To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of the numbers of additional Metropolitan police officers who will have to be deployed and the number of officers who will have to be redeployed consequent on the opening of Buckingham palace to the public; and what assessment he has made of the implications.

The Metropolitan police have reviewed the policing of the palace in consultation with the royal household and other agencies. I understand that there will be no additional cost to the Metropolitan police.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to change the law to ensure that when a court case is withdrawn due to non-attendance of witnesses and it is subsequently shown that they were deliberately prevented from attending the court the case can be resubmitted.

Although there are no current plans to amend the law in this area, we continue to keep the matter under close review. We shall wish to consider in particular any recommendations the Royal Commission on Criminal Justice may make that have bearing on the law in this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that adequate police resources are applied to countering intimidation on inner-city housing estates.

The deployment of resources is the responsibility of chief officers of police.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review and revise the law regarding the age of consent for homosexual adults.

The criminal law is kept continually under review, but there are no current plans to amend it in this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest number of (a) ex-detainees and (b) dependants from the former Yugoslavia who have arrived in the United Kingdom under the arrangements announced last November; and if he will make a statement.

A total of 238 ex-detainees and 404 dependants from the former Yugoslavia have so far arrived under the arrangements which I announced on 30 November 1992.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the United Kingdom to receive refugees from the former Yugoslavia other than ex-detainees or their dependants; what is the estimate of such persons now in (a) Bosnia, (b) Croatia and (c) Slovenia; and if he will make a statement.

Our programme to receive 1,000 vulnerable individuals plus their dependants has concentrated on former detainees since the humanitarian organisations have given priority to this group. Outside the programme, refugees from former Yugoslavia—like individuals of other nationalities—may seek entry clearance to come to the United Kingdom if they feel that this would be a more appropriate country of refuge. I understand that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees latest estimates of refugees and displaced people in the region are: Bosnia 2,280,000; Croatia 572,000; Slovenia 35,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to restrict access through the criminal injuries compensation scheme to recompense for loss of earnings;(2) whether he intends to apply his proposed tariff-based system for criminal injuries compensation to children who are victims of abuse;(3) which organisations and individuals he has consulted about proposals to reform the criminal injuries compensation scheme;(4) when he plans to publish his White Paper for the future of the criminal injuries compensation scheme;(5) what account his proposed new criminal injuries compensation scheme will take of loss of wages;(6) what plans he has to exclude nurses, fire fighters and police officers from eligibility to compensation for criminal injuries;(7) who will determine awards under his Department's proposed tariff-based scheme for criminal injuries compensation;(8) if he will make it his policy to ensure that victims of criminal violence continue to receive recompense under the criminal injuries compensation scheme for post-traumatic stress and similar distress.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike) on 30 June 1993 at column 498 in which I explained that we would be setting out our proposals for the new tariff scheme in a White Paper later this year. The issues raised by the hon. Member will be dealt with in that document. As I also indicated in my reply, while we are not conducting a formal consultation exercise we have already received observations from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, Victim Support and others.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the proportion of the clear-up rate for each police force in (a) 1990 and (b) 1991 accounted for by offences taken into consideration.

The information requested is contained in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for revising disciplinary arrangements in the Prison Service; and if he will make a statement.

Following a review of disciplinary procedures in the prison service, I have now approved revised arrangements, which include a new code of discipline for the service. Under the revised arrangements, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House, all prison service staff are now brought together under a single code of discipline, which replaces the different procedures which previously applied to various grades of staff. The primary aim of the revised arrangements, which are consistent with employment law and with guidance from the advisory, conciliation and arbitration service, and which will be implemented with effect from 1 July 1993, is to ensure that standards of conduct are maintained and to encourage improvement in individual conduct. The new code details the procedures for taking disciplinary action when conduct falls below those standards.In keeping with moves across the prison service to ensure that decisions are taken at the appropriate level, responsibility for taking disciplinary action up to and including dismissal is being devolved to prison governors and to heads of division at prison service headquarters.The new code lays down timescales for completing each stage of the disciplinary process, and introduces a new system of progressive disciplinary warnings and penalties. Governors and heads of division will award penalties and will undertake all the administrative work connected with each case. There are rights of appeal built in to various stages of the disciplinary process.Any disciplinary offences which are alleged to have been committed before 1 July 1993 will be dealt with under the disciplinary arrangements which were then in force.I believe that the revised arrangements are a considerable improvement on the disparate arrangements previously in force, and that they represent a significant step forward for all concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr. Duncan) of 16 June, Official Report, column 600, what were the voting figures for each decision taken at the European Community's Education Council held on 11 June; and if he will make it his policy to include in future statements on Council meetings information on whether formal votes were taken.

No formal votes were taken at this Council meeting. I can confirm that it will be our policy to make this information available in future reports on Council meetings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what guidance he has issued to school governors and local education authorities on the introduction of no-smoking policies; and if he will make a statement.

We believe that all schools should develop clear policies on smoking, and are currently considering what guidance we might offer to help them in this process.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans she has to introduce legislation to implement the quota transfer and leasing of sheep reference quantities.

The Sheep Annual Premium and Suckler Cow Premium Quotas Regulations 1993 were laid before Parliament on 30 June. These regulations implement the transfer and lease arrangements for both sheep and Buckler cow quotas.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made since the publication by the Chief Medical Officer of his report on folic acid and the prevention of neural tube defects, in ensuring an increased range of breads and cereals fortified with folic acid.

My Department wrote to the relevant trade organisations commending the report to their members and encouraging them to follow the recommendation to increase the range of breads and breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid. The response has been positive and we are aware of some new fortified products already.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives she is taking to help farmers to diversify and maintain rural employment.

In the negotiations that resulted in reform of the common agricultural policy the United Kingdom was successful in protecting many of the support mechanisms that are of benefit to United Kingdom farmers. This success will help maintain employment in an increasingly diversified rural economy.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fishing vessels have been allocated the basic 80 days provisional days at sea allocations in (a) England, (b) Cornwall and (c) Devon; and how many owners in each category have lodged claims.

The minimum 160 half-days allocation was issued provisionally in respect of 801 fishing vessels administered by fisheries offices in England. Of these, 148—including 60 Channel Islands vessels—are administered by the south western fisheries district—Devon, Somerset and Avon—and 80 by the western fisheries district—Cornwall.By 25 June 1993, applications for additional days at sea had been received in respect of 577 fishing vessels, administered in England, which had been provisionally issued with the minimum allocation. Of these, 110—including 40 Channel Islands vessels—are administered by the south western fisheries district and 54 by the western district.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on fur farming.

The Mink (Keeping) Order 1992, which was adopted following a debate in the House on 8 December 1992, requires that establishments keeping mink for fur must be licensed by Agriculture Departments. In order to obtain a licence specific standards of security must be met to prevent the escape of mink. There are currently 19 licensed establishments in England and two in Scotland. Welfare conditions on fur farms are monitored regularly by the state veterinary service on the basis of recommendations adopted by the Council of Europe.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what key performance targets have been set for the Intervention Board; and if she will make a statement.

In agreement with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland I have set the following targets:

• to process 98 per cent. of claims within ministerial deadlines and all claims within regulatory deadlines or, in their absence, 60 days;
• to process at least 98 per cent. of claims correctly;
• to achieve 2 per cent. running cost efficiency gains;
• to achieve 5 per cent. improvement in productivity;
• to keep disallowance to within 0·4 per cent. of EC funds handled;
• to keep expenditure within vote provision and running cost and cash limits; and
• to achieve 5 per cent. new value for money savings in the procurement of goods and services.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Luxembourg on 24 July.

[pursuant to his reply, 28 June, cols. 383–84] : No votes were taken on any matter before the Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy in relation to the 1991 recommendation from the National Radiation Protection Board relating to a dose constraint of 0·3 mSv of radiation per year for members of the public.

Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, acting jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the case of nuclear licensed sites, have taken account of the dose constraint of 0·3 mSv in developing authorisations under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 for disposals of radioactive waste since this was first recommended by the International Commission for Radiological Protection in 1990.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations were held between his Department and the European Commission in its preparation of the reply to written question No. 2486/92 to the Commission by Anita Pollock MEP on the matter of the requirement of an environmental impact assessment on the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield, as published in the Official Journal of the European Communities, 7 June, C155 volume 36, page 12.

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment who have been nominated by Her Majesty's Government to represent the United Kingdom on the Advisory Committee for the community plan for action in the field of radioactive waste management under council resolution of 29 June 1984; what criteria are used in choosing United Kingdom nominations; and if he will set out the qualifications of the current United Kingdom representatives.

The United Kingdom representatives on the committee are the head of the Department's radioactive substances division and his counterpart in the Scottish Office. The occupants of these posts are well placed to provide appropriate advice to the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what system exists for persons wishing to appeal against the level of water rates or water charges in respect of a property to do so to an independent tribunal or court.

Water charges are in respect of most properties based on rateable value and there has never been a specific right of appeal against their level—though there was a right of appeal against domestic rateable values and a time limited right still remains in the case of non-domestic rateable values. The independent Director General of Water Services has a duty to protect customers' interests and to ensure that there is no discrimination in setting charges. Complaints about the application of charges in individual cases, which customers are unable to resolve with their local water company, can be taken up with the appropriate local customer service committee (CSC) of the Office of Water Services. These committees are not appellate bodies but were established specifically to represent customers' interests and to investigate complaints.Where a customer receives a metered supply of water, and disputes the accuracy of the meter reading, he may, under the Water (Meters) Regulations 1988, request the water company to test the meter. Any dispute arising under the regulations may be referred to the arbitration of a single arbitrator appointed by agreement between the parties or, in default of agreement, by the Secretary of State.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations his Department has received on noise abatement zones; and if he will make a statement.

I have received no recent representations, apart from those from the hon. Member.The report of the Noise Review Working Pary 1990, copies of which are in the Library, found that the application of NAZs was limited by their complexity and the demands on local authority resources. Subsequent research by the Building Research Establishment considered this further and demonstrated that the principal problems are the complexity of the regulations for setting up NAZs and the intensive use of manpower in monitoring the statutorily required noise level registers. My Department is considering these findings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the specialist advisers appointed to each Minister in his Department.

I have appointed Keith Adams as my political adviser and have reappointed James Gray as a political adviser working primarily with my Department's Ministers of State. I have reappointed Tom Burke as an expert adviser on environmental affairs and Professor Peter Hall as an expert adviser on planning affairs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the total specific capital grant and credit approvals for housing purposes to each local authority in England for 1992–93 and 1993–94 and the receipts taken into account for the 1993–94 figures.

A table setting out information on allocations of specified capital grant, which forms part of the annual housing investment programme (HIP) allocations, for each local authority in England has been placed in the Library of the House.There are two types of credit approval—basic credit approvals and supplementary credit approvals.Basic credit approvals can be used to support capital expenditure in any local authority service, and are not allocated to individual services. I refer the hon. Member to the documents "Basic Credit Approvals 1992–93" and "Basic Credit Approvals 1993–94" for information on basic credit approvals and receipts taken into account. Both documents are available in the Library.Supplementary credit approvals provide additional authority for local authority borrowing. As indicated in the answer by the then Secretary of State for the Environment to the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr. Shaw) on 5 March,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish for each year since 1978 the number of local authority housing units built by each authority (a) in total, (b) for sheltered housing and (c) for general need; and what he forecasts the situation to be for the current year and each of the next five years.

Estimates of the total numbers of local authority house-building completions within each local authority area in England are in the following publications:

• Year and Publication title and issues:
• 1978
• "Local Housing Statistics" Issue No. 49.
• 1979
• "Local Housing Statistics" Issue No. 59.
• 1980–84
• "Housebuilding in England by Local Authority Areas 1980 to 1989".
• 1985–1990
• "Local Housing Statistics" Issue No. 103.
• 1991–1992
• "Local Housing Statistics" Issue No. 105.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the powers local government officials have to enter land without prior notification.

This question cannot be answered without disproportionate cost. Such powers of entry are, however, conferred only in cases where it may be necessary for officials to enter land to deal with an emergency in a situation in which it is not possible to contact the owner or his agent in advance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the number and percentage of housing improvement grant applications refused in (a) full and (b) part due to means testing since means testing was introduced for grant purposes.

This information is not collected by the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish his plans for the wetlands of the Solent under the Ramsar convention; and if he will make a statement on the timing of the publication.

English Nature is preparing a detailed case for submission to my Department but is unlikely to be in a position to make a formal recommendation before the end of this year. Good progress continues to be made in listing sites under the Ramsar convention. The United Kingdom has now listed 66 such sites, the largest number of any contracting party to the convention.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance he has issued to local authorities on the introduction of no-smoking policies in their workplaces and in places they own which are entered by members of the public; and if he will make a statement.

The Government's "Code of Practice on Smoking in Public Places", which provides practical guidance to owners and managers on implementing suitable policies on smoking, was brought to the attention of local authorities in DOE circular 7/92, issued on 28 February 1992. The circular also drew attention to advice on passive smoking at work available from the Health and Safety Executive and the health education and promotion agencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how progress towards the "The Health of the Nation" goal of 80 per cent. of public places being smoke-free by 1994, is being monitored; and if he will make a statement.

My Department has commissioned market research into smoking policies operating in various types of public place. It is planned to follow this with a further survey in 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the outcome of the first meeting of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development held in New York from 14 to 25 June.

The commission was established following the Earth summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. Its task is to monitor progress in following up the Rio agreements, focusing in particular on the implementation of agenda 21.The commission has made a highly satisfactory start. Countries represented at the first session in New York adopted a positive and constructive attitude towards the work of the commission.Agreements were reached on the commission's work programme and on guideline for national reporting of progress in implementing agenda 21. Agreement was also reached on a number of intersessional meetings on substantive issues which would prepare the ground for the commission's second session next year.The 1994 session will focus on health, human settlements and fresh water, and toxic chemicals and toxic waste; 1995 on land, desertification, forests and biodiversity; and 1996 on atmosphere, oceans and all kinds of seas. A number of issues, including finance, technology transfer, co-operation and capacity building, will be considered each year. In 1997 the commission will review overall progress in implementing agenda 21.All countries have been encouraged to contribute to the process by making national reports on progress towards sustainable development in a common format and covering issues identified by the commission.The United Kingdom Government are members of the Commission and are playing a full part in its work with wide participation from non-governmental organisations. We aim to produce the United Kingdom's own sustainable development plan by the end of 1993, and report on this to the commission's 1994 session.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much his Department spent on legal advice regarding the implications of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 for the market-testing programme.

[holding answer 29 June 1993]: It is not possible to identify separately the cost of legal advice on these regulations which has been provided specifically in relation to my Department's market-testing programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made in selling the building management businesses.

[pursuant to his reply, 24 June 1993, c. 247]: I am pleased to be able to announce the exchange of contracts for the sale of the PSA building management businesses BM South East and BM South and West. The businesses have been sold to a joint venture between Pell Frischmann Consulting Engineers Ltd. and Matthew Hall Ltd., a subsidiary of AM EC plc.This sale will benefit taxpayers, staff and customers. The next step is for staff to choose individually whether to transfer to the privatised business. The future of the businesses now lies in the private sector and I hope many staff will choose to transfer with it. Completion of the sale is expected during the next three months.The joint venture will pay the Government a net £11·4 million for the two businesses over the next four years. Government will in addition meet the costs of redundancies, should they be necessary, up to a agreed figure in the first five years following completion of the sale. The redundancy entitlement of transferring staff will be guaranteed by Government for five years after the sale. Further details cannot be released until all the sales have been completed.The joint venture brings together a major contractor and an established engineering consultancy. I am confident that the combination of their commercial skills with the strengths of the BMSE and BMS&W work forces will give the businesses a sound future in the private sector.I hope to make further announcements soon about the sales of the other three BM businesses.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will bring forward proposals to amend the law to compel fathers or alleged fathers, in cases of contested paternity, to take blood tests, or to allow the court to take refusal to take a blood test into account in deciding paternity cases and to provide that repeated refusal to take a blood test will be construed as evidence supporting the case of the opposing litigant.

I have no plans to amend the law to make blood tests compulsory in cases of disputed paternity. Under the provisions of section 23 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969, as amended, courts may already draw what inferences seem appropriate in any particular case from a refusal to undertake a blood test.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what arrangements are made for the payment of magistrates court clerks; and to what extent local authorities are concerned with those arrangements.

The salaries and other expenses of magistrates' court clerks are met by the local paying authorities who are reimbursed up to 80 per cent. of those costs by specific grant from my Department. However, court clerks are actually employed by the local magistrates' courts committee which must agree its overall budget with its paying authority. Additionally, the joint negotiating committee for magistrates' courts staff, the national body which negotiates the salaries and conditions of service for court clerks, includes local authority representatives on the management side.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will set out the arrangements and the timetable for the national review of the designation of care centres for the hearing of care cases brought under the Children Act 1989; and if he will list those organisations which are to be consulted at local level.

The national review of care centres, which has always been a part of the Lord Chancellor's arrangements for monitoring the Children Act, will begin in the late summer. The precise arrangements and timetable have yet to be finalised. Consideration is also being given to who should be consulted locally, in order that there should be a full and effective consultation.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to implement the recommendations in the Law Commission's report No. 187 on distribution on intestacy.

This report contains a number of recommendations. The Government have not accepted the first recommendation, namely that a surviving spouse should in all circumstances receive the whole of the intestate's estate. The Government have, however, decided to accept the Commission's other recommendations, which concern the "hotchpot" rule, survivorship clauses and provision for cohabitants, and will introduce legislation to implement them when a suitable legislative opportunity occurs.The Government are concerned to provide additional protection for a surviving spouse in order to enable him or her in the great majority of cases, where the size of the intestate's estate permits it, to remain in the former matrimonial home and to have a sufficient surplus on which to live. To this end the Lord Chancellor will make an order as soon as practicable to increase the statutory legacy payable to a surviving spouse on intestacy from £75,000 to £125,000 in the case of the lower legacy, and from £125,000 to £200,000 in the case of the higher legacy.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what progress has been made since the publication of the consultation paper on long criminal trials.

The consultation paper was published in December 1992 to seek the views of practitioners and the general public on ways of reducing the length of long trials and particularly those involving serious and complex fraud.A total of 84 contributions were received from members of the judiciary, legal practitioners and their professional bodies, Government Departments, organisations with an interest in the subject-matter, academics and other interested individuals. These responses have been considered by the inter-departmental working group. It is clear that many of the issues raised touch on areas covered by the Royal Commission on Criminal Justice, whose report is expected shortly.The Home Secretary, the Attorney-General and the Lord Chancellor will therefore consider the responses received and the views of the working group as they take forward their consideration of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Criminal Justice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to allow Sunday trading by supermarkets in the Province.

None, but as has been made clear in the House on several occasions, we shall in due course review the law in the light of developments in England and Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to improve the Banbridge-Newcastle road.

At present improvements to the value of £100,000 are planned over the next three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current situation regarding community relations in Northern Ireland.

The most recent social attitudes survey indicated that perceptions of relations between Protestants and Catholics continue to improve.This is encouraging, but the healing of community divisions will require goodwill on all sides, at political, community and individual levels. Government will continue to encourage and support those involved in community relations work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress in the review of Building Regulations (Fire) which his Department is conducting.

Revised draft regulations will, in compliance with European Community requirements, be notified to the Commission later this year. It is anticipated that the revised regulations, which include amendments to the fire safety requirements, will be made in early 1994 and come into operation later that year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received concerning referral of the Casement Park case to the Court of Appeal.

I have received a range of representations, from hon. Members and others, to the effect that the cases of Mr. Patrick Kane, Mr. Michael Timmons and Mr. Sean Kelly should be referred again to the Court of Appeal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Government's initiatives to help boost the tourist trade in Northern Ireland.

New powers, provided in 1992, are being used by the Northern Ireland tourist board to promote, market and develop Northern Ireland's tourist potential. A range of new initiatives are being put into operation with the objective of attracting tourists and developing a high quality, professional, international tourist product.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met officers of Age Concern in Northern Ireland to discuss matters involving winter fuel cost for old people; and if he will make a statement.

No such meeting has been held recently. Extra help will be given from April 1994 to less well off pensioners and others on low incomes. Details of the precise way in which this extra help is to be provided will be announced in the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has had from officers of Age Concern in Northern Ireland on winter fuel cost for old people; and if he will make a statement.

My noble Friend the Lord Arran recently received a letter from officers of Age Concern that included an inquiry about fuel costs for old people. The representations made in that letter are currently being considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in Northern Ireland are applying to go to university in October.

The application process has not yet been completed for the 1993–94 academic year. However, a provisional figure for those from Northern Ireland applying to go to university in October is 12,647. Numbers of applicants for part-time places are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has for reviewing law and order policies as they relate to Northern Ireland.

The emergency provisions are regularly considered by the House in the light of reports by an independent reviewer. Proposals which flowed from a wide-ranging review of other aspects of criminal justice policy were published in the discussion paper "Crime and the Community" in March; we shall consider carefully the public response to the paper. We shall also want to consider the implications for Northern Ireland of the recommendations that are to be made for England and Wales by the Royal Commission on Criminal Justice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from local authorities and depositors in the province who have lost money in BCCI.

Any such representations would have been passed on to either my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer or my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, who have responsibility for this matter. No records are kept of correspondence transferred in this way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to bring land and road drainage services under the control of one overall authority.

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were registered as homeless in Northern Ireland for the past five years; and if he will make a statement.

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I am advised by its chairman that the Executive does not maintain a register of homeless persons. However, the number of applicants accepted as being either homeless or threatened with homelessness since 1 April 1989 when the homelessness provisions of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order came into effect is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the cost of damage to property by terrorist groups in the most recent year for which figures are available and over the past 10 years, respectively.

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Compensation Agency under its chief executive, Mr. J. Robinson. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the latest talks with Ministers from the Government of Ireland on future constitutional arrangements for the Province.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I met the Taoiseach and Tanaiste in London on 16 June. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers of the Irish Government were also present. The two Governments considered the prospects for a resumption of political dialogue in Northern Ireland. They agreed on the need to address adequately all of the key relationships involved and to work towards an outcome which would accommodate the rights and identities of the two major traditions in Ireland. The two Governments confirmed that their aim is to achieve a new beginning for relationships within Northern Ireland, within the island of Ireland and between the peoples of the two islands. The two Governments also called on the political parties in Northern Ireland to help in the search for political progress and agreed that contacts would continue actively with the Northern Ireland parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the performance of the emergency services in dealing with incidents of terrorist violence.

The emergency services continue to provide an outstanding service in responding to incidents involving terrorist violence, as they do to all incidents requiring their expertise. The men and women serving in the fire brigade, ambulance service and police, as well as those in other organisations, including the Housing Executive, social services and Compensation Agency, who are called upon to react to terrorist incidents, deserve great credit for their work and I have nothing but praise for them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the cross-border security situation between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Chingford (Mr. Duncan-Smith).

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to reduce unemployment in west Belfast.

West Belfast benefits from the wide range of economic development programmes aimed at helping to generate economic growth and durable employment throughout Northern Ireland. Within these programmes, disadvantaged areas, including west Belfast, receive special treatment; for example, inward investors can receive more generous assistance if they locate in such areas.West Belfast is covered by the Making Belfast Work initiative which continues to play an important role in tackling material deprivation. This year a further £24 million has been allocated to the initiative which aims to increase jobs and investment, improve community participation and enhance the skills and improve the quality of life of residents in the area.There are also five Belfast action teams operating in west Belfast and urban regeneration work such as the planned development of the former Mackies factory site at Springvale will also contribute to the economic prospects of the area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he is taking to reduce unemployment; and if he will make a statement.

The trend in unemployment in Northern Ireland is now firmly downwards with an average fall of 1,000 per month over the last three months. Further reductions in unemployment in Northern Ireland depend on the achievement of higher levels of economic growth which will lead to an increased number of employment opportunities and on Northern Ireland industry becoming more internationally competitive.The main features of the Government's strategy to achieve this growth include helping companies to identify and remove obstacles to growth; encouraging inward investment; building up management and workforce skills; developing an enterprise culture; and supporting innovation and research and development. Help is available in each of these areas for activities which will improve business performance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland.

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr. Luff) earlier today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on current manpower levels for the security forces in Northern Ireland.

As at 30 April there were 13,104 police officers and 18,679 members of the armed forces in their support in Northern Ireland. The Government continue to devote all the resources necessary to security. Force levels are kept under constant review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes he intends to make in the system of compensation for criminal injury and criminal damage.

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary proposes to issue a White Paper shortly outlining proposals for a new tariff-based criminal injuries compensation scheme in Great Britain. I will study the White Paper carefully before considering whether there are lessons to be learnt for Northern Ireland.I have no current plans to reform the criminal damage compensation scheme in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to review the national curriculum in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

The Northern Ireland curriculum has now completed its third year of phased implementation, and programmes of study in all the compulsory subjects are now statutory and working their way through primary and secondary schools. The programmes of study have been well received and teachers have commented on their high quality.There have been concerns, however, particularly from primary schools teachers, about the volume and level of content in the curriculum. There are particular fears that the depth of volume of what will be required when all the programmes are in place could affect standards in the basic skills of literacy and numeracy.I take these concerns seriously, and I have therefore written to the Northern Ireland Curriculum Council commissioning a fundamental review of the primary curriculum. I have asked the council to provide advice on the underlying causes of the problems, how these should be addressed, and the nature, shape and content of an appropriately broad and balanced curriculum for the primary sector. I have asked the council to consult widely with teachers and to submit its advice by the end of April 1994.The council already has plans for a review of the totality of the secondary curriculum, being in 1994, and I see no need to accelerate its timetable.To allow time for these new developments, I will not be introducing any new programmes of study into the primary sector in September 1993.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has received the 18th report of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement.

The report, for the period 1 April 1992 to 31 March 1993, has been published today and copies have been laid before Parliament.The commission has considered a wide range of matters during the period under review. These include the possibility of incorporating the European convention on human rights into domestic law, and a review of legislative procedures for Northern Ireland. The report also deals with emergency legislation and security policy, criminal justice issues, the RUC charter, race relations, disability, education, abortion law, and family and social matters.I value the advice that the commission gives me on a wide range of human rights matters and I very much appreciate the commitment that the members have shown in undertaking such an extensive programme of work.Copies of my response to the commission's 18th report and of the report itself have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the results of the Northern Ireland house condition survey; and if he will make a statement.

I understand from the chairman of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive that the results of the 1991 Northern Ireland house condition survey which was conducted by the Executive have been published today. I have made arrangements to place copies in the Library.The survey shows that further significant progress has been made in improving housing conditions in Northern Ireland. The Executive and Department of the Environment will now be considering the implications of the survey results for housing policies and strategies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many complaints have been received in each of the past three years at the RUC stations in Newtownards, Comber and Dundonald from Roman Catholics alleging intimidation on grounds of religion; and if he will make a statement about alleged forcible removal of Roman Catholics from these three areas.

[holding reply 28 June 1993]: There were four complaints of this nature received at the above-named police stations in each of the years 1990, 1991 and 1992.Such complaints included reports of criminal conduct, including criminal damage, and allegations of sectarian behaviour such as abusive or threatening telephone calls at home or at place of work. In six of the 12 cases families are known to have moved from their homes. The Government strongly condemn all acts of intimidation and the Royal Ulster Constabulary will continue to take action against those involved in criminal behaviour.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Cyprus regarding the political and social arrangements for the forthcoming Commonwealth conference to take place in Cyprus later this year; and if he will make a statement.

President Clerides called on my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister in March and reassured him that the arrangements for the forthcoming commonwealth heads of government meeting in Cyprus later this year were progressing well.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the market-testing programme has cost his Department since November 1992.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) on 7 June at column 93.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 22 June, Official Report, column 87, if he will place in the Library a copy of the United Kingdom submission to the United Nations Secretary General on United Nations Security Council reform.

Yes, I am arranging for our reply to the United Nations Secretary-General's invitation to submit written comments on a possible review of membership of the Security Council to be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to sign the European charter on regional and minority languages; and if he will make a statement.

The implications of the European charter on regional or minority languages are still being considered by Government Departments with an interest in its provisions. The United Kingdom decision on ratification will take into account the situation of each of the indigenous minority languages spoken within the United Kingdom. We have not yet come to a final view on whether to sign the convention which opened for signature in November of last year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to which countries the 400 ex-detainees, currently in the Karlovac transit camp, have been allocated; what main criteria are taken into account when country allocation is determined; and if he will make a statement.

There are currently 303 ex-detainees in Karlovac awaiting transfer. Twenty-two countries have offered places for ex-detainees under the joint United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees-International Committee of the Red Cross scheme. Except for those with close links—eg family ties—with a particular country, UNHCR allocates places according to availability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 15 June, Official Report, column 493, how many of the 2,400 detainees in Bosnia have now been visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross; how many, to date, have been released; how many are expected to be re-settled in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) other EC countries and (c) non-EC countries; and if he will make a statement.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has successfully secured the release of approximately 6,840 detainees in Bosnia-Herzegovina and they are visiting a further 3,550 still held in detention. Of the 4,571 ex-detainees who had left Karlovac transit centre by 16 June, 238 went to the United Kingdom, 2,007 to other EC countries and 2,326 to non-EC countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to how many refugees in Croatia are accommodated (a) with families, (b) in hotels and similar accommodation, (c) in transit camps, (d) in temporary settlements consisting of pre-fabricated buildings and (e) in other types of accommodation; how many of this total, to date, have applied for registration as (i) ex-detainees and (ii) dependents of ex-detainees; and if he will make a statement.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees—UNHCR—estimates that there are some 270,000 refugees in Croatia but has no detailed breakdown of how they are accommodated.Apart from 303 ex-detainees accommodated at Karlovac transit centre, UNHCR is investigating the cases of approximately 2,100 other individuals in Croatia claiming to be ex-detainees or their family members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultation there has been between Her Majesty's Government and EC Governments and UNHCR on the building of settlements in Croatia to accommodate refugees transferred from hotels on the Croatian coast; whether such transfers are made on a voluntary basis; what rights refugees have to refuse such transfers; and if he will make a statement.

The Government of Croatia have informed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees of their intention to remove some refugees currently in hotels to other state-run accommodation. Overall, UNHCR is funding some 70 shelter projects in Croatia with a planned capacity for approximately 44,000 people. UNHCR plans to monitor any non-voluntary transfers of refugees from their present accommodation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent Slovenia's borders are open to refugees; what is the current estimate of refugees in Slovenia; and what representations have been made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to Her Majesty's Government and EC Governments for additional funds and other assistance to support refugees in Slovenia.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees—UNHCR—estimates that there are approximately 60,000 refugees in Slovenia. UNHCR's 1993 appeal includes provision for refugees in Slovenia. The United Kingdom has given £27·8 million in cash and kind to UNHCR since the beginning of 1993. Slovenia is not accepting new arrivals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge the appropriate authorities in Belgrade to allow the British and other EC ambassadors in Belgrade to be granted access to meet Mr. Vuk Draskovic, the Leader of the Serbian Opposition, and his wife; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has urged President Milosevic to release Mr. and Mrs. Draskovic and to ensure meanwhile that they have access to proper medical treatment and visitors. We have supported the efforts of the European Comunity presidency to secure agreement for visits by EC representatives. We and our European partners will continue to press the authorities in Belgrade on this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will call upon the Indian Government to publish information about (a) the names and (b) the number of persons detained in India without trial and details of the capacity of prisons in (a) the Punjab, (b) Kashmir and (c) Assam with details of payments made in each of the last five years to members of the security forces in respect of causing the death of a person deemed a militant and/or a terrorist; and if he will make a statement.

The Government of India regularly publish information regarding the number of detentions under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, most recently in response to a parliamentary question in the Indian upper house on 10 March. Names of detainees are not released. Details of prisons are available for each state from the inspector general of prisons for individual states. We are aware that rewards have been paid to members of the public and police, but not the Army, for the capture of named individuals. We are not aware that there is a general system of payments for the capture of alleged militants or terrorists.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the applicability of EC rules to abattoirs in the Falkland Islands and its consequences for the supplying of meat for consumption by British service men.

The Falkland Islands are not within the territorial scope of the European Community treaties, and EC hygiene rules do not apply there. It is Ministry of Defence policy to supply service personnel overseas with food of an equivalent standard to that which they could expect in the United Kingdom. Where it is possible to purchase food locally, the Ministry of Defence will do so, provided that this food offers quality, a varied diet and value for money. Where it is not possible to meet these requirements locally, food is supplied from other sources.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Nigeria following General Babangida's decision to overrule the results of the presidential election on 12 June.

The Nigerian High Commissioner was summoned to meet my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development on 24 June. She informed him that we deplored the decision to annul the 12 June presidential election, and had decided to take a number of immediate measures to curtail military co-operation and the issue of visas to the Nigerian armed forces, and to review our aid programme. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary also met the Nigerian Secretary for External Affairs on 30 June. He informed him of the United Kingdom's current policy in respect of Nigeria and restated the great importance we attach to the commitment to return to democratic civilian rule by 27 August.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on United Kingdom policy in respect of Nigeria following the presidential election of 12 June and subsequent developments.

We greatly regret that the outcome of the democratic elections on 12 June has not been respected and that conditions have been imposed which would bar candidates who ran in those elections from participating in a fresh electoral system. We note that President Babangida has promised that the return to democratic civilian rule will take place on 27 August.The United Kingdom will not lift the measures announced on 24 June until a democratic civilian regime has been installed and is working unhindered. Meanwhile no new aid commitments for Nigeria will be made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contacts he has had, or proposes to have, with Moshood Abiola following his success in the presidential election in Nigeria on 12 June.

The British high commissioner in Nigeria, and his staff, have been in contact with a wide range of political leaders in Nigeria, including Chief Abiola.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Nigerian military regime about the annulment of the presidential elections; and if he will make a statement.

[holding answer 28 June 1993]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in the House on 24 June at column 442, and a statement issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 24 June, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. The Nigerian high commissioner in London was summoned to meet my right hon. and noble Friend, the Minister for Overseas Development, on 24 June.Baroness Chalker made it clear that we deplored the suspension of the programme for a transition to civilian rule and that we had, as a consequence, decided to announce a series of measures curtailing our bilateral co-operation, particularly in the defence field.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy that video equipment in the United Kingdom should not be rendered obsolete by any agreement with the United States regarding specifications for such equipment; and if he will make a statement.

I have been asked to reply.In areas of rapid technological development, such as video products, existing technology is always being superseded by more advanced technology as a matter of course. The Government have no ability to stop technological progress, including video equipment, even if they wanted to.Although world-wide standardisation of video systems would bring the benefits of a larger, more competitive marketplace, the United Kingdom Government have no plans at present for any bilateral agreement with the United States on specifications for such equipment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the traffic growth forecasts for England used by his Department for the periods 1963 to 1970, 1970 to 1980 and 1980 to 1990; and if he will give the actual traffic growth for those periods.

Since it started to use national forecasts of road traffic in about 1970 the Department of Transport has used or made six principal forecasts. They are given for selected years in the table in index number form, with a base of 1968 = 100 for the earliest forecast, and with a base of the index of actual traffic compared with 1968 for the subsequent forecasts. The table also includes an index of actual traffic growth since 1968.The index numbers are of the total of all motor vehicle traffic except two-wheelers, for Great Britain. After 1975 the forecasts were made in a range of low and high growth, and the two figures for each year reflect that range.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to introduce legislation to allow drivers of licensed hackney carriages to ban smoking in their cabs; and if he will make a statement.

As soon as a suitable legislative opportunity presents itself, the Government will bring forward legislation allowing taxi operators to ban smoking in their cabs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make recommendations in the highway code and other publications issued by his Department concerning the environmental, social and financial benefits of switching off engines while in stationary traffic.

Guidance has already been given in leaflets issued by the Department of Transport on motoring and the environment and by the Department of the Environment on how to help prevent smog. I have placed copies in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received British Rail's 1993 safety plan; and if he will make a statement.

The British Railways Board has now submitted its 1993 safety plan. Copies have been placed in the Library.I welcome the board's plan, which sets out BR's strategic safety objectives for 1993, reviews safety performance in 1992, and describes the board's safety policy and organisation. The plan demonstrates the wide range of initiatives underway, and the considerable resources BR is devoting to maintaining and improving its good safety record.The plan should both reassure rail users and give BR staff confidence that safety remains a high priority. The board has the full support of the Government in keeping up the momentum on safety as our privatisation proposals are implemented.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what is the present programme of preventative maintenance that is now being followed at No. 1 Parliament street; and if he will make a statement.

In common with other buildings on the parliamentary estate the No. 1 Parliament street building is covered by service contracts for the care and planned maintenance of its mechanical and electrical plant. Building and engineering inspections of the building are carried out on a regular basis by staff of the parliamentary works directorate.

To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission (1) what was the total cost of the refurbishment of No. 1 Parliament street;(2) if he will give a breakdown of the amounts of money which were paid to the main contractors or subcontractors who were involved in the refurbishment and modernisation work at No. 1 Parliament street.

The total cost of the new parliamentary building phase I was some £45 million. This includes not only No. 1 Parliament street but also Nos. 2 and 3 Parliament street, No. 1 Derby gate and No. 2 Canon row.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, pursuant to his answer of 23 June, Official Report, column 186, what obligations Fairclough still has for the work undertaken as one of the principal contractors involved in the refurbishment work at No. 1, Parliament street; and if he will make a statement.

None, apart from the work on the circle lock doors and the cooling system mentioned in my answer on 23 June at column 186; and any residual liability for latent defects in the building.

To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission if he will list the building craftsmen and craftswomen who are permanently employed within the House of Commons.

The following building craftsmen are permanently employed: three carpenters, three plumbers, two painters, a locksmith and a glazier.

To ask the Lord President of the Council what is the proportion of questions tabled for written reply that Ministers of Her Majesty's Government have declined to answer substantively over the past year on the grounds that to do so would incur a disproportionate cost.

To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the Government of Cyprus regarding the political and social arrangements for the forthcoming commonwealth conference to take place in Cyprus later this year; and if he will make a statement.

I discussed arrangements for the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government

The table shows the number of entries in the POLLS database for answers in the current session—up to and including 7 May 1993—for each Department, with the number of entries in each case including the word "disporportionate". References are also given to recent answers to questions from the hon. Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen) relating to the number of questions which were not given substantive answers on the ground of disproportionate cost. The figures, if any, given in those answers may not have been compiled on the same principles as the POLLS database.meeting with President Clerides, when he called on me in March. I understand that the planning for these arrangements is progressing well.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 24 November, Official Report, column 577–8, if he will publish the current list of parliamentary private secretaries and the Ministers to whom each is attached.

The current list of parliamentary private secretaries and the Ministers to whom each is attached is as follows: