To ask the President of the Council what are the costs of the (a) salaries, (b) other personal expenses and (c) offices for the United Kingdom Anti-Drug Coordinator and his Deputy. [30990]

The UK Anti-Drugs Coordinator, his Deputy and their personal assistant are based alongside the Central Drugs Coordination Unit in the Privy Council Office. The total budget for the CDCU in 1998–99 will be £553,000. This includes £102,471 for the UK Anti-Drugs Coordinator's salary, £45,000 for his Deputy's salary, and their pension contributions (16 per cent. of salaries). The remainder of the budget covers the salaries of their personal assistant (£17,219) and CDCU officials, accommodation and IT costs and travel and subsistence. It is not possible to specify the proportion of office costs which relate to the Coordinator and his Deputy, or to predict the precise extent of claims for travel and subsistence which may be made.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount spent by Government on the refurbishment of No. 11 Downing Street in each year since 1989. [26932]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the Prime Minister's answer to the right hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Mr. Forth) on 26 January 1998, Official Report, column 66.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 10 February 1998, Official Report, column 134, what was the last date after 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department resigned a company directorship; who was the relevant Minister; and if he will make a statement. [29598]

[holding answer 16 February 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 10 February 1998, Official Report, column 134.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which projects involving public investment of over £1,000,000 have received capital finance from the European Investment Bank; and for each project, if that investment is taken into account in calculations made (a) by Her Majesty's Government and (b) the European Commission, for national borrowing levels in respect of the criteria for qualification for membership of stage three of monetary union. [30175]

The information sought about UK projects financed by the EIB could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Capital expenditure by general government is treated as a determinant of the general government financial deficit, including capital expenditure financed by EIB loans.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what advice he has received from the European Commission as to which Government housing policy measures qualify for a lower rate of VAT because they are defined as the supply, construction, renovation and altering of housing as part of social policy under Annex H of the Sixth VAT Directive. [30265]

The Commission's view is that a reduced rate provided under this category could be applied only narrowly, and should be specifically targeted to benefit the less well off.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evidence and analysis underlay his consent for the percentage public borrowing targets placed on members of the European Union. [30561]

Percentage targets for public borrowing by the Member States of the European Union were established in Article 104c and Protocol No. 5 of the Maastricht Treaty.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of retirement relief, in terms of lost capital gains tax receipts in 1996–97; and if he will estimate the net effect of (a) doubling and (b) halving the relief bands in the same year. [29720]

[holding answer 19 February 1998]: Under current rules for capital gains tax retirement relief, full relief is available for the first £250,000 of gains, and half relief on gains between £250,000 and £1,000,000. The estimated costs of retirement relief for 1996–97 with these thresholds and with thresholds at (a) double and (b) half these levels are given in the table. The estimated costs of relief for the alternative thresholds take no account of any changes in taxpayer behaviour which might have occurred if those thresholds had applied for 1996–97.

Capital gains tax Cost of retirement relief for 1996–97
	£ million
Thresholds	Cost of relief
As set for 1996–97 (£250,000 and £1 million)	120
Double the level for 1996–97 (£500,000 and £2 million)	135
Half the level for 1996–97 (£125,000 and £500,000)	100

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the advertising contracts his Department has awarded since 1 May 1997, indicating the value of contracts and the number of companies which tendered for them. [30710]

[holding answer 23 February 1998]: The Treasury has not awarded any advertising contracts since 1 May 1997.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's definition is of a universal benefit; and if that definition covers a benefit which is taxed or means-tested. [30608]

[holding answer 23 February 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Withington (Mr. Bradley), on 19 February 1998, Official Report, column 86.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many children have died at nursery schools in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years; and if he will provide statistics for each region. [30811]

[holding answer 23 February 1998]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the Government's plans in respect of statistics. [31449]

The public, Parliament and government need statistics they can trust. Official statistics commanding confidence are essential to good public management and are the factual cornerstone of democracy. Accordingly, the Government are today publishing a Green Paper, "Statistics: A Matter of Trust", to open up debate on the best arrangements for ensuring high quality statistics, driven by the requirements of all users, efficiently produced, and compiled and presented free from political interference. This is yet another stage in the Government's progress towards a more open, fair and modern democracy.Arrangements are in place to engage in the debate those known to have a close interest in statistics. But views generally will be welcome. The consultation period extends until 31 May 1998. A decision on the way forward will be made as soon as possible after that date.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those visits made within the United Kingdom since 1 May on which (a) he and (b) other Ministers within his Department have been accompanied under Rule 83 of the Ministerial Code indicating (i) those persons accompanying and (ii) the cost to public funds. [23762]

[holding answer 19 January 1998]: None.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the cost of Ministerial overseas travel in his Department in (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98 to date. [26659]

[holding answer 5 February 1998]: The estimated costs for both the former Departments of the Environment and Transport and the merged Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions are as follows:

£
	DOE	DOT	DETR	Total
1995–96	105,237	86,371	—	191,608
1996–97	120,131	57,801	—	177,932
1997–98 to 31 January	14,937	—	124,115	139,052

In the case of the former Department of Transport these figures also include an element for travel within the UK.The Department of the Environment figures for 1997–98 cover the period of one month from 1 April until the election when £14,937 overseas expenditure was incurred by ministers in the previous Government. The remaining amount relates to travel costs of this Government to 31 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his current estimate of the expenditure of his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies on hospitality since 1 May 1997. [27805]

[holding answer 5 February 1998]: Total Spend by my Department, its agencies and its non-departmental public bodies for the period 1 May 1997 to 31 January 1998 is as follows:

	£000
Department	260
Agencies	83
NDPBs	411

The classification of hospitality expenditure in some cases differs between the Department, its Agencies and NDPBs, so the figures may not be directly comparable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the conferences held by his Department since 1 May 1997, giving in each case the (a) purpose and (b) estimated cost. [27804]

[holding answer 15 February 1998]: I have today placed the information requested in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice his Department has issued on methods of aerial spraying to be used following oil spills; and what reports his Department has received in the last two years on the effectiveness of methods of tackling oil spills. [30284]

The Marine Pollution Control Unit (MPCU) of my Department's Coastguard Agency is responsible for the Government's response to oil spills. The MPCU receive few requests for advice on this method of combating marine oil spills, but when it does it makes reference to:

(a) "IMO/UNEP Guidelines on Oil Spill Dispersant Application" published by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO-575E).

(b) Advice on the use of dispersants in the UK is contained in the MAFF booklet. "The approval and use of Oil Dispersants in the UK".

(c) The International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association have also produced a document "Dispersants and their role in oil spill response".

The Government last reviewed the use of oil dispersants in 1995. The final report of the review, published by MAFF in January 1996, concluded that

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what provision he has made within his Department for liaison between the planning and water directorates. [30598]

Officials of the two Directorates liaise as necessary over matters of common interest.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the rate of house building in (a) Scotland, (b) East Anglia and (c) Cornwall. [30597]

The Department and the Scottish Office monitor housebuilding activity in England and Scotland respectively. They collect information from local authorities about house building in their area, and in the case of England, this is supplemented with information from the National House Building Council. Recent figures for the three areas are shown in the table.

House building: starts and completions: by sector
Number of dwellings
	Private enterprise	Housing association	Public sector	Total
Scotland1
Starts
1993	16,598	5,020	932	22,550
1994	19,449	4,879	776	25,104
1995	17,092	5,400	507	22,999
1996	15,759	4,664	104	20,527
Completions
1993	17,711	2,723	958	21,392
1994	17,753	2,990	661	21,404
1995	18,329	5,003	1,173	24,505
1996	17,793	2,683	209	20,685
East Anglia Starts
1993	8,237	1,484	91	9,812
1994	8,404	1,450	46	9,900
1995	7,135	1,354	9	8,498
1996	8,512	808	39	9,359
1997	8,650	905	0	9,555
Completions
1993	8,528	1,230	195	9,953
1994	7,950	1,308	61	9,319
1995	7,635	1,600	44	9,279
1996	8,290	1,045	13	9,348
1997	8,364	768	2	9,134
Cornwall Starts
1993	984	120	12	1,116
1994	504	120	0	624
1995	504	24	0	528
1996	456	180	0	636
1997	996	24	12	1,032
Completions
1993	924	84	0	1,008
1994	672	396	0	1,068
1995	768	504	0	1,272
1996	1,008	72	0	1,080
1997	672	72	0	744
1 Figures for 1997 as a whole are not yet available for Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the private finance that would be available for public sector housing if local housing authorities were to transfer their housing to public corporations. [30552]

No such estimate has been made. We shall be looking at the implications of housing corporations as part of our comprehensive review of housing policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice his Department has issued to local housing authorities regarding the formation of local housing companies. [30553]

My Department has not issued any guidance specifically on local housing companies (LHCs). Guidance on the formation of LHCs is contained in the Housing Corporation's booklet: Guidance for applicants seeking to become registered social landlords: general applicants. A separate version is available for applicants undertaking a stock transfer. My Department has also assisted the Chartered Institute of Housing in preparing their good practice guide on LHCs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to change the qualifying age for taking a driving test; [30526](2) what plans he has to restrict the speed limit for newly qualified drivers. [30549]

We have at present no plans to change the qualifying age for taking a driving test, or to restrict the speed limit for newly qualified drivers. However, we are developing a new long term strategy for road safety to achieve further casualty reductions by the year 2010 and in that context will be considering further measures aimed at reducing the current high level of accidents involving novice drivers.

Operating costs for each MRSC for 1996–97 Total costs including staff costs
£
MRSC	Pay costs	Non pay costs	Accommodation costs	Programme costs	Capital costs	Total costs
Belfast	456.822.43	153,653.09	133,146.00	24,465.06	27,905.98	795,992.56
Brixham	503,483.33	178,099.21	57,731.00	49,241.92	74,734.02	863,289.48
Forth	421,993.04	122,045.18	30,991.00	28,095.92	20,056.61	623,181.75
Holyhead	454,168.81	139,524.75	42,202.00	27,725.69	51,120.73	714,741.98
Humber	523,351.05	151,810.98	94,818.00	37,829.07	5,924.83	813,733.93
Liverpool	504,759.81	170,545.13	51,974.00	39,630.10	24,776.50	791,685.54
Milford Haven	469,047.42	135,949.79	31,048.00	22,512.77	17,346.50	675,904.48
Oban	433,363.83	144,028.80	51,564.00	22,458.94	1,243.35	652,658.92
Pentland	416,139.41	129,950.31	24,201.00	18,340.44	5,402.32	594,033.48
Portland	502,709.56	152,343.71	69,990.00	33,274.73	41,587.95	799,905.95
Shetland	431,130.36	113,620.89	37,469.00	10,869.21	0.00	593,089.46
Solent	561,300.25	195,049.14	53,379.00	39,473.55	19,937.60	869,139.54
Stornoway	424,153.68	167,040.69	34,492.00	31,268.03	12,404.59	669,358.99
Thames	488,633.97	138,008.21	83,411.00	53,813.64	197,759.95	961,626.77
Tyne Tees	499,744.95	139,698.13	70,061.00	28,989.61	8,997.26	747,490.95

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those areas in the United Kingdom where fluoride in water occurs naturally. [30557]

Fluoride occurs naturally in various parts of England and Wales. A map showing these areas has been placed in the Library.Information about Scotland and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the current staffing level at each of the maritime rescue sub-centres. [30500]

The information requested is as follows:

Sub Centre	Number of staff
Belfast	19.5
Brixham	28
Forth	22
Holyhead	25
Humber	25
Liverpool	21
Milford Haven	21.5
Oban	21.5
Pentland	20
Portland	27
Shetland	19
Solent	32
Stornoway	19
Thames	31
Tyne Tees	22

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total cost (a) including and (b) excluding staffing costs of operating each of the maritime rescue sub-centres in 1996–97. [30499]

The information requested is detailed in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to require the removal of pylons and transmission lines which no longer carry electricity. [30556]

Planning permission for all but the most minor overhead lines is granted by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. It is frequently a condition of such a permission that the apparatus is removed if no longer needed. Where such a condition has not been attached and there is an affect on amenity, a local planning authority has powers to serve a notice under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requiring removal. Such notices may be enforced by, or appealed against to a Magistrate's Court and do not concern the Secretary of State.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what role he proposes for the regional Development Agencies in the strategic planning of waste management. [30575]

Regional Development Agencies will not have waste management functions. Waste management will remain the responsibility of local authorities in their areas except that, in London, the Government have proposed that the Greater London Authority should have a role in drawing up a London-wide integrated municipal waste management strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what sum his Department has provided to help fund the Minerals '98 Conference; and on what basis this money was provided. [30604]

[holding answer 23 February 1998]: No money has yet been paid by the Department. However, a contribution of £8,000 from the industry sponsorship budget towards the costs developing a manual to be used by quarry operators to strengthen links between individual sites and local communities is under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the safety of aircraft operated by Olympic Airways; and if the CAA have implemented increased safety oversight checks in response to press reports in the Greek media. [31206]

Safety oversight of Olympic Airways is the responsibility of the Greek Civil Aviation Authority. We are not aware of any reports in the Greek media or elsewhere which suggest that either the Greek CAA or Olympic Airways are not complying with the minimum safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reviews are being, or have recently been, conducted governing the adequacy of the safety arrangements for the import and export of dangerous and toxic substances (a) by air, (b) by ship and (c) via the Channel Tunnel. [31023]

(a) United Kingdom legislation requires dangerous goods (which include toxic substances) carried by air to be in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. These Instructions are subject to a biennial review and amendment cycle, and the United Kingdom provides a member for the Panel which carries this out. The Civil Aviation Authority is satisfied that there are adequate and up-to-date safety arrangements in place for all dangerous goods carried by air.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 12 February 1998, Official Report, column 318, to the hon. Member for Truro and St. Austell (Mr. Taylor), on strategic environmental assessment, for what reason the Government have decided not to put the proposed Directive to the Council of Ministers. [30804]

The Government support the principle of strategic environmental assessment, but we are not convinced that the proposed Directive is the best way to ensure that environmental concerns are integrated into Member States' different strategic decision making processes. A number of other Member States share our concerns over the scope and practicality of the proposal, and those whose Presidencies will follow ours have indicated that they would not continue any negotiations which we might begin. We have a full and well balanced environment programme for the Presidency, and we would rather devote our resources to matters where real progress can be achieved.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential impact on the wild bee population of the introduction of transgenic insect resistant plants; and if he will make a statement. [30803]

The importance of bees in the pollination of crops is taken into consideration in the review of all applications to release genetically modified plants. The risks that crops genetically modified for insect resistance pose to non-target beneficial species such as bees will depend on the crop plant and the genes for insect resistance which are introduced. To affect bees the inserted insect resistance genes must be expressed in the plant's pollen. To date, no applications have been submitted for the release of such plants in the United Kingdom. My Department let a contract to IACR Rothamsted in October 1996 to investigate the effects of insect resistant GM crops on non-target insects. This research is investigating the interactions between insect resistant GM oilseed rape and commonly associated insect species under carefully controlled conditions. The results of this research will be published on completion of the project in 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money will be made available to Chelmsford Borough Council in 1998–99 for the receipts from sale of council houses; and if he will make a statement. [31059]

Under the Capital Receipts Initiative, we intend to issue to Chelmsford Borough Council a supplementary credit approval of £1.241 million in respect of 1998–99. These additional resources will be used to increase expenditure on housing and housing-related regeneration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many site inspections were made by Health and Safety Executive factory inspectors in (a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95, (c) 1995–96 and (d) 1996–97. [30959]

The number of site inspections carried out by inspectors in HSE's Field Operations Directorate in each of the years specified was:

Year	Number of site inspections
1993–94	152,014.00
1994–95	142,132.00
1995–96	120,080.00
1996–97	108,174.00

In 1996–97 another 3,425 inspections were completed by inspectors in HSE's newly-created Chemical and Hazardous Installations Division (CHID). In the years 1993–94 to 1995–96 most of CHID's field inspectors had worked in and contributed to the outputs of the Field Operations Directorate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of major injuries were investigated by the Health and Safety Executive in (a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95, (c) 1995–96 and (d) 1996–97. [30962]

The percentage of major injuries investigated by the Health and Safety Executive's Field Operations Directorate is set out in the table.

Year	Percentage of major injuries investigated
1993–94	15.40
1994–95	15.30
1995–96	12.20
1996–971	4.30
1Provisional.

Changes in the definition of a major injury under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 mean that direct comparisons between 1996–97 and earlier years cannot be made. Many injuries which would have been over-3-day injuries under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 are now classed as major injuries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many Health and Safety Executive inspectors were employed in (a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95, (c) 1995–96 and (d) 1996–97; and how many are currently employed. [30960]

The following table shows the number of inspectors, employed by the Health and Safety Executive.

Year (1 April)	Inspectors
1993	1532.00
1994	1572.50
1995	1477.60
1996	1466.00
1997	1442.20
1 February 1998	1445.50

Figures given are full-time equivalent counts: part-time staff were counted as half units until 1 April 1995; since then they are counted on the basis of the proportion of a full week that they work.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of notified asbestos removal operations were inspected by the Health and Safety Executive in (a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95, (c) 1995–96 and (d) 1996–97. [30963]

The information requested is not collated and kept centrally by the Health and Safety Executive. However, from 1 April 1995 to 31 March 1996 HSE visited 9 per cent. of all notifications required under the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983.The corresponding figures from 1 April 1996 to 31 March 1997 HSE's Regions were:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Health and Safety Executive is taking to ensure that best practice is applied by local authorities to manage the risk of asbestos to their building and maintenance workers; and what plans he has to make it a duty for owners to survey and identify asbestos in their property. [30964]

The Health and Safety Executive has issued advice and guidance on best practice for all employers, including Local Authorities, who have responsibilities for workplace buildings which may contain asbestos. Its publication 'Managing Asbestos in Workplace Buildings', has featured prominently in publicity and enforcement campaigns.This Government are firmly committed to ensuring that the risks arising from exposure to asbestos are further controlled. I have asked the Health and Safety Commission to develop proposals of principle to strengthen legislation. These proposals will include duties to manage the risks from asbestos taking all reasonable steps to identify and record its location within the property.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps (a) the Health and Safety Executive and (b) his Department are taking to challenge the decision of the EU Technical Committee on 11 February that white asbestos poses no greater risk than the substitutes replacing it. [30965]

The interim opinion by a European Commission scientific committee on the safety of substitutes for white asbestos raised questions about the strength of evidence presented to it. The Committee has not, however, reached any firm conclusions. It has asked for more or better evidence. The Health and Safety Executive is actively reviewing how such evidence can be put before this Committee. The Government continue to give high priority to pressing for EU action on dealing with the asbestos problem overall.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prosecutions resulting from a failure to comply with Health and Safety legislation were made in (a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95, (c) 1995–96 and (d) 1996–97; and what was the average level of the fines imposed. [30961]

The number of health and safety prosecutions (offences prosecuted) by the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities, and the average levels of fine imposed, in the years 1993–94 to 1996–97 were as follows:

Health and Safety Executive prosecutions	Total offences prosecuted1	Of which, offences leading to conviction	Total fines imposed £	Average fine per conviction £2
1993–94	1,793	1,507	4,675,716	3,103
1994–95	1,803	1,499	4,307,170	2,873
1995–96	1,767	1,451	3,731,368	2,572
1996–974	1,256	1,052	5,703,322	5,421

Local authority prosecutions3	Total offences prosecuted1	Of which, offences leading to conviction	Total fines imposed £	Average fine per conviction £2
1993–94	601.00	515.00	587,129	1,140
1994–95	494.00	413.00	572,495	1,386
1995–96	475.00	384.00	676,790	1,762
1996–974	356.00	315.00	458,077	1,454
1 Each offence prosecuted represents one information laid or, in Scotland, charge preferred. Informations laid or charges preferred are the first step in prosecution. They are a statement of the offence that is alleged to have been committed—each information or charge relates to a single offence.
2 Figures for average penalty are in current price terms and not adjusted for inflation.
3 Figures are drawn from returns which have been supplied by more than 90 per cent. of local authorities in Great Britain.
4Provisional.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what monitoring is being undertaken of Local Agenda 21 proposals on sustainability; and what account of these is being taken by his Department in formulating policy. [30769]

The Local Government Management Board (LGMB) monitors progress by local authorities in adopting and implementing Local Agenda 21 strategies. In June 1997, the LGMB published "Local Agenda 21 in the UK—the first five years" reviewing progress made by local authorities since the Rio 'Earth Summit' in 1992. This showed that 70 per cent. of local authorities had made a commitment to Local Agenda 21, and that about 55 per cent. were putting strategies in place. At the United Nations General Assembly Special Assembly in June 1997, the Prime Minister called on all UK local authorities to adopt Local Agenda 21 strategies by the year 2000.On 14 January 1998, the Deputy Prime Minister launched guidance produced jointly by the Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions, the Local Government Association (LGA) and the LGMB, "Sustainable Local Communities for the 21st Century", to encourage the remaining local authorities to make such a commitment. The LGMB and LGA will be supporting all local authorities in their Local Agenda 21 work, and providing further guidance and advice. The LGMB will be surveying all local authorities again in April 1998 to ascertain the progress each has made on Local Agenda 21 and to identify areas where further support is required.On 4 February 1998, the Government launched their consultation paper "Opportunities for Change" on the review of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy. Local authorities, and the local people involved in their Local Agenda 21 processes, will provide a key input to the consultation process.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions his Department has held with the Borough of Islington concerning housing needs and the disbursement of capital receipts; and if he will make a statement. [30771]

Officials from the Government Office for London meet those from the Borough's Housing Department throughout the year to discuss priority needs, the Borough's responses to those needs, and to explore ways of contributing through my Department's capital programmes including the Capital Receipts Initiative. The most recent contacts have been as part of the annual Housing Investment Programme round, during which the Borough's housing strategy for the next three years was discussed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his proposals to control the use of bull bars. [30989]

Given the lack of progress of European proposals to control aggressive bull bars, we issued a consultation document in October last year which sought views on a range of possible options for tackling bull bars at a national level. This consultation ended on 31 December and we are now carefully considering the responses received and analysing the arguments prior to formulating our proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if his planned roadside drug driving tests detect the presence of (a) Prozac and (b) Benyllin. [30957]

Neither of the devices which are being trialled will detect the presence of Prozac or Benyllin. The purpose of the trials is to assess the robustness and practicability of the devices when used at the roadside—not to test drivers for the presence of drugs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what financial target has been set for the London Dial-a-ride service. [31450]

I have set a new financial target for the London Dial-a-ride service for achievement for the financial year 1998–99. The new target will be £10.50 per trip at current 1997–98 prices and will replace the previous target set in 1996.The new target will be to allow the Dial-a-ride companies sufficient flexibility to provide a wider range of trips and ensure that the grant is spent in a way which improves services for users.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when an application was originally received by Air Operations of Europe or its subsidiaries to operate from the United Kingdom; and how many applications have been received over the last 12 months. [31189]

The first application by "Air Operations of Europe" to operate flights out of the UK was on 6 December 1993. No applications have been received since the airline announced its closure on 2 May 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many disused power stations are currently awaiting demolition. [30555]

I have been asked to reply.The Government do not hold figures for the number of power stations awaiting demolition. Owners of disused power stations do not have to apply to my Department or the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for permission to demolish them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the total number of visitors to the Victoria and Albert Museum for (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [29936]

There were 1.53 million visits to the Victoria and Albert Museum (all branches) in 1995/96, and 1.59 million in 1996/97. The estimated number of visits for 1997/98 is 1.45 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures he is implementing to increase access and availability to the United Kingdom's museums and galleries; and if he will make a statement. [29934]

My Department launched a review of access to the national museums and galleries immediately on taking up office.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made an interim statement about this review on 8 December 1997. He also announced the creation by the Heritage Lottery Fund of a new £5 million Museums and Galleries Access Fund, which will be available for touring exhibitions, transport costs, and other audience development approaches to make our great national and regional museums more accessible to more people. He also published a consultation paper inviting views on a code of good practice on access on which views are welcome.We are giving further thought to access issues as part of our Departmental Spending Review, which is taking a fundamental look at spending priorities across the whole range of my Department's responsibilities. This will be completed this summer, when a further announcement will be made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what research he is conducting on the effects of admission charges on the overall number of visitors to galleries and museums; and if he will make a statement. [29938]

The effects of admission charges have to some extent already been examined by the recent research carried out for the Museums and Galleries Commission.The effects of charging on access cannot be viewed in isolation. Other barriers to access such as opening hours, presentation and the cost of travel must be taken into account.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last met the Director of the National Gallery to discuss Government policy towards free admissions; and if he will make a statement. [29935]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last met Mr. MacGregor on 16 February 1998 and a number of issues, including museum admission charges, were discussed.I am aware of Mr. MacGregor's views on the desirability of free admission to museums and galleries, and these will be taken into account in our continuing examination of access issues as part of our Departmental Spending Review. This will be completed this summer, when a further announcement will be made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will estimate the cost to public expenditure of a free admissions policy to national collections in galleries and museums; and if he will make a statement. [29937]

We estimate very roughly that some £40 million p.a. would be required to secure free access to those national museums and galleries which currently charge for admission, and to preserve free access to those which do not currently charge. This figure includes compensation to charging museums for loss of recovery of VAT and the operating costs of new gallery space provided through major capital developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received on threats to the future of Macclesfield's museums following proposed cuts in local authority funding; and if he will make a statement. [29943]

We have received two representations on the future of Macclesfield's museums; one of them is from the hon. Member.Although we desire the best possible museum services for all areas, it is not a statutory requirement that local authorities fund museum services. The funding of museums by Cheshire County Council is a matter for them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what changes he proposes to make to his Department's cash limits and running costs for 1997–98. [30381]

Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit for Class X, Vote 1 will be increased by £19,169,000 from £873,953,000 to £893,122,000. This is to increase provision for assets accepted in lieu of tax; a transfer from the Board of Inland Revenue (Class XVI, Vote 4) towards the refurbishment costs of Somerset House for the housing of the Gilbert Collection; to provide for additional appropriations in aid for the Historic Royal Palaces to offset net increases in gross expenditure; and to provide for an increase in provision to meet the costs of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.The increases will be offset by transfers, savings and charges to the Reserve, and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what planning totals have been given on what dates to National Lottery fund distributors; [30779](2) if he will list the

In 1994, the good causes were predicted to receive around £9 billion in total over the first licence period until September 2001, that is, £1.8 billion for each of the five good causes. The financial success of the Lottery means that it is now likely to generate at least £10 billion over the life of the licence, allowing the Government to make available £1 billion for the New Opportunities Fund and NESTA while maintaining £1.8 billion for each of the arts, sport, heritage, charities and Millennium good causes. While Lottery funds, by their nature, can never be predicted with absolute certainty, the Government are confident that these forecasts represent a prudent estimate for planning purposes. This position was outlined in the White Paper, The People's Lottery, (CM3709) published in July 1997.On 1 October 1997, I announced the changes in percentage shares for the existing good causes which, on current forecasts, will generate these totals for each good cause. I also confirmed that the Millennium Commission would receive £2 billion during its funding life, which would be extended as necessary beyond 31 December 2000.I will continue to issue forecasts of Lottery income to the distributors from time to time to enable them to plan their commitments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list for each National Lottery fund distributor the (a) date, (b) nature, (c) details and (d) initiator of each voluntary agreement to bank up funds for distribution by another distributor. [30780]

The National Lottery Bill contains provisions for altering the percentage shares of the existing good causes, and allocating a percentage to the New Opportunities Fund. If the Bill becomes law, these provisions will take effect as from 14 October 1997. Meanwhile, the proceeds for good causes continue to be allocated between existing distributors' accounts in the National Lottery Distribution Fund as provided by the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 and Orders made under it.The distributors are maintaining shadow accounts for indicative planning purposes, on the basis of the Government's announced policy, to enable the smooth and straightforward implementation of the Bill if it becomes law. No actual funds will pass from existing distributors to the New Opportunities Fund, unless and until the Lottery Bill receives Royal Assent.These arrangements were agreed between distributors and the Government in discussions over the summer last year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the bodies distributing National Lottery funds to good causes. [30777]

There are currently eleven National Lottery distributing bodies: the Arts Council of England, the Scottish Arts Council, the Arts Council of Wales and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland; the English Sports Council, the Scottish Sports Council, the Sports Council for Wales and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland; the National Heritage Memorial Fund; the National Lottery Charities Board; and the Millennium Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on future assistance from public funds for the Old Vic Theatre. [30511]

Decisions on the allocation of both grant-in-aid and Lottery money to the arts are a matter for the Arts Council of England.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is his Department's responsibility for approving the introduction of the National Lottery instant game, TV Dreams. [31196]

Under section 6 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 the Director General of the National Lottery is responsible for licensing new National Lottery games. In doing so, he takes account of directions I have given him under section 11 of the Act. The BBC Governors are responsible for ensuring that all programmes broadcast on the BBC are in line with their Producers' Guidelines.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the total cost of the redecoration and refurbishment of the offices of Ministers in his Department since 1 May. [25187]

[holding answer 23 January 1998]: The Palace of Westminster authorities have spent £11,000 since 1 May to refurbish the Lord Chancellor's office in the House of Lords. This is drawn from the overall budget to refurbish accommodation provided in the Palace for the Lord Chancellor's use. This in turn now forms part of the rolling programme of work initiated by the House of Lords authorities to renovate the House of Lords. No other offices have been redecorated or refurbished for Ministers.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the Civil Justice Council. [31326]

The Lord Chancellor has appointed the members of the Civil Justice Council. They are:

• Chairman: Lord Woolf, Master of the Rolls
• Vice-Chairman: Sir Richard Scott, Vice-Chancellor
• Vicki Chapman
• Stephen Cragg
• Carlos Dabezies
• Professor Robert Dingwall
• District Judge Godfrey Evans
• David Gladwell
• Hilary Heilbron QC
• Lord Justice Henry
• Henry Hodge OBE
• Ashley Holmes
• Peter Jacob
• Vicky Ling
• Michael Napier
• Professor Martin Partington
• Judge Sessions
• District Judge Monty Trent
• Owen Tudor
• Tim Wallis

Average per court	Default and fixed date summons	Warrants	Company winding-up petitions	Bankrupt petitions: creditors	Bankrupt petitions: debtors	High Court work	Divorce petitions filed	Mortgage possession actions entered	Trials heard	Arbitrations heard
1987	8,927	4,712	8	18	8	515	654	298	87	172
1988	8,521	4,920	9	21	7	542	651	272	83	212
1989	9,639	4,937	10	27	7	681	650	336	91	205
1990	9,445	5,433	16	32	15	925	693	532	91	192
1991	9,177	5,985	23	49	35	915	651	679	94	225
1992	8,320	5,902	27	61	57	687	689	517	97	292
1993	6,626	4,805	26	59	52	574	673	424	92	386
1994	5,643	4,097	30	52	46	463	662	332	91	271
1995	5,436	3,981	28	42	37	481	672	325	95	340
1996	5,210	3,298	28	37	40	455	704	316	78	372
1997	5,148	3,126	28	37	38	419	677	278	64	406

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what volume of work was undertaken in (a) Shrewsbury and (b) Telford County Courts in each year between 1980 and 1989. [30181]

The information for 1987 to 1989 is as follows. Figures prior to 1987 are only available as a total for England and Wales.

	1987	1988	1989
Shrewsbury
Default and fixed date summons	3,282	3,246	3,999
Warrants	1,918	1,687	1,691
Company winding-up petitions	9	9	9
Bankrupt petitions—creditors	41	36	55
Bankrupt petitions—debtors	21	9	14
High Court work	707	559	619
Divorce petitions filed	1,441	1,524	785
Mortgage possession actions entered	101	126	140
Trials heard	26	74	26
Arbitrations heard	88	93	128

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the average volume of work undertaken by county courts in each year since 1980. [30184]

The information for 1987 to 1997 is set out below. County courts vary considerably in size but the average figures have been calculated by taking the county court workload as a whole and dividing it by the number of county courts open in that year. Figures prior to 1987 will take a little longer to prepare. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as they are available.

	1987	1988	1989
Telford
Default and fixed date summons	5,138	4,865	5,597
Warrants	3,306	3,482	3,465
Company winding-up petitions	0	0	0
Bankrupt petitions—creditors	0	0	0
Bankrupt petitions—debtors	0	0	0
High Court work	0	0	0
Divorce petitions filed	0	0	753
Mortgage possession actions entered	300	227	246
Trials heard	30	22	26
Arbitrations heard	97	123	222

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will undertake a feasibility study into extending the Shrewsbury Crown and Magistrate's courts to include provision for the County Court. [30182]

We have already looked at the possibility of housing the county court in these two buildings. It is very unlikely that the magistrates' court would have future capacity to accommodate the county court. The Crown Court is located in a building leased from Shropshire County Council. Discussions about the county court are continuing with the council, which has not yet been able to offer any suitable space.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the factors which are taken into account in consideration of the proposed closure of a county court by the Court Service. [30183]

The criteria, as set out in the Department Accommodation Plan, are:

• The court's workload;
• The condition of the existing accommodation and the availability of facilities;
• The frequency of judicial visits and waiting times for hearings;
• The capacity of alternative court(s) to cater for additional workload;
• The facilities provided by the alternative court; and
• The distances involved for court users travelling to an alternative court, and public transport consideration.

Ludlow
	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997
Default and fixed date summons	696	753	858	841	881	780	641	571	538	534	570
Warrants	389	351	384	479	570	687	417	274	312	269	273
Company winding-up petitions	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bankrupt petitions: creditors	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bankrupt petitions: debtors	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
High court work	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Divorce petitions: filed	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Mortgage possession actions entered	32	13	33	60	48	46	41	39	28	25	34
Trials heard	4	11	7	11	11	5	8	9	1	9	2
Arbitrations heard	30	43	58	35	27	43	94	50	77	83	106

Owestry
	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997
Default and fixed date summons	3,153	2,555	1,073	1,116	1,421	1,708	1,493	1,184	1,159	873	781
Warrants	1,451	1,225	689	728	910	1,031	814	662	649	363	292
Company winding-up petitions	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bankrupt petitions: creditors	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bankrupt petitions: debtors	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
High court work	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Divorce petitions filed	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Mortgage possession actions entered	39	13	15	62	94	87	68	61	78	64	48
Trials heard	22	25	13	10	13	11	9	3	3	12	6
Arbitrations heard	48	59	48	38	54	76	103	55	68	81	84

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many representations he has received on the reorganisation of magistrates' courts in North Yorkshire. [31024]

My Department is currently dealing with two matters relating to the reorganisation of North Yorkshire Magistrates' Courts Committee's area. On the application to reorganise the petty sessional divisions within North Yorkshire's area, we have received 59 representations. In relation to the proposed closure of Ripon Magistrates' Court we have received 275 representations. 30 further representations were made which jointly concerned both these matters.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what unused capacity is available at (a) Ludlow and (b) Oswestry County Courts. [30185]

At Ludlow, which has no courtroom, the judge's chambers are unused for 85 per cent. of the available time. At Oswestry, the courtroom is unused for 98.5 per cent. of the available time and the judge's chambers are unused for 75 per cent. of the available time.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what volume of work was undertaken in (a) Ludlow and (b) Oswestry County Courts in each year since 1980 [30180]

The information for 1980 to 1997 is as follows. Figures prior to 1987 are only available as a total for England and Wales.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she was first consulted by the Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on his announcement of new restrictions on the retail sale of vitamin B6 supplements. [26360]

The President was consulted in January 1998 and was told of the proposals in July 1997.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what contracts were signed during the visit of the Prince of Wales to Sri Lanka. [28595]

The Prince of Wales visited Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Kumaratunga, to attend the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Sri Lankan independence. During this visit no contracts were signed but His Royal Highness' programme reflected the wide range of bilateral contacts between the two countries and included commercial elements.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals she has to end the current system of dual registration for customers and generators in advance of full deregulation. [28319]

This is a matter for the Electricity Pool. I understand that Pool officials are aware of the issue, and are working to ensure a smooth transition to a single system.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has made to the Government of Taiwan concerning (a) their current tax treatment of Scotch whisky and (b) their regulations on the definition and labelling of whisky. [27901]

[holding answer 9 February 1998]: This Government are pressing Taiwan strongly for the early elimination of the current tax discrimination on Scotch whisky and introduction of satisfactory legislation on the definition and labelling. We are fully conscious of the adverse effect which the discriminatory tax treatment and the absence of legal definitions is having on the Scotch whisky industry and on the UK's export earnings. During his visit to Taipei last year, British Overseas Trade Chairman Sir Martin Laing raised this with both the Taiwanese President and the Vice Minister for Finance. My hon. Friend the Minister for Education and Industry, Scottish Office also raised it during his visit in October. In November 1997 the head of the British Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei wrote, with DTI support, a joint letter with his French counterpart urging Taiwan to take immediate action to equalise taxes on all spirits. Following a disappointing response, UK officials in London and Taipei have emphasised to the Taiwanese our concern about the slow progress on these issues. My hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs and DTI officials will reinforce our expectation of early progress at the UK/Taiwan trade policy consultations in London on 26–27 February. DTI officials have also written to the European Commission, ahead of the next EU-Taiwan market access negotiations over Taiwan's accession to the World Trade Organisation in Taipei on 23–26 February, to ensure that in its negotiations the Commission continues to reflect the UK's and other Member States' concerns on these issues.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she plans to impose an extra levy on utility bills to cross-subsidise lower income consumers. [29390]

[holding answer 16 February 1998]: The inter-departmental review of utility regulation is examining a wide range of issues. A Green Paper setting out the conclusions of the review will be issued in the near future.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the location and running costs of each of her Department's buildings. [30144]

[holding answer 18 February 1998]: The information has been placed in the Library. Costs relate to the financial year 1996–97 unless otherwise noted. Comparability of cost figures has been attempted but could be verified only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the number of her Department's employees by UK region, indicating the wage bill (a) in total and (b) by region in the last year for which figures are available and separately identifying the costs of London allowances and weightings. [30143]

[holding answer 18 February 1998]: The distribution of DTI-core staff (i.e. excluding Agencies, staff with the Government Offices and on detached duty outside the Department) on 31 March 1997 was:

• London: 3,851
• Scotland: 173
• Wales: 81
• Yorkshire and Humberside: 140
• North West: 106
• Eastern: 44
• East Midlands: 50
• North East: 109
• South East: 57
• South West: 80
• West: 145.

DTI-core pay out-turn for financial year 1996–97
	£
Salaries	113,388,000
Overtime	1,444,000
ERNIC	8,906,000
Superannuation	15,580,000
	139,318,000

Local Pay Additions and London weighting were abolished for DTI staff in 1994, but most employees continued to receive them under reserved rights provisions. In August 1997 these payments were consolidated into base pay.The annual amounts paid in the London area (to staff below the senior civil service) were as follows:

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will give a regional breakdown of her Department's expenditure on (a) hospitality, (b) stationery and (c) travel. [30145]

[holding answer 18 February 1998]: Disaggregated information in the form requested, which is not held centrally within the Department, could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many contracts of a value greater than £5,000 her Department has with companies in (a) London, (b) South East England, (c) England, (d) Scotland, (e) Wales and (f) Northern Ireland; and what is the total value of such contracts for each area. [30146]

[holding answer 18 February 1998]: This information is not held centrally and could be made available only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Truro and St. Austell (Mr. Taylor) on 10 June 1997, Official Report, column 415, concerning radioactive material, if a date has been set for the return of the material. [29869]

[holding answer 17 February 1998]: The date for the return of the wastes concerned will be set by BNFL and ENEL.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what provision her Department makes for child care facilities for staff; what subsidy is provided for (a) nursery places and (b) holiday play schemes; if she will list the organisations used by her Department for child care; and if child care vouchers are made available to staff. [30013]

[holding answer 19 February 1998]: The Department provides a 32-place holiday playscheme which operates from purpose-built accommodation in central London, for a minimum of 54 days each academic year. Departmental staff enjoy a subsidy of 54% towards the cost of daily fees. An annual contribution is also made towards the cost of running an inter-Departmental Easter and Summer playscheme for staff located in the Government Office for the East Midlands.In September 1997, as a result of an invitation to tender exercise, Kinderquest Ltd. was successful in securing a three-year contract to run the Department's central London playscheme. The previous contractor was Multibase Playcare, which was awarded the first contract in 1990.The Department does not at present provide or subsidise nursery places, nor does it offer nursery vouchers to its staff.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to promote international co-operation in scientific research. [30474]

International co-operation in scientific research is of vital importance for the health of the domestic science base, and is an important component in our export promotion, inward investment, developmental and diplomatic efforts world-wide. For this reason, scientific co-operation is promoted by a wide range of governmental and non-governmental agencies. The Office of Science and Technology plays a key role in bringing a high-level strategic focus to these activities. In Europe, I am particularly keen to see continued vigorous participation by UK researchers in the EU's Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development. In 1996, 15 per cent. of new partnerships established in the Fourth Framework Programme involved UK teams, more than those of any other country. I am also very pleased that we were able, at the EU Research Council on 12 February, to secure a common position on the structure, content and management of the Fifth Framework Programme. This should provide a good basis for continuing strong UK participation in the future. Beyond Europe, recent DTI initiatives include, for example, the strengthening of science and technology links with the Russian Federation and the negotiation of an agreement with Brazil, the establishment of a joint £600,000 fund to support scientific collaboration with the Republic of Korea, and a £500,000 programme of post-doctoral researcher exchanges with Australia.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she will publish the results of Government discussions about handling inward investment policy between Departments. [30400]

[holding answer 19 February 1998]: I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 3 December 1997, Official Report, column 255.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the impact of the increases in corporation tax on net profits of UK business over the next four years. [30518]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 17 December 1997, Official Report, column 174.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the effect on net returns on capital employed from accelerated corporation tax payments in the next four years. [30519]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 17 December 1997, Official Report, column 174.