To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received as to the reason for the indefinite shutdown of the Daya bay nuclear plant close to Hong Kong. [19320]

The Daya bay nuclear power station is in China some 50 km away from the urban area of Hong Kong. It is operated by Chinese companies. The Hong Kong Government have no involvement in its day-to-day operation, but are being kept informed of developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what observers of Her Majesty's Government have arranged to be present at the trial of those accused of murdering the three Christian leaders in Iran; and what assessment the observers have made regarding the trial proceedings. [23065]

The European Union has agreed to send a presidency representative to attend the trial as an observer. The trial is in its early stages and it is too early to make an assessment of the proceedings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to seek to put an end to Burmese military incursions against Karen refugee camps in Thailand. [23066]

Together with our EU partners we have made clear our concerns about the safety of the Karen people to the ruling military regime in Burma, the State Law and Order Restoration Council. We called in the Burmese ambassador on 17 February to reinforce an earlier EU demarche in Rangoon. On 10 March the EU issued a statement condemning the offensive against the Karen people and calling upon the SLORC to find a swift and peaceful solution to the ethnic minority problem in Burma.We view with concern the recent attacks against refugee camps in Thailand and welcome the continuing commitment of the Thai Government to provide refuge for those seeking safety in their territory. We continue to monitor the evolution of the situation closely and are considering appropriate action in consultation with our EU partners.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what indications the European Union has received in respect of the date and organisation of elections in Kashmir; if the European Union has been invited to send observers to monitor any such elections; what measures the European Union is taking to assess on the ground the prospect of elections in Kashmir; what assessment (a) Her Majesty's Government and (b) the European Union has made of the elections; and if he will make a statement. [23095]

The Indian Government have yet to make any official announcement of their intentions with respect to the date and organisation of elections in Kashmir. It follows that there has been no invitation to send observers, and we and our European partners are not in a position to assess the elections.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Pakistan Government about the detention of Anwar Masih in Faisalabad; and if he will make a statement. [23098]

We regularly make representations to the Pakistan Government about the treatment of Christians and other minorities. We recently joined our European partners in raising Anwar Masih's case with the Pakistan authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to ban the production, export and stockpiling of landmines; and if he will make a statement. [23099]

We are actively pursuing through various fora further controls on the production, stockpiling, transfer and use of anti-personnel landmines. But such measures need to be realistic, and widely applied, if they are to be effective. A complete ban at this stage would not secure broad international support or be properly implemented.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of preambular paragraph L of the European Parliament's motion on the extension of the nuclear non-profileration treaty, adopted on 5 April. [22352]

[holding answer 4 May 1995]: We agree with the preambular paragraph.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what position was taken by the British ambassador to the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency in regard to the proposals under discussion of the programme 93 + 2 on safeguards, at the board of governors' meeting on 27 to 30 March, that greater access to sites by nuclear inspectors should be implemented. [22931]

I have been asked to reply.The United Kingdom supports the need to strengthen the IAEA's safeguards system. The general outline of the proposals were presented in the March meeting of the board of governors. More specific proposals will be presented and discussed at subsequent meetings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals in regard to technical, legal and financial implications of a strengthened nuclear safeguards system will be put forward by the United Kingdom at the next board of governors' meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency in June. [22930]

I have been asked to reply.The IAEA will submit proposals for strengthening the safeguards system at the meeting of its board of governors in June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultation of tenants has been carried out by Wigtown district council regarding the future tenure of their houses; what options were put to the tenants; what advice was given by the council to tenants; and if he will make a statement. [22430]

I understand that Wigtown district council has been informally consulting tenants by means of newsletters and public meetings for several months about its proposal to transfer its entire stock of housing to the locally based Wigtown housing association. The statutory consultation procedures began late in April when the council issued a formal consultation document to tenants setting out the details of its proposals and the likely consequences of the transfer. Tenants have also been given access to independent advisers to assist them to reach an informed view on the proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been budgeted by Wigtown district council to conduct a ballot on the disposal of its houses to the Wigtown housing association; whether the council has received section 25 consent for expenditure already incurred; and if he will make a statement. [22429]

The cost of any ballot of its tenants is a matter for Wigtown district council. The Secretary of State is currently considering an application from the council for consent under section 25 of the Local Government Act 1988 to enable the council to make a loan to assist the newly formed Wigtown housing association with its setting up costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what conditions he has imposed upon Wigtown district council regarding the procedures, majority required and advice to tenants before any ballot result of council tenants regarding transfer of ownership is given his approval. [22431]

Wigtown district council is aware that it must act in accordance with the provisions contained in schedule 6A of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 in consulting tenants on the disposal of any of its housing stock. The council is also aware that the Secretary of State cannot consent to any such transfer if it appears to him that a majority of tenants do not wish the disposal to proceed.It is for the council to decide how best to determine the extent of tenant's support for its proposals and I understand that it plans to ballot all tenants on the subject. The Secretary of State will have regard to the outcome of that ballot in determining whether to grant his consent to any stock disposal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those sites which (a) have been designated or (b) meet the criteria for designation as (i) special protection areas under the European Community directive on the conservation of wild birds or (ii) Ramsar sites under the convention of wetlands of international importance. [22369]

The information is set out in the tables. Sites are designated by my right hon. Friend on the advice of Scottish Natural Heritage. The lists of sites at (b)(i) and (ii) contain those which in the opinion of Scottish Natural Heritage qualify by designation.

(a)(i) Sites Designated under the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds
Site	Location
Flannan Isles	Western Isles
St. Kilda
Shiant Isles
Monarch Island
Loch Druidibeg/Loch a' Machair
Mingulay and Berneray
Handa	Highland
Priest Island
Rhum
Loch Maree
Loch Eye
Abernethy Forest
Loch Vaa
Hermaness and Saxa Vord, Unst	Shetland
Fetlar
Fair Isle
Marwick Head	Orkney
Copinsay
Sule Skerry and Stack
Loch Spynie	Grampian
Loch of Skene
Fowlsheugh
Glen Tanar
Coll	Strathclyde
Treshnish Isles
Gruinart Flats, Islay
Bridgend Flats, Islay
Laggan Peninsula Islay
Eilean na Muice Duibhe, Islay
Glac na Criche, Islay
Feur Lochain, Islay
Ailsa Craig
Loch Ken and Dee Marshes	Dumfries and Galloway
Upper Solway Flats and Marshes
Montrose Basin	Tayside
South Tayside Goose Roosths
Loch of Kinnordy
Loch of Lintrathen

(a)(i) Sites Designated under the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds
Site	Location
Cameron Reservoir	Fife
Forth Islands	Lothian
Gladhouse Reservoir
Fala Flow
Hoselaw Loch	Borders

(a)(ii) Ramsar sites designated under the convention on wetlands of international importance.
Site	Location
Loch An Duin	Western Isles
Loch Druidibeg, Loch a'Machair and Loch Stilligary
Claish Moss	Highland
Loch Maree
Loch Eye
Loch Spynie	Grampian
Cairngorm Lochs
Loch of Skene
Coll	Strathclyde
Gruinart Flats, Islay
Bridgend Flats, Islay
Eilean na Muice Duibhe, Islay
Glac na Criche, Islay
Feur Lochain, Islay
Loch Ken and Dee Marshes	Dumfries and Galloway
Upper Solway Flats and Marshes
Silver Flowe
Rannoch Moor	Tayside
Montrose Basin
South Tayside Goose Roosts
Loch of Kinnordy
Loch of Lintrathen
Loch Leven
Cameron Reservoir	Fife
Gladhouse Reservoir	Lothian
Fala Flow
Loch Lomond	Central
Hoselaw Loch	Borders

(b)(i) Sites which in the opinion of Scottish Natural Heritage qualify for designation under the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds
Site	Location
North Rona and Sula Sgeir	Western Isles
West Sound of Harris
South Uist Machair and Lochs
West Sound of Barra
Balranald
Baleshare and Kirkibost
Loch Scadavay
Lewis Peatlands
North Harris Mountains
Pentland Firth Islands	Highland
The Peatlands

(b)(i) Sites which in the opinion of Scottish Natural Heritage qualify for designation under the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds
Site	Location
Caithness Lochs
Caithness Cliffs
Cape Wrath
Inverpolly, Loch Urigill and Nearby Lochs
Loch Ruthven and Nearby Lochs
Central Highland Hills and Glens
Assynt Lochs
Loch Stack, Loch Nam Brae and Nearby Lochs
Loch Shin and Nearby Lochs
Moray Basin Firths and Bays
Beinn Dearg
Ben Wyvis
Glengarry Lochs
Loch Tarff and Nearby Lochs
North Inverness Lochs
River Spey-Insh Marshes
Cairngorms
Drumochter Hills
Monadhliath
Alvie
Ben Alder
Kinveachy
Creag Meagaidh
Ramna Stacks and Gruney	Shetland
North Roe and Tingon, Mainland Shetland
Papa Stour
Foula
Noss
Sumburgh Head
Croussa Field and the Heogs
Mousa
Lochs of Spiggie and Brow
Blackpark and Gutcher, Yell
Moorland Areas, Central Shetland
West Burrafirth, Shetland
Hill of Colvadale and Sobul
West Westray	Orkney
Papa Westray (North Hill and Holm)
Lochs of Harray and Stenness
Hoy
West Mainland Moors
North Mainland Coast
South Westray Coast
East Sanday
Rousay
North Ronaldsay Coast
Southeastern Stronsay
Eday
Mill Dam, Shapinsay
Orphir and Stenness Hills
Keelylang
Loch of Isbister
Loch of Strathbeg	Grampian
Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Lochs
Troup, Pennan and Lion Heads
St. Cyrus
Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast
Rosehearty to Fraserburgh Coast
Loch Oire
Muir of Dinnet
An Socach-Carn a Gheoidh
Rhinns of Islay	Strathclyde
Islay: the Oa

(b)(i) Sites which in the opinion of Scottish Natural Heritage qualify for designation under the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds
Site	Location
Inner Clyde Estuary
Rhunahaorine Point
Machrihanish and Tangy Loch
North Colonsay and Western Cliffs
Sanda
Lochinch and Torrs Warren	Dumfries and Galloway
Wigtown Bay
Castle Loch, Lochmaben
Caenlochan	Tayside
Tay-Isla Valley
Loch Leven
Firth of Tay
Eden Estuary, Tentsmuir Point and Abertay Sands	Fife
Firth of Forth	Lothian
Loch Lomond	Central
Flanders Moss and Lake of Menteith
Westwater	Borders
St. Abb's Head to Fast Castle
Greenlaw Moor and Hule Moss

(b)(ii) Sites which in the opinion of Scottish Natural Heritage qualify for designation under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
Site	Location
West Sound of Harris	Western Isles
South Uist Machair and Lochs
West Sound of Barra
Balranald
Baleshare and Kirkibost
Lewis Peatlands
The Peatlands	Highland
Caithness Lochs
Durness Lochs and Streams
Loch Morar
Kentra Moss
Inverpolly, Loch Urgill and Nearby Lochs
Assynt Lochs
Moray Basin Forths and Bays
River Spey—Insh Marshes
Hermaness and Saxa Vord, Unst	Shetland
North Roe and Tingon, Mainland
Shetland
Foula
Lochs of Spiggie and Brow
Lochs of Harray and Stenness	Orkney
North Mainland Coast
South Westray Coast
East Sanday
Mill Dam, Shapinsay
North Ronaldsay Coast
Southeastern Stronsay
Loch of Strathbeg	Grampian
Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Lochs
Rosehearty to Fraserburgh Coast
Muir of Dinnet

(b)(ii) Sites which in the opinion of Scottish Natural Heritage qualify for designation under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
Site	Location
Rhinns of Islay	Strathclyde
Inner Clyde Estuary
Machrihanish and Tangy Loch
Lochinch and Torrs Warren	Dumfries and Galloway
Wigtown Bay
Castle Loch, Lochmaben
Tay-Isla Valley	Tayside
Firth of Tay
Eden Estuary, Tentsmuir Point and Abertay Sands	Fife
Firth of Forth	Lothian
Flanders Moss and Lake of Menteith	Central
Westwater	Borders
Moorfoot Hills
Greenlaw Moor and Hule Moss

Top ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what conclusions he has reached on the proposals for amendment to deer legislation in Scotland submitted to him by the Red Deer Commission. [23851]

We have given careful consideration to the Red Deer Commission's proposals and my Department has consulted organisations with a particular interest in deer matters in Scotland. In the light of the responses to this consultation, we have decided on the following proposals for deer legislation:

a. amendments to the general functions of the Red Deer Commission to include reference to furthering the "sustainable management" of all species of wild deer in Scotland. The title of the Red Deer Commission to change to "Deer Commission for Scotland";

b. the introduction of new arrangements for the appointment of members to the commission by the Secretary of State to provide for greater flexibility together with a permissive power to allow the Secretary of State to pay remuneration to members if, at some time in the future, he should think this appropriate;

c. amendments to the existing powers of the commission to appoint local panels;

d. an extension of the commission's existing powers to provide advice and a new power to support demonstration and experimentation projects;

e. amendments to the powers of the commission to deal with damage caused by deer and, in particular, the introduction of new powers to allow the commission to instigate control schemes when this is necessary to protect the natural heritage of Scotland or to safeguard public safety;

f. a new provision to allow for voluntary control schemes to facilitate co-operative action amongst adjoining landowners to control deer;

g. amendments to the provisions relating to close seasons for the shooting of deer to allow for these to be set by order;

h. an amendment to allow the commission to authorise the use of vehicles or aircraft to drive deer with the intention of carrying out essential culling work;

i. an updated definition of the types of agricultural land over which agricultural owners and occupiers can shoot deer, if necessary, to protect crops, pastures etc;

j. amendments to the provisions relating to marauding deer and out of season shooting to allow the commission to authorise shooting to prevent damage to the natural heritage and to unenclosed woodlands or to protect public safety;

k. amendments to the provisions relating to night shooting of deer so that all night shooting is subject to authorisation by the commission.

Our intention is to introduce the legislation along these lines when there is a suitable legislative opportunity.These legislative proposals draw significantly on the ideas put forward by the Red Deer Commission and the Government would like to acknowledge its valuable help and assistance in this matter, together with all the other bodies who responded to the public debate. The proposals represent an important step forward in ensuring the sustainable management of wild deer populations in Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the arrangements for the next policy and financial management review of the national galleries of Scotland. [23852]

Departments which sponsor non-departmental public bodies carry out regular policy and financial management reviews of individual bodies. The last such review of the national galleries of Scotland was undertaken in 1987 and a further review is now under way, to be completed by the end of July. As with all such reviews, the first stage will take the form of a "prior options" study, to examine the scope for discontinuing or undertaking in some other way some or all of the functions of the national galleries. Subject to the outcome of the first stage, the review will examine comprehensively, with regard to value for money, the main aims and objectives of the body, as well as its resource management and planning systems. The review will be conducted by Mr. Colin Imrie, a principal at the Scottish Office attached to the Scottish Office Education Department for this purpose. Comments from interested parties would be welcome and should be sent to Mr. Imrie at the following address by 30 June 1995:

• The Scottish Office Education Department
• Room 613
• 43 Jeffrey Street
• Edinburgh
• EH1 1DN
• Tel: 0131 244 5360
• Fax: 0131 244 5526

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will list the names of people who are members of more than one of the existing area tourist boards; and what offices, they hold on these boards; [22572](2) if he will list the names of people who are members of a steering group for one of the new area tourist boards as well as being members of an existing tourist board for an area which is not included in the area covered by the steering group; [22573]

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: Membership arrangements and office bearer appointments are the responsibility of area tourist boards themselves. The information requested is not held centrally. I understand that current practice is that bodies or individuals may be members of more than one board.We are at present consulting on the terms of the statutory schemes which will establish the new boards. It is likely, however, that the requirements for membership will follow current practice.Membership of the steering groups which have been established by local interests in advance of the appointment by my right hon. Friend of the first members of the controlling bodies of the new boards is entirely a matter for these interests to determine. My right hon. Friend will make his appointments on the basis of nominations from the existing area tourist boards and from local authorities. Nominations will be sought shortly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many business rate assessment appeals have been (a) lodged and (b) dealt with in each year since 1989. [22786]

The number of business rate appeals (a) lodged and (b) dealt with in England and Wales in the years since 1 January 1989 are shown in the table. During this period appeals were lodged and dealt with in respect of both the 1973 valuation lists and the 1990 non-domestic rating lists.

Answer (a)
	Number lodged
Period	1973 Appeals	1990 Appeals
1.1.89 to 31.3.89	51,063	n/a
1.4.89 to 31.3.90	127,508	n/a
1.490 to 31.3.91	n/a	611,593
1.4.91 to 31.3.92	n/a	188,439
1.4.92 to 31.3.93	n/a	195,214
1.4.93 to 31.3.94	n/a	154,409
1.4.94 to 31.3.95	n/a	219,070
Total	178,571	1,368,725
Grand total all appeals		1,547,296

Answer (b)
	Number dealt with
Period	1973 Appeals	1990 Appeals
1.1.89 to 31.3.89	49,250	n/a
1.4.89 to 31.3.90	190,207	n/a
1.4.90 to 31.3.91	181,600	28,660
1.4.91 to 31.3.92	28,246	232,349
1.4.92 to 31.3.93	2,479	348,891
1.4.93 to 31.3.94	448	312,195
1.4.94 to 31.3.95	511	269,017
Total	452,741	1,191,112
Grand total all appeals		1,643,853

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many business rate assessment appeals lodged since 1 January 1989 are still waiting to be heard. [22785]

Because of the way in which the statistics were obtained, it is not possible to identify the number of outstanding 1973 valuation list business rate appeals in England and Wales which were lodged in the period 1 January 1989 to 31 March 1990. Of the 1990 rating list business rate appeals received since 1 April 1990, a total of 283,096 were outstanding at 31 March 1995.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average length of time that a business has to wait in order for the business rate assessment appeal to be heard. [22784]

Statistics are not kept of the average time between the making of an appeal by a business ratepayer and a hearing. Valuation tribunals are, however, conscious of the need to deal with cases as quickly as is consistent with a full consideration of the merits of each case.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the reduction in Inland Revenue staff on the rate at which business rate assessment appeals are heard. [22787]

Business rate appeals are dealt with by valuation officers of the Valuation Office Agency, an executive agency of the Inland Revenue. In the year 1994–95, a total of 269,528 appeals were settled. The target for 1995–96 published in the agency's business plan is to settle 330,000 appeals and sufficient resources will be made available to meet this target.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the deficit on trade in manufactures with the EEC countries for each year since 1992 and the annual rate in the three months from January 1995; and what has been the effect on output and employment to date; [23310](2) what was the change in the last 12 months in the volume of imports of manufactures from the EEC and the effect on output and employment to date in the United Kingdom; [23311](3) what has been

Figures for EC and non-EC trade in manufactures and domestic output are available on the Central Statistical Office database, which can be accessed through the Library of the House. From these figures the direct contribution of changes in EC and non-EC trade volumes to GDP growth can be calculated. It is not possible to isolate the overall effects of trade performance on output and employment growth.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the volume of (a) imports of finished manufactures from the EEC and (b) exports of finished manufactures to the EEC since 1992. [23308]

The information is available from the CSO database which may be accessed by the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 27 April, Official Report, column 646, concerning the effect of the three increases in interest rates between 12 September 1994 and 2 February 1995 (1) what definition he attaches to the words (i) inflation and (ii) low; [23325](2) if the Government's objective of permanently low inflation excludes the possibility of a non-low rate of inflation generated by a high rate of growth in the leading sectors of the economy. [23324]

The Government's objective is permanently low inflation. The aim is to keep underlying inflation as measured by the retail prices index, excluding mortgage interest payments—in the range 1 to 4 per cent. and bring it down in to the lower half of this range by the end of the present Parliament. Providing a stable macroeconomic environment with low inflation is the best way to ensure sustainable growth in all sectors of the economy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 27 April, Official Report, column 646, concerning the effect of the increases in interest rates between 12 September 1994 and 2 February 1995, what has been the effect of each on the exchange rate. [23326]

The exchange rate is determined by many factors. It is not possible to isolate the effect of changes in UK interest rates.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his response to representations of the British tourist industry to bring VAT on hotel accommodation in line with European Union levels; and if he will make a statement. [22579]

There is no uniformity in the rate of VAT applied to hotel accommodation by the other EU member states. The Government have no plans to alter the standard rate of VAT applicable to hotel accommodation in the United Kingdom.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what special training is given to persons who have responsibility for assessing the historical significant of documents held by his Department. [23276]

Training in assessing the historical significance of departmental records is carried out under the guidance of the keeper of public records. It is provided in a number of different ways, including courses on the appraisal of records and conferences and seminars arranged by the Public Records Office.Staff who deal with departmental records have experience of the work of the Treasury and receive on the job desk training together with guidance from of the public Records Office.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what proportion of vacancies advertised by his Department, and by each of his Department's agencies, in the last three years have listed the attainment of NVQs as an acceptable entry requirement; and, of those how many have required (a) level 1 NVQs, (b) level 2 NVQs, (c) level 3 NVQs, and (d) other level NVQs. [222971]

HM Treasury and the Chancellor of the Exchequer's agencies are happy to consider national vocational qualifications at the appropriate level as alternatives to traditional educational qualifications of recruitment. None of the recruitment schemes over the past three years has specifically referred in advertisements to the acceptability of NVQs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to stop overseas mail order arrangements for selling through a personal agent operated by certain tobacco companies to avoid the payment of United Kingdom tax and duty. [22962]

A case of this kind is currently the subject of a judicial review application before the High Court. Customs and Excise consider that this scheme is a distance selling operation which should give rise to a charge of UK excise duty and VAT. The court is expected to give judgment later this month.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he proposes to ensure the success of the recently published Government official statistics code of practice regarding public access to official statistics through libraries and other public archives. [22610]

Statisticians in all Government Departments act on the guidelines contained within the official statistics code of practice. A series of inter-departmental committees help to co-ordinate these activities and to share best practices. The Government statistical service dissemination committee covers public access issues and to this end has links with the committee of librarians and statisticians.The central statistical office is strongly committed to increasing the availability of its statistics to schools, libraries and the academic world. Through its library extension and education programme it has a valuable programme of assistance including provision of information, advice and assistance. The CSO will also be co-operating with the British Library for the improved provision of archival material. The CSO also plans a public access library for its new Drummond Gate site in London.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects on the United Kingdom's foreign, gold and other reserves, with particular reference to assignment and ownership in whole or in part of a decision on the part of the United Kingdom to join a single European currency. [21788]

Article 105, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the treaty on European union and articles 30 and 31 of the statute of the European system of central banks and of the European central bank relate to the holding and management of foreign exchange reserves in stage 3 of economic and monetary union.Under the United Kingdom's protocol to the treaty, these provisions will not apply to the United Kingdom if the United Kingdom does not move to stage 3.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent it is possible for a project to receive funds from both the EU social fund and the cohesion fund; and if he will make a statement. [22772]

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: It is possible for a project to receive funds from both the EU social fund and the cohesion fund, although no individual item of expenditure under the project may benefit from both. The combined assistance of the cohesion fund and other EU aid for a project must not exceed 90 per cent. of the total project expenditure. Only Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Greece are eligible for funding from the cohesion fund.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out his proposals to amend the law with regard to the taxation of payments made under mortgage protection policies; and if he will make a statement. [23158]

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: The Chancellor of the Exchequer's proposals concerning the taxation of benefits paid under mortgage protection insurance policies were set out in his statement of 2 May, a copy of which is available in the Members' Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what extent a private company taking over any of the functions formerly carried out by British Rail will be liable for industrial injury claims brought by employees who find themselves in the employment of a new railway contractor. [22313]

All of BR's rights, powers, duties and liabilities under or in connection with contracts of employment of persons employed by BR in an undertaking will transfer to a new railway contractor taking over that undertaking by virtue of the operation of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981.New employers will therefore be liable for claims in respect of industrial injury. Any arrangements between new employers and BR about such liabilities must remain commercially confidential.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what extent a private company taking over any of the functions formerly carried out by British Rail will be liable for industrial injury claims brought by retired employees of British Rail. [22314]

The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 are not relevant to retired employees. I understand that BR's policy is to meet successful industrial injury claims brought by their retired employees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) to what extent the Department of Transport will be liable for industrial injury claims brought by retired British Rail employees following privatisation of British rail; [22315](2) to what extent the Department of Transport will be liable for industrial injury claims brought by former employees of British Rail who find themselves in the employment of a new railway contractor following the privatisation of British Rail. [22316]

The Secretary of State will not be so liable. He will make available to the British Railways Board each year an appropriate level of public expenditure cover and in so doing will have regard to the contractual and other obligations of the board.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now take the necessary steps to expedite the full process of privatising the Gatwick Express; and if he will make a statement. [23296]

The Franchising Director intends to issue invitations to tender for the Gatwick express franchise later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will reconsider the criteria for paying compensation to those seriously affected by the widening of the A23 south of Pease Pottage. [23297]

New guidelines will be introduced for the discretionary purchase of off-line property, enjoyment of which will be seriously affected by a proposed trunk road widening scheme, which take into account loss of value of the property. There are no proposals to reconsider the arrangements for payment of compensation under part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973 for loss in value of property affected by a new or altered road which has been opened to traffic. If my hon. friend is aware of particular cases where there are difficulties, he may care to write to the chief executive of the Highways Agency, Lawrie Haynes, about these cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about funding for the vehicle inspectorate's programme of enforcement checks against lorries, buses and coaches. [23779]

I intend to make new funds of £350,000 available to the vehicle inspectorate in 1995–96 to increase its enforcement effort against heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles. These funds, together with efficiency savings already achieved, will allow the recruitment of additional front line enforcement staff. The new funding further reinforces the Government's commitment to support effective enforcement against unsafe vehicles and underlines their determination not to compromise on safety. As the costs of VI enforcement activity are recovered through HGV and PSV operator licence fees, the Department has today issued a consultation document about a minor increase in HGV operator fees to make the income sufficient to cover these additional costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to start a publicity campaign to discourage people from using their cars for shorter journeys. [23518]

The Government take opportunities in their advice to motorists to encourage them to walk or cycle or to use public transport where it is safe and reasonable to do so. I have no current plans for a wider campaign, although I am following with close attention the efforts of local authorities, including Hertfordshire and Hampshire, where transport awareness programmes are underway.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the passenger service requirement for South Eastern Railways will be published; and if he will make a statement. [23142]

The passenger service requirement for South Eastern will be developed and issued for consultation with local authorities and the rail users' consultative committees in accordance with the franchising director's timetable for franchising the line during or after 1996. The timetable is under continual review as the franchising programme progresses, and franchises may be brought forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the latest statistics for overcrowding on South Eastern suburban services. [23144]

The latest statistics on overcrowding for the South Eastern train operating unit are as follows:

Date	1Passengers in excess of capacity Date Per cent.
Autumn 1993	2.1
Autumn 1994	1.4
1 Total percentage of passengers over the total capacity of the train including standing passengers.

Further improvement in train capacity will result from the continuing introduction of Networker rolling stock.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects South Eastern to be ready for franchising. [23143]

The franchising director's timetable is to franchise South Eastern during or after 1996. The timetable is under continual review as the franchising programme progresses, and franchises may be brought forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to require highway authorities to consult and secure the approval of residents of streets where it is proposed to remove stone or concrete flags and replace them with tarmac other than for reasons of safety. [22933]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has done into the length of time needed to passenger evacuations of (a) ro-ro ferries and (b) other passenger ships; and what is his estimate of the length of time needed to evacuate a ro-ro ferry carrying 2,000 passengers. [22909]

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: There has been no research funded by the Department of Transport on passenger evacuation times from passenger ships during the last 15 years, although research findings on the wider context of passenger and crew behaviour in emergency situations are currently being considered.Current escape and life saving arrangements are designed so that passenger ships can be evacuated within 30 minutes, regardless of the number of passengers on board.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the names and grades of the training, enterprise and education directorate staff that represent the Department at meetings of industry training organisations; and if he will make a statement on their role. [22999]

The names of the development managers who represent the Department at meetings of industry training organisations are shown in the list of ITOs produced by the National Council of Industry Training Organisations. A copy of the latest list is in the Library. Development managers communicate Government training policy to ITOs and manage projects under the standards, ITO support and modern apprenticeship programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the amount of funding per start available from his Department for (a) youth training and (b) training for work or employment training; and what it has been in each of the last five years. [23000]

This information is provided in the following table, each year's budget being divided by the number of starts achieved or anticipated.

Year	Youth training (YT) £	Training for work/employment training (TfW/ET) £
1995–96 (plans)	4,533	2,569
1994–95 (provisional)	3,697	2,473
1993–94	3,951	2,603
1992–93	3,526	2,588
1991–92	3,895	2,817
1990–91	3,387	2,990

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment for each industrial sector, what have been the amounts paid by his Department in each of the last 10 years to each (a) industry training organisations, (b) lead body and (c) awarding body where different organisations fill these roles; and for what purpose these amounts were paid. [22949]

The information is not available in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. In 1994–95 approximately £20 million was spent by this Department on approximately 900 separate contracts with lead bodies and industry training organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide a breakdown of the £578 million allocated to training for work to show the amount planned for expenditure on (a) starts, (b) outcomes, (c) special needs, (d) fees to training and enterprise councils, (e) administrative costs, (f) payments of benefits, (g) pilots or other non-generalised funding and (h) the remaining amounts; if he will give the figures by TEC and region, and if he will provide a similar breakdown for youth training. [22986]

The budgets of individual training and enterprise councils are treated as commercial in confidence between the Department and TECs until the autumn, after TECs have completed negotiations with providers of training.The following tables give regional allocations of training for work and youth training budgets for 1995–96.On TfW the fees budget to TECs is split 25 per cent. for starts and 75 per cent. for outcomes. Starts payments are not made for YT except for certain pilot schemes. Outcome budgets on YT differ with individual TECs, but, except for pilots, are up to a maximum of 40 per cent. of the total budget. Separate budgets are not dedicated for those with special needs on either programme. There are no specific budgets for administrative costs within these programmes, though TECs receive a management fee as a contribution to their administrative expenditure across all their activities.

Training for work 1995–96
	Fees budget £ million	Allowance budget £ million
Central development	4.4	0
Others	19.7	6.3
South East	23.3	24.3
London	47.4	47.0
Eastern	18.9	19.7
South West	23.6	24.6
West Midlands	29.2	30.4
East Midlands	19.2	20.0
Yorks and Humberside	32.6	33.9
North West	30.0	31.3
Merseyside	20.0	20.8
North East	25.0	26.0
Total	293.3	284.4

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many representations he has received in the last year concerning business start-up allowance. [22997]

About 170 written representations were recorded in the 1994–95 year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the amount allocated to each TEC (a) in each region and (b) in the United Kingdom for (i) training fees, (ii) starts funding and (iii) outcomes funding. [22985]

The budget of individual training and enterprise councils are treated as commercial in confidence between the Department and TECs until the autumn, after TECs have completed negotiations with providers of training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the target for NVQs and how many NVQs were achieved for each TEC in (a) each region and (b) the United Kingdom; at what level these were achieved in each year since their launch; and what are the targets for achievement this year and next year. [22950]

There are no targets for numbers of National Vocational Qualifications. The total number of NVQs awarded between their launch and 31 December 1994 is about 765,000 according to figures supplied by the National Council for Vocational Qualifications. Information for training and enterprise councils and regions is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what support training and enterprise councils or his Department directly have given to manufactures of torture equipment. [22721]

The Employment Department does not collect information from training and enterprise councils which enables it to identify individual companies which receive TEC support.The Department has not knowingly given support to manufactures of torture equipment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of 16 to 24 year-olds in West Cumbria is in full-time employment. [22735]

The information requested is not available for West Cumbria. However, estimates from the autumn 1994 labour force survey show that in the north region, excluding Tyne and Wear, 41 per cent. of 16 to 24-year-olds were in full-time employment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state for each February since 1979 the number of males aged 50 to 65 years in full-time employment; and what percentage this is of the relevant population. [18084]

[holding answer 4 April 1995]: The information requested is shown in the following table:

Males aged 50 to 65 in full-time employment Great Britain 1979–19941
Spring	Numbers (000s)	Per cent.
1979	3,298	71
1981	2,882	62
1983	3,087	67
1984	3,016	65
1985	2,955	64
1986	2,859	62

Males aged 50 to 65 in full-time employment Great Britain 1979–19941
Spring	Numbers (000s)	Per cent.
1987	2,773	61
1988	2,810	62
1989	2,833	63
1990	2,825	63
1991	2,752	62
1992	2,636	59
1993	2,538	56
1994	2,376	57
Source:
Labour Force Survey (LFS).
Note:
1 Information not collected for 1980 or 1982.

The fall in the proportion of men aged 50 to 64 in full-time employment reflects several factors, including an increase in the numbers taking early retirement. The spring 1994 labour force survey showed that, of those who were economically inactive, three quarters said that they did not want a job.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list by country the total stock of existing, estimated and outstanding concessional aid debt owed to the United Kingdom by developing countries for each year from 1990 to 2000. [22673]

The information has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to instigate the discussions with representatives of the Pakistan Government, together with the United Kingdom's European partners, to assess the political, economic and social implications of Afghan refugees and displaced persons remaining in Pakistan; if he will make it his policy to undertake, with the United Kingdom's European partners, a comprehensive strategy designed to enable Afghans to return to their own country; and if he will make a statement. [23096]

The status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is regularly monitored by the world food programme and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the results discussed with the Pakistan Government and bilateral donors. A joint WFP/UNHCR/donors food assessment mission, including an EC representative, has just ended. It found that Afghan refugees in Pakistan enjoy a relatively good socio-economic and nutritional status. It expects that 200,000 refugees will return from Pakistan this year.The mission's full report will form the basis of a conference organised by UNDP and Sweden in Stockholm on 1–2 June. The conference will discuss how to bring about the transition from humanitarian assistance to longer-term rehabilitation, reconstruction and development, necessary to enable Afghans to return to their own country.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 2 May Official Report, column 141, when the study funded by the Overseas Development Administration on cotton pest management, is expected to be completed; if he will list the preliminary conclusions of the study; and what evaluation he has made of reports from Natural Research Institute staff working in Pakistan. [23134]

The study is expected to be completed by early July. Preliminary conclusions are not available. The study will cover all the factors affecting the cotton crop in Pakistan, and not only pest management.ODA funded research carried out by the Natural Resources Institute is monitored by ODA's renewable natural resources research strategy monitoring panel. Reports of earlier phases of NRI's work in Pakistan, together with information from other sources, were the basis for the decision to focus its current research into cotton on the use of pheromones in controlling cotton pests, and on pesticide resistance. Pheromone research undertaken by NRI in Pakistan and Egypt is currently the subject of an ODA evaluation study.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the United Kingdom is going to secure the long-term prospects of the Caribbean banana industry. [23928]

The UK has assisted the Windward Islands banana industry over many years. We fought hard to safeguard their interests in the EC banana regime which allows preferential access for Windward Islands bananas to the EU market until 2002. We have recently funded a wide-ranging consultancy review of the industry's current structure and future strategy. The recommendations of this review have been broadly accepted by the Windwards Prime Minister and the industry. We are now co-operating with the EC on a second study which will provide detailed plans to enable the industry to become more competitive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the progress report of the ODA's policy objectives described on page 65 of the 1995 departmental report (CM 2802) will be put into the public domain. [23929]

The progress report has just been finalised, and copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House. Further copies are available from the ODA Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what monitoring was carried out of the expenditure of Overseas Development Administration assistance through Cornish-Kurdish Medical Aid and its temporary agent Mr. Stephen Crouch for a medical project in northern Iraq;

[holding answer 28 April 1995]: In June 1991 ODA made a payment of £12,855 to Cornwall Kurdish Medical Aid. This reimbursed against detailed documentation the cost of medical supplies and personal effects for 17 volunteers provided by the non-governmental organisation as part of the 165-member ODA team in northern Iraq at that time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what monitoring was carried out of the expenditure of Overseas Development Administrator's assistance by the Kurdish Relief Organisation and its associate Mr. Stephen Crouch for a medical project in northern Iraq. [21707]

[holding answer 28 April 1995]: Physical monitoring of ODA assistance to Kurdish relief agencies in northern Iraq in 1991 and 1992 was carried out by visits from British embassy officials based in Ankara. In addition, the agencies submitted written reports to the ODA.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he expects to reply to the letters from the hon. Member for South Hams dated 31 March and 30 April about Benzodiazepine problems. [23421]

The Lord Chancellor is considering my hon. Friend's letters and a reply should be with him shortly.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the number of cases coming to trial at the Crown court; what was the number of acquittals; and what was the number of convictions for every year since 1987. [23626]

The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the gender assessment being prepared by his Department. [21472]

Welsh Office policy, in line with guidance issued in 1992 by the ministerial group on women's issues, is that policy proposals should ensure that unlawful or unjustifiable sex or race discrimination does not occur and that similar principles apply to people with disabilities. Guidance on the appraisal and evaluation of policy for equal treatment has recently been reissued to everyone at higher executive officer level and above in the Welsh Office. This scrutiny is part of a continuous and routine process, as part of policy advice to Ministers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many cases of Paramyxovirus occurred in each year since 1985. [22174]

The number of confirmed outbreaks of Paramyxovirus that have occurred each year in Wales since 1985 is as follows:

• 1985: 69
• 1986: 29
• 1987: 24
• 1988: 6
• 1989: 8
• 1990: 11
• 1991: 4
• 1992: 3
• 1993: 2
• 1994: 0

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of empty council houses; and if he will make a statement. [22808]

Information on the number of vacant local authority dwellings in Wales is published annually in table 6.9 of Welsh Housing Statistics No. 14, 1994, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are his policies to ensure that the over-40s age group can find employment. [22809]

The Government's policies are aimed at creating the right macro-economic and micro-economic conditions for success: low inflation; sound public finances; markets that work properly; and a minimal regulatory and tax burden on business. The recipe is promoting sustained economic growth and higher living standards, from which all age groups will benefit.The Government is aware of the problems faced by older unemployed people and is keen to encourage employers to make full use of the skills and experience they have to offer. At the end of 1993, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Employment launched the "Getting On" campaign, aimed at persuading employers to retain and recruit employees on the basis of ability rather than age.However, it is never too late to learn a new skill and this is becoming an increasingly more significant part of people's working lives. "People and Prosperity—An Agenda for Action in Wales" stresses the importance of lifelong learning. It sets out the action that is needed to help adults gain information on, and access to, education and training opportunities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many, and what proportion of, vacancies advertised by his Department, and by each of his Department's agencies, in the last three years have listed the attainment of NVQs as an acceptable entry requirement; and, of those, how many have required (i) level 1 NVQs, (ii) level 2 NVQs, (iii) level 3 NVQs and (iv) other level NVQs. [22983]

Except where professional or specialist qualifications are required, all vacancies are advertised as requiring appropriate academic and equivalent qualifications which include NVQs. Over the last three years there have been five recruitment competitions for posts for which NVQs would be appropriate qualifications: three at NVQ level 2, and one each at NVQ level 3 and 4.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he is taking to ensure that, consequent on the impending local government reorganisation, chief officers and their subordinate colleagues are not rendered unemployed; and if he will make a statement. [22811]

The new authorities are responsible for deciding their staffing structures, including the number and grade of posts. My right hon. Friend told the House on 14 December 1994 that he expected them to make the fullest possible use of existing staff—if necessary by redeploying and retraining them—rather than spending large sums of public money on redundancies and recruitment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines he has issued to the Audit Commission with regard to district audit functions in Wales; and if he will make a statement in respect of the work of the Commission in Wales. [23076]

The Audit Commission operates under a code of audit practice issued under section 14 of the Local Government finance Act 1982. The code is updated every five years and agreed by me and my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Environment and Health. The code prescribes the way in which auditors are to carry out their functions under part 111 of the 1982 Act and is currently under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those sites which (a) have been designated or (b) meet the criteria for designation as (i) special protection areas under the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds or (ii) Ramsar sites under the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance. [22368]

The list of designated sites in Wales is as follows:

• Special protection areas
• Skokholm and Skomer
• Grassholm
• Traeth Lafan, Conway Bay
• Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay and the Skerries
• Glannau Aberdaron (Aberdaron Coast) and Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island)
• Glannau Ynys Gybi (Holy Island Coast)
• Burry Inlet¹
• Dee Estuary^{1 2}
• Ramsar sites

• Cors Fochno and Dyfi
• Llyn Idwal
• Llyn Tegid
• Cors Caron
• Crymlyn Bog
• Burry Inlet¹
• Dee Estuary^{1 2}
• ¹Joint Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites.
• ² Cross border site.

Additional sites are under review and a list will he published in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he is able to announce details of the investigation to be undertaken by a QC into child abuse in children's homes in north Wales. [23849]

I have today appointed Nicola Davies QC to advise me, in the light of her examination of relevant papers held by the various agencies concerned, whether an inquiry is required and if so, the form that it should take and the issues to he addressed. I intend to publish her recommendations and her reasons for them.There may be some matters which for legal reasons it might not be possible to publish.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for the future management of the Government's grants to support the Welsh language. [23850]

The Government are considering transferring responsibility for grant-aiding the four major Welsh language non-statutory organisations—the Welsh Books Council; the Welsh nursery schools movement, Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin; the National Eisteddfod; and the Welsh youth movement, Urdd Gobaith Cymru—from the Welsh Office to the Welsh Language Board. A consultative paper seeking the views of the four organisations and other interested parties is being issued today with comments invited by 7 July. A copy has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of I May, Official Report, column 119, if he will make a statement on the possible conflicts of interest involving special advisers, listing the names of the individuals, the nature of the conflicts concerned and how the matters were resolved. [22905]

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: It is not my practice to comment on information about the private interests of staff.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many civil service appointments were made to administrative assistant and administrative officer posts in his Department and the agencies for which he is accountable in each quarter from September 1993 until April 1995. [21780]

[holding answer 1 May 1995]: The information in respect of permanent and fixed term appointments to core—MAFF is as follows:

	AA	AO
September—December 1993	49	27
January-March 1994	16	36
April-June 1994	31	11
July-September 1994	3	20
October-December 1994	21	50
January-April 1995	25	24

I have asked agency chief executives to reply to the hon. Member direct.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many and what proportion of vacancies advertised by his Department, and by each of his Department's agencies, in the last three years have listed the attainment of national vocational qualifications as an acceptable entry requirement; and, of those, how many have required (i) level 1 NVQs, (ii) level 2 NVQs, (iii) level 3 NVQs and (iv) other level NVQs. [22979]

None.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the British Govnerment directly financially support agriculture in the Republic of Ireland. [23044]

The Govnerment do not provide any direct financial support to agriculture in the Republic of Ireland.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what procedure is available to establish whether the former head of the European Commission's tobacco sector was involved in any misdemeanour. [22771]

The Commission called in the Belgian police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the suicide of the former head of the tobacco sector. Separately the matter was subject to internal investigation by the Commission. We understand that inquiries are continuing with the competent authorities in Italy and Greece relating to this investigation.Suspected tobacco irregularities have been of interest to the Govnerment and every opportunity is taken to press the Commission for information on what action it has taken. In this respect, the European Parliament, in its draft report on the discharge of the 1993 European Communities budget, has specifically asked the Commission to inform it about the measures it has taken so far to implement the conclusions in the European Court of Auditors special report on the operation of the tobacco regime. The Government welcome this as it will provide the opportunity to apply further pressure on the Commission on the question of irregularities.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will make a statement on the figures for wine consumption in table 4.14 of "National Diet and Nutrition Survey: Children aged 11/2 to 41/2 years." [23258]

The survey shows that a small number of children, less than 1 per cent. of those surveyed, consumed small quantities of wine during the four days for which the dietary record was kept. The mean daily intake was 4.3 g—less than 1 teaspoon—and the maximum daily intake was 14.4g—about 1 tablespoon. Although it is unlikely that the health of these children will be damaged by these small amounts of wine, we will be including advice to avoid giving alcohol to young children in a future "Food Sense" booklet aimed at providing advice on healthy feeding to parents of pre-school children.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent he takes into account the relative financial transfer to United Kingdom farmers as against other EU farmers and the effect on the United Kingdom's net contribution to the EU when he assesses possible changes in the CAP. [22774]

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: The factors taken into account in Council negotiations on proposals for changes to the CAP are covered in the explanatory memoranda which my Department prepares whenever such proposals are issued. Copies of explanatory memoranda are available in the Library of the House.