Written Answers To Questions
Wednesday 21 July 1993
Home Department
Immigration (Medical Examinations)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passengers arriving at United Kingdom ports of entry during 1992 and the first quarter of 1993 were referred to port medical inspectors for examination; what are the most common diagnoses made; and how many people have been (a) refused entry (i) wholly or (ii) partly on medical grounds and for what medical reason or (b) required to report for further medical treatment after entry, for what medical reason.
Nine passengers were refused entry principally on medical grounds in 1992 and none during the first quarter of 1993. The other information requested is not available centrally.
Immigration Offences
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were recommended for deportation with no custodial sentence during (a) 1992
1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | |
1 January to 31 March | — | 856 | 688 | 735 | 2960 | 995 |
1 April to 30 June | — | 658 | 644 | 759 | 2793 | 3946 |
1 July to 30 September | 1285 | 829 | 634 | 781 | 761 | — |
1 October to 31 December | 692 | 729 | 744 | 778 | 710 | — |
1From 1 August. | ||||||
2Revised figure. | ||||||
3 Provisional figure. |
Europol
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further progress has been made recently towards bringing the European Community joint criminal intelligence office, EUROPOL, on to an effective basis and towards establishing a joint anti-drugs squad.
Ministers of the Interior and Justice of the member states signed a ministerial agreement on the establishment of the EUROPOL drugs unit on 2 June 1993, in Copenhagen. The agreement will come into force as soon as a decision has been made on a site for EUROPOL by the European Council.Work is continuing under the Belgium presidency on the draft convention establishing EUROPOL. EUROPOL will exchange and analyse intelligence relating to serious crime, focusing initially on drug trafficking, but there is no intention that its officers should have any operational powers.
and (b) 1993 to the latest convenient date; and in how many such cases the courts directed release (i) subject to conditions and (ii) without conditions.
During 1992, 27 people were recommended for deportation by the courts with no custodial sentence and seven during the first half of 1993. The other information requested is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many decisions to make a deportation order, by nationality of the potential deportee, where there is only a right of appeal as provided under section 5 of the Immigration Act 1988, have been made in each quarter since 1 August 1988; and on what basis these decisions have been made.
The total numbers of decisions to deport affected by the provisions of section 5 of the Immigration Act 1988 in each of the quarters since 1 August 1988 are shown in the table. All these decisions were made under section 3(5)(a) of the Immigration Act 1971, which provides that a person who is not a British citizen is liable to deportation if, having only a limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, he does not observe a condition attached to the leave or remains beyond the time limited by the leave. Information about the nationality of those affected could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Immigration
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many outstanding immigration applications there are at Lunar house from (a) students, (b) family members in the United Kingdom applying for variation of stay, (c) settlement entry clearance applications referred from overseas posts and (d) asylum seekers; and what are the average times applicants in each category might expect to wait before a decision.
The available information is that at the end of June 1993 there were in total about 16,700 cases in the general immigration caseworking groups— including referred entry clearance applications—the majority of which were under consideration or the subject of further inquiries, and about 46,300 cases in the asylum and special cases division.The estimated average length of time between the receipt of an application and the decision, for cases decided in caseworking groups and the public inquiry offices, in the first quarter of 1993, was one and a half months for students and 20 months for asylum applications. The latter figure reflects the increase in staffing in the asylum and special cases division which has enabled work to proceed on the resolution of older and more complex cases. Information on average waiting times for family members in the United Kingdom for variation of leave and for settlement entry clearance applications referred from overseas posts is not available.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) British nationals and (b) holders of certificates of identity from Hong Kong have been admitted to the United Kingdom in each quarter
Admissions to the United Kingdom of BDTCs and BN(O)s from Hong Kong | ||||||
1992 | 19931 | |||||
Admission category | 1st quarter | 2nd quarter | 3rd quarter | 4th quarter | Year | January, February |
Visitors: | ||||||
Ordinary | 7,700 | 12,300 | 22,000 | 7,030 | 49,100 | 5,220 |
Business | 1,590 | 1,470 | 1,610 | 1,450 | 6,120 | 1,090 |
Students | 490 | 500 | 7,290 | 940 | 9,230 | 470 |
Husbands and fiancés2 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 10 | 60 | |
Wives and fiancées2 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 30 | 140 | 20 |
Parents and grandparents2 | 10 | — | 10 | — | ||
Children2 | 20 | 30 | 100 | 10 | 170 | 10 |
5 or fewer. | ||||||
1 Provisional figures. | ||||||
2 Seeking, or accepted for, settlement in the United Kingdom. |
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for (a) single entry and (b) multiple entry visit visas were (i) received, (ii) granted and (iii) refused at each post in the Indian sub-continent, Ghana, Nigeria, the Philippines and Jamaica in each quarter of 1992 and the first quarter of 1993; and what was the delay between application and interview for those whose applications were felt to need a
Applications received for single entry and multiple entry visit visas and the numbers granted, refused and those interviewed on a date subsequent to the date of application in specified posts in 1992 | ||||
Applications | ||||
Received1 | Granted | Refused | Number not interviewed on day of application | |
Islamabad | ||||
single entry | 30,036 | 19,099 | 8,393 | 1,389 |
multiple entry | 8,192 | 6,295 | 43 | |
Karachi | ||||
single entry | 14,736 | 11,244 | 2,256 | 1,951 |
multiple entry | 8,082 | 7,516 | 308 | |
New Delhi | ||||
single entry | 25,879 | 19,852 | 2,938 | 0 |
multiple entry | 11,326 | 10,764 | 43 | |
Bombay | ||||
single entry | 17,943 | 14,661 | 3,291 | 0 |
multiple entry | 16,488 | 15,890 | 363 | |
Calcutta | ||||
single entry | 3,574 | 3,346 | 175 | 109 |
multiple entry | 3,304 | 2,950 | 24 | |
Madras | ||||
single entry | 4,709 | 4,499 | 207 | 0 |
multiple entry | 4,485 | 4,443 | 25 | |
Colombo | ||||
single entry | 6,382 | 4,734 | 1,054 | 0 |
multiple entry | 2,037 | 1,995 | 15 | |
Dhaka | ||||
single entry | 10,207 | 7,606 | 2,751 | 0 |
multiple entry | 2,985 | 2,985 | 0 |
since January 1992 as (i) persons of independent means, (ii) self-employed persons, (iii) business people, (iv) visitors, (v) students, (vi) husbands and fiancées, (vii) wives and fiancées and (viii) other dependent relatives.
The available information for British dependent territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) from Hong Kong is given in the table. Data on admissions of holders of certificates of identity from Hong Kong are not available.second or long interview at each of the above posts in (1) June 1992, (2) January 1993 and (3) June 1993 or the nearest available date.
Only annual data are available centrally for single visit and multiple entry visit visas and the only information available on the delay between application and interview is of the number of people not interviewed on the day of application.The available information for 1992 is given in the table.
Applications
| ||||
Received1
| Granted
| Refused
| Number not interviewed on day of application
| |
Accra | ||||
single entry | 11,664 | 6,901 | 4,844 | 0 |
multiple entry | 4,464 | 4,135 | 49 | |
Lagos | ||||
single entry | 27,717 | 15,632 | 9,959 | 0 |
multiple entry | 17,715 | 14,447 | 724 | |
Kaduna | ||||
single entry | 4,878 | 3,194 | 1,509 | 0 |
multiple entry | 1,913 | 1,827 | 42 | |
Manila | ||||
single entry | 10,066 | 8,970 | 994 | 0 |
multiple entry | 2,509 | 2,314 | 80 | |
Kingston | ||||
single entry | 2,527 | 1,897 | 652 | 0 |
multiple entry | 103 | 103 | 0 | |
1 These will include cases dealt with in a later period and also those subsequently withdrawn. |
Tyre Dump Fires
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions are issued to fire service authorities in dealing with fires at tyre dumps; and if he will make a statement.
The Home Office has issued detailed guidance to chief fire officers on, among other things, the need to use the most effective available techniques for dealing with fires at tyre dumps. Revised guidance on the storage of used tyres in the open air is also being prepared.
Registration And Naturalisation
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time taken to process applications for (a) registration and (b) naturalisation; and how long those applying in both of those categories in June 1993 can expect to wait.
In June 1993 the average waiting time for certificates granted under the British Nationality Act 1981 was 19 months for naturalisation and 13 months for registration applications. It is expected that most applications made in June 1993 for naturalisation will be decided within 12 months and for registration within six to nine months.
Operation Boxer
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) immigration officers, (b) police officers and (c) police dogs were involved in Operation Boxer; how the officers had obtained the allegations and information on which they were acting; how many of the people detained on 24 June were found to be (i) legally in the United Kingdom, (ii) in breach of immigration conditions, (iii) alleged illegal entrants and (iv) British citizens; how many requested and were granted legal advice before interview; how many were detained for (x) one day or less, (y) between a day and a week and (z) over a week; and how many have left the United Kingdom.
Forty-nine immigration service staff, assisted by about 80 police officers, were involved in Operator Boxer on 24 June. No police dogs were used.The information on which the officers were acting was received from a number of sources. Of those people interviewed on 24 June, five were found to be legally in the United Kingdom, of whom two were British citizens. Seventeen were dealt with as illegal entrants. Thirteen were found to be in breach of their conditions of entry to this country. Of these, 10 were overstayers and three were working without permission. One person was found to be the subject of an extant deportation order.All those arrested were given the opportunity to receive legal advice and representation in accordance with the provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.Of those detained, 31 were detained for one day or less, five were detained for between one day and one week, arid one was detained for over one week.Thirteen people have so far left the United Kingdom as a result of this operation.
Birmingham Pub Bombings
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report of the West Midlands police on the Birmingham pub bombings.
The investigation of these serious offences is being conducted under the auspices of the Director of Public Prosecutions to whom a report will be sent at its conclusion. It is not possible to say when the report will be ready.
Charities
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will implement part II of the Charities Act 1992 to tackle fraudulent charity fund-raisers.
As indicated in the answer to a question from my right hon. Friend the Member for Westminster, North (Sir J. Wheeler) on 23 March, column 532, I intend to implement part II—control of fund-raising —by the end of March 1994. To that end I have recently issued a document on part II which includes draft regulations and guidance; a copy is being placed in the Library of the House.
Parking Tickets
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) prosecutions and (b) fixed penalty parking tickets were issued to motorists in (i) Westminster and (ii) the remaining London boroughs during each of the past five years for illegal parking on (1) a single yellow line and (2) a parking meter; what was the average penalty levied in the case of (a) fines and (b) prosecutions; what considerations underlie the choice of penalty for such offences; and if he will make a statement.
Information is not available in the detailed form requested. A total of 7,696 non-endorsable obstruction, waiting and parking offences were dealt with by prosecution in the Metropolitan police district in 1991 and 1,844,595 by fixed penalty notice. The average fine imposed following prosecution was £31 and the standard amount imposed after a fixed penalty was £16.Fixed penalty levels are set by the Home Secretary and are reviewed periodically. They are intended to provide a penalty which is proportionate to the offence.
Lord Chancellor's Department
Murder Trials
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what records are kept of the witnesses called at a murder trial; and for how long they are retained.
All records of a murder trial in which a life sentence is imposed are preserved permanently.
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what arrangements are made for the preservation of a judge's notes made during a trial for murder.
Judge's notes are retained for five years from the date of the last entry in each volume. No special arrangements exist for the preservation of judge's notes made during a trial for murder after the five-year period. Verbatim transcripts made for the appeal are kept indefinitely by arrangement with the Public Record Office.
Magistrates' Training
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the result of the review announced in February 1992 of magistrates' training in the criteria contained in the Bail Act 1976.
The Judicial Studies Board has reviewed the training given to magistrates on bail matters and on 31 August 1992 the chairman of the magisterial committee of the board wrote to all training officers giving advice on best practice. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library.
Legal Education And Conduct
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Lord Chancellors' advisory committee on legal education and conduct intends to publish its second annual report.
The Lord Chancellor's advisory committee on legal education and conduct has today published its second annual report, and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
Health
Nurses And Midwives
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many practising midwives there are in each grade in each region, including those in senior nurse/senior midwife grades, senior nurse grades and education and clinical grades, excluding agency midwives; how many are employed (a) full time and (b) part time; and how many student midwives there are in each region.
The information will be placed in the Library.
Emergency Admissions (North-West)
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the number of emergency admissions to (a) Burnley health care trust and (b) the North West regional health authority for 1991–92.
In 1991–92 purchasers in the North Western region bought 331,000 non-elective admissions to hospitals. In the same year the predecessors of the Burnley health care trust provided 17,292 such admissions.
Voluntary Organisations
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, further to his answer to the hon. Member for Dover (Mr. Shaw) of 21 June, Official Report, column 34, if he will list the grants so far made to voluntary organisations under the section 64 general scheme of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 in the financial year beginning 1 April.
Section 64 general scheme grants continuing into 1993–94 from previous years and new grants for which approval had been notified by 15 July 1993 total over £16.5 million. Details will be placed in the Library. The budget for 1993–94 is £19.2 million, an increase of £0.9 million over 1992–93.
Elective Surgery Treatment Centres
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to establish treatment centres for elective surgery in England for (a) cataract surgery, (b) major joint surgery and (c) hernias and varicose vein surgery.
We have no plans to do so. It is for health authorities to decide whether the establishment of treatment centres providing certain surgical procedures would be in the best interests of the populations they serve.
Psychiatric Care
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many mother and baby beds there are in psychiatric units in the country;(2) how many women-only psychiatric wards there are in England.
This information is not available centrally.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) male and (b) female psychiatrists are currently practising.
The available information is shown in the table. Information relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Numbers of psychiatrists in national health service hospital sector by sex England—30 September 1991 | ||
Consultants | All staff1 | |
Male | 1,490 | 3,760 |
Female | 535 | 2,097 |
Total | 2,025 | 5,857 |
Note:
Specialties included are mental illness, child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, mental handicap, old age psychiatry and psychotherapy.
1 Grades included: consultants, associate specialists, staff grades, senior registrars, registrars and senior house officers, house officers, hospital practitioners and clinical assistants working in the specialty.
Accident And Emergency Units
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what figures she has on the percentage of women of reproductive age who visit accident and emergency units because of domestic violence.
This information is not available centrally.
Secure Accommodation
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her Department's policy on the provision of secure accommodation for 15 and 16-year-old offenders by social service authorities.
Secure accommodation provided in community homes is for any child being looked after by a local authority who meets the statutory criteria for restriction of liberty, whether as an offender or as a non-offender.We are working closely with local authorities to ensure that sufficient additional secure accommodation is made available to ensure that the practice of remanding 15 and 16-year-old alleged offenders to penal establishments can be abolished as quickly as practicable.
Nhs Reforms
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is her estimate of the total cost of administering the internal market in the health service in each of the last two years;
(2) what assessment she has made of the cost-effectiveness of the NHS reforms.
The national health service reforms are now firmly in place. It is impossible to put a figure on the relative cost of services under this system compared with any particular alternative, such as the previously directly managed arrangements, but there is no doubt that the NHS is now more effective in identifying local health needs and providing more efficient health care services.
Paracetamol Overdoses
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people died from paracetamol in each of the last five years; how many recorded overdoses of paracetamol there were in each of the last five years; and what plans she has to decrease morbidity and mortality from paracetamol overdose.
The table shows the number of deaths from poisoning where paracetamol is mentioned in the deaths' records. Information on the number of recorded overdoses of paracetamol is not available centrally."The Health of the Nation" mental illness key area handbook gives guidance to professionals on how to meet the specific suicide reduction targets. The advice covers the labelling of paracetamol bottles to warn of toxicity and reviewing the storage and availability of poisonous over-the-counter medicines.
Deaths from poisoning where paracetamol is mentioned in the deaths' records, England and Wales, 1986–90 | ||||
Paracetamol without mention of other drugs | Paracetamol with mention of other drugs | |||
1986 | 208 | (15) | 299 | (69) |
1987 | 212 | (19) | 301 | (58) |
1988 | 184 | (21) | 312 | (77) |
1989 | 163 | (16) | 295 | (59) |
1990 | 223 | (16) | 288 | (60) |
Note: This table is compiled using the information available in table 10 of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) publication "Mortality statistics: injury and poisoning" series DH4 Nos. 12–16, which lists all substances mentioned in the records of deaths assigned to accidental and other poisoning by solid or liquid substances. The inclusion of a substance in this list does not, however, imply that it is necessarily toxic. Where two or more substances are mentioned togther the contribution, if any, of each to the death is unknown; even where one substance is listed alone there may well be other factors with an important bearing on the death. Copies of the OPCS DH4 series are avaiable in the Library.
Paediatric Nurses
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses trained as specialists in paediatrics in each of the last five years.
The figures give the numbers starting paediatric nurse training and the numbers completing paediatric nurse training in England at year ending 31 March.
1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | |
Intakes to training | 710 | 810 | 850 | 1,090 | 1,180 |
Completing training | 780 | 700 | 770 | 850 | 890 |
Note: The number completing training in 1988 is greater than the number of intakes to training in the same year because those completing refer to intakes in previous years.
Electro-Convulsive Therapy
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will estimate the number of (a) women and (b) men receiving ECT each year; and what is the ratio between them.
The number of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) treatments in 1990–91 was 105,466 but a patient could receive more than one treatment during the year. It is estimated that five women receive ECT for every two men.
Mid-Staffordshire Health Authority
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she proposes to take following the Peat Marwick report on the financial management of Mid-Staffordshire health authority.
This a matter for the health authority concerned who are working in close conjuction with West Midlands regional health authority to resolve their financial position. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. B. Liss, the chairman of Mid-Staffordshire health authority, for details.
Elderly People (Abuse)
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to place a legal duty on social workers to investigate cases of suspected abuse against those elderly and disabled people who are unable to take decisions for themselves.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Pembroke (Mr. Ainger) on 12 July at col.385.
Helios Ii Proposals
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement outlining the progress made by her Department to date in determining an official response to the HELIOS II proposals.
The European Community's HELIOS II programme was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 25 February this year. The Department is currently consulting in the United Kingdom with other interested Government Departments and with a United Kingdom forum of voluntary bodies representing a wide range of disabilities on the content of the programme.
Patient Waiting Times
To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she will publish the provider waiting lists and waiting times for each Thames region of the NHS.
Provider based information on waiting lists and waiting times by trust, district health authority, special health authority and regional health authority is given in "Hospital Waiting List Statistics: England". This is published twice a year and copies are available in the Library.
Home Helps
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received about the level of charges for home helps; whether she will carry out an inquiry into the differences in charges between local authorities; when she plans to issue guidelines to local authorities on levels of charges; and if she will make a statement, with particular reference to the role that voluntary groups and the private sector can play in providing home helps in the Bolton area.
A number of representations have been received. Local authorities have a discretionary power to make charges for non-residential services. We have no current plans to carry out an inquiry. It is the Government's view that a full economic charge should be recovered where this can be done without causing hardship to the service user. Advice on detailed aspects will be disseminated where appropriate.One of the main objectives of the community care reforms is to encourage the development of a flourishing independent sector in the provision of domiciliary servics. It is for each local authority to identify local needs and opportunities, and their progress will be monitored. We understand that independent sector involvement in the provision of domiciliary services in Bolton is currently minimal. It is our view that such involvement should be encouraged.
Ambulance Service
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance she has issued to NHS trusts with regard to the specifications of contracts for ambulance and patient transport services and the minimum levels of training required for ambulance personnel.
Guidance on contracts was included in "Health Service Guidelines (HSG(91)29): Ambulance and other patient transport services—Operation, use and performance standards". Subsequent circulars FDL(92)82 and FDL(93)07 set out the finance arrangements recommended to those contracting for non-emergency patient transport services. Further guidance on these matters is to be issued very shortly. Copies of guidelines and circulars are available in the Library.The level of training given to ambulance personnel will depend on the nature of their duties. For example, ambulance paramedics must, as a minimum, achieve the standards currently set by the national health service training directorate.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the policy of her Department with regard to the maximum geographical area which can appropriately be covered by one ambulance service.
There is no restriction on the area for which an ambulance service may tender for service contracts.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations have been received by her Department from groups representing private ambulance operators, with regard to the need for increased regulation or self-regulation of such operators.
Representations have been received from a number of organisations representing private ambulance services. A representative of one organisation had discussions with the Department of Health's ambulance policy advisory group earlier this year. The advisory group has agreed a code of practice for prospective purchasers and providers setting out minimum standards for non-national health service patient transport services.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts in each regional health authority in England and Wales presently have one or more contracts with private operators for ambulance or patient transport services.
National Health Service qualified midwives employed full-time and part-time by region—September 1988 to 1991 | ||||||
Whole-time equivalents | 1988 | 1989 | ||||
Full-time | Part-time | Total | Full-time | Part-time | Total | |
Northern | 960 | 370 | 1,320 | 920 | 370 | 1,290 |
Yorkshire | 1,240 | 360 | 1,610 | 1,240 | 380 | 1,630 |
Trent | 1,380 | 440 | 1,820 | 1,410 | 440 | 1,850 |
East Anglia | 670 | 160 | 830 | 630 | 180 | 820 |
North West Thames | 960 | 220 | 1,180 | 970 | 230 | 1,200 |
North East Thames | 1,300 | 270 | 1,580 | 1,300 | 270 | 1,570 |
South East Thames | 880 | 160 | 1,040 | 660 | 120 | 780 |
South West Thames | 780 | 240 | 1,030 | 780 | 270 | 1,040 |
Wessex | 880 | 270 | 1,150 | 860 | 300 | 1,150 |
Oxford | 720 | 240 | 960 | 750 | 230 | 980 |
South Western | 810 | 210 | 1,020 | 940 | 260 | 1,200 |
West Midlands | 1,670 | 540 | 2,210 | 1,700 | 550 | 2,250 |
Mersey | 750 | 270 | 1,020 | 780 | 310 | 1,090 |
North Western | 1,690 | 480 | 2,170 | 1,580 | 530 | 2,110 |
Special Health Authority | 140 | 10 | 150 | 140 | 10 | 150 |
Total | 14,840 | 4,250 | 19,080 | 14,660 | 4,460 | 19,110 |
Whole-time equivalents | 1990 | 1991 | ||||
Full-time | Part-time | Total | Full-lime | Part-time | Total | |
Northern | 920 | 370 | 1,280 | 910 | 400 | 1,310 |
Yorkshire | 1,270 | 370 | 1,640 | 1,210 | 410 | 1,620 |
Trent | 1,410 | 470 | 1,880 | 1,390 | 490 | 1,880 |
East Anglia | 640 | 170 | 810 | 610 | 180 | 780 |
North West Thames | 980 | 230 | 1,210 | 880 | 250 | 1,130 |
North East Thames | 1,340 | 270 | 1,610 | 1,280 | 310 | 1,600 |
South East Thames | 1,150 | 250 | 1,400 | 990 | 320 | 1,310 |
South West Thames | 740 | 240 | 980 | 780 | 260 | 1,040 |
Wessex | 820 | 310 | 1,130 | 790 | 350 | 1,140 |
Oxford | 760 | 250 | 1,010 | 730 | 300 | 1,030 |
South Western | 950 | 280 | 1,230 | 10 | 1,180 | 1,180 |
West Midlands | 1,750 | 570 | 2,320 | 1,650 | 570 | 2,220 |
Mersey | 800 | 320 | 1,120 | 770 | 340 | 1,110 |
North Western | 1,580 | 570 | 2,150 | 1,580 | 620 | 2,190 |
Special Health Authority | 80 | 0 | 80 | 90 | 0 | 90 |
Total | 15,200 | 4,660 | 19,860 | 13,670 | 5,980 | 19,640 |
Source: HAP(STATS)B Non-Medical Workforce Census.
Notes:
1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
2. Figures exclude student and pupil midwives.
3. Figures exclude Senior Midwives (Midwives in administration).
4. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
Education
Examinations
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to his answer of 13 July, Official Report, column 824, when he expects to be in a position to give the cost of examiners used to invigilate and/or mark tests for English and technical studies in spring 1993 to
This information is not available centrally.
Midwives
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many midwives were employed (a) full time and (b) part time in each region in each year since 1988.
The information is given in the table.replace teaching staff who refused to administer the tests; and whether he will list those costs by authority which incurred them.
This information is not collected by the Department.
Speech Therapy
To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the ratio of schoolchildren aged between three and 19 years old to speech therapists in each local education authority in England.
The figures requested are not held centrally.
Grant-Maintained Schools
To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list those schools by local education authority that have achieved grant-maintained status.
The schools which have been approved for self-governing status as of 20 July, or which my right hon. Friend is minded to approve, are as follows.
Avon
- Oldfield School
- Beechen Cliff School
Barnet
- Queen Elizabeth's GM School For Boys
- Mill Hill Grant-Maintained High School
- St. Mary's CE High School
- Hendon School
Bedfordshire
- Lea Manor High School and Community College
- Crawley Green Grant Maintained Infant School
- Holywell School
- Thomas Whitehead CE School
- Ashcroft High School
- Quensbury School
- Ashton St. Peters (VA) Lower School
- Sharnbrook Upper School
- Icknield High School
- Manshead School
- Stopsley High School and Community College
- Wootton Upper School
- Lincroft Middle School (Grant Maintained)
Berkshire
- Herschel Grammar School
- Slough Grammar School (Formerly Upton Grammar)
- The Downs School
- Denefield School
- Priory School
- Cippenham Middle School (Grant Maintained)
- Reading School
- Whitelocke Infant and Nursery School
- Langley Grammar School Desborough Comprehensive School
- Holy Family RC School Castleview Combined School
- St. Bartholomew's School Westgate School
- Southlands School
Bexley
- St. Columba's RC Boys School
- St. Catherine's RC School for Girls
- Bexley Erith Technical High School for Boys
- St. Mary and St. Joseph's Grant-Maintained School
- Barnehurst Infant Grant-Maintained School
- Barnehurst Junior Grant-Maintained School
Birmingham
- Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
- King Edward VI Handsworth School
- Ninestiles School
- King Edward VI Aston School
- Hall Green School
- Baverstock Grant-Maintained School
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
- Small Heath School
- Great Barr Grant-Maintained School
- The Fairfax School
- Deanery Junior School
- Deanery Infant School
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
- King Edward VI Five Ways School
Bolton
- George Tomlinson School
- St. James' CE School
- Canon Slade School
- Crompton Fold Primary School
Bradford
- Oakbank School
- Bingley Grammar School
- Laisterdyke Grant-Maintained Middle School
- Thornton School
- Hanson Grant-Maintained School
- Killinghall School
Brent
- Claremont High School (Grant-Maintained)
- Kingsbury High School
- Convent of Jesus and Mary GM High School
- Queens Park Community School (GM)
- Copland Community School and Technology Centre
Bromley
- Beaverwood School for Girls Crofton Junior School
- Holy Innocents Roman Catholic Primary School
- Newstead Wood School for Girls (GM)
- Bullers Wood School for Girls Hayes School
- Charles Darwin School
- St. John Rigby School
- Ravens Wood School for Boys
- Langley Park School for Boys Coopers School
- Kelsey Park School
- St. Olave's and St. Saviour's Grammar School
Buckinghamshire
- Castlefield Combined School
- Hamilton Combined School
- Bridgewater Hall School, Stantonbury Campus
- Beaconsfield High School
- Overstone Grant-Maintained Combined School
- Brindley Hall School
- Wycombe Royal Grammar School
- Lord Grey School Wing School
- Beechview Middle School (Grant-Maintained)
- The Chalfonts Community College (GM)
- The Radcliffe School
- Brookmead School
- Brushwood Middle School
Bury
- Peel Brow County Primary School
Calderdale
- Rastrick High School
- Salterlee Primary School
- The North Halifax Grammar School
- Holy Trinity CE Senior School (GM)
- The Crossley Heath School
Cambridgeshire
- Jack Hunt School, Peterborough
- Deacon's School
- The King's School (Peterborough Cathedral Sc)
- Sawston Village College
- Sawtry Village College GM School
- St. John Fisher RC Comprehensive School
- St. Peter's School
- Longsands Community College
- The Village College, Comberton
- Gamlingay (Grant-Maintained) Village College
- Bassingbourn GM Village College
- Stanground College (Grant-Maintained)
- Orton Wistow Primary School
- Wheatfields Junior School
- The Queen's School
- St. Helen's Primary School
- Crosshall Junior School
- Ailwyn Community School
- The Park Lane Primary School
- Crosshall Infant School
Cheshire
- Henbury County High School
- Fallibroome High School
- Bankfield High School (GM)
- Mottram St. Andrew Primary School
- Kettleshulme St. James CE GM Primary School
Croydon
- St. Joseph's College
- Thomas More Grant-Maintained School
- Riddlesdown Grant-Maintained School
- Edenham School
Cumbria
- Hayton CE Grant-Maintained School
- Appleby Grammar School
- Warwick Bridge (GM) Primary School
- Dallam School
- Scotby CE Grant-Maintained Primary School
- Harraby School
- Kirkby Stephen Grammar Schol
- Parkview School
- Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
- Kirkbie Kendal School
- Cartmel Priory CE School
- The Queen Katherine School
- Brampton Junior School
- St. Aidan's County High School
- Trinity School, Carlisle
Derbyshire
- Murray Park Community School
- The Pingle School
- Chellaston School
- Belper Grant-Maintained School
- Heanor Gate School
- Linton Primary School
- Noel-Baker Community School (GM)
- Repton Primary School
- Netherthorpe School
- West Park Community School
- Lady Manners School
- The Merrill Community School
- Friesland School
- Belmont Primary School
- John Port School
- The Ecclesbourne School
- Chellaston Junior School
- Borrow Wood Junior School
Devon
- St. Boniface's College
- Teign School
- Knowles Hill School
- Colyton Grammar School
- Torquay Boys' Grammar School (GM)
Dorset
- St. Peter's RC School
- The Woodroffe School
- Highcliffe Comprehensive School
- Parkstone Grammar School
- Budmouth School
- St. Walburga's RC Primary School
- Poole Technical High School (Ex Henry Harbin)
- Bournemouth School
- Bournemouth School for Girls
- Avonbourne School
Dudley
- Alder Coppice Primary School
- Old Swinford Hospital
- The Ellowes Hall School
- The High Arcal School
- The Kingswinford Grant-Maintained School
Ealing
- Wood End Middle School
- Wood End First School
- Greenford High School
- Drayton Manor High School
- Brentside High School
- Northholt High School
- The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls
Enfield
- The Latymer School
- Albany School
- Broomfield School
Essex
- The Rickstones School
- Beauchamps Grant-Maintained School
- Colbayns High Grant-Maintained School
- Katherines Primary School
- The King John School
- Bromfords School, Wickford
- King Harold Grant-Maintained School
- The Greensward School
- Rodings Central Primary School
- St. Martin's Grant-Maintained School
- Tendring High School
- Torells Grant-Maintained School
- St. Katherine's CE VA Primary School
- Holland Haven Grant-Maintained Primary School
- Rolph CE VA Primary School
- Chelmsford County High School for Girls
- Chelmer Valley High School (Grant-Maintained)
- St. Clare's RC Primary School
- St. Helena School
- Southend High School for Boys
- Southend Girls High School
- St. Clere's School
- South Benfleet Primary School
- Thurstable School
- Hassenbrook School
- Sir Charles Lucas School
- Chalvedon School
- Newlands Spring Grant-Maintained School
- Takeley Grant-Maintained Primary School
- Cecil Jones High School
- The Gilberd School
- Newport Free Grammar School
- Saffron Walden County High School
- Westcliff High School for Girls
- Holland Park County Primary School
- Castle View School
- The Grays School (Grant-Maintained)
- Great Totham Primary School, Essex
- St. Osyth CE Aided Primary School
- Colchester Royal Grammar School
- Rainsford School
- Gable Hall Grant-Maintained Comprehensive School
- Anglo European School (Ingatestone)
- Furtherwick Park School
- Millfields County Primary School
- The Plume School
- St. Thomas More High School for Boys
- Elmstead County Primary School
- Davenant Foundation School
- Belfairs Community College
- Eastwood County High School and 6th Form Centre
- Northwick Park Grant-Maintained Junior School
- Northwick Park Grant-Maintained Infant School
- Northlands Grant-Maintained Junior School
- North Crescent Primary School
- King Edward VI Grammar School (GM)
- The Bramston School
- The Appleton School
- William Edwards School
- William De Ferrers School
- Westcliff High School for Boys
- Westborough County Primary School
- West Hatch High School
- St. Thomas More RC Primary School
- Thorpedene Infant School
- The Boswells School
- Clacton County High School
- The Thorpe Bay School
- The Philip Morant School
- All Saints Church of England Primary School
- The King Edmund School
- Woodville County Primary School
- St. Andrew's Grant-Maintained CE Primary School
- Jotmans Hall Primary School
- The Fitzwimarc School, Rayleigh
- The Elmwood Primary School
- The Deanes School
- The Cornelius Vermuyden School
- The Hedley Walter High School (GM)
- Coppins Green Grant-Maintained Primary School
- The Harwich School
- Kingswood Junior School
- Kingswood Infant School
Gloucestershire
- Katharine Lady Berkeley's School
- Stroud High School
- Balcarras School
- Churchdown Grant-Maintained School
- Chosen Hill School, Gloucester
- Chipping Campden School
- Cheltenham Bournside School and 6th form Centre
- Tewkesbury Grant-Maintained School
- Saintbridge GM Technology School
- St. Benedict's RC School
- Robinswood Primary School
- The Cotswold School
- Ribston Hall High School
- Picklenash Junior School
- Pate's Grant-Maintained Grammar School
- Andoversford Primary School
- Wyedean School, Grant-Maintained Status
- Winchcombe Community School
- Newent Community School
- Marling School
- The Rednock School
- The Crypt School
- Blue Coat CE Grant-Maintained Primary School
- The Catholic School of St. Gregory the Great
Hammersmith
- London Oratory School
Hampshire
- The Arnewood School
- Bohunt Community School
- Testwood School
- Testbourne Community School
- All Hallows RC School
- Hordle CE (c) Grant-Maintained Primary School
- St. Joseph's RC Primary School
- St. Edmund's Catholic School
- Hardley School (Grant-Maintained)
- Applemore Technology School
- Ringwood School (GM Comprehensive)
- Blackfield Middle School (Grant-Maintained)
- Calmore Grant-Maintained Middle School
- Front Lawn Middle School
- Bay House Grant-Maintained School
- Oaklands Itc Comprehensive School
- Burgate School
- Abbotswood Grant-Maintained Middle School
- The Priory School
- Crofton School, Fareham
- The City of Portsmouth Boys' School
Havering
- Abbs Cross School
- The Frances Bardsley School for Girls
- The Coopers' Company and Coborn (GM School)
Hereford and Worcester
- Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC High School
- St. Bede's Catholic Grant-Maintained School
- St. Augustine's Catholic GM School
- Prince Henry's Grant-Maintained High School
- Bromsgrove CE Middle School
Hertfordshire
- The Bishop's Stortford High School
- Ashlyns Grant-Maintained School
- Christ Church CE School
- St. Mary's Catholic Primary School
- Hertingfordbury Cowper JMI Schoo
- Watford Grammar School for Girls
- Rickmansworth School
- Goffs School
- Queens' School
- Francis Bacon School
- Parmiters School
- Parkside First School
- Bushy Meads Grant-Maintained School
- Bushey Hall School
- Nicholas Breakspear Roman Catholic GM School
- Mount Grace (GM) School
- Watford Grammar School for Boys
- Dame Alice Owen's School
- Marlborough School
- The Leventhorpe School
- The John Henry Newman School
Hillingdon
- Swakeleys School
- Mellow Lane School
- Bishopshalt School
- Abbotsfield School
- Haydon School
- Grange Park Junior School
- Grange Park Infant School
- Queensmead School
- Oak Farm Junior Mixed School (G.M.)
- Oak Farm Infant School (Grant-Maintained)
- Northwood School
- Uxbridge High School
- The Hayes Manor School
- The Douay Martyrs School
- Vyners School
- Hillside Infant School
Hounslow
- Gunnersbury Catholic School for Boys Gumley House Convent School
Humberside
- Wold Newton Grant-Maintained Primary School
Kensington
- Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
Kent
- The Canterbury High School
- The Bradbourne School
- Borough Green Primary School
- The Archbishop's CE Grant-Maintained School
- Thamesview School
- Allington County Primary School
- Sutton-at-Hone CE GM Primary School
- Homewood School
- St. Simon Stock School
- Holy Trinity CE Primary School
- Holy Family RC Grant-Maintained Primary School
- The Skinners' School, Tunbridge Wells
- The Mailing School
- St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School
- Hillview School for Girls
- Cheyne Middle School
- St. George's Church of England School
- St. George's CE High School
- St. Francis' RC Primary School
- St. Edmund's RC Comprehensive School
- St. Botolph's CE Primary School
- Herne Bay Junior School (Grant-Maintained)
- Herne Bay High School
- St. Anselm's RC School
- Southlands Comprehensive School
- Chatham Grammar School for Girls
- Southfields School
- Snodland CE Primary School
- Sir Roger Manwood's School
- Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys
- Senacre Technology School
- Sandown Court Community College
- Roseacre Junior School
- Rochester Grammar School for Girls
- Rainham Mark Grammar School
- Queen Elizabeth's School
- Fulston Manor School
- Angley School
- Oldborough Manor Community College
- Oakwood Park Grammar School
- Barton Court Grammar School
- Wrotham School
- Ditton CE Primary School
- Dartford Grammar School
- Wilmington Grammar School For Boys
- Westlands High School
- St. Gregory's Catholic Comprehensive School
- Minster College
- Dartford Grammar School for Girls
- Meopham Grant-Maintained School
- Tonbridge Grammar School for Girls
- Mascalls School
- The Wildernesse School
- The Thomas Aveling School
- The Robert Napier Grant-Maintained School
- The Maplesden Noakes School
- Aylesford School
- The Hugh Christie School
- Cranbrook School
- The Grammar School for Girls Wilmington
- The Frank Montgomery School
- The Folkestone School for Girls
- The Cornwallis School
- The Charles Dickens School
- Chaucer Technology School
Kingston-upon-Thames
- Holy Cross Convent School
- Beverley School
- Richard Challoner School
- Tiffin School
Kirklees
- Heckmondwike Grammar School
- Castle Hall Grant-Maintained School
Knowsley
- The St. Thomas Becket School
Lambeth
- Bishop Thomas Grant School
- St. Bernadette RC Junior Mixed School
- Archbishop Tenison's School
- Dunraven Grant-Maintained School
- La Retraite R. C. Girls, (GM) School
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields High School
Lancashire,
- Clitheroe Royal Grammar School
- Archbishop Temple School (Ex William Temple)
- Newton Bluecoat C of E GM Primary School
- Baines School
- Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
- Lancaster Royal Grammar School
- Lancaster Girls Grammar School
Leicestershire
- South Wigston High School
- Abington High School
- Bushloe High School, Grant-Maintained
- Uppingham Community College
- Long Field GM High School
Lewisham
- Turnham Primary with Nursery GM School
Lincolnshire
- The Ancaster High School, Lincoln
- Huttoft County Primary School
- Washingborough School
- St. George's Grant-Maintained School
- St. Andrews CE Primary School
- Spalding County Primary School
- Skegness Grammar School
- Chapel St. Leonards County Primary School
- The Malcolm Sargent Grant-Maintained School
- Robert Pattinson Grant-Maintained School
- Carre's Grammar School
- Rauceby School CE GM
- Gleed Girls Grant-Maintained School
- Queen Elizabeth's GM Grammar School
- Queen Elizabeth's GM Grammar School
- Caistor Grammar School
- Ermine Junior Grant-Maintained School
- North Kesteven Grant-Maintained School
- William Farr CE Comprehensive School
- William Alvey CE Junior School
- Monks' Dyke High School
- The Magdalen School
- Branston School and Community College
- Yarborough High School
- The Kings School Grantham
- Lincoln Christ's Hospital School
- Cranwell County Primary School
- The Gartree Grant-Maintained School
- Lacey Gardens Junior School
- Bourne Abbey Primary School
- King Edward VI School
- The Castle Hills GM School, Gainsborough
Liverpool
- St. Francis Xavier's College
Newham
- Stratford School
Norfolk
- Cliff Park High School (Grant-Maintained)
- St. Clement's High School
- Heacham Middle School (GM)
- South Wootton Grant-Maintained Junior School
- Sheringham High School
- Gresham Village School (Grant-Maintained)
- Robert Kett Grant-Maintained Middle School
- Great Yarmouth High School
- Redgate Grant-Maintained Middle School
- Flegg High School
- Norwich Road School
- Wymondham College (GMS)
- Downham Market High School Grant-Maintained
- Dereham Church CE Grant-Maintained School
- West Flegg Middle School (GM)
- Marshland High School
- Lynn Grove VC High School
- Cromer High School - Grant-Maintained
- Acle High School
- Loddon Middle Grant-Maintained School
- Costessey High School, Grant-Maintained
- Barnham Broom Primary School
Northamptonshire
- Collingtree CE Primary School
- Southfield School for Girls
- Sir Christopher Hatton Grant-Maintained School
- Beanfield Junior School (GM)
- Queen Elizabeth (Grant-Maintained) School
- Northampton (GM) School for Boys
- Wrenn School
- Woodnewton Way Junior School
- Moulton Primary School (Grant-Maintained)
- Weavers School
- Montagu School
- Millbrook Infant School
- Danesholme Junior School
- The Windmill County GM Primary School
- Manor School, Northamptonshire
- Lodge Park School
- The King John School
- Kingswood School
- Kingsley Park Middle School
Nottinghamshire
- Greenwood Dale School
- Ravensdale Grant-Maintained Middle School
- The George Spencer School
Oxfordshire
- Shenington CE Primary School
Redbridge
- Chadwell Heath High School
Rochdale
- St. James CE Primary School
- Smithy Bridge Primary School
- Wardle High School
- Crossgates Primary School
Sandwell
- Manor High School, Sandwell
Sheffield
- Clifford CE Grant-Maintained School
- St. John Fisher RC (VA) Primary School
- Notre Dame School
- All Saints RC Secondary School
Shropshire
- Abraham Darby School
- Holy Cross CE Junior School
- Charlton School
- Ercall Wood School
- Adams' Grammar School
- The Corbet Grant-Maintained School
Solihull
- Hatchford Grant-Maintained Primary School
Somerset
- Sexey's School
- Bruton Primary School
Southwark
- St. Michael's School
- St. Francesca Cabrini Grant-Maintained School
- Notre Dame High School
- The St. Thomas the Apostle GM College
- London Nautical School
Staffordshire
- St. Thomas More RC High School
- Hollinsclough CE Primary School
- Chasetown High School
- Rising Brook Grant-Maintained School
- Cardinal Griffin RC Comprehensive
- Cannock Chase High School (GM)
Surrey
- The Beacon School
- Thamesmead School
- Stoneleigh First School (Grant-Maintained)
- St. Paul's Catholic School
- Holy Trinity CE Middle School
- St. John the Baptist School
- Heathside Secondary School
- Hawkedale First School
- Send C of E First School (Grant-Maintained)
- Guildford County School
- Rosebery School
- Gordon's Grant-Maintained School
- Glyn School
- Pewley Down County First School
- Park Mead County First School
- Epsom and Ewell High School
- de Stafford School
- The Manor County First School
- Collingwood Grant-Maintained School
Sutton
- Sutton Grammar School for Boys
- St. Philomena's Catholic High School for Girls
- Cheam High School
- Nonsuch High School for Girls
- Wilsons School
- Wallington High School for Girls
- Wallington High School for Boys
- The John Fisher School
- All Saints CE Primary School
Tameside
- Fairfield High School
- West Hill School
- Audenshaw High School
Tower Hamlets
- Raines Foundation School
Trafford
- Ashton on Mersey School
- Sale Moor School
- New Wellington School
- Blessed Thomas Holford School
Walsall
- Streetly School
- St. Thomas More RC Comprehensive GM School
- Aldridge School
- Shire Oak Grant-Maintained Community School
- Queen Mary's High School
- Queen Mary's Grammar School
Waltham Forest
- Chingford School
- Highams Park School
Wandsworth
- John Paul II RC School
- Hillbrook Primary School (Grant-Maintained)
- Southfields School (GM)
- Salesian College
- Graveney School
- Ethelburga Primary School (Grant-Maintained)
- Elliott School (GM)
- Burntwood School
Warwickshire
- The Avon Valley Grant-Maintained School
- Studley High School
- Ash Green Grant-Maintained School
- Hartshill Grant-Maintained School
- Alcester Grammar School
- Rugby High School for Girls
- Queen Elizabeth School, Atherstone
- Myton School
Wiltshire
- Highbury Secondary Boys' School
- St. Augustine RC (GM) Comprehensive School
- Sheldon School
- Pewsey Vale School (Grant-Maintained)
- Downton CE (VC) Primary School
- Aloeric Grant-Maintained School
- Lowbourne Grant-Maintained Infants' School
- Lavington Comprehensive School
Wirral
- Calday Grange Grammar School, West Kirby
- Wirral Grammar School for Boys
Wolverhampton
- Wolverhampton Girls High School
- Moseley Park GM School
To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what measures he is taking to ensure that the timetable for organising grant-maintained status ballots is sufficient for consultation purposes; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he will take measures to ensure that the distribution of ballot papers on grant-maintained status occurs at the end of the consultation period rather than the middle;(3) if he will draw up a code of conduct to cover all those involved in the organisation of ballots and consultations on grant-maintained status.
The Education Bill will streamline the procedures for acquiring grant-maintained status. Both the existing and prospective statutory provisions offer scope for local consultation and debate before a ballot on grant-maintained status is initiated, in the period prior to a ballot and during the ballot period itself. Individual governing bodies are best placed to determine the most appropriate timing for a ballot in their school's circumstances, within the statutory time scale.The Department provides detailed guidance on the conduct of ballots and any significant deviation from that may lead to the Secretary of State declaring the ballot void. We are currently discussing with local authority interests the promulgation of a common code of conduct on the provision of information about grant-maintained status; this would cover the activities of the Department, local authorities and the grant-maintained schools centre.
Unqualified Teachers
To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many teachers are teaching subjects they have no qualifications to teach; and what progress has been made and measures taken to reduce the numbers.
The latest information is provided by the 1992 secondary school staffing survey. The table shows the percentage of full-time secondary teachers in England who gave some tuition in a subject in which they held no post-A level qualification, and the percentage of tuition this represented. About half of this tuition was by teachers with five or more years' experience of teaching the subject.
Subject | Percentage of teachers without a qualification | Tuition by these teachers as a percentage of all tuition in subject |
Mathematics | 22 | 10 |
Biology | 14 | 11 |
Chemistry | 5 | 3 |
Physics | 6 | 4 |
General Science | 16 | 9 |
CDT | 50 | 34 |
English | 27 | 14 |
French | 18 | 9 |
German | 24 | 13 |
Other Languages | 34 | 19 |
History | 28 | 11 |
Geography | 29 | 10 |
Music | 19 | 5 |
Art | 24 | 7 |
Subject | Percentage of teachers without a qualification | Tuition by these teachers as a percentage of all tuition in subject |
Physical Education | 32 | 9 |
Religious Education | 54 | 25 |
Teachers (Early Retirement)
To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many teachers took early retirement, and for what reason, during each of the last five years.
The number of teachers from England and Wales who took early retirement and claimed retirement benefits during each of the last five years is shown in the table.The figures include teachers in FE and PCFC colleges and the independent sector as well as maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special schools.Retirements on grounds of efficiency or redundancy include those teachers who were over the normal retirement age of 60 when benefits were paid.
Reason for retirement | |||
Financial year | Interest of efficiency | Redundancy | Ill-health |
1988–89 | 8,971 | 3,389 | 3,412 |
1989–90 | 9,633 | 2,675 | 4,123 |
1990–91 | 8,981 | 2,691 | 4,938 |
1991–92 | 7,357 | 2,932 | 4,656 |
11992–93 | 8,360 | 3,833 | 4,775 |
1 Provisional. |
Higher Education, London
To ask the Secretary of State for Education what resources are being made available in 1993–94 to the Higher Education Funding Council to cover the additional costs of providing higher education in London; and if he will make a statement.
The Government do not separately identify London costs in its grant to the Higher Education Funding Council for England. It is for the funding council to determine allocations for London and other institutions within its overall grant.
Overseas Development
Regional Development Funds
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the British contribution to the European development fund is (a) being used for projects that directly benefit the poorest people in developing countries and (b) helps meet the goals established at the world summit for children.
The European Commission does not produce statistics in the form requested. The Commission and member states are currently working on a common approach to poverty alleviation, which will be presented to the Council of Development Ministers in December.
Yugoslavia
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 6 July, Official Report, column 85, why United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees cash grants for host families accommodating refugees do not apply to displaced persons or refugees accommodated in Serbia; what access these families have to additional support; what efforts are made to ensure that displaced Bosnians remain with host families in Serbia rather than seeking asylum overseas; and if he will make a statement.
The UNHCR finds it impractical at present to operate a system of cash grants for host families who accommodate displaced people in Serbia. Instead it provides food and other essential humanitarian supplies to displaced people through the Serbian Red Cross and the EC family parcel programme.UNHCR provided over 35,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies for displaced people in Serbia in the first six months of 1993. These measures are designed to help to meet the basic humanitarian needs of displaced people so as to enable them to remain in Serbia, as close as possible to their homes in Bosnia-Herzegovina, until such time as they are able to return.
Aid
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make it her policy to publish before the end of the year criteria by which Her Majesty's Government will judge their performance on targeting aid at the reduction of poverty and meeting basic needs.
The overall aim of our aid programme is to promote sustainable economic and social development, in order to improve the quality of life and reduce poverty, suffering and deprivation, in developing countries. Our six priority objectives for the aid programme support this overall aim. They are:
- to promote economic reform and longer term economic growth;
- to promote good government;
- to help developing countries to define and carry out poverty reduction strategies;
- to promote human development, including better education and health, and children by choice;
- to promote the social, economic, legal and political status of women in developing countries; and
- to help developing countries tackle national environmental problems.
We are currently developing a new policy information markers system, as part of a further improvement to our monitoring systems, which will enable us to provide reports on progress against each of these objectives. If the trials are successful, we hope to have produced the first reports by the end of 1994.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to secure a balance of bilateral and multilateral expenditure on oveseas development aid.
Our aid allocations through both bilateral and multilateral channels are kept under regular review. Most of our multilateral aid commitments result from negotiated agreements covering several years ahead.
Angola
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been Her Majesty's Government's response to the United Nations appeal for US $226 million to fund relief and emergency work in Angola.
[holding answer 20 July 1993]: We have allocated 3,000 tonnes of food aid and up to £2 million of humanitarian assistance. The food aid is now being shipped to Angola through the world food programme, and some £800,000 of humanitarian assistance has already been committed to support proposals by Save the Children Fund and CARE.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Yugoslavia
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the number of prison camps currently understood to be operated by (a) Bosnian-Croats, (b) Bosnian-Muslims and (c) Bosnian-Serbs in Bosnia-Herzegovina; and if he will indicate the size of each and publish the names of those prisons where the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, or other international agencies have been unable to gain access.
The International Committee of the Red Cross—ICRC—regularly visits 2,200 people held by Bosnian Croats in six places of detention, 1,023 held by Bosnian Muslims in 15 places of detention and 1,023 prisoners held by Bosnian Serbs in eight places of detention. The ICRC suspects that further places of detention in unknown locations may exist.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been made of the economic and diplomatic sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro on the infant mortality rate in those republics; and if he will make a statement.
None. Supplies of essential humanitarian relief, including medical supplies and foodstuffs distributed by the international humanitarian aid agencies are exempted from United Nations sanctions imposed on Serbia and Montenegro under United Nations Security Council resolution 820 of 17 April.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 14 July, Official Report, column 455, if he will place a copy of Dr. Karadzic's letter to the Prime Minister of 31 March in the Library together with the Prime Minister's reply.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Mr. Wareing) on 14 April at column 542 about Dr. Karadzic's letter. I do not plan to elaborate further; it is important to maintain the confidentiality of such correspondence.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contributions the United Kingdom has made to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for its activities in former Yugoslavia since the beginning of the year; and what contributions have been made by other major donors.
Since January 1993 the United Kingdom has given £27.8 million in cash and kind to UNHCR for its work in former Yugoslavia. On 12 July we announced a further £12..5 million for projects directly in support of UNHCR plus £6 million in kind for the world food programme. This makes Britain the leading bilateral donor to UNHCR's programmes in the former republics this year. We are aware that, as winter approaches, there must be a major effort by the international community to meet the needs of the people of Bosnia. Contributions by major donors for 1993 are:
UNHCR figures, as of 6 July 1993, in US dollars | |
Country | US$ |
European Community | 16,447,538 |
Denmark | 3,542,673 |
France | 12,074,030 |
Germany | 3,680,981 |
Italy | 857,143 |
Netherlands | 5,586,592 |
Switzerland | 10,489,510 |
United Kingdom | 163,814,433 |
United States | 23,000,000 |
Japan | 10,000,000 |
1 Sterling equivalent approximately £42.5 million. This is higher than the £27 million in United Kingdom records because some "in kind" contributions, made at the end of 1992, were not logged by UNHCR until 1993. |
Mostar (Ethnic Cleansing)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on new ethnic cleansing of Muslim women and children by Croats in Mostar; what is the effect of these developments. on his policy towards Croatia's exemption from economic and diplomatic sanctions; and if he will make a statement.
There are continuing reports of ethnic cleansing by all sides. European Community Foreign Ministers agreed to consider withdrawing Croatia's preferential trading benefits with the European Community, in view of continued Croatian involvement in the conflict in Bosnia.
Fundacion Collegio De Inglaterra, Colombia
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much British Government finance has been given to the Fundacion Collegio de Inglaterra in Bogota, Colombia, in the past five years; for what purpose; and from what budget heading.
None directly.The British Council has provided books and equipment to the school over the past five years to a total value of £30,000.
Research Projects
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 1 December 1992, Official Report, column 86, if the university scientists working on the research projects mentioned have been able to publish the results of these projects in open scientific literature.
As made clear in the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the hon. Member on 1 December 1992, at column 86, the research commissioned is confined to unclassified subjects. We retain proprietary rights over the research, but the results may be published by the relevant academic institution, if it wishes.
Armenia
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the prevailing economic situation in Armenia; and what recent discussions he has had to resolve matters.
The Armenian economy continues to suffer from the disruption of links with the other republics of the former Soviet Union, and from the economic blockade resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The United Kingdom has contributed over £1 million bilaterally, and the EC over £3 million, to alleviate suffering in Armenia in the last year. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met the Armenian Prime Minister, Hrartt Bagratian, during his visit to London in May and urged him to seek a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict so that the process can begin of rebuilding the Armenian economy.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how United Kingdom diplomatic links with Armenia are organised; and if he will make a statement.
We are in full diplomatic relations with Armenia, which we recognised on 31 December 1991. Sir Brian Fall, who resides at Moscow, is accredited as Her Majesty's ambassador to the Republic of Armenia. He has presented his credentials in Yerevan and both he and his staff visit Armenia frequently. We are keeping the possibility of opening an embassy in Yerevan under review. The Republic of Armenia opened an embassy in London last year. The Armenian ambassador, Dr. Armen Sarkissian, presented his credentials to Her Majesty the Queen in March.
Angola
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if the United Kingdom supported the removal of the UNAVEM II mandate in Angola when it was debated by the Security Council; and if he will make a statement; (2) when Her Majesty's Government last held talks on the Angolan war with other members of the Security Council.
[holding answer 20 July 1993]: The Security Council discussed Angola and adopted Security Council resolution 851 on 15 July. The resolution, which the United Kingdom helped to prepare, extends the mandate of UNAVEM II until 15 September. The Security Council will consider appropriate action against UNITA if an effective ceasefire is not in force in Angola by that date. Meanwhile, we shall continue to support efforts by the United Nations to persuade UNITA to agree with the Government a peaceful negotiated settlement to the tragic conflict in Angola.We shall also continue to support humanitarian relief operations. In response to the most recent United Nations appeal we have pledged up to £2 million of emergency assistance and, through the world food programme, 3,000 tonnes of food aid.
To ask the Secretary of state for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made towards peace in Angola; and what initiatives Her Majesty's Government have taken in this area.
[holding answers 20 July 1993]: The new United Nations Secretary-General's special representative, Mr. Beye, who replaced Miss Margaret Anstee last month, met President dos Santos on 5 July and the UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi on 8 July to discuss the resumption of peace talks under United Nations auspices.We took an active part in preparing Security Council resolution 851, which the Security Council adopted on 15 July. This extends the mandate of UNAVEM II and provides for the Council to consider taking action against UNITA if an effective cease-fire is not established by 15 September.
Duchy Of Lancaster
Research Councils
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the report on the detailed allocation of responsibilities between the new research councils will be completed; and if he will make a statement.
I asked Sir David Phillips to conduct this study acting as if he were fulfilling the role of the new director general for the research councils. He has now submitted his report and copies have been placed in the Library. I have accepted all of Sir David's recommendations and, I have invited him to continue to oversee the further work of the Office of Science and Technology designed to effect a smooth transition to the new research council system by 1 April 1994.
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who is to be the new director general of research councils.
[pursuant to the reply, 19 July 1993, c. 42]: In the recent White Paper "Realising our Potential" I announced my intention to appoint a new director general of research councils to support me in the exercise of my statutory functions in so far as they relate to the research councils.
I am pleased to announce that this new post is to be advertised in journals and newspapers over the next week or so. The open recruitment competition, which will be supplemented by executive search, will be run by the recruitment and assessment services. My aim is to announce an appointment, to take effect from 1 January 1994, at the end of October.
In the meantime, I am most grateful to Sir David Phillips, chairman of the Advisory Board for the Research Councils, for the excellent support which he is giving me as acting director general of research councils.
National Finance
Bank Of England
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for separating the banking regulation and supervisory roles of the Bank of England from its banking functions.
I have no such proposals at this time.
Earnings Statistics
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland the (i) highest, (ii) lowest and (iii) average weekly and annual income of (1) per household, (2) per wage or salary earner and (3) per capita and indicate for each country the percentage of each category below the official poverty line.
The figures are derived from the 1991 family expenditure survey. The information is available only on a weekly basis. The average weekly income (1) per household, (2) per wage or salary earner and (3) per capita for each country is given in the table. There is no officially defined poverty line in the United Kingdom.
Average weekly income (£) | |||
per household | per wage or salary earner | per capita | |
England | 373.20 | 250.90 | 153.30 |
Scotland | 316.20 | 259.70 | 140.70 |
Wales | 297.40 | 221.70 | 123.80 |
Northern Ireland | 296.50 | 211.70 | 107.20 |
Incomes
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 30 April, Official Report, column 572, what was the average equivalised disposable income at (a) current and (b) April 1993 prices for 1979, 1987, 1990 and 1991 of (i) single-parent households, (ii) two-parent households with (1) one child, (2) two children and (3) three or more children and (c) other households with children by quintile groups of households.
The figures are available only at current prices and are as follows:
Average equivalised disposable income by household type and by quintile groups
| ||||||
£ per year Quintile groups of all households ranked by equivalised disposable income
| ||||||
Household type
| Bottom
| 2nd
| 3rd
| 4th
| Top
| All Households
|
1979
| ||||||
One adult with children | 1,772 | 2,713 | 3,625 | 4,713 | 7,705 | 3,151 |
Two adults with one child | 1,882 | 2,812 | 3,664 | 4,696 | 7,206 | 4,281 |
Two adults with two children | 2,000 | 2,794 | 3,656 | 4,744 | 7,649 | 4,081 |
Two adults with three or more children | 1,898 | 2,800 | 3,579 | 4,715 | 7,278 | 3,308 |
Other households with children | 2,032 | 2,811 | 3,666 | 4,739 | 6,841 | 4,080 |
1987
| ||||||
One adult with children | 3,751 | 5,268 | 7,168 | 9,981 | 17,605 | 5,386 |
Two adults with one child | 3,600 | 5,516 | 7,465 | 10,178 | 17,318 | 9,627 |
Two adults with two children | 3,644 | 5,562 | 7,446 | 10,138 | 18,607 | 8,996 |
Two adults with three or more children | 3,610 | 5,440 | 7,452 | 10,007 | 16,886 | 7,041 |
Other households with children | 3,556 | 5,432 | 7,542 | 10,122 | 16,125 | 7,900 |
1990
| ||||||
One adult with children | 4,466 | 6,651 | 9,817 | 14,835 | 22,630 | 7,086 |
Two adults with one child | 4,126 | 7,044 | 9,921 | 14,578 | 26,635 | 14,215 |
Two adults with two children | 4,302 | 7,113 | 10,080 | 14,206 | 23,712 | 12,022 |
Two adults with three or more children | 4,138 | 6,948 | 9,713 | 13,943 | 31,631 | 10,157 |
Other households with children | 4,302 | 6,953 | 9,870 | 14,419 | 24,198 | 11,708 |
1991
| ||||||
One adult with children | 5,105 | 7,477 | 10,830 | 15,434 | 23,108 | 7,867 |
Two adults with one child | 4,469 | 7,688 | 11,088 | 15,488 | 26,878 | 14,841 |
Two adults with two children | 4,759 | 7,830 | 11,046 | 15,379 | 26,645 | 12,993 |
Two adults with three or more children | 4,571 | 7,809 | 11,026 | 15,347 | 26,471 | 11,223 |
Other households with children | 4,743 | 7,774 | 10,990 | 15,423 | 26,276 | 12,572 |
The quintile groups are based on all households ranked by equivalised disposable income. Thus any difference between the average equivalised disposable income of household types within each quintile group is likely to result from sampling errors.
These figures are not strictly comparable over time because of changes in classification of both income and taxation and because of changes in the family expenditure survey.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 28 April, Official Report, columns 402–4, what was the average equivalised disposable income of (a) the top and the bottom quintile groups and (b) the top and the bottom decile groups at current prices, and at April 1993 prices in 1979 and 1991.
The figures are available only at current prices.The figures for 1979 were given in the answer of 28 April 1993,
Official Report, columns 402–4.
The figures for 1991 are as follows:
Average equivalised disposable income for all households ranked by equivalised disposable income
| ||||
Using the McClements equivalence scale with a household of a married couple = 1
| ||||
Quintile groups
| Decile groups
| |||
£ per year
| Bottom
| Top
| Bottom
| Top
|
1991 | 4,877 | 28,472 | 4,044 | 35,689 |
These figures are not strictly comparable with those for earlier years because of changes in classification of both income and taxation and because of changes in the family expenditure survey.
European Community
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the purpose of the agreement made at the ECOFIN meetings of June and July 1992 in relation to zero rates for VAT; and if the agreement is legally binding.
No agreement was made at the ECOFIN meetings of June and July 1992 in relation to zero rates for VAT. The ability to retain our zero rates was agreed at the ECOFIN meeting on 24 June 1991. This subsequently formed part of Council directive 92/77/EEC of 19 October 1992 supplementing the common system of value added tax and amending directive 77/388/EEC on approximation of VAT rates. This agreement is legally binding.
Yorkshire And Humberside
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has for the gross domestic product for Yorkshire and Humberside and for each constituent area for the most recent financial years for which figures are available.
Regional estimates of GDP are compiled only on a calendar year basis, not financial year. The latest available estimates for the Yorkshire and Humberside region are for 1991 and were published in the December 1992 issue of "Economic Trends". The latest figures available for the constituent counties are for 1989, which were published in the November 1991 issue of "Economic Trends". These articles contain a breakdown of GDP in £ millions and £ per head of population and economic trends and are available in the House Library.
Securities And Investments Board
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a report from the Securities and Investments Board on the exercise of its functions under the Financial Services Act 1986.
The board's report for 1992–93, made in accordance with section 117 of the Act, was laid before Parliament today. Copies are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.
Government Stock Purchases
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate, for the latest available financial year, of the proportion of the public sector borrowing requirement which was funded with purchases of Government stock by the pension funds and life assurance companies.
[holding answer 19 July 1993]: The PSBR was £36.5 billion in 1992–93. Data for 1992 in the financial statistics table 3.5 of the Central Statistical Office's database show that net purchases of gilts by British pension funds and life assurance companies were £15.5 billion. Gilt sales to pension funds and life assurance companies were therefore 42 per cent. of the PSBR.
Attorney-General
Public Interest
To ask the Attorney-General if he will now publish the definition of the public interest used by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The general principles applied by the Crown Prosecution Service in respect of the public interest are set out in the code for Crown prosecutors. The code is published and laid before Parliament each year in the annual report of the Director of Public Prosecutions.The annual report for 1992–93 was published on 13 July 1993.
To ask the Attorney-General what is the lowest grade of officer in the Crown Prosecution Service authorised to discontinue cases on the grounds of public interest.
The power under section 23 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 to discontinue proceedings may, by virtue of section 1(6) of the Act, be exercised by any Crown prosecutor subject to any directions given by the director. Those with management responsibilities in the service are responsible for ensuring that cases are assigned to lawyers having both the experience and authority necessary to take decisions to continue or terminate proceedings. The level of authority will depend upon the nature, seriousness or complexity of the case.
To ask the Attorney-General what percentage of cases the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued on grounds of public interest in the latest year for which figures are available; and how many defendants were neither very elderly, frail nor suffering from some injury.
The Crown Prosecution Service does not record centrally the proportion of cases that are discontinued on public interest grounds as opposed to evidential grounds, nor therefore is any information available about whether the defendants were very elderly, frail or suffering from injury. Such information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
International Investments Ltd, Gibraltar
To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the progress of the judicial hearing which was scheduled to take place on 12 July in Gibraltar in response to the letter of request for evidence in relation to the affairs of International Investments Ltd., Gibraltar —in liquidation—first submitted to the Gibraltar authorities on 5 November 1990 from Belfast magistrates court of 15 November 1990.
As a result of the letter of request for evidence in relation to the affairs of International Investments Ltd.—in liquidation—issued by Belfast magistrates' court on 1 November 1990, the Supreme court of Gibraltar made an order on 16 June 1993 requiring witnesses named in the letter of request to attend before a special examiner on 12 July 1993 to give evidence on oath and produce documents.A hearing took place on 12 and 13 July 1993. A number of witnesses were examined and their depositions recorded. The hearing has been adjourned to allow consideration to be given to certain documents which have now become available. It is anticipated that the hearing will recommence in October 1993.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Common Fisheries Policy
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye (Mrs. Lait) of 7 July, Official Report, column 163, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of (i) the existing enforcement of the common fisheries policy and (ii) the European Commission's present powers to ensure that Community rules are properly implemented; what is her estimate of the scale of cheating and overcatching: and what analysis she has made of the effect on the effectiveness of fisheries policy enforcement of the new regulations coming into effect on 1 January 1994.
The Commission's report on monitoring implementation of the common fisheries policy published in March 1992 identified various weaknesses in the present enforcement of fisheries policy in the EC. I agree with much of the Commission's assessment, and many of our concerns are being addressed by the proposed new control regulation expected to take effect from 1 January 1994. EC catch returns for 1992 show that there were 48 recorded instances of member states overfishing their individual quotas in Community waters but these do not refer to individual breaches of regulations by fishermen.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye (Mrs. Lait) of 7 July, Official Report, column 163, what proportion of surface waters in north European waters are British territorial waters under the Fishery Limits Act 1976; which are the seven main species caught in those British waters; what estimate she has made of the annual British catch in Icelandic waters; and what provision has been made under the common fisheries policy as compensation for the loss of Icelandic fishing by the British fishing industry.
The United Kingdom fishery limits established by the Fishery Limits Act 1976 account for about 20 per cent. of the north Atlantic fishery limits of the 12 EC member states. The seven main species used in 1983 in the calculation of member states' shares—"relative stability"—were cod, haddock, plaice, whiting, saithe, mackerel and redfish or, for some purposes, herring The United Kingdom secured 37 per cent. of the EC quotas for these species, a figure higher than our historical level of catches. Part of the calculation involved assessing the losses for each member state arising from the extension of fisheries jurisdiction by third countries in the 1970s and calculating compensation in fish stocks still available to the Community. The United Kingdom's losses at Iceland were calculated for this purpose at 133,927 tonnes cod equivalent.
Animal Welfare
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment has been made of the extent to which (a) Dutch firms transporting live animals through the United Kingdom and (b) Dutch slaughterhouses dealing with British animals comply with relevant required EC and United Kingdom standards.
Spot checks on transport standards are carried out by local authority and Ministry inspectors. These have revealed some deficiencies which we have taken up with the member states concerned.As regards slaughter, all member states are required to have implemented Council directive 74/577/EEC on the stunning of animals before slaughter. It is the responsibility of the EC Commission to ensure that member states fulfil their legal obligations; if we became aware of any failure to comply by another member state we would notify this to the Commission and, if necessary, take the matter up with the other country. We are satisfied that the Netherlands has implemented the requirements of directive 74/577/EEC in its national laws.
Fishing Nets
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many United Kingdom vessels have been engaged in (a) gill net fisheries and (b) tangle net fisheries in United Kingdom waters in each year since 1988.
Available information relates only to vessels with an overalll length exceeding 10 m. In 1992, 18 United Kingdom fishing vessels reported using tangle nets and 352 vessels reported using gill nets at least once. Corresponding figures for 1988 are 26 and 226 respectively. Information for all the years requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what length of (a) monofilament netting and (b) other fishing gear has been lost or discarded by United Kingdom fishermen in United Kingdom waters in each year since 1988;(2) what measures her Department has adopted to monitor and regulate the loss and discard of fishing nets in United Kingdom waters.
No information is available about the quantities of netting or fishing gear lost or discarded. Discard of all types of fishing gear at sea is an offence unless undertaken in accordance with a licence under part II of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what measures her Department has adopted to monitor the impact of fisheries using set monofilament gill nets and tangle nets in United Kingdom waters on (a) target species and (b) non-target species including marine mammals;(2) what measures her Department has taken to monitor the distribution and effect of monofilament gill net and tangle net fisheries in the United Kingdom in order to qualify the risk of by-catches of marine mammals.
Fishing practice varies in the waters around the United Kingdom but monofilament gill nets and tangle nets are widely used. These fisheries are monitored for catch and effort by the fisheries departmentss and the results are included in the relevant stock assessments.MAFF has commissioned work to examine the distribution, character, catch and effort in gill and tangle net fisheries for both target and non-target species. On 1 January 1992, the fisheries departments introduced a voluntary scheme for fishermen to report incidental catches of marine mammals including the location of the incident and the type of fishing activity involved.
House Of Commons
National Asthma Campaign
To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to the national asthma campaign to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.
I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee, arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from 8 to 12 November.
Exploring Parenthood
To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to exploring parenthood to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.
I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee, arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from 13 to 17 December.
Wales
Derelict Commercial Properties
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are being taken to encourage the conversion of derelict commercial properties; and if he will make a statement.
Assistance is available through the urban programme, urban investment grant and the rural initiative capital grant scheme for building conversion schemes.All local authorities in Wales are eligible to apply for urban programme—strategic development scheme from 1 April 1994—assistance for areas which have been declared by the local authority as commercial or industrial improvement or renewal areas under the enabling legislation. The grants are intended to help stimulate economic regeneration and create or safeguard jobs. Grants are approved through local authorities to a maximum of 50 per cent. of eligible costs, with the private sector applicant meeting the balance. Urban programme allocations to Welsh authorities from 1990–91 to 1992–93 amount to nearly £9 million; assisting the improvement of 912 premises. Urban investment grant is a property grant designed to promote the redevelopment of derelict sites in urban areas throughout Wales. It is available only to the private sector and is designed to bridge the gap between the gross development costs of a project and its end value. Since the scheme's introduction in April 1989 there have been 44 approvals, totalling some £16.3 million grant.Since 1991, assistance under the rural initiative capital grant scheme has been available to fund a series of social, environmental and economic projects to help create a self-sustaining market economy in rural Wales. Under this scheme in 1991–92 and 1992–93, 11 conversion schemes have been funded.The Welsh Development Agency and the Development Board for Rural Wales also operate schemes to bring redundant buildings in rural areas back into beneficial business use. To date 473 projects have been assisted by the two agencies, at a total grant cost of approximately £4 million. In 1993–94, the two agencies plan to spend £700,000 on conversion schemes.
Steel Industry
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he is taking to enhance the prospects of the steel industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
The Government are committed to creating an economic framework in which the steel industry in Wales can prosper. To this end, we support the EC restructuring initiative which aims to reduce overcapacity elsewhere in Europe, much of it supported by state subsidies. It is for the Welsh steel industry to continue to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Agri-Environmental Plan
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to publish copies of the agri-environment regulations zonal plan for Wales.
My proposals for the implementation of the agri-environment regulations will be submitted, as part of the United Kingdom plan, to the EC Commission in Brussels by 30 July and I shall make an announcement at that time.
Jpm (Automatic Machines) Ltd
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what financial assistance has been given to J.P.M. (Automatic Machines) Ltd. in each of the last five years by (a) the Industry Department of the Welsh Office and (b) the Welsh Development Agency.
To comment on the Department's relationship with this, or any other individual company, would be a breach of commercial confidentiality.
Working Women
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many women in Wales worked 16 hours or more per week in paid employment at the last available count.
It is estimated from the 1991 census that 390,500 female residents of Wales aged 16 or over worked 16 hours or more per week in paid employment.
Employees (Sickness)
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what estimates he has on the average number of working days (1) lost per employee through sickness annually (a) by local authority area, (b)according to employment sector and (c)according to category of employee in each year in Wales since 1985;(2) what has been the total number of days lost per year in Wales and the estimated annual cost to the Welsh economy of working days lost through sickness in each year since 1985.
The information requested is not available centrally.
Nursery Education
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to place a statutory duty upon all local education authorities and future funding agencies in Wales to provide nursery education.
No.
Bus Deregulation
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement outlining the main outcomes of his Department's consultation on bus deregulation guidelines indicating the main findings on (a) timetabling, (b) bunching of services, (c) travel card schemes, (d) parking at bus stops and (e) registration of services.
The consultation document on the operation of local bus services outside London was issued by the Department of Transport. Responses from 'Wales were routed through the Department. All comments are being considered but it is too early to predict any conclusions.
National Heritage
Items In Lieu Of Tax
To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what offers in lieu of tax have been accepted or allocated since his last announcement of 25 May, Official Report, column 482.
Since my last announcement on 25 May 1993 at column 482, I am pleased to inform the House that two paintings, "Le Dejeuner" and "Femme assise, tasse de cafe" by Edouard Vuillard, have been accepted in lieu of tax. Also, I have pleasure in announcing that a Charles I silver gilt standing cup and cover, accepted in lieu of tax, will be allocated to the Victoria and Albert museum.
Defence
Depleted Uranium
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the sites (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) abroad where his Department stores depleted uranium; and if he will make a statement on the safety precautions taken in storing depleted uranium.
Depleted uranium is stored in a variety of forms at several Ministry of Defence sites in the United Kingdom. The main sites include those of the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston, Burghfield and Cardiff; the test and evaluation ranges at Eskmeals and Kirkcudbright; and the Defence Research Agency site at Fort Halstead, together with a few minor holdings at other DRA sites. In addition it is held at a small number of military munitions stores and depots both in the United Kingdom and abroad. All materials are held in safe and secure facilities in accordance with the requirements for radioactive materials.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what methods of transport are used to move depleted uranium in the United Kingdom.
Movement of non-military uranium within the United Kingdom is a matter for the Department of Transport. My Department for this purpose uses containers which are designed, manufactured and tested in conformity with the appropriate International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) transport regulations.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what documents are published by his Department containing information on quantities, locations and uses of depleted uranium owned or used by his Department (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) abroad.
Two documents have been published which refer to depleted uranium. The first is the memorandum on anti-armour ammunition, which was placed in the Library of the House in March 1979; the second is a publicity document produced by the then Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment at Chertsey—now part of the Defence Research Agency—entitled "Kirkcudbright Range Facilities", published in January 1986.
Yugoslavia
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 9 July, Official Report, column 317, what steps his Department plans to take to recover the additional costs incurred as a result of United Nations Security Council resolution 816; and if he will make a statement.
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (M r. Hamilton) gave to the hon. Member for East Lothian (M r. Home Robertson) on 21 May, Official Report, column 348.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contingency plans have been made to ensure the safety of British forces in the event of the continuing use of noxious gas by Muslim forces in central Bosnia; how far British forces were from the villages of Busovaca arid Prosje when last week's alleged attacks by Muslims against Croats took place; and if he will make a statement.
Protective equipment and clothing are available to all British Army personnel wherever they deploy worldwide. The threats in a specific deployment area are kept under constant review and plans made accordingly. Busovaca and Prosje are within the British battalion's operating area and are often transited by United Nations personnel. We are not aware of any incident involving the use of noxious gas, although we are aware of an incident where a Bosnian-Croat soldier was treated, at a hospital in Novi Bila, for suspected gas poisoning. Following investigation at the alleged scene by the 1st Battalion, Prince of Wales Own Regiment, however, no trace of use of noxious gas was found.
Cruise Missiles
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he is giving to equipping Royal Navy warships with cruise missile-type weapons; and if he will make a statement.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement gave the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) on 2 July at column 639.
Search And Rescue
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the outcome of the review announced on 21 October 1992, Official Report, columns 307–8, into arrangements for the co-ordination of the military response to search-and-rescue incidents; and if he will make a statement.
On 21 October 1992, my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State for the Armed Forces announced our plans, following a review carried out in consultation with the Department of Transport, for the future deployment of the Royal Air Force search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service, employing a highly capable all-Sea King fleet. Under the terms of an agreement with the Department of Transport, RAF and Royal Navy SAR helicopters assist in the civil SAR task.Following a detailed review of arrangements for SAR co-ordination, I have concluded that these aircraft, and all military SAR operations, should be controlled from a single centre in the United Kingdom, to be located at RAF Pitreavie Castle in Fife. This national military rescue co-ordination centre (RCC) will be equipped with a comprehensive mission support system (MSS), comprising the most modern communications and computer equipment. The MSS will provide an intergrated communications and search planning capability, relieving RCC controllers of numerous routine tasks, and enabling the RCC to discharge its role in the most effective way possible.We intend that the new single RCC will be operational by the end of 1994. Once this RCC is fully proven, which should be during the first half of 1995, the existing second RCC, which is manned by service personnel at the maritime headquarters at Mount Wise in Plymouth, will close, releasing those personnel for other duties.
Scotland
Optical Services
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many references from general practitioners and optometrists to hospital ophthalmology out-patient clinics have been made since 1985.
Information is available only for new out-patient referrals from general practitioners to ophthalmology out-patient clinics for the years ended March 1992 and 1993. The information for these two years is as follows:
Number | |
March 1992 | 67,143 |
March 1993 | 65,831 |
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidelines are issued to health boards for record keeping and collating statistics in hospital ophthalmic departments; and what data health boards are required to collate from hospital ophthalmology departments.
Information about hospital activities in Scotland, including information about the ophthalmology specialty, is published annually in sections 4 and 6 of the Scottish Health Statistics. A copy of the 1992 volume is in the Library. No special guidelines about record keeping are issued to health boards in respect of ophthalmology departments, which are expected to maintain the same standard as any other hospital department.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has regarding the incidence in Scotland of eye disease leading to blindness or NHS hospital treatment.
Information is not held centrally on the incidence in the general population of eye disease which leads to blindness. The following table shows the main disorders responsible for admission to ophthalmology units in Scotland in 1992.
All discharges of in-patients and day cases from the specialty ophthalmology for the year 1992 by diagnosis group | |
Diagnosis | Discharges |
Eye cancer | 243 |
Diabetic eye disease | 268 |
Retinal disorders | 992 |
Glaucoma | 2,125 |
Cataract | 13,084 |
Corneal disorders | 648 |
Disorders of conjunctiva | 273 |
Disorders of eyelid | 3,070 |
Strabismus | 2,461 |
Other disorders of eye and lacrimal system | 1,702 |
Injury to eye | 788 |
Other disorders associated with eye disease | 2,925 |
Total eye disorders | 27,579 |
Salmon And Grilse
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many (a) salmon and (b) grilse were taken by each type of net in Scottish fisheries in each of the last 10 years; and how many fish were taken by anglers in the same years.
The numbers of fish caught by the methods indicated are as follows:
Net and Coble | Fixed Engine | Rod and Line | ||||
Salmon | Grilse | Salmon | Grilse | Salmon | Grilse | |
1983 | 54,275 | 82,029 | 39,725 | 113,479 | 51,961 | 14,109 |
1984 | 33,006 | 68,412 | 31,077 | 129,124 | 43,130 | 15,543 |
1985 | 26,685 | 55,348 | 29,522 | 85,015 | 58,441 | 17,649 |
1986 | 51,154 | 68,284 | 37,801 | 118,835 | 59,443 | 15,742 |
1987 | 27,136 | 56,880 | 23,792 | 89,845 | 53,066 | 18,060 |
1988 | 27,569 | 52,199 | 15,914 | 69,090 | 68,679 | 27,809 |
1989 | 29,409 | 63,857 | 16,139 | 81,415 | 58,338 | 29,669 |
1990 | 21,542 | 28,013 | 14,102 | 33,715 | 52,280 | 19,366 |
1991 | 9,528 | 21,208 | 10,529 | 35,086 | 45,136 | 17,314 |
1992 | 16,005 | 28,942 | 11,810 | 44,863 | 55,026 | 27,871 |
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many (a) salmon and (b) grilse were taken by each drift net fishery in Scotland in each of the last 10 years; and what was the average weight of each category of such fish.
None. Drift netting for salmon anywhere in Scotland has been illegal since 1962.
Nursing Homes
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what requirements are laid down on nursing homes with respect to (a) the provision of at least one sitting room for use by all residents and (b) the extent to which patients may be sedated.
Regulation 13(2)(b) of The Nursing Homes Registration (Scotland) Regulations 1990 requires the provision, to an adequate standard, of
"accommodation and space for each patient in the home including, where appropriate, day-room facilities separate from sleeping accommodation".
The amount of any sedation prescribed is a matter for the clinical judgment of the resident's general practitioner.
Renewable Energy
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to oblige Scottish Power and Hydro-Electric to obtain more electricity from renewables sources; and if he will make a statement.
Following publication of my Department's discussion document about a Scottish renewables obligation, the report of the Renewable Energy Advisory Group and the recent "Coal Review" White Paper (Cm 2235), I have now reached a conclusion on how to encourage further the exploitation of energy from renewable sources in Scotland.Government policy is to stimulate development of new and renewable energy technologies where they have prospects of being economically attractive and environmentally acceptable in order to contribute to diverse, secure and sustainable energy supplies, the reduction in the emission of pollutants, and the encouragement of the renewable energy industry.There is already overcapacity in electricity supply in Scotland. Over 10 per cent. of Scottish demand for electricity is already derived from renewable sources. A number of interests have, however, drawn attention to the potential to develop renewables to a greater extent in the light of certain aspects of Scotland's geography and climate. The extent of that potential is being studied. In the meantime, I have decided that I should introduce a Scottish renewables obligation (SRO) in respect of Scottish Power and Hydro-Electric.I currently expect the first order under the SRO to be for some 30–40 MW of new capacity. I will review that figure in the light of the quality and cost of the proposals received. I expect the order to comprise a number of technology bands and I am currently considering including wind power, hydro, landfill gas from existing sites, municipal and industrial waste, and energy crops and agriculture and forestry waste.My current intention is that the first order would, subject to satisfactory discussions with the European Commission, run for 15 to 20 years with effect from November 1994. This should enable Scottish Power and Hydro-Electric to offer successful generators contracts for a similar period. I am considering the mechanism for passing on to electricity consumers the additional costs falling on Scottish Power and Hydro-Electric as a result of the order.I am discussing certain aspects of my proposals with the Director General of Electricity Supply and with Scottish Power and Hydro-Electric, to which I shall in due course provide further guidance about my initial policy proposals in respect of the first order under the SRO. It is likely that bids for contracts from renewable energy electricity suppliers in Scotland will be called for in the late summer.To enable interested parties to plan ahead, I am announcing now that I hope that it will be possible to announce two further orders under the SRO, in 1995 and 1997 respectively. These orders are likely to come into effect in 1996 and 1998. Future orders will not necessarily cover the same technology bands as the first one, but are likely to be somewhat larger.The purpose of the SRO is to create an initial market. I expect all bids to be on a competitive basis. The intention is that in the not-too-distant future the most promising renewables technologies will be able to compete without the need for special arrangements.
Howie Report
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the report of the Howie committee on curriculum and examinations in upper secondary education in Scotland.
The issues raised in the report of the Howie committee are important and complex. They affect the education and employment opportunities of all young people in Scotland and the operation of a significant part of the Scottish education system. The committee's proposals would make radical changes to arrangements which have been in place in some form for over 100 years. There was a healthy response to consultation on the report and over 300 responses were received. We have made good progress in evaluating the proposals in the light of that response and will announce decisions later this year.
Careers In The Arts
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to widen opportunities for young people to make careers in the arts.
[holding answer 5 July 1993]: My right hon. Friend is always concerned to encourage young people to enter careers which make a useful and productive contribution to, and match the demands of, society. It is chiefly for the arts organisations themselves, however, to consider what part they can play, in conjunction with other training providers, in providing career opportunities in that area. Where appropriate, young people may undertake training for careers in the arts through the Government's youth training programme, which in Scotland is delivered by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and their networks of local enterprise companies. The enterprise bodies have also provided a range of financial and other assistance to support the business objectives of a number of organisations involved in the arts.
Fluoridation
To ask the Secretary of State for. Scotland (1) if he will publish details of total health board expenditure on the promotion of the recent campaign for water fluoridation in the Strathclyde regional council area; if he will break this figure down by health board; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he will publish details of the level of annual health board expenditure on promoting the case for the fluoridation of water in each of the last 15 years; if he will break these figures down for each of the Strathclyde region health board areas; and if he will make a statement;(3) what was the cost to health boards in the Strathclyde regional council area of the publicity and lobbying campaign in favour of the fluoridation of water which was undertaken on their behalf by Michael Kelly Associates; if he will break this information down by health board; and if he will make a statement.
[holding answer 9 July 1993]: Total health board expenditure, exclusive of VAT, on the promotion of