Written Answers of 15 March 1999

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Brit Awards
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the President of the Council if she will list those Ministers in her Department who were present at the recent Brit Awards in an official capacity, indicating the organisation acting as their sponsor or host. [76649]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Neither I nor the Parliamentary Secretary attended the Brit Awards.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Ministerial Statements
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what steps she proposes to take to ensure that copies of ministerial statements and accompanying documents are available in the Vote Office at No 7 Millbank on the day of the statement. [76576]

  Mrs. Roe
  The Vote Office endeavours to arrange distribution of ministerial statements throughout the Parliamentary estate on the same afternoon that such statements are made, where considerations of security, timing and the quantity of documents make this possible. However, it would be impracticable for the Vote Office to undertake always to distribute unknown quantities of documents which often arrive very late (or even sometimes after a statement) unless a van was made permanently available to the office, which would not be economic.

PRIME MINISTER

  EU Budget (Contributions)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of possible increases in United Kingdom contributions to the EU budget which do not involve modifying the Fontainebleau rebate procedures. [75059]

  The Prime Minister
  The UK is arguing that spending on the existing Union should be stabilised at its present levels by 2006. This will ensure that the present member states can afford the additional costs of enlargement to central and eastern Europe. Stabilisation will help to keep down the largest net contributions, including the UK's "Co-financing" and other reforms of the CAP also have a role here.

  Even with these measures the Fontainebleau arrangements will remain justified. Even after the rebate the UK's net contribution will remain much larger than those of some more prosperous states.
  440

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 1 March 1999,Official Report, columns 527–28, on economic and monetary union, if he will list the microeconomic reforms he has put in place which will contribute to the passing of the five economic tests for joining the euro. [75164]

  The Prime Minister
  The Treasury's assessment of the five economic tests, published in October 1997, concluded that"weaknesses remain in the UK which make it unclear that we are ready to be able to cope adequately with potential shocks that might arise in EMU, especially in the early years. The Government's welfare to work programme and the agendas for improving skills and competition will help to remove the underlying weaknesses that remain and improve the prospects of being ready to meet the flexibility test in years to come".

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has made to the Ukranian Government regarding future power production at Chernobyl; and if he will make a statement. [75938]

  The Prime Minister
  Last year, in my capacity as G7 Chairman, I wrote to Ukranian President Kuchma on three occasions. These letters covered a number of issues relating to the G7/Ukraine Memorandum of Understanding on the closure of Chernobyl, including the safety improvements being carried out at the plant, the importance of power sector reform in Ukraine and the proposed financing package for the completion of the Khmulnitsky 2 and Rovno 4 nuclear power reactors. In particular, I consistently stressed the need for Ukraine to honour its commitment to close Chernobyl by the year 2000, as agreed under the Memorandum.

  EU Fraud
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the steps taken to work with the European Commission in countering fraud at EU level; and if he will publish the memoranda submitted by Her Majesty's Government to the President of the European Commission. [76199]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: The Government believe that there must be a policy of zero tolerance to fraud and have consistently supported the European Commission in initiatives to fight fraud against the EC budget.

  At the January ECOFIN Council, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor called for a strong, independent head of fraud investigations, reporting to an independent management board. These ideas are being used in discussions currently taking place on how to strengthen internal fraud investigations. Following this, the Government offered practical assistance to the Commission, specifically offering to share UK experience of best practice on codes of conduct for behaviour in public life. I am pleased to say that this offer was welcomed and officials have been in contact to take this forward. It is among the issues that will be covered in joint training with Commission officials and officials from other Member States starting in September of this year.
  441
  The Government have not submitted a memorandum to the European Commission regarding countering fraud at EU level.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Prime Minister what arrangements he plans to make for the appointment of special advisers following devolution for Scotland and Wales. [77193]

  The Prime Minister
  An amendment has been made to the Civil Service Order in Council to allow for the appointment of a limited number of Special Advisers to Ministers in the Scottish Parliament and Assembly Secretaries in the National Assembly for Wales. The amendment takes account of the new ministerial arrangements that will apply in Scotland and Wales following devolution, and sets out the terms and conditions under which they can be employed including an upper limit on the numbers that can be appointed. A copy of the amended Order has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Prime Minister what recent discussions he has had with the Prime Minister of Spain about Gibraltar with particular reference to(a) frontier delays and (b) the allegations made by the Spanish Foreign Minister about criminal activity in Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [76659]

  The Prime Minister
  In the last month, I have discussed the delays at the Gibraltar/Spain border twice with the Spanish Prime Minister, Sr. Aznar, most recently on 25 February. I made it clear that we regarded the delays as unacceptable and unjustifiable.

  The Spanish Foreign Minister's remarks were made after my meeting on 25 February. I have not discussed them with Sr. Aznar. Sr. Aznar's staff handed over on 26 February a paper referring to some alleged cases of criminal activity in Gibraltar. We have been looking into these allegations, together with the relevant Gibraltar authorities, and expect to respond very shortly.

  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Prime Minister what reasons underlie the length of time taken to grant to Gibraltar the ability to passport financial services. [76581]

  The Prime Minister
  In June 1997, after discussion with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission was authorised to "passport" Gibraltar-based insurance companies to operate in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the European Union. Authorisation for "passporting" in the fields of banking and investment services will be granted when the relevant financial services regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom are satisfied that Gibraltar has introduced the necessary legislation and regulatory structure and procedures.

  British-Irish Council
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Prime Minister when the British-Irish Council will be established; and if he will make a statement. [76999]
  442
  The Prime Minister
  The British-Irish Council (BIC) will be established immediately on entry into force of the Good Friday Agreement reached at Belfast on 10 April 1998. Membership of the BIC will comprise representatives of the British and Irish Government, of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Its secretariat will be provided by the British and Irish Governments in co-ordination with officials of each of the other members. I have asked the Minister for the Cabinet Office to take responsibility within the British Government for matters relating to the BIC, including the necessary preparatory work.

  Intelligence Service
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will review the access that the Foreign Affairs Committee has to appropriate intelligence material and witnesses from the Secret Intelligence Service. [71827]

  The Prime Minister
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office gave the Foreign Affairs Committee unprecedented access to key official documents for the purpose of its inquiry on Sierra Leone. It is the Government's view that the Intelligence and Security Committee, set up by the previous Government under the Intelligence Services Act 1994, is the appropriate forum for Parliamentary oversight of the Intelligence Agencies. The Intelligence and Security Committee has been conducting its own inquiry into Sierra Leone. No previous Administration has ever agreed to witnesses from the Secret Intelligence Service appearing before Select Committees.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Asset Management
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Commissioners have made of the cost benefit of co-ordinating management of assets with churches of other Christian denominations in England. [76043]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Church Commissioners act as trustees for the management of their own endowment and have no general power to offer investment management for others. However, they are always willing, with their partners in the Archbishops' Council, to consider ways of furthering co-operation with other Churches.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  David Arundel
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Attorney-General if, when deciding whether to refer back to the Court of Appeal the sentence imposed on David Arundel for causing death by dangerous driving (T980326), he had access to a transcript of the judge's summing up. [76024]

  The Attorney-General
  When I consider cases in the context of part IV of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (unduly lenient sentences) I am provided with all the necessary case papers. Ordinarily, this will not include a transcript of the judge's summing up and I did not have
  443
  such a transcript when considering the sentence imposed on David Arundel. I did have a transcript of the judge's remarks regarding sentence made on 9 June 1998 and a transcript of the judge's sentencing remarks on 3 July 1998.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Task Forces
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 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. [74468]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The following task forces and policy reviews have been established since May 1997:

  1. Task forces

  (i) Creative Industries Taskforce.

  (ii) The Football Taskforce.

  (iii) The Film Policy Action Committee.

  (iv) A group of sponsorship experts assisting sports currently in receipt of tobacco sponsorship to find replacement sponsors.

  2. Policy Reviews

  (i) Review of Film Policy.

  (ii) Review of arrangements for celebrating the Millennium.

  (iii) Review of the National Lottery leading to the White Paper.

  (iv) Review of Policy on admission charging by National Museums (Subsumed into the Departmental Spending Review).

  (v) Review of the List of Nationally Important Sporting Events which must be made available on Free-to-Air Terrestrial TV Channels.

  (vi) Review of the future of the Royal Opera House and the English National Opera (Eyre Review).

  (vii) Review of the future funding of the BBC.

  (viii) Review of the efficiency and effectiveness of Government sponsored museums and galleries.

  (ix) Working Group on review of Legal Deposit.

  (x) The Library and Information Commission's public library network implementation Committee.

  (a) 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. None of the appointments to the task forces and review groups listed above were made by way of external advertisement.

  Since 1 October 1998, appointments to those task forces which qualify for classification as advisory NDPBs have come within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
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  (b) Public consultation exercises took place with the following:

  (i) The Football Taskforce—Regional roadshows allowed football supporters to give their views directly.

  (ii) Review of Film Policy—An industry consultation on the work of the Film Policy Review Group took place in 1997. The consultation period was for 2 months and replies were received in writing, in addition to being submitted orally.

  (iii) Review of the National Lottery—The public was asked for views on the proposals in the White Paper.

  (iv) Eyre Review—The Department issued a press release inviting written views from the public.

  (v) Review of the future funding of the BBC—The Department issued a press release inviting written views from the public.

  (vi) Review of policy on admission charging by National Museums, subsumed into the DSR consultation—The Department issued a consultation document on 24 July 1998 inviting public views.

  World-class Performance Programme
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the level of the proposed reduction in the allocation from the Sports Council for the World-class Performance Programme following the apportionment of money from the National Lottery to the New Opportunities Fund. [75336]

  Mr. Banks
  There will be no reduction to the World-class Performance Programme. I can confirm that the amount of Lottery money available to sport has not reduced. In fact it has increased. When the Lottery was launched, the good causes expected to receive £9 billion in total over the licence period which ends in September 2001: that is £1.8 billion for each good cause, including sport. The National Lottery is now set to raise £10.6 billion for good causes over the current licence period. On this basis Sport will receive an extra £50 million over this period.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which World-class Performance Programme grants will be reduced following the apportionment of money from the National Lottery to the New Opportunities Fund; and which sports will be affected. [75337]

  Mr. Banks
  The amount of money available to sport has not reduced but will increase over the current licence period on the basis of current projections.

  The allocation Lottery funding to sports and individuals who are in the World-class Performance Programme is a matter for the Sports Councils to decide at the moment on the basis of the forward plans submitted by the national governing bodies of sport and of the competing priorities. The hon. Gentleman may be assured that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I are determined to support our athletes. My right hon. Friend will announce shortly what share of the Lottery Sports Fund we propose the United Kingdom Sports Council should distribute in support of excellence in UK sport and other good causes.

  After-school Sports
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans the Government have to increase the availability of after-school sports provision. [75721]
  445
  Mr. Banks
  There are a range of initiatives designed to increase the availability of after-school sports provision.

  Through the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) we have committed £400 million of National Lottery money to out of school hours activities during the current licence period to September 2001. Of this, £180 million has been committed to education activities, £200 million to child care, and £20 million to projects combining child care and education. Out of school hours education projects should involve at least half of all secondary schools, at least a quarter of all primary schools, and at least half of all special schools by 2001. Out of school child care projects should provide places for 865,000 children by 2003.

  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has also announced an extra £400 million for the New Opportunities Fund between now and 2001. We have consulted on how this money should be spent and have proposed that part of the additional amount should be committed to an expansion of the existing out of school hours initiative, to enhance the contribution made by summer schools not only to literacy, numeracy but also opportunities for sport.

  The Policy Directions issued to NOF ensure that it takes into account relevant national and local strategies in relation to each initiative. For out of school hours learning this includes "Extending Opportunity: a national framework for study support" (in England) and any similar guidance produced elsewhere. Study support is learning activity outside normal lessons and embraces many activities, including sports, games and adventurous outdoor activities.

  The National Lottery Act 1998 required NOF to draw up a strategic plan containing its assessment of needs and its priorities in dealing with them, on which it must consult the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. This ensures that there is a proper strategy for distributing Lottery proceeds. No specific targets have been allocated to NOF for providing physical exercise opportunities at after-school clubs, but in reviewing NOF's strategic plan we shall ensure that the projects it supports promote young people's well-being through a range of activities, including sport and creative activities.

  The TOP programmes are continuing to prove a valuable resource in enhancing the games element of the PE curriculum. Sport England, together with the Youth Sport Trust, are working with 126 Local Education Authorities and have put equipment and education/training into 10,000 schools. Sport England has provided funding of £1.8 million to support this delivery.

  In addition to its extensive range of revenue programmes for young people, Sport England is committed to the Community Sports Co-ordinators. The Co-ordinators will act as a catalyst to assist young people to take maximum advantage of continued participation in sport by substantially improving the network between school, club and community.

  The Lottery Awards for All, a unique small grants scheme, will be focused on groups who have missed out in the past. It will allow all distributors to give out grants of between £500 and £5,000 for capital revenue projects which involve people in their community and encourage school-club links. It will bring people together to enjoy sports and other activities.
  446

  Sports Grounds (Access)
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures the Government are introducing to increase access to football and other sports grounds for people with disabilities. [75790]

  Mr. Banks
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eltham (Mr. Efford), on 15 February 1999,Official Report, columns 470–71.

  World Cup (2006)
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what future support the Government plan for England's bid to host the 2006 World Cup. [75792]

  Mr. Banks
  The Government will continue to provide the fullest diplomatic and promotional support for the FA's bid in accordance with FIFA bidding guidelines. I believe it is an excellent bid with a very good chance of success. My Department is currently helping the FA draft the formal bid submission. I will continue to meet members of the FIFA Executive when they visit this country and will accompany the 2006 Bid team abroad when requested.

  I am determined that the FA's bid should continue to be pursued with the utmost vigour and integrity, and very much hope that the bidding process between now and March 2000 will be conducted in a spirit of friendly rivalry.

  Local Authority Grants
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the types of information collected centrally by his Department on local authority grants to(a) arts organisations, (b) museums and (c) libraries. [75568]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 9 March 1999]: Although the bulk of the information my Department uses on local authority expenditure is collected by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, my Department has, since 1998, required all library authorities to provide it with Annual Library Plans, containing structured information about their services and forward strategy and solicits, in a number of individual cases, detailed information on library expenditure.

  Rugby World Cup
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many meetings he has had with the officials of(a) the International Board and (b) the Welsh Rugby Union to discuss contingency plans if the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff is not ready for the Rugby World Cup. [75855]

  Mr. Michael
  I have been asked to reply.

  I have had no such meetings.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many meetings he has had with the Welsh Rugby Union to discuss the pricing of tickets for the Rugby World Cup. [75854]

  Mr. Banks
  Neither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State nor I have had any meetings with the Welsh Rugby Union to discuss the pricing of tickets for the
  447
  Rugby World Cup. However, in response to recent questions in the House, I have made written representations to Keith Rowlands, Chief Executive of Rugby World Cup 1999, supporting their pricing policy for the pool matches which is aimed at broadening public access, whilst expressing concern about the cost of tickets for the semi-final and final tickets. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is in the lead for the Government on matters relating to this competition.

  Libraries (Cumbria)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on Cumbria's first Annual Library Plan. [76160]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has sent every library authority, including Cumbria, both an overall appraisal of all the 1998 Annual Library Plans and individual feedback about their own. The individual feedback is confidential, but each authority can publicise their own if they wish.

  Libraries
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list, by local authority, those local authority supported libraries which are proposed for closure; and if he will make a statement. [76390]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: I am aware of possible library closures in a number of authorities and I am looking in detail at these proposals. Some of them are part of a wider restructuring and modernisation of services, but in all cases my concern is to ensure that library authorities continue to meet their statutory responsibility to provide a 'comprehensive and efficient' service. It could be prejudicial to my inquiries to name the authorities concerned.

SCOTLAND

  Dance and Drama Courses
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the possible impact on Scottish colleges of new scholarship arrangements in England for students of further and higher education courses in dance, drama and stage management; what plans he has for similar arrangements in Scotland; what body will have responsibility for accrediting dance schools in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [70362]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]: The new arrangements reflect the special and significant role that private institutions have in delivering dance and drama provision in England. All EU citizens will be able to apply for assistance under the new arrangements, including the small number of Scottish students who have traditionally gone to England for specialist courses. There is no evidence that there will be an adverse impact on Scottish colleges from the new arrangements, but we are monitoring the position. Further education colleges in Scotland are already eligible for grant-in-aid support from the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department budget for dance and drama activity, and are encouraged
  448
  to develop provision in response to demonstrated needs and demands. We have no plans at this time to introduce any new arrangements in 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 (a) by task forces and review bodies, (b) by focus groups, (c) on market research and (d) for publications and publicity; and if he will list the bodies which incurred the expenditure. [71023]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]: A total of £14,000 was spent on market research and £25,000 on publications and publicity. The expenditure was incurred by the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department (Parents Focus Group); the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department (Rural Water Review); and the Scottish Office Department of Health (Acute Services Review).

  Overseas Travel
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 10 February 1999,Official Report, column 280, if he will estimate the total expenditure on all forms of travel by his Department, its agencies and public bodies for (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99, (e) 1999–2000 and (f) 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [71751]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: Travel expenditure incurred by my Department and Executive Agencies is set out in the table. Information relating to other public bodies is not held centrally. Budgets at this level of detail are not yet available for future years.

  Year

  £

  1995–961

  3,310,000

  1996–971

  3,570,000

  1997–981

  3,916,000

  1998–992

  3,126,000

  1 Actual

  2 Estimated outturn

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

  Working Time Directive
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the effect the Working Time Directive will have on the provision of emergency medical and fire services on the smaller islands of Argyll and Ayrshire. [72262]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: The EU Working Time Directive does not apply at present in the maritime sector and therefore has no impact on the provision of emergency services to the islands.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
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  Hospital Waiting Times
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate outpatient waiting times for the quarter ended December 1998; and if he will make a statement. [74889]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]: Provisional figures for the quarter ending 31 December 1998 show that the percentage of patients who received a first outpatient appointment within 9 weeks and 18 weeks following referral by a General Medical Practitioner/General Dental Practitioner was 63.6 per cent. and 88.0 per cent. respectively.

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

  NHS in Scotland: Cancellations of hospital admissions1 by Health Board: Quarters ending 31 March 1997 to 31 December 1998

  1997

  1998

  Health Board

  31 March

  30 June

  30 September

  31 December

  31 March

  30 June2

  30 September2

  31 December2

  Argyll and Clyde

  231

  231

  134

  108

  201

  242

  192

  172

  Ayrshire and Arran

  44

  49

  49

  45

  98

  42

  1

  31

  Borders

  74

  97

  25

  94

  56

  74

  11

  86

  Dumfries and Galloway

  13

  13

  22

  2

  62

  —

  2

  21

  Fife

  303

  151

  238

  218

  270

  201

  152

  189

  Forth Valley

  68

  76

  80

  39

  88

  57

  40

  81

  Grampian

  488

  340

  301

  333

  458

  489

  529

  426

  Greater Glasgow3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Highland

  227

  156

  220

  139

  172

  204

  163

  162

  Lanarkshire

  56

  45

  21

  16

  11

  54

  69

  70

  Lothian

  837

  501

  474

  438

  465

  510

  671

  511

  Orkney

  13

  23

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Shetland

  6

  1

  10

  3

  2

  1

  —

  10

  Tayside

  288

  248

  232

  194

  263

  211

  190

  261

  Western Isles

  4

  2

  —

  —

  2

  —

  5

  —

  Scotland

  2,652

  1,933

  1,806

  1,629

  2,148

  2,085

  2,026

  2,020

  1 Cancellations made by hospital of admission of patients from the waiting lists.

  2 Provisional

  3 Information is not available in the Greater Glasgow Health Board area.

  Source:

  ISD, Scotland

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

  Hospitals (Payphones)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will issue instructions to hospitals that normal BT call charges should apply to all payphones within their hospitals. [76150]

  Mr. Galbraith
  No. The provision of a telephone service for use by patients and visitors, including the choice of provider, is a matter for individual trusts. Detailed guidance on the setting of fees and charges by NHS trusts is contained in the Treasury publication "The Fees and Charges Guide". Where a service is to be provided by a third party, trusts, should ensure best value both for the hospital and the user by seeking tenders from potential operators.

  From 1 July, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
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  Operations (Cancellation)
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library figures by(a) health board area, (b) region and (c) Scotland, for 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. [74996]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]: Information on cancellations of hospital admissions at the level of detail requested is not held centrally. Details of cancellations of planned admissions for in-patient and day case treatment for each Health Board in Scotland for the period requested is provided in the table. Information on cancellations of hospital planned admissions is published annually in the NHS in Scotland Annual Report, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  Health Authority Finances
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the estimated surplus or deficit of each health authority in 1998–99. [74993]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]: The following table provides the information requested for Health Boards and Special Health Boards. The table identifies forecast underspends for each of the Health Boards for 1998–99, and is prepared on a cash basis.

  £000

  Health Boards

  Underspend

  Argyll & Clyde

  920

  Ayrshire & Arran

  2,000

  Borders

  610

  Dumfries & Galloway

  1,140

  Fife

  0

  Forth Valley

  855

  Grampian

  2,065

  Greater Glasgow

  0

  451

  £

  Health Boards

  Underspend

  Highland

  0

  Lanarkshire

  0

  Lothian

  5,500

  Orkney

  0

  Shetland

  70

  Tayside

  2,100

  Western Isles

  0

  Total

  15,260

  State Hospital

  0

  CSA

  1,739

  Scottish Council for Post Graduate Medical and Dental Education

  1,200

  Total

  18,199

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

  NHS Trusts
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the salaries (1) with and (2) without pension contributions for the chief executives and chairmen of each NHS trust in Scotland for the years(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02. [76144]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Discussions are currently underway with HM Treasury on revised pay arrangements for general and senior managers. Details of the revised

  ME Finance: Retained surplus/(deficits) since financial year 1992–93

  £000

  NHS Trusts in Scotland

  (a) 1992–93

  (b) 1993–94

  (c) 1994–95

  (d) 1995–96

  (e) 1996–97

  (f) 1997–98

  Aberdeen Royal NHS Trust

  2,707

  696

  1,466

  (240)

  469

  327

  Angus NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  896

  151

  349

  384

  Argyll and Bute NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  732

  (197)

  373

  Ayrshire and Arran Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  n/a

  1,021

  883

  81

  186

  213

  Borders Community Health NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  387

  33

  113

  Borders General Hospital NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  610

  90

  (538)

  Caithness and Sutherland NHS Trust

  n/a

  319

  319

  413

  49

  7

  Central Scotland Healthcare NHS Trust

  n/a

  975

  n/a

  (726)

  233

  79

  Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  433

  746

  411

  207

  Dumfries and Galloway Community Health Services NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  327

  55

  101

  Dundee Healthcare NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  1,120

  276

  191

  (295)

  Dundee Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  n/a

  1,284

  990

  3,115

  1,404

  (2,497)

  East and Midlothian NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  1,215

  267

  164

  183

  Edinburgh Healthcare NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  2,332

  516

  876

  708

  Edinburgh Sick Children's NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  230

  87

  79

  61

  Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  985

  241

  (808)

  24

  Fife Healthcare NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  1,365

  (1,085)

  (2,369)

  2,158

  Glasgow Dental Hospital and School NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  204

  48

  55

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  2,559

  611

  610

  293

  Grampian Healthcare NHS Trust

  n/a

  3,546

  2,799

  176

  (534)

  2,530

  Greater Glasgow Community and Mental Health NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  1,701

  (1,169)

  718

  (6,675)

  Hairmyres and Stonehouse Hospitals NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  625

  0

  57

  5,195

  Highland Communities NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  592

  259

  209

  (20)

  Inverclyde Royal NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  699

  790

  531

  111

  Kirkcaldy Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  731

  1,013

  106

  186

  Lanarkshire Healthcare NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  1,373

  580

  996

  Law Hospital NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  877

  307

  214

  2,002

  452
  arrangements will be published in the usual way once agreement has been reached. Remuneration for new Trust Chairmen is also under review but is likely to be around £600,000 in total for 28 Trusts in Scotland for each of the years requested; this is approximately £250,000 less than current annual remuneration. Chairmen's remuneration is non-pensionable.

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

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the financial targets set for each NHS trust in Scotland and the surplus or deficit incurred in each year since 1992–93. [76145]

  Mr. Galbraith
  NHS Trusts in Scotland are required by the NHS in Scotland Management Executive to achieve three financial targets.

  These financial targets are to break even on the Income and Expenditure Account, after payment of interest and dividends taking one year with another; to produce a 6 per cent. return on net relevant assets before interest and dividends; and to achieve it's External Financing Limit as set.

  The table shows the surplus and deficits (after payment of interest and dividends) incurred by each Scottish NHS Trust in the years (a) 1992–93, (b) 1993–94, (c) 1994–95, (d) 1995–96, (e) 1996–97 and (f) 1997–98. Surplus and deficit figures are not yet available for 1998–99.

  The deficits incurred by Trusts often arise as a result of the losses on disposal of fixed assets in-year.
  453

  ME Finance: Retained surplus/(deficits) since financial year 1992–93

  £000

  NHS Trusts in Scotland

  (a) 1992–93

  (b) 1993–94

  (c) 1994–95

  (d) 1995–96

  (e) 1996–97

  (f) 1997–98

  Lomond Healthcare NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  520

  98

  78

  Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust

  n/a

  904

  936

  989

  497

  220

  Moray Health Services

  n/a

  354

  139

  (83)

  198

  (89)

  North Ayrshire and Arran NHS Trust

  n/a

  1,593

  1,713

  1,286

  1,350

  97

  Perth and Kinross Healthcare NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  1,449

  247

  432

  133

  Queen Margaret Hospital NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  1,292

  361

  365

  49

  Raigmore Hospital NHS Trust

  n/a

  1,171

  815

  576

  87

  171

  Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  1,634

  402

  170

  82

  Royal Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

  n/a

  1,114

  860

  (458)

  601

  295

  Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  2,850

  288

  209

  194

  Scottish Ambulance Service

  n/a

  n/a

  214

  826

  291

  147

  South Ayrshire Hospitals NHS Trust

  480

  727

  516

  189

  122

  101

  Southern General Hospital NHS Trust

  n/a

  1,106

  1,345

  993

  (368)

  284

  Stirling Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  n/a

  899

  824

  216

  52

  5

  Stobhill NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  1,190

  346

  201

  60

  Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust

  n/a

  526

  (5,646)

  839

  (1,762)

  5,298

  West Glasgow Hospitals NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  2,233

  1,194

  (4,233)

  (430)

  West Lothian NHS Trust

  n/a

  1,612

  989

  521

  206

  393

  Western General Hospitals NHS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  1,061

  154

  163

  (901)

  Yorkhill NHS Trust

  n/a

  601

  925

  722

  507

  (785)

  Total

  3,187

  18,448

  38,156

  19,590

  2,940

  11,683

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

  PFI Project, Greenock
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the contract will be signed anent the PFI project at Larkfield, Greenock; and if he will make a statement. [76228]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS Trust is confident that it is within weeks of signing the PFI contract for the facility for Elderly and Young Physically Disabled at Larkfield Road in Greenock.

  NHS in Scotland: Number of patients who received a first outpatient appointment within 9 and 18 weeks of referral

  Quarter ending 31March 1997

  Quarter ending 30September 1997

  Quarter ending 31March 1998

  Quarter ending 30 September 19981

  Within 9 weeks

  166,633

  173,591

  180,054

  161,275

  Within 18 weeks

  214,889

  239,326

  237,783

  224,256

  1 Provisional

  Source:

  ISD, Scotland

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

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the guidance which excludes clinical services from Private Finance Initiative projects includes clinical staff who do not fall under the term, professions allied to medicine. [76117]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The services which may be included within Private Finance Initiative projects will be restricted to the provision of facilities management and non-clinical services.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
  454

  Waiting Lists
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 3 February 1999,Official Report, columns 657–58, on waiting lists, how many patients received a first outpatient appointment within (i) nine weeks and (ii) 18 weeks of referral for (a) March 1997, (b) September 1997, (c) March 1998 and (d) September 1998. [76119]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Information on the number of patients who received a first outpatient appointment within nine weeks and within 18 weeks following a General Medical Practitioner/General Dental Practitioner referral during the quarters requested, is provided in the table.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the implications of the precautionary principle enshrined in the Biosafety Protocol for the Government's policy on the planting of(a) trial genetically modified crops and (b) commercial genetically modified crops. [72575]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: Throughout the recent negotiations on the Biosafety Protocol in Cartagena, the EU maintained its strong support for the inclusion of the precautionary principle in

  455
  the preamble to and in the objectives of protocol. This approach is consistent with the European Community legislation controlling the release and marketing of genetically modified organisms and with the Government's general policy on the planting of trial and commercial genetically modified crops. Rigorous scientific risk assessment, carried out as part of the strict regulation of GM crops, identifies appropriate risk management measures to ensure that risks are reduced to a minimum. In the UK, field trials of GM crops may require risk management such as pollen barriers or isolation distances. In respect of the commercial planting of GM crops, the Government support a programme of managed development involving farm scale evaluations with full ecological monitoring. The Government believe that this approach offers sufficient safeguards to ensure that large-scale plantings do not proceed until there is sufficient evidence that a particular crop does not harm the environment.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason at the recent Biosafety Protocol meeting in Colombia the UK opposed the creation of an enabling provision to allow countries to take socio-economic factors into account in determining whether or not to import GMOs. [75092]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: The UK, as a Member State of the European Union, broadly supported the text of the Protocol put forward by the Chair of the Working Group to the extraordinary Conference of the Parties which included an enabling provision on socio-economics. The compromise package put forward by the EU in the final stages of the negotiations did not seek to amend that provision.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list by title the unpublished reports into aspects of genetic modification which are held by his Department. [75100]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: My Department endeavours to publish all the final reports of the research contracts it funds to underpin the assessment of applications for consent to release or market genetically modified organisms. Reports are published after the research contracts are completed and when a satisfactory report has been submitted. Research contractors may also publish papers in peer reviewed scientific journals describing the work funded by my Department.

  The following reports have very recently been published:

  Safety of Plant Viral Inserts

  Investigation of Feral Oilseed Rape Populations

  Review of Parasitic Nematodes for Biological Control of Invertebrates

  The following reports are currently being printed and will be available shortly:

  Environmental Impact of Genetically Modified Crops (Proceedings of a Workshop sponsored by the Department)

  Genetically Modified Bioinsecticides

  A report on the outcome of monitoring releases of Plant Genetics System's hybrid oilseed rape, which was carried out by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) is being prepared for publication. My Department aims to publish this by July this year.
  456
  Copies of all the reports listed above will be made available for the House of Commons Library.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has undertaken into the impact on water companies' ability to meet individual pesticide and herbicide limits in drinking water of the application of glufosinate and glyphosate to genetically modified crops. [75901]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 prescribe an extremely strict standard of 0.1 microgrammes per litre for individual pesticides. Since 1989 water companies have been obliged to enter into legally binding programmes to install pesticide removal processes whenever water supplies have exceeded the standard.

  The pesticide removal programmes have been completed and in 1997, around 99.96 per cent. of all analyses for pesticides complied with the standard.

  Glufosinate and glyphosate both degrade rapidly in the environment, but, were they present in water sources, they would be removed by the treatment processes that have been installed.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make available the locations of genetically modified trial crops to water companies. [75900]

  Mr. Meacher
  Water companies may obtain information on the locations of genetically modified crop trials from the statutory public register, held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Information on the location of trial sites is also available on the Department's website.

  Applicants for consent to release genetically modified organisms must advertise locally where the release will take place. This is a public notice in a local newspaper. If the proposed release may have an impact on any controlled waters, then the Environment Agency is notified.

  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he has taken to improve the regulation of genetically modified crops. [74097]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: The release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is governed by EC Directive 90/220. The European Commission published its proposal to amend the Directive in February 1998 and since then the UK Government have played an active role in negotiating the draft amending Directive. The Commission's proposal seeks to make a number of significant changes to the Directive, such as strengthening provisions on environmental risk assessment and monitoring, streamlining some procedures, ensuring greater transparency and better labelling requirements, and providing for the consultation of EU ethics and scientific committees. The Government have been active in their support for revision of the Directive to ensure full protection for human health and the environment.
  457
  In the Government's view the amendment should be taken forward seriously and rapidly. At the Environment Council this week, I intend to press the German Presidency to devote time to this dossier with a view to securing common position at the June Council.

  Pending the revision of the Directive, EU Environment Ministers agreed in December 1998 to use the flexibility within the existing Directive to introduce new principles on risk assessment and monitoring. These new requirements, based on provisions in the draft amending Directive, were adopted as a direct result of public concerns about GMOs and the European Parliament's call for action. The new principles on risk assessment and monitoring will allow a clearer picture to be built up of the direct and indirect, and immediate and delayed, effects of GMOs on the environment.

  On top of the new EC requirements, my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I announced before the House of Lords Select Committee on 21 October 1998 that the Government have reached agreement with the plant breeding industry for a managed development programme for herbicide tolerant GM crops. Farm-scale evaluations will ensure that first commercial plantings of herbicide tolerant GM crops will be strictly limited and monitored for ecological effects alongside comparable plantings of conventional crops. The Government are funding ecological studies of the diversity and abundance of plants and invertebrates associated with the management of GM and non-GM crops to test whether there are any significant differences, initially over a four year period. This will assist consideration of what effects GM crops may have on higher species and our agricultural landscape. If ecological monitoring reveals adverse effects then appropriate action will be taken.

  Biosafety Protocol
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the negotiating position of the UK delegation to the biosafety protocol discussions in Cartagena, Colombia; what support Britain gave to proposals from the Miami Group; and at what stages Britain supported moves which would exempt genetically modified ingredients from the clear labelling and advance notification proposals. [73980]

  Mr. Meacher
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 9 February 1999,Official Report, columns 153–54, which set out the UK's negotiating line for the meeting. The EU maintained its agreed position throughout the negotiations in Cartagena, and the UK remained firmly within that position. The UK, together with European colleagues, attempted to build a bridge between the positions adopted by most developing countries and the Miami Group. The EU did not support any proposals that would have exempted living modified organisms (LMOs) within the scope of the protocol being subject to a requirement for documentation and clear identification. An EU compromise package introduced in the final stages of the negotiations with a view to achieving consensus included a provision enabling the first Meeting of the Parties to decide whether and how the protocol's procedures would apply to the transboundary movement of LMOs for
  458
  intended direct use as food or feed or for processing. This compromise package received widespread support, but proved unacceptable to the Miami Group.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the UK at the recent Biosafety Protocol meeting in Colombia did not support inclusion of the precautionary principle in the operational articles of the Protocol. [75091]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: The UK goal was to secure reference to the precautionary principle in the Protocol. We therefore strongly supported the EU submission prior to the penultimate meeting on the Biosafety Protocol to include a reference to the precautionary principle in the Preamble, and in the Objective of the Protocol. The latter provides the fundamental underpin for all the provisions of the Protocol.

  While these proposals were retained in the draft negotiating text for the Colombia meeting, there was considerable opposition to the inclusion of references to the precautionary principle in the last round of negotiations. In the final stages, the EU put forward a compromise package based on the text put forward by the Chair of the Working Group. The package included retaining a reference to the precautionary approach in the Preamble and in the Objective of the Protocol. In an attempt to achieve consensus, the EU was prepared to agree to delete wording based on the precautionary principle in the article dealing with the decision procedure if the reference to the precautionary principle remained in the Objective and a formulation of it was contained in general principles section of the risk assessment annex: all notifications under the Protocol would have required a risk assessment. Hence, the operational provisions of the Protocol would have been based on the precautionary principle.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what actions his Department has taken to improve road safety in(a) Staffordshire and (b) the West Midlands. [74552]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  As part of the New Deal for Transport, the Government will be setting new national casualty reduction targets, underpinned by a road safety strategy. These will be published later this year.

  It is for Staffordshire County Council and other local authorities in the region to promote and implement, with partners, schemes to improve road safety in their area. Local safety schemes, which are low cost engineering schemes which address known accident blackspots, are a very successful means of reducing accidents, funded through the annual Local Capital Transport Settlement. In 1999–2000 the West Midlands region has been awarded £5.992 million of which £0.450 million has been allocated to Staffordshire. This represents an increase of 18% and 45% respectively over the 1998–1999 settlement year and is expected to save 671 road accident casualties per annum.
  459
  The County Council has also been awarded two new transport packages this year, the Tamworth Package and the Safe Routes to School Package. Both of these packages will provide additional measures to improve road safety in the Tamworth area.

  Biological Resources
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy in respect of the forthcoming review of Trade, intellectual property, Food and biodiversity clauses on the protection of biological resources. [74849]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]: My Department will work with others involved in the review of the World Trade Organisation's Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, taking into account emerging experience of the implementation of the Agreement and bearing in mind the needs of existing and future members. We are particularly concerned to ensure that developing countries are allowed sufficient flexibility, within internationally agreed boundaries, to implement IPR regimes appropriate to their individual circumstances.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in respect of their impact on the global environment, what assessment his Department has made of the compatibility of Article 27 of Trade, intellectual property, Food and biodiversity and Articles 8, 15 and 16 of the UN Convention on Biological Resources. [74845]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]: We consider that the World Trade Organisation's Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are compatible, but we need to ensure that they are implemented in a mutually supportive way. My department, in collaboration with others with an interest, will continue to participate in international efforts to clarify the relationship between the CBD and the TRIPS Agreement, including at the inter-sessional meeting to be held under the Convention from 28 to 30 June. Our aim is to safeguard both intellectual property and the world's biodiversity.

  Discretionary Grant (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Lock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions 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 that total sum comprises of the total sums awarded by his Department in discretionary grants in 1998. [75253]

  Mr. Meale
  The information requested is not available in the format requested. In 1998–99 the following resources were awarded by the Department.
  460
  1. Grants are paid under the Single Regeneration Budget as follows:

  Recipient

  Value (£)

  Scheme

  Hereford & Worcester Chamber of Commerce Training and Enterprise (H&W CCTE)

  90,000

  Improving Labour Market Flexibility

  H&W CCTE

  420,000

  H & W Job Creation

  H&W CCTE

  20,000

  Ethnic Minorities in Worcester

  Malvern Hills

  216,800

  Malvern Hills Science Park

  Redditch

  1,286,430

  Redditch Community Works

  Percentage of West Midlands Regional Total

  13.3%

  1 Of West Midlands SRB total

  2. The Department provides for the local authorities under Housing Investment Programme (HIP) allocations and resources under the Capital Receipts Initiative (CRI) to support housing improvements as follows:

  Local authority

  HIP (£)

  CRI (£)

  Bromsgrove

  482,000

  577,000

  Malvern Hills

  505,000

  0

  Redditch

  961,000

  905,000

  Worcester

  1,135,000

  678,000

  Wychavon

  552,000

  0

  Wyre Forest

  1,118,000

  838,000

  Percentage of West Midlands Regional Total

  5.7%

  4.8%

  3. The Cash Incentive Scheme is a scheme designed to assist council tenants or licensees to purchase their own home in the private sector there by releasing their council accommodation for others in housing need.

  Local authority

  Cash Incentive Scheme (£)

  Bromsgrove

  65,000

  Redditch

  50,000

  Worcester

  60,000

  Percentage of West Midlands Regional Resources

  4.8%

  4. The Capital Challenge programme is a 3 year pilot programme begun in 1997–98 to test the challenge/bidding approach to any and all aspects of capital across all services for which local authorities are responsible.

  Local authority

  Value (£)

  Scheme

  Worcester City Council

  350,000

  Dines Green Community Centre

  Worcestershire Council

  617,500

  Primary School at Warndon

  Redditch

  550,000

  Arrow Valley Environmental Education and Watersports Centre

  Percentage of West Midlands Regional Total

  5%

  461
  5. Grants are paid to local authorities in Worcester under the Bellwin scheme of emergency financial assistance.

  Local authority

  Value (£)

  Wychavon

  10,294

  Worcester City Council

  7,164

  Total Bellwin payments for West Midlands in 1998/99

  84,540

  Percentage of West Midlands Regional Total

  21%

  6. Transport Supplementary Grant is paid to local highway authorities in England in support of road projects:

  Local authority

  Value (£)

  Worcestershire

  1,565,000

  Total Transport Supplementary Grant for West Midlands

  21,984,000

  Percentage of West Midlands Regional Total

  7%

  7. Grants paid through the Housing Corporation to Registered Social Landlords (RSLs):

  Approved Development Programme (Social Housing Grant)

  £

  Registered Social Landlord (RSL)

  Amount of grant paid

  Advance

  78,750

  Bourneville Village

  72,690

  Bromford

  188,186

  Bromford Charitable

  65,319

  Bromsgrove United

  65,975

  Droitwich Spa

  192,422

  Elgar

  135,416

  Evesham & Pershore

  63,414

  Guinness Trust

  12,808

  Harden

  118,474

  Housing 21

  12,641

  Jephson Homes

  54,855

  Sanctuary

  52,264

  Waterloo

  169,332

  Worcestershire

  224,105

  Total

  1,506,651

  Note:

  Percentage of West Midlands Regional Total is not readily available

  Supported Housing Management Grant

  £

  Registered Social Landlord

  Amount of grant paid

  Advance

  97,420

  Bromford

  38,400

  Bromford Charitable

  13,875

  Droitwich Spa

  36,900

  Elgar

  18,000

  Evesham & Pershore

  38,696

  Focus

  20,544

  Friendship Housing

  10,800

  Harden

  20,156

  Midland Area

  12,640

  Redditch YMCA

  46,400

  Sanctuary

  123,812

  Stonham

  193,677

  Worcestershire

  52,368

  Total

  723,688

  Note:

  Percentage of West Midlands Regional Total is not readily available
  462

  Retail Developments
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make money available to local authorities to help them to enable shopping centres in town and cities to compete equally with designated out-of-town shopping areas. [75277]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government's policy is to encourage retail development in the centre of towns and cities rather than at out of town locations. This was set out in our Response to the Select Committee report on Shopping Centres [Cmnd 3729], which also reaffirmed our commitment to Planning Policy Guidance note 6 (PPG6): Town Centres and Retail Developments. Through our funding of the Association of Town Centre Management and the Civic Trust, we have been assisting local authorities to promote town centre management by preparing and disseminating good practice.

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) out-of-town shopping mall and (b) superstore planning applications in England have been refused, and on what principal grounds, on appeal in the past year. [75504]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Planning permission has been refused, on appeal, in respect of two applications for superstores in England, in 1998, primarily on the grounds that they failed the policy tests in PPG6.

  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make it his practice to publish lists of(a) all outstanding planning permissions for superstores, (b) all superstore planning appeals that have been approved in the past five years, with a summary of the reasons for the approval and (c) all superstore planning appeals that have been refused in the past five years, with a summary of the reasons for the refusal; and if he will make a statement; [75779]

  (2) if he will list all superstore planning appeals that have been (a) approved and (b) rejected in the last five years; and if he will make a statement; [75688]

  (3) if he will list all the outstanding planning permissions for superstores; and if he will make a statement. [75689]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Most decisions on planning applications for retail developments are taken by local planning authorities. They provide statistical returns on applications which they handle under the general category of "major retail, distribution and servicing". The information requested in respect of appeals is not held centrally over the timescale requested. It is, therefore, not feasible to assemble the information requested, except at disproportionate cost. We have no current plans to publish such lists.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on measures necessary to ensure millennium compliance in the systems for which the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is responsible; when millennium compliance will be achieved; and what the latest date is by which millennium compliance must be achieved in order to remain fully operational; [75476]
  463
  (2) if the systems for which the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is responsible are millennium compliant. [75475]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: Like all other Government Departments and Agencies, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency submits quarterly reports to CCTA on progress towards millennium compliance. These reports are analysed by the Cabinet Office and from the basis of my right hon. Friend the President of the Council's reports to Parliament. It would not be appropriate for me to anticipate her next statement, but, when it is made, a copy of DVLA's report will be placed both in the Library and on the Internet. Reports will be accompanied by a series of tables that illustrate how well departments and agencies are doing against a number of specific performance criteria.

  Housing Finance
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reform housing finance; and if he will make a statement. [75635]

  Mr. Raynsford
  In December 1998 we issued a consultation paper "A New Financial Framework for Local Authority Housing: Resource Accounting in the Housing Revenue Account" seeking views on proposals for changes to local authority housing finance. The proposals would introduce a form of resource accounting for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). It is also proposed to remove expenditure on rent rebates from the HRA leaving the account as a landlord account reflecting the cost of providing housing at below market rents. The aim of the proposed New Framework is to make housing accounts easier to understand for both councils and their tenants and to enable better-informed decisions about the management of housing assets. Consultations are not yet complete and there will be an announcement about our plans in due course. A copy of the consultation paper is in the Library.

  Carlisle Airport
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the contribution of Carlisle Airport to the economic development of Cumbria and the Scottish Borders. [75521]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  A "North of England Regional Air Services Study" has been commissioned by my Department. It is part of a number of such studies across the UK. The North of England Study is expected to report this summer, so my hon. Friend will understand that I cannot comment at this stage on the contribution of Carlisle Airport to the economic development of the Region or Cumbria and the Scottish borders until the findings of the study are known.

  Brown-field Sites
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what statistics his Department collects on the number of brown-field sites in town centres redeveloped for residential use. [75511]
  464
  Mr. Raynsford
  The Land Use Change Statistics published by my Department provide information on the area of land changing to residential use that was previously developed for urban uses. (Urban uses comprise residential, transport and utilities, industry and commerce, community services, previously developed vacant land and derelict land). Numbers of new dwellings built on previously developed land (excluding conversions of existing dwellings) are also recorded. This information provides statistics for the proportion of new residential development that takes place on previously developed land.

  Some previously developed land is located in rural areas. My Department has developed the analysis of land use change to identify separately changes that occurred inside and outside urban areas as defined for the 1991 Census. At present it is not possible to distinguish those land use changes that occurred within town centres, but this might become possible following research under way to define the boundaries of town centres for statistical purposes.

  The latest results of the Land Use Change Statistics, together with more information about how they are compiled, were published in the statistical bulletin "Land Use Change in England No. 13", a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library.

  Maritime Rescue Subcentres
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many watch-keeping staff were in post on 30 September 1998 at Tyne Tees Maritime Rescue subcentre; and what was the(a) monthly and (b) daily officer incident rate. [75829]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  On 30 September 1998 there were 13.5 watch keeping staff in post at Tyne Tees. The(a) monthly officer incident rate was 2.84 and (b) the daily officer incident rate was 0.09.

  A596/A597, Workington
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will include proposals for an improvement at the A596/A597 junction at Workington as a priority scheme under the programme of network enhancement projects. [75414]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 10 March 1999]: 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. Dale Campbell-Savours, dated 15 March 1999:
  The Transport Minister, Glenda Jackson, has asked Lawrie Haynes to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the improvement of the A595/A597 junction at Workington. I am replying on Lawrie's behalf in his absence.
  We have drawn up our programme of Local Network Management schemes for 1999/2000. In doing so we have had to consider competing priorities across the trunk road network. As a result, I am sorry to have to tell you that at present we are unable to include the improvement of the A596/A597 junction in the programme.
  As you know, the A596 is one of the trunk routes in Cumbria identified as non-core and which it is proposed to detrunk as part of the Government's integrated transport policy. I understand that you are aware that a delegation from Cumbria County Council and Copeland Borough Council made representations about the

  465
  detrunking proposals at a recent meeting with Transport Ministers, Dr. John Reid and Lord Whitty. Those representations are being considered together with others, and a final decision by Ministers on the split of the network into core and non-core routes will be announced as soon as possible.
  If the A596 is confirmed as a non-core route to be detrunked then from 1 April 2000 the Agency will only initiate further improvements that it considers necessary to keep the route in a safe and serviceable condition. It will be for Cumbria County council to consider the need for other improvements in the context of their Local Transport Plan. Provisional plans covering the period 2000/01–2004/05 are due to be submitted by the end of this July.

  SSSIs
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to take further measures to protect sites of special scientific interest. [76379]

  Mr. Meacher
  We are further developing proposals put forward in the Government consultation paper, Sites of Special Scientific Interest—Better Protection and Management, taking account of the issues raised in the 562 responses. We will seek to implement legislative measures when Parliamentary time permits, but will also take forward procedural and administrative improvements at the earliest opportunity.

  Planning Applications
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of appeals to the planning inspectorate by applicants against decisions taken by(a) the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, (b) the London Borough of Wandsworth and (c) the City of Westminster were successful in (i) 1997 and (ii) 1998. [76270]

  Mr. Caborn
  I have asked the Chief Executive, of the Planning Inspectorate, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from David Hanchet to Mr. Iain Coleman, dated 15 March 1999:
  As he is away from the office at present, I am writing on behalf of Chris Shepley who has been asked by the Secretary of State to reply to your Question about planning appeals in Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, and Westminster in 1997 and 1998.

  For appeals decided in each year, the percentages allowed were:

  Percentage

  1997

  1998

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  24

  29

  Wandsworth

  21

  33

  Westminster

  29

  35

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many planning applications were called in by the Secretary of State in(a) the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and (b) the London Borough of Wandsworth and (c) the City of Westminster in (i) 1997 and (b) 1998. [76269]

  Mr. Caborn
  None in Hammersmith and Fulham, one in Wandsworth in 1997 and one in Westminster in 1998.
  466

  Contaminated Land
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the(a) acreage and (b) location of contaminated land in the County of Durham. [76249]

  Mr. Meale
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has given to local authorities in respect of compiling and maintaining a contaminated land register within their boundaries; and if he will make a statement. [76247]

  Mr. Meale
  My department will be carrying out further consultations shortly on regulations and statutory guidance necessary to implement the contaminated land regime contained in Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (inserted by section 57 of the Environment Act 1995).

  Local authority functions under Part IIA include compilation of a register which will provide details about regulatory action and remediation on land formally identified as contaminated land.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the local authorities in the Northern Region which hold a detailed contaminated land register; and if he will make a statement. [76248]

  Mr. Meale
  There is no statutory requirement for local authorities to keep registers of contaminated land. Individual authorities may maintain records about land contamination, but there is no information held centrally about which authorities do so.

  South Downs
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish proposals for the future management of the South Downs; and if he will make a statement. [76370]

  Mr. Meacher
  We are still looking very carefully at the issues. We hope to announce some conclusions soon.

  Packaging Industry
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what discussions he has had with representatives of the packaging industry on the recovery targets set for the packaging industry up to 2001; what assessment he has made of the ability of the industry to achieve such targets; and if he will make a statement; [76215]

  (2) when he plans to make a statement on the future operation of the Packaging Waste Recovery Notes System; [76216]

  (3) what is his estimate of the number of businesses in the packaging industry that will be exempt from the packaging waste obligations as a result of a change in the financial turnover cut-off threshold to £2 million. [76217]

  Mr. Meacher
  A consultation paper was published on 30 July 1998 which included proposals to increase the interim business recovery and recycling targets in 1999
  467
  and 2000 and over 350 responses were received. The UK packaging recovery rate is expected to have reached approximately 32 per cent. in 1998 and the interim business targets are designed to enable the UK to achieve the mandatory EC Directive recovery and recycling targets in 2001. Industry itself has reported that there was an oversupply of reprocessing capacity in 1998 compared with the targets that had to be met and this was damaging the market. The increase in the interim business recovery and recycling targets should therefore generate the necessary momentum to enable sufficient activity to be carried out to achieve the 2001 targets. A further consideration was the need for sufficient resources to be directed at generating the necessary collection and reprocessing capacity that will be needed to meet targets in 2001. With this additional infrastructure in place, the UK should be able to meet these mandatory targets.

  I expect to make a statement about the future operation of the Packaging Waste Recovery Note System very shortly.

  The Department's current estimates suggest that some 4,500 smaller businesses will be excluded from the scope of the Regulations as a result of the change to the financial turnover cut-off threshold in 2000.

  Pensioners' Housing
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what evidence is provided by the English House Conditions Survey and the Survey of English Housing on the quality of housing of pensioners aged over 80 years in relation to that of other pensioner households. [76099]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: The table from the 1996 English House Condition Survey indicates that pensioners aged over 80 years are much more likely to live in poor quality housing than pensioners below that age. The likelihood of the latter living in poor quality housing is on average not that much different from the population as a whole.

  Percentage of pensioners in poor quality homes, by age group

  Percentage of people in each age group:

  (a) living in

  (b)

  i. unfit homes1

  ii. poor housing2

  without central heating

  Pensionersaged 81+

  9

  23

  18

  Pensionersaged 80 or less

  5

  14

  12

  all ages

  6

  13

  11

  1 Unfit homes refer to properties assessed as unfit according to the standard defined by Section 604 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

  2 Poor housing refers to homes that are either unfit, in substantial disrepair or requiring essential modernisation.

  Footpaths
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the appeal by St. Leonard's and St. Ives Parish Council against the refusal of Dorset County Council to modify the definitive map to add five footpaths at Lions Hill, St Leonard's was made; and on what date he expects it to be determined. [76470]
  468
  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: This appeal was received by the Government Office for the South West in January 1997. The determination process has now reached an advance stage and the decision should be issued by the end of this month.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many employees of the Government Office for the South West are allocated to the determination of appeals involving footpaths. [76471]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 12 March I999]: The Government Office for the South West has a team of eight staff dealing with the determination of appeals including rights of way cases.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the earliest date of a case involving a footpath appeal which is still awaiting determination by the Government office in Bristol; and how many more recent cases are awaiting determination. [76469]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: The earliest footpath appeals awaiting determination are a group of nine interlinked appeals which completed the necessary procedural stages in January 1997. There are 21 more such cases awaiting determination.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many right of way appeals are currently outstanding in each of the Government's regional offices. [76468]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: The number of appeal cases currently outstanding in each of the Government's regional offices is shown in the table.

  Regional Office

  No. of appeals

  North West

  5

  North East

  4

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  10

  East Midlands

  2

  West Midlands

  5

  Eastern Region

  3

  South West

  53

  South East (incl. London)

  18

  Total

  100

  Short-haired Bumble Bee
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 17 December 1998,Official Report, column 632, on the short-haired bumble bee, if he will make a statement on the preparation of the plan for the short-haired bumble bee. [76630]

  Mr. Meale
  An action plan for the short-haired bumble bee was included in Tranche 2 Action Plans, Volume IV—Invertebrates which was published by the UK Biodiversity Group on 8 March.

  Public Rights of Way
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) percentage and (b) length of public rights of way

  469
  are open to (i) horseriders and (ii) cyclists in each county in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [76882]

  Mr. Meacher
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  England and Wales have an estimated total of 130,000 miles (209,000 km) of rights of way, of which over 38,000 miles (61,000 km) or 29 per cent. may be used lawfully by horseriders and cyclists.

  Planning (Class A3)
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will further restrict transfers of business between pubs and restaurants under the A3 planning category. [76086]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: We have no immediate plans to amend Class A3 of the Use Classes Order 1987. However, we have received representations to introduce planning controls for certain changes of use within existing Class A3 and we are currently considering these.

  Trading Credit Approvals
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what information his Department collects centrally on local authority bids for trading credit approvals in 1998–99. [76448]

  Ms Armstrong
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: A record of applications for credit approvals outside established programmes, for 1998–99 and other years, is held by my Department.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 8 March 1999,Official Report, column 8, if he will list the local authorities that made trading credit approval applications in 1998–99 indicating (a) the value of each application and (b) the purpose for which the trading credit approval was sought. [76447]

  Ms Armstrong
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: Requests by local authorities in connection with Trading Credit Approvals (TCAs) considered in 1998 were:

  £ million

  Sheffield City Council

  Sheffield waste incinerator

  17.0

  Plymouth City Council

  Unrestricted TCAs for self-financing schemes

  n/a

  Harrogate Borough Council

  Upgrading of conference centre facility

  6.6

  Road User Charges
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy that the net proceeds from road user charges and the workplace parking levy are treated as additional to central Government funding for transport in London. [76472]
  470
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  It is already government policy that any revenues from charging schemes brought forward by the Mayor or boroughs will be additional moneys for spending on measures which support the Mayor's transport strategy.

  The Greater London Authority Bill will require charging authorities to maintain separate income and expenditure accounts for each charging scheme. These accounts will be published annually. This will guarantee transparency, and make it clear to Londoners that charging revenues are additional moneys.

  Sewerage Works (Windermere)
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the programme to improve sewerage works announced by the Minister for the Environment on 1 March will include repairs to the sewerage system at Windermere in Cumbria. [76667]

  Mr. Meale
  The English and Welsh water company improvement programmes announced on 1 March include improvement schemes to be carried out at three North West Water sewage treatment works affecting Lake Windermere; at Windermere, Near Sawrey and Ambleside. These schemes will protect and improve the designated bathing water at Windermere and water quality in the River Rothay.

  The Environment Agency is currently investigating recent pollution incidents at Lake Windermere in liaison with North West Water and South Lakeland District Council. The Agency will continue monitoring the situation to see whether additional action is necessary.

  Rents (Research)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has conducted to(a) current rent levels and (b) market rent levels in each London borough in the past year. [76231]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Housing Corporation's January 1999 publication Guide to Local Rents (Source Research 32) sets out a comparison of average housing association, local authority and private sector rents in each local authority area, including the London boroughs. A copy has been placed in the House of Commons Library. In addition, my Department routinely collects information on average rents for all authorities for Housing Revenue Account subsidy purposes.

  Road Deaths
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people died in road accidents(a) nationally and (b) in each region in each of the last three years. [76042]
  471
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The number of fatalities in road accidents is shown in the following table:

  Fatalities in road accidents: by Government office region and severity: 1995–97

  Number

  1995

  1996

  1997

  England

  2,995

  3,024

  3,001

  Scotland

  408

  358

  377

  Wales

  218

  216

  221

  Northern Ireland

  144

  142

  144

  United Kingdom

  3,765

  3,740

  3,743

  English Government office regions

  North East

  152

  157

  135

  North West/Merseyside

  418

  389

  376

  Yorkshire/Humberside

  345

  324

  324

  East Midlands

  378

  329

  357

  West Midlands

  286

  319

  338

  East of England

  374

  370

  350

  South East

  470

  517

  508

  London

  214

  251

  276

  South West

  358

  368

  337

  Source:

  Road Accidents Great Britain 1997: The Casualty Report

  Ministerial Visits
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 1999,Official Report, column 845, whether notification of the visit by the Minister for London and Construction to Bromsgrove to the hon. Member for Bromsgrove was made on departmental notepaper. [76763]

  Mr. Raynsford
  No. As I made clear to the hon. Member in my reply of 4 March, this was a Labour Party campaign visit.

  Brit Awards
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those Ministers in his Department who were present at the recent Brit awards in an official capacity, indicating the organisation acting as their sponsor or host. [76656]

  Dr. Reid
  Neither I nor any of my Ministerial colleagues in this Department attended the recent Brit awards.

  Land (Access)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the legal advice which his Department has received on whether the plans to provide a statutory right of access to land would create a right to general compensation under the Human Rights Act 1998. [76451]

  Mr. Meacher
  It is not the practice for the Government to publish legal advice which they receive, and it is not proposed to publish any such advice in this case.

  High-sided Vans
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he 472
  has to prohibit high-sided vans from using the outside lane on motorways with three lanes or more in one direction. [76229]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes are banned from the outside lane of motorways with three or more lanes. We believe a ban by weight is the appropriate measure and have no plans to amend the regulations to apply height restrictions.

  Trains (Punctuality)
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that trains re-timed to arrive later than as shown in the Great Britain passenger railway timetable are included as late trains in the statistics published on punctuality. [76230]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Franchising Director's office currently publishes information from train operators' Passenger Charters in its Quarterly Bulletin. Charter punctuality information does not normally include trains on Sundays, or trains delayed for reasons outside the control of the industry. This is likely to mean that the majority of trains with extended journeys from planned engineering works or following major incidents are excluded. The Franchising Director is currently consulting on improved public performance measures.

  Mayor of London
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what conclusions he has reached concerning the types of planning application on which the new Mayor for London should be consulted by the local planning authorities as being of potential strategic importance; and if he will make a statement. [77234]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Under the proposals set out in the White Paper, A Mayor and Assembly for London, and reflected in the Greater London Authority Bill currently before Parliament, London boroughs and the City of London will remain the planning and development control authorities for their areas. However, their Unitary Development Plans must be in general conformity with the Mayor's Spatial Development Strategy. The Mayor must also have a means of representing the broader pan-London view for individual planning applications where issues of genuine strategic importance are concerned. The Mayor will therefore become a statutory consultee for a limited number of applications of potential strategic importance, to be defined in secondary legislation. He or she will also have a fall-back power to direct the refusal of planning permission in these cases where this is considered necessary on strategic grounds. The applicant would then have the normal right of appeal to the Secretary of State, who will also continue to be able to call in applications for his own decision where appropriate.

  Last August the Government issued a consultation paper setting out our initial proposals for the categories of development on which the Mayor is to be consulted. A summary of the responses received is being placed in the Library.
  473
  Having considered the responses, we have decided that the broad categories set out in the consultation paper will be retained, but with changes to some of the sub-categories and thresholds proposed.

  In summary, the categories will be:

  (i) Very large scale development including:

  (a) major residential developments (over 500 units or 10 ha);

  (b) very large new buildings or structures (over 30,000 m2 in the City of London; 20,000 m2 in the rest of central London; 15,000 m2 elsewhere);

  (c) tall buildings (25m fronting the Thames; elsewhere—75m in the City of London and 30m in other areas).

  (ii) Major new infrastructure projects, including:

  (b) mining operations (sites of more than 10 ha);

  (c) large new waste facilities (more than 50,000 tonnes capacity);

  (d) new transport facilities, i.e., runways, air terminals, heliports, rail or tram lines, bus or coach stations, large freight depots, piers and river crossings on the Thames.

  (iii) Applications likely to affect key strategic policies, including:

  (c)the loss of housing (more than 200 units) or designated housing land (more than 4 ha);

  (d) the loss of land (more than 4 ha) in use or designated for employment purposes;

  (e) the loss of land (more than 2 ha) in use or designated as a playing field;

  (f) development of more than 1,000 m2 in the green belt or on designated Metropolitan Open Land;

  (g) development affecting a designated strategic view;

  (h) Substantial development in locations not identified in the development plan for such uses: (i) residential use (more than 150 units); (ii) commercial uses and other uses likely to generate significant new travel (more than 2,500 m2);

  (i) the provision of more than 200 car=parking spaces for non-residential purposes.

  (iv) Any development on a key sit of strategic importance as designated in a consultation direction made by the Secretary of State.

  A paper setting out the proposed definitions in more detail, and showing the main changes from the consultation draft, is being placed in the Library, and is available from the Government Office for London.

  We believe this package represents an appropriate balance. It will ensure that the Mayor is able to have a say in key planning applications in support of his or her Spatial Development Strategy, whilst recognising that the vast majority of planning applications are properly a matter for the local planning authorities. Setting clear thresholds will provide certainty and minimise the scope for dispute. We expect that between 150 and 250 planning applications out of some 70,000 submitted in Greater London each year will fall into the categories identified above.

  The Mayor will be consulted in parallel with other statutory consultees, and will have no power to delay the taking of a decision by the local planning authority. He or she will, however, have a further period of 14 days after the local planning authority has reached a view within which to use the fall-back power of direction.

  Subject to Parliamentary approval, it is intended that the Order defining these categories of applications will come into effect when the Mayor begins work in July 2000. It will be subject to review and, if necessary,
  474
  amendment in the light of experience and following publication of the Mayor's first Spatial Development Strategy.

  London Underground
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress London Underground has made with their planned Public-Private Partnership. [77233]

  Dr. Reid
  London Underground are today sending a progress report on the Public-Private Partnership to those who responded to a "market sounding" consultation on the project held last year. The report sets out how the project is to be taken forward, and should help potential bidders prepare themselves before London Underground invite formal expressions of interest. A notice alerting other interested parties to the progress report will appear in the Official Journal. A copy of the report has been deposited in the Library.

  Donaldson Report
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish Lord Donaldson's report on Salvage and Intervention and their Command and Control; and if he will make a statement. [77085]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I am today publishing Lord Donaldson's report of Salvage and Intervention and their Command and Control and placing a copy of the Government's interim response to each of his 26 recommendations in the Library.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what official visits he, his ministers or officials have paid to Zimbabwe since May 1997; whom they met; and what was discussed. [73462]

  Mr. Prescott
  [pursuant to his reply, 1 March 1999, c. 517–18]: There have been no official visits by DETR Ministers to Zimbabwe since May 1997.

  There have been three visits by officials:
  In June 1997 four Departmental officials, together with delegations from other Government Departments, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, visited Harare for the 10th Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Conference at which a range of issues concerning trade and endangered species were discussed.
  In January 1998 a senior Departmental official represented DETR at an International Workshop on Strategic Approaches to Freshwater Management. The event was attended by some 80 countries, together with NGOs, industry and International agencies. This event was hosted by the Zimbabwe Government with EC support, and helped pave the way for the Commission for Sustainable Development's Sixth meeting at which a formal Decision on Strategic Approaches to Freshwater Management was adopted by CSD, and later endorsed by UNGASS.
  Also in January 1998 two Departmental officials visited Zimbabwe's Director of Civil Aviation, Mr. A. Marawa, to discuss the possibilities for extra services to Zimbabwe by British scheduled and charter airlines.
  475

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Export Controls
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answers of 2 February 1999,Official Report, columns 581–82, what steps he is taking to ensure the recovery of the sums paid in claims by the ECGD to manufacturers but not recovered from defence buyers in (a) Algeria and (b) Jordan [75809]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 10 March 1999]: Algeria and Jordan are repaying the debt, arising from ECGD claims payments in respect of civil and military export contracts, under Government to Government Agreements. Both countries are meeting their obligations under the Agreements in full.

  Assisted Areas
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the representations received by his Department from Scottish local authorities regarding the review of assisted area status. [75915]

  Mr. Wills
  Representations were received from the following Scottish Local Authorities:

  Aberdeen City Council

  Aberdeenshire Council

  Angus Council

  Argyll and Bute Council

  Clackmannanshire Council

  Dumfries and Galloway Council

  Dundee City Council

  East Ayrshire Council

  East Lothian Council

  Edinburgh City Council

  Falkirk Council

  Fife Council

  Glasgow City Council

  Highland Council

  Inverclyde Council

  Midlothian Council

  The Moray Council

  North Ayrshire Council

  North Lanarkshire Council

  Orkney Council

  Perth and Kinross Council

  Renfrewshire Council

  Scottish Borders Council

  Shetland Islands Council

  South Ayrshire Council

  South Lanarkshire Council

  Stirling Council

  West Dumbartonshire Council

  West Lothian Council.

  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to make his recommendations on the review of assisted area status known to (i) the Scottish Office and (ii) the European Commission. [75914]
  476
  Mr. Wills
  The review of Assisted Area status is being carried out in consultation with other Government Departments including the Scottish Office. Under the European Guidelines a new Assisted Areas map for the UK must operate from 1 January 2000. Changes to the Assisted Areas map must be agreed with the Commission, and they have asked for proposals from Member States by 31 March. Ministers are currently considering which proposals they will put forward.

  Debt (Late Payment)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the response by business to the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. [76433]

  Mr. Wills
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley, South (Mr. Alexander), on 10 March 1999,Official Report, columns 261–62.

  Special Representative on the Digital Economy
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the job description of the Special Representative on the Digital Economy. [76197]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: The Special Representative on the Digital Economy (the e-Envoy) will have two roles:

  1. To spearhead the implementation of the strategy, set out in the Competitiveness White Paper, for:

  a) achieving the Government's goal of making the UK, by the end of this Parliament, the best environment in the world in which to trade electronically

  b) ensuring that UK businesses and consumers fully realise the potential this opens up

  2. To advise the Secretary of State and Prime Minister on future development of the strategy. In particular:

  Monitoring progress on implementation of the strategy, and keeping the strategy under regular review in the light of international developments.

  Reviewing existing Government policies and activities relevant to the goals set out at No. 1, with a view to identifying gaps and areas for accelerated effort.

  Executive responsibility for implementing the agreed strategy will principally lie with relevant departments, but the e-Envoy will also take on specific functions where agreed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Prime Minister. In particular, the e-Envoy will act as public figurehead for the Government on e-commerce issues in international discussions; promote the UK as a centre for e-commerce business and investment; and publicly champion e-commerce in the UK, spreading awareness and promoting uptake by businesses and consumers.

  Fixed Capital Formation
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the current rate of fixed capital formation(a) nationally, (b) in each region and (c) in other OECD countries. [76041]
  477
  Mr. Wills
  The answer is as follows:

  (a)

  Table 1: Gross fixed capital formation, expressed as a percentage of GDP, in the United Kingdom

  Year

  Percentage of GDP

  1997

  16.7

  1998

  17.3

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics (ONS). Derived from figures in First Release ONS (99) 69

  (b)The ONS do not publish estimates of fixed capital formation covering all economic activity on a regional basis. The ONS do publish regional estimates of gross domestic fixed capital formation for a range of industries. The latest figures are for 1995.

  Table 2: Gross domestic fixed capital formation, as a percentage of gross domestic product for selected industries, in Standard Statistical Regions in 19951

  Region

  Percentage of GDP1

  North

  15.1

  North West

  15.9

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  17.1

  East Midlands

  13.5

  West Midlands

  14.4

  East Anglia

  12.8

  South East

  16.3

  South West

  14.0

  England

  15.4

  Wales

  17.9

  Scotland

  14.2

  Northern Ireland

  18.2

  United Kingdom

  15.5

  1 Figures cover only Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing, Mining, quarrying (inc. oil and gas extraction), Manufacturing, Electricity, gas and water, and Transport, storage and communication

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics (ONS). Derived from figures in Economic Trends (June and January 1998)

  (c)

  Table 3: Gross fixed capital formation, expressed as a percentage of GDP in 1997, in OECD countries

  OECD member

  Percentage of GDP

  United Kingdom1

  15.6

  Australia

  21.5

  Austria

  24.1

  Belgium

  17.8

  Canada

  18.8

  Czech Republic

  30.7

  Denmark

  20.1

  Finland

  16.9

  France

  17.1

  Germany

  19.9

  Greece

  20.0

  Hungary

  21.0

  Iceland

  18.8

  Ireland

  18.7

  Italy

  16.7

  Japan

  28.3

  Republic of Korea

  35.0

  Luxembourg

  22.4

  Mexico

  19.6

  Netherlands

  20.0

  New Zealand

  19.9

  Norway

  23.0

  Poland

  21.2

  478

  Table 3: Gross fixed capital formation, expressed as a percentage of GDP in 1997, in OECD countries

  OECD member

  Percentage of GDP

  Portugal

  25.1

  Spain

  20.6

  Sweden

  13.7

  Switzerland

  19.6

  Turkey

  26.4

  United States

  17.4

  1 Not comparable with equivalent figure in Table 1. The ONS figures in Table 1 are calculated using the new European System of Accounts (ESA 1995) while the OECD figures use an earlier national accounts classification.

  Source:

  OECD National Accounts 1999 Volume 1

  Data Protection
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the measures currently planned to be taken, pursuant to the enactment of Common Position (EC) 8/1999 (1999/c 55/01), with particular reference to(a) recitals 8 and 16, (b) their costs and (c) data privacy. [75709]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Common position is that adopted by the Telecommunications Council on 21 December 1998 on a series of guidelines, including the identification of projects of common interest, for trans-European networks for the electronic Interchange of Data between Administrations (IDA). IDA aims to achieve the most efficient and cost effective means of data interchange in support of European Community policies.

  The Common position relates to a second phase of IDA that will run for five years from the point of adoption. The first phase ran from 1995–1997 and supported Community policies by the development of networks for the exchange of data related to subjects including agriculture, fisheries, health, statistics, employment and customs matters. The second phase is likely to continue work in some of these areas and other areas where Member States and the European Community identify the need for data interchange.

  At this stage, there are no specific proposals on exchange of information related to Recitals 8 and 16 of the Common position text. The proposed budget for the IDA guidelines proposal is estimated as euro 38.5 million for the first three years of the programme.

  Any work carried forward under IDA, will take full account of the sensitivity of the data to be passed across a network and the relevant data protection legislation. Appropriate security measures will be taken to protect sensitive data.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  National Insurance Contributions
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the increase in revenue to the Exchequer in the financial year 1999–2000 as a result of(a) raising the upper earnings limit on employee national

  479
  insurance contributions to £602 per week and (b) removing the upper earnings limit on employee national insurance contributions altogether. [74396]

  Mr. Timms
  Estimated additional revenue of some £1.8 billion would be raised in 1999–2000 if the Upper Earnings Limit on employees' Class 1 contributions was increased from its present level to the same level as the threshold of higher rate income tax, which is to be set at £622 a week from April 1999. If the Upper Earnings Limit was removed, the estimated additional revenue raised would be £4.2 billion for that year.

  The figures assume that the current 10 per cent. Class 1 contribution rate would apply to earnings above the present Upper Earnings Limit, and that this limit would remain in place for the calculation of employee and employer contracted-out rebates.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of employees who will pay higher national insurance contributions as a result of the increase of the upper limit in(a) the standard rate and (b) the contracted out rate of national insurance contributions. [76454]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.

  Estimated average weekly numbers of employees in Great Britain who will pay more National Insurance Contributions following the increase of the upper earnings limit to £535 per week from April 2000 and to £575 per week from April 2001

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Contracted in employees

  1,400,000

  1,380,000

  Contracted out employees

  2,500,000

  2,460,000

  All employees

  3,900,000

  3,850,000

  Note:

  Rounded to the nearest ten thousand

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many prosecutions have followed from calls made to the Benefit Fraud Hotline in each month since May 1997; and what the total annual saving arising from the Benefit Fraud Hotline has been since its establishment. [75849]

  Mr. Timms
  Administration of the Benefit Fraud hotline is the responsibility of Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Iain Duncan Smith, dated 12 March 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of prosecutions which have followed from calls made to the Benefit Fraud Hotline in each month since May 1997; and what the total annual saving arising form the Benefit Fraud Hotline has been since its establishment.
  Investigations by the Benefits Agency, which include cases which start as a Hotline referrals, have led to 8,417 prosecutions in the year to date (to the end of January 1999.) Figures for referrals, in each month since May 1997 are provided in the attached table. Figures for the number of these referrals that then result in prosecutions have only been recorded since January 1999.
  480
  The total Weekly Benefit Savings achieved by the National Benefit Fraud Hotline since its launch in August 1996 to date (to end of January 1999) is £108.9m.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  National Benefit Fraud Hotline Number of cases referred to Departmental Solicitors for prosecution in each month since May 1997 following Hotline referrals.

  Year

  Month

  Cases referred for Prosecution

  1997

  May

  45

  June

  71

  July

  61

  August

  31

  September

  6

  October

  40

  November

  67

  December

  12

  1998

  January

  41

  February

  25

  March

  28

  April

  3

  May

  65

  June

  26

  July

  16

  August

  87

  September

  2

  October

  13

  November

  50

  December

  14

  1999

  January

  8

  Total

  711

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what definitions of high and low suspicion of fraud are used for categorising cases in the Area Benefit Review Programme. [76108]

  Mr. Timms
  The administration of the Area Benefit Review Programme is the responsibility of Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Field, dated 12 March 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the definitions of high and low suspicion of fraud used for categorising cases in the Area Benefit Review Programme.
  The definitions of high and low suspicion are set out in the Governmental Statistical Service Area Benefit Review Results published in November 1998 and you may wish to refer to this document. The published headline figures of fraud and error exclude high and low suspicion of fraud. We are following up specific cases so that those originally classified as high suspicion of fraud can be subsequently confirmed as fraud, re-classified as correct, or remain as high suspicion.
  As part of our commitment to improve the administration of the benefit system we have been working to clarify the definitions as published in the above report. The revised definitions are set out below.
  Low suspicion of fraud means that the reviewing officer suspects that fraud exists, but the evidence is weak, and benefit entitlement does not change. For example, a customer with a long-term claim appears to be living above their means, but there are no solid grounds for suspicion, and no means of establishing the source of the financing.

  481
  High suspicion of fraud means that, on the balance of probabilities, a fraudulent situation exists, but there is insufficient information to prove fraud, and benefit entitlement does not change.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Benefit Interviews
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 2 March 1999,Official Report, column 709, on benefit interviews, whether a claimant will be able to provide the completed claim form by post or by another person delivering it to the relevant agency. [75851]

  Angela Eagle
  Claim forms delivered by post or by another person will be accepted where the claimant's readiness for work has been reviewed and a decision taken as to whether an immediate work-focused interview is appropriate. If not, we will take steps to contact the claimant to resolve these issues before benefit is put into payment.

  Family Resources Survey
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the special analyses, including unpublished tabulations, of the Family Resources Survey which were undertaken by his Department for the Pension Provision Group. [76098]

  Mr. Timms
  The following analyses of the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey were undertaken for the Pension Provision Group:Tabulation of the individual incomes of men and women over State pension age.
  Tabulation of the incomes of single pensioners.
  Tabulation of the average incomes of pensioner units by source and by marital status and gender.
  Tabulation of the average incomes of pensioner units by source and by marital status and age under/over 75.
  Estimation of the number of benefit units becoming entitled to means-tested benefits were upper capital limits to be removed and tariff income calculated for all capital above the lower capital limit.
  Estimations of the numbers of people below State pension age in paid employment in the UK who are currently contributing to SERPS and occupational pension schemes and who have ever contributed to a personal pension scheme, by gender and full-time or part-time employment status.

  Bereavement Benefits
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the average age of those ceasing to receive widowed mother's allowance on the grounds that they no longer have dependent children. [76112]

  Angela Eagle
  The average age of those ceasing to receive Widowed Mother's Allowance between September 1997 and September 1998 is 51.

  Notes:

  1. Average age calculated of widows who were in receipt of Widowed Mothers Allowance (WMA) and had a dependent child in September 1997, but by September 1998 were in receipt of Widows Benefit (WB) but no longer had a qualifying dependent child.

  2. The average does not include WMA cases that move off WB completely as it may be reasons other than no longer having a dependent child/ren.

  3. Excludes Northern Ireland.

  Source:

  5 per cent. sample of Pension Strategy Computer System.
  482
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many new claimants of widow's benefits there were in each year since 1992; and what percentage of those claimants were in each region and nation. [76135]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.

  Estimated number of recipients of widows benefit per year1 by country (September 1994 to September 19982)

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  England

  30,000

  25,880

  23,480

  19,420

  Scotland

  3,860

  3,320

  2,780

  2,520

  Wales

  2,300

  2,100

  1,160

  1,440

  Overseas

  2,420

  2,100

  1,540

  1,100

  All Countries

  38,580

  33,400

  28,960

  24,480

  Estimated percentages of new recipients of widows benefit per year by country based on table above

  %

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  England

  77.7

  77.5

  81.1

  79.3

  Scotland

  10.0

  9.9

  9.6

  10.3

  Wales

  6.0

  6.3

  4.0

  5.9

  Overseas

  6.2

  6.3

  5.3

  4.5

  All Countries

  100.0

  100.0

  100.0

  100.0

  Notes:

  1. New widows estimated from 5 per cent. samples of Pension Strategy Computer System between September of each year.

  2. Data not available prior to September 1994.

  3. Excludes widows who received a Widows Payment lump sum with no succeeding award of Widows Benefit.

  4. Excludes Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the numbers of those receiving(a) widowed mothers allowance and (b) widows pension in each region and nation; and how many people (i) claimed widowed mothers allowance for the first time, (ii) transferred from widowed mothers allowance to widows benefit and (iii) claimed widows benefit for the first time in the most recent year for which figures are available. [76113]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available the format requested. Such information as is available is in the Tables.

  Number of widows benefit recipients in Great Britain and overseas at September 1998: by country

  Widows pension

  Widowed mothers allowance

  All

  England

  171,560

  37,440

  209,000

  Scotland

  24,120

  5,100

  29,220

  Wales

  11,360

  2,480

  13,840

  Overseas

  13,180

  2,960

  16,140

  All

  220,220

  47,980

  268,200

  Notes:

  1. Caseload estimate from 5 per cent. samples of Pension Strategy Computer System.

  2. Excludes widows who received a Widows Payment lump sum with no succeeding award of Widows Benefit.

  3. Excludes Northern Ireland.
  483

  Estimated number of widows transferring from widowed mothers allowance to widows pension between September 1997 to September 1998: by country

  Widows pension

  England

  1,320

  Scotland

  280

  Wales

  100

  Overseas

  40

  All

  1,740

  Notes:

  1. Caseload estimated from 5 per cent. samples of Pension Strategy Computer System.

  2. Excludes widows who received a Widows Payment lump sum with no succeeding awards of Widows Benefit.

  3. Excludes Northern Ireland.

  Estimated new recipients of widows benefit between September 1997 to September 1998: by country

  Widows pension

  Widowed mothers allowance

  All

  England

  15,020

  4,400

  19,420

  Scotland

  1,980

  540

  2,520

  Wales

  1,180

  260

  1,440

  Overseas

  1,000

  100

  1,100

  All

  19,180

  5,300

  24,480

  Notes:

  1. New Cases estimated from 5 per cent. samples of Pension Strategy Computer System.

  2. Excludes widows who received a Widows Payment lump sum with no succeeding award of Widows Benefit.

  3. Excludes Northern Ireland.

  State Second Pension
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) which versions of the state second pension, and what assumptions about the dates of take-up, underlie the table on page 105 of the White Paper, Partnership in Pensions (Cm 4179); [76110]

  (2) which versions of the state second pension, taken up at what dates, underlie Chart 5 on page 41 of the White Paper, Partnership in Pensions (Cm 4179). [76136]

  Mr. Timms
  Both Chart 5 on page 41 and the examples given in the table on page 105 of the Green Paper "A new contract for welfare: Partnership in Pensions" are based on the first stage of the proposed State Second Pension. An implementation date of April 2002 was assumed.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what variation there will be between men and women as regards the benefits of the current SERPS and proposed state second pension system set out in the table on page 105 of the White Paper, Partnership in Pensions (Cm 4179). [76109]

  Mr. Timms
  The examples of pension provision shown on page 105 of the Green Paper "A new contract for welfare: Partnership in Pensions" apply equally to men and women.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out the qualifying conditions in terms of income and other factors for availability of the state second pension(a) to 2002, (b) from 2002 to 2007 and (c) after 2007. [76748]
  484
  Mr. Timms
  No one will qualify for the State Second Pension prior to April 2002, as this is the proposed implementation date. The qualifying conditions for the first stage of the State Second Pension are set out in Chapter 6 of the Green Paper "A new contract for welfare: Partnership in Pensions". The introduction of the second stage of the State Second Pension is dependent on stakeholder pensions becoming established as low-cost, value-for money, funded second pensions. It is expected that, once the second stage is implemented, the qualifying conditions will remain the same.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate, on the basis of the 1988–89 and 1994 retirement surveys, the proportion of pensioners whose real incomes decline in the five years after reaching state pension age. [76101]

  Mr. Timms
  This Department does not hold retirement survey data in a format that would allow the information to be produced. The Department commissioned the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and the Age Concern Institute of Gerontology (ACIOG) to carry out the analysis of the combined 1988–89 and 1994 data. Findings were published in "The Dynamics of Retirement" (1998) DSS Research Report No. 72, The Stationery Office. Converting the data to an appropriate format and producing a reliable analysis would involve disproportionate cost.

  Brit Awards
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list those Ministers in his Department who were present at the recent Brit awards in an official capacity, indicating the organisation acting as their sponsor or host. [76653]

  Mr. Timms
  None of this Department's Ministers attended the Brit awards.

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mr. Bendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are currently in receipt of Invalid Care Allowance; and what proportion of carers this represents. [76450]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of Invalid Care Allowance is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Rendel, dated 12 March 1999:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people are currently in receipt of Invalid Care Allowance; and what proportion of carers this represents.
  Invalid Care Allowance (ICA) is a benefit for people of working age who are regularly caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week. As at 10 March 1999 374,241 people were in receipt of the allowance.
  Unfortunately, information about numbers of recipients as a proportion of carers who fulfil the ICA eligibility conditions is not available.
  I am sorry I could not, on this occasion, be more helpful.
  485

  Pension Case
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects the Benefits Agency to begin payment of the retirement pension due to the constituent of the hon. Member for Aylesbury (reference ZW755428A); and if he will make a statement. [76467]

  Mr. Timms
  The administration of Retirement Pension is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Lidington, dated 12 March 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking when he expects the Benefits Agency to begin payment of Retirement Pension to your constituent who lives in Aylesbury.
  In this case your constituent elected to have their Retirement Pension paid four-weekly by Automated Credit Transfer. The first payment was released timeously to their bank account on 26 February 1999. They were advised of this on the same day.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will define the broad-based mechanism to check awards of disability living allowance under the new periodic review system referred to in his letter to hon. Members of 28 January. [76765]

  Mr. Bayley
  We are determined to ensure that people are receiving the correct amount of benefit. From April 1999, a new fairer system of periodic inquiry into benefit entitlement will commence for existing recipients of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The process will incorporate lessons already learned and will be evaluated and refined as it develops.

  Initially, cases will be selected for inquiry action on a proportional basis across the range of awards to be included. People selected for inquiry action will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire, based on the current claim form for DLA, either by post or at a home visit. These two methods of approach will be applied evenly across the range of people selected to help identify the best means of approach in individual cases. Once completed, the inquiry form will provide the Benefits Agency (BA) with an up to date picture of the need that the individual has for help with personal care and mobility and allow the BA to determine whether a review of entitlement would be appropriate. This will enable awards to be increased or decreased in line with entitlement. All staff involved in the new processes will receive full training before commencing this new work. The inquiry action will be monitored and evaluated after six months of operation and the findings will be used to continue to improve the process.

  Initially, the new system will exclude DLA recipients whose cases were examined by the Benefit Integrity Project (BIP) and those groups of disabled people that were specifically excluded from the action of the BIP. People who are terminally ill and meet the criteria set out in Section 66(2)(a) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 and people with a fixed period award due to end within the next three years will also not
  486
  be contacted. Full details are set out at in my Written Answer to the hon. Member for Winchester (Mr. Oaten) on 10 March 1999, Official Report, columns 251–52.

  Some disabling conditions, and the needs that they generate, change very little over time whilst others can be very variable in effect and/or degenerative in nature. The BA is therefore working to establish the proper frequency with which individuals should be asked about their current needs, so that, in the future, inquiries can be made at the most appropriate time and new claimants can be advised from the outset when inquiries are likely to be made in their case. This action does not affect the responsibility of all claimants to tell the BA about changes that may affect benefit entitlement.

  Wind Chill Factor
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had with the Meteorological Office concerning its proposals to pilot a study of weather stations in Scotland to take account of the wind chill factor in the assessment of cold weather payments; how much such a scheme would cost; and what plans he has to initiate such a scheme. [76146]

  Angela Eagle
  No discussions have taken place with the Meteorological Office on such a pilot. Nor is it possible to estimate the cost of introducing into the current scheme an allowance for the effects of wind speed because no trigger criterion exists combining it with external air temperature.

  A number of formulae are used to calculate the combined effects of air temperature and wind speed on the human body when in the open air (commonly referred to as "windchill"). However, the Building Research Establishment advises that these are not appropriate when assessing heat loss from buildings, because different heat transfer mechanisms apply.

  We are committed to tackling the problems associated with vulnerable people keeping warm and have already introduced numerous substantial measures to meet this objective. The most recent ones were announced in the Budget and will provide extra help for pensioners and young children in low income families. They include increasing the level of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioner households to £100 from next Winter and a substantial increase in the rates of benefit payable in income-related benefits for children under the age of eleven. The Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill proposals will also provide extra help for those in greatest need who have a long-term illness or are disabled.

  Taking into account all the measures already introduced we do not believe that amending the Cold Weather Payment scheme would be the most effective way to get help to those who need it most.

  NIRS2
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on current progress on the introduction of the new National Insurance Recording System (NIRS2). [77192]

  Mr. Darling
  My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Social Security, in his written answer on 18 January 1999,Official Report, columns 368–70,

  487
  updated the House about progress that the Contributions Agency had made in addressing outstanding issues relating to the introduction of the new National Insurance Recording System (NIRS2). These issues include recording 1997–98 National Insurance Contributions, links between the NIRS2 system and claims for benefit, and wider roll-out of NIRS2 functionality.

  Since January the Contributions Agency has worked closely with Andersen Consulting to address these issues. Details of the progress that has been made are set out. Where issues have not yet been fully resolved, the Contributions and Benefits Agencies have endeavoured to minimise their impact on individuals and action is being put in place to identify the best way forward.

  In the light of outstanding issues relating to the introduction of NIRS2, it has been necessary to review the Contributions and Benefits Agencies' objectives for the remainder of the year and to re-prioritise activity. To ensure that we receive the greatest benefit from the system capacity, I have decided that the recording of 1997–98 National Insurance Contributions and payment of age-related rebates should be the first priorities. This will minimise the disruption to individuals and ensure that payments to individuals' personal pensions are made. However, a consequence of this decision is that some system backlogs will not be cleared until into the next financial year.

  My hon. Friend the Minister of State reported that, at 11 January, 31 million National Insurance contributions for the tax year 1997–98 had been posted. At 14 March 1999, 39 million items had been posted for the year, with 5.8 million items still to be posted. Action is underway to clear these outstanding items swiftly.

  The cumulative total of age-related rebate payments paid to occupational and personal pension schemes in respect of individual scheme members in this financial year has increased from £1,411 million on 4 January 1999 to £1,882 million on 1 March. This is over 75 per cent. of the expected net total for the year. (The cumulative total figure includes a compensation element.) Action is underway to clear the outstanding backlog.

  The NIRS2 link to Retirement Pensions, Widows Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and Incapacity Benefit is being used to process new claims to benefit. Where 1997–98 contributions are not yet recorded, there is a continuing need to make initial awards of Retirement Pension and emergency payments to widows. Initial and emergency awards of National Insurance benefits made since April 1998 will be reviewed following completion of the recording of 1997–98 National Insurance contribution information. The Benefits Agency hopes to begin reviewing these claims from April 1999.

  The Benefits Agency continues to calculate entitlement to State Earnings Related Pensions clerically for people who request this. 5,703 such calculations had been completed at 15 March.

  By 8 February 1999 a cumulative total of over £415 million of self-employed and voluntary National Insurance contributions had been billed and/or collected through the monthly payment method. In addition, over £286 million had been billed through the quarterly payment method.
  488
  New registration facilities for self-employed people who want to pay their contributions by monthly Direct Debit or by quarterly bills are fully operational.

  Adult registrations continue to be processed using the NIRS2 on-line facility and plastic National Insurance Number (NINO) cards are being issued. The exercise to process Scottish Juvenile registrations is complete. The full Juvenile Registration facilities were made available on 10 March 1999.

  All the work involved is being taken forward through a coordinated plan agreed between the Agencies involved. In order to minimise the impact on customers, we have set up a Benefits Agency taskforce that will take on responsibility for benefit claims affected by the delays. This will give customers a single point of contact by both telephone and post. The taskforce can be contacted, at local call rates, on 08456 010586 between 08.30 and 16.30 Monday to Friday, or customers can write to the taskforce at PO Box 6, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE98 1XB.

  Ministers will keep the House informed of progress.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Early Years Development
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) when he plans to announce approval of the local education authority early years development and childcare plans which were submitted to him last month; [76295]

  (2) if he plans to approve all local education authority early years development and childcare plans on the basis of a three tier approval system; and if he will set out those tiers and the criteria used to judge the plans at each level. [76294]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: There will be three levels of decision: full approval, conditional approval and deferred approval. Full approval will be awarded to plans which broadly meet the criteria set out in Section three of the 'Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership Planning Guidance for 1999–2000.' For plans which meet most of the planning guidance but have some gaps in information, approval will be conditional on the subsequent submission of material to fill the gaps. Where plans do not show that the statutory duty to provide nursery education places for four year olds will be met, where there is clear evidence of a failure in partnership working or where the plan falls well short of meeting the criteria in the planning guidance, approval will be deferred until an acceptable plan is submitted.

  I hope to make an announcement by the end of the month.

  SATS (Level 6)
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many primary school pupils in England were entered for the level 6 SATS papers in 1998 in(a) English, (b) mathematics and (c) science; how many were awarded level 6 in each subject; and what are the comparative figures for (i) 1994, (ii) 1995, (iii) 1996 and (iv) 1997. [75550]
  489
  Ms Estelle Morris
  The available information is given in the following table:

  Level 6 national curriculum test paper—key stage 2

  Number of pupils entered

  Number of pupils achieving level 6

  1998

  1997

  1996

  1998

  1997

  1996

  1995

  English

  21,689

  26,538

  34,409

  59

  484

  1,021

  192

  Mathematics

  21,002

  23,466

  24,492

  1,013

  837

  434

  1,545

  Science

  8,687

  8,760

  8,076

  223

  380

  122

  392

  Note:

  Information on the number of pupils entered for 1995 is not available, as data were not collected centrally at pupil level

  EU Education Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the agenda for the forthcoming EU Education Council on 18 March. [77157]

  Mr. Mudie
  The Education Council provisionally scheduled for 18 March has been cancelled.

  Target 2000
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on progress made in introducing the Target 2000 programme of education and training for young people. [76457]

  Mr. Mudie
  Our manifesto commitment to get all young people on the road to a Level 2 qualification by the year 2000 is being taken forward by our Investing in Young People strategy. A key component of the strategy is the expansion of National Traineeships, as part of the reform of Youth Training. 28,000 people have now started National Traineeships, which build on the success of Modern Apprenticeships and are available in 46 sectors of industry and commerce. A target of 100,000 starts has been set for March 2000.

  The strategy is wide ranging and includes piloting of an Education Maintenance Allowance in 12 areas, refocusing of the Careers Service on those most in need, expansion of the New Start strategy, and implementation of the Right to Time for Study legislation.

  We expect to develop the strategy further in the light of the forthcoming Social Exclusion Unit report into young people not in education, employment or training.

  Nursery Voucher Scheme
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the savings resulting from the abolition of the nursery voucher scheme. [74785]

  Ms Hodge
  The nursery education voucher scheme was replaced in September 1997 by local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships and Plans which, from September 1998, have guaranteed a free, part-time early education place for all four year olds, for the three terms before compulsory school age, for those parents who want one in the maintained, private or voluntary sectors. The savings which accrued have been allocated to fund the establishment of a pilot scheme of 25 Early Excellence Centres by 2001, of which 17 have already been announced. From September 1999, additional funding will be provided to expand early education places for three year olds.
  490

  Special Educational Needs
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to publish the outcome of the current consultation exercise on special educational needs; how many responses he has received to that consultation exercise; and if he will publish those responses. [76764]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Department expects to issue a first draft of a revised Code of Practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs in the Autumn. There have been over 600 responses to the consultation document issued on 12 January 1999. Under the Code of Practice on Open Government, any responses to the consultation document will be made public on request unless respondents have indicated that they wished their responses to remain confidential.

  Environment Taskforce
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many under-25s have been placed with the environment taskforce since its inception; what work the taskforce has carried out; and if he will make a statement. [76439]

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

  Letter from Richard Foster to Mr. David Maclean, dated 15 March 1999:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked Leigh Lewis to reply to your question about the number of young people who have participated in the Environment Task Force option of New Deal for 18–24 year olds and what type of work is carried out on it. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Mr. Lewis as Chief Executive of the Agency. I am replying in his absence.
  Up to the end of January, 8,910 young people had started on the Environment Task Force option of the New Deal for 18–24 year olds. This figure is drawn from the latest Government Statistical Service figures to the end of December 1998 and provisional Management Information to the end of January 1999.
  Turning to the type of work carried out, there is a wide range of projects which contribute to conserving energy and water and protecting the environment. We have also been keen to offer opportunities that encourage young people to become involved in local community regeneration. Projects have included dealing with housing, forest and park management, and reclamation of derelict or waste land. All projects are assessed against environmental objectives set by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The key criterion, however, is the extent to which they will develop participants' skills, help them into jobs at the end of their time on the option and increase their long term employability.
  I hope this is helpful.
  491

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Brit Awards
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list those Ministers in his Department who were present at the recent Brit awards in an official capacity, indicating the organisation acting as their sponsor or host. [76650]

  Mr. Hoon
  None.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Race Relations Act 1976
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to implement his proposals to extend the Race Relations Act 1976 to all public services. [74594]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced in his Statement to the House on 24 February 1999,Official Report, columns 389–403, on the report of the inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence, that the Government accepted the recommendation in Sir William Macpherson's report that the police service should be brought within the Race Relations Act 1976. My right hon. Friend also announced that we intend going further by extending the Act to cover all the public services and that we are developing proposals to that end.

  The intention of the Home Secretary is to do so as quickly as possible. Parliamentary time is, of course, limited and the final decision belongs to the Leader of the House.

  Criminal Investigations
  Mr. Beard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review police methods and practices in gathering and interpreting information in the course of an inquiry. [74595]

  Kate Hoey
  Work is already underway in the Police Service to establish performance standards for the investigation of crime, to be followed and monitored in all forces. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has developed a manual of standards for murder investigations and their Crime Committee is developing models of good practice for all areas of crime investigation.

  Domestic Burglars (Sentences)
  Ms Christine Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure severe punishments for those domestic burglars who are convicted for a third time. [74597]

  Mr. Boateng
  As we announced on 12 January 1999,Official Report, column 159, we intend to bring into force this December section 4 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997. This provides minimum sentences of three years for those convicted for the third time of an offence of domestic burglary.
  492

  Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which of his Department's Ministers and officials saw the Macpherson report between 15 and 23 February; for what purpose; and if he will make a statement. [74598]

  Mr. Straw
  Details of this kind will need to be established by the independent investigator appointed to investigate the leak of parts of the Macpherson Report. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's response to the Macpherson inquiry report into the death of Stephen Lawrence. [74604]

  Mr. Boateng
  The report into the death of Stephen Lawrence was published on 24 February 1999. The Home Secretary made an oral statement on that day,Official Report, columns 389–403, and said that he will be publishing an action plan detailing how the Government intend to take forward the recommendations and that there will be a full day's debate on this in due course.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of
  State for the Home Department what is(a) the name of the independent investigator into the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry leak and (b) who is his reporting officer for day-to-day Civil Service work. [76191]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: The investigator is independent; the question of a reporting officer does not, therefore, arise. It is not the practice to give details of investigators.

  Social Exclusion
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the role of the voluntary sector in tackling social exclusion. [74599]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government fully recognise the essential role that the voluntary and community sector plays in tackling social exclusion. Many organisations from the sector have unique experience and knowledge of areas of need and opportunity. The Policy Action Teams established to take this work forward include representatives from a range of voluntary organisations.

  Witness Protection
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the policy on the financing of witness protection; and if he will make a statement. [74600]

  Mr. Boateng
  Formal witness protection arrangements are funded from within existing budgets of individual police forces and, as such, are a matter left to the discretion of Chief Police Officers.

  I have no plans to review these arrangements.

  Police (Young People)
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what(a) guidance and (b) training is offered to police forces on the policing of young people. [R] [74601]
  493
  Kate Hoey
  The Home Office has issued guidance, in conjunction with the DfEE, to both police forces and local educational authorities on the application of the truancy provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The National Operations Faculty at the Police Staff College, Bramshill, provides training for officers who manage the police input to Youth Offending Teams. The Faculty has recently established a database for use by forces on information relating to the policing of young people with a view to disseminating good policing practice. Individual forces may also provide other training to meet local needs.

  Family Support
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on supporting families. [74602]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government's family policy is set out in the consultation document Supporting Families. The consultation period ends today (Monday 15 March). Work to assess the responses to the consultation exercise is already in hand, and the Ministerial Group on the Family will use the responses to inform the development of its strategy to increase the support available to families.

  Police Complaints
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times since May 1997 a complaint against a police force has been externally investigated. [74603]

  Mr. Boateng
  15 complaints cases were recorded as having been referred to another force for investigation in England and Wales in 1997–98, the latest year for which figures are available. Each case may consist of one or more complaint. This figure does not include investigations involving allegations of criminal or disciplinary offences in which no complaint has been received from a member of the public.

  The Government support the recommendation of the Home Affairs Select Committee in its report on police disciplinary and complaints procedures that investigation by an outside force should become a more regular occurrence than it is at present. The new guidance which we will be issuing shortly on police discipline and complaints procedures will encourage chief officers to make greater use of investigating officers from outside forces.

  Crime Audits
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the crime audits completed to date by local partnerships. [74605]

  Mr. Boateng
  The audits are a necessary and important step in the formulation of the local crime and disorder reduction strategies—which have to be completed by 1 April 1999. I am encouraged by the commitment I see on the part of the local partnerships to completing the tasks set for them in a timely and effective way.
  494

  Criminal Records (Children)
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the availability of criminal records of children looked after by one local authority and placed in another local authority area to the local police in that area. [74606]

  Mr. Boateng
  Details of the criminal records of individuals who come to police notice can be accessed by the police directly from the national criminal records database on the Police National Computer or from local police records.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost of current provision of benefits in kind to asylum seekers. [74607]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The cost of the current provision of benefits in kind to asylum seekers will not be known until after the current financial year. However, we believe that the unit costs which have been set for 1998–99, whilst challenging, are realistic. The unit costs are:

  £165 per week for single adults;

  £230 per week for families (or £240 per week for families already resident within Inner London);

  £400 for unaccompanied children aged 15 and under: and

  £200 for unaccompanied 16 and 17 year olds.

  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people claimed asylum in the United Kingdom during 1998. [74613]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Forty six thousand and fifteen claimed asylum in 1998.

  Animal Procedures Committee
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met members of the Animal Procedures Committee to discuss progress in reducing the numbers of experiments on animals. [74608]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I met with members of the Committee on 9 December 1998. We discussed a number of issues including the need to ensure that animals are used only where fully justified: where the benefits outweigh the costs and where there are no alternatives. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 11 May 1998,Official Report, column 51—the effectiveness of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 cannot be judged by the overall number of procedures.

  Airguns
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the current legislation controlling airguns. [74609]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have no immediate plans to change the law relating to air weapons, but the firearms legislation will be kept under close scrutiny to see if there is anything further which needs to be done to protect the public safety.
  495

  Special Constables
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the recruitment of special constables; and if he will make a statement. [74610]

  Kate Hoey
  No representations have been received in respect of the recruitment of special constables.

  The government fully support the efforts of police forces to recruit more special constables who bring a level of commitment and local knowledge which is invaluable in policing their own communities.

  Illegal Immigrants
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the road transport industry over his plans to levy financial penalties on lorry drivers found guilty of transporting illegal immigrants. [74611]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have held a number of meetings with representatives of the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association, on the proposed penalty prior to the Bill's publication. I will continue to work closely with the industry on the detailed operation of this new penalty.

  Police Vehicles (Accidents)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been(a) injured or (b) killed since 1990 as a result of an accident involving a police vehicle answering a 999 call. [74614]

  Mr. Boateng
  Figures dealing solely with responses to emergency calls are not available centrally as statistics collate them together with accidents arising from pursuits. Information has been provided by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, to whom forces submit statistical returns. Collection arrangements have changed over the period so figures for 1990 to 1993 cover only serious injuries.

  Police vehicle accidents arising from responses to immediate calls and pursuits, England and Wales

  Injuries

  Fatalities

  1990

  317

  24

  1991

  271

  32

  1992

  300

  30

  1993

  300

  34

  1994–95

  11,830

  121

  1995–96

  22,169

  221

  1996–97

  21,930

  215

  1997–98

  2,123

  15

  1Figures from 3 forces are missing from the total

  2 Figures from 2 forces are missing from the total

  Police Officers (Ethnic Communities)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to encourage the promotion of police officers from the ethnic communities to senior rank. [74615]
  496
  Kate Hoey
  Individual targets will be set for each force for the recruitment, retention and progression of ethnic minority officers. We believe that targets coupled with a range of initiatives aimed at removing barriers to progression will inevitably lead over time to more ethnic minority officers in senior ranks.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the reduction in the number of experiments following the ban on the testing on animals of cosmetic experiments and ingredients. [74592]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes, South-West (Dr. Starkey), on 15 February 1999,Official Report, column 598 an average of about 2,000 animals a year were used in cosmetics testing from 1995 to 1997.

  Closed Circuit Television
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he gives to people installing closed circuit television about issues of privacy, retention of recordings and the need to follow a published code of practice. [74596]

  Mr. Boateng
  A code of practice for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems is essential to ensure that CCTV is operated with integrity and respect for personal privacy. Public space CCTV systems funded under the Home Office Challenge Competition should comply with the best practice code developed by the Local Government Information Unit.

  The Data Protection Act 1998 will provide a framework for the statutory regulation of CCTV systems.

  The Data Protection Registrar has started to develop a code of practice, to be issued under her new powers as Data Protection Commissioner. This code will provide guidance to CCTV operators on how to comply with the Act's requirements.

  Sex Offender Orders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sex offender orders have been(a) applied for and (b) granted under section 2 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [76023]

  Mr. Boateng
  To date, we are aware of one Sex Offender Order having been granted. No information is held centrally to indicate the number of Sex Offender Orders which have been applied for.

  Police (False Information)
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were charged with wasting police time, other than by making malicious complaints against the police, in each constabulary area in England and Wales during each year from 1996 to 1998. [75904]

  Mr. Boateng
  There is no offence of making a malicious complaint against the police, but a person may commit an offence under section 5(2) of the Criminal Law
  497
  Act 1967 where he or she causes wasteful employment of the police by giving false information to them. Information is available centrally only on the number of people cautioned, prosecuted or convicted for an offence under section 5(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1967.

  In 1996 in England and Wales, there were 134 cautions, 60 prosecutions and 44 convictions for an offence under section 5(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1967. In 1997, there were 95 cautions, 71 prosecutions, and 56 convictions for the same offence.

  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of man/days identified as having been spent in the investigation of(a) malicious complaints and (b) false information within each constabulary area in England and Wales during each year from 1996 to 1998. [75903]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is not recorded centrally.

  Electoral Registers
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many councils did not have the 1999–2000 electoral register available in(a) printed and (b) tape or disc form on 16 February; and what requirements there are for councils to make registers available by that date. [76626]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Information on the availability of the new electoral register for each local council area is not held centrally.

  Under the Representation of the People Act 1983, electoral registration officers are required to publish the register not later than 15 February in any year. If any part of a register is not published by this date then, until the day after it is published, the corresponding part of the previous register continues in use. Once published, printed copies are required to be made available to electoral users on request, whilst data copies are to be supplied on payment of the appropriate fee.

  Police (South Cumbria)
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been made to him concerning (i) the number of police stations and police officers and (ii) police resources in South Cumbria by(a) members of the police and (b) hon. Members. [76665]

  Mr. Boateng
  I have not received any representations specifically about the number of police stations, officers or police resources in South Cumbria. I did, however, receive two representations from hon. Members, one representation from the Cumbria Police Authority and one representation from the Allerdale Borough Council about the police funding allocation for the Cumbria Police Authority in 1999–2000. Only the letter from the hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale referred to the number of police stations and police officers.

  I also had a meeting with representatives of the Cumbria Police Authority and the Chief Constable on 6 January about the funding settlement for 1999–2000 at which the hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale was present.
  498
  I understand that the Cumbria Police Authority have approved a budget increase of 2.7 per cent. for 1999–2000.

  Prisons (Phones)
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are(a) the costs, (b) the purposes and (c) the timescale of the contract awarded to BT for new technology phones in prisons; and if he will make a statement. [76664]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The new prisoner telephone system, which is due to be installed in all prisons in England and Wales by May 2000, has the dual purpose of enabling prisoners to maintain their family ties whilst minimising the risk of misuse. The new system is being provided and maintained at no cost to the Prison Service throughout the duration of the ten-year contract.

  WPC Yvonne Fletcher
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report from the Metropolitan Police on the review of the evidence surrounding the murder of WPC Fletcher. [74874]

  Mr. Boateng
  The police review of the evidence surrounding the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher has taken longer than originally anticipated. I understand from the Metropolitan police, however, that this review will be completed in the near future.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Walsall, North of 10 February concerning a constituent. [76227]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: I have written today on the Home Secretary's behalf to my hon. Friend for Walsall, North.

  European Parliamentary Elections
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on(a) the counting arrangements and (b) the procedures to be adopted in the event of a recount in the elections for the European Parliament, in relation to counting at (i) parliamentary constituency level and (ii) regional centre level. [77127]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Details of the proposed counting arrangements for European Parliamentary elections were set out in the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Tewkesbury (Mr. Robertson) on 8 March 1999,Official Report, column 33.

  Parties and candidates will be entitled to be present at all of the local counts and to ask for a recount. They will also be entitled to be present at the place where the regional returning officer performs the seat allocation calculation and to ask him to repeat the calculation.

  Criminal Justice Act 1993
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will implement the measures contained in Part I of the Criminal Justice Act 1993. [76292]
  499
  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: Discussions are currently taking place with Departments most closely interested in the implementation of Part I of the Criminal Justice Act 1993. It is hoped that we will be in a position to bring Part I into force very soon.

  Justice and Home Affairs Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 12 March, indicating the position taken by the UK Government on each item discussed. [76200]

  Mr. Straw
  I will report to the House as soon as possible on the outcome of this Council.

  Police (Oxfordshire)
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there were in Oxfordshire in(a) March 1997, (b) March 1998 and (c) March 1999; and how many he estimates there will be in March 2000. [76785]

  Mr. Boateng
  I understand from the Chief Constable that it is not possible to provide information on the number of police officers in Oxfordshire as the territorial divisions of the Thames Valley Police are not co-terminous with the county boundaries of the three counties that make up the force area.

  Information on the number of officers for March 1999 will not be available before the middle of May. Ministers have no direct control over police numbers. Under legislation passed by the previous Government in 1994, it is for the individual chief constables to determine the number of police officers in their force, on the basis of the resources made available to them. It is not, therefore, possible to provide a projection of the force's strength for March 2000.

  Numbers of officers in the Thames Valley Police in 1997 and 1998 are set out in the table:

  Thames Valley Police

  Year

  Number of officers1

  31 March 1997

  3,695

  31 March 1998

  3,776

  1 Full-time equivalents

  Public Safety Radio Communications Project
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated(a) initial capital cost and (b) annual running cost of the Public Safety Radio Communications Project in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [75701]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Public Safety Radio Communications Project (PSRCP) is to be delivered as a Private Finance Initiative scheme. British Telecom will be the service provider and, therefore, responsible for the capital infrastructure costs.
  500
  I am advised by Police Information Technology Organisation that negotiations for the award of the contract for PSRCP are now entering their final stage. I am, therefore, not able to comment on annual running costs as they are part of the contract negotiations.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what form of competition took place prior to negotiations starting on the introduction of the Public Safety Radio Communications Project; and what other parties took an interest in providing the communications services required by the Police. [75703]

  Mr. Boateng
  A full competition was held under European Community rules and three consortia were invited to submit a bid. The Project Definition Study was awarded to Quadrant—a consortium led by British Telecom after the two other consortia withdrew from the competition.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contingency plans have been prepared for an alternative to the Public Safety Radio Communications Project. [75702]

  Mr. Boateng
  A fallback strategy has been produced and is being further developed to assist forces to procure replacement radio systems, either locally or regionally.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans there are for other emergency services to be included in negotiations on the introduction of the Public Safety Radio Communications Project. [75704]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Police Information Technology Organisation are negotiating with British Telecom about the introduction of the Public Safety Radio Communications service for the police. They are keeping potential sharers of the service informed of developments.

  District Plans (Police Authority Objections)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what statutory authority police authorities may object to local authorities' unitary district plan proposals; and if he will list the occasions on which this has occurred in each of the last five years. [75939]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I have been asked to reply.

  Police authorities, like any other individual, body or organisation, can object to a unitary development plan during the statutory periods set out in the Town and Country Planning (Development Plans) Regulations 1991. Information on organisations making objections is not collected centrally.

  2001 Census
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received calling for the inclusion of additional categories in the 2001 census to identify(a) race and (b) ethnic origin. [74630]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Office for National Statistics, along with the other two UK Census Offices, has conducted a lengthy programme of consultation with all user communities on their requirements for questions to be considered in the

  501
  2001 Census. This consultation process culminated in the submission by users of business cases setting out the uses and values of Census information for each particular topic. Ministers have now considered the case for a revised ethnic group question in the 2001 Census, and the Government's proposals were published in a White Paper on 4 March [Cm 4253].

  During the period of consultation, a total of 154 representations calling for the inclusion of additional categories in the 2001 Census to identify ethnic origin have been received as follows:
  108 from MPs and 31 from MEPs, on behalf of the British Sikh Federation, the Kashmiri Workers Association, the Federation of Irish Societies, Cornwall 2000, Cornish Solidarity and 15 from individual members of the public.

  Live Animal Imports
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there were for breaches of the law in respect of live animal imports for each year from 1990 to the latest year for which figures are available. [75846]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have been asked to reply.

  Statistics concerning the number of prosecutions for breach of the law in respect of live animal imports are as follows:

  Number of prosecutions for breaches of the law in respect of live animal imports into Great Britain

  Year

  Number

  1990

  60

  1991

  99

  1992

  73

  1993

  58

  1994

  79

  1995

  71

  1996

  71

  1997

  54

  1998

  50

DEFENCE

  Gulf War Veterans
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Gulf War veterans have died since the end of the war in 1991; [62958]

  (2) how many service personnel who served in the Gulf War of 1991 have died whilst still serving in HM forces. [62960]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 9 December 1998]: The Ministry of Defence has identified 53,462 members of the UK armed forces who were deployed on Operation GRANBY or to a state in the Gulf region at some time between 1 September 1990 and 30 June 1991. As at 5 March 1999, 381 of these individuals were recorded by the MOD as having died since 1 April 1991, of which 254 were regular personnel recorded as having died whilst still serving in the armed forces. Information received by the MOD in respect of a further 17 Gulf veterans who have been reported as having died is currently in the process of being verified.
  502

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the cost of moving a non-infantry TA battalion HQ from South to North Wales. [68478]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 1 February 1999]: No assessment has been made of the cost of transferring a non-infantry TA Regimental Headquarters from South to North Wales. There are no non-infantry TA Battalion Headquarters in the South of Wales.

  Compensation
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to publish a consultation document following the review of arrangements for compensating service personnel and their dependants injured or killed during service. [72250]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: The joint MOD/DSS review of compensation arrangements for service personnel has proved more complicated than expected and therefore taken longer than we originally planned. We are, however, pressing ahead with the work and we hope to publish a consultation document around the middle of the year.

  Defence Agencies (Targets)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to set targets for the(a) Army Training and Recruiting Agency, (b) Defence Bills Agency, (c) Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and (d) Army Base Repair Organisation for the year 1999–2000. [71943]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 25 February 1999]: We expect to set Key Targets for these four agencies by the end of April 1999.

  Air Miles
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many air miles have been earned by him and each of his ministers; and how he proposes to use them. [73332]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Government's policy on the use and disposal of air miles was set out by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 12 January 1999,Official Report, column 141.

  Detailed information on any air miles earned by Ministers as a result of official travel is not recorded centrally.

  Depleted Uranium
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what continuing research is in progress on depleted uranium under the medical assessment programme;[74718]

  (2) for what reason testing for depleted uranium has been omitted from the overt list of standard tests carried out at the medical assessment programme; [74717]
  503
  (3) what tests for depleted uranium have been undertaken under the medical assessment programme; and what consent for such testing was sought from those tested. [74719]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The primary purpose of the Gulf veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) is to investigate the medical complaints of UK Gulf War veterans and, so far as possible, to diagnose what they are suffering from and recommend appropriate treatment, or provide reassurance if no illness is found.

  When the MAP was first established in 1993, its first Head, Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Bill Coker, initially carried out those tests he felt necessary on clinical grounds to establish a diagnosis. When the number of patients referred to the MAP increased, he carried out a number of screening tests, similar to those then used by the US Department of Defense's Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Programme (CCEP), which is broadly equivalent to the MAP. These screening tests did not include a test to detect the presence of uranium because Group Captain Coker had not previously seen any features in patients to indicate that such testing was clinically necessary. The US experience had suggested that the urinary excretion of uranium was only significantly increased in those veterans with retained fragments of depleted uranium (DU). As MOD was not aware of any UK Service personnel who had sustained shrapnel injuries from DU-based ammunition, it was not thought necessary to screen routinely for uranium excretion, although testing could be carried out on a case by case basis if clinically indicated. Any other tests considered clinically appropriate would also be performed, these additional tests varying from patient to patient. This system of investigation was in place at the time of the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) clinical audit in 1995.

  The RCP's subsequent report, published in July 1995, endorsed the MAP' s professional independence and integrity and made specific comments on how the Programme could be improved. However, with the exception of a recommendation concerning psychiatric assessments, the RCP did not recommend any changes to the tests and examinations carried out by the MAP.

  The baseline tests currently carried out on MAP patients by St. Thomas's Hospital on the MAP's behalf are very similar to those which were in place at the time of the RCP audit in 1995. They are as follows:

  Full blood count and sedimentation rate (FBC/ESR)

  Full biochemical screen, including renal function tests (urea, electrolytes and creatinine), liver function tests (LFT), calcium and blood sugar

  Immunoglobulin analysis

  Creatine kinase

  Thyroid function tests (TFT)

  Serological screening tests

  Chest X-ray (CXR)

  Ultrasound abdominal scan

  Electrocardiogram (ECG)

  Urinalysis

  Peak-flow lung measurement (to determine the necessity for vitalography)

  A management audit of the MAP has recently been conducted, looking at all aspects of patient care and the service provided by the Programme. A final report is in preparation and MOD expects to receive this shortly. We
  504
  intend that this will be made public in due course. This work will then be followed by a clinical audit which will include a review of the range of tests and examinations currently undertaken at the MAP.

  The tests listed are the baseline investigations at the MAP; additional investigations and/or referrals to other consultants/specialists are sometimes required for particular patients. As part of this, any tests which are considered clinically appropriate by the examining MAP physician, which could include those to detect the presence of uranium, are arranged. However, MAP physicians have not so far considered it clinically necessary to conduct tests on any MAP patients to detect the presence of uranium.

  Contrary to some recent media reports, the MOD is not conducting testing in relation to the possible exposure of Gulf veterans to DU, secret or otherwise.

  On 16 December 1998, Official Report, columns 520–22, I announced that I had asked my officials to collate the information which the Department possesses concerning mechanisms which could be used to test for the presence of uranium in the human body. I expect to publish the results of this work shortly and will make arrangements for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.

  The MAP is not a research programme and it is not involved in any research concerning DU. Although the Ministry of Defence is funding a range of studies into aspects of Gulf veterans' illnesses, none of these are specifically aimed at investigating the relationship between possible exposure to DU and the illnesses being experienced by some Gulf veterans.

  The Ministry of Defence is well aware that a link has been suggested between DU exposure and Gulf veterans' illnesses. However, this is only one of a number of factors which have been suggested as causes of Gulf veterans' illnesses and, pending further medical and scientific evidence, MOD is keeping an open mind on this issue. MOD would be very interested to see any new relevant information on this subject.

  Personnel Strategy
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out his Department's Armed Forces Overarching Personnel Strategy. [74651]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 4 March 1999]: A key outcome of the Strategic Defence Review was a widespread recognition of the need for an Armed Forces Overarching Personnel Strategy. We are currently developing this important strategy, which will be a major contribution to improving the joint environment in which the Armed Forces will increasingly work. We will keep the House fully informed as this work matures.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the meetings since May 1997 held with representatives of the British defence industry by each of his special advisers. [74642]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 4 March 1999]: Both special advisers meet representatives of the British defence industry in the course of their duties.

  505
  Mr. Bernard Gray has particular responsibilities in relation to defence procurement and industrial policy and is therefore in day-to-day contact with a wide variety of industry representatives.

  Government to Government Programme
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Swindon, South (Ms Drown) of 26 January 1999,Official Report, columns 173–74, if he will list the customer Governments which contributed to the cost of project offices for Government to Government programmes, stating in each case the size of receipts; and what the total receipts were in the three previous financial years.[76125]

  Mr. Spellar
  The customer Governments which contributed to the cost of project offices for Government to Government defence programmes are those of Kuwait, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Details relating to the level of contributions made are confidential between Her Majesty's Government and the customer Governments concerned. I am therefore withholding that information under the provisions of Exemption 1 of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  AWE Aldermaston
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with Hunting-Brae over replacing the Pangbourne pipeline with an evaporator following the enforcement notice served on AWE Aldermaston by the Environment Agency. [76018]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Enforcement Notice served on 9 February made no reference to the Pangbourne pipeline. There is no requirement at present to replace it. However, AWE has for some years been examining the best environmental choices for all its discharges, which includes consideration of evaporators and absorbers and the MOD Compliance Office at Aldermaston have been involved in this work. If, at some point in the future, replacement is considered necessary, AWE, the Ministry of Defence and the Environment Agency will have to be satisfied that any alternative offers environmental advantages over the present system.

  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the nuclear installations inspectorate's licence of AWE Aldermaston. [76020]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Trigat
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to sign the Memorandum of Understanding in respect of Medium Range Trigat. [76063]

  Mr. Spellar
  We are considering whether the UK will participate in the Industrialisation and Production Phase of the collaborative Medium Range TRIGAT programme.

  Falklands Military Garrison
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost in 1998 of maintaining the Falklands military garrison; and if he will make a statement. [76367]
  506
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The outturn cost to the Ministry of Defence of the Falkland Islands Garrison in financial year 1998–99 is expected to be approximately £71 million. This figure relates to the costs incurred by the Commander British Forces Falkland Islands only. It does not include the costs of the RAF airbridge to the Falkland Islands, nor the cost of naval deployments to the South Atlantic. These costs fall to other budgets and are not separately identified.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Ministerial visits made to Argentina in 1998. [76366]

  Mr. George Robertson
  No Ministers from my Department visited Argentina in 1998.

  Low-flying Aircraft
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints were received concerning low-flying British military aircraft in 1998. [76266]

  Mr. Spellar
  5,102 complaints and inquiries about aircraft operating within the UK Low-Flying System are recorded centrally as having been received by my Department in 1998. These records do not specify the nationality of the aircraft prompting the report and the number of British aircraft concerned could only be identified at disproportionate cost.

  JP233 System
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of replacing the Saudi Arabian JP233 system with Paveway 111 bombs; from which budget the money was drawn; at whose request and for what reason the replacement was required; and if he will make a statement. [76278]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Under the provisions of the Ottawa Convention and the Landmines Act 1998, which came into force on 1 March 1999, the UK cannot continue to support the Saudi Arabian JP233 anti-airfield weapons, which were supplied by the UK under the Al Yamamah project. As explained in a Minute laid before Parliament on 4 February 1999, our offer to destroy Saudi JP233s, to provide 100 Paveway 3s as replacements, and to provide modifications and training to allow the Saudis to operate the new system underlines our commitment to the Ottawa Convention, while maintaining strong relations with a strategically important, friendly country. The estimated cost of these measures is £15–17 million, to be funded by the Ministry of Defence.

  Neo-Nazi Groups
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on steps taken to curb the activities of neo-Nazi groups reported to have infiltrated sections of the British armed forces. [75987]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: Since coming to office we have made very clear our policy on zero tolerance for racism in the Armed Forces. Our priority is for the development of an organisational culture which welcomes racial diversity.

  507
  Our policies, applied rigorously and reinforced by strong leadership from the Service Chiefs, are designed to ensure that racism is eliminated.

  All personnel, of whatever rank, need to understand that there is no home or hiding place for racist attitudes or behaviour. This must be understood not only by serving personnel but also by potential recruits and society generally. The Armed Forces, as a major institution and public body, are taking a clear stand on this. Prejudice, when encountered, is being challenged. Those who transgress the high standards required are, and will continue to be, dealt with firmly. This will include discharge if appropriate.

  It has long been the policy of the Armed Forces that Service life precludes membership of, or support for, groups or organisations whose purpose includes incitement to racial hatred and violence. All three Services already have in place regulations and instruction which give clear guidance to the Chain of Command on the rules, grounds and process governing membership of groups which is incompatible with Service life. This morning, each Service Chief has written to the Command Chain to remind them of the powers and procedures that are available to them and to ensure they are applied in all appropriate circumstances.

  We are continuing to place a high priority on robust awareness training in equal opportunities. Racial equality is an integral part of this; and we have made it mandatory for all senior officers of Brigadier and equivalent level and above to receive such training. Training for remaining personnel has also been strengthened and is being kept under constant review to ensure our priorities are fully reflected and brought to the attention of all personnel at every opportunity.

  Harrier Jump-jet
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what type of aircraft the Government expects to replace the Harrier jump-jet at the end of its service life. [76088]

  Mr. Spellar
  As announced in the Strategic Defence Review, a Future Carrier-Borne Aircraft (FCBA) will replace the Royal Navy Sea Harrier and Royal Air Force Harrier from around 2012. A strong contender for FCBA is a variant of the US Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and the UK is currently participating in the Concept Demonstration Phase. We are also assessing a number of other options including a navalised Eurofighter, Rafale-M, F/A 18E/F and an Advanced Harrier variant.

  Brit Awards
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those Ministers in his Department who were present at the recent Brit awards in an official capacity, indicating the organisation acting as their sponsor or host. [76647]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I was the only Minister from my Department to attend the Brit Awards this year, and was invited by the British Phonographic Institute. I have recorded my attendance with the Registrar of Members Interests.
  508

  Weaponry Gifts
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what gifts of weaponry have been made by the United Kingdom Government to(a) overseas Governments and (b) armed forces since 1 January 1990. [76044]

  Mr. George Robertson
  According to central records, gifts of weaponry by Her Majesty's Government to overseas Governments and armed forces since 1 January 1990 are as follows:(a) Overseas Governments:

  Australia—Gannet MkT5 aircraft

  Belize—Harrier GR3, stores and equipment (which included ammunition)

  Canada—FV 433 Abbott, 4 x Ferret scout cars, 2 x Chieftain main battle tanks, and other (unspecified) armoured vehicles

  Chile—Harrier GR3 aircraft

  Czechoslovakia—Phantom aircraft

  Germany—Harrier, Phantom, Hastings aircraft, FV 432 armoured vehicle,

  Ferret scout car, 2 x Centurion main battle tanks

  Jordan—Hunter aircraft (and spares)

  Luxembourg—25 pounder gun

  Lebanon—500 x self loading rifles

  Norway—Canberra aircraft

  Nepal—70 x light machine guns, self loading rifles and light machine guns, ancillaries for light machine gun

  Romania and Bulgaria (gifted through the Western European Union)—combat support boats,

  Zimbabwe—1000 rounds of ammunition

  (b) Armed forces:

  Baltic Peacekeeping Battalion—anti-tank weapons

  France—AR Martel missiles

  Netherlands—rifle

  Nepal—15 x Ferret scout cars, Ferret spares

  Our records do not show whether an item listed as gifted to an overseas Government was destined for that Government's armed forces. Most of the larger items of equipment shown as gifted to overseas Governments were surplus and were destined for national museums or to museums having official status.

CABINET OFFICE

  Press Releases
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will set out the conventions governing the propriety and cost of press releases issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies; and what is the total cost of the press releases issued since May 1997. [71474]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  [holding answer on 16 February 1999]: Rules governing the work of the Government Information and Communication Service are laid down in the "Guidance on the work of the Government Information Service", published by the Cabinet Office in July 1997. More specific guidance on the writing and issuing of press releases is given in the "Working Guide for Government Information Officers". Copies of both these documents have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
  509
  The cost of press releases by the Cabinet Office and its agencies since May 1997 is approximately £42,500. Details relating to the Central Office of Information can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many press releases have been issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies in each of the years 1990 to 1998. [71473]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  [holding answer on 16 February 1999]: The total number of press releases issued by the Cabinet Office and its agencies between 1980 and 1998 was 1,449. This can be broken down as follows:

  Year

  Number of press releases

  1998

  305

  1997

  189

  1996

  218

  1995

  330

  1994

  272

  1993

  47

  1992

  43

  1991

  42

  1990

  3

  Total

  1,449

  The Central Office of Information issued 28 press notices in its own right in 1998. However, records dating further back are not maintained.

  Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list those people he has appointed to public bodies since 1 November 1998, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and if they receive remuneration. [76414]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The public bodies for which my right hon. Friend is responsible as Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster are: the Civil Service Appeal Board; the Better Regulation Task Force; the Advisory Committee on Advertising; and the Advisory Committee for Justice of the Peace in Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. The following appointments have been made since the 1 November 1998:

  The Better Regulation Task Force

  Members

  Ms Matti Alderson

  Ms Deidre Hutton

  Civil Service Appeal Board

  Deputy Chairperson

  Mr. P. D. Jones

  Member, Official Side Panel

  Ms S. Brown

  Mr. E. McGivern

  P. S. Draper

  Member, Trade Union Side Panel

  Mrs. A. Berney

  Mrs. P. Braby

  No member of any Cabinet Office Public Body receives a salary. Members of the Civil Service Appeal Board receive a fee per daily attendance.
  510

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  British Business
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the ambassadors for British business with whom she has met, the dates on which she met them, and the topics discussed. [74435]

  Clare Short
  I have met with the following "ambassadors for British business" on the dates and times indicated:

  Date

  Topics discussed

  Sir David Barnes

  02.11.99

  Responsible business issues

  Sir John Browne

  08.07.99

  Shared a platform at the speech

  I gave to the Institute of Directors

  Anita Roddick

  17.12.97

  Fair and ethical trade

  Sir Richard Sykes

  14.05.99

  'Roll Back Malaria'

  Adair Turner

  17.09.99

  Fairtrade

  Lord Paul

  on a number of occasions, most recently on 15 December 1998

  Charitable issues, including education

  Electronic Red Boxes
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will name the Ministers in her Department who are regular users of electronic red boxes. [76183]

  Clare Short
  We have no electronic red boxes.

  Zimbabwe
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the organisational development project with the Zimbabwe Republic Police. [76281]

  Clare Short
  This project aims to provide efficient and accountable police services to the people of Zimbabwe, especially the poor and disadvantaged. Recent reviews indicate that it is making good progress. The Zimbabwe Republic Police are already working more closely with local communities in the planning and delivery of improved police services.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the total number of occasions when(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity since 2 May 1997. [76827]

  Clare Short
  Between 2 May 1997 and 28 February 1999, my Special Advisers have made visits overseas on 12 occasions in an official capacity. All travel complied with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what progress has been
  511
  made in determining the tax treatment of future private investments in the Commonwealth Development Corporation; [76780]

  (2) if the details of the tax treatment of future private investments in the Commonwealth Development Corporation will be available to the House before the second reading of the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill. [76779]

  Clare Short
  I intend to introduce amendments at Committee stage to the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill to cover tax provisions.

  Brit Awards
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list those Ministers in her Department who were present at the recent Brit awards in an official capacity, indicating the organisation acting as their sponsor or host. [76655]

  Clare Short
  Neither myself nor the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State attended the Brit awards.

  Casa Alianza
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding her Department has provided to Casa Alianza in the last five years. [76755]

  Clare Short
  None.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) pursuant to his answer of 16 February 1999,Official Report, column 739, on Iraq, from whom he received the account of the episode relating to the 16-year-old Iraqi youth; [72887]

  (2) when he will reply to the question from the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 22 February, on the episode relating to the 16-year-old Iraqi youth (ref 72887). [75497]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answers 25 February and 8 March 1999]: I received the information from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

  Nepal
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the Government of Nepal concerning the disappearance of Mr. Rajendra Dhakal, Chairman of the Forum for the Protection of Human Rights in Grakha District; [76273]

  (2) what reports he has received relating to the disappearance of nine passengers following police arrests in Kailai District in Nepal on 4 February; [76272]

  (3) what reports he has received of the arrest and alleged torture of Mr. Shaha, President of the District Bar Association and the People's Concern Movement in Nepal; [76252]

  (4) what reports he has received relating to killings in the town of Jajarkot in Nepal. [76274]
  512
  Mr. Fatchett
  We have only very limited knowledge of these specific cases which arise in the more general context of the "People's War" being waged in the mid-Western region of Nepal. We have raised with the Government of Nepal on several occasions our concerns about reports of human rights abuse by the police.

  Slovak Nationals
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the need for Slovak nationals to obtain visas in order to visit the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [R] [76262]

  Ms Quin
  Our decision to introduce visas for Slovak nationals was taken only after careful thought, and as a practical and temporary step to address a practical problem.

  Ministers have taken every opportunity to raise the issue with their Slovak opposite numbers. We are pleased that the Slovak Government are determined to tackle the problems which compelled us to take this action.

  We review our visa regime at regular intervals. We will lift the requirement as soon as we are confident that the problems which led to the imposition of the visa regime will not reappear.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the arrangements to enable citizens of Sierra Leone to visit the United Kingdom for business or training purposes; and when he expects to resume the issuing of visas to enter the United Kingdom to people applying in Freetown. [76445]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The British High Commission in Freetown is still closed. Citizens of Sierra Leone seeking a visa to visit the United Kingdom may apply at any British Diplomatic Mission offering a full entry clearance service. For other categories of visa, applicants who would in normal circumstances submit their application in Freetown are required to apply at British Diplomatic Missions in Dakar, Banjul or Abidjan. The security situation in Freetown is being monitored carefully. UK Based staff will return to Post as soon as it is safe to do so. Visa issuing will resume as soon as practicable thereafter.

  Senator Pinochet
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who was informed by the Head of the Latin America and Caribbean Department following his telephone conversation at midday in Friday 16 October 1998, of the nature of his conversation with the Chilean Ambassador concerning Senator Pinochet's travel arrangements. [76430]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Head of the Latin America and Caribbean Department informed other FCO officials of his conversation with the Chilean Ambassador on 16 October about Senator Pinochet's travel arrangements.
  513

  Pakistan (Human Rights)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the human rights abuses towards Christians in Pakistan on which he has received reports. [76157]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have received several reports of alleged persecution against religious minorities in Pakistan, including Christians. I raised our concerns on this issue with the Minister of Law during my visit to Pakistan in February.

  European Commissioners
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to place in the Library all new declarations of European Commissioners' interests. [76286]

  Ms Quin
  Copies of all new declarations of European commissioners' interests will be placed in the Library when they are made available by the Commission.

  General Affairs Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which EU bodies were instructed at the General Affairs Council of 22 and 23 February to examine EU support for the peace process. [76284]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The General Affairs Council of 22 and 23 February tasked all EU bodies, including the European Commission and the EU Special Envoy, Ambassador Moratinos, the European Commission, to examine how the EU can continue to support the peace process.

  January 1998 to December 1998

  January 1999 to 20 February 1999

  States

  Number of incidents

  Number of persons killed

  Number of persons injured

  Number of incidents

  Number of persons killed

  Number of persons injured

  Andhra Pradesh

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Arunachal Pradesh

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bihar

  4

  1

  2

  1

  —

  —

  Dedar & Nagar Haveli

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Delhi

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Gujarat

  48

  —

  23

  13

  —

  —

  Haryana

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kerala

  6

  —

  —

  4

  —

  11

  Karnataka

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Madhya Pradesh

  3

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  Maharashtra

  9

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Orissa

  3

  —

  —

  4

  3

  2

  Punjab

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tamil Nadu

  3

  —

  6

  2

  —

  —

  Uttar Pradesh

  2

  —

  5

  2

  —

  —

  West Bengal

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Total

  85

  1

  37

  31

  3

  14

  Chilean Embassy
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions over the period 14 to 15 October 1998 representatives from the Chilean Embassy contacted his Department's representatives in London. [76431]
  514
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Leicester, South (Mr. Marshall) of 5 March 1999,Official Report, columns 940–42, on the General Affairs Council, if he will place in the Library a copy of the paper presented by the presidency on work in progress to prepare for entry into force of the Amsterdam Treaty; what was the nature of the discussion on the Schengen Acquis; when the Committee of Permanent Representatives plans to meet to consider the paper; and if he will make a statement. [76369]

  Ms Quin
  I have arranged for a copy of the Presidency paper to be placed in the Library of the House. There was no detailed discussion of it at the 22 February General Affairs Council. The paper was a report on the existing situation, and there are no plans for further discussion of it.

  India (Human Rights)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the human rights abuse towards Christians in India on which he has received reports. [76156]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have received various reports of attacks on religious minorities in India. The following table, giving the number of attacks against Christians in India in 1998 and to 20 February this year, was provided by the Indian Minister of Home Affairs to the Indian Parliament on 24 February. I have raised our concerns with the Indian authorities on several occasions most recently during the visit to London by the Indian Prime Minister's national Security adviser, Mr. Mishram, on 20 January.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  While we do not keep comprehensive records of telephone calls, we are not aware of any contact between representatives of the Chilean Embassy and the FCO on 14 October. For details of the conversation with the Chilean Embassy on 15 October, I refer the right hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Member for Windsor (Mr. Trend) on 25 January 1999,Official Report, column 149, and 1 February 1999, Official Report,

  515
  columns 496–97, and to my reply to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) on 10 February 1999, Official Report, columns 294–95.

  Malta
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Ministers are planning to pay an official visit to Malta in the next four months. [76429]

  Ms Quin
  I plan to pay an official visit to Malta during the first week in May.

  James Miles and Paul Loseby
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what sentences were imposed on James Miles and Paul Loseby at the time of the trial and at the time of the appeal. [76426]

  Mr. Fatchett
  James Miles and Paul Loseby were each sentenced to four years imprisonment at trial which was increased to five years at appeal. The Public Prosecutor has appealed against the five year sentence and the case is currently with the Supreme Court.

  Sanctions Policy
  Ms Ryan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on sanctions; and if he will make a statement. [77194]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Government have recently completed a wide-ranging review of its sanctions policy. All Whitehall Departments with an interest in sanctions were involved in the review.

  As a result, the Government have decided to launch a new policy of better targeted "smarter" sanctions. This will sharpen the focus and effectiveness of sanctions whilst trying to minimise their impact on ordinary people, including children, and on our own commercial and economic interests.

  Apart from the threat of or use of force, which will remain essential in the more extreme cases, sanctions are the only coercive measure available to the international community to respond to challenges to international peace and security. The review concluded that they will remain an important tool of our foreign policy.

  The review also concluded, however, that better targeting would be likely to enhance the effectiveness of international sanctions and minimise the risk of harm to ordinary people. A range of sanctions, of varying type and severity, is available and different measures may be selected depending on particular circumstances. Comprehensive sanctions should be reserved for cases where the objective is to isolate and contain a very serious transgressor.
  516
  The review concluded that although the circumstances in which sanctions are imposed vary from case to case, there are a number of broad principles that should normally be followed. Sanctions should:
  be targeted to hit the regime, rather than ordinary people.
  include exemptions to minimise the humanitarian impact on innocent civilians.
  have clear objectives, including well-defined and realistic demands against which compliance can be judged, and a clear exit strategy.
  have effective arrangements for implementation and enforcement by all states, especially be neighbouring countries.
  avoid unnecessary adverse impact on UK economic and commercial interests.

  The review also agreed a revised set of inter-Departmental procedures for the efficient imposition, amendment, and lifting of sanctions, as well as for their enforcement and monitoring. These will further improve co-ordination between Whitehall Departments on sanctions issues.

  I shall keep the House informed of current sanctions and their scope on a yearly basis. All new sanctions or any amendments to existing sanctions will be announced at the time. We shall shortly be laying in the Library of the House a list of all sanctions imposed by the UK. An updated version will be laid in the Library annually (or more frequently if policy changes require a revision).

  Yemen
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contact the British Embassy in Yemen has had with human rights groups in the past year; and if he will make a statement. [76203]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Our Embassy in Sana'a has provided modest financial support for human rights organisations operating in Yemen. It has assisted with inward and outward visits by MPs and other officials, including projects run by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, to help improve good government. We have also provided assistance in training judges and related officials on national and international human rights law and its application in the court-room. We are looking to continue similar cooperative projects in the future.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Yemen concerning human rights and cases of kidnapping. [76204]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We regularly raise our concerns about human rights issues with the Yemeni Government. I refer my hon. Friend to my previous answer (76203) and the answer I gave him on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 606. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has also raised with the Yemeni Prime Minister, our concerns about the incidence of kidnapping in Yemen, especially where UK nationals have been involved.

  European Citizenship
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's interpretation of the expression "true European citizenship" in Recital 6i of COM(98)0331-C4–0511/98– 98/0197(COD); and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on this matter. [76432]
  517
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I have been asked to reply.

  The European Commission's proposals for an action programme for youth from the year 2000 include the objective of promoting active citizenship among the young people of Europe. The Government are participating positively in negotiations with other Member States on the content of the new programme.

TREASURY

  Passported Benefits
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to which passported benefits recipients of(a) working families tax credit and (b) disabled persons tax credit will be entitled. [71500]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]: The Government are committed to ensuring that Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled Persons Tax Credit recipients who need it continue to receive the help provided by passported benefits through for example, the NHS Low Income Scheme, the Social Fund Maternity and Funeral Payments, the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme and legal advice and assistance.

  Green Transport
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research his Department has carried out on the effects of the taxation of employee' benefits from green transport plans; and if he will make a statement. [74854]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 5 March 1999]Inland Revenue and Treasury officials have had discussions about the present tax rules with officials at the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, who are in the lead in carrying out the research concerning green transport plans referred to in the Integrated Transport White Paper.

  Alcohol Smuggling
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he will take to make up for the loss of revenue caused by the smuggling of alcohol. [75491]
  518
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: Customs and Excise estimate that the revenue lost from the smuggling of alcohol in 1998 was £220 million, which is a little over 2 per cent. of total alcohol revenue receipts. Revenue leakage caused by smuggling and fraud is a factor that the Chancellor of the Exchequer takes into account when taking his Budget decisions.

  The Government take all excise smuggling very seriously and are committed to tackling the problem. A comprehensive set of measures resulting from recommendations made in the Alcohol and Tobacco Fraud Review is currently being implemented.

  Mortgage Lending (Code of Practice)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make a statement concerning the lending practices of The Money Store, Kensington and other non-status lenders; [74194]

  (2) if he will investigate the effect (a) Private Label, (b) The Mortgage Operation and (c) other mortgage packaging companies have on the customer's choice of product; [74195]

  (3) if he will put forward legislation to ensure that the fees that non-status lenders and mortgage packaging companies pay to lenders are disclosed. [74196]

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what monitoring his Department is undertaking regarding compliance with the industry code of mortgage lending practice; what percentage of lenders and intermediaries now subscribe to the code; what future consultation is planned with the industry regarding the impact of the code; and if he will make a statement. [74178]

  Ms Hewitt
  All aspects of the mortgage market will be taken into account when considering whether mortgage advice should be regulated under the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

  Church Buildings (VAT)
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the proposal to exempt from VAT payments works to church buildings. [75171]

  Ms Hewitt
  Treasury Ministers have received numerous letters asking for a zero rate of VAT for repairs to church buildings. Repairs to all existing buildings have always been standard rated. Under the provisions of the sixth VAT directive we cannot introduce a new zero rate.
  519

  Stamp Duty Reserve Tax
  Mr. Burnett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates he has made of the loss of stamp duty reserve tax on cross-border mergers and take overs for the tax year 1998–99 through United Kingdom companies creating bearer shares denominated in foreign currency which are put into a depositary or clearance system. [74126]

  Ms Hewitt
  The proposed measure announced on 29 January to close a Stamp Duty Reserve Tax loophole relating to cross-border takeovers and mergers by UK companies is intended to protect the revenue from shares and other securities which is provisionally estimated to be £2.6 billion in 1998–99.

  Mr. Burnett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the gross yield from stamp duty reserve tax for the tax year 1998–99. [74127]

  Ms Hewitt
  Net receipts from stamp duty (including stamp duty reserve tax) on transactions of shares and other securities are provisionally estimated to be £2.6 billion in 1998–99.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if(a) she, (b) civil servants in her Department or (c) special advisers in her 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. [75878]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by 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.

  Prisoners
  Mr. MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what powers she has to halt the early release of prisoners convicted of scheduled offences within the meaning of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Acts 1973, 1978, 1991 and 1996. [70138]

  Mr. Ingram
  The early release of prisoners following the Belfast Agreement takes place in accordance with the provisions of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998.
  520
  Under that legislation, the Secretary of State must specify any organisation which she believes is concerned in Northern Irish terrorism, or in promoting or encouraging it, and has not established or is not maintaining a complete and unequivocal ceasefire. Prisoners who support a specified organisation are not eligible for early release.

  In addition the Secretary of State has the discretion under the Act to make an order suspending the operation of the whole scheme. Whether to make such an order would require my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, to make a judgment in the round, taking into account all relevant factors pertaining at the time.

WALES

  Hepatitis C
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in Wales are currently suffering from hepatitis C; and of these, how many have contracted the condition as a consequence of receiving contaminated blood products in the course of NHS treatment. [75561]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  It is not known how many people in Wales are currently suffering from hepatitis C. However, data are available on newly diagnosed cases reported from laboratories although cases may not be identified until years after the infection is acquired. 1,030 newly identified cases of hepatitis C were reported to Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre Wales (CDSC) from laboratories in Wales between 1995 and 1997. Of these 28 were reported where blood transfusion or blood product receipt was a possible risk factor (although other risk factors may have also been present). The Haemophilia Society reports that there are 105 people infected with hepatitis C through their National Health Service treatment with blood products. A number of NHS patients other than haemophiliacs will have acquired hepatitis C infection.

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

  Mixed-sex Hospital Wards
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many mixed-sex wards there are in NHS hospitals in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [76213]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

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

  National Assembly
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the intended use of Crickhowell House following the completion of the permanent Assembly building. [76220]
  521
  Mr. Michael
  Crickhowell House will continue to provide the permanent accommodation for the majority of Assembly Members and their direct support staff once the new building is available for use. It will also continue to house a significant number of Assembly staff and officials, including the support staff of the Cabinet Secretariat and Office of the Presiding Officer.

  The temporary debating chamber has been designed to have a secondary use, and in conjunction with the adjacent space will provide an excellent facility for conferences, seminars, broadcasting, meetings and training events. The temporary committee rooms will help satisfy the expected demand for additional meeting rooms.

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

  Dental Services
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the difference between the public expenditure estimate for general dental services in Wales in 1997–98 and the cost outturn. [75321]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The public expenditure estimate for gross general dental services in Wales for 1997–98 was £75.1 million and the cost outturn was £76.9 million, a difference of £1.8 million.

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

  Source:

  Welsh Office Departmental Report 1998–99 and Appropriation Account 1997–98.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many adults have been seen by dentists under NHS regulations in each health authority area in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [75325]

  Percentage of population registered with a dentist for NHS care

  Bro Taf

  Dyfed Powys

  Gwent

  Morgannwg

  North Wales

  Wales

  Adults

  30 September 1996

  52.0

  48.9

  52.7

  63.8

  46.8

  52.5

  31 December 1996

  51.4

  48.1

  52.2

  63.8

  47.3

  52.2

  31 March 1997

  51.4

  46.9

  52.4

  63.9

  48.2

  52.3

  30 June 1997

  51.3

  46.4

  52.4

  64.1

  48.8

  52.3

  30 September 1997

  51.7

  46.5

  52.2

  64.3

  49.6

  52.6

  31 December 1997

  51.7

  47.2

  52.8

  64.8

  51.4

  53.3

  31 March 1998

  48.7

  44.2

  50.3

  62.0

  48.9

  50.6

  30 June 1998

  46.5

  41.8

  48.4

  59.3

  47.6

  48.5

  30 September 1998

  43.9

  39.7

  46.6

  56.7

  45.9

  46.4

  Children1

  30 September 1996

  60.9

  59.6

  62.8

  73.3

  60.0

  63.0

  31 December 1996

  62.1

  61.4

  65.0

  75.5

  62.1

  64.8

  31 March 1997

  54.9

  54.2

  57.1

  67.0

  55.9

  57.5

  30 June 1997

  58.7

  57.7

  61.1

  71.8

  60.1

  61.5

  30 September 1997

  61.6

  60.0

  63.6

  74.3

  62.9

  64.2

  31 December 1997

  64.1

  62.5

  66.2

  76.4

  66.3

  66.8

  31 March 1998

  56.9

  55.8

  59.3

  69.0

  59.9

  59.9

  30 June 1998

  57.2

  55.3

  59.6

  68.6

  60.5

  60.0

  30 September 1998

  56.8

  54.8

  59.6

  68.1

  60.8

  59.8

  1 Aged 17 or under

  522
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information on the number of adult courses of dental treatment paid for under NHS regulations is given in the following table. It should be noted that one adult may have more than one course of treatment during a year.

  Adult courses of dental treatment

  Health Authority

  1995–961

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Bro Taf

  —

  323,151

  342,422

  Dyfed Powys

  —

  200,078

  209,149

  Gwent

  —

  247,599

  260,096

  Morgannwg

  —

  276,136

  286,479

  North Wales

  —

  309,824

  347,795

  Wales

  1,349,622

  1,356,788

  1,445,941

  1 Data for current Health Authority areas are not available prior to their re-organisation on 1 April 1996

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what changes by health authority area have taken place in dental registrations of(a) children and (b) adults since the introduction of the 15 month registration period. [75332]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The 15 month registration period was introduced in September 1996 and information on the percentage of the population registered with a dentist for NHS care for each quarter from that date to September 1998 is given in the following table. Prior to September 1996 the registration period for adults ran for two years from the date of registration or re-registration; the registration period for a child ran from the date of registration or re-registration to the 31 December of the following year.

  The introduction of the 15 month period for adults and action by the Dental Practice Board to remove duplicate registrations, has led to a decrease in the number of adult registrations in all Health Authorities.

  The main effect of the introduction of the 15 month period for child registrations has been to remove the seasonal effect resulting from the lapse of all child registrations at the end of each year. This last occurred in December 1997 and since that date the pattern of registrations has levelled out in all Health Authorities.
  523
  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of treatments requiring prior approval from the Dental Practices Board was submitted to dental reference officers for further examination in each of the last three years; what percentage was refused; and what was the(a) shortest, (b) longest and (c) average time taken to consider these submissions. [75310]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information for 1995–96 is not available.

  In 1996–97, 6 per cent. of prior approval applications in England, Wales and the Isle of Man were referred to dental reference officers for further investigation and 71 per cent. of these patients were seen ie 4 per cent. of the total number of applications. In 1997–98, 9 per cent. were investigated further and 56 per cent. of patients were seen ie 5 per cent. of the total number of applications.

  Of those patients seen in 1996–97, the dental officer had a fundamental disagreement with the treatment plan in 0.47 per cent. of cases and had a major disagreement in 4.72 per cent. of cases. For patients seen in 1997–98, there was a fundamental disagreement in 0.38 per cent. of cases and a major disagreement in 3.48 per cent. of cases. However, refusal to give approval takes place only after further consultation at the Dental Practice Board.

  In 1996–97, the quickest approval was given in 45 days, the average time taken was 85 days, and the longest time taken was 138 days. In 1997–98, the equivalent periods were 46, 97 and 124 days respectively.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about current audit and peer review projects for general dental practitioners; what assessment he has made of their effectiveness, value for money and prospects for further development; and what plans he has for additional financial support. [75312]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  A Peer Review scheme for general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Wales was introduced as a pilot in September 1991. The pilot scheme has been twice reviewed by outside consultants, and on each occasion it was concluded that the scheme was a valuable initiative. The latest review in June 1996 reported favourably on the cost effectiveness and benefit for patients.

  The Peer Review scheme and Audit for GDPs is well established. An Assessment Panel composed of representatives from the dental profession and the Welsh Office, is responsible for the funding, probity, training and development in Wales.

  Details concerning the budget for Peer Review in 1999–2000 will not be known until the end of March. Funding for dental audit will fall within the Clinical Governance remit of Local Health Groups which all have dental membership on their boards.
  524
  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to receive the report of the Health Authorities' Chief Executives' Group on oral and maxillofacial services in South Wales. [75315]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The South Wales Health Authorities' review of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services is expected to be completed by October. The conclusions of the report will be for health authorities to consider and take forward.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of all types of dental treatment in each of the last three years was referred to a dental reference officer for scrutiny; and what percentage was declared to be(a) of poor quality and (b) invalid. [75317]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information for 1995–96 is not available. Of courses of treatment scheduled for payment for England, Wales and the Isle of Man in 1996–97 and 1997–98, about 0.5 per cent. and 0.6 per cent. respectively were referred to a dental reference officer for scrutiny.

  Of those patients seen, the Dental Officer had a major or fundamental disagreement with the treatment in 1.75 per cent. of cases in 1996–97 and 1.37 per cent. of cases in 1997–98. These percentages cover both poor quality and invalid treatments. The Dental Officer was unable to comment in 3 per cent. of cases seen in 1996–97 and 4 per cent. in 1997–98.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the problems of providing satisfactory dental services in rural areas and the steps taken to deal with them since 1 April 1998. [75327]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  I recognise that, in the more rural parts of Wales, patients who are not registered with a dentist can sometimes find it difficult to obtain NHS dental treatment close to home.

  Stage 2 of the Welsh Office dental initiative, launched on 10 July 1998, introduced more flexible conditions specifically designed to address the particular problems being encountered in rural parts of Wales. It offers the possibility of enhanced levels of grant aid for dentists who want to open new part-time or branch practices in certain areas where this would be the best way of meeting local needs.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what changes have taken place, by health authority area, in child dental registrations since June 1996; and what steps he has taken to encourage the registration with a general dental practice of children up to five years of age. [75331]
  525
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information requested is as follows:

  30 June 1996

  30 September 1998

  Health authority

  Number

  Percentage

  Number

  Percentage

  Bro Taf

  102,012

  57.7

  100,975

  56.8

  Dyfed Powys

  59,450

  57.0

  56,965

  54.8

  Gwent

  81,648

  60.4

  80,728

  59.6

  Morgannwg

  79,872

  70.5

  76,968

  68.1

  North Wales

  85,050

  57.7

  89,408

  60.8

  Changes introduced in September 1996 brought the child registration system in line with the adult system, with both running for a period of 15 months from the date of registration or re-registration. Prior to this child registrations ran from the date of registration or re-registration to the 31 December of the following calendar year, which created a seasonal pattern in registrations. The change was fully effective by the end of December 1997 but care should be taken when comparing data from different times of the year where one quarter was prior to September 1996 as data are not strictly comparable.

  Despite general improvements in the oral health of the population, and of children in particular, there are considerable regional variations. Even in areas where the prevalence of tooth decay is low, there remain pockets of disease frequently related to social deprivation. The Department has developed a targeted incentive scheme to increase the registration of children in their early years. This will deliver enhanced fees to dentists for registered patients aged 5 and under who live in specified areas.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the need for facilities for dento-alveola surgery. [75319]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  None. Dento-alveolar surgery is mostly carried out within the facilities of primary dental care. Dento-alveolar surgery requiring more specialist treatment is provided by Hospital Dental Services based in District General Hospitals and it is for Health Authorities to assess local need for such facilities.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of dentists required in each health authority area to provide a satisfactory level of service. [75323]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  It is a matter for local health authorities to satisfy themselves of the adequacy of dental manpower in light of local needs. Health Authorities are free to make a case for Welsh Office grants to attract new general dental practitioners, subject to funding being available and criteria being met.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.
  526
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales following the publication of the Poswillo Inquiry, how many general dental practitioners underwent training in anaesthesia and equipped their practices to comply with the appropriate recommended safety levels; and what contribution the Welsh Office made towards this training. [75328]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  In 1992, £0.5 million was made available in Wales to assist the delivery of the exacting standards of the Poswillo Report wherever general anaesthesia, sedation were being provided.

  The funding was available for:

  Community and Hospital Dental Services: £310,000

  Postgraduate Dental Education Facilities: £80,000

  General Dental Services: £105,000

  Resuscitation Manuals: £5,000.

  As far as I am aware, no general dental practitioner in Wales underwent the postgraduate training for Non-Consultant Anaesthetists organised under the syllabus agreed by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, and the Faculties of Dental Surgery and General Dental Practitioners. A one-off uniform grant of £7,000 was available for individual practitioners or practices who were able to meet certain specified criteria, but there were no eligible applications. The resuscitation manuals were distributed to every NHS dental practice and to vocational trainees.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for the development of community dental services. [75320]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  It is a matter for each Health Authority to determine, in the light of local circumstances, the appropriate level of Community Dental Service provision for its area.

  The Welsh Office dental initiative, first launched in 1995, enables Welsh Health Authorities to offer grant aid for Community Dental Service expansion. To date, grant aid has been awarded for 13 additional posts in the CDS.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many dentists are employed by NHS trusts in their community dental services; how many children were treated in the last year for which figures are available in each trust; and how many treatments were made in each trust. [75322]

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

  Community dental service 1997–98

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  NHS trust

  Dentists

  Children treated

  Total treatments

  Cardiff Community

  Healthcare

  9.2

  3,842

  19,288

  Carmarthen and District

  1.3

  459

  2,509

  Ceredigion and Mid Wales

  2.3

  2,959

  9,004

  Clwydian Community Care

  15.9

  5,014

  45,043

  Glan-y-Mor

  8.8

  6,022

  20,492

  527

  Community dental service 1997–98

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  NHS trust

  Dentists

  Children treated

  Total treatments

  Gwent Community

  13.2

  7,244

  26,072

  Gwynedd Community

  5.6

  4,920

  16,442

  Llandough Hospital and Community

  4.1

  2,977

  10,977

  Llanelli Dinefwr

  3.6

  2,521

  7,256

  Pembrokeshire and Derwen

  4.6

  3,176

  13,892

  Powys Health Care

  5.9

  2,688

  10,005

  University Dental Hospital

  20.1

  17,100

  50,071

  (a) Whole-time equivalent of dentists working in the community dental service at 30 September 1997 (excluding locums).

  (b) First contact in the financial year for children aged 15 or under.

  (c) Total contacts, all ages. May include examination only.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the impact of differences between health authority areas in the average number of dental registrations per dentist on dental health; and what steps have been taken to reduce such differences. [75326]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  A variety of factors determine the average list size of general dental practitioners, including the fact that as independent contractors, they can tailor list sizes according to their working practices and business requirements.

  Current information on dental disease levels in the adult population is not presently available but surveys of children aged 5, 12 and 14 are regularly carried out by the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry. Current information available from those surveys shows no correlation between list sizes and disease levels.

  The Welsh Office is committed to improving the health and well being of the population of Wales and to reducing inequalities in health status. The primary aim of the Welsh Office dental initiative has been designed to address those inequities both in the provision of NHS services and in the dental health of the population.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of fees paid to dentists was deducted to cover allowable expenses; and what was the(a) average, (b) highest and (c) lowest income recorded for dentists in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [75311]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The calculation of General Dental Practitioners' average earnings and expenses follow the convention established for the Dental Rates Study Group (DRSG)' of focusing on a subset of principal dentists who have been under contract for the previous year without substantial breaks in service. The information about dentists' expenses is derived from a528
  confidential survey of a sample of dentists' practice accounts, undertaken by the Inland Revenue. Only DRSG principals are included in the sample.

  Expenses, as a percentage of gross earnings, for General Dental Practitioners (in Great Britain) for the period 1991–92 and 1994–95 were:

  1991–92: 54.0

  1992–93: 53.9

  1993–94: 55.7

  1994–95: 54.6.

  For the combined year 1995–96 and 1996–97 results from a survey of non-associate dentists indicate that, for all GDS dentists, expenses as a percentage of gross earnings would be around 56.8 per cent., the rise from 1994–95 reflecting in part the treatment of capital allowances.

  The other information requested is not readily available on a Wales only basis and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
  1 The Dental Rates Study Group comprises representatives of Health Departments and the dental profession. Its main responsibility is to make recommendations on dentists' fees after taking into account practice expenses.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the dental practice incentive scheme and the extent to which it has led to an increase in(a) the number of general dental practitioners and (b) the number of adults and children being seen and treated under NHS regulations. [75314]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The primary aim of the scheme was, and still is, to enable Health Authorities to attract new NHS dentists into those parts of Wales where they were most needed.

  Grants have already been paid for 33 new practices and 29 expanded practices. There are also another 3 practices and 7 expanding practices for which grant offers have been made.

  The number of dentists working in the General Dental Service in Wales is at an all-time high of 955—a 9 per cent. increase since September 1995 when the scheme was first launched.

  The number of courses of treatment for adults increased from 1.35 million in 1995–96 to 1.45 million in 1997–98. Comparable data for children are not available.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many treatments requiring prior approval from the Dental Practices Board were submitted in each of the last three years; how many were refused; and what was the(a) shortest, (b) longest and (c) average time taken to consider these requests. [75318]
  529
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The number of prior approval applications, which relate to England, Wales and the Isle of Man, received by the Dental Practice Board and the number of these referred for investigation is as follows:

  Prior approval applications

  Number referred

  1995–96

  548,753

  1—

  1996–97

  548,741

  33,126

  1997–98

  554,584

  49,833

  1 Not available

  The number of applications referred in 1995–96 is not available.

  The shortest time for dealing with applications was one day.

  The longest time for approval was:

  Days

  Referral not required

  Referral required

  1995–96

  138

  1—

  1996–97

  35

  138

  1997–98

  45

  124

  1 Not available

  The average time for approval was:

  Days

  Referral not required

  Referral required

  1995–96

  5

  1—

  1996–97

  6

  85

  1997–98

  5

  97

  1 Not available

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the advantages of dentists participating in information management and technology programmes; and what financial support he intends to provide for such in-service development. [75329]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The Welsh Office will be publishing a Strategic Framework for Information Management and Technology for Health Care and Health Improvement in Wales in mid-March.

  66 per cent. of NHS general dental practitioners in Wales are already linked electronically to the Dental Practice Board, (DPB), and utilising information management and technology systems. Grants of £900 are available from the DPB to dentists, intending to establish electronic links, for the purchase of suitable computer systems.

  The Directors of Dental Public Health for each of the Welsh Health Authorities, with advice and financial support from the Welsh Office, commissioned the Dental Public Health Unit of the University of Wales College of Medicine to carry out a project to assess the information technology requirements of the Community Dental Service in Wales. The recommendations from the project report will be considered within the provisions of the Strategic Framework.
  530
  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list, by health authority area, dental practices(a) which accept all NHS patients, (b) whose NHS lists are closed, (c) which accept additional family members only on NHS lists and (d) which accept children for NHS treatment only if parents are private patients. [75333]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information requested is not held by the Welsh Office. Each Health Authority maintains a list of practices with contracts to provide NHS dental services within its area. These authorities are best placed to provide the most up-to-date information to any patient who needs advice on the current acceptance policies of local practices.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of dentists that need to be trained in Wales to ensure(a) the maintenance of the present level of service and (b) that his dental health targets are met. [75324]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Long-term requirements for the numbers of medical and dental staff are modelled at a UK level and both the Department of Health and the Welsh Office receive advice on staffing in Dentistry from the Advisory Group in Medical and Dental Education, Training and Staffing (AGMETS). This Group brings together members of the professions and their regulatory bodies, the academic and research communities, the higher education sector, NHS and patients representatives as well as Welsh Office and Department of Health officials.

  Within Wales the Dental Sub-Committee of our national advisory committee—the Medical and Dental Manpower and Education Committee (MeDMEC)—has set as its priority the examination of manpower in primary dental care. The Welsh Office has also funded a research project to investigate factors affecting the recruitment and retention of dentists which is to be carried out by the Postgraduate School of the University of Wales College of Medicine. This work will result in a robust assessment of the needs of the Principality as well as providing information from the situation in Wales to assist wider considerations at UK level.

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

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the cost of clinical waste collection and water service charges for general dental practices; to what extent these costs are accounted for in the payments made to dentists for NHS work; and what plans he has to make changes to the reimbursement of dentists in respect of these costs. [75330]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information about dentists' expenses, including those referred to in this question, is derived from a confidential survey of a sample of dentists' practice accounts, undertaken by the Inland Revenue. These expenses are taken into account in determining the fee scale and include the costs of clinical waste collection. There are no plans to change this arrangement.
  531
  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Water Fluoridation
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the impact of(a) the fluoridation of water and (b) the cessation of fluoridation of water in Anglesey on the dental health of children; and what studies his Department has conducted on the impact of fluoridation and of the withdrawal of fluoridation on the general health of the population. [75316]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The topping up of water supplies with fluoride to one part per million reduces tooth decay in young children by at least 50 per cent. and confers lifelong oral health gains. Since the cessation of fluoridation in Anglesey, tooth decay in young children there has increased by 168 per cent.

  Respondents to the Welsh Office Green Paper "Better Health, Better Wales", published in May 1998, were overwhelmingly in favour of fluoridation. The Welsh Office is considering the responses in conjunction with other health departments which have undertaken similar consultation exercises.

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

  Psychiatric Care (Children)
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many children in Wales have been admitted to psychiatric care for each year since 1992. [76907]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information on the number of in-patient admissions for children (aged under 16) for psychiatric care is given in the following table. It should be noted that a child may have been admitted more than once during the period.

  In-patient admissions1

  Year

  Amount

  1992

  574

  1993

  480

  1994

  444

  1995

  444

  1996

  481

  1997

  483

  1 Data are coded by International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 until March 1995 and by ICD-10 thereafter. The codes included are: ICD-9:317 to 319, LCD-10:F70 to F79 (mental retardation), ICD-10:F80 to F89 (disorders of psychological development) and ICD-9:290 to 316, ICD-10:F00 to F69 and F90 to F99 (all other psychiatric/mental illness).

  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 what evaluation his Department has undertaken of(a) individual social services department's policy and (b) individual psychiatric services in relation to children excluded from school in the last five years. [76903]
  532
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  An analysis of children's services plans of Welsh local authorities (1997) identified weaknesses in planning for unmet needs, though some authorities had set targets in relation to children excluded from school.

  The Welsh Office is funding, through the Welsh Office of Research and Development (WORD), a project in Swansea which is evaluating strategies for reducing school exclusion.

  In its response to Sir William Utting's report of the Children's Safeguards Review, the Government undertook to issue guidance on school exclusion and pupil support relevant to looked after children. Local Education Authorities will also have to set targets for reducing school exclusions as part of their education strategic plans which are to come into effect from 1 September 1999.

  The Government's proposals for the reform of children's services include objectives to ensure that children in need and those looked after obtain maximum benefit from educational opportunities.

  The Welsh Office is developing a Strategy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health services, with the help of an Advisory Group. The needs of children excluded from school will be taken into account in developing this Strategy.

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

  Health Authorities (Debts)
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish for each area and health authority in Wales the level of total debt(a) in cash terms and (b) as a percentage of income. [76921]

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

  Residential Care Homes
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in Wales are in residential care homes in the most recent year for which figures are available in the(a) 16 to 64, (b) 65 to 74, (c) 74 to 84 and (d) 85 years and over age groups; and in each of those categories if he will list the numbers funded by (i) the local authority on a means tested basis, (ii) the individuals themselves and (iii) the Department of Social Security through presented rights. [76906]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The numbers of people in residential care homes in Wales at 31 March 1998 are shown in the following table.

  Age group

  Local authority homes

  Independent homes

  All homes

  16–64 years

  522

  1,544

  2,066

  65–74 years

  562

  965

  1,527

  75–84 years

  1,711

  3,009

  4,720

  85 and over

  2,390

  4,664

  7,054

  Age unknown

  7

  218

  225

  533
  Although information on sources of funding is requested from each home, it does not cover all residents. Excluding residents whose source of funding is not known, the proportions of people receiving support from each different source are shown in the following table. A more detailed age breakdown is not available.

  Percentage

  Age group

  Local authority

  Private means

  DSS preserved rights

  Under 65 years

  44

  7

  49

  Over 65 years

  49

  28

  23

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

  1997–98

  1996–97

  M1(A)

  Ml

  M2(B)

  M2

  Ml

  Ml

  M2

  M2

  NHS trusts

  Total £000

  Percentage of total income(C)

  Total £000

  Percentage of total income

  Total £000

  Percentage of total income

  Total £000

  Percentage of total income

  Bridgend & District

  2,695

  3.01

  3,785

  4.22

  2,412

  2.87

  3,477

  4.13

  Cardiff Community

  1,949

  3.11

  3,022

  4.82

  1,935

  3.23

  2,949

  4.92

  Carmarthen & District

  1,312

  2.99

  1,849

  4.21

  1,243

  2.98

  1,766

  4.24

  Ceredigion & Mid Wales

  979

  3.77

  1,433

  5.52

  913

  3.56

  1,323

  5.15

  Clwydian Community Care

  2,390

  3.47

  3,423

  4.97

  2,360

  3.55

  3,444

  5.18

  Derwen

  —

  —

  —

  —

  913

  3.74

  1,314

  5.38

  East Glamorgan

  1,515

  2.84

  2,552

  4.78

  1,480

  2.87

  2,449

  4.75

  Glan Clwyd

  1,935

  2.76

  2,965

  4.23

  1,902

  2.78

  2,995

  4.37

  Glan Hafren

  3,414

  2.62

  5,346

  4.10

  3,079

  2.50

  5,059

  4.12

  Glan Y Mor

  2,149

  2.90

  2,879

  3.89

  2,060

  2.80

  2,686

  3.65

  Gwent Community

  1,981

  3.19

  2,579

  4.15

  2,128

  3.48

  2,682

  4.39

  Gwynedd Community

  1,518

  2.82

  2,131

  3.95

  1,558

  2.95

  2,171

  4.11

  Gwynedd Hospitals

  2,009

  3.02

  2,829

  4.26

  2,001

  3.07

  2,890

  4.43

  Llandough Hospital

  2,085

  3.11

  3,429

  5.12

  2,166

  3.37

  3,536

  5.50

  Llanelli Dinefwr

  934

  2.75

  1,437

  4.23

  875

  2.61

  1,358

  4.05

  Mid Glamorgan Ambulance

  672

  6.74

  776

  7.78

  626

  6.73

  710

  7.63

  Morriston Hospital

  2,190

  2.57

  3,657

  4.30

  1,847

  2.37

  3,300

  4.23

  Nevill Hall

  1,401

  2.92

  2,301

  4.79

  1,317

  2.82

  2,158

  4.62

  North Glamorgan

  2,037

  3.24

  2,835

  4.51

  1,870

  3.03

  2,750

  4.46

  North Wales Ambulance

  722

  5.08

  1,047

  7.37

  661

  4.79

  1,063

  7.71

  Pembrokeshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,785

  3.98

  2,565

  5.72

  Pembrokeshire & Derwen (F)

  2,758

  3.99

  3,785

  5.48

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Powys Healthcare

  1,700

  3.82

  2,465

  5.53

  1,663

  3.70

  2,480

  5.52

  Rhondda Healthcare

  1,349

  3.86

  1,797

  5.14

  1,292

  3.93

  1,717

  5.23

  South East Wales Ambulance

  841

  4.44

  1,182

  6.24

  1,015

  5.52

  1,808

  9.84

  Swansea

  1,677

  2.45

  2,254

  3.29

  1,598

  2.50

  2,168

  3.39

  University Dental Hospital of Wales

  304

  3.31

  421

  4.58

  266

  2.96

  395

  4.40

  University Hospital of Wales

  5,678

  3.00

  7,320

  3.87

  5,603

  2.99

  7,431

  3.96

  Velindre Hospital

  689

  3.72

  969

  5.23

  712

  4.11

  1,037

  5.99

  West Wales Ambulance

  653

  5.07

  751

  5.83

  624

  5.07

  787

  6.39

  Wrexham Maelor

  1,779

  2.79

  2,401

  3.76

  1,631

  2.67

  2,327

  3.81

  Total

  51,315

  3.11

  73,620

  4.46

  49,535

  3.10

  72,795

  4.56

  534

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the(a) M1 management costs, (b) M2 management costs and (c) management consultancy costs (i) in total and (ii) as a percentage of income for each NHS trust in Wales for the last five years. [76920]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  (a)(b) Figures for Ml, which consist of salary costs of only the more senior managers, together with the costs of management consultancy and M2, which adds in the salary costs of all other staff who work in corporate management function of NHS trusts, are available for 1995–96 to 1997–98. Prior to the introduction of the M1 and M2 measures, figures are given for "management costs".

  (c) Information on management consultancy costs is not held centrally.

  The information is given in the following tables.
  535

  1995–96

  1994–95

  1993–94

  Ml

  Ml

  M2

  M2

  (D)(E)

  (D)(E)

  NHS trusts

  Total £000

  Percentage of total income

  Total £000

  Percentage of total income

  Total £000

  Percentage of total income

  Total £000

  Percentage of total income

  Bridgend & District

  1,942

  2.81

  2,824

  4.09

  1,558

  2.43

  1,635

  2.69

  Cardiff Community

  2,115

  3.63

  2,977

  5.12

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Carmarthen & District

  1,241

  3.06

  1,701

  4.20

  1,207

  3.19

  1,133

  3.06

  Ceredigion & Mid Wales

  911

  3.79

  1,324

  5.50

  831

  3.59

  790

  3.48

  Clwydian Community Care

  2,399

  3.66

  3,390

  5.17

  2,385

  3.72

  3,205

  5.27

  Derwen

  976

  4.25

  1,383

  6.02

  955

  4.25

  —

  —

  East Glamorgan

  1,316

  2.59

  2,280

  4.48

  1,678

  3.54

  —

  —

  Glan Clwyd

  1,729

  2.77

  2,824

  4.52

  1,702

  2.94

  1,865

  3.37

  Glan Hafren

  3,017

  3.14

  5,079

  5.29

  2,633

  2.82

  2,824

  3.10

  Glan Y Mor

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Gwent Community

  2,278

  3.78

  2,847

  4.72

  2,699

  4.70

  2,567

  4.57

  Gwynedd Community

  1,684

  3.36

  2,279

  4.55

  1,636

  3.42

  —

  —

  Gwynedd Hospitals

  1,944

  3.18

  2,957

  4.83

  1,982

  3.28

  —

  —

  Llandough Hospital

  2,442

  4.09

  3,847

  6.44

  2,520

  5.00

  2,698

  5.89

  Llanelli Dinefwr

  872

  2.74

  1,314

  4.14

  812

  2.62

  1,024

  3.38

  Mid Glamorgan Ambulance

  617

  7.15

  800

  9.27

  1,002

  12.86

  —

  —

  Morriston Hospital

  1,795

  2.43

  3,051

  4.14

  1,609

  2.59

  —

  —

  Nevill Hall

  1,377

  3.17

  2,174

  5.01

  1,463

  3.59

  —

  —

  North Glamorgan

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Wales Ambulance

  623

  4.78

  982

  7.54

  516

  4.20

  —

  —

  Pembrokeshire

  1,863

  4.32

  2,564

  5.94

  1,873

  4.46

  2,053

  4.95

  Pembrokeshire & Derwen (F)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Powys Healthcare

  1,668

  3.86

  2,453

  5.67

  1,882

  4.90

  2,301

  5.50

  Rhondda Healthcare

  1,189

  3.73

  1,514

  7.74

  993

  3.40

  —

  —

  South East Wales Ambulance

  1,691

  9.32

  2,116

  11.66

  1,054

  6.00

  661

  4.11

  Swansea

  1,442

  2.43

  1,963

  3.31

  1,233

  2.27

  1,426

  2.73

  University Dental Hospital of Wales

  230

  2.71

  346

  4.07

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University Hospital of Wales

  5,388

  3.23

  7,231

  4.33

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Velindre Hospital

  722

  5.22

  960

  6.94

  619

  5.85

  —

  —

  West Wales Ambulance

  558

  5.08

  716

  6.52

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wrexham Maelor

  1,670

  2.89

  2,352

  4.08

  1,881

  3.50

  1,664

  3.39

  Total

  45,699

  3.40

  66,248

  4.92

  36,723

  3.60

  25,846

  3.93

  (A) Ml—Management costs as defined in the guidance issued by the Audit Commission in 1995 and 1996.

  (B) M2—Management and Administration costs as defined in the guidance issued by the Audit Commission in 1995 and 1996.

  (C) Total income—Comprises income from activities and other operating income of NHS trusts.

  (D) Ml and M2 data were not recorded in NHS trust annual accounts prior to 1995–96.

  (E) Management cost figures as quoted in PQ 875/95/96.

  (F) On 1 April 1997, Pembrokeshire NHS Trust and Derwen NHS Trust merged to form the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust.

  Source:

  Audited Annual Accounts of NHS Trusts from 1993–94 to 1997–98

  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 provide up to date information on termination payments made by NHS trusts or health authorities in Wales to(a) chief executives and (b) general and senior managers including the numbers and amounts. [76908]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information requested is not held centrally.

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

  NHS Advertising Cost
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much the NHS spent on advertising costs in each region in Wales in each year since 1993–94. [76904]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  This information is not collected centrally.
  536
  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  European Structural Funds
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much(a) Objective 1 and (b) Objective 2 money is forecast to come to Wales from Europe in each of the next five years; and whether the total amount of matched funding will be drawn from existing Welsh Office budgets. [76918]

  Mr. Michael
  As the hon. Gentleman well knows, the European Commission has not yet agreed the level of resources to be made available to the UK and consequently Wales for its new Structural Funds programmes. The Government will review the distribution of EC receipts when the sums involved are known.

  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many times he has met Treasury officials and ministers during the last six weeks to discuss matched funding for(a) Objective 1 and (b) Objective 2. [76919]
  537
  Mr. Michael
  Ministers and officials are in regular dialogue on all matters of policy, including those referred to.

  NHS Surplus Properties
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) for the last five years all those surplus NHS properties in Wales that realised more than £100,000 when sold and (b) for the next five years all those surplus NHS properties which he expects will realise more than £100,000. [76926]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information requested is given as follows:List of Surplus NHS Properties that realised more than £100,000 when sold.

  1993–94

  St. Cadocs Hospital—Land for highway improvement

  No. 1 Clase Drive, Morriston

  No. 6, 10, 22, 24 Clase Drive, Morriston

  Norton Villa Clinic, Swansea

  Park Beck, Swansea

  St. David's Hospital, Brecon

  Mill House, Abergavenny

  Taffs Well Health Centre, Cardiff

  Cefni Hospital site, Anglesey

  91, Gorwel, Llanfairfechan

  Coed Du Hospital, Flintshire

  "Romano" (House), Wrexham

  Fforestfach Health Centre, Swansea

  Mount Pleasant Hospital, Swansea

  Hill House Hospital, West Glamorgan

  Parc Hospital, Bridgend

  1994–95

  Abercynon Health Centre

  Computer Centre, Velindre Road, Cardiff

  Blackmill Hospital, Bridgend

  Llanelli General Hospital site

  Land at Lluesty Hospital, Flintshire

  Wrexham War Memorial Hospital

  Pool Park Hospital, Denbighshire

  Garth Angharad Hospital, Dollgellau

  William Nicholl Home (part), Cardiff

  1995–96

  Narbeth Health Centre, Pembrokeshire

  William Nicholl Home (remainder)

  1996–97

  Coryton Crescent, Cardiff

  Pen-y-Fai, Bridgend

  "The Laurels", Bronllys, Brecon

  Energlyn Hospital, Caerphilly

  1997–98

  Ty Bronna, Cardiff

  Y Bwthyn, Bridgend

  Llynfi Hospital, Maesteg

  Brynhyfryd Hospital, Forden, Powys

  538
  List of Surplus NHS Properties which are on the open market and are expected to realise more than £100,000 when sold.

  Property name

  Ely Hospital, Cardiff

  Lansdowne Hospital, Cardiff

  St. David's Hospital, Cardiff

  Prince of Wales, Rhydlafar

  Llys Maldwyn Hospital, Powys

  Mid Wales Hospital, Talgarth

  Brynyneuadd Farm, Conwy

  North Wales Hospital, Denbigh

  St. David's Site, Bangor.

  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(a) for the last 10 years how much money was realised from the sale of surplus properties by the NHS in Wales, (b) for the next 10 years how much money he estimates will be realised from the sale of surplus properties by the NHS in Wales and (c) who holds the proceeds of such sales. [76924]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  (a) The list for the last 10 financial years of money realised from sale of surplus properties is as follows:

  £

  1997–98

  1,292,290.91

  1996–97

  3,476,827.34

  1995–96

  4,632,554.78

  1994–95

  5,153,481.48

  1993–94

  5,248,581.69

  1992–93

  6,424,523.95

  1991–92

  2,868,401.31

  1990–91

  1,587,358.47

  1989–90

  5,474,541.85

  1988–89

  1,789,803.35

  (b) The money estimated to be realised from sale of surplus properties in the next 10 financial years is approximately £30 million.

  (c) Until 1994–95 most of the proceeds of sale were returned to Health Authorities. Since then the normal procedure is for sale proceeds to be retained by the Welsh Office and used to part fund the All Wales Capital Programme. Health Authority and Trusts may retain the receipt for a related capital development on production of a sufficiently convincing business case.Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Clinical Negligence Claims
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many clinical negligence claims in Wales were settled by individual trusts in the last year. [76922]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information is not centrally available in the format requested. However, the numbers of cases for those losses categories which can contain clinical negligence claims are in the following table.
  539

  NHS trust

  Category 5 Compensation under legal obligation

  Category 7(b) Clinical negligence with advice

  Category 7(d) Other clinical negligence and personal injury

  Total

  Bridgend and District

  0

  88

  0

  88

  Cardiff Community

  0

  1

  1

  2

  Carmarthen and District

  0

  15

  0

  15

  Ceredigion and Mid Wales

  0

  6

  0

  6

  Clwydian Community Care

  1

  1

  1

  3

  East Glamorgan NHS

  2

  9

  6

  17

  Glan Clwyd

  27

  0

  0

  27

  Glan Hafren

  0

  47

  3

  50

  Glan y Mor

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Gwent Community

  1

  0

  0

  1

  Gwynedd Community

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Gwynedd Hospitals

  0

  3

  0

  3

  Llandough Hospital

  0

  4

  0

  4

  Llanelli Dinefwr

  0

  9

  0

  9

  Mid Glamorgan Ambulance

  45

  0

  0

  45

  Morriston Hospital

  0

  7

  0

  7

  Nevill Hall

  0

  13

  0

  13

  North Glamorgan

  4

  3

  0

  7

  North Wales Ambulance

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Pembrokeshire/Derwen

  1

  16

  0

  17

  Powys Healthcare

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Rhondda Healthcare

  0

  13

  0

  13

  South East Wales Ambulance

  61

  4

  0

  65

  Swansea

  0

  42

  0

  42

  University Dental Hospital

  2

  0

  0

  2

  University Hospital of Wales

  0

  14

  2

  16

  Velindre Hospital

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Wales Ambulance

  0

  27

  27

  54

  Wrexham Maelor

  0

  21

  21

  42

  Total

  144

  343

  61

  548

  Table 1: distribution of the additional resources made available in each local government settlement for care in the community

  £000

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  County councils

  Clwyd

  6,830

  9,173

  7,269

  —

  —

  —

  Dyfed

  4,627

  5,953

  4,728

  —

  —

  —

  Gwent

  5,548

  7,193

  5,716

  —

  —

  —

  Gwynedd

  3,543

  4,476

  3,545

  —

  —

  —

  Mid Glamorgan

  5,081

  6,289

  4,996

  —

  —

  —

  Powys

  1,597

  2,009

  1,596

  —

  —

  —

  South Glamorgan

  4,916

  6,264

  4,981

  —

  —

  —

  West Glamorgan

  5,371

  7,094

  5,626

  —

  —

  —

  County/county borough councils

  Isle of Anglesey

  —

  —

  —

  608

  462

  494

  Gwynedd

  —

  —

  —

  1,143

  897

  920

  Conwy

  —

  —

  —

  1,087

  856

  935

  Denbighshire

  —

  —

  —

  868

  688

  731

  Flintshire

  —

  —

  —

  1,083

  830

  941

  Wrexham

  —

  —

  —

  1,007

  769

  898

  Powys

  —

  —

  —

  1,125

  877

  887

  Ceredigion

  —

  —

  —

  631

  494

  489

  Pembrokeshire

  —

  —

  —

  944

  733

  800

  Carmarthenshire

  —

  —

  —

  1,652

  1,299

  1,343

  Swansea

  —

  —

  —

  2,037

  1,574

  1,685

  Neath Port Talbot

  —

  —

  —

  1,311

  1,036

  1,093

  Bridgend

  —

  —

  —

  1,081

  835

  917

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  —

  —

  —

  908

  691

  790

  Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

  —

  —

  —

  2,312

  1,807

  1,766

  540
  Notes:

  1. Categories 5 and 7(d) may contain cases other than clinical negligence.

  2. Category 5 comprises claims paid under court order or settlement.

  3. Category 7(b) includes claims paid on the basis of legal advice.

  4. The data presented are based on cases approved in the financial year and payments may have been made in previous financial years.

  Source:

  Annual accounts of NHS trusts 1997–98

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

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the amount as a percentage of their special transitional grant for the last five years spent by each local authority in Wales in the independent sector; [76910]

  (2) if he will list the amount spent on home care by each local authority in Wales as a percentage of their special transitional grant for the last five years. [76911]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  In Wales the Care in the Community initiative was not funded through a special transitional grant, as it was in England, but was instead distributed as part of the revenue support grant settlement. The distribution of the additional resources was identified as part of the settlement announcement each year and are given in table 1. The amounts spent by each local authority on personal social services in the independent sector are given in table 2. The latest available information on home care expenditure for each local authority in Wales is given in table 3.
  541

  Table 1: distribution of the additional resources made available in each local government settlement for care in the community

  £000

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Merthyr Tydfil

  —

  —

  —

  574

  444

  435

  Caerphilly

  —

  —

  —

  1,367

  1,051

  1,158

  Blaenau Gwent

  —

  —

  —

  634

  490

  533

  Torfaen

  —

  —

  —

  692

  530

  615

  Monmouthshire

  —

  —

  —

  666

  522

  560

  Newport

  —

  —

  —

  1,107

  846

  920

  Cardiff

  —

  —

  —

  2,387

  1,833

  2,092

  Total

  37,514

  48,449

  38,457

  25,224

  19,565

  21,000

  Table 2: the amounts spent by each local authority on personal social services in the independent sector

  £000

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  County councils

  Clwyd

  4,142

  11,184

  17,179

  —

  —

  —

  Dyfed

  4,442

  8,852

  11,418

  —

  —

  —

  Gwent

  3,740

  n/a

  17,086

  —

  —

  —

  Gwynedd

  n/a

  6,372

  6,277

  —

  —

  —

  Mid Glamorgan

  2,125

  5,926

  11,369

  —

  —

  —

  Powys

  2,290

  n/a

  5,394

  —

  —

  —

  South Glamorgan

  7,204

  15,169

  19,477

  —

  —

  —

  West Glamorgan

  3,156

  10,356

  13,614

  —

  —

  —

  County/county borough councils

  Isle of Anglesey

  —

  —

  —

  3,240

  3,904

  3,647

  Gwynedd

  —

  —

  —

  5,633

  7,533

  8,645

  Conwy

  —

  —

  —

  5,557

  5,443

  5,692

  Denbighshire

  —

  —

  —

  5,817

  5,534

  5,469

  Flintshire

  —

  —

  —

  4,112

  7,204

  7,962

  Wrexham

  —

  —

  —

  4,178

  4,625

  5,043

  Powys

  —

  —

  —

  6,799

  7,112

  6,019

  Ceredigion

  —

  —

  —

  3,383

  4,086

  3,232

  Pembrokeshire

  —

  —

  —

  4,269

  4,763

  7,404

  Carmarthenshire

  —

  —

  —

  6,907

  7,706

  8,111

  Swansea

  —

  —

  —

  10,903

  11,370

  13,283

  Neath Port Talbot

  —

  —

  —

  5,959

  7,479

  7,912

  Bridgend

  —

  —

  —

  3,810

  4,613

  5,292

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  —

  —

  —

  2,578

  5,874

  4,509

  Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

  —

  —

  —

  9,150

  7,557

  11,021

  Merthyr Tydfil

  —

  —

  —

  1,663

  2,610

  2,238

  Caerphilly

  —

  —

  —

  5,053

  5,734

  6,583

  Blaenau Gwent

  —

  —

  —

  2,442

  4,100

  4,243

  Torfaen

  —

  —

  —

  3,743

  3,457

  4,131

  Monmouthshire

  —

  —

  —

  3,810

  5,312

  6,281

  Newport

  —

  —

  —

  7,116

  8,433

  9,521

  Cardiff

  —

  —

  —

  18,239

  18,027

  21,280

  Total

  1

  1

  101,784

  124,352

  142,476

  157,518

  1 incomplete data

  Table 3: Local authority expenditure on home care and home help1

  £000

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  County councils

  Clwyd

  4,979

  5,250

  8,808

  10,570

  —

  Dyfed

  3,579

  3,523

  5,438

  6,294

  —

  Gwent

  7,014

  7,461

  11,106

  13,513

  —

  Gwynedd

  3,587

  3,981

  5,962

  686

  —

  Mid Glamorgan

  9,350

  10,683

  18,142

  18,871

  —

  Powys

  1,799

  2,103

  2,494

  2,354

  —

  South Glamorgan

  3,398

  4,315

  8,112

  9,987

  —

  West Glamorgan

  7,078

  6,978

  8,905

  9,934

  —

  County/county borough councils

  Isle of Anglesey

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,059

  Gwynedd

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3,621

  Conwy

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3,509

  542 543

  Table 3: Local authority expenditure on home care and home help1

  £000

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Denbighshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,669

  Flintshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,689

  Wrexham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,734

  Powys

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3,052

  Ceredigion

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,202

  Pembrokeshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,084

  Carmarthenshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3,668

  Swansea

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6,255

  Neath Port Talbot

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4,074

  Bridgend

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4,313

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3,048

  Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10,145

  Merthyr Tydfil

  —

  —

  —

  —

  ,3542

  Caerphilly

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4,407

  Blaenau Gwent

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,797

  Torfaen

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,757

  Monmouthshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,893

  Newport

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,654

  Cardiff

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8,281

  Total

  40,784

  44,294

  66,967

  73,478

  80,265

  1 Information for 1992–93 and 1993–94 is for home care related to the elderly and physically/sensory disabled adults. Information for 1994–95 onwards also includes home care for children and their families, the learning disabled and adults with mental health needs

  Elderly People (Abuse)
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the level of abuse of elderly people in difficult care environments in the last five years. [76905]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Identification and monitoring of abuse of older people in care and their protection are the responsibility of local and health authorities in Wales. Information is not held centrally on this. We have established a multi-agency working group, including senior police representatives, to make recommendations on the protection of all vulnerable adults including older people. The policy and practice guidance which will be the outcome of this work will be for the National Assembly to consider.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those firms that have bid for private finance initiative deals in Wales; which of these bids were successful; and to what the bids related. [76923]

  Mr. Hain
  The Department does not hold information, other than for its own Private Finance Initiative (PH) projects, on firms that bid for PFI deals in Wales. The Department does hold information on PFI deals once they have been signed, and this information can be summarised as follows:

  Project

  Successful bidder

  Welsh Office IT Network

  Siemens Business Systems1

  Welsh Office A55 (Anglesey)

  UK Highways (Tarmac, Laing and Hyder)2

  Community Hospital at Chepstow

  Consortium led by King Sturge and Co.

  Staff Residential Accommodation at the new Royal Glamorgan Hospital

  Charter Housing

  Day Surgery/Endoscopy Unit at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny

  Chiltern Securities

  544

  Project

  Successful bidder

  Sterile Services Unit at the University Hospital of Wales

  Sterile Services International

  Main Entrance and Concourse at the University Hospital of Wales

  Healthgate Ltd. (formerly Rockeagle (Health) Ltd.)

  Car Parking Facilities at the University Hospital of Wales

  Britannia Impregilo/APCOA

  Other bidders were:

  1 ICL

  2 Autolink, Road Management Group and Connect

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the commercial plantation of herbicide tolerant genetically modified crops. [74691]

  Mr. Rooker
  No commercial plantings of genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops will take place in 1999. The Government are determined to ensure that these crops do not harm the environment. We have therefore reached agreement with the industry on a programme of managed development starting this spring, whereby the first field-scale plantings of the crops will be strictly limited and monitored for ecological effects alongside conventional varieties.

  Tetcott and South Tetcott Hunt
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what sums his Department contributed for the installation of incinerators at the Tetcott and South Tetcott Hunt kennels. [75524]

  Mr. Morley
  This Department, together with the EU, has provided funds for the purchase and installation of incinerators at Tetcott and Kilkhampton under the English LEADER II Community Initiative Structural Funds
  545
  programme. Both projects were submitted by the North Tamar Business Network Group Limited; one of the local groups though which the LEADER programme is being implemented in the South West. The projects are designed to help farmers reduce costs for the collection and disposal of fallen stock in the North Tamar area. The Tetcott project received funding of £3,750 from each of MAFF and the EAGGF. The Kilkhampton project received funding of £5,084 from each of MAFF and the EAGGF.

  Rabbits
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in how many research projects, since research on this subject began,(a) ferrets and (b) shot guns have been considered as a method of rabbit control; and what general conclusions were reached. [75626]

  Mr. Rooker
  Since 1991–92, the Ministry has funded three research projects which have incorporated information on ferrets and shot guns as methods for rabbit control. The projects involve one research group whose contracts have been extended for fixed periods following reviews of their work. The information on ferrets and shot guns includes results from research funded by other organisations. This research found that, for ferrets, rabbit populations were reduced by no more than 35 per cent. and, for shot guns, by only 30 per cent. Details for MAFF research for the period prior to 1991–92 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much his Department has spent on research on rabbits in each year since 1969; and how many research projects have been funded in that period. [75630]

  Mr. Rooker
  Information on expenditure on rabbit research from 1991–92 to 1998–99 was provided by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary on 18 June 1998,Official Report, column 324. The estimate provided in that answer for 1998–99 has been revised to £572,000. Details for the period prior to 1991–92 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the (i) cost, (ii) start date, (iii) planned completion date and (iv) objectives of the research studies(a) developing a visual scaring device to deter rabbits, (b) developing a rabbit management system, (c) developing a method for assessing the size of rabbit population and (d) rabbit behaviour and population dynamics at fenced hot spots; and in the case of (a) what devices have been considered to date. [75624]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is as follows:(a) Developing a visual scaring device to deter rabbits.

  (i) £114,000 (total).

  (ii) 1 April 1998.

  (iii) 31 March 2001.

  (iv) To produce and test a prototype scaring device based on a light beam and adapted to prevent the development of habituation by rabbits.

  The research is at early stage. Research to date has involved assessing the response of rabbits to light beams to provide a baseline against which to measure the effectiveness of anti-habituation techniques.
  546

  (b) Developing a rabbit management expert system.

  (i) £619,000 (total).

  (ii) 1 April 1998.

  (iii) 31 March 2002.

  (iv) To produce yield loss models to calculate the losses caused by rabbits to spring barley and grass and to obtain additional data on rabbit populations to incorporate into an expert system.

  (c) Developing a method for assessing the size of rabbit populations.

  (i) £154,000 (total).

  (ii) 1 April 1998.

  (iii) 31 March 2001.

  (iv) To develop a method under controlled conditions for assessing rabbit abundance.

  (d) Rabbit behaviour and population dynamics at fence hot-spots.

  (i) £217,000 (total).

  (ii) 1 April 1998.

  (iii) 31 March 2001.

  (iv) To determine the effects of erecting fencing on rabbit population dynamics and ranging behaviour.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many research projects have been undertaken by his Department, and at what total cost,(a) on the effects of rabbit fencing in preventing crop damage by rabbits, (b) to determine effective methods of rabbit control, (c) to investigate the breeding habits of rabbits and (d) to examine the effects on population levels of allowing rabbits to breed unchecked; and what conclusion they reached in each case. [75628]

  Mr. Rooker
  (a) Six since 1991–92 at a cost of £869,000. This figure relates to whole project costs rather than the proportions of projects specifically addressing fencing. The results of research completed to date have been summarised in an advisory leaflet for landowners and occupiers; a copy of the leaflet has been placed in the Library of the House.

  (b) Ten since 1991–92 at a cost of £1.3 million. This figure includes research on fencing. Reports on the results from these projects, where not already covered by my answer of 3 March 1999, Official Report, column 792, have been placed in the Library of the House; their project numbers are:

  VCO204

  VCO207

  VCO208

  Where projects have been extended, only the latest report has been placed in the Library.

  (c) & (d) Three since 1991–92 at a cost of £390,000. These projects cover the development of mathematical models to identify cost-effective rabbit control strategies; they are therefore also included in the cost given in (b). Information on breeding habits and population levels is included in the models to achieve the primary aim of the research relating to rabbit control strategies. The conclusions were given in my answer on 3 March 1999, Official Report, column 792.

  Details for the period prior to 1991–92 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  547
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost of the research project, developing humane, environmentally acceptable and cost-effective methods of rabbit control; and what assessment it made of the use of ferrets as a means of rabbit control. [75623]

  Mr. Rooker
  This project has now ended and the total cost was £479,000. An assessment of the use of ferrets for rabbit control was not included.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many research projects have been undertaken by his Department which have involved predicting the effects of various rabbit populations on crops. [75627]

  Mr. Rooker
  Since 1991–92, the Ministry has funded seven projects involving prediction of the effects of various rabbit populations on crops; these have now all ended. They consisted mainly of the work of one research group whose contracts have been extended for fixed periods following reviews of the research.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost of the research project, irreversible immunocontraception for the control of wild rabbits; and what was the proposed delivery method of the contraceptive. [75625]

  Mr. Rooker
  The cost was £178,000. The delivery method under consideration for the species-specific immunocontraceptive was an oral bait. Work is continuing on this topic under the project: "Antigen delivery systems for the control of wild rabbits". If an immunocontraceptive is developed, it will have to be approved under the Medicines Act 1986 and careful consideration will need to be given to all the issues surrounding its use.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment his Department has made from the research which it has funded of the effects on (i) crops and (ii) young woodlands from a nearby rabbit population which is(a) light and (b) heavy. [75629]

  Mr. Rooker
  (i) This topic was covered in the completed research project: "Predicting damage to crops by rabbits". The results are being refined in the project: "Developing a rabbit management expert system". Details of this project are contained in my answer to the right hon. Member's question, ref.75624.

  (ii) This completed research has been assessed as part of the Ministry' s normal review process. Results from MAFF' s research on farm woodlands is made available to farmers. The research was also publicised at a symposium in York on 8 October 1998 addressing MAFF R&D on farm woodlands since 1987. The symposium was attended by organisations with interests in farm woodlands as well as advisers and farmers.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what synopsis his Department has prepared of the conclusions of the research into the(a) effectiveness and (b) cost of legal methods of rabbit control; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [75622]
  548
  Mr. Rooker
  A single synopsis has not been produced. However, three advisory leaflets based on the results of the Ministry's research on fencing and other control techniques have been produced for landowners and occupiers. Copies have been placed in the Library of the Hosue.

  Live Animal Imports
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many checks were carried out in respect of live animal imports at British ports of entry in each year from 1990 to the latest year for which figures are available. [75845]

  Mr. Rooker
  Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 (as amended) abolished systematic veterinary checks on live animals at internal European Community frontiers. It provides instead for a system of checks at points of origin and random spot checks at points of destination.

  Council Directive 91/496/EEC (as amended) concerns veterinary checks on imports entering the Community from third countries and requires that consignments enter the European Community only through an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP). At the Border Inspection Post they must be subjected to documentary, identity, and physical checks before entering free circulation within the Community.

  Statistics concerning the number of veterinary checks carried out at Border Inspection Posts (third country imports only) are readily available for 1994 to 1998. Records for earlier years are not available in a form which would permit the extraction of corresponding figures without disproportionate cost.

  Year

  Number of veterinary checks on consignments carried out at border inspection posts1 (third country imports)

  1994

  6,797

  1995

  6,550

  1996

  4,805

  1997

  7,238

  1998

  8,826

  1 Based on the number of border crossing certificates issued.

  EU Milk Quotas
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the annual European Union milk quota was for British farmers for each year from 1990 to the latest year for which figures are available. [75838]

  Mr. Rooker
  The total annual European Union milk quota allocation for the UK for each quota year (which runs from 1 April to 31 March) from 1989–90 to 1998–99 is as follows:

  000 litres

  1989–90 and 1990–91

  14,359,836

  1991–92 and 1992–93

  14,084,716

  1993–94 and 1998–99

  14,166,936

  549

  Animal Feed Exports
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantity of meat and bonemeal and other high-protein feed products was exported from Britain in each of the last three years of a type which would currently be illegal if used for animal feed in Great Britain. [75837]

  Mr. Rooker
  Such feed products are not separately identified in official Overseas Trade Statistics.

  Within the UK the feeding of mammalian meat and bonemeal to all farmed livestock and the feeding of any mammalian protein (with certain specific exceptions) to ruminants is prohibited. Since February 1996 the State Veterinary Service has conducted a feed sampling programme to monitor compliance with these controls. Two breaches of the feed control legislation have been identified though neither case involved the export of prohibited material.

  In addition mammalian meat and bonemeal of UK origin, and animal feed containing it, is included in the EU export ban which came into force in March 1996. No breaches of this ban have been detected.

  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the current research projects funded by his Department to discover the cause of, and possible remedies for, tuberculosis in cattle. [75830]

  Mr. Rooker
  In addition to the randomised badger culling trial designed by the Bourne Group, the Ministry is currently funding the following research projects:

  Understanding the causes of herd breakdown:
  A spatial analysis, using GIS, of risk factors associated with TB incidents in cattle herds in England and Wales.
  Bovine TB in badgers and the risks to cattle: a spatial analysis.
  Modelling badger populations, the epidemiology of natural infection with Mycobacterium bovis, the risk of spread to cattle and the consequences of control.
  DNA fingerprinting of samples from badger culling trial.
  The effect on the viability of Mycobacterium bovis of freezing samples prior to culture testing.
  An assessment of the validity of the current necropsy protocol to detect tuberculous lesions in the badger.
  NVL (no visible lesion) tuberculous badger: pathology, immunology and epidemiology.

  Evaluating the effectiveness of currently available strategies to reduce herd breakdown:
  Badgers and bovine tuberculosis: a proactive strategy for the control of bovine TB in badger populations.
  Analysis of European badger (Mycobacterium meles) population dynamics and social organisation in a population naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis.
  The consequences of perturbation caused by badger removal for the control of TB in cattle: a study of behaviour.
  Perturbation study (culture and serology for Mycobacterium bovis).
  An ecological and epidemiological study of a badger population naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis.
  An epidemiological and ecological study of a badger population naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis (laboratory support project).
  Longitudinal study of natural Mycobacterium bovis in badgers.
  Assessment of the humaneness, efficacy, usability and non-target risk of leg-cuffs for capturing badgers.
  550
  Developing improved strategies to reduce herd breakdown:
  Development of vaccine candidates for protection of badgers against infection with Mycobacterium bovis.
  The development of animal models to test candidate vaccines for Mycobacterium bovis in badgers.
  Blood tests to distinguish vaccinated from TB infected cattle; Interferon assay to improve diagnostics in reactors.

  The research programme for 1999–2000 has been reviewed in the light of the recommendations of the Krebs report and a research requirement document was published in April 1998. Research will be focused on understanding the causes of outbreaks of bovine TB and developing improved strategies to reduce the number of outbreaks, especially by creating a cattle vaccine. For details of the research projects for 1999–2000 I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to our hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 10 March 1999, Official Report, column 300.

  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of(a) the likelihood of the UK's dairy beef herds losing their TB-free status and (b) the implications such a development would have for UK agriculture; and if he will make a statement. [76290]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 12 March 1999]: The officially tuberculosis-free (OTF) status of an individual bovine herd within Great Britain is suspended if an animal in that herd reacts positively to a tuberculin test or if, for any other reason, a veterinary inspector suspects that an animal in that herd is infected with tuberculosis.

  The EU legislation (Directive 64/432/EEC), as it currently applies, does not provide for member states, or regions of member states, to obtain OTF status. Certain member states and regions have been exempted from the routine herd testing requirements of the Directive by virtue of a Commission Decision, although they have not been granted OTF status as such. This exemption has never applied to any part of the UK.

  Amendments to the Directive, which were agreed during the last UK Presidency and will come into effect from 1 July 1999, provide for member states and regions to apply for OTF status. Outside such areas, the Directive allows cattle from herds with OTF status to be eligible for intra-Community trade provided that they are subject to a tuberculin test, with negative results, either 30 days before or 30 days after movement.

  Similar testing requirements applied to live cattle entering intra-Community trade from Great Britain prior to 27 March 1996.

  Farming White Paper
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to produce a White Paper based on the results of the Future of Farming consultation. [75839]

  Mr. Rooker
  My officials are in the process of analysing the results of the consultation exercise on Agenda 2000/CAP Reform. These include some 17,000 responses from individual farmers, more detailed comments from a range of organisations and the reports of consultation meetings held across the country. We shall be publishing the results as part of a further consultation paper in the Spring.
  551

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [75883]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 10 March 1999]: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by 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 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 the House of Commons Standing Orders.

  Whales
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Government support the planned joint proposal by Australia and New Zealand to the International Whaling Commission for a whale sanctuary in the Southern Pacific; and if the Government will be actively seeking support from other International Whaling Commission countries for the proposal. [76025]

  Mr. Morley
  The UK Government strongly support the current International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium on commercial whaling and the existing whale sanctuaries. We are opposed to all forms of whaling other than some limited subsistence whaling by indigenous people, and would like to see a permanent, comprehensive international ban on whaling introduced.

  We are keen to develop ways of further these objectives and of improving the conservation of whales. We are therefore in favour of the proposal being developed jointly by Australia and New Zealand for a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary, and will strongly support any firm proposal for such a sanctuary that is submitted to the IWC.

  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the total budget for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme is in each of the next three years in England. [76093]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: The total budget available in the 1999–2000 financial year for the Countryside Stewardship including the main scheme, the Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme and the Upland Experiment is estimated to be over £32 million. This includes payments to farmers, scheme monitoring costs and the work of the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency (FRCA) and not MAFF administrative costs. Figures for 2000–01 and 2001–02 are not yet available.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications were received in England during 1998 to join the Countryside 552
  Stewardship Scheme; what area of land they represented; how many were approved; and what area of land they represented. [76095]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: The number of applications received for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in 1998 was 2,445. Of these, 1,290 agreements have been offered to date, covering an area of 21,919 ha of land. Data on the area of land covered by applications which were rejected or deferred are not recorded.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total area of farmland in England covered by the Countryside Stewardship Scheme; and what is the area covered by the scheme within the less favoured areas and its proportion of the total LFA area. [76091]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: The total area of land currently under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in England is 161,896 ha, virtually all of which is managed agriculturally.

  The area covered by the scheme in the Less Favoured Areas is approximately 55,500 ha which is 3 per cent. of the total area of LFA.

  Quarantine
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to announce proposals on reform of quarantine law. [76221]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) on 5 March 1999,Official Report, column 946.

  Birds (Poisoning)
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has recorded the number of predatory birds killed by poison in the United Kingdom in the last five years. [76756]

  Mr. Rooker
  MAFF co-ordinates the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme which monitors the effects of pesticides on wildlife. The figures are taken from the annual publication, 'Pesticide Poisoning of Animals—Investigations of Suspected Incidents in the UK'.

  This information gives details only of incidents involving pesticides, not all types of poisons. These figures represent incidents where pesticides have been identified by analysis, but which are not necessarily the cause of death.

  Year

  Number of pesticide related incidents involving birds of prey and owls

  1993

  34

  1994

  38

  1995

  31

  1996

  42

  1997

  21

  Note:

  In addition one incident of an owl poisoned by a veterinary medicine has been recorded.
  553

  Brit Awards
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those Ministers in his Department who were present at the recent Brit awards in an official capacity, indicating the organisation acting as their sponsor or host. [76654]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  None.

  Badgers
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has appointed an external auditor for the randomised badger culling trial. [77232]

  Mr. Rooker
  In its report of July 1998 to Ministers, the Independent Scientific Group on TB in cattle recommended that an external auditor be appointed to check field operations. Cresswell Associates, Environmental Consultants of Stroud, Gloucestershire, have now been appointed to carry out this work until November 1999. Audit work after that date will be the subject of a further invitation to tender.

HEALTH

  Capital Allocations (London)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what basis the Regional Office for London will be allocating the general allocation for capital; and if he will list the amount to be allowed to each London health authority. [75134]

  Mr. Denham
  The basis for capital allocations is in accordance with the priorities set out in Health Service Circular 1998/214. Initial capital allocations to National Health Service trusts and health authorities are set out in the table. Further allocations will be made throughout the year following approval of business cases.

  Initial capital allocation 1999–2000: London Regional Office

  Trust/health authority (HA)

  £000

  Barnet Community Healthcare

  791

  BHB Community Health Care

  1,481

  Bromley Hospitals

  1,720

  Camden and Islington Community Health Services

  1,470

  Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare

  4,365

  City and Hackney Community Services

  861

  Croydon Community

  240

  Ealing Hospital

  1,458

  Enfield Community Care

  850

  Forest Healthcare

  2,883

  Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children

  1,800

  Greenwich Healthcare

  2,760

  Guy's and St. Thomas's

  22,760

  Hammersmith Hospitals

  7,840

  Haringey Health Care

  1,188

  Harrow and Hillingdon Healthcare

  538

  Havering Hospitals

  2,915

  Hillingdon Hospital

  1,707

  Homerton Hospital

  4,988

  Hounslow and Spelthorne Community and Mental Health

  656

  King's Healthcare

  3,800

  Kingston and District Community

  890

  Kingston Hospital

  1,320

  Lewisham Hospitals

  1,720

  London Ambulance Service

  4,400

  Mayday Healthcare

  1,360

  554

  Initial capital allocation 1999–2000: London Regional Office

  Trust/health authority (HA)

  £000

  Moorfields Eye Hospital

  938

  Newham Community Health Services

  815

  Newham Healthcare

  3,771

  North Middlesex Hospital

  1,395

  Oxleas

  631

  Pathfinder

  730

  Queen Mary's Sidcup

  1,160

  Ravensbourne Priority Health

  409

  Redbridge Healthcare

  3,227

  Riverside Community Healthcare

  523

  Royal Free Hampstead

  4,059

  Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital

  931

  St. George's Hospital

  3,600

  St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington

  3,239

  Tavistock and Portman

  296

  Teddington Memorial Hospital

  40

  Royal Brompton and Harefield

  2,651

  Royal Hospitals

  7,365

  Royal Marsden

  1,754

  Whittington Hospital

  2,239

  Tower Hamlets Healthcare

  1,358

  University College London Hospitals

  4,394

  West Middlesex University Hospital

  3,659

  Barking and Havering HA

  50

  Barnet HA

  50

  Bexley and Greenwich HA

  50

  Brent and Harrow HA

  50

  Bromley HA

  50

  Camden and Islington HA

  50

  Croydon HA

  50

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow HA

  50

  East London and the City HA

  50

  Enfield and Haringey HA

  50

  Hillingdon HA

  50

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster HA

  50

  Kingston and Richmond HA

  50

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham HA

  200

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth HA

  50

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest HA

  50

  Broadmoor Hospital

  1,441

  Notes:

  1. Above list excludes Trusts potentially involved in mergers.

  2. Above excludes additional allocations from A&E and Waiting List Capital Modernisation Funds, together with contribution from general allocation which will be used to supplement the money from the Modernisation Fund.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate how many people in each health region are currently waiting for an appointment with a consultant following referral by a general practitioner; if he will provide a breakdown of the length of time for which those people(a) have already waited and (b) are expected to wait; and if he will list for each region the waiting time being given to new entrants to this waiting list for (i) ear, nose and throat, (ii) trauma and orthopaedic, (iii) general surgery, (iv) ophthalmology and (v) gynaecology consultants. [75041]

  Mr. Denham
  Available information on waiting times for first outpatient appointments following general practitioner written referral is shown in the table. Information on expected waiting times is not available centrally.
  555

  Number of patients in England waiting for first outpatient appointments following a general practitioner written referral, for the quarter ended 31 December 1998

  Region

  Number who had been waiting 13 to 25 weeks

  Number who had been waiting 26 plus weeks

  Northern and Yorkshire

  36,569

  17,764

  Trent

  35,903

  20,784

  Anglia and Oxford

  34,480

  14,850

  North Thames

  54,606

  20,841

  South Thames

  40,305

  15,005

  South and West

  35,109

  17,283

  West Midlands

  31,366

  11,353

  North West

  54,880

  26,534

  England

  323,218

  144,404

  Note:

  Figures derived from waiting times form QM08 completed by National Health Service trusts each quarter.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were waiting for hospital treatment in the Mid Essex Hospital Trust area in(a) October 1998, (b) November 1998, (c) December 1998 and (d) January 1999. [72888]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 25 February 1999]: Mid Essex Hospital National Health Service Trust's total waiting list was 11,832 at 31 October 1998; 11,347 at 30 November 1998; 11,359 at the end of December 1998; and 11,172 at the end of January 1999.

  Medical School Places
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the capacity for expansion of existing medical schools to accommodate the additional medical places required by the NHS; and if he will make a statement; [75455]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee evaluation of the capacity for clinical positions for students at existing medical schools; and if he will make a statement. [75453]

  Mr. Denham
  The third Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee report did not include a detailed evaluation of the scope for the expansion of student intake at existing medical schools.

  The Government have announced that medical school intake in the United Kingdom will be increased by about 1,000 places by the year 2005, to about 6,000. Because of the current distribution of medical school places, the increase will principally affect student intake in England and Wales.

  In England, all universities and their National Health Service partners have been invited to submit proposals for a share of the increase in medical student intake by 12 March 1999. The Joint Implementation Group appointed to oversee the increase will consider all proposals, and make recommendations to the Higher Education Funding Council for England, which will announce the allocations later in the year.

  Professional Regulation
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what statutory protection is provided to the patients of (i) paramedics, (ii) chiropodists, (iii) physiotherapists,556
  (iv) clinical psychologists, (v) occupational therapists and (vi) speech therapists in (a) the National Health Service and (b) the private sector; and what plans he has to introduce measures to provide additional protection. [75224]

  Mr. Denham
  Chiropodists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists are regulated under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960. It is an offence to pretend to be registered under that Act. In addition, employment in the National Health Service is restricted to those who are registered under the Act. We plan to replace the Act with new legislation to improve public protection, including restricting the use of common professional title to registered practitioners wherever they work.

  NHS employment of speech and language therapists is restricted to members of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. NHS employment of paramedics is restricted to those who have a qualification accredited by the Institute of Health Care Development. We are currently considering petitions to extend the 1960 Act to these two professions.

  NHS employment of clinical psychologists is restricted to those who are members of the British Psychological Society. It is for the profession to develop proposals for statutory regulation.

  South-west Health Authorities (Funding)
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) for what reason the South West Health Authorities will receive 3 per cent. increase on previous funding instead of the announced funding figure of 4 per cent. for the year 2000; [74430]

  (2) if he will take action to ensure that funding for health care in the South West is maintained at 4 per cent. [74432]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 8 March 1999]: For 1999–2000 the national average real terms increase was 4 per cent.

  We use a weighted capitation formula to determine each health authority's fair share target of available resources. Health authorities which already receive more than the formula suggests is their fair share received less than the average increase. Seven of the eight health authorities in the South West were in this position. In 1999–2000 the region as a whole received 1.4 per cent., or £4.3 million more than the formula suggests is their fair share.

  Medicines Control Agency
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the names of the members of the Medicines Control Agency together with a list of their financial interests and research funding. [75726]

  Ms Jowell
  The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) is a Departmental agency and is accountable direct to Ministers. The staff of the agency are civil servants and are subject to all the normal civil service employment rules, including those covering financial and research interests. The names of senior MCA management and scientific staff can be found on the agency's Website.
  557
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the membership of the Medicines Control Agency, indicating for each member their(a) terms of employment, (b) consultancies, (c) research funding and (d) shareholdings in pharmaceutical companies. [75950]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill).

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the Medicines Control Agency to extend its remit to cover(a) health products and (b) nutritional supplements; and if he will make a statement. [75951]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: We have no plans to extend the remit of the Medicines Control Agency.

  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to expand the remit of the Medicines Control Agency to enable it to ban vitamin and other supplements to diet; and if he will make a statement on the composition and background of the members of the Medicines Control Agency. [76760]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have no plans to extend the remit of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) or to ban vitamins and other dietary supplements. The MCA is an agency of the Department and is accountable direct to Ministers. The staff of the agency are civil servants and are subject to all the normal civil service employment rules, including those covering financial and research interests. The names of senior MCA management and scientific staff can be found on the agency's Website.

  Nurses (Violence)
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of violent incidents against nurses in accident and emergency wards were attributable to(a) substance and (b) alcohol abuse in the last five years for which figures are available. [75953]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]: Information on the number and specific causes of violent attacks on nursing staff is not available centrally. National Health Service trusts and health authorities collect information locally.

  North Essex Health Authority
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to provide a substantive answer to the questions tabled by the hon. Member for West Chelmsford on 22 February, on figures published by the North Essex Health Authority and his Department (Refs. 73118, 73119 and 73120). [76205]

  Mr. Denham
  I replied to the hon. Member's questions on 12 March 1999,Official Report, column 410.

  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of (i) the availability of services within the NHS for sufferers of ME/CFS and (ii) the adequacy of the present arrangements for commissioning social services. [76475]
  558
  Mr. Hutton
  The National Health Service provides a considerable number of services to which people suffering from Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) have access, and such patients are seen within a wide range of hospital specialties. The recently established CFS/ME Working Group will produce guidance aimed at improving the quality of this care and treatment. We have consistently emphasised the importance of close partnership between the NHS and local authorities to plan and commission services and have set in hand a number of initiatives, including legislative change, to strengthen this.

  Children (Employment)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to introduce legislation to bring ILO Convention 138 relating to children's employment into UK law; and if he will make a statement. [76202]

  Mr. Hutton
  An announcement of the results of the review of the ratification of International Labour Organisation Convention 138 will be made in the near future.

  Hospitals (Phones)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue instructions to hospitals that normal BT call charges should apply to all payphones within their hospitals. [76149]

  Mr. Denham
  None. The provision of a telephone service for use by patients and visitors, including the choice of provider, is a matter for individual trusts. Detailed guidance on the setting of fees and charges by National Health Service trusts is contained in Her Majesty's Treasury publication "The Fees and Charges Guide". Where a service is to be provided by a third party, trusts should ensure best value both for the hospital and the user by seeking tenders from potential operators.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of dentists that need to be trained in England to ensure(a) the maintenance of the present level of service and (b) that his dental health targets are met. [75438]

  Mr. Denham
  On 31 March 1998 there were 19,711 dentists practising in the National Health Service in Great Britain, an increase of 2.6 per cent. on the year before. Numbers of dental students are also at a record level. In the 1997–98 academic year there were 3,929 undergraduate dental students in medical schools, an increase of 2 per cent. on the 1996–97 year.

  A sub-group of the Dental Advisory Group on Medical Education and Training, which has been established to consider future workforce requirements, will hold its first meeting on 10 June 1999. Its discussions will be informed by our forthcoming dental strategy.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the need for facilities for dento-alveolar surgery. [75442]
  559
  Mr. Denham
  Dento-alveolar surgery is mostly carried out within the facilities of primary dental care. Dento-alveolar surgery requiring more specialist Average time for referral treatment is provided by the hospital dental services. It is for health authorities to assess local need for such facilities.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the cost of clinical waste collection and water service charges to general dental practices; to what extent these costs are accounted for in the payments made to dentists for NHS work; and what plans he has to make changes in the reimbursement of dentists for these particular costs. [75437]

  Mr. Denham
  Information on the cost of clinical waste collection and water service charges is not available centrally. As independent contractors, general dental practitioners are responsible for meeting all their own practice expenses. The fees payable to general dental practitioners reflect this fact. We have no plans to change this at present.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many treatments requiring prior approval from the Dental Practice Board were submitted in each of the last three years; how many were refused; and what was the(a) shortest, (b) longest and (c) average time taken to consider these requests. [75435]

  Mr. Denham
  The number of prior approvals received by the Dental Practice Board which cover England, Wales and the Isle of Man and the number of these referred for investigation is given in the table.

  Prior approval applications

  Number referred

  1995–96

  548,753

  not available

  1996–97

  548,741

  33,126

  1997–98

  554,584

  49,833

  The number of applications referred in 1995–96 is not available. The shortest time of dealing with the applications was one day.

  Longest time for approval—referral not required

  Year

  Days

  1995–96

  38

  1996–97

  35

  1997–98

  45

  Longest time for referral

  Year

  Days

  1995–96

  not available

  1996–97

  138

  1997–98

  124

  Average time for approval—referral not required

  Year

  Days

  1995–96

  5

  1996–97

  6

  1997–98

  5

  560

  Average time for referral

  Year

  Days

  1995–96

  not available

  1996–97

  85

  1997–98

  97

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the number of dentists required in each health authority to provide a satisfactory level of service; [75439]

  (2) if he will make a statement about (a) the availability of dental services in rural areas and (b) the steps being taken to improve access to dentists in rural areas. [75426]

  Mr. Denham
  Health authorities have responsibility for monitoring the oral health and general dental services (GDS) in their area. If a health authority is concerned about the level of GDS provision in its area, it may ask the Secretary of State for Health to use his powers under Section 56 of the NHS Act 1977, to approve the funding of proposals submitted under the Investing in Dentistry initiative, which we launched in September 1997, or, where appropriate, seek approval to employ a salaried dentist(s).

  The Personal Dental Services scheme (PDS) was set up under the NHS (Primary Care) Act 1997 to address local service problems and tailor services to meet local need, including in rural areas. PDS enables dentists and National Health Service trusts, working with health authorities, to develop and pilot new ways of delivering NHS dentistry. The first wave of pilot schemes began in October 1998.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was(a) the public expenditure estimate and (b) the cost outturn for general dental services in England in 1997–98. [75427]

  Mr. Denham
  General Dental Services (GDS) is not cash limited, so there is no set annual budget. The original vote provision and final expenditure in the GDS in England is shown in the table.

  General Dental Service:1997–98 Expenditure

  £ million

  England

  Gross expenditure

  Net expenditure

  Provision made in main estimate

  1,405.8

  1,021.5

  Outturn

  1,349.3

  959.1

  Gross expenditure includes all fees and allowances payable to general dental practitioners, which cover their income and practice expenses, together with supplementary cost such as employers' superannuation contributions, payments of salaried dentists who provide GDS care in certain localities, and refunds to patients who incorrectly paid dental charges. Net expenditure shows costs after taking into account all dental charges collected from patients.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about current audit and peer review projects for general dental practitioners,
  561
  setting out (a) his assessment of their effectiveness and value for money and (b) his future plans for such projects. [75430]

  Mr. Denham
  As our consultation paper AFirst Class Service indicated, participation of doctors and dentists in clinical audit schemes is central to our strategy for improving the quality of health care. Local audit and peer review advisory panels assess dental schemes and those dentists who participate are required to prepare resumes of their experience. A recent analysis of a sample of these reports showed that 89 per cent. of dentists viewed the process positively and 63 per cent. had acquired knowledge with a direct, beneficial impact on patient care. We have allocated £1.5 million for these schemes in 1999–2000 and have no plans to change the current arrangements.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list by health authority area the average number of dental registrations per dentist; if he will make a statement on the impact on dental health of differences in the average number; and what measures are being taken to reduce such differences; [75534]

  (2) how many adults have been seen by dentists under NHS regulations in each health authority area in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [75533]

  Mr. Denham
  The table gives, by health authority (HA), the number of registered dental patients on 31 January 1999 as compared to the number of General Dental Service (GDS) dentists at 31 December 1998. Differences in these numbers between HAs will reflect differences in the level of commitment of dentists to the GDS (lower registrations per dentist are likely to indicate a lower level of commitment to the GDS by the dentists involved) and other factors. Figures on the number of adult patients seen by GDS dentists are not available.

  General Dental Service: Number of patient registrations1 per dentisf2,3 by health authority

  England

  Health authorities

  England

  1,363

  Avon

  1,184

  Barking and Havering

  1,390

  Barnet

  663

  Barnsley

  1,996

  Bedfordshire

  1,255

  Berkshire

  1,070

  Bexley and Greenwich

  1,237

  Birmingham

  1,626

  Bradford

  1,605

  Brent and Harrow

  1,036

  Bromley

  833

  Buckinghamshire

  985

  Bury and Rochdale

  1,610

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  1,786

  Cambridge and Huntingdon

  1,442

  Camden and Islington

  779

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  1,351

  County Durham

  1,850

  Coventry

  1,615

  Croydon

  1,039

  Doncaster

  1,875

  Dorset

  1,425

  Dudley

  1,728

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  781

  East Kent

  1,284

  562

  General Dental Service: Number of patient registrations1 per dentist2,3 by health authority

  England

  Health authorities

  East Lancashire

  1,547

  East London and The City

  1,002

  East Norfolk

  1,400

  East Riding

  1,894

  East Surrey

  964

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove

  1,192

  East and North Hertfordshire

  1,344

  Enfield and Haringey

  1,102

  Gateshead and South Tyneside

  1,514

  Gloucestershire

  974

  Herefordshire

  1,292

  Hillingdon

  1,274

  Isle of Wight

  1,540

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  555

  Kingston and Richmond

  793

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  1,169

  Leeds

  1,380

  Leicestershire

  1,726

  Lincolnshire

  2,229

  Liverpool

  1,570

  Manchester

  1,192

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  974

  Morecombe Bay

  1,366

  Newcastle and North Tyneside

  1,490

  North Cheshire

  1,831

  North Cumbria

  1,472

  North Derbyshire

  1,588

  North Essex

  1,439

  North Nottinghamshire

  1,943

  North Staffordshire

  1,679

  North West Anglia

  1,498

  North West Lancashire

  1,578

  North Yorkshire

  1,433

  North and East Devon

  1,239

  North and Mid Hampshire

  1,380

  Northamptonshire

  1,983

  Northumberland

  1,527

  Nottingham

  1,604

  Oxfordshire

  967

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

  1,373

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  1,261

  Rotherham

  1,777

  Salford and Trafford

  1,584

  Sandwell

  1,620

  Sefton

  1,719

  Sheffield

  1,707

  Shropshire

  1,362

  Solihull

  1,343

  Somerset

  1,540

  South Cheshire

  1,333

  South Derbyshire

  1,591

  South Essex

  1,424

  South Humber

  2,051

  South Lancashire

  1,391

  South Staffordshire

  1,752

  South and West Devon

  1,251

  Southampton and S W Hampshire

  1,423

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  1,569

  Stockport

  1,571

  Suffolk

  1,703

  Sunderland

  1,926

  Tees

  1,791

  Wakefield

  2,033

  Walsall

  1,858

  Warwickshire

  1,368

  West Hertfordshire

  1,095

  West Kent

  1,108

  West Pennine

  1,685

  West Surrey

  980

  West Sussex

  1,164

  563

  General Dental Service: Number of patient registrations1 per dentist2,3 by health authority

  England

  Health authorities

  Wigan and Bolton

  1,780

  Wiltshire

  1,164

  Wirral

  1,497

  Wolverhampton

  2,001

  Worcestershire

  1,447

  1 Adult and child patients registered at 31 January 1999

  2 Includes Principals, Assistant and Vocational Dental Practitioners at 31 December 1998

  3 Excludes Community, Salaried and Hospital dentists

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in each of the last three years what percentage of all types of dental treatments was referred to a dental reference officer for scrutiny; and what percentage was declared to be(a) of poor quality and (b) invalid. [75433]

  Mr. Denham
  In 1996–97 and 1997–98 about 0.5 per cent. and 0.6 per cent. respectively of courses of treatment scheduled for payment for England, Wales and the Isle of Man were referred to a dental reference office for scrutiny. Of those patients seen, the dental officer had a major or fundamental disagreement with the treatment in 1.75 per cent. of cases in 1996–97 and 1.37 per cent. of cases in 1997–98. Information for 1995–96 is not available. These percentages cover both poor quality and invalid treatments. The dental officer was unable to comment in 3 per cent. of cases seen in 1996–97 and 4 per cent. in 1997–98.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists are employed by each NHS trust in their community dental services; how many children were treated in the last year for which figures are available in each trust; and how many treatments were made. [75440]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  Table 1 gives the number of child patients, aged 15 years and under, seen for treatment by the community dental service (CDS) by health authority (HA) in England during the financial year 1997–98. The activity for each Trust is allocated to the HA for which the work is carried out. Table 1 also includes information on the number of episodes of care for children aged 15 years or under. An episode of care is a series of face to face contacts with a member of the CDS to complete a treatment plan.

  The number of CDS dentists on 30 September 1997 is given in Table 2 by HA in England based on the location of the NHS trusts.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of treatments requiring prior approval from the Dental Practice Board was submitted to dental reference officers for further examination in each of the last three years; what percentage was refused; and what was(a) the shortest, (b) the longest and (c) the average time taken to consider these submissions. [75434]

  Mr. Denham
  6 per cent. of prior approval applications in England, Wales and the Isle of Man were referred to dental reference officers for further investigation in 1996–97 and 71 per cent. of these patients were seen, for 564
  example, 4 per cent. of the total number of applications. In 1997–98, 9 per cent. were investigated further and 56 per cent. of patients were seen, for example, 5 per cent. of the total number of applications. Information for 1995–96 is not available.

  Of those patients seen in 1996–97, the dental officer had a fundamental disagreement with the treatment plan in 0.47 per cent. of cases and had a major disagreement in 4.72 per cent. of cases. For patients seen in 1997–98, there was a fundamental disagreement in 0.38 per cent. of cases and a major disagreement in 3.48 per cent. of cases. However, refusal to give approval takes place only after further consultation at the Dental Practice Board.

  In 1996–97 the quickest approval was made in 45 days, the average time taken was 85 days and the longest time taken was 138 days. In 1997–98 the quickest approval was made in 46 days, the average time taken was 97 days and the longest time taken was 124 days.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of dentists' earnings was made up of non-NHS work in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [75313]

  Mr. Denham
  Information on non-National Health Service dental earnings is not collected. However, an annual Inland Revenue Survey gives information on the total gross earnings (i.e. including both NHS and private work) of General Dental Service (GDS) dentists, allowing a comparison with total gross GDS earnings. This indicates that the percentage of GDS dentists' earnings made up of non-GDS work over the last five years has been in the order of:

  1991–92: 4 per cent.

  1992–93: 5 per cent.

  1993–94: 10 per cent.

  1994–95: 14 per cent.

  1995–96 and 1996–97 combined about 25 per cent.

  The percentage estimate for the combined year 1995–96 and 1996–97 is not on the same basis as the estimates for the earlier years. The total gross earnings were obtained from a special data collection covering non-associate dentists only and the accounting years eligible for inclusion in the survey were less restrictive.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the value of dentists participating in information management and information technology programmes; and what plans he has to provide financial support for such in-service development. [75535]

  Mr. Denham
  10,983 National Health Service general dental practitioners in England and Wales are already linked electronically to the Dental Practice Board (DPB). Grants of £900 are made by the DPB, when dentists first establish electronic links to them, to assist with the purchase of suitable computer systems.

  The value of information management and technology for dentists is one of the issues that will be considered by the team appointed to carry out an evaluation of Personal Dental Services pilots.
  565

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those firms which have bid for NHS private finance initiative deals for each of the last five years; and which of those bids were successful. [76487]

  Name of Trust

  Consortia Selected to Bid

  Successful Bidder

  Norfolk and Norwich

  (1) Octagon

  Octagon

  (2) AMEC

  (3) Wimpey/Serco/Impregillo

  Dartford & Graveshara

  (1) Costain Construction

  Pentland Healthcare Group

  (2) Pentland Healthcare Group

  (3) Trafalgar House Construction

  (4) United Healthcare

  Bromley

  (1) United Healthcare

  United Healthcare

  (2) Healthcare Management Group

  (3) Swan Hill

  Wheelhouse

  (1) Metier Healthcare

  Metier Healthcare

  (2) Symonds Group and General Healthcare Group Plc

  Calderdale

  (1) Tarmac

  Catalyst

  (2) Swan Hill

  (3) Kier

  (4) Catalyst

  Carlisle Hospital

  (1) Health Management Carlisle

  Health Management Carlisle

  (2) Swan Hill

  (3) Laing

  South Buckinghamshire

  (1) Domino Equipping Solution

  United Healthcare

  (2) M Howard Consultants

  (3) Hemax Healthcare

  (4) Martin James Medical

  (5) United Healthcare

  South Manchester

  (1) Consort Healthcare

  South Manchester Healthcare Ltd

  (2) Healthcare Group

  (3) Wimpey Healthcare

  (4) South Manchester Healthcare Ltd

  North Durham

  (1) Bovis

  Consort Healthcare

  (2) Consort Healthcare

  (3) Kier/Iss

  (4) Laser

  (5) Swan Hill Development

  Greenwich

  (1) Trafalgar House

  Trafalgar House (Bought out by Kvaerner plc)

  (2) TBV (Subsidiary of Tarmac)

  Psychiatric Services (Children)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evaluation his Department has undertaken of the policies of(a) local authority social services departments and (b) NHS psychiatric services in respect of children excluded from school. [76479]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has made no such evaluation. The Department is, however, working closely with the Department for Education and Employment to

  Estimated admissions under a child and adolescent psychiatry specialty by age to NHS trusts, 1991–92 to 1997–98 England

  Age on admission

  0–4

  5–9

  10–14

  15–19

  20 and over

  Total

  1991–92

  140

  470

  1,040

  750

  430

  2,840

  1992–93

  130

  610

  1,070

  780

  420

  3,010

  1993–94

  230

  560

  1,410

  810

  80

  3,090

  1994–95

  200

  740

  1,480

  900

  60

  3,380

  1995–96

  110

  290

  710

  810

  90

  2,010

  566
  Mr. Denham
  Details of individual Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes with a capital value of less than £10 million are not available centrally. Information is given in the table on the consortia selected to bid for the scheme and the successful consortium for those schemes with a capital of over £10 million which have reached financial close.

  encourage joint local initiatives to help tackle school truancy and exclusion.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children have been admitted to NHS psychiatric care in each year since 1992. [76482]

  Mr. Hutton
  The table shows the estimated number of admissions, under the child and adolescent psychiatry specialty to National Health Service trusts in England from 1991–92 to 1997–98.
  567

  Estimated admissions under a child and adolescent psychiatry specialty by age to NHS trusts, 1991–92 to 1997–98 England

  Age on admission

  0–4

  5–9

  10–14

  15–19

  20 and over

  Total

  1996–97

  50

  240

  620

  700

  260

  1,860

  1997–98

  70

  270

  600

  630

  220

  1,780

  Notes:

  1. Data have been rounded

  2. Data for 1996–97, 1997–98 are provisional, no adjustments have yet been made for shortfalls in data (i.e. the data are ungrossed)

  Source:

  Department of Health

  NHS Training and Expenditure
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what data his Department collects on expenditure on NHS training and education, and its availability; and if he will make a statement. [76483]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department collects comprehensive expenditure information on non-medical education and training and medical education and training funded from the national levies. Expenditure information has been published annually in each of the levy accountability reports commencing with the 1997–98 financial year.

  Doctors (Complaints)
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that a patient making an allegation to the General Medical Council about the conduct of a doctor will have automatic access to all relevant notes and correspondence. [76759]

  Mr. Denham
  This is a matter for the General Medical Council.

  NHS Charges
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what percentage NHS charges for(a) sight tests, (b) glasses,
  (c) travel to hospital, (d) dental treatment and (e) prescription have risen since December 1998. [76757]

  Mr. Denham
  Prescription charges and charges for dental treatment have not risen since December 1998. There are no charges for National Health Service sight tests (which will be available to everyone aged 60 or over from 1 April) or for travel to hospital. Children and people on low incomes are eligible for NHS spectacle vouchers which they may use to buy glasses of their choice.

  For changes from 1 April, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Mr. Gerrard) on 25 February 1999, Official Report, columns 429–30.

  Brit Awards
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those Ministers in his Department who were present at the recent Brit awards in an official capacity, indicating the organisation acting as their sponsor or host. [76646]

  Mr. Hutton
  None.
  568

  Pasteurised Eggs
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to revise or reissue guidance on the use of pasteurised eggs. [76652]

  Mr. Hutton
  We advised caterers to use pasteurised egg in uncooked egg dishes over ten years ago. That advice continues to be disseminated by the Department in advice published by the Chief Medical Officer in 1997, for example. There are no plans, at present, to revise this guidance.

  Nursing Vacancies (Oxfordshire)
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacant nursing places there are at(a) The Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust, (b) Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre NHS Trust, (c) Radcliffe Infirmary NHS Trust, (d) Oxfordshire Community Health NHS Trust and (e) Oxfordshire Mental Healthcare NHS Trust; and what the corresponding figures were 12 months ago. [76762]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  The hon. Member may wish to contact chairs at the trusts for further details.

  Clinical Negligence
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by NHS region the number and value of clinical negligence claims settled by individual trusts, for each of the last five years. [76488]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available.

  Departmental Policies
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health 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. [72681]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 24 February 1999]: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. O'Brien), on 24 February 1999, Official Report,
  columns 311–12.

  Education Action Zones
  Education Action Zones
  Tourism: Consultation
  Tourism: Consultation
  Scotland: Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Recommendations
  Scotland: Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Recommendations
  NHS Regional Office Budgets
  NHS Regional Office Budgets
  Medicines Advertising: Control
  Medicines Advertising: Control
  Appeal Court Workload
  Appeal Court Workload
  NATO and Kurdish Autonomy
  NATO and Kurdish Autonomy
  NATO: Nuclear Policy
  NATO: Nuclear Policy
  Sierra Leone: ECOMOG Presence
  Sierra Leone: ECOMOG Presence
  Kosovo
  Kosovo
  Iraq: Assassinations
  Iraq: Assassinations
  Gibraltar: Criminal Cases
  Gibraltar: Criminal Cases
  Iraqi-Turkish Pipeline: Damage to Control Network
  Iraqi-Turkish Pipeline: Damage to Control Network
  Iraqi No Fly Zone: RAF Response
  Iraqi No Fly Zone: RAF Response
  Nuclear Weapons: Policy
  Nuclear Weapons: Policy
  Consular Fees
  Consular Fees
  Exports: Support and Promotion
  Exports: Support and Promotion
  Sanctions Policy
  Sanctions Policy
  Live Sheep Exports
  Live Sheep Exports
  Genetic Modification: Authorising Bodies
  Genetic Modification: Authorising Bodies
  Provisional Seed Certification Scheme
  Provisional Seed Certification Scheme