To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the roles of his Department of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Defence in regard to the United Kingdom's defence industry. [25667]

The two Departments are in regular contact about the United Kingdom's defence industry.The Ministry of Defence, as the biggest single customer of UK industry, aims to achieve maximum value for money in procurement, primarily through competition but also, where appropriate, through international collaboration or non-competitive acquisition. It has an interest in ensuring that its supplier base, which includes both specialist defence companies and general companies in most sectors of industry, is efficient, competitive and capable of meeting its needs in both the short and the long term. It works closely with companies to ensure that its requirements are properly understood and to improve the efficiency of the procurement process.It supports the efforts of UK companies to export defence goods and services.It funds research and development of technologies needed to meet defence needs. Through the Defence Research Agency it encourages the exploitation of technologies developed for military purposes in civil applications and the exploitation for defence purposes of civil technologies.The Department of Trade and Industry's objective is to help UK industry compete successfully at home and in world markets. It works closely with the defence industry and related companies, trade associations, universities and other agencies to help improve the industry's international competitiveness. It pursues trade liberalisation world-wide and helps UK industry to take full advantage of market opportunities.DTI works closely with the Ministry of Defence on issues affecting the competitiveness of the defence industries:

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will announce the award of licences for the 16th round of offshore licensing; and if he will make a statement. [25668]

After very careful consideration of applications for exploration licences in the west of Shetlands, we have been able to offer licences for each of the blocks applied for.Our "fast tracking" of these applications means that over 1,700 sqk of 3D seismic surveys will now be shot this summer with even more to come in 1996. Companies have also committed themselves to drilling 12 wells in the next two years and a further 13 in three years time. This level of commitment demonstrates the keen interest in a very exciting area of the United Kingdom continental shelf.The blocks attracted a high level of applications with one block receiving eight applications. The competition for some blocks has been intense and some very innovative ideas were presented with a number of very good applications for the same block. A total of 24 applications were received from 17 groups involving 32 companies.When examining applications we were conscious of the need to protect the environment. Although most of the blocks are some distance from the coast, it is important to ensure that the risks of any oil spills reaching the coasts of the Shetlands and Orkneys are understood and steps taken to minimise the risks and prepare contingency plans. The companies which have been awarded licences have all shown a strong commitment to protecting the environment.These awards—and the interest in the other blocks offered in the 16th round—shows the continuing high level of commitment by the international oil and gas companies to the UKCS. The opening up of new areas in the west of Shetlands basin as a result of this round will help maintain the UK's position as an oil and gas producer well into the next century.I plan to announce the remainder of the 16th round awards—for blocks around the coast of Britain and to the north of Scotland—in the summer.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what changes he proposes to make to the procedures of the Copyright tribunal; and if he will make a statement. [24778]

Last year, my Department consulted users of the Copyright tribunal on how far they were satisfied with its performance and on how its procedures might be improved. The overwhelming majority of respondents considered that tribunal procedures were fair, flexible, unintimidating and thorough. However, there were some concerns about the cost and speed of procedures and suggestions for improvement in these and other respects were made. The Department is considering these suggestions in consultation with the chairman of the tribunal and it is likely that a statutory instrument providing for some amendments in procedures will be put forward in due course.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much funding he expects to receive from the European Union SPRINT programme for research into technopole information networks. [24150]

The SPRINT programme ended on 31 December 1994. The European Commission was responsible for the selection of SPRINT projects based on merit, and for issuing grants to the successful candidates. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade did not receive any funding from the programme.The third activity of the EC fourth framework programme for research and development has superseded SPRINT. It brings together under one programme all the Community's efforts on dissemination and exploitation of research results and technological developments. There are provisions in the third activity for support of science parks and networks in support of innovation, though no specific provisions for research into technopole information networks. Projects involving information networks may be eligible for support under other programmes in the fourth framework.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 15 May, Official Report, column 25, at what venues the meetings with Mr. Richard Budge took, place and which Government Departments were represented at each of the meetings. [24941]

Of the seven meetings with Mr. Richard Budge detailed in my previous answer of 15 May, six were conducted in the office of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy. The meeting on 15 April 1993 took place over lunch in central London. No other Government Departments were represented at any of the meetings.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his reply of 15 May, Official Report, column 25, which other two directors of A. F. Budge were interviewed. [24939]

David Thomas Trewick and Martin Connolly were interviewed, together with David Threadkell, a former director.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his reply of 15 May, Official Report, column 24, what was the cost of the Coopers and Lybrand report on the collapse of A. F. Budge. [24944]

Administrative receivers have a statutory duty to report under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 and the Department makes no payment in respect of such reports. The administrative receivers and Coopers and Lybrand have carried out further enquiries at the request of the Official Receiver and has submitted invoices to date totalling £51,101.18 plus VAT £8,942.70.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade which directors of A. F. Budge were recommended by the Official Receiver for action to be taken against them under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. [24940]

The content of the Official Receiver's report is confidential between the Secretary of State and the Official Receiver.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the DTI has received request for export credit licences for sewerage pumps or other water treatment equipment to Iraq; and if these requests have been granted. [24879]

Export Licences for such equipment have been applied for and, in certain cases, issued. Any export of humanitarian goods to Iraq also requires an authorization from the United Nations Sanctions Committee.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to make a statement on his Department's policy on a construction contracts Bill. [24020]

Matters concerning the construction industry are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place in the Library a list of all the properties in Wales that British Coal proposes to offer for sale. [24774]

This is a matter for British Coal. I understand that the corporation is still finalising the list of properties to be offered for sale. Details will be made public as the properties become available.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade on how many occasions in each of the last five years his Department published policy statements from non-governmental working parties or organisations; and if he will list the name of the document, the organisation which produced it and the cost to the public purse of publishing it. [24007]

This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will obtain from his United States counterpart a copy of the US Department of Energy's plutonium working group report on environmental, safety and health vulnerabilities associated with plutonium storage, released in November 1994; and if he will arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library. [24295]

The report referred to was, I understand, published by the US Department of Energy and is publicly available. It can also be accessed on the Internet.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications to the aid and trade provision for support for power projects in Malaysia have been rejected during the last 10 years; and if he will list the grounds for rejection, the date of rejection and the names of the United Kingdom companies involved. [22676]

On the basis of information available, between 1984 and 1993, applications relating to 11 power projects were rejected because they did not meet the developmental, commercial and industrial criteria for the ATP scheme; or for budgetary reasons; or because they were not accepted by recipient Governments. Ten British companies were involved as lead contractors for these projects. Information on the names of companies is commercial in confidence.One project was rejected in each of the following years: 1988, 1991 and 1993. Three were rejected in 1990. Information is not readily available concerning the dates of rejection for the other five.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he or his Ministers last met representatives of Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund to discuss overseas development; and if he will make a statement. [24162]

There have been no meetings specifically with the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund—SCIAF—in recent years. My noble Friend, the Minister for Overseas Development, meets non-governmental organisation on a regular basis to discuss emergency and development issues, and has addressed gatherings of NGOs which have included representatives from SCIAF.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Pakistan regarding the Afghan refugees now living in refugee camps in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement. [24147]

We regularly discuss with the Government of Pakistan a wide range of issues including Afghan refugees. This issue was raised last month in talks between officials of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Pakistan high commission, who expressed appreciation of our support for Afghan refugees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the issue of the withdrawal of the AIDS programme from the World Health Organisation. [24506]

We support the establishment of the joint United Nations programme on AIDS—UNAIDS—which will replace the World Health Organisation's global programme on AIDS—WHO/GPA—on 1 January 1996. UNAIDS will be co-sponsored by six United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organisation. The other co-sponsors are: United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and the United Nations Childrens Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what air training activities are allowed for Royal Air Force aircraft based in Germany. [24801]

The supplementary agreement to the NATO status of forces agreement of 3 August 1959, governs the way in which the RAF conducts air training in Germany. In general no fixed-wing flying activity is allowed below 1,000 ft above ground level. However, aircraft may be cleared to fly at 50 ft for limited periods during specific exercises. Medium level training is carried out in temporary restricted areas. Weapons training is primarily conducted at the air weaponry range at RAF Nordhorn, although limited use is also made of other ranges from time to time. The rules governing helicopter training activities in Germany are similar to those in operation in the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many British helicopters were operating in support of United Nations operations in each of the last 10 years; [24798](2) how many British troops were operating in support of United Nations operations in each of the last 10 years; [24799](3) how many British Hercules aircraft were operating in support of United Nations operating in each of the last 10 years. [24800]

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The United Kingdom has contributed troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations in each of the last ten years. In recent years there has been a rapid increase in the level of peacekeeping undertaken by the UN and the UK's contribution has increased substantially. Some 4,600 British personnel are serving in operations under UN command, and about 3,500 more in operations in support of UN Security Council resolutions. Where necessary British personnel are supported by helicopters and Hercules aircraft. Important support is also provided to other elements of UN operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Royal Air Force maintenance and support personnel there were in each of the last 10 years; [24796](2) what was the total Royal Air Force manpower in each of the last 10 years; and what is the estimated Royal Air Force manpower strength in 1997–98. [24797]

The total manpower strength of the Royal Air Force and the RAF's maintenance and support element, as at 1 April in each of the years in question is as follows:

Date	Total RAF strength (trained and untrained)	Total RAF maintenance and support personnel (trained and untrained)
1986	93,237	84,861
1987	93,627	85,172
1988	93,291	84,890
1989	91,443	83,385
1990	89,685	81,786
1991	88,371	80,505
1992	85,962	78,183
1993	80,909	73,392
1994	75,681	68,642
1995	70,754	64,056

For the purposes of this question "maintenance and support" personnel has been defined as all personnel other than those employed on general duties (air) and airmen aircrew duties. It is not our practice to provide estimates of manpower strength more than a year in advance, and the forecast total strength for 1 April 1996 is around 66,500.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what Royal Air Force activities have been market tested over the last five years. [24795]

Full details of market-testing activities in the Royal Air Force over the last five years are not available centrally. However, in the three year period from April 1992 to March 1995 six Royal Air Force activities have been market tested, and a further 16 subjected to other CFQ processes, which resulted in either contractorisation or efficiency measures being taken. Detail of the six market-tested activities are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 May, Official Report, column 201, what considerations led him not to list the hon. and right hon. Members who have been notified of contracts by his special advisor. [24508]

I do not think listing over 300 contracts, of local rather than national significance, in the Official Report would usefully add to the answer I gave to the hon. Gentleman on 2 May, Official Report, column 201.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all projects his Department is working on jointly with Sandia National Laboratory. [24783]

Under the 1958 UK/US mutual defence agreement, the Atomic Weapons Establishment works closely with Sandia National Laboratory on a number of areas of research. These include:

• Neutron Sources
• Irradiation Effects on Materials and Components
• Non-nuclear Components
• Independent Assessment of Nuclear Weapon Safety
• Nuclear Weapons Engineering
• Nuclear Weapons Physics
• Nuclear Accident Response Technology

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what specific support is being provided by Sandia National Laboratory in support of the Trident programme. [24782]

Sandia National Laboratory provides engineering support services associated with certain US-supplied components of the United Kingdom Trident system. Further details are classified.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what policy his Department has put to the working groups on the Latham report as to the desirability of a single exclusive register for public sector work. [24355]

My officials are actively involved in the follow up work to the Latham report, which is being co-ordinated by the Department of the Environment, and also the efficiency scrutiny into construction procurement. Together, these will form the Govnerment response to Latham's recommendations, including the desirability of a single register for public sector work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of ground training in the Royal Air Force. [25563]

Following issue of the consultative document on 22 March 1995 recommending the closure of RAF Locking and the transfer of its training task to RAF Cosford, representations have been made by the hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare (Sir J. Wiggin), and local authorities. My Department has consulted thoroughly with the trade unions and relevant local authorities, and full and careful consideration has been given to all of the representations that we have received.Following this work I am satisfied that no issues have been raised which call into question the viability of the proposals, which satisfactorily meet our future ground training needs and save £6,000,000 per annum. I have therefore decided that RAF Locking should close by 1 April 1998.We will, of course, continue to consult the trade unions about the detailed implementation of the closure and transfer of work to RAF Cosford.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will place an order with Shorts for high velocity missiles; and if he will make a statement. [25564]

An order for the development and initial production of high velocity missiles was placed with Shorts Missile Systems Ltd. in 1986. In the light of progress on the project, I have given approval for an order for 1,000 missiles to be placed with Shorts, subject to satisfactory contractual conditions being agreed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Defence Accounts Agency for 1995–96. [25565]

The chief executive of the Defence Accounts Agency is responsible for providing accounting services for the Ministry of Defence as defined in the agency framework document. During 1995–96, the DAA will be reorganised and its successor organisations will be set new targets. The chief executive of the DAA will however report progress against the DAA targets during the year in a final annual report.DAA has been set the following challenging key performance targets in 1995–96:

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 18 May. [23663]

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

To ask the Prime Minister if the President of the Board of Trade has been asked to raise the issue of human rights on his visit to China [24804]

The President of the Board of Trade has been briefed on all aspects of our bilateral relationship, and more generally on conditions in China, including human rights.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with Chancellor Kohl, the letter from the Bundesministerium der Justif to Ms Lisa Mosey, concerning explosive material and baggage handling at Frankfurt, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Linlithgow. [24794]

I have nothing further to add to the reply of 14 March 1995, Official Report, column 498.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the risk and extent of speculative movement of funds in connection with possible takeovers or conversions of building societies, and the duties of boards of societies in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement. [23266]

Monitoring the movement of funds within the building society sector is one of the tasks of the Building Societies Commission.Boards of societies faced with speculative flows can respond in a number of ways. These include varying the rates of interest on offer and withdrawing certain types of accounts. In reacting to proposals for takeovers or conversions which may give rise to such flows, the Building Societies Act requires boards to take account not only of the financial interests of their current members, but of the longer-term objectives of the society.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [24332]

Proposals for the rural White Paper 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 Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the yield from inheritance tax arising from United Kingdom securities held by non-United Kingdom residents in each of the last three years. [24713](2) how many non-United Kingdom residents incurred an inheritance tax liability arising from their holdings of United Kingdom securities in each of the last three years. [24714]

For inheritance tax purposes, it is the country of domicile that determines liability and not the country of residence. I regret that information for estates where the deceased was domiciled outside of the United Kingdom is not held centrally. The information requested could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of making individual tax allowances transferable between spouses; and if he will make a statement. [24568]

The full year revenue cost at 1995–96 income levels is estimated to be about £3 billion. This estimate does not take into account any behavioural change which could result from such a measure.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the review into the taxation of proceeds for mortgage protection policies was set up; what are its terms of reference; who is conducting it; when he expects it to report; and if he will make a statement. [23630]

[holding answer 10 May 1995]: My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor made it clear in the statement he issued on 2 May that benefits under mortgage payment protection policies will be exempt from tax. The decision resulted from a review that had been under way for some months.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the expected publication date for the Treasury's summer economic forecast. [24495]

[holding answer 17 May 1995]: We expect to publish the summer economic forecast on a similar date to last year. I will let the hon. Gentleman know the exact date as soon as it is decided.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what percentage of children under the age of five years receive nursery or pre-school public education in each member state of the European Union. [24219]

Information is not collected centrally in the form requested. The latest available international comparisons of under-fives participating in public and private education are shown in the table. Separate participation rates for nursery provision only are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education from which schools she has received reports that (a) dinner ladies and (b) school crossing patrol persons have undertaken teaching duties. [24422]

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any such cases. Non-teaching staff are widely used to supervise pupils and to support the work of teachers; decisions on their deployment are for headteachers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is her estimate of the cost of supply cover for classroom teachers, while primary schools carry out the standard assessment tests. [24781]

The estimated cost of supply cover for teachers administering the national curriculum tests and tasks to seven and 11-year-olds is around £15 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to her answer of 15 May, Official Report, column 14 on the educational spending in Ealing, if she will give an expenditure breakdown of the figures of (a) £517.33 and (b) £923.45 for expenditure per primary and secondary pupil in locally-managed schools other than that allocated to schools under the locally managed school budgets; and if she will make a statement. [24878]

The following table provides the information requested. It is derived from the planned expenditure totals and pupils numbers shown in the 1995–96 budget statement published by the local education authority under section 42 of the Education Reform Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what alterations he has made to the recruitment criteria for disabled persons employed by Remploy; [24885](2) what discussions he has held with the management board of Remploy about changes to the recruitment criteria for disabled people. [24886]

Responsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what contributions have so far been made from the legal aid fund towards the defence costs of (a) Kevin Maxwell and (b) Ian Maxwell; and what have been the costs incurred by the defence in carrying out public opinion surveys. [24925]

The total amount of criminal legal aid paid to date to lawyers acting for all six defendants in R v. Kevin Maxwell and Others is £4,745,391. This amount includes final costs in the magistrates' court of £829,377 as well as payments on account, as of 24 January 1995, in the Crown Court of £3,916,014. All payments include VAT and disbursements, such as expert witness and accountancy fees, and other expenses necessarily incurred. It would not be appropriate while the case is continuing to give a further breakdown of these figures. Nothing has been paid from the legal aid fund to cover the cost of public opinion surveys conducted by the defence.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list all full-time judges aged over 70 years still sitting on the bench. [23938]

The information requested as at 10 May 1995, is as follows:

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the names of those judges whose period in office has been extended by the Lord Chancellor beyond their statutory retiring age; and when he now expects each to retire. [23939]

The Lord Chancellor exercises the powers available to him under section 26(4) to (6) of the Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 where he considers it desirable in the public interest to continue a judge in office for a period, or further period, not exceeding one year, up to the age of 75.Judge David Kt QC is the only circuit judge in office whose appointment has been continued beyond his statutory retirement date. The continuance expires on 30 April 1996. No district judges in office have been continued beyond their statutory retirement date. There

Number of professional staff1
	UN	ILO	WHO	ITU	WMO	UPU	WIPO	IAEA	UNIDO	FAO	WFP	IFAD	ICAO	UNESCO	IMO
United Kingdom	502	66	123	16	16	4	15	52	32	134	28	9	21	34	16
USA	1,087	72	258	17	11	1	9	129	46	164	49	13	18	45	4
France	595	100	111	33	11	5	34	31	27	165	22	7	22	103	15
Sweden	197	26	22	7	2	1	2	12	8	21	8	2	2	18	5
India	223	28	36	14	2	3	3	12	25	55	9	3	4	14	3
Canada	330	27	48	10	4	3	3	24	6	61	36	3	62	24	1
Netherlands	303	82	49	3	3	1	1	9	18	124	15	5	5	26	2
Japan	246	23	46	6	4	5	3	24	22	37	13	3	3	34	5
Ireland	70	5	11	1	1	0	0	1	5	14	5	0	3	6	2
Belgium	181	46	36	4	5	2	4	5	8	122	11	7	2	16	1
1 UN figures reflecting staff in post on 31 December 1993.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the policy position taken by Her Majesty's Government in regard to the support for article V, on peaceful nuclear explosions, of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty at the review and extension conference of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty in New York. [24423]

We expressed the view that there are no useful peaceful applications of nuclear explosions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what circumstances it is permitted within EU laws or other ordnances for Belgium frontier authorities to date stamp the passports of United Kingdom passport holders on entry into Belgium. [24865]

Date-stamping of United Kingdom passports by Belgian immigration authorities would not necessarily be contrary to EC law provided that it could not be construed as an immigration control on a British citizen, and provided that it was not done in circumstances which amounted to discrimination on the ground of nationality. Nevertheless it appears that the few cases reported recently of such date-stamping were the result of administrative error and the Belgian authorities assure us they have taken steps to see that it does not happen again.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the numbers of professional grade officials employed by the United Nations and its agencies who are citizens of (a) the United Kingdom, (b) the United States of America, (c) France, (d) Sweden, (e) India, (f) Canada, (g) the Netherlands, (h) Japan, (i) Ireland and (j) Belgium. [23707]

The numbers of professional staff, including senior officials, employed by the United Nations and its agencies who are citizens of the ten countries listed are given in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Indian and Pakistani Governments regarding the destruction of the holy shrine, Charar-e-Sharief. [24897]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has not had discussions with the Indian and Pakistani Governments regarding the destruction of the shrine at Charar-e-Sharief.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what factors led to the United Kingdom not participating in the Council of Europe's social development fund. [24802]

The cost of the United Kingdom joining the social development fund would be prohibitive. As a major contributor to the Council of Europe, our initial investment would be around £30 million, with annual running costs of about £225,000. This could be met only by diverting aid resources from bilateral and multilateral aid programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what action Her Majesty's Government are taking (a) directly, (b) through the EU and (c) through other organisations, to assist the Government of Pakistan in combating drug trafficking; what assistance is being given to the supply of equipment to combat drug trafficking with particular reference to helicopters; and if he will make a statement. [22306]

[pursuant to his reply 2 May, Official Report, column 151]: I regret that the last three paragraphs of my answer of 2 May were inadvertently omitted. The full answer is as follows:We have given considerable narcotics-related assistance to Pakistan both bilaterally and through multilateral channels. Last financial year, bilateral assistance includes the provision of law enforcement training by HM Customs and Excise. Multilaterally we have pledged over £8 million since 1985 to projects administered by the United Nations drug control programme to strengthen law enforcement control of the Pakistan/Iran/Afghanistan border area and to reduce the supply of opium through rural development.As part of the programme of assistance, we agreed to fund the purchase of two helicopters to enhance the capacity of the ANF to interdict drugs convoys in the area bordering Afghanistan and Iran.Assistance by EU Governments is co-ordinated through the forum of the Dublin group both locally and in Brussels. Assistance by the European Commission has been mainly directed towards narcotics demand reduction.HM Customs and Excise works closely with Pakistani law enforcement agencies. We stand ready to provide further assistance and are considering additional requests from the Pakistan Government for training and equipment to enhance their capability to counter drug trafficking.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the cost of printing, publishing and distributing "Management Matters"; who paid this and what charges were made to private organisations who were allowed to insert looseleaf advertisements in the magazine. [24587]

The average gross cost of printing, publishing and distributing each edition in the 1994–95 financial year was approximately £12,800.The cost of producing "Management Matters" is met from the Cabinet Office—Office of Public Service and Science—budget.Organisations which wish to place a looseleaf insert in the magazine are charged at a rate of £38 per 1,000 leaflets. Revenue raised is used to offset the magazine's production costs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on whose and on what authority the Government publication for civil servants, "Management Matters" included looseleaf advertising for insurance and life assurance. [24585]

Each looseleaf advertisement that is inserted in "Management Matters" is approved by the magazine's editorial board prior to publication. The board, which comprises officials from the Cabinet Office— OPSS—and HM Treasury, examines each proposed advertisement against pre-determined criteria.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment has been made as to whether the insertion of looseleaf advertising for private organisations selling financial and other services in "Management Matters" might be understood by readers as implying an endorsement of particular commercial products, not withstanding disclaimers; and if he will place in the Library the reports which have evaluated such matters. [24586]

There are precedents for civil service publications carrying advertising. The editorial board gave careful consideration to the decision to insert looseleaf advertisements in "Management Matters". Taking into account the strict criteria it would apply and the disclaimer included in each edition—on which it took legal advice—the board took the view that such advertisements could not reasonably be regarded as bearing official endorsement.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to market test the management of the civil service pension scheme; and if he will make a statement. [24371]

The 1992 efficiency scrutiny identified administration of the principal civil service pension scheme as suitable for market testing. New information technology for administration of the scheme, which will start to become operational towards the end of this year, will facilitate the market-testing process. This will also enable service standards to be raised and costs reduced. It will however first be necessary for Parliament to approve an order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act which will remove the legal impediment that at present exists to market testing PCSPS administration.Occupational pension arrangements for civil servants will continue to be provided through the PCSPS. The PCSPS will be managed and controlled by the Office of Public Service and Science.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the research work his Department sponsors on HIV/AIDS which incorporates international co-operation. [24694]

A list of current research work into AIDS/HIV funded by my Department through the research councils, and involving international co-operation has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. This list show the titles of the projects, by whom they were carried out and, where information is available, the resources allocated.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the research work sponsored by his Department and the amount spent on each project for AIDS/HIV treatment and prevention for the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [24693]

The Medical Research Council provided data in answer to a similar question on 11 May 1995, and this was placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Equivalent information for the other research councils

Grant Holder	Grant Title	Duration	Cost
Research supported by the Economic and Social Research Council
Dr. M. Lyons University of London	AIDS and women—the history of sexually transmitted disease and epidemic of HIV/AIDS in East Africa	1 November 1992 to 1 October 1995	£129,460
Dr. P. G. Forster Hull University	AIDS, the local community and traditional health practitioners in Malawi	30 June 1993 to 30 September 1995	£2,790
Dr. J. Bujra Leeds University	Gender relations as a key aspect of the fight against AIDS/HIV in Tanzania	1 September 1994 to 1 September 1996	£150,000
Dr. N. P. McKeganey Glasgow University	An Ethnography of a late teenage population exposed to intravenous drug misuse and HIV	1 February 1988 to 31 January 1991	£137,690
Dr. D. V. McQueen Edinburgh	An integrated study of AIDS-related behaviour	1 August 1988 to 31 December 1990	£264,850
Dr. H. A. Klee Manchester Polytechnic	The potential for HIV transmission among amphetamine users in the North West: a study of sexual and social lifestyles	1 July 1989 to 31 December 1991	£79,550
Dr. G. M. Breakwell Surrey University	Social and behavioral consequences of HIV/AIDS for 16–21 year olds	1 October 1988 to 31 March 1993	£308,621
Dr. R. Ingham Southampton University	Social aspects of risk reduction in the light of the threat of HIV infection	1 January 1989 to 31 December 1991	£136,182
Dr. M. J. Bloor	A sociological study of the context of AIDS media messages and audience responses	1 September 1988 to 31 August 1991	£198,590
Dr. M. A. Plant	HIV/AIDS risks, alcohol and illicit drug use and young adults	1 July 1992 to 30 September 1992	£3,260
Dr. G. Semin Sussex University	The transmission and formation of AIDS-related representations in adolescence	1 December 1987 to 31 January 1991	£136,980
Dr. J. Holland London University	Young women, sexuality and the limitation of AIDS	31 October 1988 to 30 September 1990	£70,926
Research supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (all at the Institute for Virology and Environmental Microbiology, Oxford)
Dr. P. A. Nuttall	Aids diagnosis	1 October 1987 to 31 September 1990	£60,000
Dr. I. M. Jones	Expression, purification and in vitro activity of the HIV encoded regulatory protein ART/TRS	1 January 1988 to 31 December 1990	£86,000
Dr. I. M. Jones	AIDS vaccine development	1 April 1988 to 31 March 1991	£125,000
Dr. I. M. Jones	Expression of simian immunodeficiency virus proteins	1 September 1989 to 31 March 1993	£200,000
Dr. I. M. Jones	Structure and function of recombinant HIV antigens	1 May 1990 to 30 April 1993	£114,000
Dr. I. M. Jones	Analysis of CD4 binding repertoire of natural GP120 molecules	1 July 1992 to 30 June 1995	£194,000
Dr. I. M. Jones	Furin and maturation of lentivirus glycoproteins	1 January 1993 to 31 December 1996	£111,000
Dr. P. A. Nuttall	Virology and environmental microbiology	12 March 1993 to 1 September 1995	£65,000
Dr. I. M. Jones	Fundamental and comparative studies on the structural proteins of HIV and SIV	1 October 1993 to 30 September 1995	£359,000
Dr. P. Roy	Development of virus-like particle (VLP) candidate vaccines for human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) produced by baculovirus multigene expression vectors	1 January 1994 to 31 December 1996	£58,000

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has about the (a) Government construction grants, (b) fuel subsidies, (c) enforcement of minimum/maximum catch sizes, (d) enforcement of log book reporting and (e) elimination of secret fish holds in each of the other fishing nations of the EEC. [23986]

On construction grants and fuel grants, I refer the Hon. Member to the answer that I gave on 6 February 1995, Official Report, column 84.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from east coast fishermen regarding the importation of cheap fish from Russia, Norway and Iceland. [24152]

I regularly consult producers' interests on the question of imports from outside the European Union and this was one of the issues raised with me by fishermen's leaders on my recent visit to Tynemouth earlier this month. Subsequent to that, I have not heard directly on this matter from east coast fishermen.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will impose quota restrictions on the importation of cheap fish from Russia, Norway and Iceland. [24151]

Mechanisms already exist within European Union legislation to take action against imports from outside the EU where they can be shown to be having a disruptive effect on the market over a period of time. Unqualified restrictions on imports would serve only to prevent UK processors from obtaining the raw material supplies that they need to maintain the range of fish products available to the consumer. I believe that there is scope for better communication within the industry to help match supply and demand. I hope shortly to call a meeting of interested parties to explore the issue further.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out for (a) the countryside access scheme allowing public access to set-aside land and (b) the scheme allowing access for land in environmentally sensitive areas (i) its number and direction of such agreements, (ii) the location and size of these sites, (iii) what steps have been taken to inform the public of these access opportunities, (iv) the payment made to the landowner of each site, (v) the administrative costs of these schemes, (vi) whether public access was available on each site prior to designation under the schemes. [24618]

The information requested is as follows:

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about bovine spongiform encephalopathy. [25536]

A further report on BSE in Great Britain is available today. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.The report provides information about the continuing decline in incidence of the disease, further proposed changes to the controls and the on-going research programme.The number of cases of BSE being reported at present is 45.3 per cent. fewer than at the same time last year and there is continued downturn in incidence of BSE in five-year-old and younger animals. Both changes are attributed to the ban on feeding ruminant protein to ruminant animals which was introduced in 1988.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for the future of the countryside stewardship scheme. [25537]

The Government are publishing today a public consultation document which seeks views on the development of the Government's strategy for environmental land management schemes in England. The consultation document results from a review of the future role of the countryside stewardship scheme and of ways of better integrating and focusing all environmental land management schemes in England, announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment last year on 21 June 1994, Official Report, column 106. The review was carried out by a working group comprising officials from my Department, the Department of the Environment, the Countryside Commission, English Heritage and English Nature. Copies of the consultation document are available in the Library of the House.The Government believe that environmental land management schemes are one important means of promoting environmental and amenity benefits in the countryside. The conclusion of the pilot phase of countryside stewardship and the decision that it should be transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 1996 represent a landmark in the development of such schemes and an opportune moment to review their strategic development.The main proposals of the working group are that:

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his estimate of the revenue accruing to the Exchequer from charges for entry to museums. [22400]

Of the 17 museums and galleries directly sponsored by my Department, seven charge for admission to their collections and exhibitions. During 1994–95, the income generated by these organisations for admissions is estimated at £11.39 million.Information about revenue raised from admissions to local authority and independent museums is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the total amount of resources available for local authorities for urban programmes for the last year for which figures are available; and if he will list the allocations to individual authorities. [24359]

Urban initiatives by local authorities are supported through main programme expenditure by several Government Departments. This is supplemented by targeted programmes which have been brought together into the single regeneration budget. SRB resources are made available to local authorities and other organisations, reflecting the partnership-based approach of many schemes. In total the SRB will fund more than £1.3 billion of regeneration work in 1995–96 in urban and other areas. The Department's 1995 annual report, a copy of which is in the Library, provides detailed information about the programmes supported.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he and his ministerial colleagues have made of the savings to the Exchequer that voluntary organisations provide with sheltered and supported housing. [24026]

Two of the key voluntary providers of sheltered and supported housing are the Abbeyfield societies and almshouses. In 1990 their housing stock represented 1 per cent. and 3 per cent. respectively of the total sheltered and supported rented housing available for elderly people. Research published last year by the Department¹ found that 28 per cent. of Abbeyfield societies and 100 per cent. of almshouses capital costs were met from non-exchequer sources. Seven per cent. of Abbeyfield and 25 per cent. of almshouses revenue costs were also met from non-exchequer sources.

1 "Living Independently—A study of the Housing Needs of elderly and disabled people", HMSO 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the Government's conclusions following the completion of consultation on their proposals for extending compulsory competitive tendering to information technology, finance and personnel services. [25561]

We have been discussing how best to give effect to the Government's decision to extend compulsory competitive tendering to white collar professional and corporate services with local authority representatives and other interested parties since early 1993. That consultation has proved valuable to all parties and I am grateful to all those who play a part.Last summer we put in place statutory instruments which extended CCT to legal and construction and property services. In the autumn we issued consultation papers setting out the proposed regime for information technology, finance and personnel services. Those attracted between them over 600 responses to my Department, together with 112 to the Scottish Office and 54 to the Welsh Office.I have considered all the points made carefully with colleagues in all the departments with an interest in the services concerned and am now able to announce the Government's final decisions on CCT for these remaining services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has decided to take against Ribble Valley district council, Sandwell metropolitan borough council and South Lakeland district council following the notices served on them last year for anti-competitive behaviour. [25562]

On 20 July 1994, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, served a notice under section 13 of the Local Government Act 1988 on South Lakeland district council, setting out his view that the authority had acted anti-competitively during a competition for ground maintenance work. On 30 September he served a similar notice on Sandwell metropolitan borough council, also for ground maintenance work, and on 21 November he served a similar notice on Ribble Valley district council, for refuse collection work.My right hon. Friend has given careful consideration to the responses to the notices and has today given the authorities directions under section 14 of the Local Government Act 1988.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what expenditure has been incurred by the office of the Minister for Bristol since the present Minister took up post. [24525]

[holding answer 17 May 1995]: Since taking up post, the total expenditure incurred by Lord Astor's office in making visits to Bristol amounts to £1,159.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what dates the present Minister for Bristol has visited the city on official business; and whom he met. [24526]

[holding answer 17 May 1995]: The present sponsor Minister for Bristol has visited the city on six occasions. The dates of these visits were:

• 14 October 1994
• 11 November 1994
• 16 January 1995
• 17 February 1995
• 15 March 1995
• 12 May 1995

During these visits the Minister met the following persons:

Name	Representing
Ablett Malcolm	Hanson Properties
Baker Simon	Western Development Partnership
Bale Simon	Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol
Barrett Bill	Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol
Barnfield Richard	WESTEC
Beales Ian	Western Daily Press
Bee Will	Bristol Common Purpose
Biddle Norman	University of Bristol Council
Blake Michael	Knightstone Housing Association
Birtchnell Michael	Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol
Brown Jeffrey	South Bristol College
Bullard Emma	Bristol Common Purpose
Bunyan Diane	Bristol City Council
Burge Maureen	Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol
Burke John	Bristol and West Building Society
Channon John	Western Development Partnership
Collinge Miles	Bristol Development Corporation
Couper Professor Heather	Millennium Commissioner
Courtier Peter	Bristol Racial Equality Council
Croucher Neil	Bristol Tourism Forum
De Groot Lucy	Bristol City Council

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what initiatives the present Minister for Bristol has taken for the benefit of the people of the city. [24527]

[holding answer 17 May 1995]: The present sponsor Minister for Bristol has, during the first few months of his appointment, been working to encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors which are vital to the future success of Bristol and to capitalise on the substantial public investment secured for the city through, among other things, the Bristol development corporation and single regeneration budget challenge fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of local authorities provide specialist facilities for autistic children; and if he will make a statement. [23677]

I have been asked to reply.I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 15 May,

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants were awarded (a) weekly industrial disablement benefit and (b) reduced earnings allowance in each of the last five years for which figures are available in Newham; how many claims for industrial disablement benefit and reduced earnings allowance were allowed in each of the last six years for which figures are available; and what were the total amounts of (i) lump sum back payments and (ii) gratuities awarded in each year in Newham. [23790]

The administration of industrial injuries disablement benefit is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.