To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the director of the Serious Fraud Office's investigations into the flotation of and share dealings in Butte Mining.

The SFO investigation relating to Butte Mining plc is not yet concluded. It is my practice not to give details about investigations which are still in progress.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the breakdown of the £600,000 spent on basic aging research or gerontology.

The Medical Research Council—MRC—is the main Government agency for the promotion of medical and related research in the United Kingdom. The MRC do not recognise the figure to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but in 1991–92—the last financial year for which figures are available—the MRC's expenditure on projects relevant to aging and the elderly was £9·8 million.This research refers to work on cognitive performance, hearing, dementia, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, nutrition, cardiovascular, stroke and cancer research. Additional work is also carried out on understanding the processes underlying aging; and on molecular mechanisms in the clonal deletion of auto-reactive T cells by programmed cell death. Because much of this research is interlinked, the financial breakdown of this research would be available only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish the total amount of expenditure on provision within the responsibility of the Office of Public Service and Science in (a) England, (b) Greater London and (c) the south-east, excluding Greater London, for each year from 1982–83 to 1992–93, estimated, distinguishing between current and capital expenditure, though excluding local authority credit approvals/capital allocations.

I am able to provide the following information about the Department's expenditure on the administration of public service and science and on the science programme.

(i) Expenditure on the Administration of Public Service and Science

The major part of the Office of Public Service and Science's offices and staff is located in London and the south-east, but the Occupational Health Service, which has its headquarters in Edinburgh, has a small regional network, and the Government Centre for Information Systems has offices in Norwich.

Total expenditure by the Department and its predecessors on administration in the period 1982–83 to 1992–93 was as follows:

£millions
Year	Current Expenditure	Capital Expenditure	Total
1982–83	53·0	5·6	58·6
1983–84	63·4	1·9	65·3
1984–85	76·1	3·4	79·5
1985–86	79·1	4·3	83·4
1986–87	75·5	8·7	84·2
1987–88	90·6	10·6	101·2
1988–89	98·0	9·6	107·6
1989–90	96·5	7·3	103·8
1990–91	104·3	11·0	115·3
1991–92	123·6	9·1	132·7
1992–93	134·0	11·0	145·0

(ii) Expenditure on the Science Programme

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are being taken at Welsh ports to prevent rabies entering Wales; and if he will make a statement.

People who bring in unlicensed animals and those who allow their animals on deck in harbour will be committing an offence and may face imprisonment in addition to heavy fines. Local authorities have the chief role in enforcing these provisions, supported by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise officers, port health officers and the police.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he has taken to prepare an action plan to guide implementation of the Rio declaration.

The Government are committed to making a report to the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development by the end of this year. The Welsh Office is closely involved in the compilation of this report, which will take full account of the Rio declaration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet the chairman of Welsh Water plc to discuss the fluoridation of drinking water supplies in Wales.

My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so at the present time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it a requirement that NHS hospital trust annual reports should list the salaries of the chief executive and all board members.

NHS trusts are required to provide information on the emoluments of their board members, excluding pension costs, as part of their annual accounts and this information must include the emoluments of the chairman, the highest-paid member and the chief executive —if not the highest-paid member. They are also required to provide similar information in their annual reports in order to conform with the provisions of the Companies Act 1985, as amended. The information provided in the annual report should be consistent with that provided in the annual accounts and, if there is any less detail, the annual report must make it clear that the full set of accounts is publicly available upon request.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many out-of-town large commercial developments were initially refused planning permission by the local authority, but were granted permission on appeal to the Welsh Office since 1979.

Comprehensive information in the form requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost, but 11 major retail developments have been approved on appeal against refusal of permission since the end of 1979.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales to whom each of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department is responsible; whether the public bodies or their members in each case are subject to (a) surcharge, (b) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (c) scrutiny by the Audit Commission or National Audit Office, (d) the statutory provisions for open Government which apply to local authorities, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens' charters; and whether the chairpersons and members of the boards of each of these bodies are required to declare an interest.

The Welsh Office sponsors 17 executive non-departmental public bodies—NDPBs. Details are available in "Public Bodies" and in the Department's 1993 annual report. The functions and responsibilities of each NDPB are specified in its founding legislation or charter. The Secretary of State is responsible and accountable to Parliament for the resources provided for NDPBs, and the general framework within which they are required to operate. For most NDPBs, the chief executive is designated as the accounting officer and, together with the departmental accounting officer, is liable to appear before the Public Accounts Committee to account for the use of public funds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to publish the Government's response to the first report of the Welsh Affairs Committee, Session 1992–93, House of Commons Paper 259, on the "Work of the Welsh Office".

I am pleased to announce that the response to the Welsh Affairs Committee report on the work of the Welsh Office has been published today as Command Paper 2276. Copies are available in the Vote Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any proposals to ensure that the whole of Wales is mapped on a scale of 1:2,500; and if he will make a statement.

[holding answer 5 July 1993]: No. The Ordnance Survey is responsible for the official surveying and topographic mapping of Great Britain. Following the advice of a review committee, the Government require Ordnance Survey to survey and map all conurbations at a scale of 1:1,250, all small towns and cultivated rural areas at a scale of 1:2,500 and all mountain and moorland areas at a scale of 1:10,000. This requirement covers Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much was held by local authorities in Wales, as at 31 March 1992, in respect of housing capital receipts reserved for debt redemption.

As at 31 March 1992, local authorities were required to set aside specified proportions of the capital receipts which they acquire for the repayment of debt, to meet payments on credit arrangements, such as finance leases, or in lieu of capital expenditure. Authorities are also required to make minimum provision from their revenue resources to meet credit liabilities. Such capital charges may be met in part by the interest gained on capital receipts, but the individual sources of such provision are not distinguished in the information collected centrally. In addition to the requirements for the application of capital receipts and revenue resources to meet credit liabilities, authorities may choose to apply the unspecified portions of their receipts which are available for new capital expenditure as well as revenue allocations to this end. At 31 March 1992, the outstanding housing loan debt for which provision would be required stood at £1,800,000,000. The scheduled amount of housing capital receipts assigned to meet credit liabilities stood at £180,000,000 at that date but, in addition, part of the £28,300,000 of unreserved housing receipts could also be applied to such use by authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about school information to be made available for parents under the parents charter.

Having carefully considered the responses made to the consultation paper "Better Information for Parents", my right hon. Friend is today laying regulations before Parliament which provide for the collection and publication of school information covering: attendance and truancy rates; examination results and awards; school leaver destinations; and school costs. A circular which explains in detail the provisions contained in the regulations is also being issued today.We received more than 300 responses during the consultation period. I am very grateful to all those who responded for their helpful and constructive suggestions. Providing information to parents about the schools their children attend is a central element in the parents charter and something this Government consider to be of the utmost importance. As a result of our consultations, we have clarified and revised the earlier provisions in a number of respects. In particular, the regulations now require that:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the methodology used to determine the rates of mileage expenses paid to councillors in Scotland.

[holding answer 24 June 1993]: The motor mileage rates are based on the average price at the pump for unleaded petrol over a 12-month period as applied to the schedule of annual running costs produced by the Automobile Association which covers tyres, oil, servicing and repairs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to review the current rates of mileage expenses paid to councillors in Scotland.

[holding answer 24 June 1993]: The rates of mileage expenses were reviewed with effect from 1 January 1993. A similar annual uprating exercise will be carried out towards the end of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date he expects to publish the Scottish Office Education Department's responses to comments on the Howie committee's recommendations for upper secondary school reorganisation.

[holding answer 5 July 1993]: Decisions have not yet been taken in response to comments on the Howie committee's recommendations for upper secondary reform. I am unable, therefore, to give the date of an announcement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the current cleanliness, safety and freedom from pollution of beaches and coastal waters.

[holding answer 5 July 1993]: The water quality survey of Scotland 1990 which my Department published in March 1992 assesses the cleanliness and freedom from pollution of Scottish coastal waters. The survey demonstrates that a high proportion of Scottish waters are of satisfactory quality. River purification boards monitor water quality at many beaches and I produce annually a report on monitoring of 23 bathing waters identified for the purposes of EC directive 76/160/EEC. That report is in the House of Commons Library and for 1992 showed that 15 beaches achieved the directive's water quality standards.Individual local authorities take responsibility for the cleanliness and safety of beaches in their area. However, Keep Scotland Beautiful has assessed the standards achieved at some of the most popular beaches including the nine beaches in Scotland that successfully obtained a seaside award this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the companies and individuals who have purchased NHS property to the value of £250,000 or more over the past five years.

[holding answer 5 July 1993]: The information, for the period from 1 April 1988 to date, is set out in the table.

• Greenock Medical Aid (Properties) Ltd.
• Beazer Homes Ltd.
• Morrison Developments
• Wimpey Homes Holdings Ltd.
• Homehurst Ltd.
• Cresta Property Investment Ltd.
• Messrs W. B. B. Gammell and P. J. A. Leggate
• Leven Glen Ltd.
• Hotel Saiyo International Ltd.
• Central Regional Council
• Balfour Beattie Ltd.
• Uppermill Farms Ltd.
• E. W. Ferrari
• Jarlaw Securities Ltd.
• Quantum Claims Compensation Specialists Ltd.
• Balgownie Development Co, Ltd.
• Balfour Beattie Ltd.
• Windex Ltd.
• Whatling Homes
• Mactaggart and Mickel Ltd.
• West of Scotland Housing Association
• Charing Cross Housing Association
• Tay Homes
• Cathcart Housing Association
• Miller Homes
• E. K. Wallace and Sons Ltd.
• Takare
• Associated Nursing Services (PLC)
• East Kilbride Development Corporation
• Glasgow Development Agency
• Central Guraduwara Singh Sabha Association
• Tulloch Homes Ltd.
• Wilson Homes (Stonehouse) Ltd.
• Lanarkshire Development Agency
• McLean Homes
• Hugh McMartin and Partners
• John D. Dourley
• Barry D. Trentham Ltd.
• Farquhar Developments Ltd.
• Napier University
• Applecross Developments
• AMA (New Town) Ltd.
• McAlpine Laing Investments
• Bryant Homes
• Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise
• Sunnyhill Developments

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what central Government funds are available in Scotland for specific grants to aid the resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers.

[holding answer 5 July 1993]: My right hon. Friend does not have the power to pay specific grants for this purpose. If Scottish local authorities faced additional expenditure commitments as a result of resettling refugees and asylum seekers this would be taken into account, in consultation with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, in the determination of the level of aggregate external finance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average amount of water used daily per household in Scotland.

[holding answer 5 July 1993]: A recent study in Scotland indicated that the average domestic consumption for each household was 368 litres per day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve access for people with disabilities to museums, galleries, theatres, libraries and sports arenas.

[holding answer 5 July 1993]: It is for the management of each organisation to consider how its buildings and, in the case of museums, galleries and libraries, its collections can be made accessible to disabled people. The Government have close links with a range of statutory, voluntary and private sector bodies which are active in encouraging such organisations to increase access for disabled members of the public.The Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 require access for disabled people to the ground floor of all buildings other than dwellings and buildings used for storage purposes. These provisions, which were first introduced in 1986, apply to all new buildings and to alterations and extensions to existing buildings. Proposed amendments to the current regulations were the subject of public consultation. They would require access for disabled people to the upper floors of all buildings except dwellings and storage buildings. These amendments should come into force in Scotland in the new year and would apply to all new buildings and to alterations and extensions to existing buildings.As far as sports stadia are concerned, ground managements are equally responsible for ensuring adequate access. I particularly welcome the provisions for the disabled being made at those stadia currently being redeveloped in terms of Taylor report requirements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he intends to take to implement the Government's response—Cm 2011—to the Environment Committee's second report of 1991–92. "Coastal Zone Protection and Planning in Scotland"; and if he will make a statement.

[holding answer 2 July 1993]: The House of Commons Select Committee on the environment report on coastal zone protection and planning examined coastal issues as they relate to England and Wales only. In their response, the Government accepted that the issues raised have a relevance to the United Kingdom as a whole and should be addressed according to the circumstances in different parts of the United Kingdom.The Scottish Office is considering how best to take forward the Government's proposals in relation to Scotland and as a first step has commissioned a review of Scottish coastal issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money was given to Scottish further education colleges in 1992–93 to prepare them for incorporation; and what provision was made in the conditions of grant for bonuses to senior staff.

[holding answer 1 July 1993]: Grants totalling £2·3 million were made to further education colleges in 1992–93 to meet costs associated with the incorporation process. It was for college councils to determine to what use the grants were put within their statutory powers as set out in the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with President Clinton the effects of the imposition of the United Nations sanctions on disease and infant mortality in Iraq.

I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is in close touch with President Clinton about policy towards Iraq. We and the United States agree that Security Council resolutions 706 and 712 provide the best scheme for financing the United Nation's humanitarian operations in Iraq. Iraq has refused to accept the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what sums are being spent out of public funds by the Royal Parks Agency on the building and equiping of the agency's new stables for constabulary and working horses in Richmond and Hyde parks, on purchase of horses and equipment, on the police riding manege at Richmond and on maintaining public buildings in Richmond park.

Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Royal Parks agency under its chief executive, Mr. David Welch. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given and I shall place a copy of his reply in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if he will list the former Members of this House who have been appointed by his Department to quasi autonomous non-governmental organisations; and if he will list in each case the title of the post, the salary, the duration of the appointment, and the party which the former hon. Member represented;(2) if he will list the names of individuals who

The Department of National Heritage does not currently hold the information requested centrally and this could be assembled only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make it his policy, in evaluating tenders from bidders for a clause 5 national lottery licence, not to exclude consortia which include an organisation, whether from the United Kingdom or overseas, which is engaged in existing gambling activity.

The responsibility for evaluating tenders and awarding the licence will lie with the director general of the national lottery.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has reached conclusions following the consultations on night restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted; and if he will make a statement.

On 28 January this year I published proposals for night restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. These followed a wide-ranging review of how we might best maintain the policy of continuing to protect local communities from excessive exposure to aircraft noise at night.Our existing policy has brought very considerable benefits to local communities by controlling movements of most jet aircraft at night. At the same time industry has made great strides in phasing out older noisier aircraft. There has been a substantial reduction in the number of people affected by daytime aircraft noise above the recognised disturbance threshold. This trend will continue, and I have separately laid regulations before the House which will ensure that the noisier, chapter 2 jets will be phased out by 2002. These regulations are in line with international agreements which we have worked hard to deliver.The central element of our consultation paper was a new system to maintain the protection offered to residents around Heathrow and Gatwick and extend similar protection to those around Stansted. Additional features were to move away from restricting numbers of movements to a system of quotas that would further encourage the use of quieter aircraft. Each aircraft type would be assigned a quota count (QC) for take-off or landing in line with certificated noise performance. The noisiest aircraft (QC8 and QC16) would not be allowed to be scheduled at night. We also proposed that there should be a QCO category for all aircraft with certificated noise levels less than 90 EPNdB to provide a further incentive to airlines to accelerate changes in their fleets and scheduling in favour of the quietest aircraft. Our proposals also include harmonisation of the night restrictions period and other measures to make the system fairer all round.Responses to the consultation have clearly demonstrated the importance local people attach to night restrictions. At the same time, it is clear that they have benefited from the introduction of quieter aircraft. Industry respondents for their part broadly accepted much of what was proposed although they argued that the threshold for QC0 could have been set higher. Some airlines also stressed the need for modest growth in quota to meet anticipated increases in demand over the next five years. However, leaving the movement of QC0 aircraft unrestricted raised concerns among local people that there could in theory be a major and uncheckable expansion in night flights.I have concluded that local concerns would best be met by extending the quota system with a new QC½ band to cover larger aircraft below 90 EPNdB. Although the aviation industry will lose some of the benefits of the previous QC0 proposal, they will still be able to use the flexibility of the quota system in scheduling their movements. At the same time local people will have the assurance that the quota will cover all relevant aircraft movements, with a reduction in the types that are currently exempt. This provides an additional measure of protection and meets local concerns about the perceived threat of uncontrolled growth.I have given careful consideration to whether I should increase the proposed quotas in order to accommodate the introduction of the QC½ category. On balance I concluded that the relatively small number of such movements at Heathrow could be accommodated within my previous proposal but that enhancement of the quotas would be appropriate at Gatwick and Stansted, because of the larger number of QC½ movements particularly at the latter where there is a significant number of mail and empty positioning flights.I have put a full statement on the new quotas in the House Library.I pay particular tribute to the commitment of BAA plc in establishing noise and track-keeping systems at the three airports. These systems will complement our new arrangements providing further monitoring—further protection for local people. They will also provide a comprehensive basis for the reviews that I am asking the aircraft noise monitoring advisory committee (ANMAC) to carry out on current noise limits by night and day and the aircraft noise classification system. The noise and track-keeping systems also give industry a ready means to check on its own performance.In my decisions I have sought to maintain the essential balance between the aviation industry and local people. The aviation industry makes an important contribution to the economy and it is essential to preserve employment and business opportunities not only for the 100,000 people who work in the industry but also for the wider contribution it makes to the local and national economy. It will be tough on industry and is a challenge to them to maintain progress at introducing quieter aircraft. It is just as important to ensure that local people should be able to enjoy a good night's sleep.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to encourage BR and the relevant private sector interests to seek help from the European investment bank for the upgrading of the west coast main line.

It is not normally appropriate for BR to borrow from the European investment bank (EIB), as it can borrow more cheaply from the Government.I have recently announced a scoping study to examine how the private sector can be involved in upgrading the west coast main line. The source of finance for the private sector is a matter for any eventual private sector partner in the upgrading project. But the benefits of EIB funding are widely appreciated, and the WCML would almost certainly be an eligible project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to whom each of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by the Department of Transport is responsible; whether the public bodies or their members in each case are subject to (a) surcharge, (b) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (c) scrutiny by the Audit Commission or National Audit Office, (d) the statutory provisions for open government which apply to local authorities, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens' charters; and whether the chairpersons and members of the boards of each of these bodies are required to declare an interest.

Details of the four executive non-departmental public bodies in which the Department of Transport has an interest are listed in "Public Bodies 1992", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. The functions and responsibilities of the three General Lighthouse Authorities are specified in their founding legislation. My right hon. Friend is responsible for the operation of the General Lighthouse Fund which funds the authorities. The Traffic Director for London is appointed by my right hon. Friend and is responsible to him. The answers to the other points raised are:

(a) None of the bodies is subject to surcharge. (The concept of surcharge as used in the Local Government Finance Act 1982 applies only to local authorities.)

(b) The bodies subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner are:

• Trinity House
• Northern Lighthouse Board
• Traffic Director for London

(c) Information on audit arrangements is set out in Public Bodies 1992.

(d) No. The provisions of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 apply only to those local authorities specified in the Act.

(e) Performance indicators have been set for the Traffic Director for London and a system of indicators for the lighthouse authorities is under discussion.

(f) All bodies are being encouraged to follow the principles of the Citizen's Charter.

No requirements regarding declarations of interest have been imposed by my right hon. Friend on members of the three lighthouse authorities, the majority of whom he does not appoint. The Traffic Director for London does not have a board but he is required by the terms of his appointment to be alert to the possibility of any conflicts of interest and to consult my right hon. Friend in any case of doubt.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether fishing boats in Northern Ireland are required to pay light dues to the Commissioner of Irish Lights; who operates the South Rock light on the most easterly point of Ireland; what navigation aids the South Rock light provides to fishing boats sailing to Portavogie harbour; and if he will make a statement about the future of the South Rock light.

The Commissioners of Irish Lights are funded from the General Lighthouse Fund established by Section 1 of the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Act 1898. The fund's principal income is from light dues levied on shipping using ports in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Fishing vessels using United Kingdom ports are liable for light dues. In the Republic of Ireland light dues are determined by the Irish Government, who have not extended light dues to fishing vessels using ports in the Republic. The South Rock lightfloat is operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. The lightfloat is moored 3´6 miles from Portavogie and is used by all craft for the purposes of marking landfalls, marking coastal passages and as a turning mark for vessels navigating on the north-east coast of Ireland. It clearly marks the dangerous waters to the west and is important for vessels entering or leaving Portavogie. There are no plans to make any changes to the South Rock lightfloat.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what conclusions he has reached from his study concerning the practicality of introducing a frequent urban passenger service on the newly electrified railway line between Clapham and Willesden junctions; what would be the estimated cost of re-establishing the intermediate stations at (a) Wormwood Scrubs, (b) Shepherds Bush, (c) West Brompton, (d) Kings Road, Chelsea and (e) York Road, Battersea.

The study's main conclusions were that the West London line provides the opportunity to introduce a new inner London rail service at relatively low capital cost, and that the project might be suitable for a joint venture initiative. Analysis of potential usage was inevitably subject to a wide margin of error, but suggested that, while not justified in financial terms, the project's estimated benefits/costs ratio would be about 1·8, excluding station investment. Detailed estimates of costs for individual stations were not made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from employees of local authority public transport companies about the security and comparability of their pension arrangements should their companies pass into private sector ownership.

I have received representations from PTA company employees, the TGWU and ALBUM (the Association of Local Authority Bus Undertaking Managers). I know that this is an important issue and I will take account of the proposals in respect of pensions in each case at the time consent to the sale arrangements is sought under section 75 of the Transport Act 1985.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to allow those local authorities which currently do not have an arrangement with his Department to enable their public transport company employees to remain in the local government superannuation scheme after transfer to the private sector to make such an arrangement.

The guidelines on future membership of public pension schemes, such as the LGSS, were set out in a policy statement of July 1991. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member. We have no plans to extend the arrangements referred to.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, further to his answer of 28 June, Official Report, columns 403–4, what is the Government's policy on the desirability of early construction of rail freight terminals to take advantage of the opening of the channel tunnel.

Our authorisation of BR investment exceeding £400 million in preparation for channel tunnel freight services is indicative of the importance we attach to this new market. Terminal facilities are under development and BR expects to be able to meet forecast demand when the tunnel opens.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the outcome of recent negotiations within the International Maritime Organisation on the safety of life at sea convention in regard to the risks posed by roll on/roll off ships and ferries; and what was the United Kingdom's position on the policy matters discussed.

Despite some support, the United Kingdom's proposal to amend the convention that would have applied the SOLAS 90 standard to existing ferries within a reasonable timescale did not receive the requisite number of votes at the Maritime Safety Committee. The United Kingdom's position was to obtain similar safety standard for all ferries. This continued to be our objective at the meeting held recently with our European neighbours, which had a more positive outcome.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans currently exist to put tolls on the motorway network.

Draft orders were published last month for the construction of the Birmingham northern relief road. This will be this country's first privately built, operated and tolled overland motorway. The Green Paper, "Paying for Better Motorways", was published on 26 May in order to stimulate a public debate on the principle of introducing direct charging on the existing motorway network in Great Britain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce measures to reduce the noise and pollution resulting from projected levels of road traffic.

Increasingly tight noise standards have been introduced for all types of vehicle. Since 1980 the noise from the heaviest lorries has been virtually halved. And tighter limits are now being negotiated in the European Community. These new standards will include for the first time standards for tyre noise.The annual MOT and HGV and PSV tests include an inspection of the exhaust system. Vehicles can also be subjected to roadside checks. We hope to increase the level of these checks by collaboration between police, DoT inspectors and local authority environmental health officers.We assess the impact of noise on residential property among other factors which influence the alignment of new roads. And the spread of noise is minimised by the use of cuttings, earth mounds and noise barriers. Quieter road surfaces are being developed.Compensation is offered to householders where property values are diminished due to new road schemes. We are conducting research on whether the level at which this compensation is triggered is the right one.Tighter controls on the amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and the oxides of nitrogen which can be emitted by petrol and diesel engined cars have been agreed in the European Community. These mean that new petrol-engined cars are now fitted with catalytic converters, reducing by about 75 per cent. emissions of the pollutants mentioned above.A further directive has just been adopted which will bring emissions from light duty goods vehicles into line with those for passenger cars. It will apply to light vans first registered on or after 1 October 1994. The EC Council of Ministers is now discussing a draft directive for stricter limits on emissions from cars leading up to the year 2000.In 1991, the Council agreed new tighter, emission standards for diesel engined lorries and buses, to be implemented in two stages. From 1 October 1993, new vehicles will have to meet a substantially tighter limit on NOx emissions. There is also to be a limit for the first time on particulate emissions. From 1 October 1996 the NOx limit will be reduced to about half its present value, and the particulate limit will have a level of stringency similar to that to be applied in the United States from 1994. Limits for the year 2000 will soon be discussed within the EC.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which system of motorway charging he proposes to introduce; and if he will make a statement.

The Green Paper "Paying for Better Motorways" is a consultation document. The Government have taken decisions neither on the principle of introducing direct charging on existing motorways nor on the method of doing so, other than to rule out conventional tolling with toll plazas and barriers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of introducing motorway tolls; what consideration he has given to ways of meeting these costs; and if he will make a statement.

The Green Paper, "Paying for Better Motorways" (Cm 2200) describes a number of possible systems of direct charging. Their costs of introduction would vary and would be influenced by the detailed design chosen. It is not possible at this stage to estimate reliably the cost of introducing motorway charges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has made of the amount of money which could be raised by introducing tolls on the motorway network.

We estimate that an electronic toll of around 1½p per mile for cars and light goods vehicles and an average of around 4½p per mile for other vehicles would generate revenue of some £700 million a year. A permit priced at, say, £50 a year for cars up and to £500 a year for the heaviest goods vehicles would raise some £500 million a year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many members of his staff are employed currently (a) full-time and (b) part-time solely to promote traffic calming (i) in Marsham street and (ii) in each of his Department's regional offices.

Traffic calming is a very important area of work in the Department because of the significant safety and environmental benefits it can bring. A substantial amount of effort is devoted to carrying out research and practical studies and to developing regulations, guidance and advice to help local authorities implement successful and cost-effective schemes on their roads. No staff spend all their time on this work, as it overlaps with the wider subjects of traffic management and road safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the former Members of this House who have been appointed since 1988 by his Department to quasi autonomous non-governmental organisations; and if he will list in each case the title of the post, the salary, the duration of the appointment and the party which the former hon. Member represented;(2) if he will list the names of individuals who

Detailed information on past and present appointees to non-departmental public bodies—formerly known as quasi autonomous non-governmental organisations—is not held in the Department and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, from such limited information as is available on present members of NDPBs, there is no evidence that any individual falls within the categories listed at (a), (b) or (c). As regards (d), it is known that two serving members of the Disabled Persons Advisory Committee have been party candidates for Parliament. These are Sir John Hannam, MP and a former Labour Member of Parliament, Mr. Lewis Carter-Jones. Both were reappointed as members of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee in December 1992 for a three year period to December 1995. Committee members are not paid a salary, but the Department meets their travel and subsistence costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how often the franchising director will be required to attend the rail users' consultative committees hearings to answer questions.

We have made it clear that the franchising director will be expected to liaise with the rail users' consultative committees and we will be covering this in the Secretary of State's published objectives for him. I expect that the franchising director will attend meetings of both the central and regional committees from time to time as part of this liaison.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will sign the Council of Europe convention on civil liability for damage resulting from activities dangerous to the environment.

The Government have no plans to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the cost to the economy of the measures announced to date for achieving a saving of 10 million tonnes of carbon per annum.

Most of the measures announced to date as part of the United Kingdom's CO₂ programme are aimed at improving the efficiency of energy use in the economy, with a net benefit to the economy.Savings are also expected to be achieved through an increase in the objective for renewable energy. This is part of the Government's continuing strategy to promote the development of new sources of energy to the point at which they become economic and can compete in the market place.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to amend the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 to impose a maximum permitted concentration of cryptosporidium oocyst contamination in drinking water; and if he will make a statement.

The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 already require that for water supplies to be wholesome they must not contain any organism at a concentration which is detrimental to public health.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to announce the new ombudsman to deal with issues in relation to the British waterways network.

This is principally a matter for the chairman of the British Waterways Board, but I understand that British Waterways hopes to make an announcement within the next month.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what safeguard he has proposed for the preservation of lowland peatlands.

A working group on peat extraction is preparing advice for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. The Government's strategy for peatlands will be announced after receiving their advice and considering all the relevant information. Meanwhile, the future of peatlands has been secured by: their notification as sites of special scientific interest; purchase; the arrangements between English Nature and Fison's and the co-operation of the members of the Peat Producers Association, whose members have agreed not to make any planning applications to work existing or proposed peatlands SSSIs without the prior agreement of the appropriate nature conservation agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the purpose of the interdepartmental group on coastal policy; what issues it will consider; when its formation was announced; when it has met; and if he will list the names of those persons present on each occasion and the Departments they represent.

The inter-departmental group on coastal policy was formed in 1991, prior to the start of the inquiry into coastal zone protection and planning undertaken by the Environment Select Committee. It is composed of officials from all relevant Government departments including Treasury, DoT, DTI MAFF, MoD, DNH, Home Office, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Ireland, Crown Estate and other representatives. Its existence was announced in the Government's response to the inquiry in July 1992.Key issues being considered by the group include the control of development below the low water mark, coastal management planning and links to implementation of the EC habitats directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to publish minutes of the meetings of the interdepartmental group on coastal policy; what recommendations have been made; and what response he has issued following the meetings of the group.

The results of the work of the inter-departmental group on coastal policy will be published in discussion papers later this summer. There are no plans to publish minutes of the meetings of this group.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) of 29 April, Official Report, column 470, on the waste management licensing timetable, what representations he has received about a new timetable.

I have received a joint representation on behalf of the Institute of Wastes Management, the National Association of Waste Disposal Contractors, and the local authority associations concerned with waste regulation. I shall meet them on 15 July to discuss the matter. I have also had correspondence from a number of individual waste regulation authorities; and I have met representatives of UK Waste Management Ltd.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will reconsider proposed waste management licensing to avoid sites accepting very small quantities of hazardous waste and civic amenity sites having to pay higher rates.

The charging scheme's financial objective is to ensure full recovery of waste regulation authorities' relevant costs on the inspection and monitoring of licensed sites. The Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1980 define as "special" waste which is so dangerous or difficult to treat, keep or dispose of that special provision is required for dealing with it. The higher rates of subsistence charge proposed for sites authorised by their licence to accept special waste were intended to reflect the higher level of inspection and monitoring required of such sites. As such, they would be necessary to ensure fulfilment of the scheme's financial objective. In response to consultation on the charging scheme, we have received a number of representations about the treatment or keeping of certain special wastes destined for recovery, notably the contents of waste car batteries. We shall consider these representations before making the final scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will implement the proposed new legislation for waste management licensing.

As the then Minister for the Environment and Countryside announced on 29 April at column 470, the introduction of waste management licensing has had to be postponed pending further consideration of the impact of European Community measures dealing with waste management. On 18 May at column 101, the then Minister gave further details of the particular technical problems we need to solve. We are working to solve these problems as quickly as possible. As soon as I am in a position to give a revised date for the implementation of licensing, I shall do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give a breakdown of the costs of the funfair which formed part of the Limehouse link road celebrations on 16 May including any rent waived; how much revenue was raised from funfair ride charges; and how much was raised for the community fund by (a) the funfair and (b) the sponsored walk through the Limehouse link tunnel.

The London Docklands development corporation gave free use of a site for the funfair. The Isle of Dogs community trust was responsible for the sponsored walk and I have no information about the money raised. The costs of, and revenue earned by, the funfair are matters for its operator, as is any contribution made to the community fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has made to the European Councils waste framework directive 91/156/EEC; and if he will make a statement.

The EC framework directive on waste (91/156/EEC) came into force on 1 April this year. Much of it is already implemented in the United Kingdom through the Control of Pollution Act 1974, the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989, and those parts of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which have already been brought into operation. The Government are considering what further measures are needed to implement the remaining provisions of the directive. Some of these will be included in the proposed regulations to bring into force the new waste management licensing provisions in part II of the Environmental Protection Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps the Government are taking to actively increase the use of recycled and waste materials as aggregates.

The Government are committed to making greater use of waste and recycled materials in construction. An extensive research programme is in hand to support this. Research has identified the availability of these materials and on how to increase usage. A current project is examining steps to encourage greater recycling of demolition materials. We are also participating in an EC priority waste streams project on recycling building and demolition wastes. The revised Minerals Planning Guidance Note 6 on aggregates, which is currently in draft, will also set out policies to increase the use of recycled and waste materials. Final guidance is expected later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department takes to ensure enforcement of section 33(1)(c) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in relation to the disposal of waste ozone-depleting substances by releasing them to the atmosphere.

The disposal of waste ozone-depleting substances by releasing them to the atmosphere is an offence under section 33(1)(c) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Enforcement of this section is principally a matter for waste regulation authorities. Further guidance on the effect of section 33 will be issued when section 33 is brought into force in its entirety.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions and convictions there have been so far under section 33(1)(c) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in relation to the disposal of waste ozone-depleting substances by releasing them to the atmosphere.

Information on the substances involved in particular cases is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what account was taken in the decision to develop a new exhibition centre in London docklands of the effect on other major exhibition centres within 150 miles of London.

The London Docklands development corporation will wish to decide whether to continue its promotion of a new exhibition centre in the light of a market-testing exercise now being undertaken.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to expand the air pollution detection network; and if he will make a statement.

My Department will be issuing a consultation document in the summer on the extension of national air quality monitoring by the further integration of local authority and central Government funded monitoring.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to enhance his Department's sponsorship of the construction industry; and if he will make a statement.

Following an initiative taken by my predecessor, a review of my Department's sponsorship function of the construction industry has been completed. The review looked at the current strengths and achievements of the Department's construction policy directorate and how these could be developed to meet the present and future needs of the industry. I will announce the conclusions of the review on 7 July and copies of the final report will be available in the Libraries of the House from 11 am on that day.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what account he took of purchasing policies in the United Kingdom regarding the specification of certain species of timber on environmental grounds when he signed the "United Nations Principles on Forestry" at the Earth summit in 1992; and if he will make a statement.

[holding answer 1 July 1993]: Purchasing policy was not addressed specifically in the discussions on the principles on forestry, the main objective of which is to ensure that the world's forests are managed sustainably. Nevertheless, we believe that it is important that consumers should be able to distinguish between timber from sustainable and unsustainable sources. We are therefore supporting the development of standards for forest management and timber labelling schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made in selling the Building Management Businesses.

[pursuant to his answer, 24 June 1993, col. 247]: I am pleased to be able to announce the exchange of contracts for the sale of the PSA building management business BM Scotland. The business has been sold to Serco.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 business now lies in the private sector and I hope many staff will choose to transfer with it. Completion of the sale is expected at the end of August.Serco will pay the Government £3·5 million for the business. The Government will, in addition, meet the costs of redundancies, should they be necessary, up to an agreed figure in the first five years following completion of the sale. The redundancy entitlement of transferring staff will be guaranteed by the Government for five years after the sale. Further details cannot be released until all the sales have been completed.Serco is a leading company in the facilities management field. I am confident that the combination of its commercial skills with the strengths of the BM Scotland work force will give the business a sound future in the private sector.I hope to make further announcements soon about the sales of the other two BM businesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment has been made of the number of additional Royal Parks Constabulary police officers that will have to be deployed and the number of officers that will have to be redeployed consequent upon the opening of Buckingham palace to the public; and what assessment he has made of the cost implications.

I have been asked to reply.Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency under its chief executive, Mr. David Welch. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given and I shall place a copy of his reply in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest situation in Haiti.

We support the efforts of the Organisation of American States and the United Nations to bring about a political settlement. We supported the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 841 on 16 June and are implementing legislation to give it effect in the United Kingdom and dependent terrorities. We welcome the convening of talks between President Aristide and the coup leaders and hope they may lead to a lasting settlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent disturbances in Nepal.

Following controversy following the death in a road accident of Madam Bhandari, the secretary general of the Unified Marxist Leninist Party, protest action by this party and other left-wing factions led to violent disturbances in Kathmandu and the surrounding area on 25 June. These became increasingly serious, and resulted in an official death toll of 10 in the following few days. The situation is now relatively calm.We regret the violence and loss of life. We hope that all parties involved will now resolve any differences peacefully and in the spirit of the parliamentary traditions Nepal has adopted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the basis on which the salary and allowances of Lord Owen as a peace envoy relating to former Yugoslavia is fixed and on the United Kingdom's contribution.

Lord Owen's remuneration and other terms of service are the responsibility of the presidency of the European Community—currently Belgium—and the international conference on the former Yugoslavia—ICFY.The United Kingdom contributes 7·19 per cent. to the total ICFY budget, which includes Lord Owen's remuneration and all other costs directly related to the Conference. The United Kingdom's contribution for the period 1 March to 31 August 1993 was $194,850.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to oppose the lifting of the arms embargo against any participants in the Bosnian civil war until an effective and lasting settlement to the crisis is in place and operating.

The arms embargo was imposed on the former Yugoslavia under United Nations Security Council resolution 713 on 25 September 1991, and is applied equally to all republics. There has been considerable recent debate in international fora on the lifting of the arms embargo for the Bosnian Muslims. We have repeatedly made it clear that this option is not ruled out, but we believe that in present circumstances this would do nothing to assist the achievement of a peace settlement—indeed it could make it less likely and threaten the vital humanitarian relief efforts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funds exist from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Serbia to pay monthly sums to Serbian families who agree to accommodate refugees and displaced persons; what is the total of such monthly payments; what guarantees have been given to UNHCR about how long such funds will be available; and what comparable data he has on funds available on a similar basis in (a) Croatia, (b) Slovenia and (c) Bosnia-Herzegovina; and if he will make a statement.

The UNHCR is paying cash grants to host families in Croatia, Slovenia and Macedonia. The UNHCR's 1993 programme envisages payments of US$ 27 million, US$ 5,055,000 and US$ 2,115,600 respectively. Full implementation of the programme will depend on the availability of funds: so far only a small proportion of the sums envisaged has been paid. The cash grant scheme does not operate in Serbia or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received of activities in the village of Gladovici in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the past 12 months; and if he will list the source of such reports and the action which has been taken as a result.

We have seen a report from the UNPROFOR press office in Zagreb concerning the bombing of Gladovici and Osatica on 13 March. There is evidence to suggest that the aircraft were operated by the Bosnian Serbs. Since the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 816 enforcing the no-fly zone over Bosnia, there have been no reports of further combat raids.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information Her Majesty's Government have received to confirm that no arms have been included in supplies to Gorazde distributed from NATO transport planes; if Her Majesty's Government have been apprised of the loading and inspection procedure for such missions; and what complaints have been made regarding supplies to Gorazde.

There are established loading and inspection procedures for NATO aircraft leaving Rheinmain in Germany on humanitarian air drop missions. Monitors from all three sides of the Bosnian conflict are present when the aircraft are being loaded to check that they contain only aid supplies. We are aware of allegations to suggest that ammunition has been transported, but have seen no evidence to substantiate this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from what source Her Majesty's Government first received information regard-ing the bombing of Gladovici on 13 March; on what information a view was taken as to where the aircraft involved took off and landed; what further information has since come to light; and if he will make a statement.

Information concerning the bombing of Gladovici was first received from United Nations personnel, and published in an UNPROFOR press release of 16 March 1993. The aircraft were observed flying across the River Drina into Serbia, which would be consistent with the use of Serbian air space to lose altitude prior to landing. No further information has since come to light.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times Her Majesty's Government or her representatives have met President Slobodan Milosevic since January 1991; and what was the purpose of each meeting.

Our representatives have met President Milosevic and his staff on numerous occasions since January 1991, most recently on 18 June 1993 when Her Majesty's chargéd'affaires in Belgrade delivered a letter from the Prime Minister to President Milosevic expressing his concern at the arrest and detention of opposition leader Mr. Draskovic, and requesting his immediate release. The main purpose of our representa-tions has been to press President Milosevic to co-operate fully with the efforts of the international community to achieve lasting and equitable settlements to the conflicts of the former Yugoslavia, particularly in Bosnia, and in the Krajina and Kosovo, based on the principles established by the London conference.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions Her Majesty's Government have taken to secure the release and safety of those arrested in the recent demonstrations in Lhasa.

We and our EC partners have urged the Chinese authorities at a high level in Peking to release all those detained in Lhasa and to allow EC diplomats in Peking early access to them meanwhile. The EC has also issued a public statement reiterating these points. We continue to press the Chinese authorities to guarantee full respect for human rights throughout China, including Tibet, in keeping with their obligations under the United Nations charter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of consular staff in Sana'a to cope with applications for entry clearance to the United Kingdom from Sana'a and Djibouti.

Entry clearance staffing in posts overseas, including Sana'a is determined by the volume and nature of the demand. The lack of resident career representation in Djibouti inevitably imposes constraints on the service available there. If the hon. Member is aware of any particular problems, I would be glad to have them looked into.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the torture and imprisonment of women in Tunisia.

We have raised human rights issues on several occasions with the Tunisian Government who are well aware of our concerns.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government and the EC towards Burma (i) overall and (ii) in respect of trade sanctions and arms embargoes.

We and our Community partners have closely co-ordinated policies on Burma. We take every opportunity, bilaterally and as the Community, to urge the Burmese authorities to respect their human rights obligations and the results of the democratic elections in May 1990.There has been an EC embargo on arms sales to Burma since July 1991. We have also severed defence links. Wider trade sanctions against Burma do not command the necessary international support.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the level of operations by the British Council in the Nordic countries.

The council's long-standing oper-ations in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark have helped to creat the current extensive network of bilateral contacts.Recently, in order to release resources—human and financial—the council has reduced its staffing and overheads in the area while maintaining programmes as far as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to whom each of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department is responsible; whether the public bodies or their members in each case are subject to (a) surcharge, (b) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (c) scrutiny by the Audit Commission or National Audit Office, (d) the statutory provisions for open Government which apply to local authorities, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens charters; and whether the chairpersons and members of the boards of each of these bodies are required to declare an interest.

The non-departmental public bodies—(NDPBs)—sponsored by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are responsible to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.The answers to points

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the EC report on the human rights situation in Colombia.

We have seen no such report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what legislation and which agency covers the prudential annual supervision of (a) company and (b) bank accounts in the case of companies and banks registered in Hong Kong; and in what form and to which representative assembly such agencies report.

Requirements on the incorporation, management and winding up of companies are set out in the companies ordinance, administered by the Registrar of Companies. The banking supervision department of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is responsible for the prudential supervision of banks in Hong Kong in accordance with the provisions of the banking ordinance. Members of Hong Kong's Legislative Council may ask questions and conduct investigations on any matter of concern to them in respect of regulation of banks or companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what agency is responsible for the supervision of the tax affairs of (a) residents of Hong Kong, (b) companies registered in Hong Kong and (c) banks registered in Hong Kong; and in what form and to which representative assembly such agencies report.

The Inland Revenue Department of the Hong Kong Government is responsible for the collection of tax on Hong Kong residents, and on companies and banks registered in Hong Kong. The Commissioner of Inland Revenue reports to the Financial Secretary who is a member of Hong Kong's Legislative Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on North Korea's recent suspension of its intention to withdraw from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

We welcome this announcement and the news that the North Korean and United States Governments have agreed to continue their discussions. We hope that these will lead to a permanent solution of the problem of North Korea's nuclear intentions. We urge North Korea to folow this positive step by reaffirming its commitment to the non-proliferation treaty and complying fully with its safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.We also call on North Korea to reaffirm its commitment to the north/south bilateral nuclear agreement with the Republic of Korea.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what preparations he is making to control the entry into the United Kingdom and the activities in the United Kingdom of American anti-abortionists visiting the United Kingdom in September and to protect clinical staff and women seeking legal abortions from intimidation and harassment.

Offences currently recorded as homicide in which the relationship between the suspect and victim was domestic and where a shot gun was used—England and Wales
	Year
Police Force Area	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991
Avon and Somerset	—	1	—	—	—	1	—
Bedfordshire	1	—	—	—	—	—	—
Cambridgeshire	—	—	—	—	—	—	1
Cheshire	—	1	—	—	—	1	1
Cleveland	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Cumbria	—	—	1	—	—	—	—
Derbyshire	—	1	1	—	—	—	—
Devon and Cornwall	—	8	—	1	—	—	—
Dorset	—	—	—	1	1	1	—
Durham	1	—	1	—	—	1	—
Essex	—	—	1	—	—	—	—
Gloucestershire	—	1	—	—	—	—	—
Greater Manchester	1	—	—	—	—	—	1
Hampshire	2	—	—	—	—	—	1
Hertfordshire	1	—	—	—	—	—	—
Humberside	—	—	—	—	2	—	1
Kent	—	1	2	1	1	—	1
Lancashire	—	—	—	1	—	1	—
Leicestershire	—	—	—	1	—	—	—
Lincolnshire	—	—	1	—	—	—	—
London, City of	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Merseyside	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Metropolitan Police District	1	—	2	1	—	2	—
Norfolk	4	1	—	—	—	—	—
Northamptonshire	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Northumbria	1	—	—	—	—	—	—
North Yorkshire	1	—	1	—	—	1	—
Nottinghamshire	2	—	—	—	—	—	—
South Yorkshire	—	—	1	—	—	1	—
Staffordshire	—	—	—	—	2	—	—
Suffolk	1	1	—	1	—	2	—
Surrey	—	1	—	1	—	—	—
Sussex	—	—	1	1	1	—	—
Thames Valley	—	1	—	—	1	—	1
Warwickshire	—	—	1	—	—	—	—
West Mercia	—	1	—	1	1	1	1
West Midlands	—	3	—	—	—	1	—
West Yorkshire	—	2	—	—	—	1	—
Wiltshire	—	—	—	—	1	—	1
Dyfed-Powys	—	—	—	—	1	2	—
Gwent	—	—	1	—	—	1	2

Citizens of the United States of America are subject to immigration control and must qualify to enter under the terms of the immigration rules. My right hon. and learned Friend may direct exclusion if a person's presence would not be conducive to the public good. Considerations will be given to any evidence which may justify the exclusion of individuals identified as members of the group intending to visit the United Kingdom in September.Enforcement of the Public Order Act 1986 as it relates to behaviour which may cause harassment or fear of violence is the responsibility of chief officers of police.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 June 1992, Official Report, columns 411–14, if he will update the table for homicides involving shotguns in domestic incidents.

The information requested is given in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Wolds prison severe incident of 28 and 29 June was reported to him; and what and who was involved in this incident.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to whom each of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department is responsible; whether the public bodies or their members in each case are subject to (a) surcharge, (b) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (c) scrutiny by the Audit Commission or National Audit Office, (d) the statutory provisions for open government which apply to local authorities, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens charters; and whether the chairpersons and members of the boards of each of these bodies are required to declare an interest.

The executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by the Home Office are as follows:

• Alcohol Education and Research Council^*
• Commission for Racial Equality
• Community Development Foundation^*
• Fire Service Examination Board
• Fire Service Research and Training Trust^*
• Gaming Board
• Horserace Betting Levy Board
• Horserace Totalisator Board
• Office of the Data Protection Registrar
• Police Complaints Authority
• Police Promotion Examinations Board
• ^* Indicates a charity

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer to the hon. M ember for Gateshead, East (Ms Quin) of 19 November 1992, Official Report, column 295, if he has now completed consideration of the legislative changes required to enable the United Kingdom to be a party to the Council of Europe convention on pet animals; and if he will make a statement.

Consideration of the legislative changes required in order to comply with the convention is continuing.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the report of the Royal Commission on criminal justice.