To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the adequacy of chiropody services provided in Clwyd; and if he will make a statement. [2664]

The provision of chiropody services in Clwyd is a matter for Clwyd district health authority. I have made no separate assessment of the adequacy of chiropody services provided there.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the published recommended response time within which his Department is expected to reply to letters from the public [3001]

The target time for replying to letters from Members of the House is 12 working days. The target time for replying to all other correspondence is 15 working days.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what level of funding has been made available to North East Wales TEC for work in townships which have lost steelmaking; and if he will make a statement. [2920]

In October 1990 the Welsh Office announced a substantial package of measures to mitigate the effects of the closure of the Brymbo steelworks. This included the allocation of an additional £260,000 to the North East Wales TEC. In addition, it has been able to utilise the resources made available each year by the Welsh Office to support the creation of new businesses and jobs in north-east Wales and to deliver training to enhance the skills of he local labour force. An example of this is the support which the TEC has been able to provide to local employers in establishing the new twin-sited engineering and manufacturing training centre at Yale college, Wrexham, and at Deeside college, Shotton.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will advance the date of construction of the Alltami bypass; and if he will make a statement. [4017]

Proposals for an Alltami bypass form part of the A494 Mold-Ewloe improvement. This scheme is included in the "longer term consideration" pool of the forward trunk road programme published in the Welsh Office's departmental report, Cm 2815, on 9 March 1995. My right hon. Friend is to announce roads and transport expenditure plans for 1996–97 shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet the Resident's Association Western Park, Buckley, to discuss his allocation of housing moneys 1996–97 for the modernisation and repair of social housing. [4019]

I have no plans to do so. It is for local authorities to decide how to set spending priorities for their housing stock within the resources available to them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many long-term unemployed there are in each of the constituencies in Wales. [3859]

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 when he expects the Buckley, Clwyd inner relief road to begin construction; what is its costs when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement. [4016]

This scheme is the responsibility of Clwyd county council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people died of cancer in Anglesey, Gwynedd and Wales in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and what are these figures as a proportion of average United Kingdom figures. [2354]

The figures for 1990 to 1994 are given in the table. Data for 1993 and 1994 are provisional. Deaths for 1992 and earlier years represent registrations in each year; from 1993 they represent occurrences in each year. New procedures adopted by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys for coding cause of death from 1993, and the absence of medical inquiries, mean that figures for 1993 onwards may not be exactly comparable with those for earlier years. For most conditions, however, including neoplasms, the effects of these changes are small. Further details may be found in OPCS series DH2 for 1993, No. 20, which was published in October 1995. A copy is available in the Library of the House.The proportions given in the table have been derived by calculating the relevant standardised mortality ratios.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number and the species of bird that have (a) been discovered oiled and (b) died as a result of the recent oil spillage in Carmarthen bay, south Wales. [4202]

No complete data are available. Estimates based on information so far received by the Countryside Council for Wales show the following effects:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many official school visits the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Jones), has undertaken since 1 April; how and when in each case (a) the county council, where the school was non-grant maintained and (b) the hon. Member in whose constituency the school was located, was informed; and if he will make a statement. [4175]

Six. Arrangements are normally made direct with the school and the convention regarding constituency Members of Parliament is observed.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with the Secretary General of the Arab League the proposal by the Government of Libya to hold a trial in the Hague, under a Scottish judge, under Scottish rules of evidence, of the two Libyans accused of the bombing of Pan AM 103 over Lockerbie. [2208]

I have no plans to do so.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 5 December 1995. [2558]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 5 December. [2559]

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 break down the estimates given in his financial statement of the value of the private finance initiative schemes expected to be finalised in 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98 by sponsoring Government Department. [3780]

[holding answer 4 December 1995]: The capital value of Departments' private finance initiative schemes expected to be agreed in (a) 1995–96 and (b) the three years 1996–97 to 1998–99 are set out in the table. These forecasts are based on departmental estimates. The actual sums involved and precise timing of schemes will depend on the nature of the contractual processes.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those (a) consultants, (b) outside organisations and (c) individuals employed by his Department each year since 1990, indicating the purposes of their employment and the total payments made to them. [3971]

For these purposes my Office is part of the Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service and its agencies. Total numbers of staff can be found in the civil service staff in post summary tables which have been placed in the Library. Staff costs are published in the Cabinet Office departmental report. It is not possible to provide the other information requested without disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many times in the last year he has used London Buses while on official business; [428](2) how many times in the last year he has used the London Underground while on official business. [573]

I have occasionally used both London Buses and the London Underground when travelling to and from the Department of Social Security but have not done so this year while on official business.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to change the Child Support Agency rates regarding the calculation of ex-husband obligations; and if he will make a statement. [2579]

The child support maintenance formula is based on income support benefit rates. The rates in protected income for non-householders' housing costs are based on the non-dependent deductions under housing benefit rules. The relevant amounts will increase form April 1996, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in his statement on Wednesday 29 November, Official Report, columns 1212–15.The formula will continue to ensure that no absent parent is assessed to pay more than 30 per cent. of his net income in current maintenance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to improve the client communications of the Child Support Agency; and if he will make a statement. [2674]

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the published recommended response times within which his Department is expected to reply to letters from the public. [3005]

There is no published recommended response time for the Department as a whole. The charters of the Benefits, Contributions, Child Support and War Pensions agencies state that these agencies aim to reply to correspondence from the public within 10 working days of receipt.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the definition of the terms "maternity expenses" and "funeral expenses" used in section 138 (1)(a) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992; and if he will make a statement.

Help with maternity expenses and funeral expenses may be given only from the regulated fund. I have today issued additional guidance to social fund officers on the interpretation of the terms "maternity expenses" and "funeral expenses".The Benefits Agency has issued a bulletin to all district offices notifying them of the new guidance, which will be incorporated in a amendment to the social fund guide as soon as possible.Details of the guidance have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what response he will make to the recommendations of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council regarding disorders of the knee and occupational rhinitis. [4706]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has given careful consideration to the recommendations in the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council's reports, Cm 2842 and 1843. The Government accept in full the council's recommendation in respect of occupational Rhinitis that the terms of the current prescription should be more precise and brought into line with current scientific thinking. Regulations will be laid to implement the change from March 1996.The Government note the council's conclusion that there is insufficient scientific evidence available at present to recommend adding disorders of the knee to the list of prescribed diseases for which industrial injuries disablement benefit can be paid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to receive the report from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council concerning the regulations relating to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. [4070]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. O'Brien) on 24 October 1995, Official Report col 627.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received concerning his proposals to limit benefits to people seeking asylum in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [3972]

Proposals on social security payments to asylum seekers and other persons from abroad were presented to the Social Security Advisory Committee on 11 October. The committee has carried out a public consultation on these proposals and is now evaluating the responses to that consultation and we expect to receive its report during December. We have also received a number of items of correspondence, both from Members of Parliament and from the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is (a) the mean and (b) the median state pension received by (i) married women, (ii) widows and (iii) single women. [1845]

[holding answer 24 November I995]: The information is set out in the table:

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will instruct the Sheffield office of the Benefits Agency to withdraw its letter, "Urgent-Benefit Leaving", of 31 October 1995; [3477](2) if he will ensure that all applicants for benefit under the urgent case regulations are informed of the provisional nature of the announced changes. [3478]

The administration of income support is a matter for Mr. Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the estimated cost of the proposed expansion of the Careers Service; and to what that expenditure will be allocated. [3711]

Planned expenditure on the Careers Service is set to rise to £201 million in 1996–97 exclusive of VAT—an increase of £49 million against the expenditure in 1994–95. From April 1994, extra funds have been provided for careers guidance for 13 to 14 year olds. From April 1995 further funds were provided to enhance the quality and coverage of careers guidance for young people from age 13 to 18 as well as for the training of careers advisers and careers teachers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the percentage of non-employment among adult males with only basic education in 1979 and in 1995; and the same figures for the other Group of Seven member countries; and if she will make a statement. [3624]

I have been asked to reply.International comparisons on this basis are not available. However, information on International Labour Organisation unemployment rates for those aged between 25 and 64 with qualifications below upper secondary level in 1992 is available in table R21 of the OECD publication, "Education at a Glance", a copy of which is available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the percentage of the labour force with only basic education in the United Kingdom in 1979 and in 1995, and the same figures for the other Group of Seven member countries; and if he will make a statement. [3628]

I have been asked to reply.The international comparisons requested are not available. However, comparisons of labour force participation rates of those with qualifications below upper secondary level in 1992 are available in table C11 in the OECD publication, "Education at a Glance", a copy of which is available in the library.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when the consultation paper on the British Academy for Sport will be published. [4532]

The Great Britain Sports Council today published the consultation paper on the British Academy for Sport. I have placed a copy in the Library of the House. Copies of the consultation paper are available from the Sports Council at 16 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H OQP. The purpose of the consultation paper is to promote debate about the details of the structure, siting, management and activities of the academy. The closing date for responses is 31 January 1996. Following this date, the Government wish to encourage application by different groups of sporting, commercial and other public and private interests—possibly in the form of a charitable trust to establish and run the academy. Up to £100 million from the national lottery could be available for capital costs of the academy and, if appropriate, an endowment to provide future revenue costs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the privatised utilities which charge VAT on advance charge bills; and what estimate he has made of the revenue raised for public funds from this procedure; [2856](2) if he will estimate the revenue raised by the Exchequer from the imposition, by British Telecom, of VAT on advance charge telephone bills. [2857]

Basic VAT law provides that tax is due when a VAT invoice is issued or a payment is received in respect of any taxable supply made by a VAT registered trader, if this happens in advance of delivery of the goods or services concerned. The rule applies to privatised utilities in the same way as to other businesses, and to telephone standing charges in the same way as to any other advance charges. No central records are kept of the numbers of trades or the amounts of revenue involved. The amount of VAT paid by an individual trader is a matter of commercial confidence.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to public funds of removing VAT on fees charged by private domestic home care agencies. [3619]

[holding answer 4 December 1995]:There are no figures available to allow an estimate to be made.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to abolish VAT on fees charged by private domestic home care agencies. [3620]

[holding answer 4 December 1995]: Home care services provided by commercial agencies using medically qualified staff are already exempt from VAT. I announced on 9 October that in certain circumstances where agencies used unqualified staff, they need not charge VAT, provided that there is an appropriate measure of supervision by qualified medical professionals. Customs and Excise is currently holding discussions with representatives of the home care industry to agree the details of this change.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the value of total share, and their total value, were owned by individuals (a) in the latest year for which figures are available and (b) in each year since 1970. [4046]

The available information is given in the table.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the net contribution to the EEC by the United Kingdom for each year from 1990 and up to 2001; and what estimate he has made of the respective contribution made by (a) the United Kingdom and (b) other EU countries in this period. [1028]

The Government's most recent estimates of the United Kingdom's net contributions to European Community institutions for the financial years 1989–90 to 1994–95, together with the forecast of our contributions up to 1998–99 are set out in the first table. Recent estimates for later years are not available; the Government do not produce such estimates on a regular basis since they are of limited value and need to be treated with particular caution.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the individuals for whom exceptional arrangements beyond those indicated in the "Inland Revenue Guide to Benefits and Expenses", booklet 480, applies in connection with their public duties and those of their spouse; how, and under what authority, the additional allowances are arrived at; and if he will make a statement; [331](2) if he will list the tax deductions and reliefs in connection with public duties of a taxpayer or of his or her spouse contained in the "Inland Revenue Guide to Benefits and Expenses", booklet 480; and what limit applies to each. [330]

The statutory provisions covering tax deductions and reliefs set out in the "Inland Revenue Guide to Benefits and Expenses", booklet 480, apply to employees and officeholders with public duties as much as to others. Section 10 of the booklet explains how expenses incurred by a spouse are treated. There are also statutory provisions to make sure that Members of Parliament qualify for relief on extra expenses they incur in staying overnight away from their only or main home for the purpose of carrying out their duties as Members and on the cost of making trips to certain institutions in the European Union.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of hours per week on average that small businesses will spend on the requirements of the new system of tax self-assessment. [3691]

The Inland Revenue undertook very extensive research into the likely impact of the self-assessment changes on the costs to businesses, particularly small businesses, of complying with their tax obligations. The detail of this research is contained in a compliance cost assessment which was published on 29 November 1994. A copy is available in the House Library. It concludes that once the new system has bedded in, costs overall will reduce. The amount will vary from business to business, but it broadly equates with annual savings overall of £125 million to £250 million, after taking account of employer's costs, or between £30 and £60 per year for a typical small business.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what considerations led to the inclusion of fewer statistics in table 4.4 of the "Financial Statement and Budget report 1996–97", than in the equivalent table 4A.1 for 1995–96. [3841]

In terms of their coverage, both tables 4.4 and 4A.1 of this year's "Financial Statement and Budget Report" are unchanged from the presentation last year. Table 4.4 gives a summary presentation of the forecast of general Government receipts; table 4A.1 gives a more detailed exposition of the short-term forecast of receipts.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Ecofin Council held on 27 November, giving details of all votes and of all decisions which were determined by unanimity or without dissension. [1973]

[holding answer 4 December 1995]: I represented the United Kingdom at the Economic and Finance Council of the European Union in Brussels on 27 November.The only formal vote taken by the Council was a unanimous decision to adopt a regulation on the European system national and regional accounts, which will come into effect in 1999. The Council agreed to attach to the regulation a recommendation that where data was available member states should provide them from September 1998.There was no Council support for a request by Germany that the Commission produce a study on the use of a reduced rate of VAT on the sale of agricultural produce as a means of compensating farmers affected by revaluations in the agri-monetary system.All other issues at the Council were agreed without dissension.The Council agreed the following: a report on the implementation of the broad economic guidelines; procedural conclusions on the reports by member states on measures being taken to combat fraud against Community funds; and a draft report on employment, jointly prepared by the Economic and Finance Council, the Social Affairs Council and the Commission. All these will be submitted to the Madrid European Council.The Council discussed the reference scenario for the transition to a single currency, on which the Council will also report to the Madrid European Council. The Council agreed on the principle that fiscal stability after the beginning of the third stage of economic and monetary union was essential and that further work on achieving this will be required.The Council discussed the arrangements for guaranteeing European investment bank loans to third world countries. The Council agreed that a decision to revise the guarantee system will be taken within twelve months following an EIB—Commission study. During the interim period current guarantee arrangements will continue.The Council considered the recent defaults, by Georgia, Armenia and Tajikistan on EU loans granted in 1991 as part of a humanitarian aid package to the former Soviet Union. The Council asked the Commission to produce proposals for a grant aid operation from Community funds to resolve this problem.The Council welcomed progress made by the Commission on an initiative to improve its financial management and working practices.The Commission also presented the conclusions of a study into the effect of currency fluctuations on the internal market.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list all those in his Department who have authority to issue public interest immunity certificates; how many such certificates have been issued in each of the last five years; and what were the main reasons for them. [1431]

A claim to public interest immunity relating to departmental documents or information is normally made by the appropriate Minister. There have been four cases in which certificates were used inter partes in proceedings:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes in guidance have been given to the British embassy in Algeria regarding applications for political asylum. [3266]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the land owned in the United Kingdom by his Department. [3027]

[holding answer 4 December 1995]: Land at 245 Warwick road, London W8—0.8 hectares. All other land administered by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or in the process of disposal is held in the name of the Secretary of State for the Environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 6 November, ref. 20802/95. [4111]

The hon. Member's letter of 6 November about Mrs. Parveen Akhtar in Pakistan was sent to the Home Office, rather than the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which would normally deal with correspondence of this type.The Foreign Office received a copy of the letter on 1 December.The Foreign Office migration and visa correspondence unit has asked our high commission in Islamabad for details of the case and will send the hon. Member a substantive reply by 8 December at the latest.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what procedures are available for organisations working with children to gain access to the names of British citizens convicted of sexual offences against children in (a) European Union member states and (b) other countries. [3379]

I have been asked to reply.Organisations working with children in the statutory sector and in parts of the voluntary and private sectors have access to pre-employment criminal record checks on their staff or volunteers. The check will reveal any record that the police may hold indicating that a person has been convicted of a sexual offence against children. This would include any information which had been received about overseas convictions of British citizens. Such information is often, but not always, supplied through Interpol by the authorities in the country of conviction.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people were employed in the tobacco industry in the United Kingdom in (a) 1970, (b) 1975, (c) 1980, (d) 1985, (e) 1990 and (f) at the latest available date. [3982]

The available information is in the table.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the contractors who have submitted a bid for the Patent Office accommodation services, dispatch, support services and filestore; if he will make a statement on the criteria to be used to determine whether such bids offer better value for money; and if he will make a statement. [3496]

None of the 12 contractors invited to tender has yet put in a bid for the Patent Office accommodation services, dispatch, support services and filestore. Under the timetable laid down by the EC services directive, bids are not required until early January 1996. The criteria to assess value for money have been sent out in the invitation to tender. They are:

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the time scale for the proposed contracting out of the marketing and information directorate, the London front office and the information technology sections; and how many staff are involved. [3495]

No time scales have yet been set for these projects but the process is likely to be completed by autumn 1996. Up to 80 staff will be involved.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to require any new work undertaken by the Patent Office to be subject to consultation with trades unions regarding the implications for staff; and if he will make a statement. [3497]

It would be the usual practice of Patent Office management to consult staff and their representatives about any new work undertaken by the agency which has major implications for the staff.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what criteria will be used by Patent Office management to assess staff who have applied for voluntary redundancy; what number and grades will be involved; what time limits are applicable; and if he will make a statement about the future of the services currently offered by the Patent Office. [3498]

Under the terms of its framework agreement, the Patent Office operates the Department's policies for retirement and redundancy. In its current voluntary severance exercise, the essential criterion has been the operational requirement of the office—whether there was a continuing need for a post now and in the foreseeable future and whether that post had to be filled by an established civil servant. Forty eight staff in the executive, clerical and support grades have accepted offers of voluntary severance. Sixteen appeals against refusal of severance terms are under consideration. Severance will take effect from 31 June 1996. The exercise is part of the Patent Office's continuing efforts to maintain and improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of its service to customers.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many statutory instruments his Department sponsored in the last Session of Parliament; and how many of these (a) constituted a new rule or regulation, (b) were introduced to implement European Community directives and (c) amplify the minimum standards set out in an original European Community directive. [2465]

[holding answer 28 November 1995]: The Department of Trade and Industry sponsored 116 statutory instruments in the last Session of Parliament. It would be possible only at disproportionate cost to provide the further information requested, especially to identify from this total any cases in which the Government have acted on powers in the relevant EC legislation enabling member states to implement provisions going beyond the minimum standards set out in the directives. The Government's policy is, however, to ensure that implementing legislation imposes least cost and provides greatest certainty consistent with meeting our legal obligations.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what legislation from his Department passed in the last five years contains provision for statutory repeal or review. [2031]

[holding answer 27 November 1995]: The Coal Industry Act 1994 and the Gas Act 1995 contain provisions relating to the expiry of certain powers.The Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 introduced a new procedure for making deregulation orders to repeal or amend primary legislation where it imposes burdens which could be removed or reduced without removing necessary protection.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what final lump sum severance payment was paid to the chief executive of the Post Office on leaving that post. [2889]

[holding answer 29 November 1995]: Mr. Cockburn, the former chief executive, received no severance pay on leaving the Post Office and waived any entitlement to salary in lieu of notice. However, he receives an annual pension under the rules of the Post Office staff pension fund—the Post Office staff superannuation scheme—which is based on his length of service, his age and his final salary. Under those rules he receives a lump sum payment equivalent to three times his annual pension. That lump sum payment was £285,542.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many "A" vehicles will be stored at his Department's centralised vehicle storage depot at Ashchurch; [3862](2) what assessment he has made of the impact on the local road network of centralising his Department's vehicle storage depot at Ashchurch; what is the maximum weight of Army vehicles using the local roads; and what assessment he has made of the consequences of transport of such vehicles over the Ashchurch road bridge; [3863](3) what discussions he has had with the local authority responsible for Newbury on the implications of transporting Army vehicles on the A34 through the centre of the town. [3864]

These matters are for the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency, ABSDA, under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which countries purchased Hawk aircraft from the United Kingdom in each of the past seven years; and to what military purposes they were deployed. [3643]

I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Ynys Mon (Mr. Jones) on 27 November, Official Report, column 488.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the Government's plans for the Lisnaskea Royal Irish Regiment base and St. Angelo's, Enniskillen. [3775]

The requirement for bases and installations is kept under continuous review. Following the announcement by my right hon. and learned Friend the Northern Ireland Secretary on 2 November that the Fermanagh Roulement Battalion would not be replaced when its six-month emergency tour ended, it was decided that the small number of Royal Irish Regiment soldiers based at the Lisnaskea Royal Ulster Constabulary station should operate in future from the recently refurbished Army base in Clogher. The buildings formerly occupied by these soldiers in Lisnaskea RUC station will, however, be maintained in case they are needed in future. It was also decided that the company of Royal Irish Regiment soldiers based at St. Angelo should in future operate from Grosvenor barracks, Enniskillen. Their former premises at St. Angelo will be demolished.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the threat posed by terrorists to the Lisnaskea Royal Irish Regiment base and to the people of the area. [3777]

The threat posed by terrorists is continually assessed by the Royal Ulster Constabulary. The armed forces remain fully committed to, and capable of, providing whatever support the RUC requires.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all weapons dumped since 1995 west of the Hebrides showing (a) the date, (b) the amount (c) the sources and (d) the exact location. [3176]

Surviving records give no indication that weapons have been dumped west of the Hebrides since 1965.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what new proposals he has to reduce worldwide fatalities caused by land mines; and what new restrictions he intends to put in place to avoid future death caused by mines that have time limited detonators or self destruct. [3644]

We want tighter international restrictions on the use and export of all anti-personnel mines to prevent their indiscriminate and irresponsible use and, thereby, to minimise the dangers posed to civilians. In particular, we are working towards incorporating such restrictions into a strengthened UN weaponry convention, protocol II of which, on mines, is currently under review internationally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the percentage of United Kingdom spending on defence expressed as a percentage of gross domestic product in each of the past five years. [3645]

The percentage of UK gross domestic product spent on defence in each of the past give years is:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average total recruitment cost for each new recruit to the (a) RAF, (b) Navy and (c) Army in each of the last five years. [3646]

My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Mr. David Hart has declared any financial or other interest in any organisation potentially interested in or able to benefit from the proposed transfer of the Ministry of Defence married quarters' estate to the private sector. [4203]

All the independent advisers involved in our work on the transfer of ownership of the married quarters estate to the private sector have given formal undertakings designed to ensure that there is no conflict of interest in their involvement and that they have no financial stake in the outcome of the transaction.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the extent of the involvement of Mr. David Hart in (a) the formulation of his proposal to transfer the ownership of the Ministry of Defence married quarters' estate to the private sector and (b) discussions about this policy with NatWest Markets. [4204]

As my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces said in his answer of 22 March to the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark), Official Report, column 218, Mr. Hart is one of several independent advisers who have contributed to the development of proposals for the married quarters estate. His involvement has included, from time to time, participation in discussions on the proposed transfer of ownership with Ministers, officials, and others advising on the proposals, including NatWest Markets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to take steps to procure a medium range air-to-air missile for Eurofighter 2000. [4482]

I am pleased to announce that we are today inviting competitive tenders for a medium range air-to-air missile for Eurofighter 2000. This weapon—the future medium-range air-to-air missile, FMRAAM—will give EF2000 a formidable beyond-visual-range capability, complementing the advanced short range air-to-air missile, ASRAAM, already on contract. We expect other European countries will join us in the tender assessment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the funding arrangements for the integration of the colleges of nursing and midwifery with the Northern Ireland universities. [2533]

It is proposed that the funding arrangements for the integration of the colleges of nursing and midwifery with the Northern Ireland universities will be taken forward within the joint declaration of principles agreed in July 1995 between the national health service executive and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the universities of the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made towards the integration of the colleges of nursing and midwifery with the Northern Ireland universities. [2534]

Considerable progress has been made towards the integration of the colleges of nursing and midwifery with the two Northern Ireland universities. The process has, however, taken longer than expected due to the need to clarify a number of issues with the parties concerned. However, my Department and the Department of Education for Northern Ireland expect to make an announcement in the new year. I can assure the hon. Member that I and my Department are committed to securing high quality education and training for nurses, midwives and health visitors in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons convicted since 1974 for terrorist offences have subsequently re-offended on their release from prison. [2898]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for East Lothian (Mr. Home Robertson) on 4 July 1995, Official Report columns 157–58.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 22 November 1995, Official Report, column 156, how many Northern Ireland students attend (a) Northern Ireland; and (b) Republic of Ireland universities; and how many there are in the same academic specialisms referred to in that answer. [3642]

The numbers of Northern Ireland domiciled students enrolled at Northern Ireland universities in 1994–95 by academic specialism are as follows:

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the Cabinet committees he (a) chairs and (b) sits on. [3563]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Dr. Twinn), Official Report, 19 July 1995, column 1005.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to inform hon. Members of progress on the proposed privatisation of HMSO; and if he will make a statement. [3746]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Sheerman) on 27 November, Official Report, column 447.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 22 November, Official Report, column 136, if he will list the salaries of the staff in the deregulation unit in 1994–95 and 1995–96. [4066]

Details of the deregulation unit's staffing by grade are given in an organogram, form C, which is included as part of the unit's management information system for Ministers—MINIS—for 1994–95 and 1995–96 published by the Department of Trade and Industry, copies of which are in the House Libraries. Details of the salaries for the various grades are listed in the civil service management code which is also available in the House Libraries.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate the deregulation task force has made of the number of regulations and enforcement measures upon which it has made recommendations which were introduced since 1979; and what information his office has received on this matter. [4069]

The deregulation task force made 52 recommendations in its first annual report, of which the Government have accepted 46 in whole or in part. Many of the recommendations were of a general nature or related to an area of regulation rather than to specific regulations or enforcement measures. The task force has not sought to estimate how many of its more specific recommendations concerned regulations or enforcement measures introduced after 1979 as its aim has been to assist the Government in removing unnecessary burdens on business and the voluntary sector regardless of when they were introduced.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he proposes to publish the Office of Public Service guidance for civil servants on the work of the ombudsman as recommended in the first report from the Select Committee on the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration of Session 1993–94, HC33. [4112]

The guidance will take the form of a booklet, "The Ombudsman in Your Files". It will be circulated to Departments from 7 December 1995 and I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Libraries of the House at the earliest opportunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each of his executive agencies for the last financial year in respect of overseas travel by staff of the agency (a) the cost, (b) the countries visited and (c) the posts held by the staff involved. [2365]

As this question relates to a purely operational matter, my right hon. Friend has asked the chief executive of his agencies to write direct to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland further to the Lord Advocate's letter of 24 July 1995, what evidence he has that one of the new trustees of the Algrade Trust has a background in the specialist teaching of people with learning difficulties. [3338]

The evidence comes from an account of the qualifications of the new trustees given by their legal advisers. One of the trustees is Mrs. Ethel Marsh, Dip.C.E. who was head teacher of the James Gillespie school between 1976 and 1993. This lady was the convenor of the primary, nursery and special section of the Lothian Head Teachers Association involving the educational needs for pupils with special learning difficulties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on the investigation of the affairs of the Algrade Trust by the Scottish Charities Office, with special reference to the underspending of money paid to the trust for the care and accommodation of handicapped people; the expenditure by the trust on the purchase of properties and the conveyancing of property purchased with trust funds to other parties. [3339]

The Scottish Charities Office continues to make inquiries into the past circumstances of the Algrade Trust, including its accounting and expenditure as well as the purchase and conveyance of properties. The nature and extent of these inquiries is such that it will be some time before they are completed and the results are known.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions his Department has commissioned PIEDA to carry out educational reports. [3184]

PIEDA was commissioned in August 1995 to carry out a study of the funding of further education in the islands. The study covers Orkney, Shetland and Lewis where there are existing further education colleges. The study is due to report by the end of 1995. PIEDA has also carried out work in the educational sector in Scotland which has been commissioned by others.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the numbers of long-stay beds in the NHS in Scotland in 1990, broken down to show the numbers for the (a) elderly, (b) psychiatry, (c) learning difficulties and (d) chronic young sick, categories; what are the figures under these categories for 1 April; and if he will estimate in these categories the number of available long-stay beds in the NHS in Scotland by (i) 1 April 1998 and (ii) 1 April 2000. [3445]

Future bed numbers in each health board area are a matter for local determination based on a thorough assessment of local health needs.The information requested for 1990 and 1995 is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money has been paid to Minebea Electronics, Kelburn business park, Port Glasgow, in public grants; and what is the type of grant aid by which such money was given to the company. [2794]

[holding answer 4 December 1995]: None. The company has, however, accepted an offer of regional selective assistance. No payments have, as yet, been made; in the event of a payment being made, details of the RSA offer will be published in "Labour Market Trends".

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be in a position to make a decision about the outstanding forestry planting application at Greenlawdean in Berwickshire; and if he will make a statement. [3564]