the remaining sections of the all-purpose route have been upgraded. From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  University Attendance
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the proportion of school children who went on to university, broken down by residence in each Scottish parliamentary constituency, in each of the last five years. [74399]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Information is not available in the format requested. However, information is available on the percentage of school leavers from publicly funded secondary schools in Scotland entering a full-time course of higher education for each Local Authority area. This information is set out in the table:
  135
  As from 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Primary Education
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the level of primary education funding was per primary school pupil in(a) cash terms and (b) 1998–99 prices in each year since 1992 in each local authority area. [74544]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information is given in the tables. 1996–97 is the latest financial year for actual expenditure information is currently available. The figures, which are derived from local authority returns, do not include the cost of home-to-school transport, school meals, education authority central administration costs and loan charges.

  Net current expenditure per pupil in local authority primary schools

  (£ at out-turn prices)

  Regional/Islands Councils

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Borders

  1,885

  1,935

  1,943

  1,870

  Central

  1,722

  1,733

  1,724

  1,732

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1,745

  1,749

  1,719

  1,761

  Fife

  1,729

  1,721

  1,752

  1,771

  Grampian

  1,842

  1,805

  1,774

  1,860

  Highland

  1,907

  1,970

  2,000

  1,893

  Lothian

  1,659

  1,650

  1,695

  1,745

  Strathclyde

  1,763

  1,769

  1,811

  1,906

  Tayside

  1,709

  1,711

  1,766

  1,757

  Orkney

  2,106

  2,560

  2,537

  2,640

  Shetland

  2,382

  2,945

  2,576

  2,499

  Western Isles

  2,429

  2.390

  2,490

  2,478

  Net current expenditure per pupil in local authority primary schools

  (£ at 1998–99 prices)

  Regional/Island Councils

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Borders

  2,193

  2,193

  2,171

  2,030

  Central

  2,003

  1,964

  1,926

  1,880

  Dumfies and Galloway

  2,030

  1,982

  1,921

  1,912

  Fife

  2,011

  1,950

  1,957

  1,923

  Grampian

  2,143

  2,045

  1,982

  2,019

  Highland

  2,218

  2,232

  2,235

  2,055

  Lothian

  1,930

  1,870

  1,894

  1,894

  Stratclyde

  2,051

  2,005

  2,023

  2,069

  Tayside

  1,988

  1,939

  1,973

  1,907

  Orkney

  2,450

  2,901

  2,834

  2,866

  Shetland

  2,771

  3,337

  2,878

  2,713

  Western Isles

  2,826

  2,708

  2,782

  2,690

  Net current expenditure per pupil in local authority primary schools in 1996–97

  Councils

  (£ at out-turn prices)

  (£ at 1998–99 prices)

  Aberdeen, City

  1,805

  1,901

  Aberdeenshire

  1,857

  1,955

  Angus

  1,799

  1,894

  Argyll and Bute

  2,382

  2,508

  Clackmannanshire

  1,761

  1,854

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1,766

  1,860

  Dundee

  1,793

  1,889

  East Ayrshire

  1,820

  1,917

  East Dunbartonshire

  1,659

  1,748

  136

  Net current expenditure per pupil in local authority primary schools in 1996–97

  Councils

  (£ at out-turn prices)

  (£ at 1998–99 prices)

  East Lothian

  1,764

  1,858

  East Renfrewshire

  1,571

  1,654

  Edinburgh, City

  1,774

  1,869

  Eilean Siar

  2,531

  2,666

  Falkirk

  1,755

  1,848

  Fife

  1,754

  1,847

  Glasgow City

  2,007

  2,114

  Highland

  1,966

  2,070

  Inverclyde

  1,780

  1,875

  Midlothian

  1,882

  1,983

  Moray

  1,513

  1,593

  North Ayrshire

  1,750

  1,843

  North Lanarkshire

  1,836

  1,934

  Orkney

  2,711

  2,855

  Perth and Kinross

  1,834

  1,931

  Renfrewshire

  1,785

  1,880

  Scottish Borders

  1,896

  1,997

  Shetland

  2,497

  2,630

  South Ayrshire

  1,723

  1,815

  South Lanarkshire

  1,893

  1,993

  Stirling

  1,947

  2,050

  West Dunbartonshire

  1,912

  2,014

  West Lothian

  1,830

  1,928

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many primary school classes there were in Scotland in(a) 1996, (b) 1997 and (c) 1998. [74981]

  Mrs. Liddell
  There were 17,731 classes in publicly funded primary schools in Scotland in 1997. Of these, 13,052 were single-stage classes and 4,679 were composite classes. The information requested was not collected in 1996 and information for 1998 is not yet available.

  From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Schools Statistics
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in each local authority area were opened in each year since 1992; [74511]

  (2) how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each local authority area were closed in each year since 1992. [74555]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Information derived from the database of schools held by The Scottish Office to enable it to conduct the annual School Census and other surveys is given in the following tables. 1993 is the earliest year for which reliable information is available in this form. The figures represent the primary and secondary schools/departments added to or removed from the database. In a number of instances this may be for reasons other than closure, such as merger. Specific information on such circumstances is not held centrally.
  137

  Number of publicly funded primary and secondary schools/departments in each local authority area that were opened in each year since 1993

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Aberdeen City

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Aberdeenshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Angus

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Argyll and Bute

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Clackmannanshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Dumfries and Galloway

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Dundee City

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  East Ayrshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  East Dunbartonshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Lothian

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Renfrewshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Edinburgh City

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Eilean Siar1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Falkirk

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fife

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Glasgow City

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Highland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Inverclyde

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Midlothian

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Moray

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Ayrshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Lanarkshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Orkney

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Perth and Kinross

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Renfrewshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Scottish Borders

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Shetland Islands

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South Ayrshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South Lanarkshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Stirling

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  West Dunbartonshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  West Lothian

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 Formerly known as Western Isles

  Number of publicly funded primary and secondary schools in each local authority area that were closed in each year since 1993

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Aberdeen City

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  Aberdeenshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  Angus

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Argyll and Bute

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  2

  —

  Clackmannanshire

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Dumfries and Galloway

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Dundee City

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  2

  2

  2

  —

  —

  East Ayrshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Dunbartonshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Lothian

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Renfrewshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Edinburgh City

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Eilean Siar1

  —

  —

  2

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Falkirk

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fife

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Glasgow City

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  —

  5

  —

  3

  1

  —

  7

  Highland

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  4

  —

  2

  —

  1

  —

  Inverclyde

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Midlothian

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Moray

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  North Ayrshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Lanarkshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Orkney

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Perth and Kinross

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Renfrewshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Scottish Borders

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Shetland Islands

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  South Ayrshire

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South Lanarkshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Stirling

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  West Dunbartonshire

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  West Lothian

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1 Formerly known as Western Isles

  138 139
  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Nurses
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people(a) undertook nurse training and (b) qualified as trained nurses, and how many and what percentage of qualified nurses gained employment in the NHS, in each year since 1992. [74514]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The available information is as follows:

  (a) Student nurse intakes

  (b) Student nurse completions

  1992–93

  2,325

  2,359

  1993–94

  2.377

  2,295

  1994–95

  2,230

  2,047

  1995–96

  2,209

  1,805

  1996–97

  2,386

  1,683

  1997–98

  2,367

  1,606

  (c) Information on the percentage of qualified nurses gaining employment in the NHS is available centrally for the years 1992 to 1994 only. It is published in Table 9.16 of Scottish Health Statistics 1996, a copy of which is held in the Library of the House.

  Note:

  The reduction in completions results from reduced intakes during the period 1990–95, which included the introduction of P2000 courses in place of the old style '1982' courses.

  From 1997–98 onwards, intakes have been informed by the annual Student Nurse Intake Plans, which assess the supply and demand of nurses. These exercises are conducted in partnership with the Management Executive, NHS Trusts, Health Boards and the Private Sector and includes all specialist areas in nursing. The model used takes account of demographic trends including the age profiles of nurses currently employed within the NHS, and the number of students which require to be trained is estimated over a 5 year cycle.

  Source:

  Training Data—National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland

  Employment Data—Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency for the NHS in Scotland.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  NHS Bureaucracy
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money has been saved from reducing bureaucracy in the NHS in Scotland since 1 May 1997; and what these savings have been spent on. [74540]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The estimated savings from reducing bureaucracy for 1997–98 and 1998–99 are approximately £25 million.

  The savings have been generated and retained at individual Health Board level and have been re-invested in patient care in line with local priorities and needs.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
  140

  Class Sizes
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by individual school and local authority, the average number of pupils per(a) primary school class, (b) primary years one, two and three class and (c) secondary school class. [74545]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The answer to parts(a) and (b) of the question is lengthy and I have arranged for a table giving the information requested to be placed in the Library. The information requested in part (c) of the question is not held centrally.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  NHS Staff
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) NHS administrators and managers, (b) nurses, (c) hospital doctors, (d) hospital consultants and (e) general practitioners there were in each health board area, in each year since 1992. [74512]

  Mr. Galbraith
  As the information requested is rather lengthy, I have arranged for copies to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Primary Care Trusts
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the cost(a) in total and (b) by health board area for the introduction of primary care trusts and local health care co-operatives. [74516]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The introduction of Primary Care Trusts is part of the overall reconfiguration of NHS Trusts in Scotland that is expected to yield net savings of £6 million per annum. With mergers taking place in all 12 mainland Health Board areas, the saving per Board area will be £500,000 on average.

  In 1998–99, just under £1 million was made available to mainland Health Boards to support the development of Local Healthcare Co-operatives.

  Individual Health Board allocations are detailed in the table.

  Health board

  Support for LHCCs 1998–99

  Argyll and Clyde

  100,000

  Ayrshire and Arran

  80,000

  Borders

  30,000

  Dumfries and Galloway

  70,000

  Fife

  70,000

  Forth Valley

  95,000

  Grampian

  90,000

  Greater Glasgow

  120,000

  Highland

  80,000

  Lanarkshire

  80,000

  Lothian

  101,500

  Tayside

  80,000

  Total

  996,500

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament. Scottish
  141

  Nursery Education
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) free nursery school places, (b) hours of free nursery schooling per child and (c) children in the nursery school age group, there are in each local authority area. [74530]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Information on the number of free nursery school places available in each local authority area is not held centrally. Government grant funding covers up to 4121/2 hours of pre-school education for each eligible child over the school year. The Government's pledge to provide a free, quality, part-time education place for every child in their pre-school year, whose parents want one, has been met in Scotland: I announced this on 4 March. The estimated number of pre-school children in each local authority area eligible for pre-school education grant in the school year 1998–99 is in the table.

  Local authority

  Estimate of preschool year children1

  Aberdeen City

  2,433

  Aberdeenshire

  2,717

  Angus

  1,021

  Argyll and Bute

  1,296

  Clackmannanshire

  643

  Dumfries & Galloway

  1,708

  Dundee City

  1,637

  East Ayrshire

  1,487

  East Dunbartonshire

  1,380

  East Lothian

  1,245

  East Renfrewshire

  1,089

  City of Edinburgh

  5,039

  Eilean Siar

  290

  Falkirk

  1,758

  Fife

  4,129

  City of Glasgow

  5,863

  Highland

  2,506

  Inverclyde

  1,055

  Midlothian

  998

  Moray

  1,057

  North Ayrshire

  1,649

  North Lanarkshire

  4,168

  Orkney Islands

  232

  Perth and Kinross

  1,452

  Renfrewshire

  2,152

  Scottish Borders

  1,169

  Shetland Islands

  293

  South Ayrshire

  1,197

  South Lanarkshire

  3,711

  Stirling

  926

  West Dunbartonshire

  1,252

  West Lothian

  2,059

  Scotland

  59,611

  1 The estimated number of children in each local authority is based on information provided by GRO, incorporating information provided by authorities where appropriate.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Ministerial Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the total cost to his Department of all Ministers at the Scottish Office for each of the years(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99 and (e) 1999–2000 broken down by (i) salaries, (ii) travel and (iii) other costs; and if he will make a statement. [74497]
  142
  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 4 March 1999]: For information on 1996–97 to 1999–2000 I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 3 March, Official Report, column 753. Expenditure for 1995–96 is shown in the table. The table shows Ministerial pay and total non-pay expenditure for ministerial offices. This includes travel and subsistence, office services and general administration costs for both Ministers and the staff of their offices. It is not possible to disaggregate this amount into the categories requested.

  £

  Ministerial pay

  Ministerial office non-pay

  1995–96

  178,943

  766,483

  Victim Support
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on Government measures for Victim Support in Scotland and its future plans for this work in Glasgow. [74884]

  Mr. McLeish
  Government measures for Victim Support Scotland include an increase in funding for 1999–2000 of £200,000 to £1.705 million. This is made up of £105,000 for general support and £95,000 to allow a roll-out of court-based witness support programmes beyond the current services at Ayr, Hamilton and Kirkcaldy.

  Victim Support Scotland has recently completed a reorganisation of local services from 77 to 32 to coincide with local authority boundaries. The level of funding for loam services is a matter for the organisation.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  New Deal (Costs)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the total cost of implementing and running the New Deal in Scotland since January 1998. [74982]

  Mr. Dewar
  Expenditure to the end of January 1999 on the New Deal programmes for 18 to 24-year-olds and for those aged 25 and over was £12.97 million.

  Student Finance
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate, for each of the next 10 years, the annual cost of abolishing tuition fees for Scottish students at all UK universities on(a) a cash accounting basis and (b) a resource accounting basis; and if he will make a statement. [74562]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]: No separate estimates have been made for tuition fee income from students at universities as requested. The table provides estimates for fees income from Scottish higher education students at higher education institutions and further education colleges for the years 1998–99 to 2001–02 only.
  143

  Scottish and EU1 students contribution to UK higher education institutions and further education colleges

  £ million

  1998–99

  18

  1999–2000

  29

  2000–01

  36

  2001–02

  38

  1 EU students are included as they have to be treated way as Scottish students

  Note:

  Figures are at current prices

  The figures show the estimated total cash transfer from Scottish (and EU) students to institutions in each year. If this cash transfer is not made each year, that funding would have to be met from central Government current resources. The figures for annual costs would be the same on a resource accounting basis as on a cash accounting basis. The estimates assume other student support remains unchanged.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by region the number of appointments of which he has(a) made personally and (b) been consulted on; and if he will list for those appointments the political affiliations of the successful candidates. [74992]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]: I have made some 550 appointments to public bodies in Scotland since May 1997 and am also consulted on an on-going basis about appointments to GB or UK bodies operating in Scotland. All appointments are made in accordance with Nolan principles involving selection on merit and independent scrutiny of candidates. Where bodies do not have purely local remits I make an effort to ensure as wide a geographical representation as possible. Candidates for public appointments are not required to state their political affiliation.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Bed Blocking
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many patients(a) in each health board area and (b) nationally were retained past their original discharge date in NHS beds before moving to social service beds in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will estimate the cost of the NHS of this delayed discharge. [75067]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]: Information to a consistent definition is not currently available. A Working Group of representatives from The Scottish Office, Health Boards, NHS Trusts and Local Authorities is developing arrangements to enable data to be recorded on a consistent basis. These arrangements will be piloted in Scotland from April 1999. Standardised information should be recorded throughout Scotland from April 2000.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
  144

  Teachers (In-service Training)
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many days of in-service training are provided for(a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers in each local authority area per year. [74639]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Under the current Scheme of Salaries and Conditions of Service for teachers employed in education authority-controlled schools there is provision for a maximum of 5 working days out of the school year to be spent on planned activities such as in-service training. The timing and planning of such dates are drawn up by the headteacher in consultation with staff, and within guidelines provided by the local authority.

  As from 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Right to Buy
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will announce the results of the public consultation on proposed changes to the Right to Buy Cost Floor Rules in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [76122]

  Mr. Macdonald
  We received 38 responses to the consultation paper which was issued in February 1998, the majority of which were broadly supportive of the proposals outlined in the paper. Having considered the comments received, I have today laid before Parliament a Statutory Instrument which will extend the cost floor period in Scotland from 5 to 10 years with effect from 1 April 1999. This change will protect for a longer period investment made by landlords in their housing stock.

  A separate Determination will also be issued which will set out in detail how landlords should calculate the cost floor in future. This will also introduce a new threshold, which will allow landlords to include significant repairs and maintenance costs within the calculation of the cost floor. The changes will affect both local authorities and other landlords whose tenants have a Preserved Right to Buy.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Zimbabwe
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 26 February 1999,Official Report, column 456, how long she spent in Zimbabwe in January 1998; and if she will list the people she met. [75763]

  Clare Short
  The visit took less than a day. The purpose was to meet the staff of my Department in Harare. As I stated in my answer of 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 582, I also met the right hon. Herbert Murerwa, Zimbabwean Minister of Finance.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the detailed country strategy paper on Zimbabwe will be published. [75764]
  145
  Clare Short
  We expect to publish our Country Strategy Paper for Zimbabwe next month.

  Biological Resources (Patents)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the implications for poorer countries of the patents granted within the United States on(a) quinoa, (b) the neem tree, (c) j'oublie and (d) basmati. [74847]

  Clare Short
  We have made no assessment of the implications for developing countries of the patents granted for quinoa, the neem tree, j'oublie and basmati by the United States.

  Patents can have only national effects and as such are effective only against acts within the jurisdiction concerned, in these cases the US. They have no power elsewhere. The owner of a patent can prevent the use of the protected material by others within the state concerned, including imports based on the protected technology.

  Patents can protect only new technology, not natural discoveries nor existing technology and can be challenged in the courts where they are invalid.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Integrated Transport Commission
  18. Mr. Walter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will bring forward plans to implement his integrated transport policy; and if he will make a statement. [73430]

  Dr. Reid
  We are already implementing our integrated transport policy. We are investing an extra £1.8 billion in integrated transport, and local transport plans—the key tool for making it happen—will be in place this summer.

  Council Tax
  19. Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect of the local government settlement for 1999–2000 on council tax levels. [73431]

  Ms Armstrong
  Decisions on the level of council tax are a matter for each authority. Our settlement provides that if local authorities increased their budgets in line with SSAs, council taxes would rise by 4.5 per cent. on average.

  33. Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about council tax levels in 1999–2000. [73445]

  Ms Armstrong
  Decisions on the level of council tax are a matter for each authority.

  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library a table showing for each notifiable authority in England, the band D council tax for 1999–2000; and the level of increase over 1998–99, expressed(a) in cash terms and (b) as a percentage. [75547]
  146
  Ms Armstrong
  I refer the right hon. Member to my reply given to the hon. Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Ottaway) on 3 March 1999,Official Report, column 733.

  Electric Cars
  20. Ms Blears
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage the use of electric cars in urban areas. [73432]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Electric vehicle technology has the potential to offer significant environmental benefits, especially if used in urban areas. That is why the Government is undertaking research and development into this technology through the Foresight Vehicle programme, and providing grants to help cover the additional purchase costs of electric vehicles through the Powershift programme. The Cleaner Vehicles Task Force is also considering their longer-term role.

  Professional Drivers
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about managing road risk for professional drivers. [73433]

  Mr. Meale
  I receive representations from time to time from a number of organisations in the field of road safety including ROSPA and BRAKE, on the question of the management of occupational road risk.

  Road Congestion
  22. Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he last met representatives from the Automobile Association regarding his proposals to tackle road congestion. [73434]

  Dr. Reid
  Ministers from the Department meet representatives of the Automobile Association from time to time to discuss matters arising out of the Integrated Transport White Paper. A number of such meetings took place in October and November last year.

  Single Regeneration Budget
  23. Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the time scale is for consideration and implementation of regeneration schemes under the new single regeneration budget, SRB5. [73435]

  Mr. Caborn
  Final bids must be submitted to Regional Development Agencies (or in London, the Government Office) by 30 April. Decisions on which to support will be made in June.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the names of those people serving as members of the local Single Regeneration Budget partnerships. [75158]

  Mr. Meale
  This information is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  147
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if hon. Members are eligible to serve as members of local Single Regeneration Budget partnerships. [75159]

  Mr. Meale
  I am not aware of any rules that prevent hon. Members, other than Ministers and Parliamentary Private Secretaries, from serving as members of local Single Regeneration Budget partnerships. Ministers and Parliamentary Private Secretaries are governed by the terms of the Ministerial Code.

  Community Forest Schemes
  24. Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to encourage companies to participate in community forest schemes; and if he will make a statement. [73436]

  Mr. Meacher
  This is for the Community Forest teams, who I am pleased to say are succeeding in attracting an increasing amount of support from the business community. The £7.7 million of support received in 1997–98 represented a 400 per cent. increase on the level in 1994–95.

  Climate Change Programme
  25. Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the contribution of business to meeting the targets in the UK climate change programme. [73437]

  Mr. Meacher
  The climate change consultation paper which we published last October set out the options on how we might meet our climate change targets. The paper looked at the potential contribution from all sectors. The consultation has now closed and we are in the process of analysing the responses. We are aiming to publish a draft UK programme later this year.

  Greater London Authority
  26. Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the cost of the administration of the Greater London Authority in its first year of operation. [73438]

  Mr. Raynsford
  No estimate has yet been made specifically for the GLA's first year of operation. As noted in "A Mayor and Assembly for London" (Cm 3897), we estimate that the annual cost of entirely new administration costs—such as for the Mayor, the Assembly, their support staff and central services—will be about £20 million.

  Bus Services
  27. Mrs. Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is taking to encourage the improvement of bus services. [73439]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have made an additional £150 million available to local authorities over 3 years to support rural bus services and an additional £700 million 148
  of capital resources for local transport expenditure. Our policy proposals for buses were set out in the Transport White Paper last July.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors were taken into account in appointing board members to regional development agencies. [73440]

  Mr. Caborn
  Our primary concern in appointing the Board members for the RDAs was to choose people who would make an effective contribution and represent the interests of the region as a whole. Board members have a wide range of experience, including business, local government, rural affairs, education, trade unions and the voluntary sectors.

  Housing Development
  29. Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the provision for housing development in structure plans currently under review. [73441]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Provision for housing development in structure plans is a matter for local planning authorities in the first instance. In determining provision, they must have regard to national policies (for example, "Panning for the Communities of the Future") and Regional Planning Guidance. Assessment of plans by the Secretary of State will include, amongst other things, the extent to which the local authority has had regard to these matters.

  Road Schemes
  30. Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on private finance initiative road schemes. [73442]

  Dr. Reid
  Using private finance for road construction and maintenance can offer good value for money to the taxpayer. Highway Authorities should consider what form of procurement is likely to offer best value for money after they have satisfied themselves on the transport need for a scheme.

  Animal Rendering Plants
  31. Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that local authorities continue to have the role of monitoring and setting environmental standards at animal rendering plants. [73443]

  Mr. Meale
  Animal rendering plants fall within the scope of EU directive 96/61 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control. My Department issued a third consultation paper on the implementation of this directive in December last year. Paragraph 52 of the paper specifically invited views on the proposal that animal rendering plants should be regulated by the Environment Agency rather than local authorities under the directive. The consultation period ended on 28 February. The Government will make a decision on future regulation of animal rendering plants thereafter.
  149

  Standard Spending Assessments
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions have taken place with the Local Government Association regarding the principles underpinning the review of SSAs. [73444]

  Ms Armstrong
  The principles of the review of revenue grant distribution were set out in the White Paper "Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People", which was presented to the House in July 1998. Officials from a number of Departments met representatives from local government, including the LGA, the Association for London Government and the Treasurers' Societies on 10 February to discuss the review. Further regular meetings with the LGA are planned during the course of the review.

  Workplace Health and Safety
  34. Mr. Olner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to improve health and safety in the workplace. [R] [73446]

  Mr. Meale
  The Government are working with the Health and Safety Commission and Executive to improve health and safety in the workplace. The Health and Safety Commission will shortly be submitting a three-year strategic plan to the Government. My right hon. Friends the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Environment met the Commission recently to discuss the Plan. It will be published in May and copies will be placed in the House Library. The Government are providing an extra £13 million in running costs to the Commission next year, and a further £23 million and £27 million for the following two years to enable the Commission and Executive to increase their efforts still further. This signals our strong commitment to improving health and safety standards.

  British Waterways
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the extra resources to British Waterways are planned to be allocated. [73447]

  Mr. Meale
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer T gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-West (Mr. Naysmith).

  Thames Gateway
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out his priorities for road improvements and public transport improvements to achieve the regeneration potential of the Thames Gateway. [73448]

  Mr. Caborn
  The main public transport priority to achieve the regeneration potential of the Thames Gateway remains the construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. More localised public transport projects, in association with the major developments, should bring benefits throughout the Gateway.
  150
  Key priorities for roads are improvements to the A2, providing enhanced access to Kent Thames-side, one of the two main centres for development in the Thames Gateway, and a second Swale crossing to the Isle of Sheppey.

  Walking-to-school Initiative
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made with his walking-to-school initiative; and if he will make a statement. [73449]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We established the School Travel Advisory Group in December to identify practical action to reduce car use and improve safety on the journey to school, including ways of encouraging walking to school. Guidance for local authorities and schools is in preparation and will be published in late spring 1999.

  New Deal (Motorists)
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to implement the new deal for motorists. [73450]

  Dr. Reid
  My Department, along with other departments, is taking forward the "New deal for Motorists" in a number of ways. These include increasing funds for road maintenance on both trunk and local roads, focusing investment on making the best use of the current road system, improving road and car safety, bringing forward proposals to regulate the private security industry to control cowboy wheelclampers, encouraging alternatives to car travel so as to reduce pollution, and taking forward various initiatives such as the Vehicle Crime Reduction Action team to help deter and detect vehicle theft and fraud.

  BEST Bus Pensioners
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made since 1 May 1997 in returning the outstanding pension money to the Bus Employees superannuation trust pension fund. [73451]

  s Glenda Jackson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 12 January 1999,Official Report, column 167.

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if(a) the local community and (b) farmers living in the locality of the genetically modified crops that have marketing consent are required to be informed of the presence of those crops. [72173]

  Mr. Meacher
  Council Directive 90/220/EEC controls the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the European Community. Once a GM crop has marketing consent under the Directive, it applies across all member states and there is no automatic requirement to notify the authorities, local people or local farmers where the crop is grown or the area it covers.
  151
  Details of each marketing application, ACRE'S advice and the opinion of the UK Competent Authority are contained in the statutory public register held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the sites and the area each covers which are proposed to be planted with each of the genetically modified crops that have marketing consent; and when they will be planted. [72171]

  Mr. Meacher
  Council Directive 90/220/EEC controls the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the European Community. Once a GM crop has marketing consent under the Directive, it applies across all member states and there is no automatic requirement to notify the authorities where the crop is grown or the area it covers. Therefore, this information is not available. However, the statutory public register

  Description of GM crop

  Company

  Scope of permitted use

  Tobacco modified for herbicide tolerance

  Societe National d'Exploitation des Tabacs et Allumettes

  Cultivation in European Community and use in tobacco industry

  Oilseed rape hybrid system with herbicide tolerance

  Plant Genetic Systems NV

  Cultivation in European Community for commercial seed production only

  Soybeans modified for herbicide tolerance

  Monsanto Europe

  Importation and processing. Not for cultivation in European Community

  Maize modified for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance

  Novartis

  Importation, processing and cultivation in the European Community

  Red-hearted chicory modified for altered fertility

  Bejo Zaden BV

  Cultivation in the European Community for commercial seed production only

  Maize modified for herbicide tolerance

  AgrEvo France

  Cultivation in European Community

  Maize modified for insect resistance

  Monsanto Europe

  Importation, processing and cultivation in the European Community

  Oilseed rape modified for herbicide tolerance

  AgrEvo UK Crop Protection

  Importation and processing. Not for cultivation in European Community

  Maize modified for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance

  Northrup King Company

  Importation and processing. Not for cultivation in European Community

  Carnations with modified flower colour

  Florigene Europe BV

  For production of cut flowers and horticulture

  Carnations modified for increased Vase-life

  Florigene Europe BV

  For production of cut flowers and horticulture

  Carnations with modified flower colour

  Florigene Europe BV

  For production of cut flowers and horticulture

  Details of each marketing application are contained in the statutory public register held in the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the release of the genetically modified crops that have marketing consent will be recorded in the public register of GMO releases. [72172]
  152
  held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions contains details of each marketing application, ACRE'S advice and the opinion of the UK Competent Authority.

  The scope of the permitted use under the marketing consent does not in every case allow these crops to be cultivated commercially in the European Community.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the genetically modified crops which have received marketing consent; and to which company each belongs. [72170]

  Mr. Meacher
  Council Directive 90/220/EEC controls the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the European Community. Once a GM crop has marketing consent under the Directive, it applies across all member states. The GM crops which have received marketing consent under this Directive and the companies involved are listed below.

  Mr. Meacher
  The releases will not be recorded on the public register as none of the consents for marketing issued so far contains such a requirement.

  Once a GM crop has marketing consent under Part C of Council Directive 90/220/EEC it applies across all member states and there is no automatic requirement to notify the authorities where the crop is grown. Therefore, this information is not available.
  153
  However, the statutory public register held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions contains details of each marketing application, ACRE'S advice and the opinion of the UK Competent Authority. The register is open to public inspection.

  The scope of the permitted use of GM crops which have received marketing consent under Directive 90/220/EEC does not in every case allow them to be cultivated commercially in the European Community. There will be no commercial releases of GM crops in the UK before spring 2000 at the earliest.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the creation of a stakeholders' forum with respect to genetic modification issues. [75281]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: The creation of a stakeholders' forum is one of the issues covered by the review of the framework for overseeing developments in biotechnology announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office in December. No decision has yet been taken.

  Speed Cameras
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what progress his Department has made on a comprehensive scheme for speed cameras throughout England and Wales; and if he will make a statement; [73661]

  (2) if he will estimate the potential reduction in road deaths if 7,000 speed cameras were installed in England and Wales. [73660]

  Dr. Reid
  The siting of speed enforcement cameras is an operational matter for chief officers of police and their local traffic authorities. My Department issues advice on the deployment of speed enforcement cameras in Circular Roads 4/90. That advice makes clear that, in order to maximise their benefit, cameras should be placed at sites with a history of speed-related accidents. Information about the number of cameras in use is not kept centrally. It is not possible, therefore, to estimate fatality reductions resulting from camera use.

  Fish Processing (Waste Water Charges)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has for ensuring equality of treatment(a) between British ports and (b) between British and European ports in respect of waste water charges on fish processing. [74172]

  Mr. Meacher
  Every part of the United Kingdom and every European Union country is equally bound by the requirements of Directives including the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. It is for each Member state to ensure compliance with the implementation timetable for each Directive, and failures to implement are matters for the Commission to pursue. The Government expects other Member states and the Commission to fulfil these obligations.

  In the United Kingdom, the private sector water and sewerage undertakers in England and Wales and the public sector water authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland are all undertaking investment programmes in treatment works to meet the requirements of the Urban
  154
  Waste Water Treatment Directive, which sets deadlines phased between 1998 and 2005 depending on the size of the discharge and sensitivity of the receiving waters. The costs falling on individual customers will depend on the costs incurred in meeting treatment requirements and the way in which such costs are apportioned between customers.

  The Government strongly supports investment to upgrade coastal discharges, which will make a major contribution to improving the environment.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has for ensuring that waste water charges for fish market(a) merchants and (b) processors become operational at the same time and at the same amounts. [74173]

  Mr. Meacher
  The level of trade effluent charges depends on the volume and characteristics of the waste produced and the level of treatment. In some cases the level of treatment required is being increased under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

  It is not feasible to bring every new treatment works into operation on the same date. However, the Directive sets deadlines phased between 1998 and 2005.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate how many effluent treatment plants have been built since the directive on waste water became operational in(a) Denmark, (b) Holland, (c) France, (d) Spain and (e) the United Kingdom to comply with the waste water directive; and to what extent the cost of these is charged to the fish processing industry. [74171]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive was adopted by EC Member States in May 1991. Under Article 17 of the Directive, Member States have reported on implementation programmes. A broad estimate of the number of larger plants to be built or upgraded can be obtained from the difference between the number of plants in each country which were estimated to be achieving compliance with the Directive's treatment requirements in 1992 (the baseline year used for the reports) and in 2000 (the first main deadline under Article 4 of the Directive).

  Denmark estimated 75 additional effluent treatment plants would be compliant with the standards of the Directive; Holland estimated 17 fewer plants (through rationalisation of treatment systems); France estimated 560 additional plants and Spain estimated 585 additional plants. The United Kingdom estimated an additional 503 plants would be compliant for the same period.

  The fish processing industry does not directly incur costs associated with the construction of effluent treatment plants. Costs to the fish processing industry, and other dischargers of trade effluent, arise from the treatment by sewerage undertakers of effluent discharged to sewers before final discharge to receiving waters. Costs levied by the sewerage undertakers are based on the volume and concentration of trade effluent.
  155

  Inland Waterways
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the effect on United Kingdom inland waterway transport tonnage of COM (98) 792. [74436]

  Dr. Reid
  The amended proposal for a Council Regulation on a Community fleet capacity policy to promote inland waterway transport contained in Commission document (1998) 792 does not apply to inland waterway tonnage in the United Kingdom.

  Task Forces
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish a list of (1) task forces and (2) policy reviews established by his Department since May 1997 which(a) had external members recruited by way of public advertisement, and details of any person so appointed and (b) engaged in public consultation exercises, and the form that these took. [74467]

  Mr. Meale
  I have today placed in the Library of the House a list of the task forces and reviews established by my Department since 1 May 1997 which engaged in public consultation exercises and details of the form that these took.

  My Department has no task forces or reviews which had external members recruited by way of public advertisement. Most task forces and reviews are short-term bodies established to give thorough consideration to important and difficult issues. External members are invited to sit on some reviews and task forces because they are able to contribute specific experience and expertise. In such cases, public advertising would be inappropriate and disproportionate.

  M42
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects measures to be put in place to alleviate traffic problems at junction 10 of the M42 motorway. [74553]

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

  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Brian Jenkins, dated 9 March 1999:
  Glenda Jackson has asked Lawrie Haynes, the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, to reply to your recent question about when measures may be put in place to alleviate traffic problems at junction 10 of the M42 motorway. I am replying in Lawrie's absence from the office.
  I understand the concern about the operation of junction 10. Traffic congestion at this large junction is a particular problem during peak periods. There are also problems with the high speed of circulating traffic on the roundabout. All this contributes to tailbacks on the M42 and A5.
  The installation of the traffic lights on the northbound exit slip road some time ago has improved operation of this part of junction 10. However, congestion on the slip road is still a problem with queues extending back on to the M42. We are therefore preparing a scheme to provide a dedicated lane to connect the slip road direct to the west bound carriageway of the A5. This should greatly reduce queuing on the slip road, improve operation of the roundabout and make the junction safer.
  156
  We are also preparing a scheme to improve the merging area between the southbound entry slip road and the M42. This should improve conditions for traffic joining the motorway, reducing congestion in the merge area and make conditions safer for all drivers.
  It is difficult to give firm timings for carrying out these improvements until the preparation work is further advanced but we are planning for site work to begin in early 2000.
  In addition to these improvements, the Highways Agency is currently pursuing an agreement with developers who have proposals to develop the Birch Coppice site adjacent to the A5 east of junction 10. These proposals would include installing traffic signals on all arms of the roundabout at junction 10 and widening the circulating carriageway, similar to the works nearing completion at junction 9 on the M42. This would improve operation of the whole junction, reducing traffic speeds on the roundabout and making it easier and safer to use.
  I anticipate that we will soon reach agreement with the developers about the extent of the improvements to junction 10. However, the site does not yet have planning permission and there is no guarantee that it will go ahead. Should it not go forward we will review the improvements needed to the junction.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Newbury Bypass
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to monitor the effects of the A34(T) Newbury Bypass on traffic on(a) the A36/A46 from the M4 to Southampton and (b) the A338/A346 from the M4 to Bournemouth. [74721]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None, specifically in relation to the effects of the Newbury Bypass. The Highways Agency has standing arrangements for monitoring traffic on trunk roads, including the A36/A46 route. Monitoring on the A338 and the A346 is a matter for the relevant local highway authority.

  Migratory Birds
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the action his Department is taking to increase the protection of migratory birds(a) in United Kingdom and (b) internationally. [74816]

  Mr. Meale
  The protection of migratory birds within the European Union is covered by the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). This Directive covers the protection, management and control of these species and lays out rules for their exploitation. It is the responsibility of the European Commission to ensure Member States comply with the Directive. The Commission has recently taken action against France for the failure of its national legislation on the hunting of migratory species to comply with the Directive.

  In Great Britain, the Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds is implemented by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The provisions of this Act are consistent with the Directive. Northern Ireland has similar legislation.

  The UK has recently ratified the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds. The Agreement, which covers over 170 states, requires Parties to take co-ordinated measures to maintain migratory waterbird species in a favourable conservation

  157
  status or to restore them to such a status. The Agreement should help improve protection of migratory species at an international level.

  Sustainable Renewal
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to respond to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report, Sustainable Renewal of Suburban Areas. [75172]

  Mr. Meale
  The Report made a range of recommendations directed at the Government, local authorities and others. Many are relevant to the Urban Task Force, to the Urban Policy White Paper due later this year, and to the Policy Action Teams established by the Social Exclusion Unit carrying forward work on the Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal, and they will be considered in those contexts.

  Jubilee Line Extension
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide a breakdown of the accidents which have occurred to workers engaged in the construction of the Jubilee Line extension, by severity of the accident, in(a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998 and (d) 1999 to date. [75170]

  Mr. Meale
  The accident figures requested are set out in the table. These figures have been taken from HSEs live database and are, therefore, highly provisional and may be subject to change.

  Jubilee Line Extension Project (JLEP)Accidents to JLEP workers engaged in the construction of the Jubilee Line, reported to HE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 from 1 April 1996 to 3 March 1999

  Year

  Fatal

  Major

  Over 3 days

  1996–97

  0

  48

  116

  1997–98

  0

  24

  46

  1998 to 3 March 1999

  0

  5

  10

  Total

  0

  77

  172

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many accidents have occurred in the construction of the Jubilee Line extension. [75173]

  Mr. Meale
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer above. HSE's live database currently does not go back before 1996–97. Any accident figures before this date could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the occasions when work has ceased on the construction of the Jubilee Line extension as a result of health and safety concerns in(a) 1996, (b)(c) 1998 and (d) 1999 to date. [75161]

  Mr. Meale
  The information is not available in the form requested.
  158
  Since 1996, the HSE has not served any Prohibition Notice requiring work to be stopped on the Jubilee Line Extension Project. However during visits across the project, numerous unsafe activities or situations have been dealt with by the work being stopped at the request of the HSE Inspector. In these cases work did not re-start until the relevant contractors took appropriate action. These would not necessarily be recorded on HSE's information recording system and therefore precise numbers cannot be given.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library the reports of the Health and Safety Executive on the health and safety of the working practices pursued in the construction of the Jubilee Line extension. [75162]

  Mr. Meale
  Reports, compliant with current Government guidelines on disclosure of information, will be placed in the Library shortly.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the arrangements established to ensure the health and safety of the workers engaged in the construction of the Jubilee Line extension. [75169]

  Mr. Meale
  The main legal responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of the workers lies with the contractors involved in the construction of the Jubilee Line Extension. JLE, the client, also has duties to protect workers working on the project. HSE held meetings with the client prior to the project starting and subsequently frequent inspections across the Jubilee Line have been carried out by HSE inspectors and will continue until the project is completed.

  Hayes Railway Station Hub
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the development of the Hayes railway station hub. [75160]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This is in the first instance a commercial matter for Railtrack. I understand that the company are currently working on proposals for a development at Hayes but that no formal application has been submitted to the local authority.

  Ships (Inspections)
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many foreign ships have been inspected under port state control arrangements in United Kingdom ports; of those, how many and what proportion were detained; and what percentage of inspected ships were found to have deficiencies in each year since 1990. [74967]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The number of inspections and detentions, and the percentage of ships detained and with deficiencies from 1990 are given.
  159

  Port state control inspections in the UK

  Number of Inspections

  Number of Detentions

  Percentage detained

  Percentage with deficiencies

  1990

  2,118

  79

  3.7

  60.8

  1991

  2,500

  116

  4.6

  65.9

  1992

  2,133

  124

  5.8

  69.8

  1993

  2,271

  174

  7.7

  70.7

  April 1994 to March 1995

  2,153

  212

  9.8

  73.2

  April 1995 to March 1996

  2,098

  206

  9.8

  70.7

  April 1996 to March 1997

  1,880

  157

  8.4

  71.3

  April 1997 to March 1998

  1,890

  179

  9.5

  73.4

  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many professional ship surveyors and inspection staff have been employed by the Surveyor General's Organisation or Marine Safety Agency in each year since 1990. [74963]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Figures requested are given in the table below. The Marine Safety Agency merged with the Coastguard Agency to become the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on 1 April 1998.

  Staff in post figures as at 1 April 1998

  Number

  1 April 1990

  Surveyor General's Organisation

  188

  1 April 1991

  Surveyor General's Organisation

  193

  1 April 1992

  Surveyor General's Organisation

  187

  1 April 1993

  Surveyor General's Organisation

  185

  1 April 1994

  Marine Safety Agency

  189

  1 April 1995

  Marine Safety Agency

  189

  1 April 1996

  Marine Safety Agency

  166.5

  1 April 1997

  Marine Safety Agency

  159

  1 April 1998

  Maritime and Coastguard Agency

  160

  Freight Transport
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Strategic Rail Authority will have a duty to promote the transfer of freight from road to rail. [74850]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer5 March 1999]: Subject to Parliament's consideration of the necessary legislation, the Strategic Rail Authority will have a duty to promote integrated transport and powers to promote the transfer of freight from road to rail by means of grants. One of the Strategic Rail Authority's most important tasks will be to address the needs of freight as well as passengers, and the balance between the demands of each.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Strategic Rail Authority will have(a) a duty and (b) a power to influence matters outside the rail industry but which nevertheless affect it, with particular reference to maximum lorry weights. [74831]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer5 March 1999]: The Strategic Rail Authority will act as a champion for the railways, taking an overview of the industry and speaking for it, subject to Parliamentary consideration of the necessary legislation. The Strategic Rail Authority will be consulted by the Commission for Integrated Transport as part of its remit in advising the Government on lorry weights and the development of railfreight.
  160
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Strategic Rail Authority will have a duty to require a minimum percentage of train paths to be available for freight traffic. [74851]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer5 March 1999]: Subject to Parliament's consideration of the necessary legislation, the Rail Regulator will remain responsible for approving track access agreements. The Strategic Rail Authority will, however, develop targets for both the passenger and the freight railway, and address the balance between the demands of passenger and freight services.

  English Partnerships
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much of the indicative budgets proposed to be passed to the regional development agencies from English Partnerships for 1999–2000 and future years is not committed(a) in contractual terms and (b) in principle for each of the regional development agencies. [74901]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer5 March 1999]: The indicative budgets have yet to be finalised. Based on the latest provisional budgets, the percentage not committed in contractual terms (defined in this context as projects which have reached the final internal appraisal stage within English Partnerships) is as follows:

  Percentage

  North East

  27

  North West

  1

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  2.5

  East Midlands

  12

  West Midlands

  51.5

  Eastern

  37

  South West

  22

  South East

  40

  The figures are still being reviewed.

  It will be for the RDAs themselves to consider how to handle in principle commitments within the overall resources available to them.

  Budgets for 2000–01 and 2001–02 will be determined taking into account the RDAs' corporate plans.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much is being allocated to(a) the reclamation and development of the Greenwich site, (b) the setting up and running of databases on brown-field sites and (c) the managing of

  161
  the programme of millennium villages from the funding proposed to be retained centrally by English Partnerships in 1999–2000. [75743]

  Mr. Meale
  The Department will make an allocation to EP for the tasks it has been agreed the Agency should undertake. It is for EP to decide how to allocate those resources in accordance with proposals presented in their corporate plan.

  EP's proposed allocations for these projects for 1999–2000 are as follows:

  Allocation

  £ million

  (a) Greenwich

  18

  (b) Brownfield Sites

  0.5

  (c) Millennium Villages

  5.4

  Note:

  In addition to the funding at (a),EP have a separate ringfenced grant in aid budget of some £15m for the Greenwich Millennium Dome site 1999–2000 is the final year of this three-year programme.

  Planning Policy
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will offer additional guidance to local planning authorities seeking to promote re-use of buildings in their local development plans. [75500]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Guidance on the re-use of buildings for residential purposes will be included in the revised version of Planning Policy Guidance note 3: Housing, which will be issued for public consultation shortly.

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which planning policy guidance notes issued by the Planning Inspectorate are currently being reviewed. [75502]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 11 February 1999,Official Report, column 308. No Planning Policy Guidance notes are issued by the Planning Inspectorate.

  Monarch Butterfly
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure the survival of the Monarch butterfly. [75102]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: There are no known wild populations of the Monarch butterfly in Britain. It is one of the most widely distributed butterflies in the warmer parts of the world, occurring throughout the Americas, Asia and Australasia, and is not considered to be threatened.

  Asbestos
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many HSE inspectors by region are(a) qualified and (b) available to police the new regulations and codes of practice relating to the safe removal of asbestos. [74795]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: In 1999–2000, HSE's Field Operations Directorate plans to have the full-time equivalent of 530 fully trained
  162
  inspectors in operational groups; just over 500 are currently in post. Their regional distribution is shown in the following table.

  Inspector years

  Region

  Current number of qualified inspectors in operational groups

  Planned allocation of all operational inspections (including) trainees) for 1999–2000

  Planned allocation of qualified operational inspectors for 1999–2000

  Scotland

  52

  63

  53

  North West

  68

  79

  69

  Yorkshire and North East

  67

  83

  72

  Midlands

  67

  86

  76

  Wales and West

  93

  107

  96

  Home Counties

  82

  93

  84

  London and South East

  74

  93

  80

  All trained inspectors are able to deal with asbestos removal work which they encounter in the course of their work. They are familiar with the legal requirements, the hazard and the risk and can call on other colleagues in Regional Specialist Groups for assistance and support as necessary.

  In practice, however, the majority of asbestos removal work is carried out in specific types of premises eg those owned or controlled by local authorities, the health service and construction, particularly demolition sites.

  116 operational inspectors are allocated to the construction sector. Construction inspectors develop their knowledge and skills by attending a specific Asbestos Removal training course. Some of these inspectors are given additional training and assessment, including health surveillance, so that they can undertake higher-level inspection work inside asbestos removal enclosures.

  Currently, some 50 inspectors are trained to this higher level; most regions have 7, one has 8 in post. This number may fluctuate depending on staff movement.

  EC Environmental Councils
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish agendas for the forthcoming EC environmental councils on(a) 11 to 12 March and (b) 24 to 25 June. [75194]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: The following is the agenda for the Environment Council 11 March:

  Community strategy on climate change

  Council conclusions

  Amended proposal for a Council Directive establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy

  Common position

  Proposal for a Council Directive on end-of-life vehicles

  Common position

  Community strategy to reduce C02 emissions from private cars. Commission Negotiations with car manufacturers which are not members of ACEA Council Conclusions

  Proposal for a Council regulation allowing voluntary participation by organisations in a community eco-management and audit system

  163

  Policy debate

  Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 88/609/EEC, on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants.

  Policy debate

  Proposal for a Council Directive on the incineration of waste.

  Progress report.

  The agenda for the Council on the 24 to 25 June will not be decided until nearer the time.

  EC Transport Councils
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish agendas for the forthcoming EC transport councils on(a) 29 March and (b) 17 to 18 June. [75195]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: At the Transport Council to be held on 29 March, the following topics are on the agenda: development of the Community's railways; combined transport; working time in road transport; operation of 15 metre buses; modernisation of the Warsaw system for airline liability; intermodal terminals; and satellite navigation systems. The agenda for the 17–18 June Transport Council will be known nearer the time.

  Chemical Emissions
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the procedures for monitoring the emission of dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere. [75011]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: Processes with the potential to emit dangerous substances to air are regulated under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, under which plant operators must obtain an authorisation and use the best available techniques not entailing excessive cost (BATNEEC) to prevent, minimise or render harmless such emissions. The authorisations issued by the Environment Agency or local authorities will include appropriate monitoring requirements and the results of such monitoring will appear on the public register.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 1999,Official Report, column 838, on local authority councillors employed by grant-maintained schools, what estimate he has made of the numbers of staff likely to be so disqualified. [75746]

  Ms Armstrong
  We have made no estimate of the numbers of teachers who are likely to be so disqualified.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 1999,Official Report, column 838, concerning teachers employed by grant-maintained schools, what consultations his Department has undertaken on this matter; and what representations have been received. [75747]
  164
  Ms Armstrong
  I have undertaken no consultation about the continuation of the well-established policy that a person is disqualified from being a councillor of an authority of which they are an employee. However, officials from the Department for Education and Employment have met interested parties to discuss a range of staffing matters, including this issue of local authority councillors employed by grant-maintained schools, in the transition to the new framework.

  Black Cabs
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if currently licensed black cabs will be permitted to operate within the current Metropolitan Police District boundaries after the establishment of the Greater London Authority. [75734]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Once the Metropolitan Police District boundary has become aligned with that of Greater London, taxis licensed by the Public Carriage Office will be able to ply for hire only within the new boundary.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning the impact of the Greater London Authority Bill's provisions for realigning the Metropolitan Police District with the Greater London administrative boundary on taxi cabs licensed to operate in outer London. [75735]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have received representations from London suburban-licensed taxi drivers concerned about the implications of the boundary change for their customary operations, from local authorities seeking guidance on their new licensing responsibilities, and from applicants to the Public Carriage Office for suburban London taxi driver licences concerned about the processing of their applications whilst the Public Carriage Office reviewed the suburban licensing sectors in the light of the boundary change.

  Driving Test Centre, Crosby
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what dates staff at Crosby Driving Test Centre were transferred temporarily to other locations after its closure; on what date such transfers were made permanent; and to what date the transfers were backdated. [74072]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The driving examiner staff at Crosby transferred to other test centres from 6 April 1998, when the Crosby centre was closed. Formal transfer letters were given during May 1998, advising that these transfers would be permanent. Transfers were dated from 6 April so that staff would receive appropriate allowances. This did not preclude the possibility of the staff being moved back to a centre in Crosby had the Driving Standards Agency opened a replacement centre there.

  Countryside Agency
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the appointment of the Chairman of the new Countryside Agency will be announced. [75198]
  165
  Mr. Meacher
  I refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made to the House on 8 March 1999,Official Report, columns 21–33, when I announced that Ewen Cameron would be appointed as the first Chairman of the Countryside Agency. I also announced that Pamela Warhurst would be appointed as Deputy Chair.

  Coalfields Portfolio
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much he expects each English region to receive from the coalfields portfolio in(a) 1999–2000 and (b) future years; and who will be taking the decision on these allocations. [75738]

  Mr. Meale
  Some £195 million is planned to be spent on the coalfields portfolio over the next three years.

  The regional allocation of the coalfields portfolio programme for 1999–2000 is expected to be as follows:

  £ million

  North East

  11

  North West

  3.8

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  15

  East Midlands

  17.1

  West Midlands

  1.5

  South East

  0.9

  South West

  0.3

  These figures have been agreed between English partnerships and the respective Regional Development Agencies. Regional allocations for future years will be determined in the same way.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much each English region received from the coalfields portfolio in each of the past five years. [75739]

  Mr. Meale
  The coalfields portfolio did not transfer to English Partnerships until the end of 1996–97. The following chart sets out total spend by English partnerships in the five EP regions which contain coalfields over the past two years.

  £ million

  1997–98

  1998–99

  North East

  3.2

  1.7

  North West

  1.4

  0.7

  Yorkshire

  6.2

  12.2

  East Midlands (all Midlands, 1997–98)

  12.1

  3.9

  West Midlands

  —

  5.7

  Note:

  The expenditure includes both grant in aid and agency-generated receipts.

  India (Ministerial Visit)
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which of his Ministers is deputising for him in respect of duties relating to the Budget Statement during his visit to India. [75544]

  Mr. Prescott
  My Ministerial colleagues will pursue their normal duties in relation to the Budget.
  166
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many days he spent(a) in India and (b) in the Maldives during his recent visit. [75542]

  Mr. Prescott
  I will spend eight days in India and three days in the Maldives during my visit.

  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements have been made in respect of the costs of transport for his visit(a) to India and (b) to the Maldives; and in what class he flew for each leg of the journey. [75546]

  Mr. Prescott
  All travel for this trip has been arranged in accordance with the Ministerial Code and long-standing Ministerial practice under this and previous administrations.

  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what role his Department played in setting up a satellite TV link-up from India to the United Kingdom to enable him to comment on the Budget Statement. [75545]

  Mr. Prescott
  None. There is no satellite TV link-up from India.

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what regulations are in place to ensure that heavy goods vehicles operating in the United Kingdom from overseas meet British safety standards. [75758]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  All such vehicles must comply with the standards of roadworthiness defined in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. Under the Road Traffic (Foreign Vehicles) Act 1972, a vehicle which fails to comply may be prohibited from continuing its journey and its driver may be liable to prosecution.

  Local Rail Heads
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) grants are and (b) support is available from his Department for the establishment of local rail heads by haulage companies. [75760]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Two grants are available from the Department to assist companies facing higher costs as a result of choosing to move freight by rail rather than road. Freight Facilities Grants assist with the capital costs often associated with rail movements (e.g. rail infrastructure and specialised loading/unloading equipment). Track Access Grants are paid to freight operators to help defray Railtrack charges for access to the rail network in respect of traffic which would otherwise move by road.

  During the last 12 months, the availability of these grants and the greatly increased annual budget, currently standing at £40 million, has been widely advertised in both the trade and national press.

  Workplace Parking Levy
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he
  167
  has made of the amount which will be raised under the workplace parking levy from schools and hospitals in the Greater London Area. [75765]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None. Decisions on whether to introduce a scheme and, if so, on geographical extent, levels of charge and possible exemptions, will all be matters for the Mayor.

  Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has any plans to exempt new rail vehicles from the provisions of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998; and if he will make a statement. [76049]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998 apply to all new rail vehicles first brought into use after 31 December 1998. Operators who introduce new rail vehicles into service after this date which do not fully meet the regulations must apply to the Secretary of State for exemption.

  We are expecting to receive a number of exemption applications from rail operating companies whose design of rail vehicles was well advanced prior to the new regulations coming into force. We are required to consult our statutory disabled advisers, the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), in considering any such application.

  The first application was received for the tram for use on Line 1 of the Midland Metro System. Exemption regulations relating to those tram have been placed before Parliament today. DPTAC recommended that the exemptions should be granted subject to certain conditions being applied to them. The exemptions are mostly of a very minor nature and have been requested for a short time only. We have accepted DPTAC's recommendations. The exemptions will not prevent disabled people from using the new system and we believe the system will make a significant contribution to improving mobility opportunities for disabled people in the area.

  Spot-listed Buildings
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many buildings have been spot-listed in Greater London in the past year. [75503]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I have been asked to reply.

  163 buildings and structures in Greater London were spot-listed between 1 March 1998 and 28 February 1999. A further 497 were listed as a result of reviews of the Camden and Southwark lists and 101 following thematic studies of particular building types.

PRIME MINISTER

  European Commissioners
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister what regulations provide for political neutrality in speeches made by European Commissioners; and if he will make a statement. [75163]
  168
  The Prime Minister
  As has always been the case, Commissioners have a collective responsibility not publicly to oppose decisions made by the College of Commissioners.

  Foreign Media Articles
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those members of his office involved in the drafting and distribution of articles written by him for publication by the international media. [75644]

  The Prime Minister
  Depending on the subject matter, various civil servants and special advisers in my office assist me in drafting articles for publication by the international media. This is a practice adopted by successive Administrations.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will set out the basis for his practice of not making information available regarding meetings with private individuals or companies. [75673]

  The Prime Minister
  Ministers and civil servants meet many people as part of the process of policy development and analysis. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists. Some of these discussions take place on a confidential basis, and in order to preserve confidentiality, it is not the normal practice of Governments to release details of specific meetings with private individuals or companies.

  European Policy Discussions
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions and on which dates he has discussed matters of European policy with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Minister with responsibility for Europe, the right hon. Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin) in the absence of the Foreign Secretary. [75794]

  The Prime Minister
  I have regular meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others on a wide range of subjects, and will continue to do so. As with previous Governments, it is not my practice to provide details of confidential discussions.

  Sierra Leone
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire on 3 March 1999,Official Report, columns 773–74, on the Foreign Affairs Committee's report on Sierra Leone, if he was informed by his officials of the contents of the report before 10.00 a.m. on 9 February. [75767]

  The Prime Minister
  As I made clear in my answer to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 23 February 1999,Official Report, column 231, in accordance with normal convention my Office received advance embargoed copies of the report from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at approximately 08.30 hours on Tuesday 9 February, the day the report was published.
  169

  Select Committees (Leaked Documents)
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Prime Minister if(a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75669]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of Select Committees giving me drafts of Select Committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor to the best of my knowledge have there been any occasions on which members of Select Committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Office. This excludes embargoed copies issued under House of Commons Standing Order 116.

WALES

  Air Miles
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Air Miles have been earned by him and each of his Ministers; and how he proposes to use them. [73335]

  Mr. Michael
  None.

  Fish and Shellfish Cultivation
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what meetings have been held by officials of his Department with Mr. Richard J. Slaski, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's independent assessor on fish and shellfish cultivation; and if he will make a statement. [73607]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  None.

  Mr. Slaski was appointed, by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in August 1998, as one of two Assessors for the forthcoming Review of Research and Development on Fish and Shellfish Cultivation and Health in England and Wales. He was selected from a number of candidates on the basis of his knowledge of the aquaculture industry and his experience in carrying out similar reviews for other Governments. His remit was to consult widely within the industry and academia and to produce a report that identified constraints to the further development of the industry, identified gaps in the current R&D programme and proposed priorities for R&D for the next five years. That report along with another which focuses on health matters, will form the basis for discussion as part of the Review; Welsh Office officials will be involved in those discussions.

  National Assembly
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what preliminary work his Department has undertaken on the establishment of cross-cutting committees on(a) equal opportunities and (b) Europe, in the National Assembly. [73776]
  170
  Mr. Michael
  The draft standing orders prepared by the Commissioners provide for Assembly committees for each of these matters. Following consultation on the Commissioners' report, I expect to make the standing orders in final form later this month.

  Schizophrenia
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many current occupants of National Health Service hospital and unit beds in Wales have a main diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses; and what these occupied beds represent as a percentage of(a) mental and (b) all beds in Wales. [74268]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  It is not possible to say how many current occupants of National Health Service hospital and unit beds in Wales have a main diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses. However, it is estimated that, in 1998, 10.2 per cent. of in-patients treated in the specialty of mental illness and 0.3 per cent. of patients treated in all specialties had a main diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many people discharged from mental illness hospitals in Wales in the last year after a main diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses, having been proved vulnerable boarders subsequently became voluntary boarders; [74273]

  (2) how many patients with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses were discharged from mental illness hospitals in Wales in the last year; and how many were admitted for a hospital stay more than once during the year. [74390]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  In 1998 there were 1,713 deaths and discharges from Welsh NHS trusts where the patient had a main diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses. It is not known centrally how many of these, having been proved vulnerable boarders, subsequently became voluntary boarders. Reliable estimates of the number of people who were admitted for a hospital stay more than once during the year are not available centrally.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Health Care (Flintshire)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent measures he has initiated to ensure enhanced health care for Flintshire people; and if he will make a statement. [74184]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The provision of health care is a high priority and I am pleased to be able to report a number of significant developments for the people of Flintshire.

  The new North East Wales NHS Trust (to be established on 1 April) will integrate community health and acute services for the people of Flintshire. This will allow clinicians in both sectors to collaborate in providing a seamless service from the time a patient is referred to

  171
  the time they recover. I expect this to be of particular benefit to the elderly and other vulnerable groups whose care often extends across both sectors.

  The introduction of Local Health Groups (LHGs) will bring significant benefits in terms of inclusive local decision making on commissioning of health services responsive to local need, and developing the role of primary care. Flintshire LHG is on course to be operational as a sub committee of the Health Authority from 1 April.

  Since May 1996, three new NHS dental practices have been opened as a direct result of grant aid, totalling £100,000, from the Welsh Office dental initiative. Grant aid is still available to assist the Health Authority to attract new dentists to 2 further areas within Flintshire.

  £193k of Winter Pressure money funded a joint NHS/Social Services rapid response team covering the whole of Flintshire. Such joint working will be facilitated by the composition of LHGs and introduction of shared planning arrangements, notably Health Improvement Programmes.

  Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Task Forces
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a list of (1) task forces and (2) policy reviews established by his Department since May 1997 which(a) had external members recruited by way of public advertisement, and details of any person so appointed and (b) engaged in public consultation exercises, and the form that these took. [74460]

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

  Ministerial Visits (Primary Schools)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the primary schools in the Cardiff, South and Penarth constituency he has visited in the last four months; and what plans he has for further visits to primary schools in that constituency. [74637]

  Mr. Michael
  During the last four months I have visited Evenlode Primary School and Grangetown Infants School in the constituency of Cardiff, South and Penarth.

  Average daily available beds in NHS hospitals 1

  Acute2

  Geriatric

  Mental Illness3

  Learning disability

  Maternity4

  Total

  North Wales

  1994–95

  1,865

  779

  469

  189

  212

  3,514

  1995–96

  1,843

  718

  431

  162

  163

  3,316

  1996–97

  1,872

  695

  396

  140

  161

  3,264

  1997–98

  1,842

  681

  395

  133

  151

  3,202

  172

  Dental Services
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for Wales by health authority(a) the number of dentists with an NHS list and (b) the average number of patients on each NHS list for each year since financial year 1995–96. [74258]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information is given in the following table.

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Number of dentists in Wales treating at least some NHS patients1

  North Wales

  170

  185

  198

  Dyfed Powys

  128

  133

  136

  Morgannwg

  158

  161

  158

  Bro Taf

  198

  201

  205

  Gwent

  149

  167

  167

  Wales

  803

  847

  864

  Patients on each NHS list2

  North Wales

  1,848

  1,752

  1,660

  Dyfed Powys

  1,729

  1,674

  1,539

  Morgannwg

  1,946

  1,956

  1,915

  Bro Taf

  1,857

  1,678

  1,667

  Gwent

  1,811

  1,645

  1,633

  Wales

  1,927

  1,825

  1,764

  1 Principal dentists as at 31 March except for 1995–96 when data relate to 30 June 1996

  2 Average number of registrations per principal dentists at 31 March. Includes patients seen by assistants and vocational trainees working on contracts held by principals.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Links Staff Newspaper
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what have been the production costs of the Links document in each year of its publication. [74633]

  Mr. Michael
  Production costs for Links—The Welsh Office staff newspaper:

  1997–98: £23,102

  1998–99: £31,020 to date.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) acute, (b) geriatric, (c) mental illness, (d) learning disability and (e) maternity beds there were in each health authority in Wales in each year since 1994-95. [74374]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information is given in the following table.
  173

  Average daily available beds in NHS hospitals1

  Acute2

  Geriatric

  Mental Illness3

  Learning disability

  Maternity4

  Total

  Dyfed Powys

  1994–95

  1,173

  562

  532

  181

  119

  2,566

  1995–96

  1,189

  532

  476

  165

  119

  2,481

  1996–97

  1,207

  484

  430

  146

  121

  2,387

  1997–98

  1,217

  473

  421

  112

  117

  2,339

  Morgannwg

  1994–95

  1,753

  479

  844

  303

  141

  3,520

  1995–96

  1,797

  374

  711

  236

  132

  3,250

  1996–97

  1,849

  342

  670

  213

  130

  3,204

  1997–98

  1,815

  309

  645

  201

  114

  3,084

  Bro Taf

  1994–95

  2,404

  892

  823

  228

  195

  4,540

  1995–96

  2,400

  867

  769

  214

  174

  4,424

  1996–97

  2,449

  748

  749

  180

  164

  4,289

  1997–98

  2,603

  551

  756

  137

  162

  4,209

  Gwent

  1994–95

  1,331

  633

  490

  119

  121

  2,694

  1995–96

  1,211

  582

  444

  121

  122

  2,480

  1996–97

  1,243

  583

  404

  90

  120

  2,439

  1997–98

  1,343

  424

  383

  90

  123

  2,361

  Wales

  1994–95

  8,524

  3,345

  3,157

  1,020

  788

  16,834

  1995–96

  8,439

  3,073

  2,831

  899

  711

  15,951

  1996–97

  8,619

  2,852

  2,648

  768

  696

  15,583

  1997–98

  8,820

  2,438

  2,599

  673

  665

  15,194

  1 The average daily number of staffed beds in which in-patients are being or could be treated without any change in facilities or staff being made

  2 All specialities excluding geriatric, mental illness, learning disability and maternity

  3 Adult mental illness, child & adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry and old age psychiatry

  4 Obstetrics and GP maternity

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National assembly.

  Nurses
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many whole-time equivalent(a) bank, (b) agency and (c) contract nurses were employed and at what cost, by each health authority in Wales in each of the last 10 years. [74375]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information requested is not collected routinely. However, a survey carried out by the Nurse Executives of NHS trusts in Wales estimated that there were 665 whole-time equivalent bank nurses and 173 whole-time equivalent agency nurses used between July 1997 and July 1998 in Wales. Information on costs is not available.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Hospitals (Service Changes)
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the hospitals, by health authority region in Wales, that have consulted the local community health council on service reconfiguration in the last 10 years; and how many beds have been(a) gained and (b) lost under these reconfigurations. [74376]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  This information is not held centrally. Responsibility for consulting local Community Health Councils on substantial service changes lies with health authorities. Such proposals are only referred to my
  174
  right hon. Friend for decision if, following formal public consultation, they cannot be agreed with the Community Health Council. At present, one such referral has been made and is under consideration.

  Following the transfer of functions, these issues will be a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Health Authority Appointments
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many appointments for each health authority in Wales he has(a) made personally and (b) been consulted on since 1 May 1997; and if he will list for those appointments the political affiliations of the successful candidates. [74377]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  None. The Secretary of State's predecessor made the following appointments to health authorities in Wales during 1998.

  Health authorities

  Appointments

  Bro Taf

  1 Chair and 3 non-executive member appointments

  Dyfed Powys

  1 Chair and 2 non-executive member appointments

  Iechyd Morgannwg

  1 Chair and 3 non-executive member appointments

  Gwent

  1 Chair and 4 non-executive member appointments

  North Wales

  1 Chair and 3 non-executive member appointments

  Dyfed Powys Health Authority and the North Wales Health Authority are currently both carrying a non-executive director vacancy.
  175
  Of those mentioned, only one non-executive member has carried out any significant political activity in the last five years, being a Labour member of a local authority in the area of the health authority concerned.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Health Authority Budgets
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the estimated surplus or deficit of each health authority in Wales in 1998-99. [74378]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The estimated surplus/(deficit) that health authorities and their Trusts will be incurring in 1998–99 is as follows:

  Health authority area

  £ million

  Bro Taf

  (5)

  Dyfed Powys

  (13)

  Gwent

  —

  Iechyd Morgannwg

  1

  North Wales

  (1)

  Wales

  (18)

  Note:

  These forecasts are based on health bodies' best estimates of their income and expenditure position and are subject to audit adjustment. The final position will be are reported in their 1998–99 annual accounts, which will be available in audited form at the end of July 1999.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will become a matter for the National Assembly.

  NHS Pay
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average pay of chief executives of NHS trusts for each of the last 10 years; if he will list the pay of the five highest-paid chief executives of NHS trusts in Wales; what is the average pay for Grade D nurses; and which are the five NHS trusts in Wales that have the lowest pay awards for Grade D nurses. [74379]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The first NHS trust was established in Wales on 1 April 1992 and the information requested is as follows.

  Patients not re-admitted within one month of having an operation cancelled

  Quarter ending

  NHS Trust

  March 1997

  June 1997

  September 1997

  December 1997

  March 1998

  June 1998

  September 1998

  December 1998

  Bridgend and District

  8

  —

  >1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cardiff Community Health Care

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Carmarthen and District

  12

  12

  11

  9

  8

  21

  18

  12

  Ceredigion and Mid Wales

  1

  3

  —

  1

  —

  3

  —

  —

  Clwydian Community Care

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Glamorgan

  194

  —

  —

  —

  4

  4

  10

  4

  Glan Clwyd Hospital

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Glan Hafren

  8

  3

  12

  5

  11

  13

  15

  4

  Glan-y-Mor

  10

  5

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  Gwent Community Health

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Gwynedd Community Health

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Gwynedd Hospitals

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2

  3

  Llandough Hospital and Community

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  1

  —

  —

  Llanelli Dinefwr

  —

  3

  —

  —

  8

  2

  3

  1

  Morriston Hospital

  5

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  6

  6

  176

  The average pay of Chief Executives of NHS trusts is:

  £ 000

  1992–93

  73

  1993–94

  64

  1994–95

  62

  1995–96

  65

  1996–97

  67

  1997–98

  72

  The highest paid Chief Executives in 1997–98 received:

  £ 000

  Glan Hafren

  103

  UHW

  96

  North Glamorgan

  88

  Llandough

  87

  Bridgend

  86

  The salary scale for a Grade D nurse ranges from £12,855 to £14,705. Nurses can earn more than their basic pay, due to enhancements for working nights, weekends and bank holidays.

  Taking all these factors into account, the average earnings of a Grade D nurse in Great Britain averaged across all 5 incremental points are estimated at £16,400 at December 1998 rates. Information is not held centrally on pay awards for nurses on Trust terms and conditions of service.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Cancelled Operations
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library figures for(a) each health authority, (b) each region and (c) Wales as a whole, of the number of operations cancelled on the day of, or the day after, admission to a hospital, and the numbers of those patients not readmitted within a month, by quarter for the last two years. [74380]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information on the number of operations cancelled on the day of, or the day after, admission to a hospital is not collected centrally. Data are collected on the numbers of patients who were not re-admitted within a month of a cancelled operation, by NHS Trust, and these are shown in the following table.
  177

  Patients not re-admitted within one month of having an operation cancelled

  Quarter ending

  NHS trust

  March 1997

  June 1997

  September 1997

  December 1997

  March 1998

  June 1998

  September 1998

  December 1998

  Nevill Hall and District

  2

  —

  7

  21

  8

  1

  2

  —

  North Glamorgan

  1

  —

  —

  2

  2

  —

  2

  —

  Pembrokeshire and Derwen

  2

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Powys Health Care

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Rhondda Health Care

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Swansea

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University Dental Hospital

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University Hospital of Wales

  170

  44

  83

  51

  113

  108

  151

  25

  Healthcare Velindre

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wrexham Maelor Hospital

  —

  —

  12

  4

  18

  22

  7

  14

  Wales

  413

  70

  127

  94

  178

  177

  216

  71

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Hospital Reviews
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by health authority in Wales the number of hospitals whose future is currently under review. [74381]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Responsibility for reviewing and subsequently consulting upon substantial service changes lies with health authorities. Proposals to change the functions of a hospital or an individual service are referred to my right hon. Friend for decision only if, following formal public consultation, they cannot be agreed with the local community Health Council. At present, one such referral has been made and is under consideration.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate(a) the number of people in each health authority region in Wales currently waiting for an appointment with a consultant following a referral by a general practitioner and (b) the length of time which those people (i) have already waited and (ii) are expected to wait. [74382]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The numbers of people in each health authority area in Wales waiting for an appointment with a consultant at 31 December 1998, and the numbers waiting over six months, were published in the statistical release "NHS Wales Hospital Waiting Lists: December 1998" (SDR 7/99), a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Data are not collected centrally on the expected length of wait, which will depend on individual circumstances. However, information on the routine outpatient wait for hospital consultants in Wales is published in the bulletin "Hospital Waiting Times" produced by the Welsh Health Common Services Authority, a copy of which will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as possible.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each health authority region the waiting time for new entrants to the waiting list for(a) ear, nose
  178
  and throat, (b) trauma and orthopaedic, (c) general surgery, (d) ophthalmology and (e) gynaecology consultants. [74383]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The waiting times for new entrants to the lists to see NHS consultants will depend on individual circumstances. The proportions of patients seen within three months and six months of referral to consultants in these specialties in Welsh hospitals during the period 1 January 1998 to 31 March 1998 were published in "The Patient's Charter NHS Wales Performance Tables 1998", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

CABINET OFFICE

  GM Foods
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office by what means he proposes to quantify(a) the benefits and (b) the risks that might flow from the genetic modification of (i) crops and (ii) food. [74863]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  [holding answer5 March 1999]: The Government receive advice on these issues from their independent expert committees, including the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment and the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Chevening House
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) for what purposes Chevening House has been used by Her Majesty's Government, other than for Foreign and Commonwealth Office business, since 1 May 1997; [72965]

  (2) what discussions concerning genetically modified foods and crops have taken place at Chevening since 1 May 1997. [73515]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answers 25 and 26 February 1999]: Chevening House is available to members of Her Majesty's Government, senior officials and others for meetings and entertainment, with my permission.
  179
  As far as we are aware, no discussions about genetically modified food have taken place at Chevening.

  Former Yugoslavia
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in the investigation of the massacres in autumn 1998 at Gornje Obrinje and Vucitrn; what estimate has been made of the number of victims; and what steps have been taken to bring the perpetrators before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. [75137]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  HMG have been informed by the Tribunal that its investigations into the massacres at Gornje Orbinje and Vucitrn are ongoing but are being seriously hampered by the lack of cooperation and access from the Yugoslav authorities. HMG continue actively to support the work of the ICTY, including financing an additional courtroom which has helped speed up trial procedures and contributing more than £1.2 million to the Tribunal's Exhumations 1998 Programme.

  Common Foreign and Security Policy
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 1999,Official Report, columns 438–39, if he will place in the Library copies of the reports of the Common Foreign and Security Policy working groups since 1 May 1997. [75081]

  Ms Quin
  The Government are committed to ensuring more effective parliamentary scrutiny of, and greater openness in European Union business, including the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy. We introduced last year procedures for the parliamentary scrutiny of all Common Foreign and Security Policy Common Positions and Joint Actions, and other politically important documents. The Government do not, however, have discretion to disclose unilaterally documents which reveal the negotiating positions of individual European Union member states. They do not, therefore, propose to place the reports of Working Group discussion in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) of 25 February 1999,Official Report, columns 438–39, in what form the outcome of the deliberations of the Common Foreign and Security Policy working groups are made available to Parliament. [74569]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the right hon. Member for Penrith and the Border (Mr. Maclean) today, Official Report, column 779.

  Prime Minister (Articles)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice his Department has given to the Prime Minister's Office on the (i) style, (ii) substance and (iii) target audience of articles in the Prime Minister's name to be published in foreign newspapers and journals. [75048]
  180
  Mr. Fatchett
  The FCO offers the Prime Minister's Office informal advice on the style, substance, and target audience of articles in the Prime Minister's name whenever this is requested.

  Taiwan
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the United States about the military threats to Taiwan by the People's Republic of China [75080]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Following the US Secretary of State's recent visit to Peking, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed China, including cross-straits relations with Taiwan, with Mrs. Albright on 6 March.

  Croatia
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current human rights situation in Croatia. [75229]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  While improvements have been made, much remains to be done. In particular, the most recent OSCE report on Croatia has underlined a continuing lack of progress in bringing domestic legislation, eg on protection for minorities and press freedom, into line with Council of Europe and UN human rights instruments.

  Among the areas which still require government attention are:
  Constitutional amendments to remove the restrictions of certain rights which are currently enjoyed by citizens rather than individuals;
  Restoration of certain suspended provisions contained in the 1991 Constitutional Law on Human Rights, providing for the protection of political representation and social and cultural rights of minorities (applying above all to the Serb minority following Operations Flash and Storm in 1995);
  Croatia is a party to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees but no domestic legislation has yet been introduced to implement its principles, leaving Albanian asylum-seekers from Kosovo, for example, with treatment inconsistent with these principles;
  Equal application of the Law on Citizenship;
  Adoption of democratic standards regarding freedom of the media, information and expression, and public service broadcasting;
  Reform of electoral legislation in order to comply with the OSCE Copenhagen Document (Articles 7 and 8) and other international standards.

  We and our European partners take every opportunity to remind the Croatians that fulfilment of its international obligations is a necessary precursor to a closer relationship with Europe.

  Turkey
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held by British Embassy officials in Turkey with(a) Kurdish and (b) human rights groups; and if he will make a statement. [74871]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: British Embassy officials in Ankara regularly meet representatives of Kurdish groups, including representatives of the

  181
  People's Democracy Party (HADEP). Our officials are also in constant contact with representatives of various human rights organisations in Turkey, including the Human Rights Association and the Human Rights Foundation.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funding was made available to his Department's Human Rights Fund in 1998; and what it will be in 1999. [75714]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  £5 million was allocated to the Human Rights Project Fund in FY 1998–99. We plan to maintain the current funding allocation in real terms for the next financial year, and will keep this funding under review to ensure that it remains at an appropriate level.

  UNSCOM
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the USA about the recall of UNSCOM's Director of Operations, Colonel James Moore, to Washington. [75215]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: None.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set up an inquiry into misuse for intelligence purposes of the disarmament agency set up after the Gulf War to eliminate Iraq's chemical and biological weapons. [75214]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: The UK government have repeatedly made it clear that all information exchanges between the UK and UNSCOM, and all activities by UK nationals assigned to UNSCOM, have been strictly in pursuit of UNSCOM's mandate to dismantle Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) capability. The US has made similar statements. UNSCOM Executive Chairman Richard Butler has said that he has always insisted on all UNSCOM activity being carried out strictly in pursuit of its disarmament mandate, not to benefit any individual member state.

  Uganda
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what warnings of a threat to British nationals in Uganda his Department received prior to 1 March. [75486]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: This Department has received no warnings of threats to British nationals in Uganda from Rwandan Interahamwe rebels prior to 1 March 1999. FCO travel advice of 19 February did, however, draw attention to periodic rebel activity in the Uganda/Congo/Rwanda border areas around the Kisoro district, and mentioned that, although the situation was currently peaceful, it could change quickly.

  There have in the past been a number of threats to UK interests in Uganda from other sources, including the Lord's Resistance Army and the Alliance of Democratic Forces.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the reported killings of 15 Rwandan militiamen by Ugandan forces. [75770]
  182
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We are aware of reports originating in Uganda of the killing of a number of Rwandan militiamen by Ugandan and Rwandan Government forces operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Given the difficulty in obtaining reliable information from this remote area, we are unable to confirm the reports.

  A three man UK Police Team arrived in Kampala on Friday 5 March to assist the Ugandan authorities in their investigation into the murders of the four British tourists in the Bwindi National Park. We expect the Government of Uganda's follow up to this incident and the investigation to take full account of international human rights standards.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the level of involvement of Islamic terrorist organisations in Kosovo. [75562]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We are aware of press reporting about contacts between Islamic terrorist organisations and the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK), but we have no evidence of systematic involvement.

  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent detention of OSCE monitors in Kosovo by Serbian forces and the rules of engagement for the extraction force in such circumstances. [75796]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  OSCE verifiers were detained by Yugoslav customs authorities during 25 and 26 February. This was a breach of the agreement setting up the OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission and official protests were made by the OSCE to the FRY authorities.

  The problem was resolved by peaceful negotiation. In the event of an emergency, an extraction force is available. For security reasons, the rules of engagement remain confidential.

  Ireland (Treaties)
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects treaties with the Irish Government establishing (i) British- Irish Council, (ii) British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, (iii) North/South Ministerial Council and (vi) implementation bodies to be signed. [76010]

  Ms Quin
  The treaties were signed on 8 March 1998 in Dublin. Copies of the Treaties are available from the vote office and have been placed in the Libraries of the Houses of Parliament. The Treaties will be published and laid in the normal way.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Sri Lanka calling for UNHCR observers to be present at the exhumations of bodies at the mass grave in Chemmani on 5 March. [75513]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We are deeply concerned about reports that several hundred bodies of people who "disappeared" in army custody in 1996–97 may be in a mass grave at
  183
  Chemmani in Jaffna. Our High Commissioner in Colombo has pressed on numerous occasions for a prompt and thorough investigation. I raised the issue when I visited Colombo on 10 November.

  While we have called for an impartial investigation, we have not specifically suggested that UNHCR observers be present. A preliminary examination was held on 5 March to establish whether the site had been tampered with. We hope that the investigation will now proceed without further delay.

  South Africa
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assess the impact on the South African elections of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's rejection of the ANC leaders' application for a group amnesty for acts committed by ANC members. [75769]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  It is not for the UK Government to assess the impact of a ruling of a constitutional body in another country, such as South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The TRC's ruling on the ANC leaders' application for a group amnesty is a legal matter for the applicants concerned.

  Khartoum
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Sudanese Government concerning the attacks on Christian students at the University of Khartoum on 6 and 7 February. [75802]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have followed up the reports that we have received of these attacks with the concerned authorities, including the University of Khartoum.

  Israel
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will be supporting Israel's request to the EU for support for the desalination plant in Gaza. [75800]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Water is an issue to be resolved in the final status negotiations. We support the Wye Agreement which provides for the immediate resumption of final status negotiations. We also support an equitable division of water which will take into account the concerns of all parties including other countries in the region. The proposed desalination plant has to be considered in the context of the final status negotiations.

  Oman (Ministerial Visit)
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the visit by the Minister of State to Oman. [75773]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I visited Oman on 2–4 March for discussions on regional and bilateral issues with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and senior Omani Ministers. The visit enabled me to reaffirm the importance the United Kingdom places on existing political and commercial relations with Oman, and on the security of the Gulf region as a whole. Oman is one of our oldest friends in a184
  region of key interest to the United Kingdom. We are keen to maintain the long-standing ties which exist between our two countries.

  Falklands
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department has asked the Chilean Government to state its reasons for recommending to Lan Chile that it ceases flights between Santiago and the Falklands; and what other options for air links in the region his Department has been exploring for the Falklands. [75807]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Chilean Government have stated publicly that their action with Lan Chile was in response to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's decision to issue an Authority to Proceed in respect of the Spanish extradition request for Senator Pinochet. We have made it clear that we do no believe any such measures are justified. While we hope that Lan Chile will continue to fly to the Falklands, we are considering other options with the Falkland Islands Government, including flights to other countries, improved surface travel, and the possibility of the Falkland Islands Government leasing their own aircraft.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he made to the Chilean Government when the Presidents of Argentina and Chile signed the joint declaration ratifying Chile's support for Argentina's claim of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands on 15 December. [75805]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  None. Our position on the Falkland Islands has been made clear to the Government of Chile repeatedly in recent years.

  Ascension Islands
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to charge the United States for the use of the Ascension Islands. [75757]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We currently have no plans to charge the United States for the use of Ascension Island. The United States Base on Ascension is provided free from rent and charges under the terms of the Agreement between the UK and US Governments Concerning the Extension of the Bahamas Long Range Proving Ground by the Establishment of Additional Sites in Ascension Island signed in 1956, as amended.

  Wideawake Airfield, which forms part of the US Base, is a vital link in the RAF airbridge to the Falkland Islands. We are currently preparing for talks with the US Government to allow the use of Wideawake by civil charter flights. If these negotiations are successful, this will improve access to both Ascension and St. Helena, some 700 miles away.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Housing Benefit (Wandsworth)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had with the London
  185
  Borough of Wandsworth on the payment of housing benefit claims to residents; and if he will make a statement. [74296]

  Angela Eagle
  Following a large volume of complaints and work backlogs, the London Borough of Wandsworth approved new arrangements for the management of its benefits administration from 27 November 1998. The Authority has kept the Department informed of developments. Most of the problems experienced last year have been resolved and the Department has received assurances that the remaining issues are being addressed.

  Pensioners (Benefits)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information is provided by his Department's Family Revenues Survey about the proportion of pensioners aged 80 years or over living in multiple benefit unit households relative to that of all people over pensionable age. [75221]

  Mr. Timms
  According to the 1996–97 Family Resources Survey (GB) 21 per cent. of pensioners aged 80 years or over were living in multiple benefit unit households compared with 19 per cent. of other people over pensionable age.

  Notes:

  1. Estimates are subject to sampling error and to variability in non response.

  2. Percentages are rounded to nearest integer.

  National Insurance Contributions
  Mrs. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the Social Security Advisory Committee's report and recommendations on the draft regulations to bring non-cash vouchers into line with the treatment of cash earnings for National Insurance contribution purposes; and if he will make a statement. [76089]

  Mr. Timms
  We have considered the Social Security Advisory Committee's report and their recommendations carefully. We are grateful to the Committee, and those interested parties who responded to the consultation exercises, for their consideration of the draft regulations and their comments on them.

  We have noted the Committee's view that it is right to close any loophole which allows an employer to avoid National Insurance liability and their general support for the principle of closer alignment of tax and NICs arrangements. However, the Committee are not convinced that our proposals for non-cash vouchers meet these criteria. In particular, they suggest that we defer implementation to assess the longer term implications or, alternatively, that we increase substantially the disregard for luncheon vouchers.

  We do not believe, in the light of the extensive consultation already undertaken, there would be anything to be gained by delaying the proposal beyond April 1999. It would perpetuate the unfairness of the current arrangements whereby employees who receive part of their pay in non-cash vouchers are not liable for NICs on that part, whilst other employees, who do not receive vouchers, are liable for NICs on the whole of their salary.
  186
  To increase the disregard for luncheon vouchers above the long-standing 15 pence a day level for tax would undermine the aims of closer alignment and the need to ensure fairness with those paid in cash.

  In addition to these proposals, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in last year's Budget a number of changes to the structure of the National Insurance scheme. These changes will be introduced in April 1999. The employee entry fee will be abolished, so that all employees, who pay contributions, will pay £1.32 per week less NICs. This will more than offset the increase in NICs paid by most employees on luncheon vouchers, which are the most common form of non-cash voucher.

  We will therefore table shortly the Social Security (Contributions) Amendment Regulations 1999. The regulations will bring non-cash vouchers into line with the treatment of cash earnings for National Insurance Contribution purposes. A copy of the Committee's report and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's reply will be published with the regulations. The regulations will come into force from 6 April 1999.

  National Insurance Reductions
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate for each constituency in Staffordshire the number of people who will benefit from the reduction in national insurance scheduled for April 1999; and if he will make a statement. [75658]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not available by Parliamentary constituency. However, throughout Great Britain, some 20 million people, 90 per cent. of all employees, will pay an average of nearly £70 a year less in National Insurance contributions as a result of the abolition of the employee entry fee in April 1999.

  Source:
  Autumn 1998 Labour Force Survey.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 22 February 1999,Official Report, columns 190–91, concerning nv CJD, at what level of risk it ceases to be possible to specify the statistical risk of dying from nv CJD as a result of eating beef-on-the-bone products. [73784]

  Mr. Rooker
  There is no scientific proof that BSE can be transmitted to man by beef, but this is seen by SEAC as the most likely explanation, and all our control measures are based on the assumption that it is. In those circumstances, before it will be possible to calculate with any degree of certainty the risk to an individual as a result of eating beef on the bone, we need the answers to a number of key scientific questions:how much infectivity is needed to cause disease in humans;
  whether repeated exposure to small amounts of infectivity over a period of time can cause disease or whether a single dose is sufficient to result in disease;

  187
  how susceptible man is to BSE compared with, for example, cattle or mice;
  whether there are factors such as genetic susceptibility, or the physiology of the human gut, that might affect susceptibility or incubation period in humans compared with other species.

  It is clearly not possible to conduct direct experiments to test these factors. As the BSE epidemic wanes, any risk declines along with the number of infected animals, but it is not possible to specify the statistical risk for an individual of dying from nvCJD as a result of eating beef on the bone products. In such uncertain circumstances we need to be very cautious about any decision to relax public health protection in this area.

  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the current incidence of tuberculosis in badgers. [74689]

  Mr. Rooker
  We do not have information on the current incidence of TB in badgers across GB.

  Badger carcases from various sources have been examined by MAFF since 1974. These include carcases from badger removal operations carried out under the interim strategy between 1982 and 1997, taken from areas of high TB incidence in cattle herds, where badgers were thought to be implicated in the spread of bovine TB to cattle. There were also carcases examined following road traffic accidents.

  Summarised are the results of the badger carcases examined by the Ministry and the percentage found positive for TB following laboratory culture. As these badgers were collected from limited areas of the country they are not representative of the incidence of TB in the badger population as a whole.

  Year

  Total badger carcases examined

  Percentage of which found positive for TB

  1975

  100

  24.0

  1976

  203

  15.8

  1977

  184

  15.3

  1978

  221

  9.0

  1979

  489

  10.2

  1980

  513

  8.9

  1981

  260

  9.2

  1982

  691

  11.0

  1983

  995

  13.7

  1984

  1,265

  14.3

  1985

  1,120

  13.3

  1986

  785

  16.1

  1987

  733

  12.7

  1988

  778

  27.2

  1989

  727

  16.8

  1990

  810

  19.4

  1991

  990

  16.3

  1992

  1,054

  20.0

  1993

  1,093

  27.4

  1994

  1,683

  22.9

  1995

  1,509

  28.1

  1996

  1,911

  25.2

  1997

  2,447

  27.9

  Source:

  CVL(E) Wildlife Unit Badger Database

  MAFF is now removing badgers only in trial areas and the Independent Scientific Group overseeing the culling trial will need time to assess the results as they become
  188
  available. The results will give an indication of the level of TB in badgers but initially only in those areas where the trial takes place.

  The National Road Traffic Accident Survey ended in 1991. The Krebs Report recommended a limited reintroduction of the survey as it would give a good indication of the disease in the badgers sampled. We are considering how to take this forward.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about progress in the implementation of the Krebs report. [74688]

  Mr. Rooker
  The strategy I announced last August is designed to provide an effective science-based approach to controlling TB in cattle. It was based on the recommendations published in the Krebs Report. Progress on implementation is as follows:to minimise the risk to humans and investigate potential links with human health. Quarterly meetings with the Department of Health and other public health interests have been established.
  the development of a vaccine. The Krebs report recognised that this is possibly the best long term solution which could take 10 to 15 years. There is not necessarily any guarantee of success. However, I fully support this development and MAFF will be spending more than £1.3 million on it per year.
  research initiative to improve our understanding of the disease and how it spreads. The MAFF research programme had been revised on line with Krebs' recommendations and the budget has been increased from £1.7 million to £3.1 million in 1999–2000. We will shortly announce details of the research projects being funded from 1999 for the next three years. We are looking at factors such as the diagnostic skin test, the possible use of blood tests and the reliability of laboratory culture to see if we can identify improvement in testing and diagnosis to enable us to detect the disease more quickly. In addition, we propose to introduce a new epidemiological questionnaire to gather information on a full range of factors which might affect the spread of TB. This includes wildlife, but also husbandry practices, nutrition and the local terrain and climate. The questionnaire was piloted last autumn and points arising from the pilot study are currently under consideration. It will shortly be made publicly available.
  the Government should work with the farming industry to improve husbandry methods to minimise contact between cattle and badgers. We are reviewing advice provided to farmers on husbandry and disease control. The epidemiological survey referred to above will enable us to identify best husbandry practice.
  a randomised culling trial designed to test the effectiveness of different strategies and to provide unambiguous evidence of the role of badgers in cattle TB. Three badger treatment strategies will be compared in 30 areas grouped into 10 triplets. The first two triplets have been identified: one in Devon/Cornwall and the other in Gloucester/Herefordshire. Badger culling has been carried out in the pro-active areas of the Devon Cornwall triplet. We had hoped to have both the Pro-active culled before the closed season, but the terrain in the Gloucestershire triplet proved to be difficult and it will not be possible to complete the pro-active cull here until after the closed season. However, additional funding has been made available and more staff are being recruited to deal with the increased workload for the coming year. The remaining triplets will be identified by the Independent Scientific Group using scientific criteria and will be located in areas of high TB risk.

  Farmers
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of farmers he expects to leave agricultural production in the next five years. [74693]
  189
  Mr. Rooker
  Figures on the number of farmers leaving or coming into agriculture are not available. However, the number of farmers has been declining overall by 0.5 to 1 per cent. a year. Whether there will be any significant changes in the trend may also depend on the final conclusions on reform of the CAP and the impact of any implementing provisions, on which we are consulting the industry at present.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about methods for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis. [74690]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend, the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 4 March 1999,Official Report, column 911.

  Meat (Labelling)
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the labelling of country of origin of meat sold in Britain. [74694]

  Mr. Rooker
  Rules on the labelling of food products are harmonised by EC legislation. Generally, the place (but not necessarily the country) of origin of any food must be given if omitting it could mislead the purchaser about the true place of origin of that food. The place of origin may be taken as the place in which the food last underwent a substantial change.

  More specifically, the Beef Labelling Scheme requires that any beef labelled with country of origin information must derive from animals born, reared and slaughtered in that country. National origin labelling of beef is expected to become compulsory from the year 2000. The labels on pre-packaged poultrymeat must give an indication of its country of origin when it is imported from outside the Community and we are currently taking steps to require this information on labels, tickets or notices near where unpackaged poultry is offered for sale.

  Separately, in November last year, members of the British Retail Consortium gave a voluntary undertaking not to sell imported fresh meat, processed or packaged in the UK, under a British label. This is a welcome commitment, for UK producers and consumers alike.

  Food Labelling Regulations
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with local authorities about the proposed enforcement of food labelling regulations by the Food Standards Agency. [75190]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: Under the Food Standards Agency food law enforcement will generally continue to be carried out at the local level. It is proposed, however, that the Agency will assume new responsibilities for monitoring and setting standards for local authority enforcement. The Government have maintained regular contact with local authorities over all enforcement matters, including the enforcement of labelling regulations and the future responsibilities of the Agency in this important area.

  Genetically Modified Food
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list which foods or food 190
  ingredients produced from genetically modified crops are available in the UK and have been labelled in accordance with the EC Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients Regulations. [75191]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: Genetically modified (GM) tomato paste and foods containing GM soya and GM maize are currently available in the UK.

  The EC Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients Regulation (258/97) came into force in May 1997.

  Foods containing GM soya and maize, which were approved for marketing prior to this, are required to be labelled under EC Regulation 1139/98. The GM tomato paste has been clearly labelled on a voluntary basis by the manufacturer since its launch in February 1996.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in establishing a de minimis threshold for the presence of genetically modified material in food, below which labelling would not be necessary. [75103]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: The European Commission has undertaken to come forward with proposals on this issue by the end of March. We will continue to press the European Commission to adhere to this timetable.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of farm animal feed presently on sale contains genetically modified material. [75107]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: Farm animal feed made only from UK grown crops does not contain any genetically modified (GM) material, because none of the GM plants granted marketing consents under Council Directive 90/220 have been grown in the UK on a commercial scale. Imported materials, in particular maize, soya and their by-products, will contain a proportion of material derived from GM plants. However, in the absence of crop segregation and specific labelling requirements, it is not possible to determine the precise extent of this.

  Rabies
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research projects his Department has commissioned(a) to anticipate and (b) to facilitate speedy and effective implementation of the changes in rabies control he expects to follow from the report of the Advisory Group on Quarantine; if this research specifically includes critical path planning; and what are the expected times for completion of each of these projects. [74794]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: The Government are considering the outcome of the consultation on the report of the Advisory Group on Quarantine (AGQ), which recommended changes to the quarantine system. A dedicated team has been established in this Department which is able to call upon the services of a wider multi-disciplinary group of experts. They will employ recognised project management techniques which will include critical path analysis. The team has received project management training.
  191
  Projects commissioned by the team to date are as follows:

  A further study of the risk associated with animals imported from the USA and Canada. This is expected to be completed in April.

  proficiency test programme for laboratories carrying out blood tests. The earliest that a laboratory might be authorised would be autumn 1999.

  Consideration of the efficacy and security of microchip identification. A seminar was held in the Ministry's premises at Tolworth, Surrey, on 1 February. Work on animal identification is expected to be completed in a few months.

  Preparation of a list of zoonotic infections and infestations found in cats and dogs in the EU/EEA Member States and rabies free islands which are not found in the UK.

  Initial design work for potential port facilities.

  A programme of work to identify an ELISA test for rabies that might replace the existing virus neutralisation test.

  The advice of the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) has been obtained on the implications of the AGQ recommendations. A workshop is planned to be held by the ACDP on 12 April to consider this matter further.

  The Office International des Epizooties and the World Health Organisation have been requested to consider the designation of specified methods for a prescribed blood test(s). It is hoped that this will be concluded in May.

  Furthermore, the Chief Veterinary Officer wrote to counterparts in other EU Member States in November 1998 to ask them to confirm that they would be able to provide certification of cats and dogs to the standard recommended by the AGQ. Governments of islands that it is believed could be classified as rabies free are also being contacted. The replies are being evaluated. Work is also underway on designing an appropriate form of certificate for British cats and dogs taken out of the UK with the intention of their being re-imported.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the principal project areas in which his Department commissioned research on rabies over the last 15 years; and what were the approximate costs incurred in respect of each of these projects. [74793]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: Details of research on rabies between 1991 and 1999 together with the annual budget for each project is as follows:

  1991–92

  Rabies: Differentiation of strains using monoclonal antibodies— £21,000

  Development of alternative diagnostic systems for rabies: neuroblastoma culture—£37,000

  Development of rapid diagnostic tests for rabies: PCR—£31,000

  1992–93

  Rabies: Differentiation of strains using monoclonal antibodies— £21,000

  Development of alternative diagnostic systems for rabies: neuroblastoma culture—£37,000

  192

  Development of rapid diagnostic tests for rabies: PCR—£31,000

  Biology and control of mammalian vectors of rabies—£184,000

  1993–94

  Development of rapid diagnostic tests for rabies: PCR—£78,000

  Biology and control of mammalian vectors of rabies—£129,000 Development of ELISA methods for rabies diagnosis capable of dealing with samples received in the event of a UK outbreak— £64,000

  1994–95

  Biology and control of mammalian vectors of rabies—£162,000

  Development of an optimisation of rapid PCR methods for the diagnosis or rabies—£132,000

  Development of rabies contingency programmes—£50,000

  1995–96

  Biology and control of mammalian vectors of rabies—£183,000

  Development of an optimisation of rapid PCR methods for the diagnosis of rabies—£135,379

  Expression of rabies glycoprotein in baculovirus for use in a rapid diagnosis kit for antibody level determination—£116,778

  1996–97

  Development of an optimisation of rapid PCR methods for the diagnosis of rabies—£146,528

  Expression of rabies glycoprotein in baculovirus for use in a rapid diagnosis kit for antibody level determination—£119,113

  Differentiation of strains of rabies and rabies-related viruses using automated sequence analyses—£101,315

  Biology and control of mammalian vectors of rabies—£186,044

  1997–98

  Expression of rabies glycoprotein in baculovirus for use in a rapid diagnosis kit for antibody level determination—£85,370

  Differentiation of strains of rabies and rabies-related viruses using automated sequence analyses—£72,190

  Biology and control of mammalian vectors of rabies—£189,097

  Development of rapid PCR-based systems for the detection and differentiation of rabies and rabies-related viruses—£116,516

  Rabies defence measures in the Channel Tunnel—foxes and DNA fingerprinting—£5,645

  1998–99

  Differentiation of strains of rabies and rabies-related viruses using automated sequence analyses—£101,143

  Biology and control of mammalian vectors of rabies—£189,097

  Development of rapid PCR-based systems for the detection and differentiation of rabies and rabies-related viruses—£156,797

  Molecular detection techniques to investigate aspects of the pathogenesis of rabies—£133,757.

  Information on rabies research between 1984 and 1991 is not available in this format.

  During the 1980's MAFF research on rabies concentrated on answering the hypothetical question "If rabies entered the UK, where did it come from and what measures were needed to be taken to control/eradicate it". Research centred upon the collection of rabies viruses from all areas of the world where rabies was endemic and the production and use of monoclonal antibodies with which these viruses could be identified.

  Subsidiary work included vaccine potency testing for the European Pharmocopoeia, research in mince into the potential use of inactivated oral vaccines, and the development of a serological test to measure the neutralizing antibody levels in animal sera.
  193

  Meat Hygiene
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for South Derbyshire (Mr. Todd) of 22 February 1999,Official Report, column 184, on meat hygiene, if he will place a copy of his letter to the hon. Member for South Derbyshire in the Library. [75189]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: The exercise to collate and analyse information on the level of hygiene inspection charges levied on individual meat plants in other Member States is not yet complete.

  Once the exercise is complete, I will write to those hon. Members who have asked questions on this subject and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many inspections have been carried out in the UK by the EU Commission's Food and Veterinary Office in each of the last 12 months as part of its enforcement of the Meat Hygiene Directive. [75192]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: In the last 12 months the European Commission's Food and Veterinary Office carried out two inspections in the UK on controls in fresh (red) meat establishments under Directive 64/43 3/EEC in June and September 1998.

  Date-based Export Scheme
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the reasons given by fresh meat wholesalers and abattoir owners for their reluctance to apply for the date-based export scheme; and what steps he is taking to address those difficulties. [75193]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer8 March 1999]: The main concerns expressed about the Date-based Export Scheme (DBES) by trade organisations representing abattoirs are the requirement to dedicate plants to export eligible animals and meat, and the availability of eligible animals. A small number of plants have, however, expressed interest.

  I have placed in the Library of the House a copy of the response issued by the Department to comments made on the consultation on our implementation of the DBES, together with a summary of those comments. Our response document recognises the difficulties of complying with the DBES conditions and that the requirement for dedication is particularly onerous. However, this requirement and the rules on eligibility of animals are set down in the EC Commission Decision. I do not believe that we could have negotiated a more liberal scheme, or that Member States would be ready to consider any changes in the near future.

  Cattle Health Scheme
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of the Cattle Health Scheme. [76120]
  194
  Mr. Rooker
  During the last UK Presidency of the EU Council, agreement was reached on changes to animal health trade rules. The new rules allow the UK to apply for official freedom from enzootic bovine leukosis for Great Britain, and we intend to do so. This will benefit farmers, and will reduce public expenditure.

  The Cattle Health Scheme attests herds as being individually free of enzootic bovine leukosis, so will not be needed once GB freedom is achieved. We will continue to run the Scheme for the time being and review its future in September. Officials are writing to all members of the Scheme to let them know the position.

  Abattoir Inspection Charges
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the response to his Department's consultation on the proposal to charge industry for the costs of enforcing controls on specified risk material; and if he will make a statement. [76121]

  Mr. Rooker
  We received 26 responses to the consultation document and we have also received other correspondence relating to these proposals. Almost all argued that the proposed charges should not be levied at a time when the livestock industry is still in great financial difficulties. Some argued that the charges would discriminate against small abattoirs in rural areas.

  I and my colleagues in Scotland and Wales have carefully considered these responses but concluded that, in the light of the Government's overall priorities, we should proceed as planned. I therefore yesterday laid the necessary Regulations before Parliament. A number of consultees commented that the charge should be based on throughput rather than an hourly rate. I recognise the benefits that this could bring to small, low throughput abattoirs and have therefore asked my officials to consider the feasibility of altering the basis of the SRM charge so as to lessen the severe impact on small, low throughput abattoirs. Any change would require a further consultation exercise and amending legislation.

  Copies of the responses to the consultation are available for public inspection at the main MAFF library in London.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Chamber Business
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the President of the Council how much time in the last session of Parliament was devoted in the Chamber to(a) Scottish, (b) Welsh, (c) Northern Ireland, (d) European Union, (e) Commonwealth and other foreign and (f) other business. [75539]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Any figures given cannot be entirely objective, as it is not always clear in what category particular debates belong. Where this is unclear the figures have been included in the "other" category. Taking this into account, the figures are as follows:(a) 121 hours 50 minutes, (b) 96 hours 47 minutes, (c) 110 hours 25 minutes, (d) 124 hours 14 minutes, (e) 104 hours 16 minutes and (f) 1560 hours 4 minutes.
  195
  These figures do not take account of the occasions on which matters relating to territorial, European Union or foreign affairs were debated at the same times as matters relating to the United Kingdom as a whole. Questions relating to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs have all been included in category (c), even though some of them may in fact have related to category (d). All time taken on the Floor of the House last Session has been included in the above figures.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he or his Ministers have received any advance copy, draft or briefing upon the contents of any report of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee prior to its due publication date and time; and if he will make a statement. [75775]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 531. There have no instances of members of select committees giving me or my Ministerial colleagues drafts of select committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor, to the best of my knowledge, have there been any occasions on which members of select committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Order 116.

  Board of English Heritage
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what are the names, qualifications and experience of the members of the Board of English Heritage; and how many of them, and which, have a disability. [74557]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Commissioners of English Heritage are as listed, together with their qualifications and experience. None has divulged any information regarding disability.

  English Heritage Commissioners

  Chairman: Sir Jocelyn Stevens CVO: Term of office: 1/4/97— 31/3/2000

  Chairman of English Heritage since 1992. From 1955, background in journalism and newspaper publishing; Rector and Vice Provost of Royal College of Art 1984–92. Deputy Chairman of the Independent Television Commission 1991–96.

  Professor Richard Morris: Term of office: 16/7/96–15/7/99

  Director of the Council for British Archaeology since 1991; previously a lecturer in archaeology at York University.

  Loyd Grossman: Term of office: 16/9/97–15/9/2000

  Broadcaster and journalist. Chairman of The Campaign for Museums. Commissioner of the Museums and Galleries Commission since 1996.

  Sue Underwood: Term of office: 16/9/97–15/9/2000

  Director of the North of England Museums Service since 1990; previously its Deputy Director.

  196

  The right hon. the Lord Faringdon: Term of office: 16/9/98— 31/3/2000

  Chairman of the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (RCHME) since October 1994. Chairman of Witan Investments Co plc since 1980.

  Candida Lycett Green: Term of office: 9/6/98–8/6/2001

  Writer and broadcaster, specialising in architecture matters. Members of the Friends of Friendless Churches.

  Professor Eric Fernie: Term of office: 9/6/98–8/6/2001

  Director of Courtauld Institute since 1995; previously Professor of Fine Art at Edinburgh University. RCHME Commissioner since 1997.

  Lady Elizabeth Gass DL: Term of office: 9/6/98–8/6/2001

  Lord Lieutenant of Somerset since 1999 and a member of National Trust Wessex Regional Committee since 1994.

  Andrew Fane: Term of office: 9/6/98–8/6/2001

  Former councillor of Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and a member of the National Trust East Anglia Regional Committee.

  Kirsty McLeod: Term of office: 9/7/98–8/7/2001

  Publishing Editor and journalist.

  HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO: Term of office: 1/10/98–30/9/2001

  Qualified architect. Also Trustee of the British Museum.

  Bridget Cherry: Term of office: 1/10/98–30/9/2001

  Editor, Pevsner's Buildings of England since 1983, and Buildings of Scotland, Ireland and Wales since 1991. Trustee of the Sir John Soane's Museum since 1994.

  Amanda Arrowsmith: Term of office: 16/9/98–30/9/2001

  RCHME Commissioner since 1994 and Local Authority Archivist. County Director of Libraries and Heritage, Suffolk County Council since 1990. President of the Society of Archivists.

  Philip Davis: Term of office: 14/1/99–17/1/2002

  Councillor (Labour) of Telford and Wrekin Council since 1979. Founder Chair, UK Local Authorities World Heritage Sites Forum since 1994.

HEALTH

  East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health(1) when he expects to conclude his appraisal of the inquiry into the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust; [72303]

  (2) if the results of his appraisal of the inquiry into the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust will be made public. [72304]

  Mr. Denham
  The report of the inquiry into the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust was published on 2 March. Copies of the report are in the Library.

  Primary Care Group Boards
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what requirements there are for members of primary care group boards to register outside interests. [72600]

  Mr. Denham
  Primary care group board members are required to disclose relevant interests and enter them in the Health Authority's register of interests in accordance with the Health Authority's standing orders and standing financial instructions.
  197

  Trainee Doctors (Monitoring)
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health that arrangements exist for monitoring the continuing personal suitability of trainee doctors for their future rule throughout the full period of their training. [72307]

  Mr. Denham
  The responsibility for the health and conduct of medical students lies with the individual university medical schools and the General Medical Council has issued guidance on this topic. The GMC has a further responsibility to ensure that doctors who qualify continue to be fit to practise. Supervision of postgraduate training lies with the Specialist Training Authority of the Medical Royal Colleges and the Joint Committee on Postgraduate Training for General Practice.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were registered with (i) NHS and (ii) other dentists in(a) 1985, (b) 1990, (c) 1995 and (d) the last year for which figures are available. [72652]

  Mr. Denham
  The average number of patients registered with General Dental Service (National Health Service) dentists in England for the year 1995 is 27.1 million. For the year 1998, the average is 24.1 million. The figures are averages of the end of month registration numbers. The two figures are not comparable because the registration period was changed for new registrations from September 1996.

  Formal registration of patients was introduced on 1 October 1990, so figures for the years 1985 and 1990 are not available. Dentists who do not have NHS patients are not obliged to provide the Department with details of their patients and therefore we do not collect this information.

  Intensive Care
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of intensive care in the United Kingdom. [72664]

  Mr. Denham
  There are about 1,500 adult and 250 paediatric intensive-care beds in England providing one-to-one nursing for critically ill patients. The health services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, for Wales and for Northern Ireland.

  Pathology Recruitment
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures have been taken by his Department to attract graduates into careers as NHS biomedical scientists in pathology. [73101]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department has published a career leaflet entitled 'A career in the NHS for graduates in biomedical science', which is made available to all university and local careers offices.

  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of recruitment in the NHS for biomedical scientists in pathology. [73100]

  Mr. Denham
  Biomedical Scientists in pathology are recruited into the National Health Service in response to local need and accurate national statistics are not held. The 198
  National Advisory Group for Scientists and Technicians has been constituted to provide a national co-ordination mechanism for local work-force planning and education commissioning for the scientific and technical staff groups. It has met once with the relevant professional bodies, including that representing Biomedical Scientists, and has established a sub-group to develop data capture methods to obtain local work-force planning information.

  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the starting salary for a graduate working in the NHS as a biomedical scientist in pathology. [73099]

  Mr. Denham
  'Biomedical Scientist' is another title for Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Thamesmead (Mr. Austin), on 16 February 1999, Official Report, columns 727–28.

  Ambulance Staff
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review the pay structure of ambulance staff. [73109]

  Mr. Denham
  We published "Agenda for Change"— our proposals for modernising the National Health Service pay system for all NHS staff—on 15 February. We are opening talks with NHS professional and staff organisations on the basis of this agenda.

  Doctors' Training
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations he has had with(a) nurses and (b) other healthcare practitioners on joint training for new doctors. [73755]

  Mr. Denham
  Individual university medical schools determine their own undergraduate medical curricula in the light of the recommendations from the General Medical Council's Education Committee, which has the statutory responsibility to determine the extent of knowledge and skill required for the granting of primary medical qualifications in the United Kingdom. The Committee's most recent recommendations were published in the 1993 report "Tomorrow's Doctors", which pointed out that during the undergraduate years, doctors should begin to develop an understanding of the roles, skill and responsibilities of the various caring professions and a capacity for teamwork. Medical schools are currently introducing new curricula in line with the recommendations of "Tomorrow's Doctors".

  Mepitel Dressings
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what studies are being undertaken to assess the efficacy and value of mepitel dressings for treating skin conditions; and when he expects to receive the results of studies; [74450]

  (2) if he will add mepitel dressings to the drug tariff to allow for prescribing in the community; [74452]

  (3) what assessments his Department has undertaken of the efficacy and value of mepitel dressings in treating patients with (i) epidermolysis bullosa and (ii) other skin conditions. [74451]
  199
  Mr. Denham
  Listings of appliances in Part IX of the Drug Tariff are made only in response to, and after consideration of, applications from the manufacturers. We regard all matters concerning such applications to be confidential unless the company chooses to reveal them. We would expect companies to provide any evidence needed to support their application.

  Continence Services
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if the Government will respond formally to the report of the working party on the review of continence services; [74551]

  (2) when he expects to receive the report of the working party on continence services; [74542]

  (3) if he will publish the report of the review on continence services prior to making any decisions on its recommendations; [74541]

  (4) what is the timescale for implementation of the recommendations of the review of continence services. [74543]

  Mr. Hutton
  The purpose of the review of continence service policy is to produce updated guidance for health authorities, primary care groups and National Health Service trusts on NHS continence services. We expect to see proposals for the guidance, including its implementation, in time for publication in spring 1999.

  NHS Bureaucracy
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made against the Government's target of saving £100 million from bureaucracy in the NHS. [74739]

  Mr. Denham
  On 22 May 1997, we announced plans to reduce National Health Service management costs by £100 million (£84 million in England) in 1997–98 and "The new NHS" White Paper announced that, over the five years from 1997–98, £1 billion which would otherwise have been spent on management and administration would be freed up for patient care. Details of reductions achieved in 1997–98 will be published shortly.

  Private Nursing Services
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Ministers in his Department last met representatives of(a) private nursing services and (b) those responsible for private sector care and nursing homes. [74537]

  Mr. Hutton
  Ministers regularly meet representatives of these groups in a variety of forums to discuss matters of mutual interest.

  Chemical Allergies
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into health problems (i) caused by chemical allergies and (ii) associated with the use of fire-retardant chemicals. [74959]
  200
  Ms Jowell
  The Department's policy research programme and the National Health Service research and development programmes are supporting a range of research on allergies and will continue to do so. Details of these projects can be found on the National Research Register, a copy of which is available in the Library on CD-Rom. The Department undertakes reviews of the health hazards of a wide range of specific chemicals and data on the potential allergenicity of a chemical would be evaluated as part of the review.

  During the inquiry by the Expert Group to Investigate Cot Death Theories (Toxic Gas Hypothesis), the Department commissioned research to a total cost of about £ 400,000 to investigate the hypothesis that antimony—or phosphorus—containing compounds used as fire retardants in PVC and other cot mattresses are a cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The Expert Group concluded in its Final Report, published in May 1998, that there was no reason to believe that chemicals used as fire retardants in cot mattress materials pose any health risk to infants.

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people have died in each of the last five years as a result of(a) a chemical allergy and (b) an allergic reaction to fire-retardant chemicals; [74955]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the number of people who have (a) a chemical allergy and (b) an allergic reaction to fire-retardant chemicals. [74957]

  Ms Jowell
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the annual cost to the NHS of treating chemical allergies. [74958]

  Ms Jowell
  Information is not available centrally on the costs to the National Health Service of individual medical conditions.

  HIV
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to announce the allocations to health authorities for their(a) HIV treatment and care budgets and (b) HIV prevention work for the next financial year. [75131]

  Ms Jowell
  We are currently considering options on these budgets in the light both of the work undertaken by the HIV/AIDS Stocktake Group and the forthcoming HIV/AIDS Strategy. We will announce decisions on these issues shortly.

  Nurses' Pay
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the average pay for Grade D nurses; and if he will list the five NHS trusts that have the lowest pay for Grade D nurses for the year
  1998–99. [75026]

  Mr. Denham
  Average earnings of grade D nurses are estimated at £16,400, as at December 1998. The minimum point of the national grade D scale is set at £12,855, however, this will rise by 12 per cent, to £14,400 from 1 April. Information on earnings for individual trusts is held centrally only for the sample of 170 trusts used in the Department of Health earnings survey.
  201

  Patient Discharges
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate(a) by health authority, (b) by region and (c) nationally the number of patients staying past their original discharge date in NHS beds before moving to social service beds; and if he will estimate the cost to the NHS of this delayed discharge. [75040]

  Mr. Hutton
  The specific information requested is not collected centrally. Information is collected quarterly on the total number of patients aged 75 and over ready for discharge, but still occupying an acute bed in hospital (excluding those under the care of a psychiatric consultant) because of the following principal reasons: assessment completed but awaiting local authority funding, or, care plan agreed but patient awaiting placement in a non National Health Service-funded nursing home or residential care home. This information for the quarter ending December 1998 has been placed in the Library.

  Information on the cost of delayed discharges is not reported. Nor is expenditure information available in sufficient detail to be able to estimate, with any accuracy, the cost of the delayed discharge to the NHS.

  Chief Executives (Pay)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average pay for chief executives of NHS trusts for each of the last 10 years; and if he will list the pay of the five highest paid chief executives of NHS trusts for the year 1998–99. [75025]

  Mr. Denham
  The remuneration of chief executives of National Health Service trusts in England has been separately identified in trusts' annual reports since the 1994–95 financial year. 1998–1999 information will be available this August, when trusts have published their annual reports. Information on the average pay for Chief Executives' posts for the years 1994–95 to 1997–98 is as follows.

  NHS Trusts (England)—Remuneration of Chief Executives

  Average remuneration

  Basic salary

  Total remuneration

  1994–95

  60,341

  65,844

  1995–96

  64,237

  69,757

  1996–97

  66,918

  72,417

  1997–98

  71,527

  76,621

  Notes:

  1.Information relating to the remuneration of NHS Trust Chief Executives was not collected centrally before 1994–95.

  2.Total Remuneration comprises: basic salary, benefits, and performance related bonuses.

  3.Remuneration relates to total remuneration of all office holders during year.

  4.Average values are based on the number of NHS Trusts in each year; i.e. 1994–95 419, 1995–96 433, 1996–97 429, 1997–98 425.

  5.In the years 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1997–98 reported figures were identified as both "Remuneration as Director" and as "Other Remuneration". To ensure consistency these figures have been aggregated as above.

  6.Information for 1998–99 will be available in August 1999.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote to NHS trusts and health authorities on 29 January 1998, stating that in-year pay rises of managerial staff should
  202
  not exceed 2.7 per cent, in 1998–99. On 1 February 1999, the NHS Executive Chief Executive wrote to trust chief executives indicating that
  "the Government does not expect to see senior managers being awarded increases out of line with the rest of the public service" in 1999–2000.

  Health Authority Budgets
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the surplus or deficit of each health authority in 1998–99. [75035]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested will be placed in the Library.

  Service Reconfiguration
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by region the hospitals which have in the last 10 years consulted their local community health council on service reconfiguration; and how many beds have been gained or lost following each of these reconfigurations. [75037]

  Mr. Denham
  In line with the practice of previous administrations, this information is not collected centrally.

  Registered Homes Act 1984
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward a proposal under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 to amend the Registered Homes Act 1984 as recommended by the Better Regulation Task Force in its report on long-term care. [74961]

  Mr. Hutton
  No. Proposals for reforming the current regulatory system for social services are contained in our White Paper "Modernising Social Services".

  Telecommunications Masts
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the public health implications of the siting and use of telecommunications masts. [74973]

  Ms Jowell
  The expansion of the mobile phone network has been accompanied by inquiries to the Department, mainly from members of the public, about the alleged public health implications of mobile phone base stations. Representations have also been made by the mobile phone communications companies. A consultation document on "Land Use Planning and Electromagnetic Fields", was issued in December jointly with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Responses were requested by 19 February and are currently being considered.

  Digital Signals
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the non-thermal effects of digital signals.[74974]

  Ms Jowell
  The Government obtain advice on restricting human exposure to electromagnetic fields from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) who have published guidelines which apply to both digital and analogue signals. For radio frequencies, these are based on well-established thermal effects. Both the NRPB and
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  the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection agree that there is no clear evidence of adverse non-thermal health effects from either digital or analogue signals to which the public are normally exposed. Thus, the alleged non-thermal health effects cannot provide a basis for setting exposure restrictions, however they are the subject of current research.

  Worcestershire (Grants)
  Mr. Lock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the grants to be provided by his Department to Worcestershire County Council in 1999–2000; and if he will state the amount and purpose of each grant. [75250]

  Mr. Hutton
  The table shows the grants being made available for Worcestershire County Council for 1999–2000.

  £

  Description

  Amount

  Training Support Programme (main programme)

  1267,657

  Mental Health Grant (core and partnership programmes)

  2768,085

  Promoting Independence: Prevention Grant

  3183,872

  Promoting Independence: Partnership Grant

  32,315,000

  Children's Social Services Grant

  3494,000

  1 This represents allocations of 81 per cent. of the tot: Authorities, including Worcestershire, will be required remaining 19 per cent.

  2 This represents allocations of 79 per cent. of the to remainder will be bid for and allocated later.

  3 Subject to Parliament's approval

  The allocations for the following grants have not yet been determined: AIDS/HIV Support Grant, Asylum-Seekers' Special Grant and Promoting Independence: Carers' Grant. Local Authorities will also be able to bid for the Alcohol and Drug Misusers Grant.

  Norvic Clinic, Norwich
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 3 March 1999,Official Report, column 820, on Norvic Clinic, when he expects to receive the report on the death of a patient in the clinic. [75522]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Coroner's Inquest into the death of a patient who died at the Norvic Clinic was opened in November 1998 and immediately adjourned pending a report by the Home Office Pathologist as to the cause of death. The Coroner's Office has not yet set a date for the Inquest to be reconvened.

  Military District Hospitals
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authorities are(a) paid and (b) compensated by the Ministry of Defence in respect of military district hospital units at (a) Derriford, (b) Frimley and (c) Peterborough; and how much such payments were in each year for which figures are available. [75210]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: It is assumed the hon. Member is referring to Ministry of Defence Hospital Units (MDHUs). These are integrated into National Health Service hospitals and the Defence Medical Services provide medical, nursing and other staffing. There are no direct financial transactions between the Ministry of Defence and health authorities in respect of Ministry of Defence Hospital Units.
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  Those National Health Service trusts which host MDHUs are paid for the treatment of military personnel, abated to reflect the contribution of military personnel to the treatment of civilians.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total capital expenditure for setting up military district hospital units; and from which Departmental budget this was paid. [75211]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: It is assumed that the question refers to Ministry of Defence Hospital Units (MDHUs).

  The Ministry of Defence contributes to the capital cost of establishing MDHUs. The amount they contribute is negotiated on a scheme by scheme basis. The Ministry of Defence contributed a total of £7.2 million to the capital cost of establishing MDHUs at Plymouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Trust, and Peterborough Hospitals NHS Trust. The total capital expenditure spent on setting up the MDHUs is a local matter for the NHS trusts concerned. The information is not held centrally.

  NHS Pension Scheme
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the report by the Government Actuary on the investigation of the National Health Service pension scheme in England and Wales 1989 to 1994. [76011]

  Mr. Denham
  I have accepted the report and today placed copies in the Library.

  The report concludes that it would be prudent to increase the rate of contribution required from employers to meet the scheme's future liabilities. The current rate is 4 per cent, of pensionable pay. The Government Actuary is content with our proposal that the rate should increase to 5 per cent, from 1 April 2000, with a further increase to 7 per cent, from 1 April 2001. Funding for these increases has been included in the Department's comprehensive spending review settlement.

  The cost of index-linking National Health Service pensions is currently met by the Exchequer. As the report notes, I have agreed with the Chief Secretary that, in principle, the Scheme should assume its Pensions Increase liabilities from 1 April 1994 under a financial restructuring. Our officials are discussing the basis of such changes and I will inform the House when final agreement is reached. In the meantime, the Government Actuary considers that the proposed increases in employer contribution rates are consistent with the nature of the changes likely to be required under the restructuring.

  Residential Allowance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to conclude his review of the Residential Allowance. [75736]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are examining the possible impact on costs and service patterns of transferring the Residential Allowance to local authorities, and hope to consult local government and independent providers on detailed proposals as soon as we have formed a view on that.
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  National Carers Strategy
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the oral statement of 8 February 1999,Official Report, column 27, concerning the national carers strategy, when the London Borough of Sutton will receive the £496,000. [75745]

  Mr. Hutton
  The new special grant for carers runs from 1999–2000 until 2001–02. The allocation will be paid to local authorities as part of their overall revenue allocation. Details of the allocation for 1999–2000 will be published shortly in a special grant report, which is subject to Parliamentary approval. It will show an allocation for Sutton of £71,327. This represents Sutton's share of the first year's grant of £20 million.

  Long-term Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his oral statement of 1 March 1999,Official Report, columns 741–43, concerning the royal commission on long-term care, if he will set out the timetable he plans to follow for the public debate on the recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [75749]

  Mr. Hutton
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State outlined in his statement to Parliament, the royal commission has produced a very detailed report, in which the commissioners themselves call for an informed debate on their recommendations. We expect that debate, which has already begun, to be an on-going one and to inform decisions we take on the commission's recommendations.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he or his Ministers have received any advance copy, draft or briefing upon the contents of any report of the Health Committee prior to its due publication date and time; and if he will make a statement. [75774]
  206
  Mr. Dobson
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of Select Committees giving me, or my ministerial colleagues, drafts of Select Committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor to the best of my knowledge have there been any occasions on which members of Select Committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Order 116.

  NHS Orthodontists
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average waiting time for(a) an initial appointment with and (b) treatment by an NHS orthodontist. [74906]

  Mr. Denham
  Most orthodontic treatment is undertaken in general dental practice and information is not held centrally on waiting times for such treatment. Provisional figures for 1997–98 show that the average waiting time in the orthodontic specialty for those treated in National Health Service hospitals in England was 72.3 days for the 2,266 elective admissions in that year. In addition, the following data was collected from NHS trusts in England for the quarter ended 31 December 1998 on the time waited for first outpatient appointments with an NHS consultant orthodontist following general practitioner written referral.

  GP written referrals

  Percentage

  Within 4 weeks

  13

  Within 13 weeks

  50

  Within 26 weeks

  80

  Army Issue Tow Ropes
  Army Issue Tow Ropes
  RAF Menwith Hill
  RAF Menwith Hill
  Arms Export Enterprises: Diversification
  Arms Export Enterprises: Diversification
  Naval Officers: Fixed Wing Flying Opportunities
  Naval Officers: Fixed Wing Flying Opportunities
  Catterick: Firearms Storage
  Catterick: Firearms Storage
  US Bases in UK
  US Bases in UK
  Local Authority Archaeological Services
  Local Authority Archaeological Services
  Musicworks
  Musicworks
  Hyde Park Concerts: Temporary Auditorium
  Hyde Park Concerts: Temporary Auditorium
  Northern Ireland: Prisoner Releases
  Northern Ireland: Prisoner Releases
  Genetically Modified Foods
  Genetically Modified Foods
  Liverpool Street Station: Litter on Railway Lines
  Liverpool Street Station: Litter on Railway Lines
  A. 12 Witham Bypass: Advertisement Hoardings
  A. 12 Witham Bypass: Advertisement Hoardings
  Student Loan Portfolio Sale
  Student Loan Portfolio Sale
  Fluoridation of Water Supply: Research
  Fluoridation of Water Supply: Research
  WTO Trade and Environment Symposium
  WTO Trade and Environment Symposium
  Genetically Modified Food: Minister's Position
  Genetically Modified Food: Minister's Position
  Mentally Incapacitated Adults: Policy
  Mentally Incapacitated Adults: Policy
  Scotland: Public Expenditure Planning
  Scotland: Public Expenditure Planning
  Devolved Assemblies: Availability of Papers to Parliament
  Devolved Assemblies: Availability of Papers to Parliament
  Dr. Arpad Pusztai: Research Audit
  Dr. Arpad Pusztai: Research Audit
  Scottish Office Gaelic Language Advertisement
  Scottish Office Gaelic Language Advertisement
  Genetically Modified Animals
  Genetically Modified Animals
  Meat Hygiene and State Veterinary Services: Duty of Fairness
  Meat Hygiene and State Veterinary Services: Duty of Fairness
  Tuberculosis in Cattle: Research
  Tuberculosis in Cattle: Research
  Genetically Modified Foods: Authorisation Criteria
  Genetically Modified Foods: Authorisation Criteria
  BSE: Report
  BSE: Report
  Prime Minister's Staff
  Prime Minister's Staff
  Prisoner Incentives Scheme
  Prisoner Incentives Scheme
  Race Relations Legislation Reform
  Race Relations Legislation Reform
  Mr. Richard Pruszynski
  Mr. Richard Pruszynski