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Written Answers

Volume 202: debated on Friday 31 January 1992

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Written Answers To Questions

Friday 31 January 1992>

Overseas Development

Gulf War

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further assistance is envisaged for the Kurds and Shias, and Iraqi citizens who have been materially affected by the Gulf war.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) on 20 January at column 15.

Sipho Mbeje

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has made any representations to the Zambian Government about human rights abuses in relation to Sipho Mbeje; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that the Zambian authorities are detaining Mr. Mbeje at Lusaka central prison pending his deportation. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is pursuing the question of where he may obtain asylum.Meanwhile our high commission in Lusaka raised Mr. Mbeje's case on 9 December with the UNHCR, who advised that there was no immediate cause for concern about his condition. The high commission will continue to monitor his case.

Environment

Richmond Borough Council

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out figures for the last five financial years including the current year, and the projected figures for next year for Government grant to the Richmond upon Thames borough council both on capital and current account.

The available information is as follows:

Government grants to Richmond-on-Thames borough council
Revenue £ millionCapital £ million
1987–88124.820.21
1988–89121.45n.a.
1989–90122.870.84
Projected figures
Revenue £millionCapital £million
21990–91363.821.41
1991–92491.4050.45
1992–93691.90n.a.
1 Revenue grants comprise rate support grant, relevant specific and supplementary grants taken to revenue, transport supplementary grant taken to revenue and rate rebate grants.
2 The new local government finance system was introduced in 1990, and figures for 1990–91 and 1991–92 are not comparable for those before 1990.
3 Comprises revenue support grant after safety net, national non-domestic rate entitlement, specific grants within AEF, community charge benefit and transitional relief grant.
4 Comprises revenue support grant, national non-domestic rate entitlement, specific grants within AEF, community charge benefit, community charge reduction scheme grant and community charges (general reduction) grant.
5 Local authority forecast.
6 Comprises revenue support grant (which in 1992–93 includes community charge grant) and national non-domestic rate entitlements only. No estimates are available for remaining grants.

Menwith Hill Station

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment the National Rivers Authority has undertaken of the possible pollution dangers from the presence of Forest Moor naval communications and Menwith Hill station.

I understand that a gas oil spillage from the complex occurred earlier this month causing pollution of a nearby stream. The NRA undertook containment and clean up works to prevent further pollution. Improvement works will be carried out on site to prevent a recurrence. Discharges of sewage effluent from both sites are routinely sampled by the NRA and the results are available to the public.

Diesel Cars

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information is available to him on the environmental and health effects of the diesel-powered car; what evidence, including medical reports and any experimentation, this information is based upon; for how long and by whom any research has been conducted; and if he will make a statement.

I refer my hon. Friend to the 15th report of the Royal Commisson on environmental pollution: "Emissions from Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicles" (Cm 1631), published in September 1991. Paragraphs 2.26 and following give a useful summary, with references, of the evidence on the environmental and health effects of diesel emissions. In general, this is relevant to emissions from diesel-powered cars as well as heavy vehicles.

Water Pollution

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on how many occasions diesel oil has entered (a) Swinsty reservoir in north Yorkshire or (b) the Leeds water supply during the last three years.

I am not aware of any occasion on which diesel oil has entered either the Swinsty reservoir or the Leeds water supply during the last three years.

Home Department

Long-Stay Prisoners

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of prison inmates in prisons in England and Wales who have served a continuous prison sentence of over 20 years, over 25 years and over 30 years.

Inmates1 of Prison Service establishments in England and Wales on 30 November 1991 who had spent a continuous period of more than 20 years in such establishments under sentence: by time spent under sentence.
Number of prisoners
Time under sentence
Over 20 up to 25 yearsOver 25 up to 30 yearsOver 30 yearsOver 20 years
Received under original sentence6414583
Recalled following an earlier release on licence211
1 The figures are those recorded centrally and are approximate; detailed checking of individual cases would involve disproportionate cost.
2 Time served since recall from licence.

Neighbourhood Watch, South Yorkshire

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many neighbourhood watch schemes operate in south Yorkshire.

At present there are 1,425 neighbourhood watch schemes in operation in south Yorkshire covering aproximately 75,000 households.

Beef

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the countries from where beef was purchased for consumption in prisons in 1991 and in each case, including the United Kingdom, give the quantity bought and amount spent; and if he will make a statement.

During 1990, the quantity of beef purchased for consumption in prisons in England and Wales was approximately:

£ millionTons
United Kingdom1.14675
Eire0.0635
Information for year ending 31 December 1991 is not available.

Dna Profiles

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 27 January, Official Report, column 403, if he will state which of the police forces in England and Wales currently comply with guidelines adopted by the Home Office and Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Services on the destruction of DNA profiles of persons excluded from or acquitted of offences; which police forces in England and Wales remove such profiles from their own databases; which do not; and if he will make a statement.

Apart from the Home Office and Metropolitan police forensic science services, I am not aware of any police force in England and Wales which has developed, or is intending to develop, a database to hold DNA profiles.

Sipho Mbeje

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to make a decision on the request made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Lusaka that Sipho Mbeje should be granted an entry visa to come to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mbeje's application is under consideration and a decision will be reached as soon as possible.

Ecstasy

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many seizures of ecstasy and other similar drugs have been made in the most recent period for which figures are available.

[holding answer 17 January 1992]: The number of seizures of MDMA—"Ecstasy"—MDA, amphetamines and LSD for 1990 and 1991 were as shown in the table.Figures for police seizures in 1991 are incomplete. They represent those so far reported to the Home Office and do not include seizures made towards the end of the year.

United Kingdom
Number of seizures
19901991
PoliceCustomsPolice1Customs
MDMA (Ecstasy)3742581249
MDA1701131
Amphetamines4,4891392,183108
LSD1,7728791799
1 Incomplete, some seizures from the second half of 1991 not yet reported.

Prime Minister

Departmental Management

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list (i) for those Departments with a financial management initiative management system (a) the name in each case, (b) when it was established and (c) the name of the Minister who has direct supervision of the system; and (ii) those Departments which do not have a financial management initiative management system.

I have been asked to reply.This information is not held centrally and the question should be addressed to individual Ministers.

Western Sahara

To ask the Prime Minister whether he intends to discuss the future status of the western Sahara during his forthcoming meeting at the United Nations; and if he will make a statement.

I have been asked to reply.The subject may arise in discussion in the margins of the special meeting of the United Nations Security Council, but there is unlikely to be time for any detailed discussions of regional issues at the meeting itself.

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy at the forthcoming special meeting of the United Nations permanent members of the Security Council on proliferation (a) to establish agreed criteria for the completion of a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, (b) to urge President Mitterrand to finalise French membership of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and to halt nuclear testing in the Polynesian islands in the Pacific and (c) to establish the basis for the United Kingdom to fulfil its obligations under article VI of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty to negotiate nuclear disarmament with other treaty signatory states.

I have been asked to reply. The main purpose of today's special meeting of the UN Security Council is to reaffirm the importance of the UN's role in maintaining international peace and security. This may include discussion of arms control agreements. However, we have no plans to raise the issues referred to in the question.

Tax (Wales)

To ask the Prime Minister what is the total tax paid by the people of Wales, including to local councils; what is the total expenditure from that taxation in Wales by Government, local councils and all other bodies so financed including the relevant proportion for Wales of any expenditure on a wider basis; and what these figures are per head of the Welsh population.

I have been asked to reply. Information on the total tax paid by people in Wales is not available. Information is, for example, not available for capital gains tax. Data is available on income tax payments and the latest information, which relates to 1988–89, is given in table 2.10 of the 1991 issue of Inland Revenue Statistics. Precise figures for receipts from indirect tax payments paid by people in Wales are not available but it is estimated that the Welsh share of United Kingdom taxes collected by HM Customs and Excise in 1990–91 was about £2½billion. The latest information on community charge and non-domestic rate payments indicates that at 31 March 1991 local authorities had received an estimated £360 million (£125 per head) in community charges for 1990–91 and that payments of non-domestic rates by businesses for 1990–91 were an estimated £430 million (£150 per head) at the same date.Information on general government expenditure in Wales in 1990–91, other than that incurred for the benefit of the UK as a whole, is given in tables E6a and E6b of appendix E of the statistical supplement to the 1991 Autumn Statement (Cm. 1920).

Employment

Industrial Tribunals

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total waiting list of cases for industrial tribunal hearing in the Newcastle upon Tyne office on 1 January; what number and percentage of cases waiting less than six weeks, less than eight weeks, less than 10 weeks, less than 12 weeks, less than 16 weeks, less than 20 weeks and less than 26 weeks; and what the maximum waiting time was at 1 January.

I regret that the information on waiting times is not available in precisely the form requested. The figures show those cases in the Newcastle area which have been registered but which had not come to hearing by 29 January 1992.

NumberPercentage
Less than 6 weeks19612.9
More than 6 weeks-less than 8 weeks976.4
More than 8 weeks-less than 10 weeks775.1
More than 10 weeks-less than 12 weeks1137.4
More than 12 weeks-less than 16 weeks1419.3
More than 16 weeks-less than 20 weeks1389.1
More than 20 weeks-less than 26 weeks1238.1
More than 26 weeks63341.7
Total1,518
The maximum waiting time was 39 weeks, unless the parties requested a later hearing date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has taken or is taking to reduce the waiting times for industrial tribunals in the Newcastle upon Tyne area.

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State has increased the budget for the industrial tribunals in England and Wales by over £2 million in the current financial year. This has enabled additional administrative staff and tribunal chairmen to be appointed in the Newcastle region, and there has been a substantial increase in the number of tribunal hearings. Measures are also being taken to improve efficiency.

Employee Training

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce a requirement for companies to publish information on their policy on employee training.

The investors in people initiative already requires companies seeking the award to make a public commitment to training and developing their employees.

Labour Costs

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the change in unit labour costs in the United Kingdom since the October 1990 exchange rate mechanism entry, and what are the corresponding figures in Germany, and the average in all the ERM member countries.

Between October 1990 and September 1991 unit wage and salary costs in manufacturing in the United Kingdom rose by 4.5 per cent. compared with an increase in Germany over the same period of 7.3 per cent. Data are not available to give the corresponding average in all the ERM member countries.

Self-Employment

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the change, in numerical and percentage terms, in the number of self-employed people in (a) Scotland and (b) Great Britain between 1979 and the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

The information is as follows:

Self-employed

Change between June 1979 and June 1990
Actual (000's)per cent.
Scotland7446
Great Britain1,38075

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the percentage of self-employed people in the work forces of member states of the European Community; and if he will make a statement.

The information is given in the table.

Self-employed as a percentage of the civilian work force
1989 (mid year) per cent.
Belgium13.0
Denmark8.5
Federal Republic of Germany10.2
France13.6
Greece132.5
Ireland118.8
Italy21.8
Luxembourg9.7
Netherlands8.8
Portugal28.2
Spain17.9
United Kingdom211.6
1 Figures are for 1988, latest available.
2 The latest available figure (June 1990) is 11.7 per cent.
Source: OECD Labour Force Statistics 1969 to 1989 except United Kingdom (ED).
Deaths in Northern Ireland as a result of the security situation
YearRUCRUCRArmyCivilians1Total
(excluding UDR)UDR
19884221125493
1989721223962
199075784976
199151587594
219921414

Labour Statistics

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of unemployed people in (a) the Ipswich travel-to-work area and (b) the Ipswich parliamentary constituency at the latest available date; and what were the equivalent figures five and eight years ago, respectively.

The requested information is contained in the following table and can also be obtained from the NOMIS database in the Library.

Unemployed claimants (not seasonally adjusted)
Ipswich Travel-to-work areaIpswich Parliamentary constituency
December 19917,6003,712
December 19868,3454,189
December 19838,0844,055
Direct comparisons are affected by the changes in the coverage of the count that have occurred over the period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were self-employed in (a) Aberdeen, (b) Kincardine and Deeside, (c) Scotland and (d) the United Kingdom, in each year from 1987 to date.

Estimates of the numbers of people who are self-employed are not available for areas smaller than standard regions for the dates specified. The available figures for Scotland and the United Kingdom are as follows:

Self-employed (thousands)
ScotlandUnited Kingdom
June 19871942,869
June 19882152,998
June 19892363,253
June 19902343,298

Northern Ireland

Terrorism

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give the number of persons killed in Northern Ireland as a result of the security situation since 1988 to the present day distinguishing between (a) the RUC, (b) the RUCR, (c) the Army, (d) the UDR, and (e) civilians.

The information requested is set out in the table:

1 Category includes suspected terrorists.
2 As at 30 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give the increase or decrease in the number of persons charged with terrorist offences in Northern Ireland each year since 1985.

Set out are the number of persons charged with terrorist offences for each year since 1985:

Persons charged with terrorist offences
YearNumber
1985522
1986655
1987468
1988439
1989433
1990380
19911397
1provisional figure.

Notes:

1. Statistics on charges arc kept according to the most serious offence with which an individual has been charged.

2. If the same individual is charged on more than one occasion, he/she will be added to the statistics each time.

Heart Surgery

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the projected figures for those awaiting coronary artery by-pass surgery in Northern Ireland for (a) January 1993 and (b) January 1994, allowing for the arrival of a fourth cardiac surgeon commencing on 1 April 1992.

These figures cannot be calculated accurately for a number of reasons. The numbers waiting at January 1993 and January 1994 will be influenced by a number of different factors:

  • (a) the ability of the Royal Victoria hospital cardiac surgery unit to increase the number of operations carried out there;
  • (b) the number of by-passes purchased for residents of Northern Ireland by the four health and social services boards from hospitals in the rest of the United Kingdom and;
  • (c) the impact of the waiting time guarantee which will be included in the citizens charter shortly to be launched in Northern Ireland.
  • To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons the target of 1,100 cardiac operations per year in Northern Ireland has not been achieved; and if he will indicate (a) when it will be achieved and (b) what plans he has to review that figure.

    The target of 1,100 cardiac operations per year was the figure recommended by Sir John Badenoch in his 1988 report as necessary to meet the Province's need for cardiac operations. Attainment of that figure has not been possible because of physical and staffing constraints at the Royal Victoria hospital. Additional cardiac recovery facilities have now been provided and the cardiac theatres have been upgraded. However, the Eastern health and social services board has experienced considerable difficulties in recruiting an additional cardiac surgeon. I understand a locum cardiac surgeon has been appointed for one year and is expected to take up post on 1 May 1992. It is not possible at this stage to say when the figure of 1,100 operations will be reached but it will include cardiac operations purchased for Northern Ireland residents from centres other than the RVH. The figure will be regularly reviewed by the Department of Health and Social Services in the light of assessed need and the latest developments in medical technology.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients are awaiting their first appointment with a cardiac surgeon for assessment as to whether they are in need of cardiac surgery; and if these patients are counted as being on the waiting list for surgery.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what official statements have been made by health board staff concerning the relative benefits of coronary artery by-pass surgery as to (a) improving the quality of life and (b) increasing the lifespan of patients.

    I am not aware of any official statements by health board staff in Northern Ireland on this subject.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients are currently on the waiting list for (a) cardiac surgery and (b) cataract operations at the Royal Victoria hospital; how long they have been waiting; and what were the comparable figures for January 1987.

    At 30 September 1991 the latest date for which waiting list information is available centrally, there were 991 patients on the cardiac surgery in-patient waiting list at the Royal Victoria hospital. I have set out the details of how long they have been waiting. Figures for 30 September 1986 (the closest date to January 1987 for which data are comparable) are also shown. The time bands are slightly different due to a change in the recording of waiting list data from 1 April 1988. The information requested on cataract operations is not available centrally.

    Patients waiting for admission by time waiting at 30 September
    MonthsPatients
    19911
    0–2125
    3–581
    6–878
    9–1168
    12–23168
    24+471
    Total991
    1986
    0–22
    3–54
    6–118
    12–2351
    24+342
    Total407

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the latest figure for those awaiting coronary artery by-pass surgery in Northern Ireland; and what was the figure in January 1991.

    I am advised by the Eastern health and social services board that at 30 November 1991 the latest date for which figures are available, there were 758 people in Northern Ireland waiting for coronary artery by-pass surgery. The information for January 1991 is not available.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to ensure that the necessary numbers of trained staff, backed by sufficient funds for their employment, will be made available to support a fourth cardiac surgeon in Northern Ireland.

    The funds for the recruitment of the necessary supporting staff have been made available to the Eastern health and social services board by the Department of Health and Social Services. Their appointment is a matter for the board.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans the health boards have for purchasing additional operations outside Northern Ireland; and what safeguards will be incorporated to ensure quality and a smooth handover for follow-up care within Northern Ireland.

    The Western health and social services board has already contracted to purchase a number of cardiac surgery operations in hospitals in Great Britain. The Eastern health and social services board is planning to do so shortly. Detailed safeguards to ensure quality care for patients while in hospital in Great Britain are incorporated in the contracts and arrangements are being made to ensure continuity of care when they return to Northern Ireland.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what evidence he has that physicians and cardiologists are not referring patients for coronary artery by-pass surgery due to the low possibility that the patient would be offered cardiac surgery within a time scale of two years.

    Prison Sentences

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern ireland if he will list in the Official Report the prison sentences served by (a) Kevin McKenna, (b) Brian Gillen and (c) Gerald Kelly, indicating the changes against each and the crimes for which they were found guilty and at which courts the charges were brought.

    [holding answer 27 January 1992]: It would not be appropriate to give the information requested.

    Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

    Environmentally Sensitive Areas

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the proportion of costs for the environmentally sensitive areas scheme which is devoted to administration (a) in 1991 and (b) when the environmentally sensitive areas extensions and new environmentally sensitive areas are in operation; and if he will make a statement.

    Administration costs, including monitoring to assess the environmental impact of the environmentally sensitive areas scheme, currently amount to approximately 25 per cent. of the total costs. For the future my objective is to reduce these costs while maintaining the advisory role of project officers and their associated work in securing the environmental objectives of the scheme.

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list (a) the hectarage and (b) the amount of money allocated to Pennine Dales ESA in (i) 1991–92 and (ii) when the new conditions will operate; and if he will make a statement.

    The Pennine Dales environmentally sensitive area covers 15,970 hectares which will increase to 46,370 hectares under the new arrangements I recently introduced. Payments in the current financial year are forecast to total approximately £1 million. Future spending in this environmentally sensitive area will depend on the level of uptake but, given the increase in the area and the other changes to the scheme could exceed £3.5 million.

    Farm Woodland Scheme

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his review of the farm woodland scheme.

    [pursuant to his reply, 19 November 1991, c. 135]: In my previous reply I announced that the main interested organisations were being consulted about detailed proposals for a farm woodland premium scheme (FWPS), to replace the pilot farm woodland scheme (FWS).The Secretaries of State for Scotland, for Wales and for Northern Ireland and I have finalised our proposals in the light of comments received from interested organisations. I am, therefore, laying before the House today the draft farm woodland premium scheme 1992 which, subject to parliamentary approval, we propose to introduce on 1 April. This draft statutory instrument applies to Great Britain: the scheme will be introduced in Northern Ireland by separate arrangement.The new arrangements will offer increased establishment grants and better incentives to encourage farmers to convert land in agricultural use to woodland. They will be very much easier for farmers to understand, and simpler to operate, than under the farm woodland scheme. Our proposals were welcomed in principle by all consultees although a number of detailed points were raised. We have given careful consideration to these points and in particular those mentioned by environmental interests.The objectives of the FWPS are to encourage planting of woodland by farmers who will remain in farming, thereby enhancing the farmed landscape and environment; and to encourage a productive alternative land use to agriculture. We intend that the scheme will be environmentally beneficial and we have included a number of safeguards to minimise the risk of environmentally damaging planting. In particular, applications will be subject to environmental and silvilcultural checks by the Forestry Commission and to its consultation arrangements. Also there are limits on planting on unimproved land in the LFAs and the definitions of arable land and improved grassland are designed to ensure that environmentally sensitive sites are protected. We also propose to monitor the way in which the procedures work and the level of planting on unimproved land. We will review the position each year so that action can be taken if there are any problems. We will keep interested organisations informed and consult them as necessary.The key features of the FWPS are as follows:—

    Farmers will apply first to the Forestry Commission for grants for establishing trees under the woodland grant scheme, including the better land supplement and community woodland supplement where appropriate. They will then apply to Agriculture departments for the annual incentives under the farm woodland premium scheme.
    Annual incentives of between £130 and £250 per hectare will be paid for the conversion to arable or improved grassland to woodlands. Annual incentives of £60 per hectare will be paid for the conversion of woodlands of unimproved land in the less favoured areas only.
    The annual incentives will be available for two categories of woodland: more than 50 per cent. and 50 per cent. or less by area of broadleaved trees. These categories will attract payments for 15 and 10 years respectively
    There will be no limit on the number of applications that can be made, but planting must not, in aggregate, exceed more than 50 per cent. of any individual agricultural unit. In addition planting of unimproved land must not exceed 40 hectares of any individual agricultural unit. However, for planting on the common grazings in the Scottish crofting counties there will be a total limit of 100 hectares for each common grazing area.
    The definition of "improved grassland" will be based on the content of "productive" species in the sward. This has the advantage of being easily checked by a physical inspection, it protects sensitive sites and puts no restriction on the method of grassland improvement.
    Conversion of land to arable or improved grassland must have taken place at least three years before the application is made.
    No quotas or targets will be set for the scheme, but, it will be subject to cash limits.
    In certain circumstances farmers will be able to cancel their FWS applications and reapply for the FWPS.

    Wales

    Radon Gas

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many measurements for levels of radon gas have been carried out in each district authority area of Wales for each year between 1988 and 1991.

    Over 1,100 dwellings have been included in a survey of radon levels in Wales which the National Radiological Protection Board is carrying out on behalf of the Department.

    South Wales Integrated Development Operation

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will state the names and occupations of the members of the Industrial South Wales Integrated Development Operation Monitoring Committee; on what dates this committee met during the last year; which persons attended those meetings; and what conclusions or decisions were reached.

    The names of the members of the Industrial South Wales Integrated Development Operation (IDO) Monitoring Committee, and the organisations they represent, are as follows:

    Miss E. N. M. Davies (Chairperson)European Affairs Division Welsh Office
    Dr. M. C. DunnEuropean Affairs Division Welsh Office
    D. N. Davies Esq. Principal assistant in policyDyfed county council
    P. Slater Esq. Head of European regional policyGwent county council
    Dr. V. Winckler Principal officer unitMid Glamorgan county council
    A. J. Barnish Esq. BCom, IPSA Chief executive and county treasurerPowys county council
    J. Andrews Esq. Assistant economic development officerSouth Glamorgan county council
    R. C. L. Crawshaw Esq. County economic development officerWest Glamorgan county council
    R. Leadbeter Esq. MA(Oxon) IPFA FRVA Chief executiveBlaenau Gwent borough council
    D. A. Dalwood Esq. Planning and industrial development officerBrecknock borough council
    M. Turvey Esq. Head of policy unitCardiff city council
    R. C. Meade Esq. Principal planning officerCarmarthen district council
    C. Burns Esq. Economic development officerCynon Valley borough council
    T. Williams Esq. Economic development officerDinefwr borough council
    Miss A. V. Phillips Economic development officerIslwyn borough council
    D. Clive Davies Esq. Director of developmentLlanelli borough council
    J. C. Howells Esq. IPFA FRVA AMBIM Chief ExecutiveLliw Valley borough council
    Mrs. K. Pritchard Economic development and tourism officerMerthyr Tydfil borough council
    H. Williams Esq. Senior plannerMonmouth borough council
    A. Jenkins Esq. Director of development and controlNeath borough council
    R. Davies Esq. Chief executive's departmentNewport borough council
    J. G. Cole Esq. Solicitor Chief executive officerOgwr borough council
    G. A. Causley Esq. Economic development officerPlanning department Port Talbot borough council
    J. Cunnane Esq. Planning officerRhondda borough council
    I. MacVicar Esq. Economic development officerRhymney Valley district council
    A. G. Edwards Esq. Assistant to chief executiveSwansea city council
    R. Pearce Esq. Assistant chief planning officerTaff Ely borough council
    G. D. Edmunds Esq. Borough treasurerTorfaen borough council
    D. C. Holloman Esq. Chief financial officerVale of Glamorgan borough council
    E. A. J. Carr Esq. Chief executiveCADW: Welsh Historic Monuments
    Robert E. Hall Esq. Principal accountantCardiff Bay development corporation
    M. J. Hollingsworth Esq. Chief planning adviserLand Authority for Wales Custom House
    Paul Varallo Esq. Regional E & Q Services OfficerNational Rivers Authority (Welsh region)
    Dr. D. A. Cadwallader Regional officerThe Nature Conservancy Council
    L. Tatham Esq.Sports Council for Wales
    M. J. Clancy Esq.Training Enterprise and Education Directorate
    P. Loveluck Esq. Chief ExecutiveWales Tourist Board
    D. Farnsworth Esq. Executive DirectorWelsh Development Agency
    Malgwyn Davies Esq. Chief Executive OfficerBryn Bach Park Joint Management Committee
    P. Fortune Esq. Managing DirectorCardiff and Vale Enterprise
    H. Evans Esq. Managing DirectorComputeraid
    Miss Susan Price DirectorGroundwork South Wales
    Mike Jones Esq. Business Services DirectorMerthyr Aberdare Development Enterprise/Economic Development Partnership Ltd.
    Peter Davies Esq. DirectorMerthyr Tydfil Housing Association
    Gareth Bray Esq. Executive DirectorEnterprise Taf Ely Ogwr Partnership Ltd.
    Clem Thomas Esq. ManagerPenrhyrs Craft Training Workshop
    Mrs. Joan Richards Development OfficerPort Talbot Co-operative Development Agency
    Gwyn Jones Esq. General ManagerRhondda Enterprise Ltd.
    I. MacVicar Esq. Economic Development OfficerRhymney Valley Economic Development Partnership
    DirectorSevern Tidal Power Group
    Ms. Jean Golten Finance OfficerSouth Glamorgan Women's Workshop
    N. F. Cakebread Esq. Port AccountantAssociated British Ports Docks Office
    P. G. Weavers Esq. Regional Projects ManagerBritish Coal Corporation Opencast Executive (South Wales Region)
    Winsor T. Lewis Esq. Regional ManagerBritish Coal Enterprise Ltd.
    A. J. Clegg Esq. Grants ManagerBritish Railways Board
    B. J. Margrett Esq. DirectorBritish Steel (Industry) Ltd.
    W. D. Thomas Esq. Planning ManagerWelsh Water (South Western Division)
    Richard Dowers Esq. Assets and Investments ManagerWelsh Water (South Eastern Division)
    A. Plumpton Esq. Director of Finance and SecretaryJohn Grooms Association for the Disabled
    Mohammed Akterussaman Esq. Acting General ManagerFullemploy Wales
    Ms. Helen Seymour ESF Co-ordinatorIndustrial Common Ownership Movement
    P. C. C. Mitchell Esq. Regional DirectorThe National Trust
    N. J. Barnett Esq. Property Manager (South)National Power
    Professor P. A. Witting Executive Head of International OfficePolytechnic of Wales
    M. Betts Esq. Regional DirectorHotel and Catering Training Co. (HCTC)
    Martin McCauley Esq. Team LeaderHigher Education ESF Unit
    P. R. Snadden Esq.The Corporation of Trinity House Lighthouse Service
    Mrs. M. Fleming Assistant DirectorUniversity College of Swansea Department of Adult Continuing Education and Training
    Dr. M. A. Joynson European Liaison OfficerUniversity of Wales, Cardiff
    Norman Watson Esq. Deputy Chief ExecutiveWales Co-operative Development and Training Centre
    Ms. Helen McLaughlin ESF OfficerWales Council for Voluntary Action
    Mrs. Maureen De Viell ESF unitDepartment of Employment
    Gerard Millar Esq.Department of Transport Marine Directorate
    Jack Engwegen EsqCommission of the European Commission DGXVI (regional policy)
    Nigel Scott EsqCommission of the European Commission DGV (employment, social affairs and education)
    The Committee met on 17 May, 25 July, 25 September and 13 December 1991. The majority of those listed attended all of these meetings.The main business of the committee was to commit grants from the European regional development fund and European social fund made available under the Industrial South Wales IDO for 1989–91. These grant allocations were substantially complete by the end of 1991.

    Advisory Committee On Distinction Awards

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will state the names and occupations of the regional committee for Wales of the Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards.

    The membership of the Welsh committee of the Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards as at December 1991 is listed as follows:

    • Mr. J. W. Owen (Chairman) — NHS Director
    • Mr. D. A. Aiken — Obstetrics
    • Dr. H. Bevan-Jones — Psychiatry
    • Mr. A. J. Beddow — Management
    • Dr. D. W. Gregory — Radiology
    • Dr. B. Harris — Mental Illness
    • Professor L. E. Hughes — Surgery
    • Dr. G. A. D. Rees — Anaesthetics
    • Mr. M. S. Bennett — Obstetrics
    • Mr. G. Boulton — Management
    • Dr. H. A. Edwards — Anaesthetics
    • Mr. G. H. Griffiths — General Surgery
    • Dr. D. Hine — Public Health Medicine
    • Dr. J. H. Jones —General Medicine
    • Mr. A. Jones — Management
    • Dr. R. H. T. Jones — Paediatrics
    • Dr. R. J. Kellett — Histopathology
    • Mr. J. P. Matthews — Orthopaedics
    • Professor J. M. Stark — Medical Microbiology/ Pathology
    • Mr. C. H. Thomas — Management
    • Dr. R. S. Vaughan — Anaesthetics
    • Mr. P. Wilson — General Surgery
    • Dr. F. K. Wright — General Medicine

    Site Management

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of management agreements under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which have been entered into in (a) national nature reserves and (b) sites of special scientific interest for each year since 1981 in

    Children aged at 31 December
    Nursery schoolsNursery classes1Ordinary classes1Total
    West Glamorgan2.550.036.188.6
    Clwyd1.444.232.878.4
    Mid Glamorgan8.234.331.674.1
    Gwent8.927.732.469.0
    Dyfed2.224.838.265.2
    South Glamorgan7.022.626.055.6
    Powys22.629.151.7
    Gwynedd12.223.635.8
    Wales, indicating in each case whether the proposed damage was done to (i) agriculture or (ii) forestry; and if he will make a statement.

    The figures requested are shown in the following table. Not all are the direct outcome of action taken under section 28 of the 1981 Act. The information requested on habitat could only he obtained at disproportionate cost.

    Management agreements under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
    Management agreements on
    (a) NNR's (section 16 agreements)(b) SSSI (section 15 agreements)
    198100
    198222
    198311
    198414
    198522
    1986212
    1987035
    1988469
    1989558
    1990258
    1991158
    199206
    Totals20305

    River Water

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the agreement will be signed between Cardiff Bay development corporation and Associated British Ports to specify the allocation of river water at times of low flow in a manner that will comply with the requirements of the National Rivers Authority Wales division as described in his letter to the hon. Member dated 15 January.

    As I indicated to the hon. Gentleman on 19 December, negotiations between Cardiff Bay development corporation and Associated British Ports are a matter for the two parties. I do not propose to speculate about the timing of an agreement.

    Under-Fives

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the figures for 1991 for the percentage of under-fives in (a) nursery schools, (b) nursery classes, (c) infant classes and (d) in total, by local education authority in Wales, in rank order.

    The percentages of pupils under five years of age in LEA maintained nursery and primary schools, at January 1991, is given in the following table.

    Nursery schools

    Nursery classes1

    Ordinary classes1

    Total

    Wales4.831.531.768.0

    1These represent nursery and ordinary classes in maintained primary schools.

    Management Agreements

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of management agreements that have been entered into under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in Wales where payments have been

    Management agreements under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
    Lump sums onlyAnnual payments onlyAnnual payments combined with lump sum (first year only
    (a) Up to £9,999828720
    (b) £10,000 to £19,99923
    (c) £20,000 to £29,99911
    (d) £30,000 to £39,999
    (e) £40,000 to £49,999
    (f) £50,000 to £59,999
    (g) over £60,0003
    Totals1429120

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list (a) the 10 sites of special scientific interest and (b) the 10 national nature reserves in Wales which have the most expensive management agreements giving the name of the site, county in which it is located and the amount which has been or is due to be paid out and if the landowners are required to positively enhance the site as part of the conditions of payment; and if he will make a statement.

    This information is treated as confidential between the parties to the agreement.

    Year Of Literature And Writing

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what support the Welsh Office will give to support Swansea in the Year of Literature and Writing it has been awarded under Arts 2000; and what is the total allocation that has been made for the Garden festival.

    The Secretary of State congratulates the city of Swansea on its selection as host for the Arts 2000 Year of Literature and Writing 1995. He supported the city in its bid and affirms his support for the event. What form support might take will need to be considered in the light of any proposals which might be made by Swansea.For the garden festival, the Secretary of State has allocated £19.37 million by way of urban programme support, and £12.108 million under the projects of regional or national importance scheme. In addition, £19.9 million has been spent to date by the Welsh Development Agency under the derelict land scheme.

    Planning Appeals

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for the provision of the planning appeals system in Wales from 1 April. given in the following ranges (a) up to £9,999, (b) £10,000 to £19,999, (c) £20,000 to £29,999, (d) £30,000 to £39,999, (e) £40,000 to £49,999, (f) £50,000 to £59,999 and (g) over £60,000.

    My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning announced on 25 July last year the Government's decision to launch the planning inspectorate executive agency in England on 1 April 1992. We have now decided that the agency's operations should extend to Wales.The framework document now being prepared will set out the relationship between the agency's chief executive, who will also be the chief planning inspector, and the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Wales.The Government believe that this arrangement will provide the most efficient method of delivering the services of the planning inspectorate in England and Wales.

    Health

    Pain Management

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information is available from 1987 onwards on waiting lists in each national health service region for pain management programmes.

    Health Authority Contracts

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what monitoring he conducts of contracts let by health authorities; and if he will make a statement.

    The terms and conditions of contracts let by health authorities are the responsibility of local management and, as such, subject to statutory audit like other health authority activity.

    Waiting Lists

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on waiting lists for orthopaedic surgery in the South Western health authority.

    At 31 March 1991 there were a total of 13,400 people waiting for trauma and orthopaedic treatment in South Western regional health authority (a reduction of 723 compared with March 1990). Of that total 75 per cent. had waited less than one year. The numbers of patients waiting over one year and over two years fell from 3,486 and 1,162 in March 1990 to 3,341 and 858 in March 1991, reductions of 4 per cent. and 26 per cent. respectively.

    Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give details of the manner in which the Royal Naval hospital, Haslar, will be further utilised within the national health service in order to reduce waiting lists.

    A waiting list initiative has recently been set up at the Royal Naval hospital, Haslar, to treat up to 36 additional NHS patients waiting for urology treatment in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire district health authority.There may be opportunities to make further use of these facilities to treat NHS patients in the future.

    Children's Homes (Staff)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what will be the membership of the committee for the inquiry into the selection and recruitment of staff in children's homes.

    The members of the Committee are as follows:

    Chairman Mr. Norman Warner (Formerly Director of Social Services, Kent County Council)
    Committee Mr. Richard Lansdowne (Consultant Psychologist, Department of Psychological Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street)
    Mr. Dick Clough (General Secretary, Social Care Association)
    Mr. Dudley Procter (Chief Executive, Lincolnshire County Council)
    Mrs. Susan Thomas (Chief Personnel Officer, London Borough of Lewisham)
    Dr. Adrian Gozzard (TSB Group, Personnel Director) Professor Jim Hughes (Director of Human Relations, Thorn EMI)
    Ms. Florence Iles (Principal Consultant, William M. Mercer Fraser Ltd)
    Mr. Richard White (Solicitor, White and Sherwin Solicitors)
    Miss Adrianne Jones (Director of Social Services, Birmingham City Council)

    Abortion

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the places approved by him under section 1(3) of the Abortion Act 1967.

    The following places have been approved for the period 1 February 1992 to 31 January 1994:

    • Acland Nuffield Hospital—Oxford
    • AMI Alexandra Hospital—Cheadle, Cheshire
    • AMI Blackheath Hospital—London SE3
    • AMI Chaucer Hospital—Canterbury
    • AMI Highfield Hospital—Rochdale
    • AMI Park Hospital—Nottingham
    • AMI Portland Hospital—London W1
    • Avenue Clinic—Hove, Sussex
    • Bath Clinic—Coombe Down, Bath
    • Blackdown Nursing Home—Blackdown, Leamington Spa
    • Bromhead Hospital—Lincoln
    • BUPA Alexandra Hospital—Walderslade, Kent
    • BUPA Belvedere Hospital—Scarborough
    • BUPA Hospital—Bristol
    • BUPA Hospital—Bushey, Herts
    • BUPA Chaleybeate Hospital—Southampton
    • BUPA Hospital—Clare Park, Farnham
    • BUPA Hospital—Hull and East Riding, Hull
    • BUPA Hospital—Leicester
    • BUPA Murrayfield Hospital—Merseyside
    • BUPA North Cheshire Hospital—Warrington
    • BUPA Hospital—Norwich
    • BUPA Hospital—Portsmouth
    • BUPA South Bank Hospital—Worcester
    • Calthorpe Nursing Home—Edgbaston, Birmingham
    • Chatsworth Clinic—New Barnet, Herts
    • Chesterfield Nuffied Hospital—Bristol
    • Christchurch Park Hospital—Ipswich, Suffolk
    • Clementine Churchill Hospital—Harrow
    • Cleveland Nuffield Hospital—Stockton-on-Tees
    • Danum Lodge Nursing Home—Doncaster
    • Dean Park Nursing Home—Bournemouth, Dorset
    • Doncaster Independent Hospital—Doncaster
    • Droitwich Private Hospital—Droitwich, Worcs
    • Duchy Hospital, Truro—Treliske, Truro
    • Duchy Nuffield Hospital—Harrogate
    • Evelyn Hospital—Cambridge
    • Exeter Nuffield Hospital—Exeter
    • Fairfield Nursing Home—Buckhurst Hill, Essex
    • Fallodon Private Surgical Hospital—Leeds
    • Fitzwilliam Hospital—South Bretton, Peterborough
    • Foscote Private Hospital—Banbury, Oxon
    • Fulford Grange Hospital—Rawdon, Leeds
    • Garden Hospital—London NW4
    • Gisburne Park Hospital—Clitheroe, Lancs
    • Hampshire Clinic—Basingstoke
    • Hull Nuffield Hospital—Hull
    • Humana Hospital—London NW8
    • Leicester Nuffield Hospital—Leicester
    • Leigham Private Clinic—London SW16
    • Marie Stopes Nursing Home—London NW2
    • Merseyside Nursing Home—Liverpool
    • Newcastle Nuffield Hospital—Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
    • New Hall Hospital—Salisbury, Wilts
    • New Victoria Hospital—Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey
    • Parkfield Private Hospital—Rotherham, South Yorkshire
    • Parkview Clinic—London W5
    • Plymouth Nuffield Hospital—Plymouth
    • Raleigh Nursing Home—London SW2
    • Robert Nursing Home—Kings Norton, Birmingham
    • Rosslyn Nursing Home—East Twickenham, Middlesex
    • Royal Masonic Hospital—London W6
    • Salop Nuffield Hospital—Shrewsbury
    • Sandringham Private Hospital—King's Lynn
    • Sarum Road Private Hospital—Winchester, Hampshire
    • Somerset Nuffield Hospital—Taunton, Somerset
    • South Manchester Private Clinic—Stockport
    • St. Anns Hospital—London N15
    • Tapton Cliffe Clinic—Sheffield
    • Winterbourne Hospital—Dorchester, Dorset
    • Wistons Nursing Home—Brighton
    • Woking Nuffield Hospital—Woking
    • Wye Valley Nuffield Hospital—Hereford
    • Yorkshire Clinic—Bingley, West Yorkshire

    Patients, South Derbyshire

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give figures for the number of patients treated in the southern Derbyshire district in 1979 and the latest year for which figures are available.

    Between 1979 and 1990–91, the number of in-patients and day cases treated in national health service hospitals in Southern Derbyshire district health authority increased from 47,540 hospital discharges to 68,163 finished consultant episodes, an increase of 36 per cent. on a comparable basis.

    England (whole-time equivalent)
    1986–871987–881988–891989–901990–91
    Number of qualified nurses and midwives in post in the National Health Service at 30 September1246,280248,250250,670252,740252,870
    Number completing pre-registration nurse training24,10022,11017,39018,15019,010
    Net wastage221,80019,91015,15017,050n/a
    Source: Department of Health (SMI3) Annual Census of National Health Service Non-Medical Manpower; English National Board.
    1Excludes agency staff.
    1Net wastage is the total number of those who do not take up posts in the National Health Service on initial qualification and those who leave National Health Service employment, net of "returners". It is calculated by subtracting from the number of staff in post at the end of the financial year (average of successive September figures) the number of staff in post at the beginning of the year plus the number completing pre-registration nurse training during the year.

    Notes:

    1. Because enrolled nurses on conversion courses are included in both the "number of qualified nurses and midwives in post" and the "number completing pre-registration nurse training", the figures for net wastage will be overstated.

    2. All figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

    National Finance

    Personal Taxation

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in respect of a married man with two children (a) earning £99.20 per week gross income in April 1979 and (b) earning £300 .30 per week gross income in April 1991 and counting child benefit as negative income tax what was (i) the amount paid in income tax in pounds per week and as a pecentage of gross earnings, (ii) the amount paid in national insurance contributions in pounds per week and as a percentage of gross earnings, (iii) the amount paid in VAT in pounds per week and as a percentage of gross earnings, (iv) the amount paid in other indirect taxation, exise duties etc., in pounds per week and as a percentage of gross earnings, (v) in respect of the man in category (a) the amount paid in domestic rates in pounds per week and as a percentage of gross-earnings, (vi) in respect of the man in category (b) the amount paid in community charge in pounds per week and as a percentage of gross earnings and (vii) respectively for categories (a) and (b) the total amount paid in the categories listed above in pounds per week and as a percentage of gross earnings.

    [holding answer 30 January 1992]: The figures requested are given in the table. No figures for the impact of the community charge in 1991–92 can be provided until data from the 1991 family expenditure survey are available.

    Nurses

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each of the past five years (a) the number of qualified nurses that left the national health service, (b) the number of qualified nurses recruited to the national health service and (c) the total number of qualified nurses employed in the national health service.

    [holding answer 30 January 1992]: Information in the detail requested is not available. The available information is given in the table.

    Income tax, NICs, indirect tax and local tax payments. Married couple with two children.
    April 1979April 1991
    Assumed gross weekly earnings, £ per week99.20300.30
    Amounts, £ per week
    Income tax10.5734.83
    NICs6.4523.39
    Total income tax and NICs17.0258.22
    VAT4.2015.64
    Other indirect taxes8.8322.52
    Total excluding local taxes30.0596.38
    Domestic rates3.18
    TOTAL33.23
    Percentage of earnings
    Income tax10.611.6
    NICs6.57.8
    Total income tax and NICs17.119.4
    VAT4.25.2
    Other indirect taxes8.97.5
    Total excluding local taxes30.332.1
    Domestic rates3.2
    TOTAL33.5

    Notes:

    1. Income tax payments are calculated on the assumption that the households receive no tax reliefs other than the standard allowances and only have income from employment. All earners are assumed to pay class 1 NI contributions at the contracted-in rate.

    2. Child benefit is treated as a negative income tax. For 1991–92, the figure used reflects the revised child benefit rates introduced in April 1991.

    3. The estimates of indirect taxes are based on equations derived from the 1985 family expenditure survey, uprated to later years using forecasts of aggregate tax receipts. They are based on average expenditure patterns for the United Kingdom as a whole and use the illustrative assumption that 10 per cent. of disposable income is saved. There are wide variations in spending patterns between households with the same composition and similar incomes. Estimated payments of VAT and other indirect taxes are therefore approximate. Due to sampling variation, there can be substantial differences between estimates obtained from family expenditure surveys for different years.

    Social Security

    House Sales

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to direct the Benefits Agency not to treat any revenue accrued from the sale of a house as business income for benefit purposes.

    Where capital realised from the sale of a home is intended to be used for the purchase of another home it can be disregarded as income or capital for benefit purposes. Where, however, this is not the intention and the proceeds are invested into a business, such revenue is treated as income for calculating benefit.

    Means-Related Benefits

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has any plans to review the working of the tariff income schedule used to calculate the returns of savings for the purposes of assessing incomes for means-related benefits.

    As with all aspects of the benefits system, the tariff income rule is kept under review, but there are no plans to change it at present.

    National Insurance

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total amount of class 2 national insurance paid in 1990–91 and 1991–92; and what estimates he has made of the total amounts he expects to take in during 1992–93 from class 2 national insurance contributions.

    In 1990–91 the total amount of class 2 national insurance contributions paid was £500 million. We estimate that in 1991–92 and 1992–93 the amount paid will be £550 million and £590 million respectively.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people paid class 4 national insurance contributions in 1990–91 and 1991–92; and what estimates he has made of how many people he expects to pay class 4 national insurance contributions in 1992–93.

    In 1990–91 about 2 million people paid class 4 national insurance contributions. We expect that approximately the same number will pay in 1991–92 and 1992–93.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total amount of class 4 national insurance paid in 1990–91 and 1991–92; and what estimates he has made of the total amount he expects to take in during 1992–93 from class 4 national insurance contributions.

    In 1990–91 the total amount of class 4 national insurance contributions paid was £630 million. We estimate that in 1991–92 and 1992–93 the amount paid will be £700 million and £770 million respectively.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people paid class 2 national insurance contributions in 1990–91 and 1991–92; and what estimates he has made of how many people he expects to pay class 2 national insurance contributions in 1992–93.

    In 1990–91 about 2.5 million people paid class 2 national insurance contributions. We expect that approximately the same number will pay class 2 in 1991–92 and 1992–93.

    Departmental Planning

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 28 January, Official Report, column 515, what planning system is operated by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

    The DSS planning system requires its agencies and headquarters to draw up costed plans furthering the Department's aims and objectives. The system was developed as part of the DSS response to the financial management initiative and "next steps". Plans include a range of targets, covering quality of service, efficiency and financial performance, and provide a basis for judging performance and for estimating resource requirements in the public expenditure survey.Recent developments in the planning process will result in better and more public accountability of DSS through the published business plans and annual reports and accounts of its agencies.An overview of the forward plans and past performance of DSS is contained in the published 1991 departmental report, Cm 1514. The 1992 report will be published in February 1992.

    Social Fund

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Department of Social Security funded evaluation of the social fund, carried out by the social policy and research unit of York university, will be made available to (a) Ministers, (b) the public and (c) hon. Members.

    The report has not yet been received and it is too early to say when it will become available.

    Cold Weather Payments

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have received the £6 cold weather payment during the month of January; how this figure differs from departmental estimates of take-up for the same period; and how many such payments, during this same period, were made in Merseyside.

    The administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

    Family Credit

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to respond directly to hon. Members' queries on the policy aspects of family credit as opposed to referring them to the Benefits Agency for a reply.

    Ministers answer letters relating solely to policy and remain fully accountable to Parliament for the work of the Department, including its executive agencies. The terms upon which social security agency chief executives answer hon. Members' queries was set out in a letter sent to all Members of Parliament in March 1991. I shall send a copy of the letter to the hon. Member.

    Education And Science

    Further Education And Sixth Form Colleges

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the total level of debt charges for further education colleges and sixth form colleges in England and Wales.

    The total capital financing charge in relation to maintained colleges of further education in England was £103 million in 1989–90, the latest year for which outturn information is available. The information on sixth form colleges cannot be disaggregated from that on schools. The position in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has made any estimates of the transitional costs to further education and sixth form colleges in achieving corporate status, in terms of transitional seconded staff, professional services/advice, additional accountancy and management information systems.

    The transitional costs in 1992–93 of the necessary preparations for incorporating further education and sixth form colleges and giving them independence from local authority control, subject to the passage of the Further and Higher Education Bill currently before Parliament, are estimated at £25 million in England. This figure includes costs to colleges of preparing for their new management responsibilities, as well as the cost of establishing the Further Education Funding Council for England. Provision has been included in the Government's expenditure plans for 1992–93 for the purpose.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has made any estimates of the ongoing costs to further education and sixth form colleges of corporate status, in terms of (a) additional finance and personnel staff, (b) non-recoverable VAT, (c) legal, professional and audit costs, (d) payroll administration and processing and (e) increased pension contributions to support staff.

    The costs to colleges of undertaking or buying-in services currently provided by LEAs are expected to be offset by savings in LEA administration costs and efficiency savings. The liability on colleges to pay VAT on goods and services, once they become independent of LEA control, subject to the passage of the Further and Higher Education Bill, will give rise to costs of at least some £20 million. The level of pensions contributions is expected to be broadly in line with those currently made on behalf of college staff.

    Student Numbers

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what projections have been made of full-time equivalent student numbers in further education up to the year 2000, and of the effects on public expenditure.

    The Department's latest statistical projection to the year 2000, as at September 1991, is as follows:

    Projection of home and EC full-time equivalent student numbers in FE in England
    (000s)
    Number
    1990696
    1991705
    1992722
    1993742
    1994779
    1995847
    1996896
    1997938
    1998972
    19991,009
    20001,050
    This represents an increase of 50.9 per cent. between 1990 and 2000. The statistical projection is the central variant of a range. A range of statistical projections have been prepared with high, low, and central variants, reflecting the uncertainty of forecasting in this area.Expenditure for further education will be considered in the annual surveys of public expenditure, in the light of student numbers and other pressures, but also taking account of the scope for efficiency savings.

    Student Numbers

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what projections he has made of full-time equivalent student numbers in higher education up to the year 2000; and what estimate he has made of the cost of this.

    The Department's latest projection to the year 2000, as at April 1991, is as follows:

    Projection of home full-time equivalent student numbers in higher education in Great Britain
    Thousands
    1990795
    1991860
    1992918
    1993960
    1994984
    1995999
    19961,024
    19971,064
    19981,110
    19991,148
    20001,170
    This represents an increase of 47.2 per cent. between 1990 and 2000.

    The higher education White Paper published last May made clear the Government's commitment to providing a fair share of public expenditure for higher education. Projected student numbers will be taken into account with other relevant factors in assessing the financial needs of higher education in the public expenditure survey.

    Teacher Training

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students entered courses of initial teacher training in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991, respectively; and how many of those students took courses in (a) mathematics, (b) physics and (c) chemistry.

    The relevant information is given in the table.

    United Kingdom domiciled entrants to initial teacher tainting in

    England and Wales
    1988198919901991
    Total of which20,18321,75723,79528,792
    Mathematics1,1431,1391,0911,549
    Physics456377410527
    Chemistry342400421500

    Grant-Maintained Schools

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list those schools in respect of which proposals for grant-maintained status have been published but not yet determined and which are the subject of conflicting reorganisation proposals, giving in each case the dates of the close of the periods of formal objection to each set of proposals, and grouping together those schools for which proposals are inter-related.

    The information is as follows. Inter-related proposals have been bracketed together.

    Local education authority and schoolExpiry of objection period for GM proposalsExpiry of objection period for S12/13 proposals
    Kirklees
    Deighton High19 February 199214 January 1992
    Nottinghamshire
    Ravensdale Middle7 January 199227 April 1991
    Cumbria
    St. Aidan's High6 May 19915 September 1991
    Eden High5 September 19915 September 1991
    Trinity High11 January 19925 September 1991
    Surrey
    De Stafford High10 July 199119 November 1991
    Send (CE) First17 July 199113 November 1991
    Heathside High17 August 199126 November 1991
    Manor County First17 August 199116 March 1992
    Hawkedale First17 September 199117 December 1991
    Blindley Heath (CE) First2 January 199219 November 1991
    Kent
    Cliffe Woods Primary1 September 199122 August 1990
    Cliffe Woods Middle25 March 199122 August 1990
    Hoo St. Werburgh Middle31 April 199222 August 1990
    Edenbridge Middle14 July 199115 August 1990
    Ealing
    Local education authority and schoolExpiry of objection period for GM proposalsExpiry of objection period for S12/13 proposals
    Wood End Middle7 August 19913 July 1991
    Wood End First24 July 19913 July 1991
    Essex
    Elmbridge High15 October 199110 March 1992

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a table listing the capital allocation for each grant-maintained school for 1992–93, grouped by local education authority area, together with the number of pupils on the roll of each school, with totals.

    I attach a list of the named project capital allocations from grant-maintained schools for 1992–93. In addition, each grant-maintained school will receive a formula allocation of capital grant, calculated as £10,000 per school plus £20 per pupil, based on January 1991 pupil numbers.

    Named Project Capital allocations for grant-maintained schools in

    1992–93
    Allocations are in £000s

    Pupil numbers taken from information

    submitted by schools with their bids
    School and ProjectTotal Project AllocationPupil Numbers
    Avon
    Beechen Cliff School Sanitary, drainage, asbestos etc160793
    Oldfield School Urgent fabric and structure work50658
    Totals for Avon2101,451
    Barnet
    Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys Replace windows501,087
    Totals for Barnet501,087
    Bedfordshire
    Queensbury School Fire safety provisions40780
    Totals for Bedfordshire40780
    Berkshire
    Reading School Science and Technology facilities630675
    St. Bartholemew's School Health and Safety1551,497
    Totals for Berkshire7852,172
    Birmingham
    Baverstock School Phase I—Building shell and Services4701,147
    Great Barr School Technology facilities7002,050
    Totals for Birmingham1,1703,197
    Bradford
    Bingley Grammar School Science Wing Extension250951
    Totals for Bradford250951
    Bromley
    Bullers Wood School for Girls
    School and ProjectTotal Project AllocationPupil Numbers
    Technology block3751,016
    Totals for Bromley3751,106
    Buckinghamshire
    Beaconsfield High School New Technology block and refurbishment750783
    Totals for Buckinghamshire750783
    Calderdale
    Crossley Heath School Fire precaution work210663
    Totals for Calderdale210663
    Derbyshire
    Ecclesbourne School Technology facilities7801,225
    Totals for Derbyshire7801,225
    Dorset
    Bournemouth School Rationalisation of Science and Technology facilities546897
    Totals for Dorset546897
    Essex
    Chalvedon School Re-cladding Middle School block2501,334
    Westcliff High School for Boys Technology block280840
    Totals for Essex5302,174
    Gloucestershire
    Pate's Grammar School Phase II of rebuild1,997920
    Ribston Hall High School Boilers and controls for heating68407
    Stroud High School Science Block780727
    Totals for Gloucestershire2,8452,054
    Hampshire
    Hardley School Heating system repairs130656
    Totals for Hampshire130656
    Hertfordshire
    Francis Bacon Renewal of boilers and associated work30442
    Rickmansworth School Remodel and repair craft block250999
    Watford Grammar School for Boys Conversions to Design and Technology Centre1801,060
    Watford Grammar School for Girls Design and Technology facilities4001,018
    Totals for Hertfordshire8603,519
    Hillingdon
    Northwood School Technology block and conversion400987
    Queensmead School Roofing52966
    Vyners School Science and Technology Block638913
    School and ProjectTotal Project AllocationPupil Numbers
    Totals for Hillingdon1,0902,866
    Kent
    Dartford Grammar School Technology and Science facilities260817
    Thamesview School Health and Safety1001,084
    Wilmington Boys Grammar School Boiler house renewal145342
    Wilmington Girls Grammar School New Science Laboratory170482
    Totals for Kent6752,725
    Kirklees
    Heckmondwike Grammar School Repairs—old block200653
    Totals for Kirklees200653
    Lancashire
    Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Essential structural repairs145871
    Lancaster Girls Grammar School Upgrading of Toilets and Cloakroom50665
    Lancaster Royal Grammar School Information Technology Centre124864
    Totals for Lancashire3192,400
    Leicestershire
    Long Field High School Re-roofing phase II100360
    Totals for Leicestershire100360
    Lincolnshire
    Bourne Abbey Primary School Classrooms and medical facilities160502
    Caistor Grammar School Technology, science and IT building287428
    St. George's School Technology block1500921
    Totals for Lincolnshire9471,851
    Northamptonshire
    Kingsley Park Middle School Asbestos, fire escapes and technology50344
    Kingswood School Food technology, graphics and technology rooms330936
    Totals for Northamptonshire3801,280
    Sandwell
    Manor High School Upgrade site to health and safety requirements60604
    Totals for Sandwell60604
    Southwark
    London Nautical School Upgrade science laboratory150408
    Totals for Southwark150408
    Surrey
    Collingwood School Fabric repairs501,540
    Guildford County New classroom block370765
    School and ProjectTotal Project AllocationPupil Numbers
    Totals for Surrey4202,305
    Sutton
    Nonsuch High School for Girls Design and technology extension and remodelling700877
    Totals for Sutton700877
    Waltham Forest
    Highams Park School Re-roof technology workshops291,054
    Totals for Waltham Forest291,054
    Wandsworth
    Graveney School Toilet refurbishment1001,490
    Totals for Wandsworth1001,490
    Warwickshire
    Avon Valley School Roof repair17265
    Totals for Warwickshire17265
    Wolverhampton
    Wolverhampton Girls High School Phase I—Craft, Design and Technology450600
    Totals for Wolverhampton450600
    Totals15,16842,363
    1Provisional allocation.

    Schools

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a table, by local education authority, giving the name and location of (a) each grammar school and (b) each secondary modern school, with the number of pupils receiving full-time education in each school.

    The names and addresses, as currently recorded on the Department's index of educational establishments, of each grammar school and each secondary modern school in each local education authority in England and the number of pupils in each of those schools as at January 1991 are shown in the table. The table includes grant-maintained schools which are shown separately.

    Names and addresses of grammar schools

    and secondary modern schools within each local education authority

    in England in January 1992
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    LEA Grammar Schools
    Barnet
    Henrietta Barnett School Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London604
    St. Michael's R.C. Convent School Nether Street, North Finchley, London608
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    Bexley
    Bexley Grammar School Danson Lane, Welling, Kent802
    Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School Hurst Road, Sidcup, Kent1,185
    Bromley
    Newsteadwood Girls School Avebury Road, Orpington, Kent678
    St. Olave's School Goddington Lane, Orpington, Kent630
    Enfield
    The Latymer School Haselbury Road, Edmonton, London1,246
    Hounslow
    Tiffin Girls School Richmond Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey796
    Tiffin School Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston, Surrey879
    Redbridge
    Ilford Boys School Fremantle Road, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex625
    Woodford County High School High Road, Woodford Green, Essex617
    Surrey
    Sutton Manor High School Manor Lane, Sutton, Surrey586
    The Wallington Boys High School Croydon Road, Wallington, Surrey590
    The Wallington Girls High School Woodcote Road, Wallington, Surrey763
    Birmingham
    Sutton Coldfield Girls School Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands773
    King Edward VI School Frederick Road, Aston, Birmingham620
    Camp Hill Boys School Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham624
    Camp Hill Girls School Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham608
    Five Ways School Scotland Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham629
    Handsworth School Rose Hill Road, Soho, Birmingham819
    Bishop Veseys Grammar School Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands825
    Walsall
    Queen Mary's Grammar SchoolSutton Road, Walsall, West Midlands662
    Queen Mary's High School Upper Forster Street, Walsall, West Midlands621
    Wirral
    Wirral Boys Grammar School Cross Lane, Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside832
    Wirral Girls Grammar School Heath Road, Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside818
    Calday Grange Grammar School Grammar School Lane, West Kirby, Wirral, Merseyside1,010
    West Kirby Girls Grammar School Graham Road, West Kirby Wirral, Merseyside991
    Trafford
    Altrincham Boys School Marlborough Road, Altrincham, Cheshire623
    Altrincham Girls School Cavendish Road, Altrincham, Cheshire757
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    Stretford Grammar School Edge Lane, Stretford, Manchester478
    Urmston Grammar School Newton Road, Urmston, Manchester764
    Sale Grammar School Marsland Road, Sale1,217
    Avon
    Cotham Grammar School Cotham Lawn Road, Cotham, Bristol983
    Fairfield Grammar School Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol466
    Berkshire
    Kendrick Girls School London Road, Reading, Berkshire590
    Langley Grammar School Reddington Drive, Langley, Slough, Berkshire602
    Herschel School Northampton Avenue, Slough, Berkshire502
    Upton Grammar School Lascelles Road, Slough, Berkshire537
    St. Bernards School 1 Langley Road, Slough, Berkshire705
    Buckinghamshire
    Dr. Challoners Grammar School Chesham Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire1,027
    The John Hampden Grammar School Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire598
    Sir William Borlases School West Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire570
    Burnham Grammar School Hogfair Lane, Burnham, Buckinghamshire440
    The Lady Verney High School Kingshill Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire379
    Aylesbury High School Walton Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire1,072
    Dr. Challoners High School Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont, Amersham, Buckinghamshire786
    Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire640
    Chesham High School Whitehill, Chesham, Buckinghamshire812
    Aylesbury Grammar School Walton Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire1,096
    The Royal Latin School Brookfields, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire680
    The Royal Grammar School Amersham Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire1,110
    Wycombe High School Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire970
    Devon
    Torquay Boys Grammar School Shiphay Manor Drive, Torquay, Devon873
    Torquay Girls Grammar School 30 Shiphay Lane, Torquay, Devon767
    Churston Grammar School Greenway Road, Churston Ferrers, Brixham, Devon729
    Devonport Boys High School Paradise Road, Stoke Plymouth, Devon753
    Devonport Girls High School Lyndhurst Road, Peverell, Plymouth, Devon656
    Plymouth High School St. Lawrence Road, Plymouth, Devon431
    Dorset
    Fosters School Tinneys Lane, Sherborne, Dorset169
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    Lord Digbys School Newland, Sherborne, Dorset147
    Parkstone Grammar School Sopers Lane, Poole, Dorset621
    Poole Grammar School Gravel Hill, Poole, Dorset694
    Bournemouth Girls School Castle Gate Close, Castle Lane, West Bournemouth821
    Essex
    Colchester Girls School Norman Way, off Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex655
    Southend Boys School Prittlewell Chase, Southend on Sea, Essex809
    Westcliff Girls School Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff on Sea, Essex879
    Southend Girls High School Southchurch Boulevard, Southend on Sea, Essex816
    Chelmsford High School Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex662
    The Royal Grammar School 6 Lexdon Road, Colchester, Essex643
    King Edward VI School Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex702
    Gloucestershire
    Crypt School Podsmead, Gloucester358
    Sir Thomas Rich's School Oakleaze, Gloucester428
    Denmark Road High School Denmark Road, Gloucester475
    Kent
    Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls Southfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent816
    Tonbridge Grammar School for Girls Deakin Leas, Pembury Road, Tonbridge, Kent856
    Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent624
    The Weald of Kent Grammar School for Girls Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge, Kent399
    Chatham Grammar School for Girls Rainham Road, Chatham, Kent565
    Chatham Grammar School for Boys Holcombe, Maidstone Road, Chatham Kent482
    Fort Pitt Grammar School for Girls Fort Pitt, Chatham, Kent727
    Rainham Mark Grammar School Pump Lane, Gillingham, Kent985
    The Harvey Grammar School Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent684
    Dover Boys Grammar School Astor Avenue, Dover, Kent508
    Dover Girls Grammar School Frith Road, Dover, Kent562
    Chatham House Grammar School for Boys Chatham Stree, Ramsgate, Kent636
    Clarendon House Grammar School for Girls Clarendon Gardens, Ramsgate, Kent553
    Dane Court Grammar School Broadstairs Road, Broadstairs, Kent904
    The Howard Grammar/High School Derwent Way, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent1,742
    The Barton Court Grammar School Longport, Canterbury, Kent453
    The Folkestone School for Girls Coolinge Lane, Folkestone, Kent744
    Rochester Grammar School for Girls Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent475
    Sir Roger Manwoods School Manwood Road, Sandwich, Kent628
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    Sir J Williamsons Mathematical School Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent752
    Queen Elizabeths School Abbey Place, Faversham, Kent620
    Simon Langton Girls School Old Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent844
    The Skinners Co. School St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent668
    The Judd School Brook Street, Tonbridge, Kent701
    Gravesend Grammar School for Boys Church Walk, Gravesend503
    Gravesend Grammar School for Girls Pelham Road, Gravesend600
    Highworth Girls School Quantock Drive, Ashford574
    The Norton Knatchbull School Hythe Road, Ashford556
    Lincolnshire
    Kesteven and Grantham Girls School Sandon Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire742
    Kesteven and Sleaford High School Jermyn Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire456
    Boston Girls High School Spilsby Road, Boston, Lincolnshire759
    Spalding Girls High School Stonegate, Spalding, Lincolnshire712
    Queen Elizabeths High School Morton Terrace, Gainsborough773
    Bourne Grammar School South Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire467
    Boston Grammar School South End, Boston, Lincolnshire603
    Queen Elizabeths Grammar School West Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire502
    Spalding Grammar School Priory Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire674
    North Yorkshire
    Ripon Grammar School Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire583
    Skipton Girls High School Gargrave Road, Skipton-in-Craven North Yorkshire523
    Ermysted's Grammar School Gargrave Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire507
    Shropshire
    Newport Girls High School Wellington Road, Newport, Shropshire218
    Warwickshire
    Alcester Grammar School Birmingham Road, Alcester, Warwickshire531
    Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls Shottery Manor, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire403
    Rugby High School for Girls Longrood Road, Bilton, Rugby, Warwickshire520
    King Edward VI Grammar School Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire407
    Lawrence Sheriff School Clifton Road, Rugby, Warwickshire531
    Wiltshire
    South Wilts Girls School Stratford Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire710
    Bishop Wordsworth's Boy's School 11 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire608
    Grant-Maintained Grammar Schools Hammersmith and Fulham
    London Oratory School Seagrave Road, Londonn.a.
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    Sutton
    Nonsuch Girls High School Ewell Road, Cheam, Surrey874
    Wilsons School Mollison Drive, Wallingtonn.a.
    Birmingham
    Handsworth Grammar School for Boys Grove Lane, Birmingham772
    Wolverhampton
    Wolverhampton Girls High School Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton584
    Calderdale
    North Halifax High School Moorbottom Road, Illingworth, Halifax640
    The Crossley Heath School Savile Park, Halifax, Yorkshire685
    Kirklees
    Heckmondwike Grammar High Street, Heckmondwike, Kirklees614
    Leeds
    Bingley Grammar School Keighley Road, Bingleyn.a.
    Berkshire
    Reading School Erleigh Road, Reading, Berkshire645
    Buckinghamshire
    Beaconsfield High School Wattleton Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire780
    Cumbria
    Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Ullswater Road, Penrithn.a.
    Devon
    Colyton Grammar School Colyford, Colyton, Devon462
    Dorset
    Bournemouth School East Way, Bournemouth872
    Essex
    Westcliff High School for Boys Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex835
    Gloucestershire
    Ribston Hall High School Stroud Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire405
    Marling Boys High School Downfield Lodge, Downfield Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire737
    Stroud Girls High School Beards Lane, Stroud, Gloucestershire698
    Pate's Grammar School Upper School, Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire977
    Hertfordshire
    Watford Grammar School for Boys Rickmansworth Road, Watfordn/a
    Watford Grammar School for Girls Lady's Close, Watfordn/a
    Kent
    Wilmington Grammar School for Girls Wilmington Grange, Parsons Lane, Wilmington, Dartford426
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    Wilmington Grammar School for Boys Wilmington Hall, Common Lane, Dartford, Kent307
    Dartford Grammar School for Boys West Hill, Dartford, Kent816
    Dartford Grammar School for Girls Shepherd's Lane, Dartfordn/a
    Simon Langton Boys Grammar School Langton Lane, Nackington Road, Canterburyn/a
    Cranbrook School Waterloo Road, Cranbrookn/a
    Lancashire
    Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Glen Road, Waterfoot, Rossendale, Lancashire734
    Lancaster Royal Grammar School East Road, Lancaster, Lancashire864
    Lancaster Girls Grammar School Regent Street, Lancaster644
    Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Chatburn Road, Clitheroe, Lancashire801
    Lincolnshire
    Skegness Grammar School Vernon Road, Skegness, Lincolnshire568
    Queen Elizabeths Grammar School Station Road, Alford, Lincolnshire336
    The Kings School Brook Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire764
    Carries VC Grammar School Northgate, Sleaford, Lincolnshire403
    Caistor Grammar School Church Street, Caistor, Lincolnshire410
    King Edward VI Grammar School Edward Street, Louthn/a
    Shropshire
    Adams' Grammar School Newport, Shropshire457
    LEA Secondary Modern Schools Hillingdon
    Walsingham Roman Catholic School Springfield Road, Hayes, Middlesex87
    Kingston upon Thames
    Beverley School College Gardens, Blakes Lane, New Malden, Surrey700
    Coombe Girls School Clarence Avenue, New Malden, Surrey994
    Chessington Community College Garrison Lane, Chessington, Surrey448
    Hollyfield School Surbiton Hill Road, Surbiton, Surrey705
    Southborough School Hook Road, Surbiton, Surrey488
    Tolworth Girls School Fullers Way North, Surbiton, Surrey1,005
    Holy Cross Covent School Sandal Road, New Malden, Surrey505
    Richard Challoner School Manor Drive North, New Malden, Surrey615
    Sutton
    Carshalton Boys High School Winchcombe Road, Carshalton, Surrey714
    Carshalton Girls High School West Street, Carshalton, Surrey748
    Cheam High School Chatsworth Road, Cheam, Surrey957
    Highview High School The Chase, Wallington, Surrey312
    Glenthorne Girls High School Sutton Common Road, Sutton, Surrey786
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    Stanley Park High School Stanley Park Road, Carshalton, Surrey588
    Wirral
    Pensby Boys High School Irby Road, Heswall, Wirral, Merseyside635
    Pensby Girls High School Irby Road, Heswall, Wirral, Merseyside687
    Hilbre High School Frankby Road, West Kirby, Wirral776
    Bebington High School Higher Bebington Road, Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside970
    South Wirral High School Plymyard Avenue, Eastham, Wirral, Merseyside1,017
    Trafford
    Sale Moor Secondary School Norris Road, Sale, Cheshire550
    Ashton on Mersey School Cecil Avenue, Sale, Cheshire858
    Flixton Girls School Flixton Road, Urmston, Manchester885
    Lostock Secondary School Selby Road, Stretford, Greater Manchester900
    Wellacre School Irlam Road, Flixton, Trafford535
    Green Lane School Green Lane, Timperley, Cheshire474
    The New Wellington High School Moss Lane, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire805
    Stretford High School Great Stone Road, Stretford456
    St. Antony's Roman Catholic School Bradfield Road, Urmston, Manchester414
    Blessed Thomas Holford School Urban Road, Altrincham, Cheshire571
    Calderdale
    Clare Hall School Clare Hall, Oxford Road, Halifax576
    Exley Secondary School Park Lane, Halifax, West Yorkshire362
    Haugh Shaw School Moorfield Street, Halifax311
    Ovenden Secondary School Nursery Lane, Halifax, West Yorkshire341
    Holmfield High School Holdsworth Road, Holmfield, Halifax507
    Kirklees
    Liversedge Secondary School Roberttown Lane, Liversedge, West Yorkshire459
    Heckmondwike Secondary School Leeds Old Road, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire424
    Berkshire
    Churchmead School Priory Way, Datchet, Slough, Berkshire387
    Westgate Secondary School Cippenham Lane, Slough, Berkshire446
    Baylis Court School Gloucester Avenue, Slough, Berkshire298
    Langley Wood School Langley Road, Slough, Berkshire530
    Wexham County Secondary School Norway Drive, Slough, Berkshire418
    Slough and Eton Church of England School Ragstone Road, Slough, Berkshire425
    St. Joseph's Roman Catholic School Shaggy Calf Lane, Slough, Berkshire392
    Buckinghamshire
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    Buckingham County Secondary School London Road, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire663
    Chalfonts School Narcot Lane, Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire934
    Hatters Lane County Secondary School Hatters Lane, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire543
    The Grange School Wendover Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire898
    Princes Risborough County Secondary School Merton Road, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire376
    Wing School Aylesbury Road, Wing, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire410
    Misbourne Upper School Misbourne Drive, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire679
    The John Colet School Wharf Road, Wendover, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire632
    Quarrendon Upper School Weedon Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire547
    Great Marlow School Bobmore Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire684
    Mandeville School Ellen Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire600
    Holmer Green Secondary School Parish Piece, Holmer Green, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire499
    Cressex School Holmers Lane, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire631
    Burnham Upper School Opendale Road, Burnham, Buckinghamshire383
    Brenchwood School Faulkner Way, Downley, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire396
    Beaconsfield Secondary School Wattleton Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire468
    Sir William Ramsey School Rose Avenue, Hazlemere, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire632
    The Wye Valley School New Road, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire354
    The Amersham School Stanley Hill, Amersham, Buckinghamshire423
    Chesham Park School Chartridge Lane, Chesham, Buckinghamshire494
    St.Bernard's Roman Catholic Secondary School Daws Hill Lane, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire414
    Waddesdon Church of England Secondary School Baker Street, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire473
    Devon
    Audley Park School Barton Road, Torquay1,026
    Brixham Community College Higher Ranscombe Road, Brixham, Devon516
    Paignton Community College Waterleat Road, Paignton, Devon1,169
    Sir John Hunt School Lancaster Gardens, Whitleigh, Plymouth, Devon338
    Devonport Secondary School Park Avenue, Devonport, Plymouth, Devon289
    St. Peters C of E School Wyndham Square, Plymouth, Devon132
    Axe Valley School Chard Street, Axminster344
    Dorset
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    Herbert Carter School Blandford Road, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset379
    Kemp-Welch School Herbert Avenue, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset629
    The Ashdown County Sec. School Adastral Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset604
    St. Aldhelms School Bristol Road, Sherborne, Dorset538
    St. Edwards R C School Dale Valley Road, Poole, Dorset441
    Henry Harbin School Wimborne Road, Poole, Dorset974
    Kent
    Dartford West High School for Boys Highfield Road, Dartford, Kent650
    Dartford West High School for Girls Heath Lane, Dartford, Kent674
    Huntleys Secondary School for Boys Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent132
    The Wildernesse Secondary School for Boys Seal Hollow Road, Sevenoaks, Kent644
    Sevenoaks High School for Girls Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, Kent484
    The Ridgewaye School Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent135
    Hayesbrook School Brook Street, Tonbridge, Kent482
    Hillview Girls School Brionne Gardens, Tonbridge, Kent589
    Christchurch High School for Girls Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, Kent540
    Fort Luton High School for Boys Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, Kent390
    Rochester Chapter School Cliffe Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent718
    Temple Boys School Brompton Farm Road, Frindsbury, Rochester, Kent562
    Herne Bay High School Bullockstone Road, Herne Bay, Kent697
    The Frank Montgomery School Bredlands Lane, Sturry, Kent, Canterbury545
    The Sir William Nottidge School Bellevue Road, Whitstable, Kent847
    Sandwich High School Dover Road, Sandwich, Kent563
    The Charles Dickens High School Broadstairs Road, Broadstairs, Kent790
    King Ethelbert School Canterbury Road, Birchington, Kent769
    Ellington High School Ellington Place, Ramsgate, Kent432
    Hereson School Lillian Road, Ramsgate, Kent370
    The Robert Napier School Third Avenue, Gillingham, Kent801
    Woodlands High School Woodlands Road, Gillingham, Kent448
    The Hugh Christie Secondary School Norwich Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent884
    Upbury Manor School Marlborough Road, Gillingham, Kent794
    Walderslade High School for Girls Bradfields Avenue, Walderslade, Chatham, Kent553
    Hartsdown High School George V Avenue, Margate, Kent830
    Walderslade High School for Boys Bradfields Avenue, Walderslade, Chatham, Kent616
    Sandown Court Secondary School Blackhurst Lane, Tunbridge Wells, Kent773
    Conyngham High School Stirling Way, Ramsgate, Kent494
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    Rainham School for Girls Derwent Way, Rainham, Kent1,373
    Rede Secondary School Carnation Road, Watling Street, Strood, Rochester, Kent391
    Wilmington High School Common Lane, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent288
    Chatham South School Letchworth Avenue, Chatham, Kent616
    Canterbury High School Knight Avenue, Canterbury, Kent804
    The Abbey School London Road, Faversham, Kent1,085
    St. Georges C of E High School Westwood Road, Broadstairs, Kent897
    The Holy Cross RC High School Ramsgate Road, Broadstairs, Kent520
    The Archbishop's C of E School St. Stephen's Hill, Canterbury, Kent663
    Southfields High School Singlewell Road, Gravesend, Kent481
    Northfleet Boys School Colyer Road, Northfleet, Kent681
    Northfleet Girls School Hall Road, Northfleet, Kent769
    Swanscombe School Swanscombe Street, Swanscombe302
    The Thomas Aveling School Arethusa Road, Rochester, Kent794
    Lancashire
    Ribblesdale School Queens Road, Clitheroe, Lancashire748
    Lincolnshire
    The Robert Manning School Edinburgh Crescent, Bourne, Lincolnshire668
    Ruskington Cotelands School Sleaford Road, Ruskington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire212
    The Aveland School Birthorpe Road, Billingborough, Sleaford, Lincolnshire228
    The Lafford School Fen Road, Billinghay, Lincolnshire213
    The Charles Read Secondary School Bourne Road, Corby Glen, Grantham, Lincolnshire221
    The Walton Girls High School Harlaxton Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire479
    Kitwood Boys School Mill Road, Boston, Lincolnshire376
    Kitwood Girls School Marian Road, Boston, Lincolnshire314
    Sir John Gleed Boys High School Halmer Gardens, Spalding, Lincolnshire580
    Sir John Gleed Girls High School Neville Avenue, Spalding, Lincolnshire543
    The Middlecott School Edinburgh Drive, Kirton, Boston, Lincolnshire510
    George Farmer County Secondary School Penny Hill Road, Holbeach, Spalding, Lincolnshire417
    The Peele County Secondary School 84 Little London, Long Sutton, Spalding, Lincolnshire458
    The Giles County Secondary School Church Lane, Old Leake, Boston, Lincolnshire504
    St. Guthlacs High School Postland Road, Crowland, Peterborough233
    The John Spendluffe County Secondary School Hanby Lane, Alford, Lincolnshire279
    Yarborough School Grimsby Road, Caistor, Lincolnshire378
    Banovallum School Boston Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire388
    Number of pupils as at January 1991
    The Gartree School Butts Lane, Tattershall, Lincolnshire374
    The Tennyson School Seaholme Road, Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire319
    The Earl of Scarborough High School Burgh Road, Skegness, Lincolnshire1,051
    The Castle Hills School The Avenue, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire407
    The Middlefield School Middlefield Lane, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire516
    The Thomas Conley School School Lane, Donington, Spalding, Lincolnshire413
    The William Lovell CE Secondary School Main Road, Stickney, Boston, Lincolnshire292
    St. Bedes RC Secondary School Tollfield Road, Boston, Lincolnshire136
    North Yorkshire
    Ripon City School Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire414
    Upper Wharfedale School Wharfeside Avenue, Threshfield, Skipton, North Yorkshire246
    Aireville Secondary School Gargrave Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire502
    Shropshire
    Burton Borough School Audley Avenue, Newport, Shropshire781
    Warwickshire
    Henley in Arden High School Stratford Road, Henley in Arden, Solihull, West Midlands368
    Kineton High School Banbury Road, Kineton, Warwickshire1,056
    Stour Valley Community School Darlingscote Road, Shipston on Stour, Warwickshire326
    Studley High School Crooks Lane, Studley, Warwickshire435
    Stratford Upon Avon High School Alcester Road, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire907
    Bilton High School Lawford Lane, Bilton, Rugby690
    Alcester High School Gerrard Road, Alcester, Warwickshire472
    Bishop Wulstan RC High School Oak Street, Off Dunchurch Road, Rugby, Warwickshire281
    St Benedicts RC High School Kinwarton Road, Alcester, Warwickshire249
    Harris CE High School Harris Drive, Overslade Lane, Rugby, Warwickshire566
    Wiltshire
    Downton School Braemore Road, Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire337
    Highburys Boys Secondary School Church Road, Laverstock, Salisbury, Wiltshire470
    St Edmunds CE Girls School Church Road, Laverstock, Salisbury, Wiltshire519
    St Josephs RC School Church Road, Laverstock, Salisbury, Wiltshire185
    Grant-Maintained Secondary Modern Schools Lincolnshire
    St Georges Secondary School Westholme, Westgate, Sleaford, Lincolnshire864
    Warwickshire
    Avon Valley School Newbold Road, Rugby, Warwickshire290

    Polytechnics

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what steps he took to satisfy himself that the procedures for the awarding of the surveying management contract at Anglia polytechnic were carried out in accordance with his Department's requirements;(2) how the costs of staff redundancies arising out of competitive tendering procedures in polytechnics are funded.

    I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave him on Thursday 30 January.

    Howbury Grange School, Slade Green

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to make a decision on the future of Howbury Grange school, Slade Green, Erith; and if he will make a statement.

    The section 12 proposals published by Bexley to close Howbury Grange school are currently being considered. My right hon. and learned Friend expects to announce his decision shortly.

    Students, Irish Republic

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to his reply on 15 January, Official Report, columns 583–84, if the Government of the Republic of Ireland pay tuition fees for United Kingdom students attending courses of higher education in the Irish Republic.

    This is not a matter falling within my Department's responsibilities. However I have had inquiries made and I understand that the Government of the Republic of Ireland do not pay tuition fees for any students attending university courses in the Irish Republic. In the non-university higher education sector fees for EC students, irrespective of nationality, attending most courses in the Republic are met by the Irish Government with a contribution from the European social fund. For other courses in the Republic in the non-university higher education sector the fees are paid by the individual, irrespective of nationality. Should the right hon. Member require further details he might like to contact directly the Department of Education, Dublin.

    Boarding Schools

    To ask the Secretary of State for Educationa and Science if he will list (a) for each local education authority and (b) by location, the current state-owned boarding schools and the pupil establishment for each school.

    Not all local education authorities have bording schools. The table lists boarding schools maintained by local education authorities, and the numbers and boarders on roll at January 1991, the latest date for which information is available.

    LEA maintained schools

    Local education authority and school

    Total number on roll

    Boarders on roll

    Greenwich

    Crown Woods school1,773773

    Isles of Scilly

    Isles of Scilly school11220

    Buckinghamshire

    The Royal Latin school68012
    Royal Grammar school, High Wycombe1,11045
    The Radcliffe school, Milton Keynes1,7458

    Cambridgeshire

    The King's school, Peterborough76069

    Cornwall

    Launceston college1,07015

    Cumbria

    Dallam school60042
    Keswick school813112

    Derbyshire

    Lady Manners' school, Bakewell1,33829
    Queen Elizabeth grammar school, Ashbourne1,05426

    Devon

    St. Boniface's college, Plymouth71620
    Queen Elizabeth's Community college, Crediton1,25954

    Dorset

    Beaminster school55150
    Shaftesbury school70648
    Hardye's school, Dorchester65411

    East Sussex

    Thomas Peacocke school, Rye87236

    Essex

    Elmbridge school, Fyfield148148
    Royal Grammar school, Colchester64317
    Ursuline Convent school, Brentwood74930
    Hockerill school, Bishops Stortford343343

    Hampshire

    The King's school184710
    Peter Symonds' college11,09070
    Westgate school184814

    Hertfordshire

    St. George's school, Harpenden856101

    Humberside

    Sir John Nelthorpe Comprehensive school, Brigg67712
    Hull Trinity House school26515
    Bridlington school1,17536

    Kent

    Sir Roger Manwood's school, Sandwich62874
    Folkestone High school for girls7446

    Leicestershire

    Rutland Sixth Form college, Oakham48064
    Ashby Grammar school, Ashby de la
    Zouche1,27434
    Burleigh Community college,
    Loughborough1,15041

    Lincolnshire

    De Aston School, Market Rasen1,01951
    Cordeaux High school, Louth61060

    Local education authority and school

    Total number on roll

    Boarders on roll

    North Yorkshire

    Ripon Grammar school58351
    Archbishop Holgate's school5428
    Richmond school1,1165

    Northamptonshire

    Magdalen college school1,00526

    Northumberland

    Berwick County Middle school38610
    Dr. Thomlinson's CE Middle school, Rothbury21514
    Haydon Bridge High school65384

    Nottinghamshire

    The Minster school, Southwell1,35460

    Oxfordshire

    Lord William's school, Thame1,81190
    Burford school1,13890

    Shropshire

    Adams' school, Wem85422

    Somerset

    Brymore Secondary Technical school, Bridgwater174139

    Surrey

    The Royal Alexander and Albert, Reigate430430

    West Sussex

    Steyning Grammar school1,43959

    The table lists grant-maintained boarding schools.

    Grant-maintained Schools with Boarding

    NOR

    BOR

    Reading School, Berkshire64599
    The Woodroffe School, Lyme Regis, Dorset826109
    Old Swinford Hospital School, Dudley544371
    Cranbrook School, Cranbrook, Kent696283
    Lancaster Royal Grammar School, Lancashire864179
    Caistor Grammar School, Caistor, Lincoln41057
    King Edward VI School, Louth, Lincs52836
    King's School, Grantham, Lincs74661
    Skegness Grammar School570

    125

    Wymondham College, Norfolk827636
    Adam's Grammar, Newport, Shrops457100
    Sexey's School, Bruton, Somerset381238
    Gordon's School, Woking, Surrey281187

    1Boarding provision was added to Skegness Grammar school on 1 September 1991 and this figure applies to this date.

    Transport

    Dangerous Substances

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the documentation required by British drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous substances in order to enter other European Community states under EC directive 89/684/EEC when it comes into effect on 1 July.

    British drivers of road tankers with a capacity of more than 3,000 litres and/or a permissible maximum weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes carrying dangerous substances, and of any vehicle carrying explosives or a tank container carrying dangerous substances will need to hold a full vocational driver training certificate in addition to meeting the existing requirements.

    Driver Training

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the recognition by other member states of provisional certificates of training issued by his Department to meet the requirements of EC directive 89/684/EEC.

    Provisional driver training certificates issued to meet the requirements of the directive will be valid for use only for domestic transport in the member state of issue.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay in preparing United Kingdom legislation and training courses needed to meet the requirements of EC directive 89/684/EEC.

    There has been no delay. The necessary arrangements for the implementation of the directive before the deadline of 1 July 1992 are well advanced.Legislation to implement EC directive 89/684/EEC in the United Kingdom is being drafted by the Health and Safety Executive under the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work. etc. Act 1974. A consultative document was issued last summer and I expect to receive recommendations for regulations from the Health and Safety Commission shortly. The administrative arrangements for training courses to run from April 1992 are in hand.

    Driving Licences

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how frequently drivers are required to renew their driving licence; what is the charge for renewing a driving licence; and if he will introduce compensation for those required to renew on the ground of age.

    Provided they do not have any relevant disability or medical condition which may restrict the period for which the licence is granted and they have not been disqualified, drivers are required to renew their driving licence only at age 70. From age 70, licences are granted for, at most, three years at a time.From 1 February, the fee for renewal is £6.This fee is statutory and compensation is not considered appropriate.

    Air Traffic Control

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made as to the adequacy of the present arrangements for air traffic control over Europe; what consultations he has had with other EC Governments on the matter; what actions in this connection are planned for the forthcoming United Kingdom presidency of the EC; and if he will make a statement.

    Following a United Kingdom initiative, Transport Ministers of the member states of the European civil aviation conference (ECAC) agreed in April 1990 a strategy for the harmonisation and integration of air traffic control systems in Europe. The first phase of this strategy, which has just been completed, consisted of a comprehensive assessment of the present arrangements for air traffic control in Europe. The second and third phases will comprise programme development and acquisition and implementation of new equipment.My right hon. Friend has consulted a number of his colleagues in the EC on air traffic control matters. On 17 March he will be chairing a meeting in London of Transport Ministers of ECAC member states, which include all EC member states, to consider further measures to reduce flight delays and to cope with growth in air traffic. We expect the meeting to reach agreement on a major extension of the current strategy for air traffic control to the end of the century and beyond.During the forthcoming United Kingdom presidency of the EC the Government will encourage the Commission to support fully the initiatives that we have initiated in ECAC. The Government will be seeking increased support from the EC for research and trials on air traffic management. The Government will also seek substantial progress on a proposal for a directive relating to mandatory technical and operational standards for the procurement of air traffic control equipment.

    Relief Road, Manchester

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he now expects the public consultation to take place, in respect of the proposed Greater Manchester western and northern relief road.

    Barnstaple Downstream Bridge

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give urgent consideration to the application by Devon county council for funding of the Barnstaple downstream bridge and the western link.

    No such application has been made. The county council's current transport policies and programme document shows that it does not propose to start construction of this scheme until the year 2000.

    Vehicle Excise Duty

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what figures are available to show the number of vehicles on the road in England and Wales without valid vehicle duty excise licences; and if he will make a statement;(2) what figures are available to him to show the number of vehicles on the road in Scotland without valid vehicle duty excise licences;(3) what information is available to him to show the number of vehicles on the road in Northern Ireland without a valid vehicle duty excise licence.

    I have been asked to reply.Based on a roadside survey carried out in Great Britain in June 1989 the best estimate of the number of unlicensed vehicles currently in use on United Kingdom roads is 1.3 million. Separate regional figures are not available.

    Further details can be found in the Transport Statistics Report "Vehicle Excise Duty in Great Britain in 1989–90" which is available in the House Library.

    Scotland

    Electricity Privatisation

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the administrative costs of the sale of the two Scottish electricity companies; and if he will make a statement.

    The costs to the Government in 1991–92 of the Scottish electricity share offers are estimated to be as follows:

    £ million
    United Kingdom offers
    Underwriting21.5
    Selling and broking commission4.2
    Marketing5.2
    Share information office4.3
    Prospectus production and distribution3.1
    Receiving banks11.5
    Advisers' fees and expenses11.1
    Total (United Kingdom offers)60.9
    Overseas offers7.9
    Total (United Kingdom and overseas offers)68.8
    These costs represent about 2 per cent. of the total proceeds due from the sale of shares and from debt repayable to the Government, which together are estimated at £3,430 million. The costs exclude stamp duty and VAT on services provided to the Government, which are not net costs to the Exchequer. They also exclude the costs of the electricity vouchers issued to eligible shareholders in December 1991.Expenditure on the sale in 1990–91 (exclusive of VAT) amounted to £4.6 million in advisers' fees and expenses and £1.2 million in other sale costs. The costs incurred in earlier years totalled £5.8 million (exclusive of VAT).

    Primary School Classes

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of children in primary classes in Scotland in (a) 1988 and (b) 1991, in classes of (i) 31 to 35, (ii) 36 to 39 and (iii) 40 and above.

    [holding answer 30 January 1992]: Information in the form requested is not available centrally.

    Energy

    Energy-Intensity Ratio

    To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will estimate Britain's energy-intensity ratio for each year since 1962; and what are his projected estimates for each year until 2010, based on current Government policy.

    Since 1962 the energy ratio, defined as the ratio of primary energy demand to gross domestic product, has taken the following values:

    YearValue
    19620.89
    19630.88
    19640.86
    19650.87
    19660.85
    19670.84
    19680.83
    19690.83
    19700.85
    19710.83
    19720.82
    19730.80
    19740.77
    19750.75
    19760.75
    19770.74
    19780.72
    19790.72
    19800.69
    19810.67
    19820.66
    19830.64
    19840.62
    19850.62
    19860.61
    19870.59
    19880.58
    19890.58
    19900.59
    Projected future values of the energy ratio will be included in a forthcoming publication containing revised projections of CO

    2 emissions and energy demand. These were described in a parliamentary answer on 6 December 1991, at columns 258–59.

    Electricity Supply

    To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his answer of 20 December, Official Report, column 377, when he expects the transmission and distribution price control reviews by the director general of the Office of Electricity Supply to be completed.

    The timing of the reviews is a matter for the Director General of Electricity Supply, having regard to conditions in the transmission licence and the public electricity supply licences.

    Electricity Privatisation

    To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what were the administrative costs of the sales of the 12 regional electricity companies and the two generating companies in England and Wales.

    The costs of the electricity share offers in England and Wales incurred to date by the Government are estimated to be as follows:

    £ million
    United Kingdom offers
    Underwriting51.5
    Selling and Broking Commission13.8
    Marketing22.2
    Share Information Office12.6
    Prospectus production and distribution13.6
    Receiving Banks67.0
    Adviser's fees44.8
    Other costs5.2
    Total (United Kingdom offers)230.7
    £ million
    Overseas offers26.6
    Total (United Kingdom and Overseas offers)257.3
    These costs represent about 2.3 per cent. of the proceeds from the sale of shares in the electricity share offers and from the repayment of debt by the companies which, together, are estimated at £11 billion. The costs exclude stamp duty and VAT on services provided to the Government which are not net costs to the Exchequer, and incentives on employee and individual shareholdings. The figures include expenditure incurred from April 1990 to the end of December 1991, but do not include costs incurred in previous years primarily on the restructuring of the industry which amounted, on the same basis, to about £16.3 million.

    Trade And Industry

    Company Inquiry Reports

    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many company inquiry reports have been completed, but not published; under which sections of the Companies Acts they were carried out; and what steps he is taking to clear reports for publication.

    The following table lists 11 unpublished inspectors' reports where the decision to publish remains under consideration. It is always considered whether there is any reason why a report should not be published immediately and publication may be deferred where; for example, to do so would prejudice criminal proceedings. Occasionally it is decided not to publish a report.

    Company nameType of Enquiry
    British Anzani plcS165 Companies Act 1948
    Medway Secondary Metals plcS165 Companies Act 1948
    Graylaw Holdings Limited and Link Service Stations Limited S165 Companies Act 1948
    Bank Street Securities LimitedS165 Companies Act 1948
    Pennine Commercial Holdings plc1S165 Companies Act 1948
    Guinness plc1S432 and S442 Companies Act 1985
    The Bestwood plc and Atlanta Fund Managers LimitedS432 and S442 Companies Act 1985 and S432 Companies Act 1985
    Blue Arrow plcS432 Companies Act 1985
    BOM Holdings plcS432 Companies Act 1985
    1Interim.

    Estate Agents

    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions the powers under the Estate Agents Act 1979 have been used to prohibit unfit persons from doing estate agency work.

    The Director General of Fair Trading has used his powers under the Act to prohibit 150 persons from doing estate agency work and a further nine persons from doing certain types of estate agency work.

    Queen's Award For Export

    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the companies which have received the Queen's award for export since 1979, with the date of the award; and which of these companies are still in business (a) under the same name or (b) under a different name.

    Since 1979, a total of 1,336 Queen's awards for export achievement have been granted to industrial units within the United Kingdom. The awards are announced annually on the Queen's birthday, 21 April. The winners are listed in a supplement to the London Gazette on 21 April each year. No record is kept of award winners which are still in business, or of those which have changed their name. The information requested could not therefore be provided except at disproportionate cost.

    Limited Liability

    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received, and from whom, about the extension of limited liability to audit and accountancy firms.

    Since 1 October there has been no statutory bar on the appointment of a limited liability company as a company auditor provided it is eligible for appointment under the rules of its recognised supervisory body. We have received no representations on the subject since then.

    Blue Arrow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he now expects to publish his inspector's report on the Blue Arrow inquiry.

    My right hon. Friend decided to delay publication of the inspectors' report in the light of representations made to him. He intends to publish the report as soon as he considers it appropriate to do so.

    Development Areas

    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the work force in each of the standard regions of England live within the boundaries of development areas.

    The answer, which also includes figures for intermediate areas, is as follows:

    per cent.
    RegionDevelopment areasIntermediate areasAssisted areas
    Northern69.212.982.1
    North West32.133.865.9
    Yorkshire/Humberside8.143.251.4
    East Midlands2.l3.15.2
    West Midlands070.770.7
    South West3.69.413.1
    South East000
    East Anglia000

    Note: Assisted areas may be either development areas or intermediate areas.

    Rural Mail Services

    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he intends to take to enable the Royal Mail to continue with its £200 million subsidy for rural mail services under his proposals to limit the postal monopoly.

    [holding answer 30 January 1992]: The Government have repeatedly made it clear in the citizens charter White Paper and elsewhere that our overriding commitment remains the maintenance of a universal service, with an affordable, uniform tariff structure. We recognise the importance which individuals and businesses attach to this, especially in rural areas. However, the reduction in the letter monopoly to £1 in 1981 demonstrated that the benefits of greater competition and wider consumer choice can go hand in hand with a strong and successful Post Office.

    Defence

    Awe Aldermaston

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) on what date construction of the A91 building at AWE Aldermaston commenced;(2) what are the works being carried out in the rectification of the problems in the A91 building at AWE Aldermaston;(3) when he expects the A91 building at AWE Aldermaston to become fully operational.

    Construction of A91 commenced in January 1985. Following the discovery during commissioning of corrosion in pipework and vessels a full investigation into the causes of the problem was launched. As a result of this investigation further studies are necessary to assess a range of possible actions. Consequently, remedial work has not yet started and we are unable to estimate when the building will become fully operational.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects operational production rates to start at the A90 building at AWE Aldermaston.

    Production in A90 is scheduled to commence in time to meet the needs of the Trident programme.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the A90 building at AWE Aldermaston can start operational production rates while the A91 building is not operational.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long he expects the A45 building at AWE Aldermaston to remain operational.

    I expect the A45 building at AWE Aldermaston to remain operational for the foreseeable future.

    Gareloch

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the mean tide level calculated for the Gareloch prior to construction of the shiplift facility CSB Faslane.

    The mean tide level of the Gareloch prior to the construction of the shiplift facility at CSB Faslane was +0.28 m above ordnance datum (OD).

    Royal Navy Armament Depot, Coulport

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many design changes have been made to date to the explosives handling jetty to be installed at RNAD Coulport; and what assessment of the impact of recent design changes to the seaworthiness of the explosives handling jetty to be installed at RNAD Coulport have been made by his Department.

    Since tenders were invited in 1987, detailed design of the explosives handling jetty has continued against the original requirement. This has involved some 100 significant design alterations. All aspects of the facility, including draught, are kept under constant review by my Department and by Lloyd's register and it remains on course to meet the requirements of the Trident programme.

    Vanguard Submarines

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if there is still a requirement for a dedicated degaussing facility for the Vanguard class submarines.

    The requirement for magnetic treatment of Vanguard and other classes of submarine remains.

    Faslane And Coulport

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the summary of the Bovis audit of construction at Faslane and Coulport.

    The main recommendations of the Bovis report were set out in the Government's response to the 1990–91 House of Commons Defence Committee report on the Trident programme (HC286) published on 6 November 1991. Commercial sensitivities preclude more extensive publication of the report.

    Troop Withdrawals (Germany)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux regarding the impact of the programme of troop withdrawal from Germany on the work of the service; and what response he has made.

    I am not aware of any such representations to Ministers by the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. Service headquarters have however been approached by nearby citizens advice bureaux seeking advice on the possible effects of the reduction in the services on local communities.

    Reserve Forces

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether, pursuant to his statement on 10 December 1991, Official Report, column 733, he will set out the future numbers and roles of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force personnel to be employed (a) in the Rapier anti-aircraft missile force, (b) as support for mobile air defence radar convoys in the new United Kingdom air defence system and (c) in mission planning for Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft.

    The feasibility of employing Royal Auxiliary Air Force personnel in the Rapier force and as support for mobile air defence radar convoys is still under consideration. Personnel of No. 3 maritime headquarters unit are providing mission support facilities for the Nimrod forward operating base at RAF St. Mawgan. It is not our practice to give precise numbers of personnel, regular or reserve, engaged on specific tasks.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the wartime role, establishment and strength of each branch (a) the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and (b) the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

    The wartime roles of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force are maritime headquarters support, ground defence, short-range air defence, air movements and aeromedical evacuation.The Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve provides specialist personnel in the fields of intelligence, photo interpretation and public relations. It is not the practice to give detailed figures of the establishment and strength of individual branches of the volunteer reserve forces. Total strengths are, however, given in table 4.6 of volume 2 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1991" (Cm. 1559-II).

    Radiological Emergencies

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has held concerning the exclusion on grounds of national security of information or classes of sites from requirements to disclose public information on radiological emergencies.

    Ministry of Defence officials were involved in discussions with the Health and Safety Executive prior to the publication, in November 1991, of its consultative document CD37 "Proposals for the Public Information for Radiation Emergencies Regulations".

    Nuclear Material

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will meet the United States Departments of Defence and Energy to discuss the tranportation of nuclear explosive material and nuclear wastes to reduce their reuseability.

    My officials hold regular discussions with United States authorities on nuclear matters including transportation.

    Nuclear Weapons

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give full details of the reasons for the breakdown of the nuclear weapons transport on Sunday 1 December near St. Albans; how many vehicles are in use; and what assessment he has made of their fitness for the job.

    I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) on 12 December 1991 at col. 544.

    Falkland Islands

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice his Department has made available, or intends to make available, to service personnel serving in the Falkland Islands and their families, regarding the possible health effects of exposure to ultraviolet light.

    None. There is no evidence of health problems amongst service men or their families from ultraviolet light in the Falkland islands.

    Beef

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries from where beef was purchased for consumption by the armed services in 1991 and in each case, including the United Kingdom, give the quantity bought and amount spent; and if he will make a statement.

    Details of supplies by country of origin are not available. The predominant source of supply in 1991 however was South America. The quantity of beef purchased in 1991 was approximately 3,500 metric tonnes valued at approximately £8.5 million.

    Mod Harrogate

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what cost comparisons have been made between RAF Wyton and MOD Harrogate in the last 12 months.

    Investigations to establish the relative costs of various options for consolidating the administration of RAF logistic support, including use of RAF Wyton and MOD Harrogate, are under way but none have been completed in the last 12 months.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to close MOD Harrogate.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with civil service trade unions regarding the possible closure of MOD Harrogate.

    None. Whatever proposals for change may emerge, the unions will be consulted under normal departmental procedures before decisions are taken.

    Defence Budget

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now make it his policy to release information on the long-term costings of the defence budget.

    I have nothing to add to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence Procurement on 2 May 1991 at column 292.

    "Options For Change"

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent information on the running costs of individual units of the armed forces has been used in the "Options for Change" study.

    The "Options for Change" studies focused primarily on strategic priorities in response to the changing international security environment. Associated assessments of affordability did not require information on the running costs of individual units.

    Army And Raf Units

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what differences exist between his policies regarding the release of information on the percentage increase in the capability of (a) Army units and (b) RAF units.

    None, but quantitative assessments of changes in capability have been undertaken only in relation to selected Army formations.

    New Management Strategy

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, further to his answer of 3 December, Official Report, column 88, what are the different levels of budget holding within the new management strategy; and if he will make a statement.

    Below the top level budgets, published in Cm 1559–1 at figure 11, there is a hierarchy of subordinate budgets following the chain of command. Within each top level budget, there may be up to three further levels: higher level budgets, intermediate higher level budgets and basic level budgets.

    Raf Procurement

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to centralise the procurement of RAF equipment.

    Equipment procurement for the armed forces has been centralised since the Procurement Executive of the Ministry of Defence was created following the Rayner report in 1971.

    Menwith Hill Station

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what form of award was presented to the director of the Menwith Hill station for support to Desert Storm/Desert Shield; who presented the award; and what was the cost of arranging fighter planes to fly over Menwith Hill station on 16 January.

    The director of Menwith Hill station is a United States official and any awards are a matter for the United States Government. No flypast of fighter aircraft took place at Menwith Hill station on 16 January.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the danger to personnel working on Menwith Hill station or to people in the vicinity from radio frequency radiation.

    There is no health risk to employees at Menwith Hill station or to people in the vicinity from radio frequency radiation.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Menwith Hill station presents any hazards to aircraft; and whether there are any restrictions on aircraft flying in the vicinity of Menwith Hill station.

    Woolwich Arsenal

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 15 January, Official Report, column 608, on nuclear research at the royal arsenal, Woolwich, what was the nature of the early research; what was the origin of the contamination currently being restored at the Woolwich garrison; and whether any nuclear research or storage of radioactive materials currently takes place at either site.

    During the early 1950s some classified research work was carried out at the royal arsenal, Woolwich. The soil contamination at the Woolwich garrison arises from former luminising operations carried out as part of the maintenance of military equipment. No nuclear research is currently being carried out at either site. Apart from the temporary storage, at the garrison, of waste arising from the removal of the contaminated soil, no radioactive materials are stored at either site.

    Goose Bay

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contributions of finance, advice and information have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Canadian Government towards (a) preparation and production of the environmental impact statement on military flying at Goose bay and (b) development and implementation of measures to mitigate the adverse effects of low-level flying from Goose bay.

    At the request of the Canadian Government the Ministry of Defence provided a forecast of future levels of RAF activity at Goose bay. No financial contribution has been made to the costs of preparing the environmental impact statement.The Canadian Department of National Defence has consulted the Ministry of Defence and the Officer Commanding RAF unit Goose bay on the development and implementation of a number of environmental monitoring and mitigation measures. To date the United Kingdom has contributed £118,000 towards the total costs of these measures which are shared equally by the four signatories to the Goose bay multi-national memorandum of understanding.

    Exercise Luce Belle

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if any of the Royal Air Force aircraft participating in Exercise Luce Belle in June 1990 experienced malfunctions of radar altimeter or low-height warning equipment during their noise measurement runs.

    My Department has no record of any of the Royal Air Force aircraft participating in Exercise Luce Belle in June 1990 experienced malfunction of radar altimeter or low-height warning equipment during their noise measurement runs.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the crews of aircraft participating in noise measurement runs during Exercise Luce Belle in June 1990 were at any time instructed or authorised to fly at less than 100 ft above ground level.

    One of the target heights for the aircraft participating in noise measurement runs during Exercise Luce Belle was 100 ft above ground level.

    Raf Equipment

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to centralise the storage of RAF equipment.

    There are no immediate plans to change the storage arrangements for RAF equipment.

    Low Flying

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given by his Department to the commissioning of epidemiological research into the impact of noise from low-flying aircraft on human hearing in populations resident in tactical training areas.

    My Department, in collaboration with authorities in the United States and Canada, is examining the feasibility of a study to investigate the possible effects on health, including hearing, of noise from low-flying aircraft.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all overseas deployments of Royal Air Force aircraft in 1991 for the purpose of low-level flying training, giving the locations, dates and types of aircraft in each case.

    Central records are not held in a form which would enable the information requested to be provided.

    Raf Cost Comparisons

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what cost comparisons have been made between RAF Carlisle and RAF Stafford in the last 12 months.

    Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

    Wilton Park Executive Agency

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the maximum salary payable to the chief executive of the Wilton Park executive agency, including performance-related element; and what is the length of time of the chief executive's contract.

    The chief executive's salary is on the home civil service grade 5 national scale, the maximum of which is £39,402 (extendable to £46,122 by performance pay). The chief executive was appointed director of Wilton Park in 1983. His contract, as extended, expires on 9 October 1992.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will state the cash amount per person awarded under the group bonus scheme for the Wilton Park executive agency in the last year for which figures are available, and the conditions attached to its award;

  • (2) if he will list the post, grade and maximum salary payable, including performance-related elements, in each case where appointments have been made to the Wilton Park executive agency at grade 7 or above, since its establishment;
  • (3) when the last annual report of the Wilton Park executive agency was published; and when the next one is due;
  • (4) how many staff were in post on the date that the Wilton Park executive agency was established; and how many are in post now;
  • (5) if he will list those new facilities for staff, including nurseries and health care schemes, which have been introduced in the Wilton Park executive agency since its establishment;
  • (6) how much was spent on events and publicity surrounding the launch of the Wilton Park executive agency; and whether the cost was borne by the parent Department or the new agency;
  • (7) if he will list the new forms of alternative working patterns introduced into the Wilton Park executive agency since its establishment and provide a breakdown by grade of the numbers of staff taking up each new working pattern.
  • These are matters for the chief executive of Wilton Park executive agency. I have asked him to write to the hon. Member.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the first degree obtained by the chief executive of the Wilton Park executive agency.

    This is a personal matter for the chief executive. I have asked him to consider this question and to write to the hon. Member.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the quality of service performance indicators adopted by the Wilton Park executive agency since its establishment and separately identify those quality of service performance indicators already operative prior to agency status.

    The key targets for Wilton Park executive agency were set out in Hansard, column 525, of 25 October 1991. Further, quality of service, targets for the 1991–92 to 1993–94 period have been set as follows:

  • (a) To increase the proportion of conference participants from outside Europe; to increase the proportion from Southern, Central and South-Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union; to increase the proportion of business men, trade unionists and members of non-governmental organisations.
  • (b) To increase the relevance, focus and originality of conferences in order to enhance their reputation and increase positive responses from participants.
  • (c) To reduce the publication time for conference reports to three months and to increase the number of books and articles published.
  • (d) To increase the participation of Wilton Park staff in the activities of other institutions.
  • No such formal targets were set before the agency was established.

    Cyprus

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he intends to take to implement the UN resolutions on Cyprus.

    We remain committed to the search for a solution to the Cyprus dispute, and continue to work actively in support of the UN Secretary-General's efforts to promote a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement. Implementation of relevant UN resolutions will be an integral element of that settlement.

    Gibraltar

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to ensure that Gibraltar is included within the European Community's external frontier; and if he will make a statement.

    The Maastricht European Council tasked the EC presidency to find a way forward on this issue through discussions with the United Kingdom and Spain. Discussions continue. We continue to argue for Gibraltar's inclusion in the convention.

    Council Of Ministers

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish a statement of (a) the occasions in 1991 on which the European Council of Ministers has met to consider scientific and research matters, showing who has represented the United Kingdom at such meetings and (b) what meetings to discuss such matters are proposed for 1992.

    The Research Council met on 24 April and 28 October 1991. Lord Hesketh and Lord Reay respectively represented Her Majesty's Government. Research Councils are planned for 29 April, 12 October and 9 or 10 December 1992.

    Amolak Singh

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will arrange for the British high commission in Delhi to request a statement from the Indian authorities on the treatment of Amolak Singh, a British citizen, of Pudsey in west Yorkshire, at Delhi airport; if he will take steps to ensure arrangements are made for Mr. Singh to receive an apology and the money refunded; and if he will make a statement.

    The Foreign and Commonwealth Office received details of Mr. Amolak Singh's complaint on 22 January 1992. The British high commission in New Delhi has been asked to make inquiries of the relevant Indian authorities.

    Csce

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy at the meeting of foreign ministers at the conference on security and co-operation in Europe in Prague on 30 and 31 January (a) to pledge an increase in United Kingdom donations to support the organisation and operations of the CSCE and (b) to encourage all states represented to publish a register of all Government-sanctioned sales of arms and military equipment.

    The costs of the CSCE institutions and other CSCE activities are shared among the participating states on the basis of an agreed formula. The United Kingdom is one of the six states making the largest contributions. Decisions on future work in the CSCE (and therefore the eventual size of the United Kingdom contribution) will be taken at the Helsinki follow-up meeting (March to July 1992).The United Kingdom and its partners in the European Community have proposed that the Council of Ministers adopt, at its meeting in Prague, a statement committing itself to participate in the United Nations' register of conventional arms transfers.