To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will discuss with the Valuation Office reasons for the change in the basis for valuation of caravans; what representations he has received from caravan owners relating to this decision by the Valuation Office; and if he will make a statement. [18668]

We have received many representations from caravan site operators and some from owners of individual caravans about the approach which has been adopted by the Valuation Office to the valuation, of caravan parks for the purposes of the 1995 non-domestic rating revaluation. I understand that the agency is discussing the issues further with representatives of caravan site operators.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the importation of wildlife into the United Kingdom from Vietnam; and what steps he will take to stop the practice. [19828]

My Department has received representations on the import into the United Kingdom of crab-eating monkeys from Vietnam. The UK and Vietnam are parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which regulates international trade in wildlife. Under CITES, crab-eating monkeys can be imported into the UK from Vietnam, provided certain strict conditions are met. However, no such imports have been authorised in recent years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many metres of mahogany or products containing it his Department has bought in the last five years; and if he will list the purposes and the costs. [19842]

[holding answer 19 April 1995]: My Department does not keep central records of individual purchases. Its policy, set out in its environmental purchasing guide "Selling to DOE", is to purchase joinery, furniture, and fittings manufactured only from wood produced from sustainably managed forests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about defence agency status for the logistics support services organisation of the Royal Air Force. [20451]

The Royal Air Force logistics support services organisation is part of Headquarters Logistics Command, and is responsible for providing a range of engineering and supply logistic support services to the Ministry of Defence, overseas Governments and the UK defence industry. It has been decided that the logistics support services organisation is to be considered for defence agency status under the next steps procedures. An entry to this effect will appear in the May 1995 edition of the market testing bulletin.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proposed rationalisation of Headquarters Logistics Command. [20481]

As part of the "Front Line First" process, my Department has consulted thoroughly with trade unions and local authorities closely associated with RAF Logistics Command on the proposal to rationalise its headquarters' structure.No issues have been raised which call into question the viability of the proposal and I have therefore decided that it should proceed as set out in the consultative document, which was issued on 19 January 1995. The effect of this rationalisation is the creation of some 400 civilian posts in the Headquarters Logistics Command at various levels.The details of the new civilian posts involved are being issued to trade unions for further local consultation and discussion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about defence agency status for the Defence Medical Services' secondary care organisation. [20452]

Following my announcement in the House on 8 December, Official Report, columns 304–305, in which I confirmed the recommendations made by the "Front Line First" medical study, it has been decided that the Defence Medical Services' secondary care organisation is to be considered as a candidate for agency status under the next steps procedures. An entry to this effect will appear in the May 1995 market testing bulletin and I should welcome comments from interested parties. These should be sent by 9 June to Mr. J. P. Green, head of the secondary care agency review team, Ministry of Defence, Room 118, Lacon house, Theobalds road, London WC1X 8RY.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made with the selection of financial advisers for the proposed transfer of his Department's married quarters estate to the private sector. [20482]

I am glad to announce that, following a competitive selection process, we have chosen NatWest Markets for this role.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the details of the methodology for transforming the Occupational Health Service into Trident Medical Services. [18915]

I have been asked to reply.The Occupational Health and Safety Agency has not been transformed into Trident Medical Services. Previously the Occupational Health Service, it remains an executive agency of the Cabinet Office following a prior options review in 1994.Trident Medical Services is a private sector provider of medical treatment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the suspension and subsequent resignation of the director of the civil service occupational health scheme at the Atomic Weapons Establishment; and if he will make a statement on the impact this has had on the formation of a successor company and the application of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 to those employed by the scheme within the AWE as at 31 March.

I have been asked to reply.The senior medical officer employed by the Occupational Health and Safety Agency was suspended from duty on 20 March pending investigation of matters' which had that day come to light regarding the tendering process for the contract to provide occupational health services to Hunting-BRAE, trading as AWE plc. It appeared that he had become a director of the company awarded the contract. He resigned voluntarily and with immediate effect on 23 March before any formal investigations had taken place.His resignation has no effect on the future of the OHSA. The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 apply to the transfer of relevant employees from OHSA to Trident Medical Services Ltd. This follows from AWE's decision to award the contract for provision of occupational health services to Trident.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what grounds his Department has selected Sundstrand of Rockford Corporation Illinois to supply gas-powered turbine engines for Spearfish torpedoes; what was the nature of the competition for this programme; which United Kingdom contractors were invited to tender; what offset arrangements have been agreed; and if he will make a statement. [18705]

The choice of Sundstrand as engine supplier was made by GEC-Marconi in 1981 as the designers of Spearfish. The only competitive alternative was also of US manufacture. The intention had been fully to compete the main production order of the torpedo, including the engine under licence, but the declining numbers required has meant this has not proved to be feasible. However, maximum competition at the subcontractor level was implemented instead. Some 25 per cent. in value of the engine was competed between three UK contenders and Microturbo of Fareham was successful.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the maximum number of warheads which will be deployed on each Trident submarine; and when the decision was taken on this matter. [19329]

As announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence in his speech to the Centre for Defence Studies at King's college, London on 16 November 1993, each Trident submarine will deploy with no more than 96 warheads and many will carry significantly fewer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his latest assessment of the future costs of decontaminating and clean-up of military nuclear production and operational facilities, including radioactive waste management and disposal; and if he will commission a study along the lines of the United States Energy Department study, estimating the cold war mortgage of radioactive contamination arising from the United Kingdom nuclear weapons programme. [19317]

It has been the practice of successive Governments not to disclose details of planned spending associated with the defence nuclear programme. The importance and costs of radiological and other forms of decontamination are, however, fully recognised as part of future defence planning, and adequate funding will be made available. Studies already conducted or to be undertaken will continue to assist in refining the estimates of the costs of radioactive waste management and disposal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his latest estimate of the decommissioning date for (a) HMS Repulse and (b) HMS Renown. [19326]

It is not our practice to comment in detail on the strategic submarine ballistic nuclear operational programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the reasons for HMS Renown being laid up at the Clyde submarine base, Faslane since June 1994. [19328]

HMS Renown returned to Faslane in June 1994 with a minor defect. It is not our practice to comment in detail on the material state of individual submarines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress made in the implementation of plans to withdraw from service by 2007 the WE177 free-fall nuclear bomb. [19332]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for City of Chester (Mr. Brandreth) on 4 April, Official Report, column 1097.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future sale of the Portland naval base. [19167]

My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence announced the sale of Portland naval base to Portland Port Ltd. on 6 April. Portland Port Ltd. is a Dorset-based company and we believe it offers the best long-term prospect for the local community and for reuse of the naval base.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 20 March, Official Report, columns 77–78, what reports his Department has received of children of ex-Porton Down service volunteers being born with a disability; and if he will make a statement. [19272]

This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current condition of HMS Kent, HMS Hermione and HMS Jupiter and the prospects for their sale; and if he will make a statement. [19304]

HMS Kent, HMS Jupiter and HMS Hermione are at present lying decommissioned in Portsmouth naval base, preparatory to their future offer for sale to the commercial scrap market. Despite strenuous efforts by the Disposal Sales Agency, none of these ships has attracted an overseas buyer for further operational use. There does, however, appear to be a flourishing commercial market for scrap metal recovery.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names of the estate agents and consultants who have advised his Department on the sale of surplus land and buildings over the last five years. [19282]

Records of the names of the estate agents and consultants who have advised my Department on the sale of surplus land and buildings over the last five years are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian Navy personnel have lost jobs in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [19157]

The number of UK-based civilian staff made redundant from the Navy department in each financial year since 1986–87, the earliest date for which records were kept centrally, is as follows:

• 1986–87: 1,129
• 1987–88: 321
• 1988–89: 311
• 1989–90: 400
• 1990–91: 251
• 1991–92: 213
• 1992–93: 249
• 1993–94: 587
• ¹1994–95: 635
• ¹up to end of February 1995

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on careers counselling for naval personnel who have lost their jobs in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [19159]

No separate record is kept of the cost of resettlement advice which has been given to naval personnel who left on redundancy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, North (Mr. Henderson) of 31 March, Official Report, column 872, if he will give the number and location of service personnel and civilians employed in press and public relations and public relations support posts overseas.

The number of service personnel and civilians employed in press and public relations and public relations support posts overseas is 22. Posts are located in Belize, Cyprus, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Germany and the former Yugoslavia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if staff on secondment to the Defence Export Services Organisation may simultaneously work for or offer consultancy services to companies in the private sector. [19436]

Under the conditions of service issued on secondment no officer may:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the level of bonuses to be paid for the financial year 1994–95 to the (a) head, (b) offset adviser and (c) international finance adviser of the Defence Export Services Organisation. [19435]

On the position of the Head of the Defence Export Services Organisation, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 30 November 1994, Official Report, columns 777–78. The offset adviser is on secondment to MOD and any bonus is a matter for his company and not for the department. The international finance adviser is on a fixed-term appointment as a civil servant and is eligible for the normal civil service performance-related pay arrangements. It is not the practice to comment on the pay of individual officers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 30 November 1994 to the hon. Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Simpson), Official Report, column 778, if he will name the current offset adviser and international finance adviser at the Defence Export Services Organisation; and if he will give (a) the companies from which they are seconded, (b) the duration of their contracts, (c) any bonuses to which they are entitled and (d) the number

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many competitive tendering exercises carried out by his Department in each of the last two years were caught by the provisions of the public services directive but were not subsequently advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union in compliance with the relevant regulations. [19228]

All requirements falling within the scope of the EU services directive where there is an obligation to advertise are customarily advertised in the prescribed manner in the supplement to the Official Journal of the European Communities. Records of exact numbers of advertisements are not kept.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what exports of weapons there have been from Britain to Sierra Leone in the past five years. [18872]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Ilford, South (Mr. Gapes), Official Report, column 501, on 28 November 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether armed forces personnel who hunt are liable for of hours per week they are contracted to work for the organisation. [19433]

The information requested is as follows:

• Offset adviser: Mr. David Mitchell
• Company: British Aerospace Defence Ltd.
• Duration of contract: two years to October 1995
• Bonuses: The responsibility of his Company
• Hours per week: 41 hours including meal breaks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 22 November 1994, Official Report, column 139, if he will give the net cost of the Defence Export Services Organisation in each year from 1979–80 to 1992–93. [19432]

Final outturn figures for the Defence Export Services Organisation for the years 1988–89 to 1992–93 are as stated below. Figures before 1988–89 are not readily available.the costs of the support staff who drive the horseboxes and care for the horses; and what those costs are as a daily rate and in total for each year since 1991. [19539]

Members of the armed forces who are permitted to hunt during duty time are not liable for the costs of military drivers and grooms as such costs arise irrespective of participation in hunting or any other form of training and are therefore not additional.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost of fuel used by the Household Cavalry in attending fox hunt meets that has been reimbursed to the Ministry of Defence for each year since 1991. [19537]

The costs of fuel used by members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in travelling to fox hunt meets are met privately by the individuals taking part. The requirement for reimbursement does not, therefore, arise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances it is permitted for individuals who are not serving members of the armed forces to use army horses or equipment to hunt; and what charges are made for the use of such equipment. [19540]

Individuals who are not serving members of the armed forces are not permitted to use Army horses or equipment to hunt.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from what date members of the armed forces who hunt have been liable for the costs of fuel for transport to and from hunt meets. [19538]

So far as we have been able to determine, members of the armed forces who are permitted to hunt have always been liable for the costs of fuel for transport to and from hunt meets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his European Union counterparts in respect of the markets which the European arms procurement agency will endeavour to satisfy; and if he will make a statement. [19446]

Ministers and officials of my Department have played a full part in discussions, within the forum of the Western European Armaments Group, on the concept and role of a European armaments agency. These discussions continue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if membership of the European arms procurement agency will be subject to parliamentary approval. [19445]

Discussions on a European armaments agency continue. Formal parliamentary approval would not be necessary if the UK were to become a member of such an agency, but Parliament will, of course, be kept informed of developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the United Kingdom's proposed joining of the European arms procurement agency will affect the policy of (a) subsidiarity in defence and (b) the resources available for diversification of defence industries. [19443]

Discussions on a European armaments agency continue. If the UK became a member, this would not affect the principle that decisions on armaments procurement for the UK armed forces are the preserve of Her Majesty's Government. It is not envisaged that UK membership of a European armaments agency would have any effect upon the resources available for diversification of defence industries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the total amount paid by his central Department, and each agency for which he is responsible in subsistence allowances for travel (a) within the United Kingdom and (b) outside the United Kingdom in each of the last three years. [19549]

The information requested is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost of (a) all structural repairs, to Haymes Garth and (b) all other work carried out to the building, and the total sums expended. [19781]

The total cost of refurbishing Haymes Garth was £380,000; of which £80,000 was spent on essential external maintenance, £68,000 was spent on furniture and fittings and £232,000 on structural work and alterations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sums were spent on (a) redecoration, (b) curtains and (c) other furnishings to Haymes Garth; what were the estimated costs in each such category; and by whom and on what dates these (i) estimates and (ii) payments were authorised.

The total sum spent on redecoration, curtains and other furnishings to Haymes Garth was £68,000. The original allocation for these items was £60,000. RAF Support Command costed and approved the work at Haymes Garth.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by whom and on what date the decision was taken to renovate Haymes Garth.

The decision to retain Haymes Garth was taken by the then Air Officer Commanding in Chief RAF Support Command in February 1992, and the renovation programme stemmed from that decision.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date Air Chief Marshall Sir Sandy Wilson was informed that he was to occupy Haymes Garth; and when he took up residence. [19785]

Sir Sandy Wilson took up residence at Haymes Garth in May 1993, and had been aware that he was to occupy the house from August 1992.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason he has decided not to proceed with the market-test initiative on the management and supply of small arms spares; and if he will make a statement. [18799]

The market test of management and supply of small arms spares was withdrawn from full competition because of insurmountable intellectual property rights and critical item manufacture problems. However, the market testing process has identified changes in procurement processes which, once introduced, will lead to efficiency savings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what requirements there are for officials in his department to introduce a compliance cost assessment for all rules and regulations coming before him and his Ministers; and how many compliance cost assessments have been issued in his Department in the first three months of this year. [19351]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for Corporate Affairs on 19 April, Official Report, column 189. My officials follow the procedures set out in that answer.Four compliance cost assessments were issued in Northern Ireland in the first three months of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects work to start on the repair of the fire damage and refurbishment of Parliament buildings, Stormont; and what is his estimate of the completion date for this project. [19467]

The debris resulting from the fire on 2 January has now been removed from the former Commons chamber. A detailed examination of the damage has been undertaken to assess its extent and to develop options for repair and refurbishment. I will make an announcement when this assessment is completed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to amend the law to allow the RUC to make greater use of DNA sampling. [20333]

I intend to introduce legislation which will allow the RUC to take full advantage of developments in the technology of DNA analysis and give the police in Northern Ireland the opportunity to take samples from those suspected of a range of offences in wider circumstances than at present. It is vital that the RUC should be able to make use of technological innovation in the detection and investigation of crime at the earliest opportunity.These measures will facilitate the use of improved technology for the analysis of DNA samples and fine-tune the law in other areas. They will assist the RUC to maintain its well-earned reputation for professionalism and their standards of excellence in investigating and detecting crime.In addition, I plan to clarify the law in Northern Ireland on the status of prisoners when they are required for interview by the police and in respect of prisoners who are unlawfully at large in Northern Ireland so that they may be arrested and returned to custody as swiftly as possible no matter what part of the UK from which they are unlawfully at large.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many advisers his Department employs broken down to show (a) political advisers and (b) economic advisers; at what grade and salary they are employed; and what are their minimum working hours in each case. [19415]

My Department employs one political adviser and one chief economic adviser. Their salary and conditions of work are negotiated individually in relation to their previous earnings, and are confidential. Economic advice is obtained from career civil servants, who may be employed on a variety of working patterns. Their grades range from grade 3 to economic assistant.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish in full the official receiver's responses on whether the work of the Insolvency Service should be contracted out. [19936]

The responses from official receivers are still being considered. If a decision is made to seek parliamentary approval for an enabling order a digest of the official receiver's responses will be published by laying copies in the Library of the House.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people and what percentage of the work force are employed in small and medium enterprises. [19093]

At the end of 1991, 14 million people, or 67 per cent. of the work force, excluding central and local government, were employed in enterprises with fewer than 500 employees.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many Business Link initiatives are now fully operational in the United Kingdom. [19095]

Ninety Business Links are open in England as at 12 April 1995. Separate arrangements for providing support services for businesses in the rest of the United Kingdom are being developed by the offices for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the budget allocated to the regional supply networks in the current year. [19094]

The budget allocated to the regional supply network in the 1995–96 financial year is £2.8 million.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list each non-departmental public body and agency for which he has responsibility and, for each, list separate figures for the spending by that body or agency on (a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising, (d) other promotional materials and activities, (e) the totals in each year of (a) to (d) and (f) the proportion of (e) that was spent on recruitment advertising for each year since 1979–80 or for each year of its existence if it has been created since then; and what are his latest estimates of (a) to (f) for the years 1994–95 and 1995–96. [1176221]

The NDPBs sponsored by my Department are listed in the publication "Public Bodies 1994", copies of which are available in the Library of the House. The other information requested is not available centrally and could not be compiled without incurring disproportionate cost.The DTI's executive agencies are detailed on pages 80 to 84 of my Department's annual report—Cm 2804—which is also available in the Library of the House. I have asked the chief executives of these agencies to write direct to the hon. Member giving the other information requested.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will reconsider his specific proposals for a

[holding answer 18 April 1995]: I have received a number of representations from organisations and individuals in the consultancy industry about the DTI's consultancy brokerage service. My officials have also consulted widely within the industry and across a range of relevant interest groups. The concept of such a service has been generally welcomed. As with all new initiatives, I am willing to consider constructive proposals for its further development.

To ask the Pr%sident of the Boardof Trade how many consultants have to date joined the consultancy brokerage scheme; and if he will make a statement. [18905]

[holding answer 18 April 1995]: As at 11 April 1995, 152 consultants had applied to join the DTI's consultancy brokerage service. Invitations to join the service were issued in late January and no deadline was set. We aim to recruit many more consultants and are actively considering how to speed up the pace of applications.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what Government funding has been provided to (a) the Industrial Research and Information Services Ltd, (b) the Industrial Trust and (c) Kennington Industrial Company in each year since 1965; and for what purposes it was granted. [17259]

[holding answer 3 April 1995]: My Department has no knowledge of these companies and no record of having given the financial assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in preparing the Civil Aviation Authority's air traffic control functions for privatisation and in preparing the timetable for privatisation. [18931]

Following discussion with interested parties, progress has been made in addressing the issues raised during the public consultation on privatisation of the CAA's air traffic control functions.The chairman of the CAA has also instigated a number of management changes designed to secure a greater degree of separation between the national air traffic services and the CAA's other businesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what regulations apply to cabin baggage on aircraft; how these are enforced; and if he will make a statement; [18971](2) how many reported accidents to airline passengers involving cabin baggage have occurred in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [18970]

Articles 29 (6) and 37 (2) (d) (ii) of the Air Navigation Order 1989 cover the safe carriage of cabin baggage in UK-registered aircraft and regulation 4 of the Air Navigation (General) Regulations 1993 covers the weighing of cabin baggage. Compliance with these requirements is enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of comparative charges to airlines in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) the United States of America; and if he will make a statement. [19143]

I have not made any such assessment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list for each agency and the central Department for which he is responsible (a) the total amount of removal costs and associated expenses reimbursed to officials who were required to relocate as part of their employment, (b) the amount of each of the highest three claims that were concluded and settled and (c) the average amount of each claim in each of the last three years. [19649]

The information requested in respect of this Department and its agencies is as follows:

(a) the total amount of removal costs and associated expenses reimbursed to officials who were required to relocate as part of their employment:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list for each agency and the central Department for which he is responsible (a) the total hours of overtime worked for which payment has been made, (b) the total amount paid in overtime and (c) the total time in days and its monetary equivalent lost through sickness in each of the last three years. [19674]

The total hours and the amount paid in overtime for the last three years for the central Department and agencies for which I have responsibility are:

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage for what reasons he does not judge it appropriate to permit national lottery tickets to be sold by independent licensed bookmakers; and if he will make a statement. [19000]

The national lottery is at the softest end of the gambling spectrum. Not allowing the sale of national lottery tickets on certain premises, including licensed betting offices, reflects the distinction between the lottery and other types of gaming.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what information he has on the buying of national lottery tickets by people of different socio-economic groups. [19113]

I understand that Camelot Group plc carries out research as part of its programme to monitor the appeal of individual constituent games which make up the national lottery. This indicates that the profile of national lottery players broadly reflects the profile of the population as a whole.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many advisers his Department employs broken down to show (a) political advisers and (b) economic advisers; at what grade and salary they are employed; and what are their minimum working hours in each case. [19420]

My Department does not employ any political advisers. Economic advice is obtained from career civil servants, who may be employed on a variety of working patterns. The following numbers by grade are full-time equivalent:

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations he has received about the closure on the education unit at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford; if he has authorised his officials to have discussions with the museum about the securing of funding to enable the unit to be reopened; and if he will make a statement. [19860]

[holding answer 18 April 1995]: Since 1984, educational provision of the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford has been generously supported by the city of Bradford metropolitan council. I understand this funding has now been withdrawn, reluctantly, at short notice and the education unit has had to be closed in consequence. I have not received any representations about the closure. My Department provides funding of £21.7 million to the National Museum of Science and Industry, of which the NMPFT is a part, and it is for the trustees of the National Museum of Science and Industry to decide how to spend this money. I understand, however, that the museum is currently reviewing its formal education programme of free direct teaching for educational visitors and that, when the necessary planning and preparation are completed, it expects to put in place a revised programme of education provision, as part of its long-term commitment to education as an integral part of its activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in reaching a decision on the future ownership of the Natural Resources Institute. [20453]

We announced on 20 December 1994 our intention to invite formal tenders for the future ownership of the Natural Resources Institute. A number of expressions of interest in assuming ownership of NRI were received.Those being invited to prepare fuller bids are as follows:

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 20 April. [18720]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 20 April. [18718]

This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall be having further meetings later today.

To ask the Prime Minster what revision he has made to his statement of 18 July 1994, Official Report, column 2, that directors should follow the lead that the Government have set for pay in the public sector; and if he will make a statement. [19039]

The Government's approach to public sector pay stands as a commendable example to directors and others in the private sector. However, the remuneration of directors is ultimately a matter for the companies themselves and their shareholders. I have welcomed the establishment of the Greenbury committee, which will be making recommendations shortly relating to the arrangements for remunerating directors.

To ask the Lord President of the Council how many statutory instruments were approved by the House in each Session or calender year since 1981; of these how many were of (a) general and (b) local application; and how many arise directly or indirectly from regulations or directives of the European Community.

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee, arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 10 July to Friday 14 July 1995.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to Dadabhai Naoroji, India's Patriot: Britain's MP, to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee, arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 1 May to Friday 5 May 1995.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if he will make a statement on the provision being made for access for disabled people in the design and construction on the new parliamentary building.

A ramp will be provided between the pavement at the main entrance and the main courtyard level, a rise of 0.5 m. The lifts at each corner of the courtyard will reach all floors of the building. The six Members' Rooms on the sixth floor are the only rooms not readily accessible to disabled persons, as they are reached from the floor below by spiral staircases. There are lavatories for disabled people on all the main floors.

To ask the Administration Committee if he will make the contents of the Official Report available digitally to the media as soon as possible.

The Official Report is conducting a pilot project to make the electronic text of the Official Report available within the House. I understand that the Information Committee recently approved an expansion of the project, which includes the electronic delivery of the full text and an on-line database. In the first instance, the system is being developed to meet the needs of Members and the House generally, but, in planning to develop the service to serve a wider readership, the needs of the media will be taken fully into account.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he will make a statement on the exemption of telephones within the Palace of Westminster from British Telecom's 1471 call return system.

As the BT 1471 call return system is available only to lines linked directly to the public exchange, it is not technically possible to connect the system to the Palace of Westminster telephone exchange.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what consideration has been given to licensing Parliament for weddings under the Marriages Act 1994.

[holding answer 24 March 1995]: I am advised that the regulations made under the Marriages Act 1994 relate only to civil marriage. Approved premises must have no recent or continuing connection with religion or religious practices, be open to the public without charge, and be regularly available to the public for civil marriage. I do not therefore consider it appropriate for the House to be licensed under the Act.

To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what has been the total cost of the inquiry by the Committee of Privileges regarding a complaint regarding an article in The Sunday Times of 10 July 1994 relating to the conduct of hon. Members; how many staff at the House were involved; what was the cost of publishing the report and annexes; and how many copies were printed.

[holding answer 18 April 1995]: The Committee of Privileges is staffed by existing staff of the Department of the Clerk of the House; consequently no significant additional staff costs arise. The Committee has one Clerk who is also Clerk of the Journals and has other responsibilities. He is assisted by a secretary and a chief office clerk, both of whom have other duties. The fees of the Official Shorthand Writer for transcripts of evidence taken by the Committee and tape recordings supplied by The Sunday Times amounted to £5,676. Other costs directly attributable to the Committee's inquiry and the preparation of the report amounted to approximately £1,400.The cost to the House of copies of the report, evidence and appendices supplied for issue by the Vote Office is £16,800.The cost to Her Majesty's Stationery Office of printing and publishing the report, evidence, and appendices is estimated by them to be £23,400. I understand that HMSO expects to recoup a substantial part of this cost in sales. The number of copies of the report, evidence and appendices printed so far is 1,400.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each agency and the central Department for which he is responsible (a) the total hours of overtime worked for which payment has been made, (b) the total amount paid in overtime and (c) the total time in days and its monetary equivalent lost through sickness in each of the last three years. [19673]

The information is as follows: