To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of by how much imports of manufactures would have to fall in each industry to take up the spare capacity of each of the principal import-saving and export industries, all other things remaining the same; [23792](2) what estimate he has made of by how much exports of manufactures would have to increase in each industry to take up the spare capacity of each of the principal

	Cigarettes £ per 20		HRT £ per 250g		Cigars £ per 5 small		Pipe £ per 250g
	Actual	Real	Actual	Real	Actual	Real	Actual	Real
1965	0.27	2.72
1966	0.27	2.61
1967	0.23	2.14
1968	0.24	2.18
1969	0.26	2.23
1970	0.26	2.12
1971	0.26	1.96
1972	0.27	1.88
1973	0.27	1.74
1974	0.32	1.84
1975	0.42	2.02
1976	0.45	1.75
1977	0.49	1.64	17.70	25.72	0.52	1.74	16.95	23.22
1978	0.55	1.67	18.90	27.05	0.54	1.64	17.50	22.80
1979	0.66	1.83	19.20	25.57	0.55	1.53	17.80	21.68
1980	0.73	1.71	9.10	21.37	0.63	1.48	7.70	18.08
1981	0.95	1.97	10.10	20.98	0.72	1.50	8.30	17.24
1982	1.02	1.89	13.20	24.48	0.89	1.65	10.50	19.47
1983	1.09	1.93	14.60	25.80	0.97	1.71	11.60	20.50
1984	1.23	2.07	15.60	26.23	1.03	1.73	12.10	20.34
1985	1.33	2.13	17.50	28.01	1.14	1.82	12.50	20.01
1986	1.48	2.25	18.90	28.67	1.18	1.79	13.10	19.87
1987	1.52	2.22	21.10	30.81	1.22	1.78	13.60	19.86
1988	1.56	2.20	21.40	30.25	1.24	1.75	13.90	19.65
1989	1.63	2.14	22.30	29.33	1.29	1.70	14.30	18.81
1990	1.67	2.04	23.00	28.10	1.35	1.65	15.00	18.33
1991	1.80	2.02	25.10	28.15	1.46	1.64	15.70	17.61
1992	2.08	2.24	29.00	31.22	1.64	1.77	18.00	19.38
1993	2.27	2.40	31.70	33.56	1.76	1.86	19.10	20.22
1994	2.52	2.60	35.30	36.47	1.91	1.97	21.10	21.80
1995	2.70	2.70	36.80	36.80	2.02	2.02	22.60	22.60
1 10 ounces

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received in the last year concerning tobacco taxation; how many have been in favour of (a) an increase and (b) a decrease in the level of taxation; and if he will list the representations received. [22961]

The Confederation of British Industry's April Quarterly Industrial Trends survey reported the strongest rise in export optimism since July 1973. This does not suggest that manufacturing companies are running short of spare capacity.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in each year since 1965 the cost, in current and in real terms, of an average (a) packet of 20 cigarettes, (b) 250g of hand-rolling tobacco, (c) packet of five cigars and (d) 250g of pipe tobacco. [22960]

Information on average prices for tobacco products is not readily available. The table gives information based on manufacturers' recommended retail prices during the period 1965–1995 for the current leading brands of tobacco products. I regret that the figures for hand-rolling tobacco, cigars and pipe tobacco between 1965 and 1976 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

We have received a number of representations. The majority of these asked that tobacco taxation should be kept at a minimum. I regret that more precise information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the estimated loss in tax due to illegal imports of (a) beer and (b) wine for (i) 1980, (ii) 1985, (iii) 1990, (iv) 1994 and (v) 1995. [23260](2) what is the estimated amount of illegal imports of

Before the completion of the single market on 1 January 1993 only seizures of spirits were separately recorded as seizures of other alcoholic drinks were insignificant. It is by definition impossible to calculate the true extent of smuggling and there is no current estimate. The actual amount of goods seized and the corresponding revenue evaded during the last two financial years are shown in the table.

	Beer		Wine
Financial year ending	Revenue (£000s)	Quantity (hlitres)	Revenue (£000s)	Quantity (hlitres)
31 March 1994	500	7,000	155	840
31 March 1995	1,000	11,000	330	1,900

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the loss of revenue from cross-border shopping. [23357]

Administrative costs1of privatization
£ million
	Year	Selling and other commissions	Marketing2	Receiving bank costs	UK advisers Fees	UK underwriting	Other costs3	Total
Amersham International	1982	—	0.1	—	—	0.4	—	2.9
Associated British Ports	1983	—	0.3	—	—	0.4	—	2.6
	1984	—	0.1	—	—	40.9	—	1.4
British Aerospace	1981	—	0.6	—	—	42.3	—	5.6
	1985	—	1.9	—	—	7.0	—	17.8
BAA	1987	4.2	10	16.0	2.4	13.6	—	46.2
British Airways	1987	2.9	6.2	8.3	4.3	7.8	5.2	34.7
BP	1979	—	—	—	—	3.8	—	7
	1983	—	—	—	—	8.3	—	22.8
	1987	2.1	48.3	4.7	5.4	38.2	55.3	5154.0
British Steel	1988	1.7	11.6	4.3	5.6	21.3	13.9	58.4
BT	1984	13	14	20	6	74	58	185
	1991	30.2	38.8	39.1	7.4	—	66.9	182.4
	1993	48.5	29.2	14.9	5.6	—	32.9	131.2
Britoil	1982	—	0.3	—	—	9.8	—	12.6
	1985	—	4.1	3.7	—	6.9	5.6	23.3
Cable and Wireless	1981	—	0.3	—	—	43.4	—	8.9
	1983	0.2	0.9	—	—	4.3	—	12.5
	1985	—	2.8	—	—	8.7	—	21.4
Enterprise Oil	1984	—	0.2	—	—	47.0	—	10.7
National Freight Consortium	1982	—	—	—	—	—	—	0.3
Rolls-Royce	1987	4.2	4.0	11.0	2.2	12.5	—	33.9
1 Only costs borne by the Exchequer are shown. Costs shown include VAT and stamp duty, but exclude the cost of incentives and interest earned on application monies.
2 Including the operation of the Share Information Office (where applicable).
3 Includes overseas expenses.
4 Includes some advisory fees.
5 Excludes the cost of the Bank of England purchase scheme (27m).

Estimates for the amount of legal cross border shopping for alcohol and tobacco in the year to December 1994 are now available.The consequential loss of tax revenue may be expressed in one of two ways. On the traditional measurement, which formed the basis of the Customs and Excise advice to the Treasury and Civil Service Committee in 1994 and excludes both additional consumption effects and pre-single-market purchases, the revenue loss would be £210 million compared with the previous estimate of £200 million. However, given the additional passage of time, I am minded in future estimates to stop deducting the value of the pre-single-market element. On that adjusted basis the total revenue loss is £360 million.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the administrative costs of the share offers relating to (a) International, (b) Associated British Ports, (c) British Aerospace, (d) the British Airports Authority, (e) British Airways, (f) British Petroleum, (g) the British Steel Company, (h) British Telecom, (i) Britoil, (j) Cable and Wireless, (k) Enterprise Oil, (l) the National Freight Corporation and (m) Rolls-Royce on the basis of the answer of 23 March, Official Report, column 287. [23027]

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: The table shows the administrative costs for the sales requested. These costs have been shown disaggregated into the same categories as the answer of 23 March, Official Report, column 287 to the degree that this information is held centrally. Administrative costs for these sales of just under £1 billion need to be set in the context of their gross proceeds of over £32 billion.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish estimates for the revenue cost in 1996–97 and for a full year of reducing the 20 per cent. tax rate to (a) 5 per cent., (b) 7 per cent., (c) 9 per cent., (d) 10 per cent., (e) 12 per cent., (f) 15 per cent., (g) 16 per cent. and (h) 18 per cent. on taxable income of (i) £1,000, (ii) £2,000 (iii) £3,000 and (iv) £3,200 retaining any balance of £3,200 at the 20 per cent. rate. [23354](2) if he will provide estimates for the revenue cost in 1995–96 and for a full year of reducing the 20 per cent. tax rate to

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: The table gives available estimates showing the variation in revenue costs over the specified ranges of tax rates and bands of taxable incomes. No change in the rate of advance corporation tax or the rate of tax on dividends has been assumed.

Full year revenue cost, at 1995–96 levels1
Band of taxable income (£)	5 per cent.	(£ billion) lower rate 10 per cent.	18 per cent.
1,000	3.8	2.5	0.5
2,000	7.3	4.9	1.0
3,000	10.5	7.0	1.4
3,200	11.1	7.5	1.5
1 The figures include consequential effects on the yield of capital gains tax.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the form of table 4A9 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1995–96, revised tables, what the average ratio is if non-North sea taxes and national insurance contributions to non-North sea gross domestic product for (a) 1965–66 to 1969–70, (b) 1970–71 to 1973–74, (c) 1974–75 to 1978–79 and (d) 1979–80 to 1996–97. [21759]

[holding answer 28 April 1995]: The figures requested are (a) 34¼ per cent., (b) 34¾ per cent., (c) 36 per cent, and (d) 37 per cent. But the tax burden should not be looked at alone. Since 1979 the public finances have been in much better shape and people are much better off than in the period 1974–75 to 1978–79.The average public sector borrowing requirement has been 2.5 per cent. of gross domestic product well below the 6.8 per cent. average during the 1974–77 to 1978–79 Government. Sound public finances are the key to lasting improvements in living standards.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the amount which will be raised from VAT on domestic fuel in 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98 at its present rate of 8 per cent. [24366]

The total revenue raised from the introduction of VAT on domestic fuel is estimated to be as follows:

Year	£ million
1995–96	1,230
1996–97	1,320
1997–98	1,325

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total expenditure on (a) all forms of publicity and (b) all publications and pamphlets produced for his Department and for all the agencies and public bodies for which his Department and is responsible for each year since 1979, including the budgeted figure for 1995–96, (i) including and (ii) excluding privatization-related expenditures and expressed in 1994 prices; and if he will supply information for the period from 1 April 1993 to 1 March 1995 showing (1) the nature and (2) the purpose of each publicity campaign and of each publication involving the expenditure of more than £50,000.

[holding answer 17 March 1995]: The Treasury has no central budget for publications. Expenditure on publications and pamphlets since 1988–89 was as follows:

Year	Expenditure	£ At 1994 prices
1988–89	202,700	272,197
1989–90	207,285	260,136
1990–91	218,531	253,854
1991–92	139,865	161,892
1992–93	171,311	180,090
1993–94	202,719	206,773
1994–95	238,139	238,139

No individual publication between 1993 to 1995 cost more than £50,000.Comparable data relating to the agencies and public bodies responsible to the Chancellor of the Exchequer could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.The Treasury does not have a specific advertising budget. Since 1993, £8.1 million has been spent on advertising the sale of the Government's remaining share in the electricity generating companies in England and Wales.Information about publicity costs since 1979 including publications and pamphlets, for the Treasury and the Chancellor's agencies and public bodies, could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will undertake a review of the excise differential favouring unleaded and super-unleaded fuels. [24182]

[holding answer 15 May 1995]: My right hon. and learned Friend will be reviewing the tax treatment of all road fuels in the run-up to the budget in the normal way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs between which dates in March and April 1989 the Secretary of State for Defence visited Malaysia; which Malaysian Government Ministers he met; and if aid funding for Malaysia was discussed during that visit. [22675]

My right hon. and noble Friend Lord Younger, while Secretary of State for Defence, paid a visit to Malaysia on 31 March 1989 as part of a tour of the region. He met the Malaysian Ministers of Defence and Finance. The purpose of his visit was to discuss defence matters, but it is normal for a Cabinet Minister on such visits to discuss any important outstanding issues. In a general discussion on bilateral issues with the Finance Minister, he asked about progress on two planned civil infrastructure projects for which aid and trade provision support had been offered—the Pergau dam and another project not in the event won by a British firm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the report on dual capable nuclear technology, prepared by John Large, sent to him by Greenpeace on 4 May; and what response he has made to the questions raised about United Kingdom nuclear export policy in the report. [24399]

I have seen the report sent to the Foreign Secretary by Greenpeace. It points to dangers of which we are aware, but it underestimates the complexities of developing nuclear weapons. I am satisfied that our nuclear export policy meets our obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty not

	1992			1993			1994
	Applied	Issued	Refused	Applied	Issued	Refused	Applied	Issued	Refused
a) New York	15,425	15,033	157	17,498	17,312	130	18,726	18,559	110
b) Moscow	50,303	49,732	1,502	61,367	59,743	1,624	86,661	84,761	1,900
c) St. Petersburg	—	—	—	1,429	1,313	116	16,622	15,820	607
d) Accra	16,699	11,507	5,048	15,753	11,051	4,094	16,130	11,684	3,825
e) Lagos	47,181	31,552	11,145	44,526	29,447	9,894	49,176	32,411	10,529
f) Abuja	—	—	—	—	—	—	6,113	4,955	655
g) New Delhi	39,291	32,261	3,464	37,148	31,652	3,708	43,258	35,857	7,373
h) Bombay	38,913	34,905	4,301	37,988	34,125	3,785	43,425	39,924	3,342
j) Calcutta	7,156	6,538	232	6,826	6,491	253	7,308	7,139	153
k) Madras	10,363	10,079	291	10,348	10,043	247	12,807	12,624	204
l) Dhaka	18,414	14,043	3,901	19,359	14,990	4,447	20,861	14,615	5,892
m) Islamabad	45,625	31,611	10,791	41,485	30,715	9,526	42,445	29,850	10,018
n) Karachi	23,397	19,169	2,610	24,368	20,712	2,181	28,266	22,921	2,516
p) Colombo	9,026	7,139	1,172	9,200	7,937	874	9,969	7,610	821

It should be noted that St. Petersburg started entry clearance work in November 1993 and Abuja in February 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest political developments in Nigeria. [24183]

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Brazilian President on his recent visit to the United Kingdom, regarding human rights abuses and in particular the case of Wagnor dos Santos. [24487]

The Brazilian Government are well aware of the concern felt in Britain about human rights abuses. We are in regular touch with them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek assurances that the safety of Wagnor dos Santos will be safeguarded by the Brazilian authorities and that the shooting of him will be investigated with a view to bringing those responsible to justice. [24488]

We understand that the case of Wagnor dos Santos is under investigation by the Brazilian authorities. Our embassy is monitoring developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many entry clearance applications were (1) made, (2) granted and (3) refused in (a) New York, (b) Moscow, (c) St. Petersburg, (d) Accra, (e) Lagos, (f) Abuja, (g) New Delhi, (h) Bombay, (j) Calcutta, (k) Madras, (l) Dhaka, (m) Islamabad, (n) Karachi and (o) Colombo in the financial years (i) 1992–93, (ii) 1993–94 and (iii) 1994–95 to the latest convenient date. [22648]

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: During 1992, 1993 and 1994 calendar years the number of UK entry clearance applications 1) made, 2) granted and 3) refused in the posts listed was as follows:

[holding answer 15 May 1995]: The national constitutional conference is expected to present its report to the Nigerian Government in June. We urge the authorities to respond quickly to the conference recommendations and announce their plans for the next stage of the political process, including a credible timetable for an early transition to civilian democratic rule.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken to prevent the recruitment of mercenaries, including former members of the British armed forces, by the Government of Sierra Leone. [24296]

[holding answer 15 May 1995]: The recruitment of mercenaries of whatever nationality is a matter for the Government of Sierra Leone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to strengthen the United Kingdom's diplomatic representation in Rwanda and Burundi. [24916]

We have informed the Government of Rwanda of our intention to replace the British Government's liaison office in Kigali with an embassy as soon as protocol and staffing formalities permit. We have also established a temporary office in Bujumbura staffed by a diplomatic service officer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when resignalling of part of the Gospel Oak-Barking line to replace obsolete semaphore and colour light signalling will be undertaken. [24490]

I understand form Railtrack there are no current plans to replace the signalling equipment on the Barking-Gospel Oak line.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the condition of railway viaducts and over-bridges on the north London line, between Gospel Oak and Camden Road stations; if they are able to carry heavy freight trains with special reference to the Mendip rail aggregate trains; what restrictions are currently being imposed on the section of railway between Gospel Oak and Camden Road; and what remedial works are required on the viaducts and over-bridges in the Kentish Town area to permit all freight trains to traverse the line.[24489]

Road accident casualties by severity and road type in England and Great Britain: 1990–93
	Non-trunk A-roads			Trunk roads			Motorways
	Killed	Seriously injured	Slightly injured	Killed	Seriously injured	Slightly injured	Killed	Seriously injured	Slightly injured
England
1990	1,781	19,078	92,325	804	5,781	23,818	211	1,500	8,255
1991	1,604	16,441	85,628	649	4,650	21,363	208	1,272	7,775
1992	1,435	15,844	87,383	594	4,225	21,562	219	1,214	8,408
1993	1,374	14,724	89,209	526	3,853	20,712	181	1,233	8,912
Great Britain
1990	2,088	22,079	103,950	1,023	7,423	28,800	229	1,643	8,969
1991	1,855	19,160	96,429	848	6,165	26,086	234	1,394	8,377
1992	1,671	18,407	97,790	792	5,575	25,852	238	1,338	9,046
1993	1,589	16,871	99,160	689	5,035	24,933	201	1,338	9,507

Railtrack inform me that work is now under way on the arch at Kentish Town. This is due to be completed in mid-June and there can then be a resumption of freight traffic. Railtrack is at the moment carrying out a complete structural survey of the north London line.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if passenger services over the Gospel Oak-Barking line are delayed more than 30 seconds when freight trains are diverted over the line; and if passenger trains are cancelled to avoid Railtrack Anglia incurring financial penalties from the freight train operators. [24491]

Railtrack is required to treat both freight and passenger operators fairly. I understand from Railtrack that no passenger trains have been cancelled to avoid Railtrack incurring financial penalties. All train operators are entitled to penalty payments from Railtrack if their services are delayed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much are the penalties imposed on Railtrack when passenger trains are cancelled on the Gospel Oak-Barking line. [24492]

Penalties for the cancellation of trains are payable under the existing track access agreement and are a commercial matter between Railtrack, the train operating unit and the British Railways Board. I understand that a new performance regime is currently being negotiated between the British Railways Board, the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and Railtrack, and will be subject to the approval of the Rail Regulator.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has for the temporary or permanent closure of the Severn tunnel. [24485]

There are no plans for the temporary or permanent closure of the Severn tunnel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many casualties have been killed, seriously injured and slightly injured on (a) A-class non-trunks roads, (b) trunk roads and (c) motorways for each year since 1990 in (i) England and (ii) in the United Kingdom as a whole. [24452]

The information requested is shown in the following table. Figures are given for England and Great Britain as equivalent data for Northern Ireland are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what were the national quarterly figures for (a) pedestrian deaths, (b) pedestrian serious injuries, and (c) pedestrian slight injuries for people aged 60 years and over for the period 1990 to 1993; [24453](2) what were the national quarterly figures for

The information requested is shown in the following table.

Pedestrian casualties aged 60 and over
Number of casualties
		Fatal	Serious	Slight	Total
1981		947	3,912	6,334	11,193
1985		869	3,866	6,060	10,795
1981–1985 Average		895.6	3,908.8	6,340.0	11,144.4
1990	Quarter 1	254	968	1,806	3,028
	Quarter 2	167	642	1,369	2,178
	Quarter 3	141	692	1,387	2,220
	Quarter 4	277	1,115	1,879	3,271
	Total	839	3,417	6,441	10,697
1991	Quarter 1	178	812	1,488	2,478
	Quarter 2	128	619	1,308	2,055
	Quarter 3	172	661	1,362	2,195
	Quarter 4	276	990	1,704	2,970
	Total	754	3,082	5,862	9,698
1992	Quarter 1	172	767	1,320	2,259
	Quarter 2	120	545	1,170	1,835
	Quarter 3	156	559	1,203	1,918
	Quarter 4	230	924	1,655	2,809
	Total	678	2,795	5,348	8,821
1993	Quarter 1	171	646	1,298	2,115
	Quarter 2	102	515	1,168	1,785
	Quarter 3	119	572	1,166	1,857
	Quarter 4	240	858	1,560	2,658
	Total	632	2,591	5,192	8,415

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the quarterly figures for (a) pedestrian deaths, (b) pedestrian serious injuries and (c) pedestrian slight injuries for people aged 60 years and over in Birmingham for the period 1990 to 1993. [24456]

The information requested is shown in the following table.

	Severity
Year	Quarter	Fatal	Serious	Slight	Total
1990	Q1	1	23	42	66
	Q2	9	17	22	48
	Q3	2	7	26	35
	Q4	7	25	40	72
1991	Q1	5	23	34	62
	Q2	2	14	32	48
	Q3	3	17	37	57

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reports he has received of the collision off the Isle of Wight between the Kiwi Arrow and the Pelander; what were the weather conditions at the time of the collision; what assessment he has made of the bearing the Donaldson report has on the circumstances of this collision; what reports he has had from the port authorities where these two ships docked; if he intends to hold an inquiry; what representations he will be making to the International Maritime Organisation about this accident; what representations he is making to the ship registers of the two vessels; what reports he has received from his inspectors about these two vessels; what reports he has received from Her Majesty's Coastguard about this incident; and if he will make a statement.[23780]

At the time of the collision between Kiwi Arrow and Pelander the sea was calm and visibility was approximately five nautical miles. The Solent coastguard responded immediately to the distress call, but both ships were able to proceed to Southampton under their own power. Two surveyors from the Marine Safety Agency carried out a port state control inspection of both ships to examine the damage.As the incident occurred outside the United Kingdom's territorial waters and involved non-UK registered ships, the responsibility for accident investigation rests with the flag states of the Kiwi Arrow and Pelander. However, an inspector from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch visited the ships when in Southampton to obtain background information concerning the incident which has been sent to both administrations.The flag states have been asked to advise of the outcome of an investigation into the causes of this accident. Under the provisions of the international conventions, any representations made to the International Maritime Organisation on the circumstances of this collision will be a matter for the flag states. The flag states have been asked to inform the MSA of the measures they intend to take to ensure that the ships comply with international requirements before departure. Neither ship will be permitted to leave Southampton until the MSA is satisfied that they are fit to proceed to sea.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contact his Department has had with the French marine authorities about the collision between the Kiwi Arrow and the Pelander off the Isle of Wight; and what joint action channel marine countries and authorities can take to prevent incidents of this type. [23781]

The collision was in the UK search and rescue region and the immediate response was coordinated accordingly by Solent coastguard. No assistance was sought from the French authorities because UK lifeboats and other vessels were in the vicinity and were available to render adequate assistance.No contact with the French has been made since because neither Kiwi Arrow nor Pelander is registered under the French flag and the accident occurred in international waters.The UK Government and marine authorities will continue to work closely with all our European partners, including our counterparts in the channel, in order to seek to eliminate incidents of this nature and to minimise the pollution of the seas and endangerment of life at sea. My Department, through the Coastguard Agency and the Marine Safety Agency, maintains regular contact with the French authorities about safety, search and rescue and counter-pollution matters in the English channel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many foreign HGVs were (a) stopped for safety checks, (b) found defective and (c) not permitted to continue in each of the last three years. [24039]

The number of foreign HGVs inspected at the roadside and prohibited from use because of defects likely to cause danger of injury is as follows:

Year	Foreign HGVs inspected at roadside	Immediate prohibitions issued (defect likely to cause danger of injury)
1994–95	5,575	310
1993–94	6,060	230
1992–93	6,175	413

Delayed prohibitions are not issued to foreign vehicles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the consequences of the implementation of regulations introduced by the Marine Safety Agency on passenger-carrying boats on narrow, shallow canals; what account was taken of the existing safety record; and if he will make a statement. [24145]

This is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) which are the two long-term recommendations of the Herald of Free Enterprise inquiry that have not been implemented; and why there were considered unnecessary; [22908](2) which are the two long-term recommendations of the Herald of Free Enterprise inquiry that have been implemented in alternative ways, and what these are. [22911]

[holding answer 9 April 1995]: The two long-term recommendations of the court of inquiry which were not implemented because they were considered unnecessary were the recommendation that roll-on roll-off passenger ferries should have dedicated pumps capable of stripping at a rate of at least 600 tonnes an hour and that there should be drain valves which must be controlled remotely and operable from the bridge.Both recommendations were considered, but after consultation were felt to be unnecessary because, in practice, existing drainage arrangements could already cope with amounts of water approaching these levels. Moreover, pumps of the size recommended could not cope with the significantly larger volume of water involved in catastrophic flooding as occurred on the Herald of Free Enterprise and, indeed, on the Estonia. There may also be difficulties in guaranteeing power supplies in situations of catastrophic flooding. Automatic drain valves are now fitted as a matter of course, so there is no need for their remote control.The two long-term recommendations implemented in alternative ways were the recommendations that the freeboard from the margin line to the vehicle deck should be increased to a minimum of perhaps 1 m, and that attention should be given to achieving substantially higher downflooding angles. These recommendations were addressed through an extensive research programme and the subsequent adoption of the SOLAS 90 survivability standard for existing ships.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what procedures the Highways Agency follows to inform affected individuals of their right to make retrospective claims under part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973, as amended, in respect of any depreciation of more than £50 in the value of certain interests in land caused by the use of new or altered highways and resulting from specified physical factors. [23797]

This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Highways Agency sends individual letters to affected individuals informing them of their right to make retrospective claims under part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973, as amended, in respect of any depreciation of more than £50 in the value of certain interests in land caused by the use of new or altered highways and resulting from specified physical factors. [23798]

This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assumptions were made in the SOLAS 90 standards for evacuation of roll-on/roll-off ferries of the percentage of passengers who are (a) disabled, (b) infants, (c) drunk, (d) wheelchair bound and (e) asleep when the emergency occurs. [24483]

This is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has the total mileage been of (a) all A class non-trunk road, (b) all trunk roads and (c) all motorways, in each year since 1990 for (i) England and (ii) the United Kingdom as a whole. [24454]

The table sets out the road length figures by road type for 1990 to 1994.

miles
	A Clans Non-trunk		Trunk		Motorway
	England	UK	England	UK	England	UK
1990	15,445	23,125	5,085	7,965	1,673	1,977
1991	15,728	23,393	4,888	7,768	1,692	1,995
1992	15,748	23,424	4,890	7,754	1,699	2,016
1993	15,815	23,478	4,836	7,694	1,700	2,021
1994	15,891	23,551	4,792	7,641	1,705	2,044

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the salary details for the newly appointed chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency and details of any bonus or performance pay schemes. [24424]

The chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency was appointed on 1 April 1995 at a salary of £58,000 per annum. He is also eligible for an annual performance bonus of up to 15 per cent. of salary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the net annual financial saving, or cost, of his Department's submission for the proposed White Paper on the rural economy. [24326]

Proposals for the White Paper on the rural economy remain subject to continuing collective consideration and discussion. The cost of measures contained in the White Paper will be taken into account in the public expenditure survey.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the chief executive of the Highways Agency has received either a performance related bonus or any pay increase since his appointment. [24428]

The chief executive of the Highways Agency received a 2.5 per cent. pay increase on 1 April 1995. He has received no other pay increase since his appointment. He is, however, eligible for a performance bonus of up to 20 per cent. of salary for the year ending 31 March 1995. This has not yet been assessed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list aid and trade programme supported projects, since 1993, by country, purpose, all companies involved, and value. [23183]

A list of all the companies involved in ATP projects on which ATP agreements have been concluded since 1993 has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy in respect of the plan of the European Commission to suspend rehabilitation assistance to Rwanda. [23613]

Some aspects of the EC's longer-term aid plans have been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the Kibeho inquiry. But at our insistence there will be no immediate effect on humanitarian aid, all planned health and education assistance, support for human rights monitoring and the rule of law. The suspension will therefore have little immediate effect. There will be a review at the Development Council on 1 June which my noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development will attend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what protests the United Kingdom has been made to China in respect of (a) compulsory abortion policies, (b) compulsory sterilisation policies, (c) proposed eugenics legislation and (d) treatment of women under Chinese legislation since 1990. [23697]

We frequently raise with the Chinese authorities our concerns over human rights abuses in China. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised the issue during his talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister and Vice Premier in New York on 18 April. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State my right hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Goodlad), also discussed this issue with the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister when he visited China in July last year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects the Director General of the Research Councils to publish his review of the science budget portfolio; and if he will make a statement. [24367]

I have today placed copies of the Director General's review in the Libraries of both Houses. In addition, I have placed in the libraries copies of the research councils' own analyses of the strengths and weakness of the UK science and engineering base and a summary of the centres that the director general visited and the organisations that he met.This is an excellent assessment of the state of science and engineering research in Britain today. It shows that we have major strengths in many areas and that we are continuing to build on those strengths for the benefit of Britain and British industry. Although there are no serious problems in the science and engineering base, the review exposes some weaknesses and describes the corrective action taken in the expenditure allocations I announced on 2 February 1995.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what research has been carried out by the Medical Research Council into the impact of fluoride on (a) the bone structure of children and adults, (b) the immune system and (c) the incidence of hip fractures. [23737]

The Medical Research Council is not currently funding any research in these areas.However, in 1990, scientists at the MRC environmental epidemiology unit in Southampton published findings snowing that water fluoridation up to levels of around 1 mg/litre was unlikely to reduce hip fracture incidence. Also, in December 1993, the MRC set up an ad hoc working group to review the evidence regarding the possible effects of fluoridation of public water supply on the incidence of osteoporosis and to suggest guidelines for the formulation of scientific strategy in this field. The working group highlighted the need to establish accurate estimates of total fluoride intake in any future studies.The MRC is willing to consider high quality research proposals in these areas, in competition with those in other fields.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 2 May 1995. [23165]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 16 May. [23164]

This morning I 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 Minister if he will raise at the United Nations the letter of 20 February from the Bundesminsterium der Justig to Mrs. Lisa Mosey of Glossop, relating to the Lockerbie bombing, a copy of which has been sent to him. [24499]

No.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the current membership of the School Teachers Review Body and the Review Body on Doctors and Dentists Remuneration. [24874]

The current membership, with effect from 1 April 1995, is as follows:

• Review Body on Doctors and Dentists Remuneration
• Mr. Brandon Gough (Chairman)
• Ms Christina Boyden
• Miss Sally Field
• Dr. Elizabeth Nelson
• Mr. David Penton
• Mr. Michael Innes
• Mr. John Bennigsen
• Mrs. Beryl Brewer
• School Teachers Review Body
• Mr. John Gardiner (Chairman)
• Mrs. Brigita Amey
• Mrs. Gill Rostron
• Mrs. Anna Vinton
• Mr. Michael Harding
• Mrs. Julia Cuthbertson
• Mr. Phillip Halsey CB LVO
• Mrs. Elizabeth Drummond
• Sir Alan Cox CBE

To ask the Prime Minister how many quangos Lady Cobham has been appointed to; and if he will list them; and what salary is paid to her in respect of each appointment. [24144]

According to the information available to the public appointments unit, Lady Cobham currently holds four ministerial appointments to public bodies as follows:

Body	Post	Salary
London Docklands development corporation	Member	£6,830
Museum and Galleries Commission	Member	Unpaid
Victoria and Albert museum	Trustee	Unpaid
Historic Palaces advisory group	Member	Unpaid

To ask the Prime Minister what is his latest assessment of the potential to maintain and develop trade links with Hong Kong in future years; what action is being taken by Her Majesty's Government to encourage inward investment from and outward investment to Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement. [24130]

Hong Kong is our 12th largest market and I expect trading links to continue at this level well into the future. The Department of Trade and Industry maintains a strong promotional programme to encourage British business to take full advantage of the opportunities Hong Kong offers. British investment in Hong Kong, which is very substantial, continues to grow. The Department of Trade and Industry's Invest in Britain Bureau has recently established an office in Hong Kong to encourage greater flows of investment from the Asia Pacific, including Hong Kong.

To ask the Prime Minister what (a) allowances and (b) facilities are currently available to former Prime Ministers who serve in (i) either or (ii) neither House of Parliament. [24014]

In addition to the normal allowances for which they are eligible as members of either House of Parliament, former Prime Ministers receive a financial allowance to help meet the continuing additional office costs which they are liable to incur because of their special positions in public life. This allowance is payable in respect of actual office and secretarial expenses incurred in connection with public duties arising from their previous tenure of the office of Prime Minister, up to an amount equal to that of the parliamentary office costs allowance. The allowance is not payable to a former Prime Minister occupying the position of Leader of the Opposition and therefore in receipt of Short money.Other facilities available to all former Prime Ministers are: physical protection, as necessary; the use of an official car; access to the official papers of their Administration. Briefing and help from local posts may also be provided in connection with overseas visits.

To ask the Prime Minister which non-departmental bodies within the responsibility of his Department are subject to scrutiny by (a) the ombudsmen, (b) the National Audit Office, (c) the Audit Commission and (d) other monitoring officers; which are covered by the citizens charters; in which performance indicators apply; and in which members are liable to surcharge. [23966]

[holding answer 15 May 1995]: None.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will publish the rules on capital, income and contributions governing eligibility for (a) criminal legal aid, (b) civil legal aid and (c) green form cases for each of the previous six financial years. [24514]

The rules governing qualification for civil legal aid, criminal legal aid and green form advice and assistance are set out in full in the legal aid handbook, produced every year by the Legal Aid Board.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of the population was eligible for green form assistance in (a) 1973, (b) 1974, (c) 1984 and (d) each of the previous six financial years. [24515]

The Department does not generally produce estimates of financial eligibility for green form advice and assistance and figures are not available for 1973, 1974 and 1984. However, in 1993 the Department estimated that around 21 per cent. of households were eligible. The green form disposable income eligibility limit was increased by nearly 15 per cent. to £70 in April 1994 and by a further 1.8 per cent. in April this year. Eligibility is correspondingly now at a higher level, probably somewhere between 25 per cent. and 30 per cent.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of gross domestic product was expended on (a) civil legal aid and (b) criminal legal aid in each of the last six years; and what were the equivalent figures in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, America, France, Germany and Spain. [24516]

The percentage of gross domestic product expended on legal aid in England and Wales in each of the last six years was as follows:

	Percentage criminal legal aid	Percentage civil legal aid
1988–89	0.051	0.054
1989–90	0.055	0.059
1990–91	0.060	0.068
1991–92	0.069	0.088
1992–93	0.070	0.114
1993–94	0.068	0.130

It is not possible to provide comparative figures for the other countries in question since the information is not readily available.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of the population was eligible for criminal legal aid in (a) 1965, (b) 1970, (c) 1980 and (d) each of the previous six financial years. [24519]

There is no upper financial limit for criminal legal aid, so the question of eligible population does not arise. In determining applications, the courts consider whether it is in the interests of justice for legal aid to be granted and whether the defendant needs help with the costs.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of the population was eligible for civil legal aid in (a) 1965, (b) 1969, (c) 1979 and (d) each of the previous six financial years. [24520]

The Department has no estimates of eligibility for 1965 and 1969. The Department's estimates of the proportion of households eligible for civil legal aid in the other years requested are as follows:

• 1979–80: 77 per cent.
• 1989–90: 58 per cent.
• 1990–91: 57 per cent.
• 1991–92: 51 per cent. (53 per cent. for personal injury cases)
• 1992–93: 53 per cent. (57 per cent. for personal injury cases)
• 1993–94: 48 per cent. (51 per cent. for personal injury cases)
• 1994–95: 48 per cent. (51 per cent. for personal injury cases)

Estimates are based on data published in the Family Expenditure Survey.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the change in total expenditure on legal aid in each of the previous six financial years; and how these changes differ from the changes in the rate of inflation. [24521]

Increases in respect of total net expenditure on legal aid in comparison with increases in

£ million
Circuit	Case type	1988–89	1989–90	1990–91	1991–92	1992–93	1993–94
South Easter	Trials	57.698	63.183	75.129	88.749	106.848	111.546
	Appeals	0.686	0.739	1.381	1.141	1.181	1.367
	Sentencing	0.481	0.580	0.604	0.780	0.776	0.615
Midland and Oxon	Trials	14.843	17.723	20.643	22.520	27.695	31.719
	Appeals	0.367	0.631	0.477	0.495	0.528	0.704
	Sentencing	0.285	0.285	0.359	0.460	0.392	0.277
Northern	Trials	13.700	16.412	18.286	23.225	28.359	28.664
	Appeals	0.360	0.436	0.474	0.640	0.666	0.713
	Sentencing	0.172	0.192	0.257	0.343	0.310	0.242
North Eastern	Trials	12.472	12.955	14.469	18.151	19.890	22.697
	Appeals	0.292	0.319	0.334	0.420	0.458	0.532
	Sentencing	0.189	0.222	0.238	0.288	0.294	0.247
Wales and Chester	Trials	6.071	6.743	7.444	9.866	10.916	14.097
	Appeals	0.127	0.121	0.144	0.208	0.194	0.201
	Sentencing	0.073	0.073	0.094	0.125	0.127	0.097
Western	Trials	9.444	12.072	13.960	16.124	18.459	18.710
	Appeals	0.262	0.264	0.363	0.422	0.453	0.438
	Sentencing	0.134	0.140	0.190	0.224	0.212	0.163

Details of gross criminal legal aid expenditure in the magistrates courts, by region, are given in table general 6 of the Legal Aid Board's annual reports for the years 1990–91 to 1993–94, and in appendix 4D of the annual report of the Law Society for 1988–89 and appendix 4D of the Legal Aid Board's annual report for 1989–90, copies of which are available in the Library. A breakdown of expenditure in each year by type of case is not available.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary,Lord Chancellor's Department what was the level of civil legal aid expenditure (a) by region (b) by type of case for each of the last six financial years. [24523]

Details of gross expenditure on civil legal aid, by region, and giving a limited breakdown of type of case, are given in table general 6 of the Legal Aid Board's annual reports for the years 1990–91 to 1993–94, and in appendix 4D of the annual report of the Law Society for 1988–89 and appendix 4D of the Legal Aid Board's annual report for 1989–90, copies of which are available in the Library.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the level of criminal legal aid expenditure (a) by region and (b) by type of case for each of the last six financial years. [24522]

The table shows gross Crown court legal aid expenditure on a regional and case type basis for each of the last six financial years for which records are available.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he expects to implement those reforms to the civil justice system recommended by Lord Woolf and accepted by the Government; and if (a) primary legislation, (b) statutory instruments and (c) practice directions will be require to implement those recommendations. [24517]

Lord Woolf expects to present his interim report to the Lord Chancellor in June and to complete his inquiry by this time next year. When Lord Woolf's proposals are received the Lord Chancellor will consider how best to take matters forward.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he expects (a) to receive and (b) to publish the interim report of Lord Woolf's civil justice review. [24578]

Lord Woolf expects to publish his interim report in June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the suicide rates for persons employed in agriculture in each county of Wales. [23407]

The latest available information is for deaths registered as suicide in 1993 and is given in the following table:

Suicide of farmers and farm workers in Wales, 1993
	Number	Rate per 1,000 farmers and farm workers1
Clwyd	1	0.14
Dyfed	5	0.28
Gwent	1	0.26
Gwynedd	—	—
Mid Glamorgan	—	—
Powys	4	0.39
South Glamorgan	—	—
West Glamorgan	—	—
Wales	11	0.22

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish data relating to the Welsh housing stock that is comparable to the energy supplement to the 1991 "English House Condition Survey". [23671]

Data for the housing stock in Wales comparable to the energy supplement to the 1991 "English House Condition Survey" are not available. The 1993 "Welsh House Condition Survey" did not cover energy consumption or related matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales to what extent the action plan he has agreed with the board and chairman of the Countryside Council for Wales differs from the conclusions of his departmental financial management policy review; and if he will make a statement on the principal components. [24478]

The financial management policy review of the Countryside Council for Wales was overtaken by the review of the council's functions which I announced in response to the question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Conwy (Sir W. Roberts) on 3 November 1994. The action plan reflects the conclusions of the review of these functions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are currently in full-time employment in Wales; and how many were employed full-time in 1987. [24193]

According to the Employment Department, the number of full-time employees in employment in Wales was 677,000 in December 1994 and 704,000 in September 1987.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will list the numbers of long-term unemployed people in each of the constituencies of Wales. [24195]

The data requested are available from the NOMIS database, which can be accessed by the staff of the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in the Deeside constituency are self-employed; and how many were self-employed in 1987. [24192]

According to the 1991 census of population, the number of self-employed residents aged 16 and over in the Alyn and Deeside constituency was 3,629. Data for 1987 are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he has taken to encourage business expenditure on research and development in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [24338]

My Department actively encourages business expenditure on research and development through the promotion of a number of Government initiatives to encourage innovation, including the SMART and SPUR schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines he has issued to local authorities to encourage the provision of safety surfacing on play areas; what special financial provision he has made available to local authorities to encourage and enable them to meet this need; and if he will make a statement. [24087]

In January 1992 a joint publication, "Playground Safety Guidelines", was issued by the Department of Education and Science, the National Children's Play and Recreation unit, and the Welsh Office to Welsh local authorities, interested voluntary organisations, the Sports Council for Wales, the Welsh Trades Union Congress, trade unions in the education field and church education authorities.Local authorities fund the provision of safety surfacing on play areas from resources made available through the annual revenue and capital settlements. It is for individual authorities to determine the priority they give to this provision when apportioning resources between services. Central Government support is provided by way of grant to help meet the costs of Play Wales, an advisory body made up of representatives from county and district councils and the voluntary sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what facilities are provided and arrangements made for the well-being and comfort of staff who (a) smoke and (b) do not wish to be affected by smoking, at (i) the work station and (ii) rest, recreation and refreshment facilities at Gwydyr house, Whitehall, London. [24198]

The general rule is that staff in Gwydyr house are not allowed to smoke at their work station, unless they are the sole occupier of a room, through smoking is allowed in the locker room for security staff and messengers, which is also used as the work station for the drivers of official cars.Smoking is not allowed in the room designated as the refreshment-rest room for the building.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit (a) Dobbs Hill hospital, (b) Deeside hospital and (c) Meadowsleigh hospital.

I have no current plans to visit these hospitals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish his guidelines concerning the declaration of interests of quango board members when dealing with agenda items which may involve pecuniary interests; and what are the Welsh Office guidelines concerning public access to such information. [24339]

Guidance on the treatment of the financial interests of board members is included in the "Code of Best Practice for Board Members of Public Bodies" published by H M Treasury in June 1994. All Welsh executive non-departmental public bodies are establishing registers of members' interests which will be published or made available for inspection.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he plans to require the owners of land to which the public may have access to eradicate heracleum manteggazzianum; if he will give local authorities a duty to control heracleum manteggazzianum; and if he will make a statement about the dangers associated with this plant. [24100]

Controls on the spread of the plant already exist. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to introduce the plant into the wild. There is, however, no evidence to show that it is widespread or that it causes a particular problem in Wales. The control of the plant is a matter for relevant local authorities if there is a perceived threat to public health. Direct contact with the plant can cause severe irritation to the skin as well as swelling and painful blistering.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of policy planning guidance in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [24497]

I refer the hon.Member to the reply I gave him on 24 April 1995 at column 371.