Skip to main content

Written Answers

Volume 270: debated on Monday 29 January 1996

The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.

Written Answers To Questions

Monday 29 January 1996

Transport

Aerial Advertising

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations his Department held with representatives of astronomical groups in the process of drawing up the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995 (S.I., 1995, No. 2943). [10367]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if an environmental impact assessment in accordance with European Union procedures of the implications of the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995 (S.I., 1995, No. 2943) was carried out. [10363]

No. Environmental impact assessments are required only for certain development projects. They are not appropriate for policy changes regarding advertising.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make it his policy to exempt national parks from the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995 (S.I., 1995, No. 2943); [10364](2) if he will make it his policy to exempt areas of outstanding natural beauty from the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995 (S.I., 1995, No. 2943). [10366]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers are available to local authorities to control aerial advertising in their areas. [10365]

Under the provisions in class A to schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992, a person may display an advertisement on the side of a tethered balloon, subject to certain restrictions, on any site for a maximum of 10 days in any year. Any display which exceeds this period requires the express consent of the local planning authority under those regulations. However, this form of advertising is prohibited in national parks, the Broads, areas of outstanding natural beauty, conservation areas or areas of special control of advertisements.Advertisements on vehicles, including aircraft and airships, which are normally used as moving vehicles, are permitted under the regulations.

Royal Train

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles the royal train travelled in 1994–95 on official business; and how often the royal train was used by those other than members of the royal family. [11570]

Between 1 April 1994 and 31 March 1995, the royal train travelled 14,246 miles to enable members of the royal family to carry out official engagements. The train was not used by anyone other than members of the royal family during this period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 22 January 1996, Official Report, column 34, which members of the royal family other than Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales used the royal train in 1995. [12085]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the royal train is used by members of the royal family for travel unconnected with official duties. [12015]

The royal train is used by members of the royal family for travel only in connection with their public duties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 22 January 1996, Official Report, column 34, if he will list the starting point and destination of each of the journeys in the royal train undertaken by (a) Her Majesty the Queen, (b) HRH the Prince of Wales and (c) the other members of the royal family. [12011]

The information requested is as follows:

Her Majesty the Queen
Start pointDestination
PaddingtonCheltenham Spa
SloughSouthampton Eastern Docks and return
SloughCoventry
PaddingtonExeter St. David's
EustonCrewe
Windsor and Eton RiversideTattenham Corner
EustonStockton
EustonStoke on Trent
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
Start PointDestination
PaddingtonWorcester Shrub Hill
PaddingtonTiverton Parkway
EustonGlasgow Queen Street
PerthEuston
EustonAberdeen
KembleSt. Bees
Gatwick AirportVictoria
KembleHull
CambridgeLairg
AberdeenEuston
EustonPerth
PaddingtonNewport
KemblePenzance
EustonRuncorn
Other members of the Royal Family
Start pointDestination
EustonLeeds
EustonSt. Helen's Junction
EustonLiverpool Lime Street and return

Other members of the Royal Family

Start point

Destination

EustonJordanhill (Glasgow)
StroudNairn
Gatwick AirportVictoria
EustonAnnan
PaddingtonTruro and return to Euston
EustonManchester and return twice

Road Salting

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will examine alternatives to the use of salt, with special reference to urea, in de-icing on roads; and if he will make a statement. [11646]

[holding answer 25 January 1996]: I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 29 January 1996:

The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question asking what alternatives he has examined to the use of salt, with special reference to urea in de-icing on roads.
The Highways Agency has studied the value of salt as an anti-icing agent in relation to a variety of alternatives. These have included acetate, glycol and alcohol based materials as well as urea.
The studies, carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory have consistently shown that salt is a very effective anti-icing agent in virtually all conditions experienced in Britain. It also offers good value for money, even after taking account of the corrosive impact on structures.
Urea is an alternative agent, although some six or seven times more expensive than salt, which is used in some areas particularly susceptible to corrosion such as the original Severn crossing and the Midland Links Viaducts where its less corrosive properties have been considered particularly important. However, it is less effective as an anti-icing agent at times of particularly low temperatures and has environmental disadvantages in so far as it oxidises when in solution with water, giving off ammonia. This ammonia can pose a considerable threat to aquatic life especially in smaller water courses.
The Highways Agency remains alert to the possibility of using alternative de-icers, but at present salt remains the most effective agent giving good value for money.

Trunk Road Programme

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received following the publication of "Managing the Trunk Road Programme" on 28 November 1995 from (a) hon. Members, (b) local authorities and (c) other organisations and individuals. [12386]

We have received many representations about trunk roads following the publication of "Managing the Trunk Road Programme." The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

British Rail Central Printing Unit

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) inquiries and (b) bids were received from companies or individuals interested in purchasing the British Rail central printing unit at York; how many employees work in the unit at present; what was the unit's turnover in 1995; when the unit is due to close; what will happen to its staff; and what consideration led to the decision not to sell the unit as a going concern. [11677]

The central printing unit employs 10 staff and currently forms part of BR's York facilities management group. Its turnover is not separately identified within the group. The future of the unit—which is a management matter for the BR board—is currently under consideration.

Interlogic Control Engineering

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what date and for what reasons the contracts of employment of the (a) managing director, (b) production director, (c) finance director, (d) personnel director and (e) commercial director of Interlogic Control Engineering were terminated by the British Railways Board; and what severance terms they were offered. [11678]

These are management matters for the British railways board. Severance terms are a matter for BR and the individuals concerned in accordance with the terms of their contracts of employment.

Air Quality Monitoring

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to extend and improve the effectiveness of the monitoring of air quality in towns and cities in the United Kingdom. [11040]

I have been asked to reply.The Department of the Environment currently monitors air pollutants at over 1,500 non-automatic sites and more than 50 automatic sites across the United Kingdom. The Government intend to expand the automatic monitoring network further by completing the main multi-pollutant urban network and integrating national and local systems, to form a national automatic network of at least 80 sites by the end of 1996.

Treasury

Value Added Tax

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will withdraw the guidelines issued to officers of the Customs and Excise Department regarding the charging of value added tax on computer equipment for the specific use of registered disabled people. [11695]

No. While items of computer equipment are undoubtedly useful to disabled people, they cannot be supplied tax free under VAT law unless designed solely for their use. However VAT is not chargeable on the service of adapting computer equipment so that it is easier for disabled people to use.

Private Finance Initiative

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he now defines and assesses risk to both the public and private sectors within the private finance initiative. [4925]

Guidance on the definition and assessment of risk is contained in the recent publication "Private Opportunity, Public Benefit", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

Corporation Tax

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the costs have exceeded projections in respect of extending the period over which trading losses could be carried back to set against corporation tax liabilities from one year to three years; and what impact this has had on Government revenues. [8311]

The "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1991-92" estimated the net cost of extending loss carry back for companies from one year to three years as £250 million in 1992–93.However, the net cost cannot be measured precisely. Repayments of corporation tax in 1992–93 are estimated to include £350 million from the extension of loss carry hack to three years, but the consequent changes to group relief surrendered and losses carried forward, which would reduce the cost, cannot be measured.

Higher Rate Tax

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the numbers brought into the higher rate tax for each year since 1989–90 when the Government did not increased tax thresholds in line with (a) inflation and (b) earnings; [8307](2) what is the percentage change in the number of higher rate taxpayers since 1989–90; and what have been the changes in respect of the numbers of people paying the higher rate since 1989–90. [8306]

Estimated taxpayer numbers under independent taxation for years from 1990–91 are given in the table. Under the 1989–90 income tax regime indexed to allow for changes in the retail prices index there would be 1.5 million higher rate taxpayers in 1996–97. Equivalent estimates for all intervening years could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Statutory indexation of tax thresholds is expressed in terms of price rather than earnings movements.

Estimated taxpayer numbers1
Millions
Number of lower rate taxpayersNumber of basic rate taxpayersNumber of higher rate taxpayers
1990–9124.41.70
1991–9224.11,62
1992–934.2419.41.72
Standard rate of basic rate
£ per annum
Personal allowance Age under 65Age allowance Age 65–74Age allowance Age 75 or moreStandard rate of basic retirement pension Under 8080 or more
1979–801,1651,5401,5401,0941,107
1980–811,3751,8201,8201,2851,298
1981–821.3751,8201,8201.4581.471
1982–831,5652.0702,0701,6011,614

Estimated taxpayer numbers1

Millions

Number of lower rate taxpayers

Number of basic rate taxpayers

Number of higher rate taxpayers

1993–945.1718.11.74
1994–9525.0018.32.10
1995–9625.4018.12.20
1996–976.3017.32.20

1Figures for 1989–90 are in terms of joint taxation, figures for later years include individuals under independent taxation and are therefore not directly comparable. It is estimated that there were about 20 million single people and married couples liable to tax at the basic rate only and 1.5 million liable at the higher rate.

2Provisional.

Taxation

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the tax threshold as a per cent. of average earnings for each year since 1966 for (a) a single person, (b) a single-wage married couple, (c) a two-wage married couple and (d) a single-wage married couple with two children aged eight and 12 years. [9316]

Available information giving a historical series of tax thresholds as a percentage of average earnings is in appendix C of "Inland Revenue Statistics 1992" for earlier years and table 2.6 of "Inland Revenue Statistics 1995" for recent years.Latest estimates for years from 1994–95, based on the 1994–95 "New Earnings Survey", are in the table. Additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Tax threshold as a percentage of average earnings1 for all occupations
Single personMarried man without children
1994–9517.926.9
1995–96217.724.2
1996–97218.224.7
1Full time males paid at adult rates working a full week.
2Provisional.

Retired People (Earnings)

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of earnings for retired people, above the limit of the state pension, was free of income tax, in each year since 1979. [10642]

The amount of the personal allowance, age allowances and the standard rate of basic state retirement pension received by a single person, for each year since 1979–80, is given in the table.

Standard rate of basic rate

£ per annum

Personal allowance Age under 65

Age allowance Age 65–74

Age allowance Age 75 or more

Standard rate of basic retirement pension Under 80

80 or more

1983–841,7852,3602,3601,7651,778
1984–852,0052,4902,4901,8041,817
1985–862,2052,6902,6901,9091,922
1986–872,3352,8502,8502,0062,019
1987–882,425

12,960

13,070

2,0542,067
1988–892,605

13,180

13,310

2,1402,153
1989–902,7853,4003,5402,2672,280
1990–913,0053,6703,8202,4392,452
1991–923,2954,0204,1802,7042,717
1992–933,4454,2004,3702,8162,829
1993–943,4454,2004,3702,9172,930
1994–953,4454,2004,3702,9953,008
1995–963,5254,6304,8003,0603,073
1996–973,7654,9105,0903,1803,193

1Lower age allowance for people aged 65–80, higher age allowance for people aged 80 or over.

Charities (Tax)

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the total tax paid by all United Kingdom domiciled charities for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1990–91 and (c) 1994–95; and if he will make a statement on the taxation of charities and the implications for charities of the changed balance of taxation between direct and indirect. [11320]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: For 1994–95, it is estimated that charities paid the following tax:

£ million
Income and capital taxes1neg
VAT350
National non-domestic rates100
1 "neg" = negligible (under £3 million).
Estimates of the excise duties paid by charities are not readily available, nor are comparable figures for the earlier years.The Government value the work of charities and encourage charitable activities through the tax system. Charities are exempt from tax on most of their income and gains.Since 1979, the Government have done a great deal to extend and improve the tax incentives to give to charity by deed of covenant and under the gift aid and payroll giving schemes. In 1994–95, tax reliefs for charities totalled £1.5 billion, of which £900 million related to direct taxation, £200 million to indirect taxation and £400 million to rate relief.The Government's overall tax policy is aimed at leaving people with more money to spend as they choose. That choice includes the possibility of giving more to charity.

Nuclear Industry

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much corporation tax in 1995 prices has been received from Scottish Nuclear and Nuclear Electric since 1990. [12471]

British Energy

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates have been made of the net present value of corporate tax to be received by the Exchequer from British Energy post-privatisation. [12472]

Duchy Of Lancaster

Deregulation

12.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what new initiatives he will advance in the next year to deregulate industry; and if he will make a statement. [9990]

This year we hope to make considerable progress on the merger of the administrative procedures for PAYE and national insurance which should benefit small businesses.

16.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what analysis he has made of the effects of deregulation on the protection of the individual at work. [9994]

Deregulation is aimed at achieving better regulation without removing necessary protection, whether for employees, consumers, the environment, or the public at large. Ministers responsible for orders under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 must demonstrate that any necessary protection under existing legislation will be maintained.

Departmental Running Costs

13.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the annual costs of the office of the Deputy Prime Minister when that title was held by the two previous incumbents; and what is the estimated annual cost of running the office currently. [9991]

The estimated annual cost of my office is £470,000. The two previous incumbents to whom the hon. Gentleman refers held other posts at the same time, and it is not therefore possible to identify comparable costs.

Ministerial Responsibilities

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what changes have taken place in his role since his appointment; and if he will make a statement. [9992]

Ministerial Office (Cost-Benefit Analysis)

15.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of his office's functions for the first six months of its operation. [9993]

Recruitment And Assessment Services Agency

17.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when proposals for the privatisation of the Recruitment and Assessment Services Agency will be published. [9995]

Recruitment and Assessment Services will be sold as a single viable business by trade sale. Expressions of interest in RAS have been invited and an information memorandum will be made available to prospective bidders.

Departmental Objectives

18.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what objectives he has set for his Department for the forthcoming year. [9997]

To promote the competitiveness agenda, the deregulation initiative and the effective administration of the services for which my Department is responsible.

Quangos

19.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what percentage of public expenditure was taken up by quangos in 1979; and what percentage of public expenditure they take up now. [9998]

Expenditure by non-departmental public bodies funded by Government was 4 per cent. of general Government expenditure in 1978–79 and 6 per cent. in 1994–95. Almost two-thirds of expenditure on non-departmental public bodies is accounted for by a very small number of executive bodies, such as the Housing Corporation, Legal Aid board and Higher and Further Education councils, which are responsible for the distribution of funds and provide important services.

Public Safety

20.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made on the effects of deregulation on public safety. [10000]

I am satisfied that deregulation does not diminish public safety. We have included safeguards in the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994, which ensures that any necessary protection under existing legislation will be maintained.

Cabinet Committees

21.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what changes took place in his responsibilities for chairing Cabinet Committees and presenting Government policies consequent on the appointment of the Deputy Prime Minister. [10001]

My right hon. Friend and I took up our current posts at the same time as the reorganisation of Cabinet Committee memberships confirmed in a written answer on Tuesday 18 July 1995.

Lockerbie

22.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what are his responsibilities in relation to the consequences of the destruction of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie. [10003]

Government Policy

23.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what has been the principal Government policy with which he has had to work during the current week. [10004]

I have continued to work on a full range of those Government policies for which I am responsible.

25.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the co-ordination of Government policy. [10006]

Government policies are co-ordinated to pursue economic prosperity and security for all, based on an enterprise economy; creating a nation of opportunity reflecting the Government's values of choice, ownership and reward; upholding decent commonsense values in the pursuit of law and order and justice; providing the people of Britain with first class public services; and reflecting pride in our nation and its place in the world.

Crown Copyright

24.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make it his policy after the privatisation of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, to leave the administration of Crown copyright with the residual HMSO and located in Norwich. [10005]

I can confirm that the administration of Crown copyright will remain a function of the residual HMSO. Ten staff currently work in this area, and there are no plans at present to relocate them away from Norwich.

F16 Aircraft

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with (a) the Prime Minister and (b) the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the proposed leasing of American F16 aircraft. [12126]

Departmental Policy

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what priority he accords to representations from (a) members of the public and (b) hon. Members in formulating his Department's policy. [9984]

Church Commissioners

Second Church Estates Commissioner

38.

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, when the Church Commissioners last discussed the parliamentary duties of the Second Church Commissioner; and if he will make a statement. [10019]

The role of the Second Church Estates Commissioner, and of the other Church commissioners, has been commented on the recent report of the Archbishops' Commission on the Organisation of the Church of England—"Working as One Body". This report is currently the subject of discussion and refinement within the Church; the next major debate about its recommendations will take place during the February group of sessions of the General Synod.

Bishops' Palaces

39.

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what is the current cost of maintaining bishops' palaces; how many of them there are; what were the figures (a) 10 and (b) 20 years ago in (i) real and (ii) cash terms; and if he will make a statement. [10020]

The total expenditure, both capital and revenue, on diocesan bishops' houses in 1994—the last year for which figures are currently available—was £2,347,000. There are 45 houses, including the Archbishop of Canterbury's London base, Lambeth palace. Only 11 can properly be described as palaces. They include not only domestic accommodation but a chapel, meeting rooms and office accommodation. The figures include expenditure on furnishings and gardens and staff accommodation, and are net of any income.In real and comparable terms the total expenditure in 1984 was £1,822,000 and in the year to March 1975 £1,665,000.Expenditure each year varies depending on the turnover in episcopal appointments and the incidence of major repairs. The most recent survey of expenditure shows the average expenditure on diocesan bishops' houses was £39,496 per annum over a 10-year period.The commissioners are currently reviewing the suitability of all See houses, and steps are being taken to keep maintenance costs to a minimum. It has recently been decided to replace the Portsmouth See house by one which will he cheaper to maintain.

Pension Fund

40.

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what estimate the Church Commissioners have made of the ability of the pension fund to meet the needs of clergy and staff and to ensure that they receive increases at least in line with inflation in the future. [10021]

Under current proposals, the Church Commissioners will meet the cost of clergy pensions earned up to 1998 and they have confirmed their continuing commitment to meet that cost, including pension increments. They have assessed the likely costs with actuarial advice and their financial projections allow for pension increments in line with the existing formula, which links them to stipend.From 1998 onwards, subject to legislation, it is proposed that the cost of pensions will be met by contributions from dioceses and parishes into a new scheme administered by the Church of England pensions board. The board is discussing with dioceses estimated contribution rates, advised by actuaries; these allow for increases at least in line with limited price indexation. The commissioners would give short term support to dioceses as they make the transition to paying pension contributions in full.The legislation will also enable a funded scheme for staff pensions to be established. Staff are contractually entitled to pension benefits in line with those of civil servants.

Prime Minister

Private Finance Initiative

To ask the Prime Minister (1) what have been the running costs relating to the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction (a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) staff costs, (ii) information technology and (iii) other costs; [10979](2) how much has been spent on external consultants in the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction

(a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) legal fees, (ii) publicity costs, (iii) accountancy fees and (iv) management consultancy fees. [10978]

[holding answer 22 January 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the replies given on Friday 26 January, by my hon. Friend, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Official Report, columns 418–19.

Advertising And Publicity

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list breaches, by Department and Minister, of conventions on ministerial advertising and publicity since 1992; and if he will make a statement. [12253]

In all cases Government Departments seek to observe the conventions.

To ask the Prime Minister when the Cabinet Office last circulated its guidelines to Ministers on central Government conventions on publicity and advertising and what measures it takes to ensure the guidelines are adhered to. [11955]

An updated version of the guidance on Government publicity and advertising was circulated by the Cabinet Office to Departments this month and I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House. This document makes clear that Departments are responsible for ensuring that the conventions on propriety are observed and that value for money is achieved.

No 10 Downing Street (Chandelier)

To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received urging him to return a chandelier in No. 10 Downing street to the former Argyll Motor Works building in Alexandria. [12300]

National Heritage

Trafalgar Square (Northern Ireland Demonstration)

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to revise the decision announced in 1972 to refuse to grant permission for any demonstration on the issue of Northern Ireland in Trafalgar square. [12815]

My ministerial colleagues and I have reviewed the 1972 ban and decided that in future any application to use Trafalgar square for demonstrations on the issue of Northern Ireland will be treated in the same way as applications in respect of other demonstrations. My Department will continue to apply the rules which restrict all demonstrations on Trafalgar square to weekends, and will continue to consult the local police, Westminster city councils and others, and to consider each application on its merits.

Register Of Conditionality Exempt Works Of Art

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what measures have been taken by her Department to improve publicity for the register of conditionally exempt works of art. [11221]

I have been asked to reply.The register has been computerised, and is updated on a quarterly basis. Each update is announced in an Inland Revenue press release which explains the public's right to view the items included in the register, and how copies of it in computer-readable format may he purchased. The most recent press release was issued on 16 January. Inland revenue is also considering the possibility of placing this information on the Internet.

Lord Chancellor's Department

Maintenance Orders

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many maintenance orders were pursued in each year by (a) the Lord Chancellor and (b) the Secretary of State for the Home Department under schedule 2, section 6 of the Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders (Hague Convention Countries) Order 1993. [12204]

Section 6 of the Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1972, as modified by paragraph 6 of schedule 2 of the Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders (Hague Convention Countries) Order 1993, allows the Lord Chancellor to receive an order from a Hague convention country for registration in a magistrates court in England and Wales. For the period 1 May 1994 to 31 December 1994, 29 such cases were received; and during 1995, 53 such cases were received. I regret that figures before 1 May 1994 are not available.

Home Department

Strangeways Prison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the final cost of rebuilding Strangeways prison. [10030]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. John Spellar, dated 29 January 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the final cost of rebuilding Strangeways prison.
The costs of rebuilding Manchester prison are given in the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General which was ordered by the House of Commons to be printed on 14 July 1994. The project was completed in September 1993 at a cost of £89 million.
This overall cost included £1.8 million which was spent on temporary housing arrangements for prisoners in K-wing which was required because of the high number of prisoners in police cells at that time.
After the completion of the main project, further work was carried out to bring K-wing and its perimeter up to modern standards in terms 'of security, control and sanitation at a cost of £5.6 million.
The overall cost of rebuilding the prison was therefore around £95 million.

Prison Contracts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if a one year break in contract clause is currently being considered for inclusion in (a) the contracts for the new prison at Fazakerly on Merseyside and (b) the contracts for the running of the five new secure training centres for children aged between 12 and 14 years. [10523]

A number of options relating to termination are under consideration in respect of the contract for the first two secure training centres, but as these are still under negotiation the terms are commercially confidential. Responsibility for replying in respect of the contract for the new prison at Fazakerley has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. George Howarth, dated 29 January 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the inclusion of a one-year break in contract clause in the contract for a new prison at Fazakerley.
The contract for Fazakerley allows the Prison Service the option of terminating the contract, at will, any time from five years after the contractual opening date.

Strip Searches

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present policy in relation to the strip searching of visitors to prisons; if access to prisons is being denied to visitors who refuse to remove their clothes in front of prison officers; and if strip searches are conducted in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and its relevant codes. [10325]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Alan Walker to Mr. George Howarth, dated 29 January 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about strip searching of visitors to prisons.
The instructions for searching visitors to prisons, including strip searches are contained in the Manual on Security, copies of which are held in the library of the House. The following is a summary:
Rule 86 (1) allows the governor to authorise a search of any person seeking to enter a prison. This is a search with consent, but it is only reasonable that those who refuse to be searched should be denied access to the prison, since they may be put under pressure to smuggle in escape equipment, weapons or drugs. However, in certain circumstances it may be possible to allow a closed visit.
It is not our policy to conduct strip searches of visitors, with or without consent, unless other legislation gives us the right to conduct the search without consent. Officers of the prison have the power to conduct searches without consent, including strip-searches, using their powers of a constable under section 8 of the Prison Act 1952, as modified by the Police And Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984, in the following circumstances:
  • 1. If there is reason to believe the visitor is in possession of a class A, B or C controlled drug (section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971).
  • 2. If there is reason to believe she or he is in possession of a firearm (section 47 Firearms Act 1968).
  • 3. Following arrest of the visitor in the circumstances set out in section 32 of PACE 1984.
  • It is our policy that governors will only authorise a strip-search if the police are unwilling or unable to attend. Officers of the prison may, if they have lawful grounds for doing so, arrest and caution the visitor pending arrival of the police.

    Miss Elaine Connolly

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will instruct the acting Director General of the Prison Service to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen of 4 December 1995 about the case of Miss Elaine Connolly. [11315]

    The temporary Director General replied to the letter from the hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen on 24 January.

    Community Officers

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which areas are currently covered by a community officer; and how many of these officers are currently operating in each area of the country. [11853]

    All police forces in England and Wales have community liaison departments and deploy community police officers.

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what ways he is monitoring the effectiveness of the community officer programme. [11854]

    Community liaison activities in police forces are monitored by Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary.

    Holloway Prison

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many pregnant women are currently in custody at Holloway prison. [11682]

    Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

    Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Janet Anderson, dated 29 January 1996:

    The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent question about the number of pregnant women currently in custody at Holloway prison.
    The number of women known to be pregnant at Holloway on 24 January 1996 was 18.

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the total expenditure each year since 1990 on education at HMP Holloway; and if he will make a statement. [11641]

    [holding answer 24 January 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

    Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 29 January 1996:

    The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the expenditure on education at Holloway prison.
    The total expenditure each year since 1990 on education at Holloway is given in the attached table.

    Salaries

    Materials (VT, CIT, Pre-release)

    Education Capital

    £

    £

    £

    1990–91285,52553,1227,535
    1991–92403,12987,63432,534
    1992–93343,83767,55318,136
    1993–94321,81768,406nil
    1994–95383,87147,9679,967
    1995–96348,00058,9002,000

    Homicide Convictions

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) males and (b) females are currently serving in Her Majesty's prisons following conviction for (i) murder, (ii) manslaughter and (iii) other homicide convictions. [11719]

    Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

    Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. William Powell, dated 29 January 1996:

    The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking, how many (a) males and (b) females are currently serving in Her Majesty's prisons following convictions for (i) murder, (ii) manslaughter, and (iii) other homicide convictions.
    The latest available information is for 31 December 1995 and is given in the attached table.

    Population under sentence in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales for murder, manslaughter and other homicide, by sex, on 31 December 19951

    Offence

    Males

    Females

    Murder2,705110
    Manslaughter21013
    Other homicide and attempted homicide99735
    Total3,912158

    1Provisional figures.

    Positive About Disabled People Symbol

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for his Department and each of the agencies for which he is responsible if it uses the Employment Service's positive about disabled people symbol for (a) external recruitment and (b) internal recruitment and promotion. [11912]

    The Home Office and all its agencies use the Employment Service's disability symbol both for external recruitment and for internal selection and promotion.

    Departmental Expenditure

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the total expenditure of his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies on publicity for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will break these figures down to indicate expenditure on (1) advertising and (2) press and public relations. [11384]

    Publicity expenditure is committed when there is a need to advise the public or inform them of their rights. Assessment takes account of policy objectives and prioritisation within available resources.Advertising and press office staff, accommodation and administration costs for my Department are as follows for 1979–80 to 1988–89:

    YearAdvertisingPress
    1979–802,904,671283,140
    1980–811,649,605392,532
    1981–821,834,476381,799

    Year

    Advertising

    Press

    1982–831,957,304424,290
    1983–842,760,681516,632
    1984–853,262,700560,512
    1985–863,306,391606,996
    1986–875,000,000548,136
    1987–884,700,000599,282
    1988–895,400,000674,945

    From 1989–90 onwards, recording systems were improved to identify advertising and other publicity material such as publications, videos, exhibitions and posters:

    Year

    Advertising

    Other publicity material

    Press

    1989–905,500,0003,088,065715,646
    1990–915,728,0004,323,476786,519
    1991–927,275,9403,600,288792,125
    1992–937,334,6355,638,982835,441
    1993–949,090,2225,062,327847,632
    1994–9510,912,0083,190,350899,084
    1995–9617,398,6291,387,550727,169
    1995–9627,398,629'3,387,550969,560
    1996–9724,150,0003,750,000993,799

    1Year to date

    2Forecast

    Press and publicity expenditure by my Department's Agencies was as follows:

    Agency/Year

    Advertising and publicity material

    Press

    Prison Service

    1993–94206,900304,800
    1994–95200,500594,900
    1995–96 forecast228,400319,900
    1996–97 forecast213,300318,200

    Fire Service College

    1992–9389,300
    1993–9455,700
    1994–9534,600
    1995–96 forecast24,3706,000
    1996–97 forecast30,0006,000

    Passport Agency

    1991–9270,35762,492
    1992–9367,45456,880
    1993–9470,94568,981
    1994–95127,040256,693
    1995–96 forecast94,814160,701
    1996–97Budgets not yet decided

    Forensic Science Service

    Under the Forensic Science Service agency's framework, document, press and publicity services are provided by the Home Office. These are marginal and are included in the Departmental spend.

    It has not been possible in the time available for agencies to provide precise 1995–96 year to date figures, but they expect no substantial divergence from forecast.

    I shall write to the hon. Member concerning publicity and press expenditure by my Department's non-departmental public bodies.

    Frankland Prison

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 22 January, Official Report, column 54, what steps have been taken to recover the cell key lost at Frankland prison. [12023]

    Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

    Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Gerry Steinberg, dated 29 January 1996:

    The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the loss of a cell key at Frankland prison.
    Following the loss of the cell key, an investigation was mounted and this is still continuing. The replacement of the locks at the prison has rendered the lost key ineffective.

    Women Prisoners (Hospital Treatment)

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women prisoners in each year since 1990 have escaped from escort while attending hospital for antenatal care, childbirth or post-natal care; if he will list the circumstances of their escape; and from which prisons they were attending the hospital. [7539]

    [holding answer 15 January 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

    Letter front Richard Tilt to Ms Tessa Jowell, dated 29 January 1996:

    The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many women prisoners in each year since 1990 have escaped from escort while attending hospital for antenatal care, childbirth or post-natal care, giving the circumstances of their escape and from which prisons they were attending hospital.
    In this period there have been seven escapes from hospital for the stated reasons. The information is shown in the attached table.
    Since 1990 there is one recorded case of a pregnant woman (32 weeks) attempting to escape from a hospital escort (Risley prison). There is another where a pregnant woman attempted to escape from a hospital escort, the pregnancy was not the reason for the hospital visit. On two occasions there were attempted escapes where the reason for the hospital visit is not known.

    Date

    Establishment

    Details

    1990

    17 July 1990HollowayEscaped leaving new born child while uncuffed

    1991

    Nil

    1992

    19 February 1992HollowayEspaced through we window while uncuffed
    29 August 1992HollowayEscaped when a male prisoner impeded staff while uncuffed

    Date

    Establishment

    Details

    1993

    6 May 1993PucklechurchEscaped when aided by man armed with hurling stick while uncuffed
    19 May 1993StyalEscaped from staff supervision, while uncuffed
    5 June 1993StyalEscaped from staff supervision, while uncuffed
    26 August 1993StyalEscaped when two males impeded escorting staff, while uncuffed

    1994

    Nil

    1995

    Nil

    1996 (to 7 January)

    Nil

    Overseas Development Administration

    Aid Budget

    26.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the size of the overseas aid budget in 1996–97. [10007]

    We always receive a number of representations from hon. Members and the general public and this year is no exception.

    33.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with non-governmental organisations concerned with the use of overseas aid, regarding the consequences of the reduction of the overseas aid budget. [10014]

    My right hon. and Noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development and her officials have frequent contact with NGOs on a wide range of policy-related issues, including the size of the aid budget. We have informed the NGO's that the joint funding scheme will be increased in 1996–97 to over £36 million from £34 million this year.My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary met chief executives from major NGOs on 23 January.

    35.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of the total overseas aid budget for the current year is devoted to educational purposes. [10016]

    Expenditure on education from the bilateral aid programme is identifiable only up to 1994–95. In that year a total of £227 million was spent on educational activities, which was 20 per cent. of the total bilateral aid expenditure.

    Nigeria

    32.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent changes he has made to the aid budget to Nigeria. [10013]

    Bilateral aid spending will be about £6.4 million in 1995–96 compared with an estimated £7.9 million before the EU measures taken in December 1995. EC aid is limited to tackling poverty through non-governmental organisations.

    Private Capital

    34.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will commission studies into the role of private capital in fostering economic development. [10015]

    I am pleased to inform the hon. Member that the Overseas Development Administration is in the process of commissioning a major research programme on the policy options facing developing countries in attracting private capital.

    Former Yugoslavia

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the delays experienced by non-governmental organisations delivering aid in Bosnia as a result of customs and other procedures required by the Government of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Herceg-Bosnan authorities; what is his assessment of the effect of these delays on

    Details of ODA funded training provided in the United Kingdom for Nigerian police officers between 1990–91 and 1994–95
    YearNameRankCost £DurationWhere training provided
    1990–91Mr. B. MadakeDeputy Superintendent2,6016 weeksGreater Manchester Police Force
    1990–91Mr. B. D. OdigieDeputy Superintendent2,6016 weeksGreater Manchester Police Force
    1991–92Mr. SalamiChief Superintendent2,4006 weeksGreater Manchester Police Force
    1991–92Mr. AdeoyeChief Superintendent11,3063 monthsOverseas Command Course, Bramshill
    1992–93Mr. N. L. HusseinSuperintendent5,7836 weeksHendon Police College
    1993–94Mr. B. BenjaminAssistant Superintendent2,9152 weeksCentral Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
    1993–94Mr. T ChenbapAssistant Superintendent2,9152 weeksCentral Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
    1993–94Ms H. UgochukwiAssistant Superintendent2,9152 weeksCentral Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
    1993–94Mr. S. GamboAssistant Superintendent2,9152 weeksCentral Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
    1993–94Mr. K. GwarzoAssistant Superintendent2,9152 weeksCentral Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
    1993–94Mr. L. OkiAssistant Superintendent2,9152 weeksCentral Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
    1993–94Mr. U. NtenborgAssistant Superintendent2,9152 weeksCentral Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
    1993–94Mr. A. YahayaAssistant Superintendent2,9152 weeksCentral Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
    1993–94Mr. P. UkoyonoAssistant Superintendent2,9152 weeksCentral Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
    1994–95Mr. P. EboAssistant Commissioner4,4824 weeksWest Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
    1994–95Mr. S. F. AbdullahiDeputy Superintendent4,4824 weeksWest Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
    1994–95Mr. M Isa-AdejoDetective4,4824 weeksWest Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
    1994–95Mr. M. YakubuDetective4,4824 weeksWest Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
    1994–95Mr. OnyeguiriDeputy Superintendent4,4824 weeksWest Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
    1994–95Mr. A. DikkoDeputy Superintendent4,4824 weeksWest Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
    1994–95Mr. O. J. EkamaDeputy Commissioner1,6501 weekBramshill, Harrogate, Ryton

    Un Aid Target

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to increase Her Majesty's Government spending on overseas aid to the UN target of 0.7 per cent. of gross national product. [11984]

    deliveries of aid in Bosnia; and if he will ask the Bosnian authorities to minimise such restrictions. [10860]

    We know from running our own ODA aid programmes in Bosnia of the delays caused to aid organisations by complicated local customs procedures. Aid organisations registered with the Croatian and Bosnian Governments find that advance clearance from the relevant Ministries usually takes about six days. Further customs checks en-route lengthen aid journeys. We recognise the rights of the Croatian and Bosnian Governments to exercise proper customs controls but have asked them to apply them as efficiently as possible or to relax them for aid. In the new conditions following the Dayton peace agreement access is much improved but we will continue to urge the local authorities to apply customs controls on aid as lightly as possible.

    Nigerian Police Training

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Nigerian police officers have received police training in the United Kingdom in each year since 1990; and if he will list (a) the names and ranks of the trainees, (b) the cost and duration of each officer's training, (c) which United Kingdom police forces provided the training and (d) which Government department provided the funding for the training. [11576]

    Twenty-one Nigerian police officers have received training in the United Kingdom since 1990, funded by the Overseas Development Administration. The further details requested have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

    I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Eccles (Miss Lestor) on 19 January, Official Report, column 787.

    Nepal

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the future of his Department's funding for the Lumle agricultural research centre in Nepal; and what plans he has for aid to Nepal in research into disease-resistant crops such as peas, cold tolerant rice and broad leaf mustard. [11735]

    The Government will decide later this year on the extent and nature of further aid support for hill agricultural research in Nepal, including the Lumle agricultural research centre, in the light of progress on the present foundation year project.Research into disease-resistant crops is an important component of current British aid to agricultural research in Nepal. The Lumle agricultural research centre has already successfully produced a cold-tolerant variety of rice, and research into disease resistant tomatoes, wheat, rice, potatoes and maize is currently being undertaken.

    Trade And Industry

    Minimum Wage

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 17 January 1995, Official Report, column 628, if he will list the research mentioned in his reply. [11808]

    Among the studies considered are the following:

  • (i) UK Studies on the link between pay and jobs at national level:
    • HM Treasury, (1985) "The Relationship Between Employment and Wages". London: HMSO. [This is the most comprehensive survey of the evidence on the link between pay and jobs at a national level.]
    • Wells, W. (1983). "The Relative Pay and Employment of Young People", Department of Employment Research Paper No. 42.
  • (ii) UK Studies on the employment effects of proposals for a national minimum wage:
    • Bazen, S. (1990) "On the Employment Effects of Introducing a National Minimum Wage in the UK", British Journal of Industrial Relations, 1990.
    • Bazen, S. (1991) "Minimum Wage, an Analysis of the Issues", Institute of Personnel Management.
    • Dennison, S.R. and Forrest D. (1984. "Low Pay or No Pay; A Review of the Theory and Practice of Minimum Wage Laws", Institute of Economic Affairs, Hobart Paper No. 101.
    • Gregg, P. (1992). "National Minimum Wage", in the National Institute Economic Review, February 1992.
    • Minford, P. (1989). "The Effects in the UK of EEC Wage Proposals in the Social Charter", in the Liverpool Quarterly Economic Bulletin, December 1989.
    • UBS Phillips and Drew (1991). Economic Briefing, June 1991.
    • James Capel Economic Research Unit (1991) in "Is Labour a Threat?"
    • Kleinwort Benson, (1995): "Window on the Economy". UK Economics, Third Quarter 1995.
  • (iii) Studies of the employment effects of the wages boards and councils:
    • Canning, D. And Tarling, R. (1985). "A Report on the Department of Employment's Study "Wages Floors in the Clothing Industry, 1950–1981", Department of Applied Economics, Cambridge 1985.
    • Craig, C. And Wilkinson, F. (1986). "Pay and Employment in Four Retail Trades", Department of Employment Research Paper No. 51.
    • Kaufman, R. (1989). "The Effects of Statutory Minimum Rates of Pay on Employment in Great Britain". Economic Journal, December 1989.
    • Lund, P., Morris, T., Temple, J., Watson, J. (1982). "Wages and Employment in Agriculture, 1960–1980", GES Working Paper No. 52.
    • Machin, S. and Manning, A. (1992). "Minimum Wages, Wages Dispersion and Employment: Evidence from the UK Wages Councils", LSE Working Paper No. 221.
    • Morgan, P., Paterson, D. and Barrie, R. (1986). "Wage Floors in the Clothing Industry, 1950–1981", Department of Employment Research Paper No. 52.
    • Neuburger, H. (1984). "From the Dole Queue to the Sweatshop", London Low Pay Unit.
  • (iv) Studies on the employment effects of the United States minimum wage:
    • Brown, C., Gilroy, C., Kohen, A. (1982). "The Effect of the Minimum Wage on Employment and Unemployment." Journal of Economic Literature, Vol. xx [This contains a survey of the US evidence.]
    • Card, D. (1991). "Do Minimum Wages Reduce Employment? A Case Study of California, 1987–1989." NBER Working Paper No. 3710.
    • Castillo Freeman, A. and Freeman, R. B. (1991). "Minimum Wages in Puerto Rico", NBER Working Paper No. 3759.
    • Katz, L. and Kreuger, A. (1991). "The Effect of the New Minimum Wage Law in a Low Wage Labour Market", Princetown University Working Paper, No. 379.
    • Newmark, D., and Wascher, W. (1991). "Evidence on Employment Effects of Minimum Wages and Subminimum Wage Provisions from Panel Data on State Minimum Wage Laws". NBER Working Paper No. 3859.
    • Card, D. and Kreuger, A. (1994). "Minimum Wages and Employment: A Case Study of the Fast-Food Industry in New Jersey and Pennsylvania", American Economic Review, Vol. 84, No. 4.
    • Card, D. and Kreuger, A. (1995). "Myth and Measurement—The New Economics of the Minimum Wage", Princetown University Press, 1995.
    • Katz, L. and Kreuger, A. (1992). "The Effects of the Minimum Wage on the Fast-Food Industry", Industrial and Labour Relations Review, Vol. 46, No.1.
    • Neumark, D. and Wascher, W. (1995). "The Effect of New Jersey's Minimum Wage Increase on Fast-Food Eemployment: A Re-Evaluation Using Payroll Data", National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper No. 5224.
    • Report of the Minimum Wage Study Commission (1981). Vol. 1. [This report contains an assessment of the Federal minimum based on a large number of studies.]
    • Walsh, K. (1991). "A Comparative Review of Minimum Wage Systems" in "Minimum Wage—An Analysis of the Issues". Institute for Personnel Management.
    • Vedder, R. and Gallaway, L. (1995). "Minimum Wages Cost Jobs".
  • (v) Studies of the employment effects of the minimum wage in EU member states:
    • Ducos, and Plassard (1991). "Young People's Employment and the Minimum Wage".
    • Van Soest, A. (1994)"Youth Minimum Wage Rates: The Dutch Experience".
  • (vi) References to international evidence of the employment effects of minimum wage legislation in work conducted by the ILO and the OECD:
    • ILO (1992). "Minimum Wages, Wage Fixing Machinery, Application and Supervision", International Labour Office.
    • OECD, (1991). "1990–91 OECD Economic Surveys, France".
    • OECD, (1989). "1988–89 Economic Surveys, Netherlands".
    • OECD, (1990). "Labour Market Policies for the 1990s".
    • OECD, (1994). "The Jobs Study: Evidence and Explanations Part Two". OECD, Paris, 1994.
    • Starr, G. (1981). "Minimum Wage Fixing", International Labour Office.
    • Bazen, S. and Martin (1991). "Impact of the Minimum Wage on Earnings and Employment in France", OECD Economic Studies No. 16.
  • (vii) Other articles and correspondence concerning the debate about the employment effects of the wages councils, and minimum wages. For example, a recent Fabian Society pamphlet by Fred Bayliss; various publications by the Low Pay Unit; and New Economy, Winter 1995, Vol. 2, Issue 4.
  • Positive About Disabled People Symbol

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list for his Department and each of the agencies for which he is responsible if it uses the Employment Service's positive about disabled people symbol for (a) external recruitment and (b) internal recruitment and promotion. [11919]

    The DTI does not use the symbol for external or internal recruitment, or for promotion. However, it is kept under review as the Department develops its programme of action on staff with disabilities.I have asked the chief executives of the DTI's agencies to write to the hon. Member direct.

    Letter from Jim Norton to Mr. Harry Barnes, dated 29 January 1996:

    I am replying to your written question on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency.
    Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list for his Department and each of the Agencies for which he is responsible if it uses the Employment Service's Positive about Disabled People symbol for (a) external recruitment and (b) internal recruitment and promotion.
    The Radiocommunications Agency does not use the Employment Services Positive about Disabled People symbol for either external recruitment or internal recruitment and promotion.
    However the Agency only assumed responsibility for equality of opportunity matters from the Department of Trade and Industry in October 1994. The Agency produces an annual Action Programme. One of the actions in the 1996 Action Programme is to consider the use of the Employment Services Disability Symbol. I expect that the Agency will make a decision later in the year on whether or not to use the symbol for both external recruitment and internal recruitment and promotion.

    Letter from Seton Bennett to Mr. Harry Barnes, dated 29 January 1996:

    The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question and about use of the Employment Service's Positive about Disabled People symbol. This Agency does not currently make use of this symbol.

    Letter from R. D. Worswick to Mr. Harry Barnes, dated 25 January 1996:

    The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question on behalf of the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, an executive agency of DTI.
    The Laboratory does not use the Employment Service's Positive about Disabled People symbol for either a) external recruitment or b) internal recruitment and promotion.
    However, recruitment advertisements contain a statement that LGC is an equal opportunities employer whether directed at external or internal applicants.

    Letter from David Durham to Mr. Harry Barnes, dated 29 January 1996:

    I have been asked to respond as Chief Executive of Companies House Executive Agency. to your question to the President of the Board of Trade regarding the use of the Employment Service's Positive about Disabled People symbol. I can confirm that we have been pleased to advertise our commitment in this way.
    The symbol is used for both external and internal recruitment purposes and, as you can see below, is publicised on all recruitment correspondence issued by our Personnel Section.
    I hope this is helpful.

    Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Harry Barnes, dated 29 January 1996:

    The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about using the Employment Service's Positive about Disabled People symbol.
    The Insolvency Service does not currently use the symbol for either external recruitment or internal recruitment and promotion. However following discussions with the Employment Service, it is in the process of applying for permission to use it on all its recruitment, promotion and training literature.

    Letter from P. R. S. Hartnack to Mr. Harry Barnes, dated 29 January 1996:

    I am replying for the Patent Office to your Parliamentary Question to the President of the Board of Trade about use of the Employment Service's Positive about Disabled People symbol. In recent external recruitment exercises we have used either the symbol, or text making it clear that we welcome applications from those with disabilities. In internal recruitment or promotion we rely on a statement of our Equal Opportunities Policy we have issued to all staff which makes it clear that discrimination on grounds of disability is unacceptable. We have also established a Disabled Forum which can raise with management any point of concern.

    Companies Acts

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many DTI inspectors are working upon investigations in accordance with powers conferred by the Companies Acts. [12208]

    There are currently 15 inspectors undertaking inspections into the affairs and/or membership of nine companies under the investigative powers conferred by the Companies Acts.

    Departmental Staff (Energy Matters)

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many staff in his Department work on press and publicity and public relations; and how many of them deal with energy-related matters. [12483]

    Sixty-three staff are employed in the Department's information division either directly on, or in support of, publicity, press and other media relations work. Of these, seven spend 50 per cent. or more of their time on energy-related matters.

    Nuclear Industry (Privatisation)

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his latest estimate of the date for nuclear power generation privatisation; and if he will suspend his Department's plans pending publication by the Trade and Industry Committee of its report into nuclear privatisation. [12226]

    Privatisation of the nuclear power generation industry is on track for the summer of this year and will not be suspended pending the issue by the Trade and Industry Committee of its report.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 10 January, Official Report, column 227, what was the total expenditure on management, financial and other consultants employed by his Department to advise on the sale of Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear in each year since 1988–89. [12225]

    There was no expenditure on the sale of Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear in the years 1988–89 to 1994–95. Pursuant to my answer of 10 January, Official Report, columns 226–27, actual expenditure for the year to 31 March 1996 will be reported to Parliament in the normal way through the appropriation account.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the total amount of money raised by the non-fossil fuel obligation; and how much of those proceeds have been distributed to Nuclear Electric. [11252]

    [holding answer 24 January 1996]: The fossil fuel levy was introduced on 1 April 1990. The information requested is:

    YearFossil fuel levy receiptsPayments from levy to Nuclear Electric £million
    1990–911,1751,135
    1991–921,3241,281
    1992–931,3481,291
    1993–941,2341,139
    1994–951,2051,081
    Sources:Office of Electricity Regulation (amounts raised) and Non-Fossil Purchasing Agency Ltd. (Payments).The balance of levy receipts is used to finance payments to British Nuclear Fuels plc and to renewables generators, and to cover certain other costs such as administration costs.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what amount of money is estimated to be raised from the privatisation of Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear in terms of (a) unspent non-fossil fuel obligation moneys and (b) cash surpluses at the time of the sale. [11309]

    [holding answer 24 January 1996]: The proceeds of the sale of British Energy will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions at the time of sale. It is not possible to put a fixed estimate on proceeds in advance of sale.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what amount of money has been spent on redundancy payments for staff in (a) Nuclear Electric and (b) Scottish Nuclear in each of the last five years; and how much is estimated to be spent in 1996–97. [11310]

    [holding answer 24 January 1996]: Information on staff redundancy costs is given in the annual report and accounts of Nuclear Electric plc. Information for 1995–96 and beyond will be published in the accounts of the relevant companies for those years. Questions on Scottish Nuclear Ltd. are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to retain the non-fossil fuel obligation after privatisation of British Energy; what is its estimated level; and if he will make a statement. [11254]

    [holding answer 24 January 1996]: Under the non-fossil fuel obligation, NFFO, the regional electricity companies, RECs, are required to make arrangements to secure the availability of specified amounts of non-fossil—nuclear and renewables—sourced electricity generating capacity. The fossil fuel levy recovers the above-market costs to the RECs of securing this capacity. The nuclear NFFO will continue until 1998, but the element of the fossil fuel levy that is attributable to Nuclear Electric will end at the time of privatisation, subject to the recovery of outstanding moneys. The levy will continue to cover renewables and British Nuclear Fuels plc. We cannot give a figure for the reduced rate at this time, as it will depend on a number of factors that are still uncertain.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much of the non-fossil fuel obligation distributed to Nuclear Electric (a) remains as cash surplus, (b) has been used for decommissioning, (c) has been used for waste reprocessing, (d) has been invested in capital assets and (e) has been spent elsewhere. [11253]

    [holding answer 24 January 1996]: Details of nuclear premium received by Nuclear Electric under the NFFO arrangements and of their expenditure are contained in Nuclear Electric's annual report and accounts. The nuclear premium forms part of their overall income.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answers of 10 January, Official Report, columns 226–27, to whom the expenditure provision for restructuring and privatisation of the nuclear power generation industry will be given in 1995–96; and what is the value of the contacts with the companies advising his Department on the sale. [11311]

    [holding answer 24 January 1996]: Pursuant to my answers of 10 January 1996, Official Report, columns 226–27, expenditure in 1995–96 on restructuring and privatisation of the nuclear power generation industry will be in respect of the companies advising the Government during that financial year. Actual expenditure will be reported to Parliament in the normal way through the appropriation account. The value of individual contracts with companies is commercially confidential.

    Competition Policy, Birmingham

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the impact of competition policy on Birmingham. [9996]

    The Government believe that competition is good for competitiveness by making business compete more effectively and thus benefiting both customers and producers—in Birmingham as in the rest of the UK.

    Eu Funding

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how much in (a) ecu and (b) pounds by standard region and in total the United Kingdom received under the European Thermie programmes and its predecessor programmes over the last available five years; [11662](2) how much in

    (a) ecu and (b) pounds by standard region and in total is allocated to the United Kingdom from the European Thermie programme under the current financial perspectives. [11663]

    Payment from European expenditure programmes are not allocated to members states in the legislation supporting the programmes. The Thermie programme supports projects selected following an open call for proposals. It is not possible to predict the outcome of future calls, but in the last five years UK led projects have received:

    Yearkecu£ thousands1
    199119,50715,996
    199221,11117,311
    199326,05318,903
    199437,25030,545
    199521,54117,663
    11 ecu = £0.82.
    A breakdown of these figures on a regional basis is not available.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how much in (a) ecus and (b) pounds by standard region and in total is allocated to the United Kingdom from the European Altener programme under the present structural funds agreement; [11667](2) how much in

    (a) ecus and (b) pounds by standard region and in total the United Kingdom received under the European Altener programme and its predecessor programmes over the last available five-year period. [11666]

    The Altener programme for the promotion of renewable energy sources in the Community is not part of the structural funds. Payment from European expenditure programmes are not allocated to member states in the legislation supporting the programmes. The Altener programme started in 1993 and UK-led projects have received:

    Yearkecu£ thousand1
    1993272223
    19941,6091,071
    19952,1011,723
    11 ecu = £0.82.
    A breakdown of these figures on a regional basis is not available.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much in (a) ecu and (b) pounds by standard region and in total the United Kingdom received from European Commission research and development programmes over the last available five years. [11668]

    Information on receipts for the European Union research and development programmes which have to be collected from the recipients is available only for 1993–94:

    1993–94
    Region£millionMECU
    South East97.76125.57
    South West36.0646.32

    1993–94

    Region

    £million

    MECU

    East Anglia12.7616.39
    East Midlands10.7913.86
    West Midlands6.017.71
    Yorkshire and Humberside6.007.70
    North4.635 95
    North-West17.5722.57
    Wales7.779.98
    Scotland17.2622.17
    Northern Ireland5.406.93
    UK Total222.01285.17

    These totals do not include funds received by the non-profit sector or the new universities.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much in (a) Ecus and (b) pounds by standard region and in total is allocated to the United Kingdom from the European Commission research and development programmes under the current financial perspectives. [11669]

    Payments from European Community expenditure programmes are not allocated to member states in the legislation supporting the programmes.Framework programme IV, which runs from 1994–98, is the EU's main research and development programme. It supports collaborative research aimed at promoting industrial competitiveness and the quality of life. It has a budget of 13.1 billion ecu?approximately £10.9 billion. It is administered by the European Commission, which receives applications and manages the project selection process. The budget is not pre-allocated in any way among member states. Projects are selected on the basis of scientific excellence. UK researchers have participated strongly in successive framework programmes.

    Post Office

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the future of the Post Office. [10002]

    The Government's plans for the future of the Post Office were set out in a statement on 11 May 1995 by my right hon. Friend the then President of the Board of Trade.

    Small Firms

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the outcome of the recent review of the small firms loan guarantee scheme; and what changes he proposes to make to the rules. [12816]

    Departmental Payments

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions his Department has held with other Government Departments following the publishing of the figures showing percentages of hills paid late in 1994–95. [12224]

    My hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury is responsible for issuing guidance on monitoring methods and payment policies to Government Departments.As Minister for Small Business, I have also stressed the importance of prompt payment at meetings with all the small firms Ministers across the Government and shall continue to do so.In addition, this Department has substantially improved its payment performance over the past year. I recognise the need to build on this improvement and this Department will re-examine payment procedures and checking systems will be made even more comprehensive.

    Business Links

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many inquiries business links handled in the last year for which figures are available. [11962]

    During the period October 1994 to September 1995, business links provided advice and information to the following numbers of companies:

    • October?December 1994: 26,624
    • January?March 1995: 33,035
    • April?June 1995: 41,222
    • July?September 1995: 51,931
    Each company is counted only once each quarter. To the extent that some companies may seek information and advice more than once in each quarter the total number of inquiries dealt with will be higher than above.

    British Gas

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will hold discussions with the Office of Gas Supply about the measures which should be taken to ensure that the cost of take and pay contracts entered into by British Gas is not passed on to gas consumers. [11498]

    The Government have decided not to include a provision in the standard conditions of the gas shippers licences to recover the costs of "take or pay" contracts. Regulation of prices in the tariff market is, and always has been, the responsibility of the independent Director General of Gas Supply.

    Value Added Tax

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many businesses (a) registered and (b) deregistered for VAT in (i) the north-west and (ii) Pendle in 1994 and 1995. [12598]

    The latest available figures are for 1994 and are as follows:

    VAT registrations and deregistrations in 1994
    RegistrationsDeregistrations
    North-West17,37517,751
    Pendle261246

    The above estimates include adjustments for the effects of the changes in the VAT threshold in November 1993, and hence differ from those published elsewhere by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

    Scott Inquiry

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report are in the possession of Ministers or officials in his Department other than those to whom draft sections of the report were sent by Sir Richard Scott. [11876]

    [holding answer 25 January 1996]: In forwarding sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to Ministers and officials, the inquiry expressly stated that individuals could at their discretion make a copy for a legal or other adviser and another for the Department concerned. Whether they did so is a matter for the individuals concerned.

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to prepare the Government's response to Sir Richard Scott's report. [11877]

    [holding answer 25 January 1996]: No decision about the response to Sir Richard Scott's report will be taken until the report has been received.In considering issues relating to the Scott inquiry, all Departments naturally take account of material properly available to them.

    Departmental Expenditure

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the expenditure of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants including management consultants for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will estimate the savings accruing to his Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11387]

    [holding answer 25 January 1996]: The value of contracts let centrally to external consultants including management consultants for 1993–94 was £24.17 million, for 1994–95 it was £6.66 million, and for 1995–96 to date it is £3.96 million. Other information on central expenditure can be provided only at disproportionate cost.Information on savings is not collected centrally and estimates can be provided only at disproportionate cost.Information in respect of non-departmental public bodies is not kept centrally and could not be compiled without disproportionate cost.The above information excludes external consultancies let independently by the Department's executive agencies. I have asked agency chief executives to reply separately.

    Letter from R. D. Worswick to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 24 January 1996:

    The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the use of management consultants by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC), an executive agency of the DTI.
    From time-to-time we have used consultants to help review or improve internal management functions (including the provision of information technology). They are engaged against "value-for-money" criteria, and only when they can bring particular skills or knowledge not available from within LGC; particular examples are in training, the selection and implementation of accounting systems, and operational review.
    Over the last six years LGC has spent the following amounts on management consultants:

    Year

    £ thousand (including VAT)

    1991–9225
    1992–93103
    1993–9411
    1994–95277
    1995–96 (to date)46
    1995–96 (estimate to year end)120

    I am afraid that information on earlier years can only be provided at disproportionate cost. Forecasts for 1996/97 are not available.

    Letter from P. R. S. Hartnack to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 29 January 1996:

    The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply, in relation to the Patent Office, to your Question about the use of external consultants.
    The Patent Office made no use of external consultants in 1992/93, 1993/94 and 1994/95. In 1995/96 expenditure to the 31st December 1995 is £113,204 with the full year estimated at £130,000. In 1996/97 provision has been made for £100,000 as continuation of existing work aimed at identifying scope for savings in activities such as marketing and use of computer services. Figures relating to 1979/80, 1989/90 and 1991/92 are not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
    The savings accruing to the Office from this work will depend on the extent to which better value for money can be obtained while preserving the current quality of service.

    Letter from Seton Bennett to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 29 January 1996:

    I have been asked by the President of the Board of Trade to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question concerning expenditure on external consultants.
    I regret that information is not available for 1979–80, but the figures for the years since 1989 are as follows:

    £ thousand

    1989–90Nil
    1990–912
    1991–9210
    1992–9322
    1993–9458
    1994–9522
    1995–96 (to date)30

    Cost including VAT

    Organisation

    Purpose

    1993–94£

    1994–95£

    1995–96 to date £

    1995–96 estimated total £

    coopers and LybrandAccountancy support60,000
    KPMGMarket test445,000

    £ thousand

    1995–96 (full year estimate)35
    1996–97 (estimate)30

    The consultants employed have provided exclusively technical advice, mostly related to accounting changes and the development of the Agency's quality system. It is therefore impossible to estimate what savings, if any, may have accrued as a result.

    Letter from David Durham to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 29 January 1996:

    Mr John Taylor MP has asked me to reply in respect of Companies House Executive Agency to your question to the President of the Board of Trade on the expenditure of external consultants; and the estimated savings derived from the use of consultants by Companies House Executive Agency, for certain years since 1979.
    The information you sought is as follows:

    Expenditure on Consultants

    Year

    £ thousand

    1993–94172
    1994–95122
    1995–96 (to date)167
    1995–96 (full year forecast)279

    The expected expenditure for 1996–97 is not available at this stage, as Companies House is still next year.

    Information on earlier years can only be provided at disproportionate costs.

    There are no direct savings attributed to the above consultancy costs, since the consultants were employed by Companies House to provide technical advice on matters such as structural building repairs and IT system design and implementation.

    I trust you will find this information helpful.

    Letter from Michael Goddard to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 29 January 1996:

    The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Competition and Consumer Affairs, has asked me to reply to your Question about expenditure on external consultants.
    2. The Agency did not assume responsibility for letting its own contracts until 1994. Expenditure on external consultants. including management consultants, in FY 94–95 amounted to £237,207, and to date in FY 95–96 to £247,377, Expenditure in earlier years is covered in Mr. Taylor's reply to your question. Planned expenditure in FY 96–97 is unlikely to exceed the level of previous years.
    3. All the expenditure in FY 94–95 and FY 95–96 involved the provision of strategic advice. Savings resulting from decisions taken in response to such advice will not be quantifiable for some time. When engaging external consultants "value for money" is the Agency's prime consideration.

    Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 29 January, 1996:

    The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about expenditure on external consultants and the estimated savings resulting from their employment by The Insolvency Service.
    Details of the costs associated with external consultants engaged by The Service are:

    Cost including VAT

    Organisation

    Purpose

    1993–94£

    1994–95£

    1995–96 to date £

    1995–96 estimated total £

    Ernst and YoungMarket test and accountancy support107,80013,100
    Price WaterhouseUser survey124,800
    Stoy HaywardContracting out and management Consultancy76,67094,150
    Shreeveport Ltd.Contracting out129,000421,100506,400
    Bevan AshfordContracting out26,46536,500
    Bond PearceContracting out10,10010,000
    Total229,470431,150447,565552,900

    Prior to 1994 contracts for consultants were let by the Department of Trade and Industry, and information in relation to 1992 and 1993 was provided in a Parliamentary Question No. 146 for Ms Diane Abbott MP dated 25 January 1994, Columns 211–217. Information on consultancies prior to 1992–93 can only now be provided at disproportionate cost.

    The Service has also used outside private sector organisations for advice on, development of and delivery in relation to specialist areas such as training, design and information technology systems. Details of the organisations concerned, the payments made to them and any estimate of savings accrued could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

    The £60,000 payment to Coopers and Lybrand for accountancy support for the Agency was in and about the setting up of systems to enable it to produce commercial style accounts.

    Ernst and Young were engaged in 1993–94 to prepare a specification for the market test of The Service's Central Accounting Unit and to assist with the evaluation of the bids at a cost of £107,800. KPMG were engaged to assist the in-house bid team in the preparation of their bid at a cost of £45,000. The annual saving in the overall cost of the activities market tested is approximately £85,000 in each of the five years of the resulting Service Level Agreement.

    Ernst and Young were also engaged in 1995 on accounting reconciliation work for the Central Accounting Unit at a cost of £13,100. This did not produce direct savings but provided independent professional assurance that financial data had been properly transferred to the CAU's new computer system(BANCS).

    Consultants have been engaged by The Service throughout the period of the current contracting out exercise which has yet to reach its conclusion. Any estimate of savings accrued as a result could only be determined once the decision has been taken on contracting out.

    Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

    Globe Europe Network

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the benefits that have accrued from the United Kingdom financial support through the know-how fund for the Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment-Globe Europe Network; and what financial commitments have been made for further funding of the Globe Europe Network. [12002]

    The know-how fund has not previously provided any direct support to the Globe Europe network. However, it has pledged a sum of up to 35,868 ecu—approximately £20,000–20 per cent. of the total cost of a project to be started in 1996.

    The details are still under negotiation. However, the project aims to promote among parliamentarians in central and eastern Europe understanding of parliamentary procedures and techniques with particular emphasis on environmental policy-making. The project will consist of some preliminary research into environmental concerns in the Central and Eastern Europe region; two international seminars at which parliamentarians will be invited to discuss related issues with experts in the environmental field; the implementation of joint initiatives based upon findings and examples of successful co-operation between parliaments and NGOs; and a campaign aimed to publicise the initiatives and their results.

    The benefit likely to accrue from know-how fund support for this programme is the formation of constructive policy work in the environmental field as parliamentarians are encouraged to forge practical policies.

    Ceremonial Dress

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 18 January, Official Report, column 690–91, if he will give details of the ceremonial dress expected to he worn by Her Majesty's representatives in (a) Japan, (b) the Cayman Islands and (c) Swaziland. [11571]

    The ceremonial dress expected to be worn by Her Majesty's representatives in Japan is full dress uniform comprising coatee and trousers, cocked hat with feathers, sword and accessories, boots, black braces and white gloves.The ceremonial dress expected to be worn by Her Majesty's Representative in the Cayman Islands arid Swaziland is tropical uniform which comprises white drill and trousers, collar, sword and accessories, braces, white gloves, boots and embroidered cap.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 18 January, Official Report, column 691, if he will give details of the uniform expected to be worn by Her Majesty's representatives to the Holy See; when that post was last held by a man; and what was the then cost. [11572]

    The last male Her Majesty's representative to the Holy See was accredited between 1991–1995. The cost of his diplomatic uniform was £3,193 and consisted of coatee and trousers, cocked hat topped with feathers, sword and accessories, boots, braces and white gloves.

    Marshal Of The Diplomatic Corps

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 18 January, Official Report, column 692, what was the total cost of the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps; how many staff are employed; and what are the principal duties of the Marshal. [11624]

    The marshal occupies official accommodation for which he makes a contribution from his salary. The direct costs of his office borne by Buckingham palace and the FCO in 1994–95 were £70,995.35.The marshal's staff consists of a secretary and the services of an office cleaner.His principle duties are to make arrangements for heads of diplomatic missions on state and official occasions.

    War Crimes, Bosnia

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) Serbs, (b) Croats, and (c) Moslems have been indicted for war crimes by the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal. [11847]

    To date, 45 Serbs, seven Croats, and no Moslems have been indicted by the international war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

    Military Personnel (Training)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what has been the cost to public funds of United Kingdom military personnel providing training assistance between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1995 in (a) Gambia, (b) Indonesia, (c) Nigeria and (d) Saudi Arabia. [12125](2) how many military personnel from

    (a) Indonesia, (b) Saudi Arabia, (c) Sierra Leone, (d) Gambia, (e) Sudan and (f) Nigeria were given training in the United Kingdom between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1995; and what has been the cost to public funds in each case. [12124]

    The details of training given under the United Kingdom military training assistance scheme are confidential between Governments.

    Kenya

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Government of Kenya concerning their intention to introduce the Press Council and Mass Media Commission Bills, especially insofar as they affect foreign correspondents. [12118]

    We have maintained a dialogue at senior level with the Kenyan authorities on the draft legislation in question, in which we have emphasised the importance we attach to freedom of the press in Kenya.

    Zanzibar

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the presidential elections held in Zanzibar in October 1995. [10618]

    [holding answer 24 January 1996]: Together with other participants in the international monitoring exercise we have called on the Zanzibari and Tanzanian authorities to take appropriate action following concerns about discrepancies in the compilation of votes for the presidency of Zanzibar.

    Absenteeism

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11381]

    [holding answer 25 January 1996]: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not collect statistics on absenteeism rates. Though we believe non-sick-related absences to be minimal. Therefore, the information requested by the hon. Member can he provided only at disproportionate cost.

    Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

    Chocolate Directive

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the European Commission to publish its new draft directive on chocolate; and if he will make it his policy to oppose proposals from the Commission to (a) reduce the proportion of vegetable fat currently permitted in United Kingdom chocolate and (b) require chocolate manufactured in the United Kingdom to be described on its packaging as anything other than chocolate. [9949]

    I understand that the European Commission hopes to issue soon a formal proposal to replace the 1973 Cocoa and Chocolate Products Directive.British manufacturers make a wide variety of high quality chocolate products, many of which include a small addition of vegetable fats other than cocoa butter, so as to meet the full range of consumer tastes and expectations both in this country and elsewhere. This has had the effect of expanding the chocolate market, securing jobs at home and increasing demand for cocoa and other products on which the economies of many developing countries are heavily dependent.The Government will therefore vigorously oppose any proposal which seeks to reduce the diversity of chocolate formulations which may he marketed freely within the European Community or which seeks to prohibit the use of the name chocolate on products containing the traditional mixture of cocoa butter and other vegetable fats.

    Monofilament Nets

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what length of (a) monofilament netting and (b) other fishing gear is estimated to have been lost or discarded in United Kingdom waters in each year since 1990; and what measure he has taken to (i) monitor and (ii) regulate the loss and discard of monofilament netting. [11573]

    No information is held centrally on the loss or discard of fishing gear. Under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 it is an offence to discard into the sea any fishing gear, including netting, for which the penalty may be a substantial fine or even imprisonment. The Ministry will not hesitate to prosecute in such cases where sufficient evidence is considered to be available.

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many sea mammals have been trapped in monofilament nets in (a) United Kingdom waters and (b) Scottish waters, since 1980. [11574]

    The Ministry does not hold the information requested. However, since 1980 there have been no recorded cases of sea mammals becoming trapped in monofilament nets in Scottish inshore waters, where the carriage of such nets is prohibited. The Ministry has commissioned the sea mammal research unit to undertake a two-year study to evaluate the extent of cetacean by-catch in the bottom-set gill net fishery in the North sea. Some of the nets involved are likely to be monofilament.

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fishing vessels currently use monofilament nets in United Kingdom waters; and in what areas they operate. [11575]

    The Ministry does not hold information on the number of fishing vessels currently using monofilament nets in United Kingdom waters. Such nets may be used in United Kingdom waters apart from Scottish inshore waters where their carriage has been prohibited since 1986.

    Absenteeism

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11353]

    Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.However, selected aggregated data on sickness absence in respect of calendar years has been available since 1985, in the form of reports from Her Majesty's Treasury and more recently the Civil Service Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OHSA). Figures for the Department based on these data,(and which necessarily include some of the agencies in the period 1990 to 1994), are as follows:

    YearAverage number of days sick absence per staff year
    198916.3
    199027.5
    19918.7
    19928.0
    19938.4
    19947.4
    1Figures are based on a 10 per cent. sample.
    2Figures are based on a 20 per cent. sample.

    Spanish Fishing Vessels

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his letter to the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow, dated 9 January, which countries or organisations were party to the negotiations following which 22 Spanish fishing vessels gained access to the Norwegian exclusive economic zone in 1994; and if he will make a statement. [11031]

    The negotiations for a free trade area between the EC and EFTA culminated in the European economic area agreement which came into effect in 1994. Inter alia this negotiation involved an increase in fishing opportunities in Norwegian waters in recognition of a substantial reduction in tariff barriers for fish products. This gave limited access to Spain, Portugal and Ireland as well as a substantial increase in United Kingdom quotas.