Written Answers of 26 March 1999

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Prisons(Health Care)
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the report of the Joint Prison

  Contested trials/pleas

  Convictions/acquittals

  Financial Year

  Total number of cases brought to trial

  Total number of defendants

  Number of cases where all defendants pleaded guilty

  Number of cases where at least one defendant went to trial

  Number of defendants who pleaded guilty

  Convicted by jury

  Acquitted by jury

  Acquitted (NEO)

  Total

  1996–97

  8

  14

  1

  7

  3

  9

  1

  1

  11

  1997–98

  14

  39

  8

  6

  29

  18

  1

  1

  10

  1998–99-todate

  (19 March 1999)

  17

  35

  8

  29

  16

  13

  5

  1

  19

  1 This includes one person who was convicted by a magistrate (Section 2 offence)

  2 This includes one case with a single defendant against whom no evidence was offered

CABINET OFFICE

  Crown Copyright
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he expects to set out the Government's proposals on the future management of Crown Copyright. [79330]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  A Government White Paper, "The Future Management of Crown Copyright", has been published today (Cm 4300). This document provides a blueprint which sets out the underlying principles which will be at the heart of future licensing of official material. This marks the culmination of a wide ranging consultation exercise initiated by the Government's Green Paper, "Crown Copyright in the Information Age" (Cm 3819), which was published in January 1998.

  The challenge for the Government has been to establish a licensing regime for official material which is responsive to the needs of the citizen and the information industry. It is also important that we embrace the opportunities offered by new technology to encourage access to Government information as we approach the 21st Century. Our aim, therefore, has been to deliver a licensing policy which preserves the integrity and authority of official information, yet at the same time is also flexible, streamlined and transparent for users.

  Regulatory Impact Assessments
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list those regulatory impact assessments published during the latest six month period. [79331]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  The Government are committed to ensuring that regulations are necessary, give effective protection, balance cost and risk, are fair and 414
  Service and the NHS Executive Working Group on the future organisation of prison health care will be published. [79406]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government are intending to make an announcement and publish the Report on Monday 29 March 1999.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Serious Fraud Office
  Mr. Marshall-Andrews
  To ask the Attorney-General how many cases were presented by the Serious Fraud Office as(a) contested cases and (b) pleas of guilty in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998–99. [78217]

  The Attorney-General
  The statistics requested by the hon. and learned Gentleman are set out in the table.

  command public confidence. In accordance with this, we require Departments to produce and publish RIAs for all regulatory proposals likely to have an impact on business.

  I have presented to Parliament today a Command Paper listing 40 RIAs published between 1 July and 31 December 1998. Also listed are 38 Compliance Cost Assessments. Copies of those listed have been placed in the House Libraries. Please note that this Command Paper entitled "Regulatory Impact Appraisals" has replaced the previous series entitled "Compliance Cost Assessments". This is the tenth such Command Paper.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Jerome Charles
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will place in the Library a transcript of the reasons given in court by His Honour Judge Catlin to explain his decision to give bail to defendant Jerome Charles in Aylesbury Crown Court on 26 June 1998. [78428]

  Mr. Hoon
  A copy of the transcript will be placed in the Library within the next three weeks.

  Census Returns
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list all Public Records Act 1958 instruments that have prescribed periods of extended closure of decennial census returns for England and Wales; and if he will list the class numbers, census years and periods mentioned in the schedules. [78445]
  415
  Mr. Hoon
  Only Lord Chancellor's Instrument (Access to Public Records) No. 12, 1966, has prescribed a period of extended closure of decennial census returns for England and Wales. The schedule does not mention class numbers and census years; it prescribes a period of 100 years.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Montserrat
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she will introduce a return air fare scheme for Montserratian evacuees. [79483]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Conditions on the island now allow for the introduction of a scheme to fulfil the promise I made in September 1997 that the Department for International Development (DFID) would pay the return air fares of those Montserratians who had relocated to the UK or within the Caribbean because of the volcanic activity, who were in need and wished to return to Montserrat, when conditions allowed. The latest volcanic assessment concludes that there has been no resumption of magmatic eruption since March 1998 and that risk levels of a major volcanic eruption are now similar to those in other Caribbean volcanic islands. Projects are underway to encourage small enterprise development and to provide adequate housing for those people who relocated from the south of the island and are now living in a shelter or unsuitable shared accommodation in the north.

  Eligible applicants will be provided with a one-way non-transferable economy class ticket from their current place of residence to Montserrat, plus an additional air freight allowance, travel costs to the airport of embarkation in the UK and overnight subsistence costs in Antigua, where required.

  In order to qualify for the scheme, applicants will need to:

  (a) demonstrate that they were resident on the island on 18 July 1995;

  (b) provide an address on the island where they will be able to live upon their return;

  (c) show that they have been relocated for a period of at least six months; and

  (d) provide written certification that they do not possess savings equivalent to more than EC$44,000 (approximately £10,000).

  The scheme will operate for an initial period of 2 years and be administered by the DFID office in Antigua and by the Montserrat Community Support Trust (MCST) in the UK. Applicants in the Caribbean will be invited to register with the DFID office in Antigua or the British Representative in the island where they are living after 1 May whilst those in the UK can register with MCST after 1 June. Further details will be announced nearer the date of commencement.

  Travel costs incurred by evacuees returning to Montserrat prior to the commencement of the scheme will not be reimbursed.
  416
  With the introduction of ERAFS, HMG are to bring to an end the Assisted Passage Scheme and the Regional Relocation Scheme which enable Montserratians to relocate to the UK or within the region respectively. The Regional Relocation Scheme will end on 30 April whilst the Assisted Passage Scheme will finish on 31 May. Applications received after 1 May 1999 will not be considered. People applying for the schemes must travel by 30 April and 31 May 1999 respectively.

  Tanzania
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about the famine in Tanzania and her Department's response to it. [78772]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Parts of Tanzania suffered from severe drought in late 1997. The effects of this on Tanzanian agriculture were exacerbated by EI Nino-related flooding in early 1998. So far this year there has been a lack of rain in many areas. The cumulative effect has been an increase in vulnerability of already poor people. The Government of Tanzania are planning to distribute food to some 1.2 million people living in the worst affected regions. The Department for International Development (DFID) provided about £1 million of support in late 1997/early 1998. The World Food Programme is coordinating a relief programme, recently extended until June, in the Dodoma and Singida Regions: DFID support since October 1998 has amounted to £400,000. The main rains are now due to begin in Tanzania. This will be a critical period. DFID staff will continue to monitor events very closely over the next few months.

  Global Environment Assistance
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will state her Department's budget for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 for global environment assistance. [78770]

  Mr. Foulkes
  In 1997–98 the Department spent £18.7 million on global environmental assistance. In 1998–99 the budget is £19.5 million and in 1999–2000 the budget will be £18.4 million.

  Know How Fund
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much money from the Know How Fund has been allocated to Russia in each of the last four years. [78911]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Bilateral assistance to Russia has been allocated by financial year as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1995–96

  28.5

  1996–97

  28.0

  1997–98

  28.0

  1998–99

  29.0

  The Department for International Development also contributed approximately 15 per cent. of the cost of the European Union's Tacis programme.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Ministerial Meetings (US)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many times Ministers in his Department have met their counterparts in the US Government since 1 June 1998; and if he will list the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved on each occasion, and the name of the US counterpart at each meeting. [77117]

  Mr. Prescott
  The information for DETR is as follows:

  Date

  Location

  DETR minister

  US counterpart

  7 July 1998

  Washington

  Richard Caborn

  Saul Ramirez (Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development)

  16–18 September 1998

  Japan

  John Prescott

  Stu Eizenstat (Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs)

  10–13 November 1998

  Buenos Aires

  John Prescott, Michael Meacher

  Stu Eizenstat (Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs)

  25 January 1999

  London

  John Prescott

  Frank Loy (Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs)

  30 January 1999

  London

  John Prescott

  Al Gore, Vice President

  Community Transport (Fuel Rebate)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to extend fuel duty rebate to community transport services. [76512]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 16 March 1999]: Fuel duty rebate is an important element in Government financial support for local bus services. Possible changes to its scope will be considered as part of the study we will be asking the new Commission for Integrated Transport to undertake on all aspects of public funding for bus services. We will also be considering carefully all the recommendations of the review of voluntary and community transport commissioned by my Department, the report of which will be published shortly.

  Road Haulage
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the change in the number of British-owned road haulage firms over the next year. [77286]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My Department does not hold information on the numbers of British owned road haulage firms. Road haulage companies based in Great Britain are required to hold a goods vehicle operator's licence, issued by the local Traffic Commissioner, for each traffic area in which they have an operating centre: so many of the larger companies will hold more than one licence. Figures for the number of licences in issue each year from 1993–97 show a cumulative decline of 418
  some 9 per cent. over the period. Figures for 1997–98 show a slight increase, 0.5 per cent., over the previous year. I estimate that figures for the current year, ending 31 March, will be similar to those for last year. It is too soon to make any estimates for next year.

  Transport Infrastructure Investment
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much his Department spent per capita of population on transport infrastructure investment in(a) Greater London, (b) Docklands and (c) the North West of England during the most recent five years for which figures are available. [77666]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Comprehensive information is not available in the form requested. In the last five years, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions directly invested in transport infrastructure in(a) Greater London, (b) Docklands and (c) the North West of England through a number of different programmes. Local authorities may also have invested in transport infrastructure through Revenue Support Grant, although detailed records of this are not kept by the Department.

  The directly supported capital expenditure in the five year period to April 1998 was:

  (a) Greater London

  (b) Docklands

  (c) North West of England

  Trunk roads (£ million)

  11,256

  1,051

  Local Transport Capital (£ million)

  1449.4

  457.1

  Capital Challenge (£ million)

  0

  0

  239

  Freight grants (£ million)

  4.37

  0

  4.88

  Local authority airports (£ million)

  0.01

  0

  5.56

  London Docklands Development

  —

  3123.016

  —

  Corporation (LDDC) (£ million)

  Docklands Light Railway (£ million)

  —

  84.035

  —

  London Transport/Traffic

  13,768

  —

  Director for London (£ million)

  Woolwich Ferry (£ million)

  —

  1.967

  —

  Total (5 years) (£ million)

  15,686.8

  1,557.5

  Population (million)

  7.122

  6.89

  Spend per Capita

  1£798

  £226

  1 Combined figure for Greater London and for Docklands—not separately identifiable

  2 Capital Challenge was a new programme introduced in 1996–97

  3 LDDC closed in April 1998

  Millennium Transport Insurance
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the availability of insurance for transport providers on 1 January 2000; and if he will arrange to meet transport providers to discuss this issue. [77894]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Members of my Department are in frequent discussion with transport providers about their plans to maintain services on 1 January 2000. In general, the matter of insurance is between the transport providers and their insurers.
  419
  As regards aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority is requiring all UK licensed operators to provide confirmation that their insurance specifically includes cover for possible computer date recognition problems. Failure to provide satisfactory confirmation will lead to the CAA taking action to suspend operating licences.

  Rail operators are required as a condition of their licence, to have adequate insurance cover. The Rail Regulator has made it clear that he does not expect exclusions relating to the millennium date change problem to be a part of such insurance cover.

  Driving Licences
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to end the charging of the over-70s for renewing their driving licences. [78301]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  There are no plans to end the charging of drivers aged 70 or over for renewing their driving licences.

  Canary Wharf
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the costs to public funds of the subsidies and other financial incentives provided to the Canary Wharf development and associated Enterprise Zone since its establishment. [78302]

  Mr. Meale
  Information as requested on an individual development within an Enterprise Zone is not readily available.

  There are two main tax incentives offered to businesses in Enterprise Zones:

  (a) 100 per cent. allowances for corporation and income tax purposes for capital expenditure on industrial and commercial buildings (including hotels); and

  (b) exemption from local authority business rates for industrial and commercial property, for the duration of Enterprise Zones status.

  According to a Report by Cambridge Policy Consultants on 'An Evaluation of the Isle of Dogs Enterprise Zone', which was commissioned by the then Department of the Environment, estimates of the public costs associated with the Isle of Dogs Enterprise Zone as a whole, (over the end of the ten year life of the Zone), which would include the Canary Wharf development, are as follows:

  £ million (1997–98 prices)

  Cost to the Exchequer of the Capital Allowances

  736.0

  Rate Relief

  66.8

  Leaded Petrol
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements there will be to allow owners of classic cars to obtain leaded petrol from 1 January 2000. [78305]
  420
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The vast majority of classic cars will be able to operate perfectly satisfactorily on lead replacement petrol which is expected to become widely available from the last quarter of this year. Separate additives will also be available for use with unleaded petrol. The Government are, however, continuing to explore options for implementing the provision in EU directive 98/70/EC which permits sales of leaded petrol to continue to a limit of 0.5 per cent. of total sales, though supply will ultimately be a commercial decision.

  Arts Budget (London Boroughs)
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list each London borough's arts budget for the(a) current and (b) next financial year. [78417]

  Ms Armstrong
  The information available relates to budgeted expenditure on culture and heritage, which includes:

  all museums and galleries with permanent or transient collections open to the public, museum services and grants to independent museums;

  theatres (unless treated as trading services), halls, arts centres etc., covering all local authorities' premises whose main purpose is for arts functions;

  grants and contributions made for the specific purpose of supporting and/or promoting such art activities in all premises irrespective of their primary purpose or use;

  conservation of the historic environment;

  archives and records.

  The reported information for the current financial year (1998–99) is given in the table. Data for 1999–2000 are not yet centrally available.

  Net current expenditure on Culture and Heritage budgeted by London boroughs 1998–99

  £000

  City of London

  6,768

  Camden

  143

  Greenwich

  1,169

  Hackney

  404

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  51

  Islington

  790

  Kensington and Chelsea

  481

  Lambeth

  0

  Lewisham

  0

  Southwark

  1,024

  Tower Hamlets

  751

  Wandsworth

  526

  Westminster

  0

  Barking and Dagenham

  168

  Barnet

  354

  Bexley

  321

  Brent

  255

  Bromley

  1,277

  Croydon

  3,137

  Ealing

  428

  Enfield

  598

  Haringey

  241

  Harrow

  94

  Havering

  559

  Hillingdon

  160

  Hounslow

  1,109

  Kingston upon Thames

  288

  Merton

  101

  421

  Net current expenditure on Culture and Heritage budgeted by London boroughs 1998–99

  £000

  Newham

  1,336

  Redbridge

  321

  Richmond upon Thames

  300

  Sutton

  1,084

  Waltham Forest

  390

  Note:

  Some expenditure on culture and heritage may be included within "Other Services" on the RA98/99 form and is therefore not separately identifiable.

  Source:

  RA98/99 line 34

  Environment Council
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the text of the End of Life Vehicles Directive on which a common position was sought at the meeting of the Environment Council on 11 March; [78455]

  (2) which of the items contained in Appendix J, dated 3 March, considered by European Standing Committee C on 9 March were not agreed by other member states at the Environment Council on 11 March; [78459]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Environment Council on 11 March; and the prospects for adoption of a common position on end of life vehicles at the next meeting of the Environment Council; [78456]

  (4) what aspects of the draft text of the End of Life Vehicles Directive put forward by the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs were agreed by other member states at the EU Environment Council on 11 March; and if he will make a statement. [78458]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 24 March 1999]: In order to inform the debate in European Standing Committee C on 9 March, the Government prepared a paper reflecting broadly the outcome which they hoped to achieve in negotiating a common position. A copy of this text (Appendix J to the Memorandum submitted by my hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs to European Standing Committee C on 3 March) has now been placed in the Libraries of the House. As I explained in my answer on 16 March 1999, Official Report, columns 582–83, the Council decided to defer a final decision on the Directive until its next meeting on 24/25 June. I am optimistic that a satisfactory common position will be achieved at that meeting.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library copies of the documents which he put before the Environment Council on 11 March. [78457]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 24 March 1999]: The United Kingdom put no documents before the Council.

  Wandsworth
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the standard spending assessment financial allocation to the London Borough of Wandsworth in each of the last five years. [78539]
  422
  Ms Armstrong
  The Standard Spending Assessments for the London Borough of Wandsworth for each of the last five years were:

  Year

  £ million

  1995–96

  240.671

  1996–97

  240.000

  1997–98

  243.666

  1998–99

  249.202

  1999–2000

  259.727

  Housing Stock Transfers
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the saving to local authorities which will arise in each of the next three years as a result of maintenance costs being transferred to new landlords when local authority housing is transferred. [78979]

  Mr. Raynsford
  When assessing applications for a place on the housing transfers programme, we take account of a wide range of factors including the overall cost to the Exchequer of transferring the stock. However, we do not specifically calculate savings on maintenance costs.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the housing associations which have received a transfer of local government housing since 1 May 1997. [78976]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The following Registered Social Landlords, including housing associations, have received a transfer of local authority housing under either the Large Scale Voluntary Transfer programme, or with funding from the Estates Renewal Challenge Fund since 1 May 1997:

  South Oxfordshire Housing Association

  Eden Housing Association

  Metropolitan Housing Trust

  Orbit Bexley

  London and Quadrant Housing Trust

  Dame Housing

  Limehurst Village Trust

  CDS Housing Association

  Riverside Housing Association

  Pollards Housing Association

  Poplar HARCA

  Kerrier Homes

  Kingsmead Homes

  Fortunegate Community Housing

  Vange Community

  Magna West Somerset Housing Association

  Bentilee Community Housing

  Severn Vale Housing Society

  Rother Homes

  South London Family Housing Association

  Poplar HARCA

  Leasowe Community Homes

  Ashton Pioneer Homes

  West Devon Homes

  South Somerset Homes

  423

  East Lindsey Housing Partnership

  The Guinness Trust

  Sanctuary Housing Association

  South Hams Housing

  Family Housing Association

  Clapton Community Housing Trust

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy on transfers of local authority housing where tenants of one part of the proposed transfer seek a transfer to a separate landlord from tenants of another part. [78978]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We expect local authorities to develop housing transfer proposals which take into account the views of tenants and are sensitive to the distinct needs of local communities. The Secretary of State will not consent to a transfer of local authority housing to a Registered Social Landlord if it appears that a majority of tenants are opposed to the proposal.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those transfers of local authority housing stock currently under consideration where the housing estate in question is in a local authority area other than that of the landlord authority. [78977]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We are currently considering one application for a place on the 1999–2000 housing transfer programme from Manchester City Council for the Sale estates which are located in the Borough of Trafford. Two authorities, Manchester (Colshaw Farm and the Whitefield estates) and the London Borough of Richmond (Butts Farm), have been given a place on next year's programme in respect of estates which are located in other local authority areas.

  British Waterways
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to decide on the future constitution of British Waterways. [78940]

  Mr. Meale
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment gave to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) on 2 March 1999,Official Report, columns 620–21.

  Council Houses (Rent Arrears)
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what total rent arrears in respect of council houses were owing in each council tax billing area in each shire county in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998–99; [78774]

  (2) what total rent arrears in respect of council houses were owing in each metropolitan area in (i) 1996–97,(ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998–99. [78775]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I have placed in the Library a table which shows the total rent arrears owing in each local district and unitary authority in shire counties (as in existence before the creation of unitary authorities) and metropolitan areas respectively, at the ends of March 1997 and 1998.

  Zoos Forum
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to announce the appointment of the Chair and members of the Zoos Forum. [79405]

  Mr. Meale
  I will be making an announcement on the appointment of the Chair and members of the Zoos Forum at London Zoo on Monday 29 March 1999.

HEALTH

  Schoolchildren
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the changes in the last five years in the average weight and height of schoolchildren in England and Wales; and if he will list the changes in the last five years in the (i) consumption of(a) dietary carbohydrate and (b) refined sugar products and (ii) total calorie intake and average levels of exercise of schoolchildren. [78135]

  Ms Jowell
  The heights and weights of primary schoolchildren were monitored in England between 1972 and 1994 by the National Study of Health and Growth (NSHG). No similar information is available for Wales. In 1995, the Health Survey for England (HSE) took over the monitoring the heights and weights of children and also measured their physical activity in 1997. The data for 1995 and 1996 were published in HSE Reports and the combined data for 1995–97 were published in December 1998 in the Report "The Health of Young People '95–'97".

  The tables give heights and weights for 5 to 10 year olds for 1994 from NSHG and from HSE for 1995, 1996 and on the same basis for comparison purposes with NSHG for 1995–97 combined.

  Heights and weights for children aged 11 to 15 years in 1995, 1996 are given, along with the data for 1995–97 combined, which are the baseline from which changes will be monitored.

  Average weights (kilogrammes) of English primary schoolchildren

  Age at last birthday

  National Study of Health and Growth

  Health Survey for England

  (years)

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1995–97

  Boys

  5

  19.8

  20.5

  20.1

  19.7

  6

  22.1

  22.4

  23.1

  22.3

  7

  24.8

  25.4

  26.0

  25.1

  8

  27.7

  29.1

  28.8

  28.4

  9

  31.4

  32.4

  32.1

  31.1

  10

  34.8

  35.0

  35.9

  34.7

  Girls

  5

  19.3

  20.6

  20.5

  19.6

  6

  22.0

  22.7

  22.6

  22.2

  7

  24.9

  26.0

  26.0

  25.2

  8

  27.7

  29.3

  28.1

  28.4

  9

  31.9

  31.9

  33.5

  31.9

  10

  35.5

  38.3

  36.9

  36.6

  425

  Average heights (centimetres) of English primary schoolchildren

  Age at last birthday

  National Study of Health and Growth

  Health Survey for England

  (years)

  1994

  1995

  19961

  1995–97

  Boys

  5

  112.8

  112.4

  112

  112.1

  6

  116.9

  118.5

  119

  118.9

  7

  124.9

  125.0

  125

  124.9

  8

  130.6

  131.1

  131

  131.0

  9

  136.8

  136.1

  136

  135.8

  10

  141.2

  140.7

  141

  141.9

  Girls

  5

  111.3

  112.6

  112

  111.7

  6

  118.3

  118.5

  117

  118.1

  7

  124.3

  123.4

  125

  124.0

  8

  129.6

  129.8

  130

  129.8

  9

  135.5

  135.3

  136

  135.8

  10

  141.3

  142.5

  142

  142.0

  1 Only rounded data available for 1996

  Heights and weights of English children aged 11–15 years Health Survey for England

  Age at last birthday

  Weight (kg)

  Height (cm)

  (years)

  1995

  1996

  1995–97

  1995

  19961

  1995–97

  Boys

  11

  40.9

  40.1

  40.2

  147.4

  147

  147.3

  12

  44.8

  44.9

  44.8

  153.3

  152

  152.6

  13

  51.6

  50.1

  50.8

  161.5

  159

  159.7

  14

  57.0

  56.4

  56.4

  166.4

  165

  165.6

  15

  62.6

  62.3

  62.9

  172.4

  172

  172.0

  Girls

  11

  28.8

  42.0

  42.4

  147.7

  148

  148.1

  12

  35.0

  49.1

  47.5

  153.5

  154

  153.9

  13

  37.8

  51.1

  51.8

  157.8

  158

  157.9

  14

  40.8

  56.4

  56.7

  161.6

  161

  161.1

  15

  43.7

  57.7

  58.4

  162.7

  161

  162.4

  1 Only rounded data available for 1996

  The extensive data on the types and levels of exercise among English schoolchildren in 1997 are given in tables 8.1 to 8.15 in the Report "The Health of Young People '95–'97". In Wales, the Youth Health Surveys are carried out by Health Promotion Wales have shown that among 11 to 16 year olds, the proportion exercising for at least 4 hours per week outside school was 24 per cent. in 1994 and 29 per cent. in 1996.

  There are no recent data on the consumption of dietary carbohydrate, refined sugar products, and total calorie intake of schoolchildren. However, fieldwork for the National Diet and Nutritional Survey of Young people aged 4–18 years, which covered Great Britain, has been completed and the results are being analysed. This should provide data on all these factors and also on average levels of exercise. A report is expected at the end of this year.

  Head Lice
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many local education authorities send head lice nurses into schools; what is his 426
  Department's policy on head lice nurses in schools; what is the cost of providing head lice nurses to schools; and if he will make a statement. [78941]

  Ms Jowell
  It is the responsibility of health authorities to provide services to control the spread of head lice among school children. This service is exercised through the primary health care team, which may include the services of a school nurse. It is the policy of the Department together with the Department of Education and Employment, to encourage a "whole school approach" to the detection of and treatment of head lice. This entails parents checking their children and other family members for head lice and arranging treatment where necessary, with such support from the local primary health care team as they may require.

  Information on the number of school nurses checking for head lice and the cost of this service is not available centrally.

  Lymphoedema
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's policy towards treating Lymphoedema; how many health authorities provide manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment; how many specialist centres exist for the treatment of Lymphoedema; how many medical staff trained in MLD are employed in Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement. [78913]

  Mr. Hutton
  It is for health authorities to determine what services to commission, including those for people with lymphoedema, in the light of evidence from research, resources and the healthcare needs of the local population. None of the other information requested is available centrally.

  Herbal Medicines
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has concerning the nature and scope of the proposed forthcoming recommendations from the European Commission for possible amendments to EU Directive 75/318 in relation to herbal remedies; and if he will make a statement. [78903]

  Ms Jowell
  We have recently received proposals from the European Commission for a directive which would amend the Annex to the Directive 75/318 EEC. The proposed directive seeks to clarify the data on safety and efficacy which companies are required to provide when seeking a marketing authorisation for "well established medicinal products". Our initial assessment is that any direct impact on herbal medicines in the United Kingdom is likely to be limited. In particular, the draft Directive would not change the definition of which products are classified as medicines; nor would the proposals directly affect herbal medicines exempt from the requirement for a product licence under the terms of Section 12 of the Medicines Act 1968. Ministers have asked the Medicines Control Agency to seek further clarification from the European Commission about the draft Directive and any wider implications it may have.

  We have also given consideration to the wider question of future regulatory arrangements for herbal medicines in the United Kingdom. Our objective is that the public should have access to a wide range of safe, high quality

  427
  herbal medicines with appropriate information about the use of the product. There are currently two contrasting routes to the market for herbal medicines. Licensed herbal medicines have to meet rigorous standards of safety, quality and efficacy. Unlicensed herbal remedies in the United Kingdom do not have to meet any specific standards for safety, quality or efficacy.

  We fully share the view which was expressed at a meeting held by the Under-Secretary, my noble Friend the Baroness Hayman, earlier this week by a range of organisations working in the natural health sector, that the current regulatory arrangements for herbal medicines have significant weaknesses and require review. The regime for unlicensed medicines does not give systematic protection to the public against low quality and unsafe unlicensed herbal remedies which are known to reach the UK market. Nor does it permit manufacturers legally to give written information to consumers about the intended use of the product. In contrast, elements of the regime for licensed medicines—particularly some of the efficacy requirements—are difficult for responsible companies to satisfy in relation to herbal medicines. We believe that there is a need to work towards arrangements which provide better protection and information for the public while continuing to allow responsible businesses and practitioners to operate effectively.

  We have asked the Medicines Control Agency to examine options for achieving our objectives for herbal medicines, consulting widely with interested organisations. Medicines law operates within a European framework. Accordingly, we will need to develop a position which is realistically achievable within the European Union. We intend to participate actively and constructively in any ongoing EU discussions about future regulatory arrangements for herbal medicines.

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he received a copy of the recent report on herbal medicines in Europe from the Association of European Self-Medication Industry; if he has made copies of that report available to right hon. and hon. Members; what response he intends to make to that report; and if he will make a statement. [78904]

  Ms Jowell
  We received a copy of the final report "Herbal medicinal products in the European Union" earlier this month. We do not see a need to circulate, or to respond directly to, the report which explicitly states that it does not express the Commission's official views. We understand that the report is available on the European Commission's website (http://dg3.eudra.org). We intend to participate actively and constructively in any ongoing European Union discussions about future regulatory arrangements for herbal medicines.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  General Affairs Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the agenda for the forthcoming EU General Affairs Council of 22 and 23 March. [77160]

  Ms Quin
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 3 March 1999,Official Report, column 773.
  428

  Agnes Helen Lopez
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affair if he will make a statement on the refusal by the Entry Clearance Officer, in Bombay in the case of Agnes Helen Lopez (Reference R/98/9784). [77641]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Our Deputy High Commission in Bombay has now provided a detailed account of the position. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Baroness Symons, will be writing to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Visitors' Visas
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for visitors' visas for persons aged over 60 years applying from India and Pakistan were(a) approved and (b) refused in each of the past 10 years. [77896]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The figures requested are not collected by my Department and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Papua New Guinea
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from Sandline International regarding the Government of Papua New Guinea; and if he will make a statement. [77227]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 22 March 1999]: There have been no representations from Sandline regarding the latest developments surrounding its contractual dispute with the Government of Papua New Guinea. Our records show there was contact with Sandline regarding PNG between February and April 1997:

  1. On 28 February 1997 Mr. Tim Spicer, at his own request, called on the British High Commissioner in Port Moresby to inform him of Sandline's contractual involvement with the Government of PNG regarding Bougainville.

  2. On 17 March 1997 Mr. Rupert Bowen of Sandline rang FCO officials to ask for news of development in PNG.

  3. On 18 March 1997 Mr. Bowen contacted FCO officials again to say that Mr. Spicer and another Sandline representative had been arrested in PNG.

  4. The British High Commissioner in Port Moresby gave Mr. Spicer consular assistance. Mr. Spicer was released from custody on 22 March and was accommodated at the High Commissioner's Residence until his legal departure from PNG on 8 April 1997.

  5. On his arrival in Brisbane on 8 April 1997 Mr. Spicer rang the High Commission in Port Moresby to express thanks for the consular assistance.

  6. On 19 April 1997 Tony Buckingham, Director of Executive Outcomes, wrote to the then PUS to express his gratitude for the consular assistance given to Mr. Spicer in PNG.

  7. On 21 April 1997 Mr. Michael Grunberg of Sandline telephoned FCO officials to seek a meeting to discuss Sandline's involvement in PNG.

  8. On 22 April 1997 FCO officials telephoned Mr. Grunberg to decline his request.

  Child Soldiers
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the countries with which he has had recent discussions concerning the use of child soldiers; and if he will make a statement. [78545]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We regularly raise our concerns in bodies such as the UN Commission on Human Rights. We support the mandate of the UN Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict, including his work with individual countries. We played a leading role in the establishment of the use of child soldiers as a war crime in the statute of the International Criminal Court. We take up individual situations case by case, including, for example, the abduction of children in northern Uganda by the Lord's Resistance Army.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Departmental Policies
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what systems she has in place to ensure that policies being developed by her Department are subject to a crime impact(a) assessment and (b) audit and are not likely to lead to enhanced criminal opportunities. [72682]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 24 February 1999]: Whilst there are no formal systems in place, policy development is subject to wide inter-departmental conclusion before being publicly announced and each piece of legislation in Northern Ireland is subject to a Policy Appraisal and Fair Treatment and financial resource implications analysis.

  Derryboy Primary School
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils at Derryboy Primary School applied for enrolment in the academic year 1998–99 into Saintfield High School; how many of these pupils were (i) accepted and (ii) rejected; and what proposals she has to increase parental choice for secondary education in non-integrated schools for pupils leaving Derryboy Primary School. [78235]

  Mr. McFall
  Saintfield High School received 5 applications from Derryboy PS for admission for the 1998–99 academic year; 1 was accepted and 4 were rejected. Where a school is oversubscribed with applications for admission, which was the case at that time, Boards of Governors apply their published admissions criteria to decide which applications are to be accepted.

  There were, however, places available at other controlled secondary schools within a reasonable distance eg in Comber and Ballynahinch.

  The question of the availability of school places, in this case at non-integrated controlled secondary schools, is a matter for the Local Education and Library Board (in this case the South-Eastern Board) in the first instance.

SCOTLAND

  Scotland Act 1998 (Consultation Documents)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the(a) title, (b) cost and (c) date of publication of consultation documents and proposed policy documents and associated papers published by the Scottish Office since Royal Assent was given to the Scotland Bill. [72659]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 2 March 1999]: My Department has issued 106 consultation documents, proposed policy documents and associated papers since Royal Assent was given to the Scotland Bill on 19 November 1998. A comprehensive list has been deposited in the House Library. The list includes the title, cover price and date of publication of each document.

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

  Interception of Communications Act 1985
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for warrants under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 were refused in each of the last five years. [77279]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 24 March 1999]: Records are not kept in a form which would enable the information requested to be extracted without disproportionate cost.

  Each application for interception of communications is subject to careful scrutiny at a number of stages before a warrant is issued. The application is submitted by a very senior officer following scrutiny within the police force or agency concerned. Within my Department it will normally be examined by officials at various successive levels of seniority before being presented to me for approval, usually by the Head of The Scottish Office Home Department. I examine each application carefully before issuing the warrant. At any stage in this process, the case may be, and on occasion is, referred back to the applicant police force or agency for clarification or further detail. This may, and occasionally does, result in a decision that the application should be withdrawn or that a warrant should not be issued.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many warrants under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 were(a) in force on 31 December 1998 and (b) were issued during the course of 1998 for (i) the interception of telecommunications, (ii) the interception of letters and (iii) in total. [77277]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 24 March 1999]: The Commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 publishes figures on the number of interception warrants issued by the Secretary of State in his annual reports. In his report for 1998

  431
  (which will shortly be presented to the Prime Minister) the Commissioner will record the following numbers:

  Interception warrants issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland: 1998

  Number

  Interception warrants in force on 31 December 1998:

  Telecommunications

  53

  Letters

  1

  Total

  54

  Interception warrants issued during the course of 1998:

  Telecommunications

  267

  Letters

  1

  Total

  268

  Special Needs
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to ensure that the assessment of who qualifies for special needs services is on a consistent basis throughout Scotland. [77423]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 24 March 1999]: A wide range of reports and guidance has been issued aimed at removing inequalities and improving access to care and support across the range of education, social work, health and other services.

  Equity of access to support appropriate to assessed needs will continue to be a priority.

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

  New Deal
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the cost of the New Deal in Scotland in(a) 1997 and (b) 1998; and what the budget cost for (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) 2000–01. [77831]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 25 March 1999]: The costs and estimates are noted in the table.

  £ million

  Year

  New Deal1

  1997–98

  1.26

  April 1998-February 1999

  213.98

  1998–99 estimate

  59.0

  1999–2000 estimate

  97.3

  2000–01 estimate

  74.5

  1 The costs quoted relate to the New Deal programmes for 18–24 year olds and for those aged 25 and over.

  2 This figure relates to the payments made by the end of February; it is low in relation to the estimate because of the timelags in claims from, and payments to, providers of various aspects of the programme.

  St. Andrew's House
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of the refurbishment of St. Andrew's House currently under way. [77938]

  Mr. Dewar
  The current estimated cost of the refurbishment of St. Andrew's House is £20 million.
  432
  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Food Standards Agency Levy
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the total number of food premises in Scotland which will be liable for the proposed Food Standars Agency Levy. [77905]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The estimated number of premises in Scotland liable for the proposed Food Standards Agency levy is approximately 46,000.

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

  Right to Buy Discounts
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the value of the public sector tenants' right to buy discounts in 1997–98. [78215]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The value of the public sector tenants' right to buy discounts in 1997–98 was £238,918,846.

  NHS Superannuation Scheme
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the report by the Government Actuary on his investigation of the National Health Service Superannuation Scheme in Scotland for the period from 1 April 1989 to 31 March 1994. [79338]

  Mr. Dewar
  I have accepted the report and today placed copies in the Library.

  The report concludes that it would be prudent to increase, in the medium term, the rate of contribution required from employers to meet the scheme's future liabilities. The Government Actuary is content with our proposals that the current rate of 4 per cent. of pensionable pay can be maintained until 31 March 2002. Assuming that experience is in line with the assumptions he has made, it will increase to 5.5 per cent. from 1 April 2002, with a further increase to 7 per cent. from 1 April 2005.

  The cost of index-linking National Health Service pensions is currently met by the Exchequer. As the report notes, I have agreed with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury that, in principle, the Scheme would assume its pension increase liabilities from 1 April 1994 under a financial restructuring and our officials are discussing the basis of such changes. In the meantime, the Government Actuary considers that the proposed increases in employer contribution rates are consistent with the nature of the changes likely to be required under the restructuring.

DEFENCE

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the decision to reduce Tristar flights to the Falklands. [75640]
  433
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review his Department's decision to reduce the number of Tristar flights to the Falkland Islands. [75756]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [pursuant to his replies, 9 March 1999, c. 120 and 10 March 1999, c. 211]: The number of Tristar flights will reduce by one flight per lunar month, not calendar month as originally stated.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the weaponry held by the Falkland Island Defence Force and by the British troops stationed on the island is compatible. [77992]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Falkland Islands Defence Force (FIDF) possesses a variety of weaponry. The majority of the weapons types are UK manufactured or use UK manufactured ammunition and some are also in use with UK armed forces.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what would be the effect on passenger carriage capacity of the proposed reduction in Tristar flights to the Falklands. [78390]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The reduction in the number of RAF Tristar flights to the Falkland Islands was one of a range of efficiency proposals identified by the Strategic Defence Review. It represents a rationalisation of the use of Tristar aircraft following technical improvements that allow them to carry an increased payload. The effect of this measure, once fully implemented, will be to maintain passenger carriage capacity at its original level.

  Trident
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment the Government have made of the conditions under which the Trident system could fulfil a substrategic role through(a) deterrence and (b) use. [77937]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The purpose of our nuclear forces is to deter aggression against the United Kingdom or its Allies. The Strategic Defence Review confirmed that, in addition to its strategic deterrent role, Trident would also perform the sub-strategic nuclear role, formerly assigned to RAF Tornado aircraft. A sub-strategic element is an essential component of a nuclear deterrent policy. In extreme circumstances of self defence, a capability for the more limited use of nuclear weapons would allow us to signal to an aggressor that he has miscalculated our resolve, without using the full destructive power that Trident offers.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the restrictions imposed on British(a) forces, (b) aircraft and (c) vessels travelling (i) to and (ii) from Gibraltar by the Spanish Government. [78350]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Spain does not impose restrictions on the movement of British Forces personnel between Spain and Gibraltar. Spain maintains restrictions on all NATO military aviation movements into and out of Gibraltar, including a ban on military overflights and an air exclusion zone to the North and West of Gibraltar. By means of reservations footnoted to the relevant NATO Standing Agreement, Spain restricts access of UK and other NATO warships to Gibraltar.

  NATO Exercise (South Africa)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 8 March 1999,Official Report, column 37, to what the entry in the MOD performance report 1997–98 Table 2–2 refers under South Africa, NATO joint exercise. [78446]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  There was an error in the MOD Performance Report 1997–98 table 2–2. The table should have read:

  Country

  South Africa

  Combined arms battle exercise

  Spain

  NATO joint exercise

  The entry under South Africa refers to a combined arms battle exercise conducted jointly by 40 Commando Group of the Royal Marines and the South African Defence Forces, which took place in July and August 1997 as part of Exercise Ocean Wave.

  Defence Vetting Agency
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of people to be employed by the Defence Vetting Agency; when he expects the Agency to move to York; and if he will make a statement. [78629]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The current strength of the Defence Vetting Agency is about 365. This is planned to reduce to 310 when the Agency collocates at York. The precise dates for collocation and the exact figures depend on a number of associated matters which are not yet determined in detail. However, it is planned to start collocating in early 2000 and complete by early 2001. The Agency's plans will be co-ordinated carefully with the move of HQ 2nd Division to Edinburgh, to take up surplus staff at York, as far as possible and appropriate as they become available.

  Reserve Forces
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his Department's civilian employees are member of(a) the Territorial Army and (b) other reserve forces. [78516]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  MOD encourages its civilian employees to join the reserve forces and staff regulations make special provisions for paid leave when attending annual camp and other training commitments. However, the information asked for is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the companies which support the Territorial Army by allowing their employees to serve.[78517]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The National Employers' Liaison Committee maintains a list of all employers who declare their support for the volunteer reserve forces and I shall place a copy of the current list in the Library of the House. Not all employers on the list necessarily have reservists in their workforce but, having declared their support, they are likely to be supportive of anyone wanting to join the reserve forces. On 17 March 1999, my
  435
  right hon. Friend the Prime Minister presented a certificate to the 6,000th employer to have pledged support. Some 70 per cent. of the nation's workforce are employed by employers who have declared their support for the volunteer reserve forces. In addition, there are many employers who have not formally pledged their support but do have employees who are members of the volunteer reserve forces.

  MOD Police
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the workings of the performance-related pay system for the MOD police since 1994. [78811]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  With effect from 1 April 1996 the salaries of the Chief Constable and the Deputy Chief Constable, Ministry of Defence Police, have been determined in line with the provisions applying to the Senior Civil Service, which includes an element related to performance. The salaries of the ranks of Constable to Superintending grade are calculated at 95 per cent. of the level for analogous Home Department Police Forces.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure his Department has incurred since 1994 in defending legal actions, including industrial tribunals, brought by MOD police personnel relating to terms and conditions of service. [78810]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Ministry of Defence Police have incurred some £125k expenditure since 1994 defending legal actions relating to employment tribunals brought by MOD Police personnel relating to terms and conditions of service.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Disabled People
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people responded to the consultation paper on support for disabled people; if he will list those who(a) supported, (b) opposed the proposal to make New Deal interviews compulsory and (c) opposed taking into account income for which people have already contributed against a benefit earned through the payment of contributions. [77539]

  Mr. Bayley
  Consultation on our proposals for the reform of benefits for disabled people ended on 8 January. 342 responses were received, just over half of which came from organisations representing disabled people. A list of the organisations that responded has been placed in the Library.

  150 respondents, including 177 organisations, commented on our proposals to introduce a Single Work-Focused Gateway to benefits for working age claimants. While the vast majority of respondents generally welcomed our initiatives to help disabled people into work, a large number of these felt that final decisions on whether to make interviews compulsory should await consideration of the results of piloting. (Involvement in the New Deal for Disabled People will remain voluntary).
  436
  155 respondents, including 90 organisations, commented on our proposal to take some account of occupational and personal pensions against Incapacity Benefit entitlement. Most respondents expressed concerns about this proposal.

  Responding organisations and the proposals they commented on are in the table.

  Organisation

  Single Work Focused Gateway: interview

  Incapacity Benefits: occupational pensions

  A Good Idea

  Yes

  Action for Blind People

  Yes

  Yes

  Action Group

  Yes

  AFSE (Association for Supported Employment)

  Yes

  Age Concern

  Yes

  Yes

  All Party Parliamentary Disablement Group

  Yes

  Alzheimer's Disease Society

  Yes

  Yes

  Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

  Yes

  Yes

  Association of British Insurers

  Yes

  Association of Chief Officers of Probation

  Yes

  Association of Directors of Social Services

  Yes

  Association of Disabled Professionals

  Yes

  Yes

  Birmingham Carers Association

  Yes

  Birmingham City Council

  Yes

  Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

  Yes

  Camden Chief Executive's Welfare

  Yes

  Yes

  Rights Unit

  Carers National Association

  Yes

  Yes

  Catholic Agency for Social Concern

  Yes

  Yes

  Centre for Independent Living in Glasgow

  Yes

  Yes

  Child Poverty Action Group (London)

  Yes

  Yes

  Child Poverty Action Group (Withington)

  Yes

  Yes

  Children's Society

  Yes

  Citizens Advice Bureau (Camden)

  Yes

  Citizens Advice Bureau (Chesterfield)

  Yes

  Yes

  Citizens Advice Bureau (Edinburgh)

  Yes

  Yes

  Citizens Advice Bureau (Plymouth)

  Yes

  Yes

  Citizens Advice Bureau (Rochdale)

  Yes

  Citizens Advice Bureau (Stoke-on-Trent)

  Yes

  Yes

  Citizens Advice Bureau (Wolverhampton)

  Yes

  Yes

  City and County of Swansea

  Yes

  Yes

  Crossroads Caring for Carers

  Yes

  Yes

  Cystic Fibrosis Trust

  Yes

  DIAL (Lowestoft and Waveney)

  Yes

  Yes

  Depression Alliance

  Yes

  Disability Action

  Yes

  Yes

  Disability Alliance

  Yes

  Yes

  Disability Benefits Consortium

  Yes

  Yes

  Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board

  Yes

  Yes

  Disability Matters

  Yes

  Disability Wales—Anabledd Cymru

  Yes

  Yes

  Disablement Association in the London Borough of Barnet

  Yes

  Disablement Income Group

  Yes

  Yes

  East Ayrshire Council

  Yes

  Yes

  ENABEL (Scottish Society for the Mentally Handicapped)

  Yes

  ERC Frankona Reassurance Ltd.

  Yes

  Essex County Council

  Yes

  Yes

  Family and Adult Support Group Federation of Disabled People

  Yes

  Ferret Information System Ltd.

  Yes

  Yes

  Future Prospects

  Yes

  437

  Organisation

  Single Work Focused Gateway: interview

  Incapacity Benefits: occupational pensions

  Greater Manchester Welfare Advisers Group

  Yes

  Help the Aged

  Yes

  Henshaw's Society for the Blind

  Yes

  Hereford and Worcester Careers Services

  Yes

  Hertfordshire County Council

  Yes

  Yes

  Homeless Network

  Yes

  Housing Organisation UK

  Yes

  Ipswich Borough Council

  Yes

  Yes

  Joseph Rowntree Foundation

  Yes

  Yes

  Kilmarnock Forum on Disability

  Yes

  Kingston Association of Disabled People

  Yes

  Yes

  Lambert and Fenchurch Financial Services Ltd.

  Yes

  Lancashire County Council

  Yes

  Leeds City Council

  Yes

  Yes

  Leicester City Council

  Yes

  Leonard Cheshire Services

  Yes

  London Advice Services Alliance

  Yes

  Yes

  London Borough of Hounslow

  Yes

  Yes

  London East Aids Network

  Yes

  Yes

  Lothian Coalition of Disabled People

  Yes

  Yes

  Luton Borough Council

  Yes

  Macfarlane Trust

  Yes

  Manchester Advice (City Council)

  Yes

  Manchester City Council

  Yes

  ME Association

  Yes

  Mencap National Centre

  Yes

  Middlesbrough Council

  Yes

  Mind in Bexley

  Yes

  Mind the National Health Charity

  Yes

  Yes

  Motor Neurone Disease Association

  Yes

  Yes

  Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

  Yes

  Yes

  National Aids Trust

  Yes

  Yes

  National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux

  Yes

  National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs

  Yes

  National Autistic Society

  Yes

  National Centre for Independent Living

  Yes

  National Council of Women of Great Britain

  Yes

  Yes

  National Deaf Children's Society

  Yes

  Yes

  National Deafblind and Rubella Association

  Yes

  National Federation of the Blind of the United Kingdom

  Yes

  National Schizophrenia Fellowship

  Yes

  Newham Council Anti-Poverty and Welfare Rights Unit

  Yes

  Yes

  Newham Welfare Rights Action Group

  Yes

  Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce

  Yes

  Yes

  North West Leicestershire Carers Group

  Yes

  Notting Hill Housing Trust

  Yes

  Yes

  Pan London HIV/AIDS Providers Consortium

  Yes

  Yes

  Parkinson's Disease Society

  Yes

  Yes

  Path Finder Mental Health Services NHS Trust

  Yes

  Pearl Centre

  Yes

  Public Services Pensioners Council

  Yes

  Yes

  Rehabilitation Services Trust for Oxfordshire Re-Employment Ltd.

  Yes

  Repetitive Strain Injury Association

  Yes

  Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

  Yes

  Royal and Sun Alliance Investments

  Yes

  Yes

  438

  Organisation

  Single Work Focused Gateway: interview

  Incapacity Benefits: occupational pensions

  Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation

  Yes

  Yes

  Royal College of General Practitioners

  Yes

  Royal College of Psychiatrists

  Yes

  Royal National Institute for Deaf People

  Yes

  Yes

  Royal National Institute for the Blind

  Yes

  Yes

  Scope

  Yes

  Yes

  Scottish Association for Mental Health

  Yes

  Sense Organisation UK

  Yes

  Yes

  Shropshire Disability Consortium

  Yes

  Sir y Fflint Flintshire County Council

  Yes

  Yes

  Skill (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities)

  Yes

  Social Security Advisory Committee

  Yes

  Yes

  South Lanarkshire Council

  Yes

  Yes

  Spinal Injuries Association

  Yes

  Yes

  Stockport ME Group

  Yes

  Yes

  Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (Welfare Rights Unit)

  Yes

  Yes

  Suffolk County Council

  Yes

  Yes

  Suffolk Deaf Association

  Yes

  Supported Employment Policy Group

  Yes

  Swiss Re Life and Health

  Yes

  Talent to Work

  Yes

  Telford and Wrekin Council for Voluntary Services

  Yes

  Terrence Higgins Trust

  Yes

  Yes

  Trade Union Disability Alliance

  Yes

  Yes

  TUC

  Yes

  Yes

  Tunbridge Wells Equitable

  Yes

  Yes

  Union of Catholic Mothers

  Yes

  UNISON North West Region

  Yes

  Yes

  United Response

  Yes

  UNUM Limited

  Yes

  West Yorkshire Probation Service

  Yes

  Women's National Commission

  Yes

  Yes

  York Advocacy (Salvation Army)

  Yes

  York Mental Health Day Service

  Yes

  Total

  117

  90

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people since 1995 who had been receiving invalidity benefit failed the work test when they applied for incapacity benefit. [78280]

  Mr. Bayley
  When Incapacity Benefit was introduced in 1995, existing Invalidity Benefit recipients were transferred to the new benefit without being required to apply for it. However, with some exceptions, these cases were subject to the All Work Test, which is being applied on a rolling programme over a period of several years.

  Information on the numbers of former Invalidity Benefit claimants who have failed the All Work Test since the introduction of Incapacity Benefit is not available for the period April 1995 to August 1996. From September 1996 to August 1998 inclusive, it is estimated that some 39,250 ex-Invalidity Benefit claimants have failed to satisfy the test. In addition, just under 4,000 others have had their claims terminated following failure to return the All Work Test questionnaire, or failure to attend a medical examination.

  Income Distribution
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of households receive their main income from(a) work and (b) benefits for each decile of the income distribution below average income, and for each of the last 10 years. [78024]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 22 March 1999]: The information requested it not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Percentage of households by main source of income and income decile for households below average income (before housing costs)

  Equivalised income deciles

  Year

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  All households below average income

  Benefits

  1994–95

  69

  79

  74

  56

  32

  16

  55

  1995–96

  70

  78

  72

  56

  32

  18

  53

  1996–97

  70

  77

  71

  55

  31

  17

  52

  Employment

  1994–95

  19

  17

  22

  37

  54

  70

  36

  1995–96

  19

  18

  24

  36

  53

  67

  38

  1996–97

  19

  19

  24

  37

  53

  68

  38

  Other

  1994–95

  10

  4

  4

  7

  14

  15

  9

  1995–96

  9

  4

  4

  8

  15

  15

  9

  1996–97

  10

  4

  5

  9

  16

  15

  10

  Source:

  Family Resources Survey 1994/5–1996/7

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average time taken for the CSA to review child maintenance following a request. [78284]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Faith Boardman to Mr. Gerry Steinberg, dated 25 March 1999:

  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency Reviews.

  Under Child Support legislation, there are a number of different reviews that can be requested by parties to an assessment (which will include the non resident parent/person with care and child in Scotland). Any of the interested parties can ask for a review of their assessment by another child support officer if they disagree with the decision of the original child support officer. This is referred to as a second tier review. They may also request a change of circumstance review if a change has occurred that may affect their maintenance assessment.

  We do not collect information on average processing times for the clearance of reviews of maintenance assessments. We measure the clearance of reviews against a target set by the Secretary of State. The 1998/99 target requires 80 per cent. of reviews to be cleared within 13 weeks. The age at clearance is measured from the date of the receipt by the Agency. At 28 February 1999 we have exceeded the target by clearing 87 per cent. of reviews within 13 weeks.
  440
  There have been significant improvements in the Agency's performance over the last two years despite an increase in workload of over 20 per cent. in that time. We have reviewed the way we handle complaints and we have increased resources for our Client Helplines and the National Enquiry Line, extended our hours of opening to cover 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturdays and have completed trials to greatly improve and increase clients' opportunities to secure a face to face service. Also, letters of complaint to the Agency have fallen as a percentage of our caseload.

  We recognise that, in the past, our standard of service has fallen below what our clients could reasonably expect. We are looking at the ways that we measure our performance to ensure that our focus is on providing a service that meets our clients' needs as well as achieving numerical targets.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of pensioner benefit units on income support receive (i) at least one full basic state pension and (ii) some payment of basic state pension. [78965]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is in the table.

  Income support pensioners by level of basic state pension received. Great Britain: August 1998

  Number of pensioner benefit units (000)

  Proportion of pensioner benefit units (per cent.)

  All cases

  1,322

  100

  Benefit unit with full basic state pension

  1,054

  79.8

  Benefit unit with some payment of basic state pension

  257

  19.4

  Benefit units without basic state pension1

  11

  0.8

  1 Benefit Unit not in receipt of a basic State Pension but receiving a State Retirement Pension eg: cases with Additional Pension or Graduated Retirement benefit.

  Notes:

  1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand, and percentages are given to one decimal place.

  2. Pensioner benefit units are defined as claims where either the claimant and/or partner (if they have one) are of pensionable age.

  3. Numbers shown in individual categories with state pensions may be underestimated in couple cases due to incomplete recording of partner's national insurance numbers on the Income Support system.

  4. Figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample, and are subject to sampling error.

  Sources:

  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, August 1998.

  Retirement Pension Statistics Summary of Statistics September 1998.

  SERPS
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what records have been kept over the past 15 years by the Benefits Agency of advice given to future pensioners about their SERPS entitlement. [78968]

  Mr. Timms
  For many years now, records of inquiries of this nature have been retained for only a limited time before being routinely destroyed.
  441
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what evidence will he required from pensioners claiming compensation for mis-advice given to them by benefit offices about survivors' entitlement to SERPS. [78967]

  Mr. Timms
  This issue is currently being given careful consideration. We shall make an announcement in due course.

  Benefits Agency/POCL System
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what were the installation costs of the piloted Benefit Agency/POCL system; [78313]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the installation cost of the entire Benefits Agency/POCL system. [78315]

  Mr. Byers
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Benefits Agency/ Post Office Counters automation project is being carried out under the Private Finance Initiative and installation costs are therefore the responsibility of the private sector provider, ICL Pathway.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Teachers (Primary Schools)
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the average pupil: teacher ratio for(a) Key Stage 1, (b) Key Stage 2 and (c) all pupils in maintained primary schools in each year from 1979 to 1999. [74738]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The available information is shown in the following table:

  Pupil: teacher ratios (PTRs) in maintained primary schools in England. Position in January each year

  Year

  PTR

  1979

  23.1

  1980

  22.7

  1981

  22.6

  1982

  22.5

  1983

  22.3

  1984

  22.1

  1985

  22.2

  1986

  22.1

  1987

  21.9

  1988

  22.0

  1989

  22.0

  1990

  22.0

  1991

  22.2

  1992

  22.2

  1993

  22.4

  1994

  22.7

  1995

  22.9

  1996

  23.2

  1997

  23.4

  1998

  23.7

  An additional 1,500 teachers were provided in primary schools from September 1998 as the first stage of the Government's commitment to reducing infant class sizes. These will be taken into account in statistics for January 1999 (Provisional) to be published shortly.

  Child Care Clubs
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if additional staff will be required within his Department to register childcare clubs for children aged up to 14 years and up to 16 years in the case of disabled children. [78289]

  Ms Hodge
  As outlined in the memorandum posted in the Vote Office on 17 March, there will be no new requirement for out of school childcare clubs to seek registration. Out of school provision catering for children aged 8 and over which meets the criteria of an accredited organisation's quality assurance scheme will be eligible for support through the childcare tax credit element of the Working Families Tax Credit.

  I do not expect these arrangements to require any additional staff within the Department for Education and Employment.

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are the criteria for registration for clubs providing summer child care; and what is the minimum number of weeks for which clubs would have to provide such care in order to qualify. [78237]

  Ms Hodge
  Clubs providing summer child care for children under the age of eight must register with their Local Authority under the Children Act 1989. This requirement applies to provision of more than two hours a day and of six days or more in a year.

  New Deal (West Sussex)
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much money has been spent on the New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds in the West Sussex Coastal Plain Unit of Delivery. [77912]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 22 March 1999]: Responsibility for the subject of this question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter form Richard Foster to Mr. Tim Loughton, dated 19 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 amount spent on New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds in the West Sussex Coastal Plain Unit of Delivery. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Mr Lewis as Chief Executive of the Agency. I am replying in his absence.

  To the end of February this year, £224,318 had been brought to account in the West Sussex Coastal Plain Unit of Delivery on the New Deal for 18–24 year olds.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Carers
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that staff who operate(a) the Single Work Focused Gateway and (b) The New Deal Personal Adviser Service are trained to identify carers and advise them of the services available. [78548]
  443
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I am ensuring that ES New Deal Personal Advisers and Advisers operating in a Single Work Focused Advisory capacity use the range of training products that have been developed to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to work with carers and other client groups.

  It is a prerequisite of undertaking advisory duties that staff fully understand the needs of client groups with special needs, and tailored training material has been produced for this purpose. Line managers and trainers then review the understanding of advisers to check that they can: identify jobseekers who have caring responsibilities or who are ex carers; explain the action to take to help carers and ex carers back in to work; and explain how to help them.

  This training material was recently sent to the Carers National Association for their review.

  In preparation for the introduction of SWFG, we will hold an event for all SWFG Advisers on 17–18 June. This will focus specifically on dealing with special client groups. The event will involve direct input of a number of special clients representative groups including the Carers National Association.

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on whether the(a) long and (b) short term national insurance based benefits of a participant on the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds will be safeguarded in circumstances where the young person is employed in a subsidised New Deal job but whose gross pay is less than the lower earnings limit for national insurance contributions. [78725]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The introduction of the National Minimum Wage on 1 April will result in all young people employed under the New Deal receiving gross pay above the lower earnings limit for national insurance contributions. A small number of New Deal employees may have had gross earnings just below the lower earnings limit threshold this year. In these cases, as with other employees with low earnings, national insurance contributions will not have been paid and credits will not have been awarded.

  "Meeting the Challenge of the Millennium"
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will publish the responses received during the consultation on the TECs' "Meeting the Challenge of the Millennium" document, published in July 1998. [78483]

  Mr. Mudie
  I will make available a summary of the responses received during the consultation on TECs' "Meeting the Challenge of the Millennium" in May 1999.

  Standards Task Force
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will announce the replacement Vice Chair of the Standards Task Force. [79407]
  444
  Ms Estelle Morris
  Professor David Hargreaves has accepted the Secretary of State's personal invitation to become the new vice-chairman of the Standards Task Force working alongside Chris Woodhead.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Hosiery and Knitwear Industry
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he has taken to assist the hosiery and knitwear industry; and if he will make a statement. [78760]

  Mr. Battle
  My officials have been working with representatives from the knitwear industry to produce a competitiveness analysis of the industry. This will be used to develop an Action Plan to improve the sector's competitiveness. The hosiery sector is included in the Intimate Apparel Export Strategy action plan which my officials will be taking forward with the relevant trade associations.

  Competitiveness
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the competitiveness of British companies, with particular reference to(a) productivity, (b) innovation and (c) quality of (i) product and (ii) services. [77633]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 25 March 1999]: The UK's productivity performance has been poor and this has resulted in a standard of living that is below that of our major competitors. While the UK has some of the world's most innovative companies, producing high quality, high value goods and services, it does not have enough. The Competitiveness White Paper and the recent Budget have put in place policies to build UK capabilities, spur innovation, stimulate enterprise and raise productivity.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress he has made in establishing a competitiveness council; and what business interests will be represented on the council. [77787]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 25 March 1999]: Our aim is to have members of the Competitiveness Council appointed by the end of April. Members will be appointed for their individual expertise rather than as representatives of particular business interests, but I do hope to have a broad range of people from small and large businesses, with experience of manufacturing and of service industries.

  Company Investment
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the level of investment by UK companies in(a) plant, (b) machinery and (c) product development in the last five years. [77634]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 25 March 1999]: The UK's past record on investment has been disappointing. Business tells us that one of the main factors holding back investment was the UK's record of macroeconomic instability. That is why the Government have acted swiftly to put economic management on a more stable footing

  445
  and why the Government's White Paper on Competitiveness and recent Budget have introduced measures to stimulate investment and encourage enterprise.

  Electronic Commerce
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets he has set in respect of the introduction of electronically based commerce in(a) small, (b) medium-sized and (c) large enterprises. [77635]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 25 March 1999]: In the White Paper, "Our Competitive Future: Building the Knowledge Driven Economy", published at the end of last year, the Government have set the target of increasing the number of small businesses wired up to the digital market place from 350,000 to 1 million by 2002. This target covers businesses employing up to 250 people.

  Post Office
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to publish the White Paper on the Post Office. [78567]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 25 March 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) on 17 March 1999, Official Report, column 701.

  Green Transport Plan
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what involvement fleet managers have had in drawing up his Department's Green Transport Plan. [77972]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 22 March 1999]: My Department does not have a fleet manager, but greener management issues are being taken into account in drawing up the plans.

  EU Fraud
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what(a) discussions he has had and (b) proposals his Department has put forward at Council of Ministers' meetings in respect of EU fraud; and if he will make a statement. [77780]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 19 March 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary on 19 March 1999, Official Report, columns 858–59.

  Defence Sales
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if defence sales in the UK are made in a(a) national, (b) European or (c) global market for competition purposes. [77887]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 19 March 1999]: They are assessed on a case by case basis.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of man-hours that(a) small and medium
  446
  enterprises and (b) larger companies will require to implement the Working Time Directive in (i) its first year and (ii) subsequent years. [76929]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 16 March 1999]: A Regulatory Impact Assessment on the costs and benefits resulting from the implementation of the Regulations was made, a copy of which is held in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the state of negotiations on organising the working time of the sectors excluded from the scope of the Working Time Directive; for which sectors the United Kingdom has indicated its(a) agreement and (b) opposition to inclusion; and if a clear qualified majority already exists for these sectors. [78398]

  Mr. Byers
  The Government have carefully considered the European Commission's 18 November proposals on the extension of the Working Time Directive to the excluded sectors. We wish to provide all workers with fair minimum standards, but recognise that this should not adversely affect the competitiveness of the industries concerned, or the efficient operability of the NHS. We will obviously seek to secure support for our policy aims from other Member States.

  Regional Aid
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to publish the Concordat on Regional Grants. [76258]

  Mr. Byers
  My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary will publish the concordat in due course.

  Nuclear Safety
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the European Commission's response to criticisms by the Court of Auditors, in special report 25/98, of the expenditure undertaken on nuclear safety in Central and Eastern Europe and in the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union between 1990 and 1997; and if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the use of the resources provided by the United Kingdom for nuclear safety improvements under the Tacis and Phare programmes. [78152]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I have been asked to reply.

  Whilst Her Majesty's Government (HMG) welcome the various steps the European Commission has taken over the past year to improve the speed of project delivery in the field of nuclear safety, there is a need for the Commission to be more open to taking on board concerns raised in the Court of Auditors report.

  These reflect various issues which HMG have raised with the Commission in recent years, in particular the inflexible and arcane bureaucratic procedures and the failure to make a clear distinction between the type of on-site assistance projects directed at the higher risk reactors (which should be closed as soon as practicable) and those which benefit plants of more recent design.

  HMG will continue to work, through the relevant Management Committees for Phare and Tacis and other channels, and in the negotiation of the new Tacis

  447
  regulation, in an effort to give a more focused strategic direction for the programme and to make further improvements to quality, speed and effectiveness. We welcome the Commission's intention to reform the Financial Regulation, which governs the rules on spending of all EC money, and the steps now being taken to rationalise the tendering and contracting procedures for external aid programmes. HMG believe that a well managed Tacis/Phare Nuclear Safety programme is capable of playing a key role in the wider international effort to enhance safety levels in partner countries in the region.

  American Sugar
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans there are for a review of the level of import levy on American sugar. [63122]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have been asked to reply.

  Imports of sugar from the USA are subject to the full import tariff under the EU's Common Customs Tariff, plus the system of safeguard duties agreed under the GATT Uruguay Round. The levels of tariffs on agricultural products are being reduced under the EU's Uruguay Round commitments. Pressure for further reductions can be expected during the next World Trade Organisation round of multilateral trade negotiations, due to start in 2000.

TREASURY

  Education Expenditure
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of GDP has been spent on education in each of the last 10 years. [74786]

  Mr. Milburn
  The proportions of cash GDP spent on education in each of the last ten years are as follows. Plans to 2001–02, as set out in the CSR, are also included.

  Year

  Percentage

  1988–89

  4.6

  1989–90

  4.7

  1990–91

  4.7

  1991–92

  5.0

  1992–93

  5.2

  1993–94

  5.1

  1994–95

  5.1

  1995–96

  4.9

  1996–97

  4.7

  1997–98

  4.6

  1998–99

  4.5

  1999–2000

  4.7

  2000–01

  4.8

  2001–02

  4.9

  Pensioner Bonds
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria were used in setting the current interest rate for pensioner bonds. [77546]

  Ms Hewitt
  Pensioners' Bonds are priced like other National Savings products, taking account of the need to compete in the retail savings market, and the need to 448
  provide cost-effective financing for the government. Recent reductions in the interest rate on Pensioners' Bonds mainly reflect reductions in medium term interest rates generally, which in turn reflect expectations of lower inflation over the next five years. Lower inflation reduces the erosion of the value of the capital sum invested.

  Pensioners' Bonds offer a monthly income which is set at a fixed rate for 5 years. The Chancellor announced in his Budget on 9 March 1999, Official Report, columns 173–90, that National Savings would redesign Pensioners' Bonds to offer a shorter term product. This should provide pensioners with more choice.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the average real interest rate on pensioner bonds in each quarter since they were introduced, using the CPI to measure inflation. [77547]

  Ms Hewitt
  The table provides the gross nominal and real rates of interest on new Pensioners' Guaranteed Income Bonds in each quarter since 1994. Trends in the nominal interest rate follow those of five year gilts. The recent falls in the real interest rate reflect increased credibility of the Government's ability to meet its inflation target.

  Percentage

  Year

  Quarter

  Gross PGIBs rate per annum

  Real interest rate1

  1994

  Q1

  7.00

  4.3

  1994

  Q2

  7.00

  4.4

  1994

  Q3

  7.06

  4.4

  1994

  Q4

  7.50

  4.8

  1995

  Q1

  7.50

  4.9

  1995

  Q2

  7.50

  5.0

  1995

  Q3

  7.50

  4.9

  1995

  Q4

  7.50

  4.9

  1996

  Q1

  7.13

  4.6

  1996

  Q2

  7.00

  4.5

  1996

  Q3

  7.00

  4.5

  1996

  Q4

  7.00

  4.5

  1997

  Q1

  7.00

  4.6

  1997

  Q2

  7.00

  4.5

  1997

  Q3

  7.00

  4.6

  1997

  Q4

  7.00

  4.6

  1998

  Q1

  6.53

  4.1

  1998

  Q2

  6.10

  3.7

  1998

  Q3

  6.10

  3.7

  1998

  Q4

  5.18

  2.7

  1 The UK does not produce a CPI. The real rate has been calculated by deflating the cash flows over the five year life of the bond by the retail prices index excluding mortgage interest payment (RPIX). An inflation rate of 2½per cent, from March 1999 has been assumed.

  Notes:

  1. Gross PGIB interest rate is the quarter average of the simple interest rate quoted on PGIBs.

  2. All figures subject to rounding.

  Overseas Haulage Companies
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to his Department of the loss of revenue from(a) fuel and (b) road tax, from overseas haulage companies operating in the UK. [77443]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 18 March 1999]: HM Customs and Excise do not have sufficient reliable information on which to base a published estimate of the loss of revenue from fuel from overseas haulage companies operating in the UK.
  449
  The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions have not published any estimate of any loss of vehicle excise duty arising from overseas haulage companies operating in the UK, but believe the amounts involved to be negligible at worst.

  Road Fuel Duty
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the level of duty on a litre of(a) leaded petrol, (b) unleaded petrol, (c) ordinary diesel and (d) ultra-low sulphur diesel in the year (i) 2001, (ii) 2005 and (iii) 2010 if the road fuel duty escalator is maintained at its present level. [78018]

  Ms Hewitt
  Because the escalator is defined in real terms, actual duty rates will depend in future on inflation.

  Earnings
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the percentage of full-time workers in(a) Scotland, (b) each unitary local authority area in Scotland and (c) Great Britain earning in terms of gross pay (A) including and (B) excluding overtime, less than (i) £261.46, (ii) £241.86, (iii) £181.40 and (iv) £136.44 per week for the categories (1) male manual, (2) male non-manual, (3) all male workers, (4) female manual (5) female non-manual, (6) all female workers, (7) all manual, (8) all non-manual and (9) all workers; [78241]

  (2) if he will list the average gross weekly earnings (a) including overtime and (b) excluding overtime for full-time workers in (i) Scotland, (ii) each unitary local authority area in Scotland and (iii) Great Britain for (A) all manual, (B) all non-manual and (C) all workers. [78240]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Michael Moore, dated 26 March 1999:

  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary questions on average earnings.

  The New Earnings Survey (NES) can provide earnings data for small geographical areas. However, the release of NES data is restricted to figures which are derived from a sufficiently large sample of employees, and have an acceptable level of accuracy. I have provided the available data for Scotland, the Scottish local authorities and Great Britain in the attached tables. These are based on the 1998 NES, the latest survey for which data are available. These tables are voluminous and copies of them are being placed in the Library of the House rather than reproduced in Hansard.

  The NES is based on a one per cent. sample of employees in the PAYE system and is therefore likely to under-represent relatively low paid staff earning below the tax threshold and in particular those who work part-time.

  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list for(a) Scotland and (b) each local authority area in Scotland the (i) average weekly earnings, (ii) weekly median earnings and (iii) the distribution of earnings for those in (1) the lowest and (2) the highest decile broken down by (A) manual, (B) non-manual and (C) all workers; [77784]
  450
  (2) if he will list the proportion of full-time workers in (a) Scotland, (b) each local authority area in Scotland and (c) Great Britain, with gross hourly earnings below (i) £6.90, (ii) £6.38, (iii) £4.79 and (iv) £3.60 broken down into (1) male, (2) female and (3) all (x) manual and (y) non-manual workers. [77785]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answers 23 March 1999]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Alasdair Morgan, dated 26 March 1999:

  As the Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary questions on average earnings.

  The New Earnings Survey (NES) can provide earnings data for small geographical areas. However, the release of NES data is restricted to figures which are derived from a sufficiently large sample of employees, and have an acceptable level of accuracy. I have provided the available data for Scotland, the Scottish local authorities and Great Britain in the attached tables. These are based on the 1998 NES, the latest survey for which data are available. These tables are voluminous and copies of them are being placed in the Library of the House rather than reproduced in Hansard.

  The NES is based on a one per cent. sample of employees in the PAYE system and is therefore likely to under-represent relatively low paid staff earning below the tax threshold and in particular those who work part-time.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason no external assessment has been made of the plans of his Department for millennium compliance. [78464]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 24 March 1999]: It is accepted that year 2000 plans need some form of overall independent assessment. The Treasury use their internal audit team to carry out this function. Internal Audit is independent of the programme and has the necessary skills to oversee the task.

  An external IT assessor is, however, engaged in validating the completed compliance work.

  Departmental Running Costs
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the final outturn for 1997–98 for(a) each running costs limit and (b) the MOD's operating costs limit. [79408]

  Mr. Milburn
  The final outturn for 1997–98 for each running costs limit and the Ministry of Defence's operating costs limit is shown in the table.

  £000

  Outturn 1997–98

  Gross running costs limits

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  503,266

  Department for International Development

  55,393

  Intervention Board

  61,282

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  325,572

  Department of Trade and Industry (including ACAS)

  360,866

  Office of Fair Trading

  19,000

  Office of Telecommunications

  10,107

  Office of Gas Supply

  11,974

  451

  £000

  Outturn 1997–98

  Office of Electricity Regulation

  16,534

  Department of Transport

  361,552

  Office of Passenger Rail Franchising

  6,753

  Office of the Rail Regulator

  7,832

  Department of the Environment

  217,005

  Health and Safety Executive

  158,814

  Office of Water Services

  10,359

  Home Office

  1,855,447

  Charity Commission

  20,080

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  433,598

  Northern Ireland Court Service

  18,885

  Public Record Office

  24,998

  Crown Prosecution Service

  221,103

  Serious Fraud Office

  9,749

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  26,228

  Crown Office

  44,237

  Department for Education and Employment:

  Inside the Control Total

  1,049,891

  Outside the Control Total

  30,954

  Office for Standards in Education

  32,200

  Department for Culture, Media and Sport

  28,444

  Office of the National Lottery

  2,195

  Department of Health

  254,091

  Department of Social Security:

  Inside the Control Total

  3,091,944

  Outside the Control Total

  4,340

  Scottish Office

  308,652

  General Register Office for Scotland

  8,085

  Scottish Record Office

  5,535

  Scottish Courts Administration

  40,878

  Welsh Office

  69,840

  Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools In Wales

  3,065

  Northern Ireland Office:

  Inside the Control Total

  780,079

  Outside the Control Total

  944

  HM Treasury

  53,882

  Customs and Excise

  746,343

  Inland Revenue

  1,705,525

  National Savings

  174,001

  Registry of Friendly Societies

  7,129

  National Investments and Loan Office

  1,490

  Office for National Statistics

  97,989

  Office of Public Service

  76,792

  Cabinet Office

  43,363

  Security and Intelligence Services

  364,073

  Privy Council Office

  2,230

  Net running costs limits

  Wilton Park

  564

  FRCA Agency (MAFF)

  0

  Central Science Laboratory (MAFF)

  0

  Veterinary Laboratory Agency (MAFF)

  0

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate (MAFF)

  1

  Central Services (DTI)

  0

  National Weights and Measures Laboratory (DTI)

  0

  Radio Communications Agency (DTI)

  0

  Vehicle Certification Agency (DoT)

  -876

  Health and Safety Laboratory (DoE)

  -4,693

  Ordnance Survey

  -1,016

  Forensic Science Service (HO)

  0

  Historic Royal Palaces Agency (DCMS)

  0

  NHS Estates Agency (DoH)

  0

  Information Technology Services Agency (DSS)

  0

  Historic Scotland

  2,796

  Land Registers (NI)

  0

  Valuation Office Agency (Inland Revenue)

  0

  452

  £000

  Outturn 1997–98

  Customer Funded Services (ONS)

  -1,842

  Government Actuary's Department

  179

  Civil Service College (OPS)

  0

  Security Facilities Executive (OPS)

  0

  Operating Costs

  Ministry of Defence

  15,470,899

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many civil servants in his Department have been invited to waive the Working Time Directive requirement to work less than 48 hours a week on 17 consecutive weeks; how many civil servants in his Department have refused to waive the requirement; and what is the total cost of compliance with the Directive. [76815]

  Mr. Morley
  As a general rule, the core Department, the Pesticides Safety Directorate and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate have agreed that staff will not be asked to work more than 48 hours per week over a 17 week reference period. Where any potential breaches of the Regulations are identified, managers have first been asked to determine whether it is feasible to reduce hours, adjust working patterns or re-design the job and only then to discuss the option of disapplying the 48 hour limit with staff. Compliance costs are not separately identifiable as they have been absorbed within existing budgets.

  Responsibility for the implementation of the Working Time Regulations 1998 within the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency, the Central Science Laboratory Agency, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, the Meat Hygiene Service Agency and the Centre for Environmental Fisheries and Aquaculture Agency rests with Agency Chief Executives and I have asked them to reply to the hon. Member direct.

  Letter from P. W. Greig-Smith to Mr. Andrew Tyrie, dated 26 March 1999:

  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your question regarding the Working Time Directive. I am replying on behalf of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

  We have a nil return.

  Letter from Johnston McNeill to Mr. Andrew Tyrie, dated 26 March 1999:

  As Chief Executive of the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) your question to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food enquiring how many civil servants have been invited to waive the Working Time Directive to work less than 48 hours a week on 17 consecutive weeks; how many civil servants have refused to waive the requirement and what is the total cost of compliance with the Directive, has been passed to me to reply as regards this Executive Agency.

  The MHS is currently engaged in on-going discussions with UNISON (the union representing meat inspection staff) regarding the implementation of the terms of the Working Time Regulations. A joint MHS/UNISON groups is working towards a collective agreement on the parts of the regulations which are negotiable. This

  453
  will include an opt-out agreement relating to the '48 hour limit'. I regret that I am unable to provide you with the information you request at this stage. I will forward this information to you as soon as an agreement has been reached.

  Letter from T. W. A. Little to Mr. Andrew Tyrie, dated 26 March 1999:

  The Minister has asked me to respond to your question about the Working Time Directive.

  As a general rule VLA has agreed that staff will not be asked to work more than 48 hours per week over a 17 week reference period. Where any potential breaches of the Regulations are identified managers have been asked to determine whether it is feasible to reduce hours, adjust working patterns or re-design the job and only then to discuss the option of disapplying the 48 hour limit with staff. We are currently in the process of surveying staff and no individual agreements have yet been signed. Any compliance costs will not be separately identified as they will be absorbed within existing budgets.

  Letter from Professor P. I. Stanley to Mr. Andrew Tyrie, dated 26 March 1999:

  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply, in respect of the Central Science Laboratory (CSL), to your question concerning the Working Time Directive.

  As a matter of policy, CSL has agreed that staff will not be asked to work more than 48 hours per week over a 17 weeks reference period. No potential breaches of the Regulations have been identified, but should this arise managers have been asked to reorganise the workload.

  The costs of complying with the Regulations are not separately identifiable as they have been absorbed within existing budgets.

  Letter from Sarah Nason to Mr. Andrew Tyrie, dated 26 March 1999:

  The Minister has asked me to reply, in respect of the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency (FRCA), to your question seeking the number of civil servants in his Department invited to waive the Working Time Directive requirement to work less than 48 hours a week on 17 consecutive weeks; how many of them have refused to waive the requirement; and what the total cost is of compliance with the Directive.

  The FRCA Management Board has agreed that, as a general rule, staff will not be asked to work more than 48 hours per week over a 17 week reference period. Where any potential breaches of the Regulations are identified, managers are being asked to determine whether it is feasible to reduce hours or adjust working patterns before discussing the option of disapplying the 48 hour limit with staff. To date, no individual agreements have been signed and no civil servants have refused to waive the requirement. Any compliance costs are not separately identifiable and have been absorbed within existing budgets.

  EU Agriculture Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 15 and 16 March; and if he will make a statement. [77550]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The EU Agriculture Council planned for 15 and 16 March was cancelled.

  Residuary Milk Marketing Board
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if interest payments will be made to the eligible milk producers in respect of their portion of the assets rights and liabilities which the Residuary Milk Marketing Board are currently holding. [77803]
  454
  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 19 March 1999]: Any interest which accrues to the RMMB's funding and which is not needed for legal and other expenses will be paid to producers eligible for payments.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what are the outstanding disputes and obligations which have to be settled before the assets, rights and liabilities of the Residuary Milk Marketing Board can be distributed; [77801]

  (2) when he expects the Residuary Milk Marketing Board to begin the distribution of the remaining surplus assets of the Milk Marketing Board to eligible milk producers. [77805]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 19 March 1999]: The RMMB's remaining tasks are to collect outstanding debts, to settle outstanding litigation and to dispose of outstanding claims against the Board. The Board recently announced its decision to proceed with making payments to producers of £10 million. Any remaining assets will be returned to producers once the outstanding responsibilities of the RMMB have been resolved.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assets, rights and liabilities the Residuary Milk Marketing Board has. [77804]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 19 March 1999]: At 30 September 1998, the RMMB's remaining assets totalled £32.4 million with £2.8 million, excluding interest, owned in damages from contract processors. There were no known outstanding liabilities. Potential liabilities depend on the outcome of the outstanding litigation.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the running costs of the Residuary Milk Marketing Board in the last year for which figures are available; and from what source they were funded. [77806]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 19 March 1999]: Withdrawals for administration costs shown in the RMMB's most recent six monthly reports totalled £935,000 for the 12-month period preceding 30 September 1998. Regulation 18(2) of the Milk Marketing Board (Residuary Functions) Regulations 1994 requires that any moneys required by the Board for the discharge of their functions be paid out of the general reserve fund.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he will determine which milk producers will be eligible to receive payments from the Residuary Milk Marketing Board. [77802]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 19 March 1999]: The criteria by which the RMMB will determine which milk producers will be eligible to receive payments is set out under the Milk Marketing Board (Residuary Functions) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2759).

  Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the terms of reference of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs. [77997]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 March 1999]: The exact terms of reference of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs Committee have yet to be

  455
  finalised but it is expected that the Committee will advise Health and Agriculture Ministers and, after its establishment the Food Standards Agency, on all aspects of the safety and use of animal feeds and feeding practices not already covered by other advisory committees. There will be particular emphasis on protecting human health and reference to new technical developments and new feed materials, including genetically modified organisms. The Committee will liaise with other independent advisory committees and ensure comprehensive advice is provided where animal feed issues are concerned.

  Regional Development Funding
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total budget for the ERDF South West Objective 5b for Devon and Cornwall; how much money has been received by the Government in respect of the fund; what is the actual amount spent; and what is the balance as yet unspent. [78371]
  456
  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 23 March 1999]: I have been asked to reply.

  The ERDF Objective 5b Programmed for the South West is supported by three European Structural Funds: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and the European Social Fund (ESF). The Programme runs from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 1999.

  £000

  A Total allocation from the EC

  B Total Funds received to date

  C Total payments to date

  D Balance (A-C)

  ERDF

  106,050

  59,967

  41,435

  64,615

  EAGGF

  28,516

  1,942

  6,546

  21,970

  ESF

  22,705

  13,538

  15,506

  7,199

  Total

  157,271

  75,447

  63,487

  93,784