Written Answers

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Written Answers To Questions

Thursday 25 January 1996

Scotland

Scottish Grand Committee

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects meetings of the Scottish Grand Committee to be held in (a) Ayr, (b) Kilmarnock, (c) Cumnock, (d) Dumfries, (e) Stranraer, (f) Prestwick, (g) Troon and (h) Girvan. [8566]

I am delighted with the enthusiasm now being shown by Opposition Members for my proposals to take the Scottish Grand Committee to locations throughout Scotland. Possible venues in Scotland must first of all be assessed by the House authorities before they can be added to the list of suitable locations. Decisions are then taken through the usual channels on where the Scottish Grand Committee should meet.

Departmental Expenditure

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the annual telephone costs to (a) his Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) his Department's non-departmental public bodies staff for each of the years (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92, (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97; and if internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas of (a) to (c). [11358]

The information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the expenditure of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants including management consultants for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will estimate the savings accruing to his Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11355]

Expenditure by the Scottish Office and its associated agencies on external consultants including management consultants was:

1989–90: £2,095,000
1991–92: £10,836,000
1993–94: £5,383,000
1994–95: £4,079,000
1995–96: £5,758,000

No details are currently available centrally on the expenditure during 1979–80, the expenditure to date on external consultants for 1995–96, the estimate of expenditure for 1996–97, or the expenditure by non-departmental public bodies. This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Not all consultancy projects are capable of being measured in terms of identifiable savings. The Scottish Office is currently preparing a report summarising the benefits obtained from major projects since April 1992. I shall write to the hon. Member on this subject as soon as possible and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

Home Department

Conservative Central Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters and faxes have been dispatched from his Department to Conservative central office in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [11477]

The information requested is not available.

Departmental Expenditure

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the expenditure of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants, including management consultants, for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will estimate the savings accruing to his Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11383]

The information requested in not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Absenteeism

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 198990, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11385]

Figures are not collected centrally on absenteeism.The average number of working days lost through sick absence per staff year in the Home Office, including its agencies, for which data are available was as follows:

1991: 9.9
1992: 9.0
1993: 10.6
1994: 10.1

Police Funding

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he intends to review the pensions element of the police funding allocation formula. [11902]

No. The present mechanism for allocating money for police pensions is the best available to us. We shall continue to refine it.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Minister of State's letter of 30 November 1995, if he will give details of those aspects of the police funding allocation formula which are in need of further work. [11901]

I refer the hon. Member to the report entitled "Critical Analysis of the Police Funding Formula", produced last summer by the independent consultants Price Waterhouse. We have carried out the further work recommended by the consultants, but in some instances it has proved inconclusive and investigations will continue into 1996. Copies of the report are in the Library.

Prisoners (Mechanical Restraints)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how often the Home Office official at Doncaster prison responsible for the punishment of inmates has authorised the use of (a) bodybelts, (b) ankle straps, (c) handcuffs and (d) special segregation unit cells since the prison was opened; [8424](2) what is the

(a) shortest, (b) longest and (c) average time during which inmates at Doncaster prison have been detained in a bodybelt or mechanical restraint since it opened; [8442]

(3) on how many occasions since it opened inmates in Doncaster prison have been kept in bodybelts for more than 12 hours; [8421]

(4) on how many occasions since it opened inmates at Doncaster prison have been (a) detained in a strip cell and (b) restrained by bodybelts for (i) medical or (ii) non-medical purposes. [8439]

Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 25 January 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the use of restraints, special segregation unit cells and strip cells at Doncaster prison since its opening in June 1994.

The use of ankle-straps has twice been authorized on one inmate, for medical reasons, to prevent him causing himself serious and permanent injury. The first occasion was for 24 hours 37 minutes and the second was for six days and 55 minutes.

The use of the special cell was authorized on 57 occasions during the period 20 June 1994 to 31 December 1994. It was also used without authorization on 44 occasions. This resulted in the operating company Premier Prison Services being issued with a default notice for use of the cell without the Controller's authorization. From 1 January to 31 December 1995 the special cell was used on 41 occasions with the authorization of the Controller of each occasion.

Bodybelts have been used on two occasions since the prison opened, once for medical and once for non-medical reasons. The longest time spent in a body belt is two hours. The shortest time spent in a body belt was 1 hour 55 minutes. This gives an average time of I hour 57 minutes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list for each prison in England and Wales the number of occasions that restraints were used on (a) men and (b) women prisoners during December 1995; [11603](2) how many

(a) men and (b) women were placed in restraints when taken outside prisons, in England and Wales, for whatever reason, during the week beginning 1 January 1996. [11604]

Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 25 January 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about restraints used on prisoners in England and Wales.

This information is not collected centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Doncaster Prison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the protection of remand prisoners under 18 years of age from bullying at Doncaster prison. [9900]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 25 January 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the protection of remand prisoners under 18 years of age from bullying at Doncaster prison.

Doncaster has already taken a number of steps to minimise bullying among young offender remand prisoners. Those considered to be bullying are isolated from other prisoners until they cease such activities. Doncaster has also installed cameras to help staff in monitoring the movement and behaviour of juvenile offenders and employed a full-time anti-bullying co-ordinator and removed personal cell keys from young offenders, in order to prevent them being forced to hand them over to other prisoners.

Anti-bullying measures are subject to continuous review and appraisal. A "Safe Inside Doncaster" Committee has recently been formed, which has been tasked with helping to increase further the safety and comfort of prisoners inside the prison environment. Doncaster takes very seriously its commitment to try and prevent bullying among this age group.

Holloway Prison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the ethnic breakdown of women prisoners in Holloway prison in December 1995 or at the latest available date. [10084]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Diane Abbott, dated 25 January 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the ethnic breakdown of women prisoners in Holloway prison.

The ethnic breakdown of women prisoners in Holloway prison on 17 January 1996 is given in the attached table.

	Adult	Young offender	Total
Asian—Bangladeshi	0	0	0
Asian—Indian	3	1	4
Asian—other	2	0	2
Asian—Pakistani	2	0	2
Black—African	42	5	47
Black—Caribbean	91	8	99
Black—other	25	8	33
Chinese	0	0	0
Other	24	1	25
White	299	40	339

Martin Fenton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the consideration by the Parole Board of the application by Martin Fenton, currently serving a life sentence for murder. [10252]

Mr. Fenton's case was last considered by the Parole Board on 1 December 1995. The board did not recommend his release on life licence.On 14 January 1996, Mr. Fenton suffered a cardiac arrest. He was immediately admitted to hospital where he is still serious ill. I shall be writing to the hon. Member about that.

Prisons Budgets And Staff

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each prison, including those which are privately managed (a) the projected budget in monetary terms, (b) the percentage change and (c) the change in staffing levels for each financial year between 1996–97 and 1999–2000, inclusive. [10296]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. George Howarth, dated 25 January 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking for the budget allocation and staffing levels for each prison establishment for each financial year 1996–97 and 1992–2000.

The process of setting budgets for public sector establishments for 1996–97 is not yet complete. I will send you details of budgets once they are finished.

Governors are in the process of working out staffing projections for their establishments in 1996–97. I will send you their estimates once governors have had the opportunity to discuss them with their staff locally. I will also send you the provision made for payments to private sector prisons for 1996–97. These are not exactly the same as cash-limited budgets, as the terms of the contract may trigger additional payments in some circumstances.

We do not at present have budget figures at establishment level more than one year ahead. But later this year we shall be issuing indicative spending figures for the years 1997–98 to 1998–99.

Stoke Heath Young Offenders Institution

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the highest number of visitors strip searched in a single day during November 1995 at Stoke Heath young offenders institution without the police being present; and how many visitors to Stoke Heath young offenders institution have been strip searched in each of the last six months. [10327]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has ben asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. George Howarth, dated 25 January 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the strip searching of visitors to Stoke Heath Young Offenders Institution during November 1995 and in each of the last six months.

There were no strip searches of visitors to Stoke Heath YOI in November 1995. In the last six months there has been one strip search of a visitor to Stoke Heath YOI.

Immigration And Asylum Interviews

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost of tape recording immigration and asylum interviews at ports of entry and at the Home Office. [10477]

We have not made any estimates of the cost of tape recording immigration and asylum interviews at ports of entry or at the Home Office. We have no plans to introduce the tape recording of such interviews.

Prison Service (Director General)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the previous Directors General of the Prison Service, the dates of their retirement, resignation or dismissal and the dates on which their successors took over. [10877]

Mr. Richard Tilt was appointed temporary Director General of the Prison Service on 16 October 1995. The available information in respect of previous Directors Generals—a term used since 1967—is as follows:

Mr. Derek Lewis (6 January 1993–16 October 1995. Dismissed)
Mr. Joe Pilling (14 August 1991–2 January 1993. Transferred)
Mr. Christopher Train (14 March 1983–31 August 1991. Retired)
Mr. Dennis Trevelyan (1 January 1978–13 March 1983. Transferred)
Mr. Eric Wright (1973–1977. Retired)
Mr. William Cox (1970–1973. Transferred)
Mr. William Pile (1964–1970. Transferred)

Incapacitants

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 17 January, Official Report, column 587, what conclusions he has reached on the effects on human health of (a) CS and (b) incapacitant products containing oleoresin capsicum. [11515]

My right hon. and learned Friend has concluded that CS presents no significant risk to human health, but that not enough is currently known about oleoresin capsicum for us to be reassured as to its effects on human health.

Treasury

Labour Statistics

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the numbers in work for each of the last 30 years, dividing this total where possible between full and part-time workers. [11890]

The information requested is shown in the following table.

Work force in employment¹ in Great Britain, seasonally adjusted: at June
(Thousands)	All²	Full-time	Part-time
1965	24,860	¹—	¹—
1966	25,017	¹—	¹—
1967	24,670	¹—	¹—
1968	24,519	¹—	¹—
1969	24,536	¹—	¹—
1970	24,428	¹—	¹—
1971	24,097	¹—	¹—
1972	24,079	¹—	¹—
1973	24,646	¹—	¹—
1974	24,707	¹—	¹—
1975	24,608	¹—	¹—
1976	24,382	¹—	¹—
1977	24,401	¹—	¹—
1978	24,523	¹—	¹—
1979	24,881	¹—	¹—
1980	24,838	¹—	¹—
1981	23,887	¹—	¹—
1982	23,461	¹—	¹—
1983	23,184	18,299	4,885
1984	23,836	18,556	5,280
1985	24,106	18,705	5,401
1986	24,132	18,569	5,563
1987	24,651	18,809	5,842
1988	25,523	19,482	6,042
1989	26,322	19,933	6,389
1990	26,555	19,912	6,644
1991	25,657	19,095	6,562
1992	25,091	18,515	6,576
1993	24,703	18,097	6,605
1994	24,823	18,041	6,781
1995	25,052	18,098	6,953
¹Includes employees in employment, self-employed, HM forces and work-related Government training programme participants.
²May not equal sum of full and part-time due to rounding.
"—¹" denotes information not available.

Source:

CSO.

To ask the Chancellor of Exchequer if he will list the number of unemployed workers who (a) return to the labour market and (b) cease claiming benefit after (i) under one month's unemployment, (ii) over one month's unemployment but less than two month's unemployment, (iii) each succeeding period of one month up to 12 months' unemployment and (iv) over 12 months' unemployment. [11891]

The following table shows the duration of claim for claimants who left the claimant count in the United Kingdom between 10 November 1995 and 14 December 1995. No information is available on the destination of claimants who cease to claim unemployment-related benefit.

Duration of claim for claimants leaving the claimant count between 10 November 1995 and 14 December 1995, United Kingdom
Duration of claim (weeks)	Number of claimants
Up to 4	70,517
Over 4 and up to 8	42,608
Over 8 and up to 12	28,398
Over 12 and up to 16	19,772
Over 16 and up to 20	16,728
Over 20 and up to 24	13,583
Over 24 and up to 28	9,343
Over 28 and up to 32	10,163
Over 32 and up to 36	9,402
Over 36 and up to 40	6,235
Over 40 and up to 44	5,086
Over 44 and up to 48	4,595
Over 48 and up to 52	3,604
Over 52	56,158
Total	296,192

Scott Inquiry

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have at any time used copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to prepare the Government's response to Sir Richard's report. [11887]

No decision about the response to Sir Richard Scott's report will be taken until the report has been received.In considering issues relating to the Scott inquiry, all Departments naturally take account of material properly available to them.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report arc in the possession of Ministers or officials in his Department other than those to whom draft sections of the report were sent by Sir Richard Scott. [11886]

In forwarding draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to Ministers and officials, the inquiry expressly stated that individuals could, at their discretion, make a copy for a legal or other adviser and another for the Department concerned.

Employment Statistics (Accuracy)

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new proposals he has to improve the accuracy of employment statistics. [9414]

[holding answer 24 January 1996]: Central Statistical Office statisticians keep methods under constant review. A number of new initiatives have been put in place in recent years. Further initiatives will be implemented as appropriate.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the number of people in each of the last three years in the north-west in (a) part-time employment and (b) temporary employment. [11601]

The information requested is available from the labour force survey and is shown in the following table.

Employees in North West region: Summer of each year (thousands)¹
Year	Part-time	Temporary
1993	555	146
1994	576	164
1995	580	163
¹Unadjusted.

Source:

CSO, Labour Force Survey.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many (a) 16-year-olds and (b) 17-year-olds were available for work in (i) Lancashire and (ii) the north-west at the latest date for which figures are available. [11602]

The following table shows the latest available information from the summer (June to August) 1995 labour force survey.

16 and 17-year-olds in employment or ILO unemployed (summer 1995, not seasonally adjusted)
	North-west		Lancashire
Thousands	16	17	16–17
In employment	25	42	16
Of which in FTE¹	17	22	10
ILO unemployed²	16	11	n/a
¹In full-time education.
²Not in employment, but seeking work in past four weeks and available to start in the next two weeks.

n/a Not available, estimate below 10,000.

Earnings (Yorkshire And Humberside)

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the average (a) weekly earnings, (b) total hours, (c) average hourly earnings and (d) median hourly earnings, including and excluding overtime, for (i) all part-time females and (ii) all part-time males on adult rates in (1) West Yorkshire, (2) South Yorkshire, (3) North Yorkshire, (4) Humberside and (5) Yorkshire and Humberside as a whole, broken down to show (A) manual and (b) non-manual workers; [10688](2) if he will list the proportion of full-time employees on adult rates with weekly earnings of less than

(a) £150, (b) £200 and (c) £250 per week (i) excluding and (ii) including overtime, in (1) West Yorkshire, (2) South Yorkshire, (3) North Yorkshire, (4) Humberside and (5) Yorkshire and Humberside as a whole for all full-time (A) males and (B) females on adult rates, broken down to show (x) manual and (y) non-manual workers; [10689]

(3) if he will list the proportion of employees on adult rates earning less than (a) £3.20, (b) £3.50, (c) £4.00, (d) £4.60 and (e) £6.00 per hour in (i) West Yorkshire, (ii) South Yorkshire, (iii) North Yorkshire, (iv) Humberside and (v) Yorkshire and Humberside as a whole, (1) excluding and (2) including overtime for (A) all full-time males, (B) all part-time males, (c) all

full-time females and (D) all part-time females on adult rates, broken down to show (x) manual and (y) non-manual workers. [10690]

The information is contained in tables which I am placing in the Library.

Part-Time Workers

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what proportion of (a) manual part-time workers and (b) non-manual part-time workers, broken down into men and women, work less than (i) eight hours a week and (ii) 16 hours a week. [10862]

Estimates from the labour force survey are shown in the table following.

Part-time manual and non-manual workers by the total number of hours they usually work Great Britain, summer 1995 (not seasonally adjusted)
	Working less than 8 hours a week		Working less than 16 hours a week
	Thousands	Per cent.	Thousands	Per cent.
Men
Manual part-time	87	16	238	45
Non-Manual part-time	93	17	264	48
Women
Manual part-time	303	15	944	47
Non-Manual part-time	330	11	1,075	35

Employment (Maastricht Treaty)

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates he has made of the effect on employment in the United Kingdom of the Maastricht treaty when full implemented. [9798]

The Government have made no estimates of the effect on employment in the United Kingdom of the convergence criteria under the Maastricht treaty when fully implemented. The UK opt-out from the social chapter means that the Maastricht treaty will have no adverse effect on employment via that mechanism. However, the Government will agree to join a single currency only if it is in our national interest to do so, given the circumstances at the time.

Manufacturing Industry

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the impact on manufacturing jobs of the United Kingdom adopting a common EU currency in its currently proposed form. [9805]

Protocol No. 11 annexed to the EC Treaty means that the United Kingdom shall not he obliged or committed to move to the third stage of economic and monetary union without a separate decision to do so by the Government and Parliament. The Government will only agree to take part in a single currency if it is in our national interest to do so, given the circumstances at the time. Clearly employment forms a vital part in the assessment of our national interest.The Government have made no estimates of the impact on manufacturing jobs of the United Kingdom adopting a single currency. It is impossible to say at this stage what the impact will be. Studies by others have produced a wide variation of estimates.

Trade And Industry

Isdn Lines

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that the price of integrated services data network lines falls in line with the real terms price reductions for all telecommunications services. [10426]

The detailed answer on the supply of ISDN lines which I gave my hon. Friend last November, 22 November 1995, Official Report, column 210, set out the variety of ways in which use of ISDN is being stimulated. The Director General of Telecommunications has now issued his consultation document on the BT price cap. This document discusses whether ISDN services should be brought within the price control regime, and Oftel has asked for responses by 2 February.There will also be downward pressure on prices from the increasing competition in the supply of ISDN services with cable companies entering the market. In the future, radio fixed access systems at 10Ghz should also offer an alternative to the current services available from BT and Mercury. I was particularly pleased to learn of the deal between Energis and Research Machines which will allow many schools to access the Internet via ISDN at attractive rates.

Waste

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what (a) committees and (b) working parties his Department has set up to advise on (i) recycling, (ii) waste management and (iii) packaging; and in each case who are the current members. [11182]

The Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment was set up in 1991 to provide a dialogue between Government and industry on environmental issues, including those of waste management and recycling, ACBE is currently reorganising under the chairmanship of David Davies—Johnson Matthey plc—and the membership of the new committee has yet to be established. A list of the membership of the previous committee, whose work finished in November 1995, follows:MEMBERSHIP OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Chairman
Derek Wanless: National Westminster Bank Plc

Members
John Baker: National Power Plc
Peter Bonfield CBE: ICL Plc
Cedric Brown: British Gas Plc
Ann Burdus: Dawsons International
Rodney Chase: British Petroleum Plc
Mike Clasper: Proctor and Gamble Europe
David Davies: Johnson Matthey Plc
Peter Davies: DHL International Ltd.
Dr. Oliver Doubleday: Bax Farm
Richard Gamble: Royal Insurance Plc
Ian Gibson CBE: Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd.
Roger Hewitt: formerly Shanks and McEwan
Derek Higgs: S.G. Warburg and Co. Ltd.
Ron Huggins: Kimberly-Clarke Ltd.
Sir Gordon Jones: Yorkshire Water Plc
Martin Laing CBE: John Laing Plc
Robert Lawton: Lawton Farms
David Malpas: Tesco Plc
Jean Parker CBE: Vacu-Lug Traction Tyres Ltd.
Dr. Robin C. Paul: Albright and Wilson Ltd.
George Phillipson: Redland Aggregates Ltd.
Sir Antony Pilkington: Pilkington Plc
Alan Smith: formerly B and Q Plc
John Speirs: Norsk Hydro UK Ltd.
Geoff Turnbull MBE: GT Group Ltd.

A Government/industry scrap tyre working group was formed in June 1994 to advise and report on scrap tyre recovery and recycling and associated matters. Its current membership is:

Mr. W. Pollock: Director, British Rubber Manufacturers Association
Mr. R. Edy Director: National Tyre Distributors Association
Ms S. Ikin Director: Retread Manufacturers Association
Mr. P. Taylor: Director, Imported Tyre Manufacturers Association
Mr. S. Norgrove: DTI
Mr. J. Marsh: DTI (Secretary)

The producer responsibility group was set up by industry in response to the joint producer responsibility challenge from DTI and DoE Ministers in July 1993 to recover more value from package waste. It reported in November 1994 and wound itself up. A list of its former members is as follows:

LIST OF MEMBER COMPANIES
Allied Lyons Plc
Bass
ASDA Group
Booker Plc
Bowater Plc
Burton Group
Guinness Plc
Grand Metropolitan Plc
Marks and Spencer Plc
Northern Foods Ltd.
RHM
Shell Chemicals Ltd.
Tesco Stores Ltd.
Unilever
Argyll Group Plc
BP Chemicals Ltd.
The Boots Company Plc
Coco-Cola GT Britain and Ireland
Forte Plc
ICI Plc
Kingfisher Plc
Nestle UK Ltd.
Procter and Gamble Ltd.
J. Sainsbury Plc
D. S. Smith (Holdings) Plc
Unigate Plc
United Biscuits
Weetabix Ltd.

STEERING COMMITTEE
Mike Clasper (Chairman)
Graeme Crombie
Peter Barr
Ross Buckland
Mike Buzzacott
Tim Clement Jones
Roger Huff
David Lyon
Bill Madden
Bill Mason
John Sharpe
Guy Walker
David Webster
Peter Williams
Martin van Zwanenberg
Procter and Gamble
Shell Chemicals
Hazlewood Foods
Unigate
BP Chemicals
Kingfisher
Boots
Bowater
ICI Materials
Consultant
Birds Eye Walls
Van den Bergh Foods

	Annual percentage change(total visible trade)				Non-oil balance
Year	Export volumes	Export unit values	Import volumes	Import unit values	Terms of trade	Percentage of gross domestic product	Change in percentage of gross domestic product
1985	5.6	5.4	3.2	4.9	0.5	-3.2	0.6
1986	4.2	-9.9	7.4	-4.6	-5.6	-3.5	-0.3
1987	6.0	3.5	7.7	2.9	0.5	-3.7	-0.2
1988	2.2	1.0	13.5	-1.0	2.0	-5.2	-1.5
1989	5.8	4.5	8.1	4.3	0.3	-5.0	0.2
1990	6.2	3.5	0.1	2.4	1.1	-3.7	1.3
1991	1.2	1.4	-5.3	1.2	0.2	-2.0	1.7
1992	2.5	2.1	6.5	0.9	1.2	-2.5	-0.5
1993	3.6	12.2	3.9	10.0	2.0	-2.5	-0.1
1994	10.4	2.2	4.1	3.4	-1.2	-2.2	0.3

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list as a percentage of gross domestic product for each year since 1985 (a) the visible trade balance, (b) the invisible trade balance,

Argyll Group
D S Smith (Holdings)
Marks and Spencer

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what (a) advisory committees and (b) working parties have been established by his Department to advise him on the implications of changes in legislation regarding packaging, recycling and waste management. [11184]

As far as the implication for legislation are concerned with regard to these matters, the Government consult widely and take into account the views of all interested parties. No committees or working groups have been set up specifically to address the implication of changes in legislation.The Government are currently considering the recommendation by companies in the packaging chain at their meeting on 15 December 1995 that an advisory committee be established to advise on the drafting and implementation of the regulations and on arrangements for carrying out a review of the legal obligation, including consideration of actual burden on individual companies.

Industrial Death And Retirement Fund

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) in which publication the annual reports and statement of accounts of the industrial death and retirement fund are published; [11590](2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the actuary's report on the industrial death and retirement fund. [11591]

These are matters for British Coal. I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

Balance Of Trade

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list for each year since 1985 the percentage changes in (a) export volumes and export unit values, (b) import volumes and unit values, (c) the terms of trade and (d) the non-oil visible trade balance. [11898]

The information is shown in the table.

(c) the current account balance and (d) the non-energy visible balance. [11899]

The information is shown in the table.

Percentage of gross domestic product
Year	Visible trade balance	Invisible trade balance	Current account balance	Non-oil visible balance
1985	-0.9	1.6	0.6	-3.2
1986	-2.5	2.3	-0.2	-3.5
1987	-2.7	1.6	-1.1	-3.7
1988	-4.6	1.1	-3.5	-5.2
1989	-4.8	0.4	-4.3	-5.0
1990	-3.4	-0.1	-3.5	-3.7
1991	-1.8	0.3	-1.5	-2.0
1992	-2.2	0.6	-1.6	-2.5
1993	-2.1	0.4	-1.8	-2.5
1994	-1.6	1.3	-0.3	-2.2

Directors' Remuneration (Disclosure)

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he will publish a consultative document on proposals for amending the Companies Acts to take account of the recommendations on disclosure of directors' remuneration contained in the Greenbury report. [12291]

I have today published a consultative document seeking views on proposed changes to the requirements of the Companies Act 1985 relating to disclosure of directors' emoluments. The proposals are designed to remove overlap with the Greenbury recommendations for full disclosure of the emoluments of individuals directors by listed companies, now implemented by the stock exchange listing rules, and generally to ensure consistency of approach between the Companies Act provisions and the Greenbury recommendations. Copies of the consultative document have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Royal Family (Free Postage)

To ask the President of the Board of Trade under which statute free postage to members of the royal family is authorised. [11027]

[holding answer 24 January 1996]: This facility is not granted by statute. The provision of free postage to members of the royal family is a facility which has been provided by the Post Office since the earliest days of its inception.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade which members of the royal family receive free postage for their official mail. [11026]

[holding answer 24 January 1996]: The following members of the royal family and their households receive free postage for their official mail:the Queen, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York, the Prince Edward, the Princess Royal, the Princess Margaret, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and Princess Alexandra.

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Departmental Expenditure

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the total expenditure of his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies on publicity for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will break these figures down to indicate expenditure on (1) advertising and (2) press and public relations. [11380]

Total expenditure on publicity—that is, promotional material and recruitment advertising—in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office—diplomatic wing and Overseas Development Administration—since 1979 at 1995–96 prices was:

	£
1979–80	809,559
1980–81	569,578
1981–82	734,682
1982–83	675,220
1983–84	809,117
1984–85	645,986
1985–86	688,390
1986–87	873,338
1987–88	802,582
1988–89	1,348,555
1989–90	1,883,124
1990–91	2,180,180
1991–92	2,003,485
1992–93	2,193,224
1993–94	2,229,921
1994–95	2,384,083
1995–96	2,707,000 (Estimate)

An estimate for 1996–97 is not yet available.It is not possible to break these figures down between (1) advertising and (2) However, the expenditure comprise: press and public relations. outturn figures for 1994–95 comprise:

At 1995–96 prices
	£	£
Newspaper advertising for recruitment purposes:	(DW) 80,575	82,791
	(ODA) 727,000	746,993
Videos and brochures giving consular advice:	162,700	167,174
ODA publicity and promotional material:	1,350,000	1,387,125
	2,320,275	2,384,083

The foregoing do not include figures for the executive agencies. Publicity expenditure—at outturn prices—for the National Resource Institute and the Wilton Park Executive agency are as follows:

thousand
	NRI	WP
1990–91	137	—
1991–92	132	20
1992–93	77	27
1993–94	47	22
1994–95	56	20
1995–96	56	15

Scott Inquiry

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report are in the possession of Ministers or officials in his Department other than those to whom draft sections of the report were sent by Sir Richard Scott. [11880]

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 18 January 1996, Official Report, columns 691–92, how much of the sum spent by his Department on external advice in relation to the Scott inquiry has been spent on legal advice. [11882]

All of it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used copies o draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to prepare the Government's response to Sir Richard Scott's report. [11881]

China

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the recent television programme, "The Dying Rooms", was discussed during his recent visit to China; and if he will make a statement. [10329]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]>: I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett) on 10 January, Official Report, columns 206–7.

Saudi Arabia

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings have been held by his Department with Saudi Arabian opposition groups (a) in Saudi Arabia and (b) elsewhere. [11025]

[holding answer 23 January 19961: I am unaware of any requests from such groups for any meetings during 1995 to date and can confirm that none took place. We are similarly unaware of any previous meetings, but could not research this without incurring disproportionate cost.

Government Borrowing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the implications of the Maastricht treaty for (i) the creation of credit, (ii) Government borrowing through ways and means advances and (iii) Government borrowing through the banks. [9797]

I have been asked to reply.Under article 105(2) of the EC treaty, the primary objective of the European system of central banks shall be to maintain price stability, and the basic tasks to he carried out through the ESCB include the definition and implementation of monetary policy of the Community, which would have implications for the creation of credit. As a result of article 109k(3) and protocol 11 there would no direct implications in countries not participating in the third stage of economic and monetary union.Under article 104(1) of the EC treaty, central Governments are prohibited from having an overdraft facility or any other credit facility with the European central bank or with the national central banks. However, article 11 of protocol 11 annexed to the EC treaty makes clear that, notwithstanding article 104, the United Kingdom may maintain the ways and means facility with the Bank of England, if and so long as the United Kingdom does not move to the third stage of EMU. If the United Kingdom were to participate in the third stage of EMU, the Government would be unable to maintain the Ways and Means facility.Under article 104a(1) of the EC treaty, public authorities are prohibited from establishing "privileged access" to financial institutions. This provision is already in effects and the United Kingdom is in compliance. There are no other treaty provisions directly concerned with the ability of central Governments to borrow through banks.Under protocol 11 annexed to the EC treaty, the United Kingdom shall not be obliged or committed to move to the third stage of economic and monetary union without a separate decision to do so by the Government and Parliament. We will agree to take part in a single currency only if it is in our national interst to do so, given the circumstances at the time.

Prime Minister

Engagements

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 25 January. [10166]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 25 January. [10167]

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.

Scott Inquiry

To ask the Prime Minister if officials in (a) his private office and (b) the Cabinet Office have used copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to prepare the Government's response to Sir Richard's report. [11889]

No decision about the response to Sir Richard Scott's report will be taken until the report has been received.In considering issues relating to the Scott inquiry all Departments naturally take account of material properly available to them.

To ask the Prime Minister if copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report are in (a) his possession and (b) the possession of officials in the Cabinet Office other than those to whom draft sections of the report were sent by Sir Richard Scott. [11888]

In forwarding draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to Ministers and officials the inquiry expressly stated that individuals could at their discretion make a copy for legal or other advisers and another for the Department concerned. Whether they did so is entirely a matter for the individuals concerned.

Hafey Dalkamouni

To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with Chancellor Kohl the proposed release of Hafey Dalkamouni. [11733]

I have no plans to do so.

Duchy Of Lancaster

Compliance Cost Assessments

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will set out the arrangements for compliance cost assessments. [12328]

Compliance cost assessments are a vital tool for helping to minimise the costs to business arising from new legislation. Under the Government's deregulation initiative, I am today publishing a revised guidance booklet on compliance cost assessment and am arranging for copies to be placed in the House Libraries. The new booklet includes:

the requirement for Ministers to personally sign-off all CCAs and to certify that the regulatory proposal strikes an appropriate balance between cost and benefit.

the requirement for a CCA to be prepared and published with all legislative proposals presented to Parliament.

extension of the requirement to complete a CCA to regulatory proposals which impact on charities and the voluntary sector.

the arrangements for carrying out the small business litmus test.

the parliamentary scrutiny arrangements for CCAs dealing with EC legislative proposals.

I have also presented to Parliament today a Command Paper listing 75 CCAs published between 1 January 1995 and 30 June 1995. Copies of the CCAs listed are available in the House Libraries. This is the third such Command Paper and further Command Papers listing CCAs published in the preceding six-month period will he published at six-monthly intervals.

House Of Commons

Staff Salaries

To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will list all employees of the House who have salaries in excess of the salary of a Member of Parliament, indicating in each case the salary and a brief description of their job. [9405]

One hundred and fourteen Officers of the House in the following grades receive basic salaries above the £33,189 paid to hon. Members. In the list which, follows job holders grade titles are provided but it is not practicable to provide a job description for each post.

Grade title	Number of job holders	Grade
Office of the Speaker
Parliamentary Commissioner for		—
Standards (part-time)
Speaker's Secretary	1	5
Department of the Clerk of the House
Clerk of the House	1	1
Clerk of Committees	1	2
Clerk Assistant	1	2
Speaker's Counsel	2	3
Principal Clerk Class I	6	3
Principal Clerk Class II	4	4
Deputy Principal Clerk	25	5
Deliverer of the Vote	1	5
Assistant to Speaker's Counsel	1	5
Supervisor of Broadcasting	1	6
Senior Clerk	5	7
Deputy Deliverer of the Vote	2	7
Department of the Serjeant at Arms
Serjeant at Arms	1	3
Director of Works	1	4
Deputy Serjeant at Arms	1	5
Deputy Director of Works	1	5
Information Systems Officer	1	5
Assistant Serjeant at Arms	1	6
Members of Works Office	5	7
Department of the Library
Librarian	1	3
Deputy Librarian	1	4
Head of Information Systems	1	5

Grade title	Number of job holders	Grade
Assistant Librarian	2	5
Deputy Assistant Librarian	8	6
Head of Information Technology	1	7
Senior Library Clerk	5	7
Department of the Official Report
Editor	1	4
Deputy Editor	1	5
Assistant Editor	7	6
Principal Assistant Editor	4	6
Committee Sub-Editor	6	7
Department of Finance and Administration
Adviser	1	2
Director of Finance and Administration	1	3
Accountant	1	4
Head of Establishment Office	1	4
Head of Finance Office	1	5
Deputy Accountant	1	6
Staff Inspector	1	6
Deputy Head—Establishments	1	6
Internal Auditor	1	7
Assistant Accountant	1	7
Head of Policy/Project Unit	1	7
Refreshment Department
Director of Catering Services	1	5
Executive Chef	1	7

Salary range
Grade	Range£
1	98,957
2	67,500–81,400
3	55,000–66,000
4	47,921–58,077
5	39,227–58,077
6	30,377–50,276
7	26,619–41,162

Defence

Scott Inquiry

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to prepare the Government's response to Sir Richard Scott's report. [11879]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report are in the possession of Ministers or officials in his Department other than those to whom draft sections of the report were sent by Sir Richard Scott. [11878]

In forwarding draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to Ministers and officials, the inquiry expressly stated that individuals could at their discretion make a copy for a legal or other adviser and another for the Department concerned. Whether they did so is entirely a matter for the individuals concerned.

Munitions Dumping

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations his Department has received from (a) the European Commission and (b) other countries in relation to the sea dumping of conventional and chemical munitions around Britain's coast. [11811]

There have been contacts between the Ministry of Defence and the Irish Government about sea dumping of munitions, but there have been no representations from other Governments or the European Commission.

Positive About Disabled People Symbol

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list for his Department and each of the agencies for which he is responsible if it uses the Employment Service's positive about disabled people symbol for (a) external recruitment and (b) internal recruitment and promotion. [11914]

My Department initiated the use of the Employment Service's positive about disabled people symbol and is an accredited user. Departmental organisations, including agencies funded directly from defence votes, are entitled to use the symbol for both external and internal recruitment and promotion. The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, which operates on a trading fund basis, and the Meteorological Office, which is planning to operate on this basis later this year, are not covered by the departmental accreditation, but both agencies are currently working towards obtaining authorisation from the Employment Service to use the symbol in their own right.

Nato (Interoperability)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his NATO counterparts concerning the interoperability of ambulances within the alliance. [10102]

[holding answer 18 January 1996]: My Department continues to explore ways of achieving greater interoperability with our NATO partners, although there have been no recent discussions specifically related to ambulances. In preparing the staff requirement for the replacement medium mobility ambulance, full account was taken of the need to ensure interoperability with NATO allies, particularly with regard to airportability, stretcher and stretcher mountings. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement announced the order for the medium mobility ambulance on 18 January 1996.

Departmental Contracts (Chelmsford)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all contracts placed by his Department with (a) GEC Marconi Radar in Chelmsford, (b) GEC Marconi Communications in Chelmsford, (c) the English Electric Valve Company in Chelmsford and (d) other companies based in Chelmsford since June 1987, and what each contract was worth. [10844]

[holding answer 22 January 1996]: The number and total value of contracts with (a) the GEC-Marconi Ltd. group of companies in the Chelmsford area, (b) EEV Ltd.—the English Electric Valve Company—and (c) other companies in the Chelmsford area which were extant during the period from 1990 to date are shown in the table.

Financial year	GEC-Number of contracts	Marconi Ltd. Total value £million	EEV Number of contracts	Ltd Total value £million	Other Number of contracts	Co's Total Value £million
1990–91	1,172	842.8	170	118.4	567	25.1
1991–92	1,387	876.4	201	132.8	719	30.6
1992–93	516	834.3	158	115.3	550	34.7
1993–94	603	638.7	143	104.3	621	51.7
1994–95	588	592.5	132	105.3	649	48.5
1995 up to December	593	537.9	80	74.9	542	62.7

Dodman Exercise Area

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the success rate of the Dodman exercise area for training; and if he will make a statement about its current use by members of his Department. [11810]

The exercise areas off Dodman point in Cornwall are used for a variety of naval training purposes, including naval gunfire support training, which is part of essential operational sea Training, and simulates the provision of gunfire support from ships at sea to forces operating ashore. I am satisfied, as is the Navy, that acceptable levels of training are being achieved at Dodman, including steadily improving success rates for NGS firings, and that the area itself fully meets our training requirements.

Absenteeism

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staffing his Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11333]

In 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994, the average numbers of working days absence for non-industrial staff were 7.8, 7.9, 8.7 and 7.6 respectively. Figures are not yet available for 1995. Those for years before 1991 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.Data for industrial staff are not held centrally and could he provided only at disproportionate cost.

Civilian Posts

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian Ministry of Defence jobs there are within a 25-mile radius of (a) Bath and (b) Cheadle. [11258]

The following points should be noted:

(1) the records from which this data have been obtained do not differentiate between the various divisions and management companies within the GEC-Marconi Ltd. group.
(2) where a contract was current in two or more financial years, it is included in the figures for each year concerned.
(3) the figures do not include any contracts placed by Defence agencies since they took over their own contract administration.

I regret that the figures before 1990 are not immediately available and the information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

The number of MOD civil servants employed within a 25-mile radius of (a) Bath and (b) Cheadle was 8,674 and 600 respectively on 1 April 1995.

Lsd Experiments, Porton Down

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will specify which Porton Down technical papers contain the descriptions and results of the LSD experiments which were conducted (a) in the laboratory and (b) in the field by the Chemical Defence Establishment; and which are currently unclassified. [11809]

This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, DERA, to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from John Chisholm to Dr. David Clark, dated 25 January 1996:

Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking which Porton Down Technical Papers contain the descriptions and results of the LSD experiments which were conducted (a) in the laboratory and (b) in the field by the Chemical Defence Establishment; and which are currently unclassified has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE)

A search of the CBDE Information Service's list of technical papers produced by CBDE and its predecessor organisations at Porton Down has identified four published papers concerning the work conducted with LSD in the 1960s. Three of these reports are concerned with the field studies. These are Porton Technical Paper 936 "A field experiment using LSD25 on trained troops", Porton Technical Paper 979 "Recount—A second field experiment to assess the effects of T3456 on trained troops" and Technical Note 53 "Small Change—A brief preliminary report". As you know we have recently arranged for these papers to be made available in the Public Record Office at Kew at the end of January in response to your earlier request to see information relating to trials with LSD involving service volunteers. We have recently located a fourth report, Technical Note 5 "The determination of T3456 in human plasma following oral administration" which concerns the laboratory based development of an analytical method to detect low levels of LSD in human plasma. This report is not yet in the Public Records Office but arrangements can be made for its early release should this be required. The library search also identified eight papers which include references to laboratory work involving LSD and other substances being tested on animals. The work was primarily concerned with analytical methods and the papers remain classified.

I hope this information is helpful.

Married Housing Sales

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the sums to be paid to the Treasury from the sale of his Department's married housing. [11807]

As I told the hon. Member in my reply of 18 December 1995, Official Report, columns 988–89, our assessment of the value of the married quarters estate under the terms of the proposed sale is commercially confidential.

Attorney-General

Scott Inquiry

To ask the Attorney-General if (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to prepare the Government's response to Sir Richard Scott's report. [11884]

No decision about the response to Sir Richard Scott's report will be taken until the report has been received.

In considering issues relating to the Scott's inquiry, all Departments naturally take account of material properly available to them.

To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer of 18 January, Official Report, columns 705–6, how much of the sum spent by his Department on external advice in relation to the Scott inquiry has been spent on legal advice. [11885]

All of it.

To ask the Attorney-General if copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report are in the possession of Ministers or officials in his Department other than those to whom draft sections of the report were sent by Sir Richard Scott. [11883]

In forwarding draft sections of Sir Richard Scott's report to Ministers and officials, the inquiry expressly stated that individuals could at their discretion make a copy for a legal or other adviser. Whether they did so is entirely a matter for the individuals concerned; the Government do not disclose details of communications, if any, between the inquiry and individual witnesses.

Lord Chancellor's Department

Legal Aid

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on cases in each of the last 10 years in which the total legal aid bill exceeded more than £1 million. [11867]

The information is not readily available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Information is available. however, for the period 1 April 1989 and 31 March 1994. During that period, there were 20 cases involving final bills where the total costs to the legal aid fund exceeded £1 million. Of those, 19 were in respect of criminal proceedings.

Absenteeism

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11377]

The information for 1979–80 is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost to the public purse. The figures for the year 1989–90 and thereafter are shown in the table. The Public Trust Office is shown separately for the year 1994–95 since it assumed agency status in July 1994. Details for the current financial year 1995–96 will not he available until after the end of this financial year.

Sick absence in the Lord Chancellor's Department 1989–95
Year	Absence rate in days
1989–90	194,581
1991–92	140,041
1992–93	151,840
1993–94	178,172
1994–95	¹171,192
Public Trust Office
1994–95	9,929
¹Excluding the Public Trust Office.

Departmental Expenditure

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the expenditure of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants including management consultants for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will estimate the savings accruing to his Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11375]

Before 1995–96, information has not been held centrally for the full period in question. and information before 1992–93 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Expenditure by the Department and non-departmental public bodies on external consultants was as follows:-

1993–94: £3.455 million
1994–95: £1.640 million
1995–96: £0.853 million (to date)

Forecast expenditure for the whole of the year 1995–96 is £1.234 million, and for 1996–97 is £7.018 million.The chief executives of the Court Service and Public Trust Office will reply separately for the periods for which they have been agencies. The chief executives of the Land Registry and Public Record Office will reply direct.In many cases, consultants are employed to contribute particular skills to an element of a much larger process. As a result, their work will be only one of several factors leading to the eventual outcome. There is therefore no ready way of apportioning their particular contribution to savings achieved.

Letter from Julia C. Lomas to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

The Parliamentary Secretary has asked me to reply to you as part of the Lord Chancellor's Department's response to your Parliamentary Question, listed on 19 January 1996, regarding the expenditure on all consultants for each of the years 1979–80, 1989–90, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) an estimate for the whole year; the estimated expenditure for 1996–97 and an estimate of the savings accruing from the use of consultants in each of these years.

The Public Trust Office became an Agency on 1 July 1994 and figures prior to that date are included in the departmental Headquarters response. The cost of consultants for the financial years 1994–95 onwards are as follows:
1994–95: £70,242.55
1995–96: £43,753.01 (total to date)
£77,252.01 (estimate for year)
1996–97: £70,000 (estimate)

Consultants are employed to provide a particular skill and their work is only one element of a much larger process and as such it is difficult to assess the savings to the Office as a result. However, the consultants used for the Business Process Re-engineering in 1994/95 estimated that there would be a saving of £800,000 to the Office over time.

Letter from Duncan Simpson to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

In the absence of the Chief Executive, who is away from the Office on official business, I have been asked by the Lord Chancellor's Parliamentary Secretary to reply for the Public Record Office to your question about expenditure on consultants and the savings accruing.

1. The Public Record Office's annual expenditure on consultants was:

(a) 1979–80: nil

(b) 1989–90: £46,745

(d) 1993–94: £674,305

(e) 1994–95: £315,669

(f) 1995–96: £213,500 to date

1995–96: £585,075 budget

The estimated expenditure for 1996–97 is £775,500.

2. The above includes £120,942 spent between 1992–93 and 1994–95 on consultancy to support the market testing programme. which resulted in an annualised net saving to 1994–95 of £291,000 per annum, with additional but not yet quantified savings expected in 1995–96 and subsequent years.

3. Other consultancies have been to carry out necessary specialised work beyond this department's normal scope, rather than to realise direct cost savings. They have related primarily to the construction of a new building, also to the installation of computer systems and training.

Letter front John Manthorpe to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

I have been asked by the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's department, to reply to your recent question on expenditure on external consultants for each of the years a) 1979–80 b) 1989–90, c) 1991–92, d) 1993–94, e) 1994–95 and f) 1995–96 i) to date and ii) as estimated for the whole year and the estimated savings accruing to the Land Registry from the use of consultants in each of these years. I can provide the following information:
a) 1979–80 No record of any expenditure on consultancy
b) 1989–90 £42,900
c) 1991–92 £98,539
d) 1993–94 £157,022
e) 1994–95 £196,011
f) 1995–96 i) £236,000 (at 31.12.95)
ii) £468,000

HM Land Registry has not used consultancy services extensively (the actual cost in 1994–95, for instance, represented only 0.1% of its total expenditure) and its main engagements are for specialist tuition, Information System business services, and consultancy arising from the Market Test programme. It is not possible to quantify annual cost savings but consultants services have made a contribution to the overall cost savings achieved by the Registry which, for example, in 1994–95, amounted to a 2.9% reduction in unit costs in real terms over the previous year.

I do hope that this answers the points raised with the Parliamentary Secretary but please contact me if I can be of any further assistance.

Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to the above Question about expenditure on external consultants.

Since April 1995, the date on which the Court Service was established, £1.11m has been spent on external consultants. Forecast expenditure for the whole year 1995–96 is £3.49m. The estimate fin-1996–97 has yet to be finalised.

In many cases consultants have been used where it has not been possible to provide the same service 'in-house' or where their contribution has been a small part of a much larger project. It is therefore not possible to assess what specific savings have been achieved as a result of their contribution.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the total expenditure of his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies on publicity for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will break these figures down to indicate expenditure on (1) advertising and (2) press and public relations. [11376]

The expenditure on publicity by the Lord Chancellor's Department, including the Court Service. was as follows: 1989–90—£33,616; 1991–92–05,734; 1993–94—£46,667; 1994–95—£78,961; 1995–96 to date—£.83,339. The estimate for the year 1995–96 is £113,000. The estimate for 1996–97 has not yet been finalised but will be approximately £125,000. The figure for publicity expenditure for the year 1979–80 is not available.

These figures represent expenditure on press and public relations, excluding staff costs. There was no expenditure on publicity advertising in any of the years specified, and none is planned for 1996–97.

The Lord Chancellor is responsible for three agencies other than the Court Service: Her Majesty's Land Registry, the Public Record Office, and the Public Trust Office. The question concerns specific operational matters on which the chief executives of these three agencies are best placed to provide answers. I have accordingly asked the chief executives to reply direct.

The Lord Chancellor's Department is responsible for two non-Departmental public bodies, the Legal Aid Board and the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct. Publicity expenditure by the Legal Aid Board, which was established in 1989, was as follows: 1989–90–£103,000; 1991–92–£132,000; 1993–94–£141,000; 1994–95–£207,000; 1995–96 to date–£153,178 and estimated for the total year–£218,000. The latest estimate for 1996–97 is £244,000. Publicity expenditure by the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct is contained within its budget for postage and telephone and is not separately itemised.

Letter from Duncan Simpson to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

In the absence of the Chief Executive, who is away from the Office on official business, I have been asked by the Lord Chancellor's Parliamentary Secretary to reply for the Public Record Office to your question about the annual expenditure on publicity by the agencies for which he is responsible.

1. Total expenditure has been:

	Advertising £	Press and Public Relations £
1989–90	nil	47,000
1990–91	28	50,000
1991–92	20,666	53,000
1992–93	77,392	57,000
1993–94	86,505	58,000
1994–95 to date	82,900	45,000
1995–96 budget	107,500	59,500
1996–97 budget	70,000	61,000

2. Figures for 1979–80 could only be supplied at disproportionate cost.3. The advertising figures are for staff recruitment and, since 1991–92, for approximately £1,500 per annum spent on advertising our own products for sale.

Letter from Julia C. Lomas to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

The Parliamentary Secretary has asked me to reply to you as part of the Lord Chancellor's Department's response to your Parliamentary Question, listed on 19 January 1996, regarding the assessment made of the total expenditure for publicity for the financial years 1979–80, 1989–90, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95 and the estimated cost for the same in 1996–97.

It is Government policy that the Public Trust Office does not advertise for the services it provides.

Letter from John Manthorpe to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

I have been asked by the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, to reply to your recent question on expenditure on publicity for each of the years a) 1979–80 b) 1989– 90, c) 1991–2, d) 1993–94, e) 1994–95 and f) 1995–96 i) to date and ii) as estimated for the whole year and estimated expenditure for 1996–97. I can provide the following information:

	Advertising £	Press and Public Relations £
(a) 1979–80	23,696	—
(b) 1989–90	36,434	2,684
(c) 1991–92	6,342	22,322
(d) 1993–94	16,233	10,554
(e) 1994–95	10,070	71,765
(f) 1995–96	(i) ¹9,248	¹82,164
	(ii) 13,000	131,800
¹At 31 December 1995.

The increase in 1995–96 is mainly due to the production of a Land Registry Corporate Video.

Estimated expenditure figures for 1996–97 are not yet available. The annual non-staff budget setting process is currently taking place and the Land Registry Budget Committee has yet to decide the final budget allocation.

I do hope that this answers the points raised with the Parliamentary Secretary but please contact me if I can he of any further assistance.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of the annual telephone costs to (a) his Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) his Department's non-departmental public bodies staff for each of the years (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92, (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97; and if internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas of (a) to (c). [11378]

Details of expenditure on telephones for LCD headquarters and associated offices, the Legal Aid Board and the Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct are set out in the table, where figures are available.The chief executives of the Court Service, the Public Trust Office, the Land Registry and the Public Records Office will be replying separately.

LCD headquarters and associated offices
1994–95: £644,031.98
1995–96: £460,161 13
1996–97: £398,000.00

The figures include a number of headquarters' outstations located around the country.

Internal directories are available to all staff.

Legal Aid Board
1989–90: £285,425
1991–92: £322,222
1992–93: £311,904
1994–95: £317,215
1995–96: £303,180 estimate to year end
1996–97: £303,000 latest estimate.

Internal directories are available within each of the board's area offices and central departments of the hoard at its head office.

Advisor,' Committee on Legal Education and Conduct
1991–92: £9,389
1992–93: £8,998
1993–94: £8,966
1994–95: £11,850
1995–96: £11,091
1996–97: £11,000

The figures include expenditure on postage and telephones; the ACLEC does not have separate budgets for each item. Internal directories are available for all staff.

Letter from John Manthorpe to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

I have been asked by the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, to reply to your recent question on expenditure on telephone costs for each of the years i) 1979–80 ii) 1989–90, iii) 1991–92, iv) 1993–94, v) 1994–95, vi) 1995–96 and vii) 1996–97 and if internal telephone directories are available. I can provide the following information:
i) 1979–80: £341,149
ii) 1989–90: £1,198,010
iii) 1991–92: £1.067,855
iv) 1993–94: £1,007,268
v) 1994–95: £751,365
vi) 1995-96: £759,945
vii) 1996–97: Estimated figures are not yet available. The annual non-staff budget setting process is currently taking place and the Land Registry Budget Committee has yet to decide the final budget allocation.

Significant savings were achieved between 1993–94 and 1994–95 due mainly to the change of management in the Government Telecommunications Network (GTN).

Internal telephone directories are available throughout the Land Registry.

I do hope that this answers the points raised with the Parliamentary Secretary but please contact me if I can be of any further assistance.

Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

The Parliamentary Secretary has asked me to reply in respect of the Court Service to your Question about estimated annual telephone costs.

The projected figures for estimated annual telephone costs from 3 April 1995, the date on which the Court Service was established, are:
1995–1996: £3,027,872
1996–1997: £3,044,761

Letter from Julia C. Lomas to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

The Parliamentary Secretary has asked me to reply to you as part of the Lord Chancellor's Department's response to your Parliamentary Question, listed on 19 January 1996, regarding the estimated annual telephone costs for each financial year since 1979 and for the forthcoming financial year. You also asked whether internal telephone directories were available to all staff.

The Public Trust Office became an Agency in July 1994 and the estimated figures prior to that time for the year 1979–80, 1989–90, 1991–92, 1992–93, and 1993–94 form part of the LCD total figures and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. For the following years to 1997 the figures are as follows:
1994–95: £105,000
1995–96: £98,000
1996–97: £98,000

Each member of staff within the Public Trust Office has access to an internal telephone directory.

Letter from Sarah Tyacke to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 25 January 1996:

I have been asked by the Lord Chancellor's Parliamentary Secretary to reply for the Public Record Office to your question about annual telephone costs, and the availability to staff of internal telephone directories, in the executive agencies for which he is responsible.

The annual telephone costs since 1993–94 are:
1993–94: £124,739
1994–95: £101,170
1995–96: £125,050 (budget)
1996–97: £130,350 (budget)

Figures for earlier years could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

Internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas.

Wayne Thompson

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much is owed in respect of legal aid to Wayne Thompson, solicitor, 9 Wimpole street, London; and when payment will be made. [10474]

It is not possible to assess the total amount owed to Mr. Thompson in respect of legal aid where work is on-going. Payments from the legal aid fund are made only in response to claims submitted. As at 18 January 1996, the London area office of the Legal Aid Board was not aware of any claims submitted by Mr. Thompson which remain unpaid. For criminal higher legal aid, one outstanding claim for an interim payment has been identified for which payment is expected to he made within the next few days.

Repossessions

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many (a) proceedings have been commenced to repossess homes and (b) homes have been repossessed in Northern Ireland since 1989. [10562]

The number of writs and originating summonses issued in respect of mortgages by the Chancery division of the Northern Ireland High Court for each year since 1989 is as follows:

	Number
1989	2,459
1990	2,599
1991	3,061
1992	1,646
1993	1,728
1994	1,371
1995	1,220
Total	14,085

There are no reliable figures available on the number of decrees for possession granted on foot of these.The Enforcement of Judgments Office, which is responsible for delivering vacant possession in Northern Ireland, has received the following number of notices of

intention to enforce decrees for possession for each year over the period.

1989: 718
1990: 748
1991: 832
1992: 683
1993: 492
1994: 468
1995: 396

The figures relating to the number of these which resulted in actual repossessions taking place are not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Fish Farming

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how often trout fattening ponds are visited by his Department's officials; [10666](2) what have been the wild fish losses at fish farm intakes over the past 21 years; [10667](3) if Department staff report the number of dead wild fish observed at the intake of fish farms when monitoring the farms. [10668]

All farms holding trout in England and Wales are inspected by fish disease inspectors once every six months, and fish sampled every 24 months on a routine basis; visits and sampling would also occur whenever there is suspicion of disease. Should inspectors observe dead wild fish or be notified of such occurrences, they would take appropriate disease control action. Inspectors would also notify the National Rivers Authority, which is responsible for the regulation and management of salmon and freshwater fisheries in England and Wales, including pollution control measures. However, no record is kept of wild fish losses at fish farm intakes.

Live Animal Transport

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to review procedures for the veterinary inspection of live animals for transport; and if he will make a statement; [11118](2) what representations he has received in relation to the efficiency of veterinary inspection of live animals for transport. [11117]

The Department is considering recent allegations that our detailed inspection procedures for live exports have not been followed. We will take firm action if a full assessment of all the available facts shows that there has been any failure to observe the rules or certification instructions.

Chernobyl Explosion (Compensation)

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the cost of providing compensation to farmers who were affected by the Chernobyl incident, in both England and Wales. [11155]

As at 30 November 1995, the total cost of compensation to farmers who were affected by the Chernobyl incident in England has been £1,335,757 and in Wales the total cost has been £7,903,872.

Private Finance Initiative

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how much has been spent on external consultants in the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction (a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) legal fees, (ii) publicity costs, (iii) accountancy fees and (iv) management consultancy fees; [10949](2) what have been the running costs relating to the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction

(a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) staff costs, (ii) information technology and (iii) other costs. [10950]

[holding answer 22 January 1996]: The Department has not incurred significantly increased consultancy and running costs in the tendering process of the private finance initiative, compared with those which would have been incurred in a more traditional approach.

Mobile Phones

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of the mobile phones which have been supplied to his Department in each of the last six years have been cloned; and on what dates. [11005]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: There is no information available prior to May 1994 on the cloning of mobile telephones supplied to the Ministry. Since then it is known that a total of 13 of the Ministry's mobile telephones have been cloned.There is no information available on the specific dates when cloning took place, only the date when it was discovered. This information, broken down by years, is as follows:

Year	Number	Date discovered
1994	1	19 December 1994
1995	12	19 January 1995
		30 March 1995
		6 April 1995
		8 May 1995
		19 May 1995
		30 May 1995
		19 July 1995
		4 November 1995
		21 November 1995
		17 December 1995

Education And Employment

Young Entrepreneurs (Training)

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps she is taking to encourage the provision of high quality training for young entrepreneurs. [10893]

The enterprise in higher education programme encouraged the development of enterprising graduates, whose skills fit them for a wide range of opportunities in both the private and pubic sectors.Enterprise in higher education commenced in 1987. More than 60 universities have participated in the initiative, which ends this year. Good practice is being disseminated to other higher education institutions.

University Facilities

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many universities in the United Kingdom have developed joint programmes with their local authority economic development units. [10895]

The required information is not collected centrally by the Department.

Information Technology

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of officials within her Department have attended a training course on information technology skills. [11227]

Around 90 per cent. of DFEE staff have received training in information technology skillsMuch of the training is devolved and takes place locally, and a more precise estimate could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Home-To-School Transport

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proposals she has to change the law concerning responsibilities for home-to-school transport. [11237]

My right hon. Friend has no proposals to change the law governing the provision of home-to-school transport.

Education Multi-Media Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the involvement of the United Kingdom in the EU task force on multi-media in education. [11132]

Members of this task force were appointed by the European Commission. A number of United Kingdom organisations were consulted by the task force in producing drafts of its report. Formal discussions between the Commission and member states on the proposals arising from the work of the task force are expected later this year.

Nursery Voucher Scheme

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if providers of early learning education associated with (a) supermarkets, (b) franchised retail suppliers of early learning materials and (c) companies providing early-years schools in several locations will, under the proposed legislation, be permitted to operate within the voucher scheme on similar conditions as local education authorities or other providers. [11896]

To join the voucher scheme, all private and voluntary providers must either be registered under the Children Act 1989 or finally registered as an independent school, and must undertake to meet the quality criteria and inspection arrangements as set out in "Nursery Education Scheme: The Next Steps."

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many provider institutions have expressed interest in participating in phase one of the nursery voucher scheme in (a) Wandsworth, (b) Westminster, (c) Kensington and Chelsea and (d) Norfolk. [11482]

In the three London boroughs, all eligible maintained schools have applied to join the scheme through their local education authority and around 50 private and voluntary providers have applied so far. In Norfolk 154 are maintained schools and 178 private and voluntary providers have so far applied to join the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 15 January, Official Report, column 472–73, (1) what estimates she has made of the cost of employing (a) 200 registered nursery education inspectors in phase one and (b) 4,000 registered nursery education inspectors in phase two of the voucher scheme; [11480](2) what estimate she has made of the cost of carrying out

(a) 600 inspections of voucher-redeeming institutions in phase one and (b) 12,000 inspections of voucher-redeeming institutions in phase two of the voucher scheme. [11481]

The costs of inspection and administration together are estimated to be £5 millions for phase 1 and £20 million for phase 2. My Department is in discussions with Ofsted about the likely cost of employing sufficient inspectors and carrying out inspections in both phases of the voucher scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what procedures will he established to ensure the prevention of fraud in the nursery voucher system. [11478]

We have worked closely with the voucher agency to set up a system which will deter and detect fraud. Vouchers will incorporate a number of security features to prevent counterfeiting and will he issued only to parents whose children are on the child benefit centre database or who provide full documentation.

Voluntary Aided Schools

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when she now expects to publish her Department's analysis of the responses to the consultation paper on self-government for voluntary aided schools. [11483]

A summary of responses has been placed in the Library. Copies are available from the Department on request.

Departmental Expenditure

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment she has made of the expenditure of her Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants including management consultants for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate she has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if she will estimate the savings accruing to her Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11343]

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Absenteeism

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate she has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in her Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11345]

Information in the form requested is not available.

Nursery Education

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 15 January, Official Report, columns 471–72, what estimates have been made of the shortfall of places for four-year-olds in (a) Wandsworth, (b) Westminster, (c) Kensington and Chelsea and (d) Norfolk, taking into account provision in the private, voluntary and maintained sectors, expressed in each case as (i) a number and (ii) a percentage of all four-year-olds in each local education authority. [11479]

Information on the numbers of four-year-olds in nursery education other than maintained and independent schools in individual local education authorities is not held centrally.

Local Government Finance, Cheshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the total value of the standard spending assessment for the Cheshire county council; how much was passed on to local schools by the county council; what was retained by the county council to cover schools' administration and other services; what average figure per school in Cheshire this total represents; and what was the average cost of employing (a) a primary and (b) a secondary school teacher in Cheshire in 1995–96. [11836]

The following table shows the education standard spending assessment for Cheshire in 1995–96, together with the size of the general schools budget—total local education authority spending on its schools—the aggregated schools budget—the sum delegated to schools—and the balance of the general schools budget not delegated to schools, with each figure also expressed as an average per school. The last three figures are taken from the budget statement published by the Cheshire LEA in accordance with section 42 of the Education Reform Act 1988.

	£ million	£ per school
Education SSA	332.027	639,744
General schools budget	340.071	655,243
Aggregated schools budget	261.938	504,697
Balance of general schools budget retained by LEA	78.133	150,545

The LEA also has to meet the cost of recoupment of annual maintenance grant paid to grant-maintained schools, and I have asked the chairman of the funding agency to write to the hon. Member about the level of recurrent grant paid to Cheshire GM schools in 1995–96.Information about the cost of employing teachers individual LEAs in 1995–96 is not held centrally.

National Curriculum

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the future of the national curriculum assessment and testing arrangements. [12230]

In January 1995, I asked the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority to conduct a full review of national curriculum assessment and testing arrangements for seven, 11 and 14-year-olds.SCAA's report on its wide-ranging and thorough review is published today. It draws on teachers' comments, evaluation reports, evidence from Her Majesty's inspectors and studies by teacher associations, local education authorities and other organisations.I accept in full the recommendations made by SCAA concerning the future of the assessment programme. We announced earlier this month the availability of a new grant in 1996–97 to fund additional assessment training for the primary school teachers who need it most—those at key stage 2.SCAA's review showed that most teachers want a period of stability. That is what we now intend. We shall introduce changes only if they will bring real improvements and if they will: maintain rigorous and reliable assessment for all seven, 11 and l4-year-olds; he consistent with the complementary roles of tests and teacher assessment; and take into account the work load on teachers.Some of SCAA's recommendations have already been or are being implemented, to ensure the benefits are available as soon as possible. For example, in the wake of our consultation last summer, SCAA has already set out for schools the 1996 assessment arrangements, hut, for the most part, SCAA's review focuses on 1997 and beyond. I intend to carry out extensive consultation on my provisional decisions on these proposals and have today published a consultation document accordingly.I have also announced today the national results of the 1995 assessments for seven, 11, and 14-year-olds and my decision to give greater access to schools' assessment results in order to raise standards, following our consultation in the autumn.

Copies of my exchange of correspondence with Sir Ron Dearing about SCASS's review; the Government's consultation document; a letter from Her Majesty's chief inspector; and the national curriculum assessment results of seven, 11 and 14-year-olds have been placed in the Library.

National Heritage

National Lottery

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what allocations of national lottery

Body	Announced	Recipient	Location	Amount
NLCB	19 December 1995	Saint Peter and Paul over 50's Club	Salford, Manchester	500
NLCB	19 December 1995	Rochdale Pensioners Association	Rochdale	500
NLCB	19 December 1995	Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club	Middleton, Gtr. Manchester	836
NLCB	19 December 1995	346 (East Manchester) Scout Group	Chadderton, Manchester	1,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Trustees of Seven Springs Camp Site—Disley	Didsbury, Manchester	1,910
NLCB	19 December 1995	Harpurhey Minibus Group Church Lad's and Church Girls' Brigade, Manchester	Harpurhey, Manchester	2,630
NLCB	20 November 1995	Manchester	Manchester	2,750
NLCB	19 December 1995	Arthritis Care—Manchester North	Middleton, Manchester	3,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Ratcliffe Arms Senior Citizens Club	Rochdale	3,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	St. Marks Youth Club, Glodwick	Oldham	3,375
Sports	10 January 1996	Tyldesley Tennis Club	Tyldesley, Gtr. Manchester	3,564
NLCB	19 December 1995	Higher Broughton Advice Centre	Salford, Manchester	3,600
NLCB	19 December 1995	161st Manchester Troop of Boy Scouts	Cheetham Hill, Manchester	5,000
Sports	6 September 1995	Withenshawe Shortmat Bowling Club	Manchester	5,241
NLCB	19 December 1995	Volunteer Reading Help	Bolton	5,410
NLCB	19 December 1995	Manchester Women's Aid	Manchester	5,500
NLCB	19 December 1995	Denton Blind Centre	Denton, Manchester	6,000
NLCB	23 October 1995	Rochdale Childer	Rochdale	6,500
NLCB	19 December 1995	Moss Side Playgroup	Moss Side, Manchester	6,646
NLCB	19 December 1995	Little Tots Toy Library Steering Committee	Salford, Manchester	5,650
NLCB	19 December 1995	Triump Over Phobia (TOP) UK	Manchester	6,753
NLCB	19 December 1995	Formal Term	Moss Side, Manchester	7,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Moss Side Community Build	Moss Side, Manchester	7,500
NLCB	20 November 1995	The Bolton Association of Playgroups	Bolton	7,500
NLCB	19 December 1995	Manchester Bosnian Community Association	Prestwich, Manchester	8,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Link Community Care Group	Moss Side, Manchester	8,200
Sports	9 August 1995	Hawkshaw Tennis Club	Bury	8,250
NLCB	19 December 1995	Bury Women's Aid	Bury	9,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	7th A Rochdale Scouts	Rochdale	9,063
Sports	10 January 1996	Denton Town Football Club	Tameside, Gtr. Manchester	9,513
NLCB	19 December 1995	Community Action	Manchester	10,000
Arts	21 September 1995	Black Arts Alliance	Manchester	10,758
NLCB	19 December 1995	Selclare (Greater Manchester) Trust—Accemp	Bury, Gtr. Manchester	11,500
NLCB	19 December 1995	Selclare (Greater Manchester) Trust—Accemp Manchester and District Transport for Sick Children	Bury, Gtr. Manchester	11,500
NLCB	23 October 1995	Children	Manchester and District	12,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	North Manchester Crime Prevention Panel	Oldham	12,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Victim Support	Rochdale	12,300
NLCB	20 November 1995	North Manchester District Scout Council	North Manchester	12,400
Arts	16 October 1995	Theatre Workshop	Manchester	12,850
Arts	21 September 1995	Theatre in Prisons and Probation	Manchester	13,338
NLCB	23 October 1995	Manchester Young People's Theatre Company	Manchester	15,000
NLCB	20 November 1995	The Selcare Greater Manchester Trust	Greater Manchester	15,000
Sports	10 January 1996	Shaw Cricket Club	Oldham	15,246
NLCB	19 December 1995	Slade Lane Neighbourhood Centre	Longsight, Manchester	15,500
NLCB	20 November 1995	Oldham District Scout Council	Oldham	16,500
Sports	3 October 1995	Sacred Heart Football Club	Rochdale	17,446
NLCB	19 December 1995	First Rochdale Scout Group	Rochdale	18,000
Sports	10 January 1996	Saddleworth Outdoor Pursuits Association Inskip League of Friendship for Disabled	Greenfield, Gtr. Manchester	22,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Persons	Rochdale	22,903
Arts	21 September 1995	Bury Music Services Ltd.	Bury	25,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Gate House Publishing Charity	Hulme, Manchester	25,525
NLCB	19 December 1995	College Bank Tenants and Residents	Rochdale	28,000
NLCB	20 November 1995	100th Manchester (centurians) Scout Group	Manchester	29,040
NLCB	19 December 1995	INCITU	Moss Side, Manchester	30,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Mosscare Housing Limited	Manchester	30,000
NLCB	20 November 1995	The Manchester Deaf Centre	Manchester	30,000
Arts	16 October 1995	Dobcross Youth Band	Oldham	34.000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Weaste Community Care Centre	Salford, Manchester	35,000

funds have been made to date to organisations and projects in the Greater Manchester area. [11056]

To date, 116 awards totalling £27.8 million have been made to organisations in Greater Manchester. The allocations of awards are shown in the following table:

Body	Announced	Recipient	Location	Amount
Sports	8 November 1995	Saddleworth and District Angling Society	Oldham	35,754
Sports	10 January 1996	Bradshaw Tennis Club	Bolton	36,887
NHMF	20 December 1995	St. Ann's Church	Manchester	38,000
Arts	16 October 1995	Multi Asian Arts	Rochdale	39,190
Sports	7 June 1995	Etherow Centre	Gtr. Manchester	39,700
Arts	21 September 1995	Blue Coat School Brass Band	Oldham	40,000
Arts	30 March 1995	Inner Sense Percussion Orchestra	Manchester	40,600
NLCB	19 December 1995	Contact Shiri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara Mission Centre	Whalley Range, Manchester	45,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Centre	Whalley Range, Manchester	45,000
Arts	20 July 1995	Standish Brass Band	Bolton	48,000
Sports	6 September 1995	Little Hulton Cricket and Bowling Club	Manchester	48,500
NLCB	19 December 1995	The Agency for Economic Development	Manchester	50,000
Sports	8 November 1995	Rochdale MBC	Rochdale	55,422
NLCB	19 December 1995	Trafford CVS	Sale, Manchester	57,270
Arts	23 November 1995	Inner City Music Ltd.	Manchester	59,142
NLCB	19 December 1995	Trafford Women's Aid	Stretford, Manchester	65,447
NLCB	19 December 1995	Cheetham Hill Advice Centre	Cheetham Hill, Manchester	70,146
NLCB	19 December 1995	Heywood/Middleton Citizen Advocacy	Heywood, Gtr. Manchester	75,000
Arts	24 May 1995	M6 Theatre Company	Rochdale	76,384
NLCB	19 December 1995	Manchester and Salford Methodist Mission	Manchester	79,648
NLCB	19 December 1995	Newhay Playground	Rochdale	83,500
NLCB	19 December 1995	St. John Ambulance National Headquarters	Manchester	83,950
Sports	7 June 1995	Garswood Football Club	Gtr. Manchester	86,045
NLCB	19 December 1995	Independent Neighbourhood Care Association	Salford, Manchester	89,100
Arts	16 October 1995	St. Ann's Church	Manchester	95,000
MC	11 September 1995	Boarshaw Clough	Rochdale/Oldham	100,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Hideaway	Moss Side, Manchester	102,000
NLCB	23 October 1995	Bury Metro Racial Equality Council	Bury	102,900
NLCB	19 December 1995	Independent Contract Unit	Manchester	111,445
Sports	8 November 1995	Rochdale Football Club Limited (By Shares) Swinton, Pendlebury and Clifton Care of the	Rochdale	120,412
NLCB	19 December 1995	Elderly	Manchester	137,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Creative Support Manchester Adventure Playgrounds	Manchester	137,880
NLCB	20 November 1995	Association	Manchester	142,000
Sports	9 August 1995	Markland Hill Tennis Club Ltd.	Bolton	146,268
NLCB	19 December 1995	The Big Issue North West	Manchester	155,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	City Centre Project Limited	Manchester	160,292
NLCB	23 October 1995	Manchester and Salford Family Unit	Manchester and Salford	162,428
NLCB	19 December 1995	Manchester Rape Crisis	Manchester	164,068
Sports	10 January 1996	Bolton Metropolitan Borough	Bolton	168,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Indian Association	Oldham	185,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	The Bibini Centre for Young People	Manchester	198,900
NLCB	20 November 1995	Manchester University Settlement	Manchester	204,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Nacre Halloween Youth Project	Bolton	210,071
Sports	6 December 1995	Bury Metropolitan Borough Council Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council	Gtr. Manchester	216,966
Sports	3 October 1995	(Breeze Hill School)	Oldham, Gtr. Manchester	246,500
NLCB	19 December 1995	Demesne Community Association Manchester City Council (North Manchester	Middleman, Gtr. Manchester	250,000
Sports	5 July 1995	High School for Boys) Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council	Gtr. Manchester	260,000
Sports	3 October 1995	(Royton and Crompton School)	Oldham, Gtr. Manchester	266,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	Salford Link Project Newbold Multicultural Residence and Youth	Salford. Manchester	303,850
NLCB	19 December 1995	Association	Rochdale	350,000
NLCB	19 December 1995	CAB, Manchester	Manchester	370,541
NLCB	19 December 1995	Wai Yin Chinese Women Society	Manchester	395,031
NHMF	26 April 1995	Museum of Science and Industry	Manchester	400,000
MC	11 September 1995	The Visions Centre	Manchester	435,000
Arts	24 May 1995	Green Room	Manchester	750,000
MC	11 September 1995	East Manchester River Valley	Manchester	2,370,000
Arts	23 November 1995	Contact Theatre Company	Manchester	4,456,392
MC	30 October 1995	Rochdale Canal Trust	Manchester to Halifax	11,923,500
		116 Awards		£27,881,326

Pay-Per-View (Five Nations Rugby)

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will add five nations rugby to the list of sporting events excluded from pay-per-view channels. [11467]

I have no plans to do so.

S4c

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage on what occasions since her appointment (a) she or her Ministers and (b) her officials have held meetings with (i) the chief executive of S4C, (ii) the chairman of the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority and (iii) members of the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority. [11069]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: Ministers and officials have held meetings with the chairman and chief executive of S4C, as with other bodies for which my Department is responsible, from time to time. Most recently, the Under-Secretary of State, Lord Inglewood, met the chairman and chief executive of S4C to discuss the Broadcasting Bill on Monday 15 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will place in the Library all correspondence sent by her Department to the chairman or members of the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority or to the chief executive of S4C communicating the Department's intention to change the funding basis of S4C. [11071]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: I have placed in the Library of both Houses a copy of my right

£ million
	Estimated outturn		Spending plans
1994¹	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999
Not applicable	64.0	67.9	73.3	75.3	77.3
¹The figures for the 1994 calendar year did not appear in the table to which the hon. Member refers. In 1994, S4C received £57.971 million from the Department of National Heritage.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will express as a percentage the year on year increase in the figures for the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority for 1994–95 To 1998–99

	Estimated
	Outturn 1994–95		Outturn 1995–96		1996–97		Spending Plans 1997–98		1998–99
£ million	64.0		67.0		73.3		75.3		77.3
Percentage increase between above figures		6.0		7.9		2.7		2.7

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what are her estimates of S4C income for the years (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 taking into account the changes she announced on 15 December 1995; and if she will additionally express these figures as a year on year percentage change. [11078]

hon. Friend's letter to the chairman of S4C of 15 December.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) whether the figures for the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority spending plans in the years 1997–98 and 1998–99 contained in table 2 of her press release of 28 November 1995, were calculated on the basis of the planned new formula for calculating S4C income announced on 15 December 1995; [11073](2) what is her estimate of the funding of the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority from her Department in the calendar years

(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 if no change were to take place in the basis of funding S4C; and if she will additionally express these figures as a year on year percentage change. [11077]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: The figure for 1996–97, contained in the press release to which the hon. Gentleman refers, derives from best available estimates of the application of the Broadcasting Act 1990 formula, although uncertainties for later years led the Department to uprate the estimated 1996–97 figure by £2 million for each of the following years for planning purposes in the expectation that additional funding would be found if needed in later years of the survey to meet S4C's statutory entitlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will express the income of S4C on a calendar year basis from 1994–1999, inclusive using the financial spending plan figures for the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority contained in table 2 of her press release of 28 November 1995. [11076]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: The information the hon. Member requests, based on the particular table he specifies, is as follows:which were issued in table 2 of her press release of 29 November 1995. [11074]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: The information the hon. Member requests is as follows:

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: My Department estimates that S4C funding in 1997 will be in the region of £73.3 million, but that figure cannot be assessed with certainty at this stage. Firm estimates of income for S4C in later years deriving from the proposals in the Bill cannot be made until the level of payment to S4C for 1997 is finalised.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what are her estimates of the percentage change in qualifying terrestial advertising revenue year-on-year for (a) 1994–95, (b) 1995–96, (c) 1996–97, (d) 1997–98 and (e) 1998–99; and if she will additionally express these as calendar year percentage changes for the years (i) 1994, (ii) 1995 (iii) 1996, (iv) 1997 and (v) 1998. [11075]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: My Department does not compile estimations of terrestrial television advertising revenues. That is a matter for the Independent Television Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) when her Department communicated the intention to change S4C's funding basis to the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority and the chief executive of S4C; [11070](2) when she or her Ministers or officials told the Welsh Office of their plans to change the funding basis of S4C. [11072]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: The Broadcasting Bill was published on 15 December 1995. It reflected discussions with all interested Government Departments. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State spoke and wrote to the chairman of S4C on the morning of 15 December about the contents of the Bill.

Millennium Projects

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what consultations she held with people from Wales, or what consultation she required the millennium commissioners to hold with people in Wales before reaching a decision on the respective merits as perceived by the people of Wales, in respect of the various schemes being proposed for major millennium projects in Wales; and if she will make a statement. [9393]

This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I shall reply to the hon. Member in my capacity as chairman of the commission and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

Absenteeism

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what estimate she has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in her Department for each of the years (a) 1991–92, (b) 1993–94, (c) 1994–95 and (d) 1995–96. [11341]

The absenteeism rate in days for the Department of National Heritage since it was created in April 1992 are shown in the table:

Year	Number of days
1993–94	1,839
1994–95	2,489
1995–96	¹2,752
¹ Estimated figure for whole year based on actual figure as at end of December 1995.

Transport

Rail Privatisation

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what public funds have been allocated by (a) the Franchising Director and (b) other sources to offset the liabilities which Railtrack faces, in respect of penalty payments under the track access agreements with train operating companies with special reference to schedules 4 and 8 of these agreements. [9945]

As foreshadowed in his policy statement in January 1995, the Rail Regulator has recently issued advice to BR and Railtrack on the level of additional charges which Railtrack should raise in consequence of its additional liabilities under schedules 4 and 8 to passenger track access agreements. This time limited measure is intended to allow Railtrack to adjust to the demanding targets in its performance regime, which will place on Railtrack strong financial incentives to improve its performance.For 1995–96, no additional public expenditure will be associated with these arrangements. No decisions on funding matters for 1996–97 have yet been taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what basis the debt of the British Railways Board was shared between BRB and Railtrack, upon the formation of Railtrack. [9941]

The apportionment of long-term debt between BR and Railtrack on 1 April 1994 was as follows:

BRB: £1,269 million
Railtrack: £1,973 million

This was judged to be the most appropriate apportionment of debt, given the nature and size of the two bodies, when Railtrack was formed.

Rail Grant (Strathclyde)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what level of metropolitan rail grant was paid to the regional passenger transport executives and Strathclyde regional council for the financial year 1995–96. [11233]

The estimated level of metropolitan railway grant to be paid in 1995–96 to the English passenger transport authorities is £72 million. The estimated level of MRG to be paid to Strathclyde regional Council is £60.2 million.

Trains (Speed Restrictions)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many trains speed restrictions imposed for a period of greater than six weeks are currently in place on the (a) London, Tilbury and Southend line, (b) Great Western line, (c) South West main line and South West suburban lines, (d) InterCity east coast main line, (e) Midland main line, (f) South London line and Sussex coast line and (g) Gatwick Express line, indicating the information also for spur lines; how long the restrictions have been in place; when the restrictions are due to be lifted; and what is the estimated cost of the works required to lift those restrictions. [11234]

Railtrack informs me that the number of all speed restrictions currently in place are (a) London, Tilbury and Southend Line: none; (b) Great Western Line: 16; (c) South West main line and suburban lines: four; (d) InterCity east coast main line: six; (e) Midland main line: two; (f) south London line and Sussex coast line: six; (g) Gatwick Express line: none.Details of how long the restrictions have been in place, details of spur line restrictions, and estimated repair costs are not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, Railtrack confirms that repair time scales are in accordance with both operational requirements and Railtrack's rigorous safety standards.

Railway Property

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of property currently owned by (a) the British Railways Board and (b) Railtrack plc is classified as contaminated. [11235]

This information is not available in the form requested.It is to be expected that some railway activities have had the potential to cause contamination of land. The British Railways Board takes protective action where there are known problems with land formerly in operational railway use and carries out investigations prior to the sale of property where significant contamination is a possibility because of the previous uses. Railtrack seeks to identify and manage those operational sites and facilities which may represent a significant actual or potential risk of harm to the environment.

East Lancashire Railway Line

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what sources of public funding are available for improvements to the east Lancashire railway line; what decision the Government office north-west has made in respect of this project for regional challenge funding; and if he will make a statement. [11606]

Although the proposal for improvements to the East Lancashire railway line formed an unsuccessful bid for funding under regional challenge in 1995, the Government office for the north-west is continuing to work with the promoters to examine other funding options, including the possibility of carrying forward some elements of the project through mainstream European regional development fund grant. Lancashire county council can also seek funding in 1997–98 through the transport policies and programmes process, by making a renewed bid for funds as part of the Blackburn/Hyndburn local transport package.

Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the work to date of the Highways Agency's environmental unit; and what plans there are to increase its resources. [11242]

I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 25 January 1996:

The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about the work to date of the Highways Agency's environmental unit and what plans there are to increase its resources.

The Agency Environmental Policy Division (AEPD) was set up on 31 January 1995 and is approaching the end of its first year of operation. The work of the Division to date has been directed towards the development of an Environmental Strategy for the Highways Agency. The Division has also established itself as the HA focal point for contact with statutory and non-statutory environmental organisations.

The Division has coordinated the preparation of the environmental section of the Agency's first Annual Report and produced a booklet on the archaeological work carried out on the trunk road network in 1994/95. Both of these were published in October 1995. I enclose a copy of the archaeology booklet. You should have received a copy of the Annual Report.

In line with good management practice the resources needed to discharge the duties of the division are kept under review. There are no plans to increase the complement of the Division for the present.

I hope that this is useful.

Newbury Bypass

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 13 December to the hon. Member for Wallsend (Mr. Byers), Official Report, column 677, on what date he learned that the costs of the Newbury bypass were to increase to £101 million. [11220]

The estimated cost of the Newbury bypass is £101 million; it has not increased by that sum. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State was aware of the revised cost during the review of the roads programme last year. The estimate reflects current price trends.

Departmental Expenditure

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the expenditure of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants, including management consultants, for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will estimate the savings accruing to his Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11347]

The figures requested are as follows:

Year	Expenditure £ million
1993–94	24.2
1994–95	29.0
1995–96 (to date)	31.0
1995–96¹ (whole year)	51.5
1996–97¹	26.6
¹Estimated.

Figures from 1979–80, 1989–90 and 1991–92 are not available except at disproportionate cost.The totals exclude expenditure on road scheme consultancies as they relate largely to production and planning work.

It is not possible to estimate the savings accruing from this expenditure, the vast majority of which was for specific deliverables such as privatisation; and very little of which had the aim of achieving savings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the total expenditure of his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies on publicity for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will break these figures down to indicate expenditure on (1) advertising and (2) press and public relations. [11348]

The expenditure by the Department is as follows:

£000
Agency	1979–80	1989–90	1991–92	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1995–96¹	1996–97
MSA	—	—	—	—	104	55	80	80
Coastguard agency	—	—	—	—	241	206	281	n/a
Highways agency:
Advertising	—	—	—	—	320	110		n/a
Publicity	—	—	—	—	20		1,000	n/a
TRL:
Advertising	—	—	—	0.59	—	19	25	²n/a
Publicity	—	—	—	23.59	5
DVLA:
Advertising	6	736	1,192	1,604	1,506	1,177	2,200	2,200
Publicity			27	43	45	26	38	38
DSA	—	—	30	40	40	40		n/a
¹Estimated outturn.
² TRL is to be privatised.

Road Salting

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects of road salting on (i) roadside flora, (ii) roadside fauna, (iii) vehicles and (iv) bridges. [11644]

I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 25 January 1996:

The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your question asking what assessment he has commissioned and evaluated on the effects of road salting on roadside flora, fauna, vehicles and bridges.

comprehensive study of the effects of road salting on roadside flora was carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory in 1982. The subsequent report was "An Assessment of The Conditions For Shrubs Alongside Motorways" by Colwill, Thompson and Rutter, Laboratory Report 1061.

A study was also commissioned in April 1989 into the performance of concrete in bridges. Known as the "Maunsell Report", its findings have been included within the 15 year bridge rehabilitation programme.

There has not been any separate assessments on evaluating the effects of road salting on roadside fauna or on vehicles.

1979–80: 6,686,000
1989–90: 5,386,000
1991–92: 7,380,000
1993–94: 8,275,000
1994–95: 8,039,000
1995–96: 7,472,000
1996–97: n/a

A forecast for 1996–97 is not yet available. All figures include vat.

The figures cover all publicity expenditure, including television, radio, press advertising and other promotional material. It is not possible to break these figures down between advertising and press and public relations.

Information on non-departmental public bodies and agencies is not held centrally, or otherwise readily available. Available data is given in the table.

Absenteeism

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11349]

Information on sickness absence in the Department of Transport, which is available only for calendar years, is as follows:

Year	Average working days of sickness per staff year
1989	8.1
1990	9.4
1991	9.9
1992	10.2
1993	10.7
1994	9.4
1995	¹9.0
¹Estimated.

In 1979–90 sick absence rates were not separately recorded for the Department.

Chiswick Flyover

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost of refurbishment of the Chiswick flyover on the London A4, the cause of its deterioration and the time taken to repair it. [11645]

I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 25 January 1996:

The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question asking him if he will estimate the cost of the refurbishment of the Chiswick flyover, the cause of its deterioration and the time taken to repair it.

My reply relates to work to the M4 elevated section which extends from Junction 1 (east of Chiswick roundabout) to Boston Manor playing fields.

It is too early to be precise about the cost of the refurbishment of the elevated section of the M4. In order to maintain access on this busy route between London, Heathrow and the west and to minimise disruption to road users, the work will have to be phased and could take up to ten years. Preliminary estimates suggest that the cost will be in the region of £30m.

The M4 elevated structure is some 30 years old. Repairs are required because over the years water containing de-icing salts has leaked from the road surface into the crossheads at the top of the piers. When this occurs steel reinforcement in the piers begins to rust loosening and pushing off the protective surface concrete.

There is an ongoing maintenance programme to install new bridge deck joints to prevent further deterioration of the structure and to review loose surface concrete. This work is being undertaken at night.

Investigations to prepare a programme a further repairs are still ongoing. There are no plans for weekday or daytime closures of this section of the M4 motorway.

Sight Tests

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes he expects to be made in the eyesight test for public service vehicle and lorry drivers; and what number of these drivers he expects will fail the new test. [11897]

From 1 July, all those who wish to drive large goods or passenger-carrying vehicles—whether for the first time or to continue doing so—will, when they apply for or to renew their licence, have to meet the minimum uncorrected vision standard in both eyes, rather than in one eye only as at present. We estimate that some 3,000 current licence holders will not meet this requirement.

Global Warming

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport. what revisions of emission targets will be made to accord with the findings of the intergovernmental conference on climate control on human influence on the global climate. [10304]

I have been asked to reply.The UK target for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions remains that set down for all developed countries in the climate change convention—to return emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000—although we now expect to surpass this. For the period after 2000, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has called for developed countries to agree to aim to reduce their emissions by a figure in the range of 5 to 10 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. He intends to take every opportunity to press his international colleagues to support that target and will he highlighting the important findings of the intergovernmental panel on climate change whenever he does so.

Social Security

Benefit Research

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research his Department has carried out and with what findings into what happens to claimants aged (a) 16 and 17 years and (b) 18 years and over who have become disentitled to state benefit; and if he will make a statement. [8069]

Vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds who meet the qualifying conditions have access to social security benefits including income support and housing benefit. In 1990, the Department of Social Security commissioned research by MORI into the circumstances of young people aged 16 and 17 who claimed income support via the severe hardship provision. This was published in 1991 and is in the Library. People who are aged 18 or over qualify for benefits if they meet the entitlement conditions. We have not conducted research into people who fail to meet those conditions.

Mortgage Interest Payments

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate savings since 1 October 1995 as a result of his measures announced on 30 November 1994 to limit or withdraw income support for mortgage interest payments indicating the figures for (a) 1994–95, (b) 1995–96 and (c) the projected figures for 1996–97; what further plans he has to (i) limit and (ii) restrict mortgage interest payments under income support; and if he will make a statement. [9391]

The estimated savings from the measures announced by the Secretary of State on 30 November 1994 and introduced on 10 April 1995 and 2 October 1995 to restrict the amount of mortgage interest met by income support are £30 million in 1995–96, £170 million in 1996–97 and £240 million in 1997–98.We have no further plans of the kind described but all aspects of social security are kept under review.

One-Parent Families

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many and what proportion of (a) families with children, (b) one-parent families, (c) one-parent families headed by a divorced or separated person, (d) one-parent families headed by a widow or widower and (e) one-parent families headed by a single unmarried mother receive income support. [9605]

The available information is set out in the table.

Income support recipients: GB 1993
	Number of IS recipients (thousands)	As a percentage of the relevant population
Families with dependent children	1,600	23
One-parent families with dependent children of which:	1,048	71
Divorced or separated	547	65
widowed	20	24
Single unmarried mother	463	85

Number of IS recipients (thousands)

As a percentage of the relevant population

Single unmarried fathers

¹—

Prisoners' partners

n/a

Notes:

¹ denotes sample size too small to estimate percentage.

1. n/a denotes not available.

2. Due to rounding, recipient total does not tally.

Source:

Income Support 1 per cent. Annual Statistical Enquiry May 1993. Estimates derived from the General Household Survey.

Parents With Care

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of parents with care for whom good cause has not been accepted by the Child Support Agency have had a reduced benefit directive imposed,

Departmental telecommunications running costs
£000
	Agencies
	DSS HQ	Benefit Agency	Contributions Agency	Child Support Agency	Information Technology Service Agency	Resettlement Agency	War Pensions Agency	Non-departmental public bodies	DSS totals
1989–90:
Current	—	—	—	—	—	113	—	—	29,738
Capital	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	9,070
1991–92:
Current	370	16,865	227	—	24,099	107	—	—	41,668
Capital	0	0	0	—	7,281	0	—	—	7,281
1993–94:
Current	384	20,794	2,658	1,325	36,413	65	57	—	61,696
Capital	0	1,531	0	0	29,212	0	0	—	30,743
1994–95:
Current	352	21,009	4,516	2,523	37,154	36	104	—	65,694
Capital	167	2,393	86	346	12,890	0	184	—	16,066
1995–96 (to date):
Current	421	15,840	2,415	1,733	24,536	13	78	233	45,036
Capital	95	1,154	70	63	14,288	0	75	3	15,745
1995–96:
Current	561	21,120	3,221	2,311	32,715	18	111	310	60,057
Capital	84	1,539	94	85	15,225	0	101	4	17,128

1. Figures for 1979–80 are not available. 2. Detailed spending plans for 1996–97 are yet to be finalised.3. Only Departmental figures and RA figures are available for 1989–90.4. 1991–92 figures for BA and ITSA include elements of what were to become CSA and WPA.5. 1995–96 figures have been extrapolated from the year to date figure.6. Current expenditure figures include running and rental costs for both voice and data transmission, capital expenditure figures include costs of equipment including office machines to handle output—e.g. to print order books.7. All figures are vote based and include VAT.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the expenditure of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants including management consultants for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for broken down by centre, since April 1995; and how he explains variations between centres. [10181]

The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Expenditure

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the annual telephone costs to (a) his Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) his Department's non-departmental public bodies staff for each of the years (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92, (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97; and if internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas of (a) to (c). [11394]

The available information is in the table.Internal telephone directories are available to staff in the Department, its agencies and its non-departmental public bodies.1996–97; and if he will estimate the savings accruing to his Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11391]

The available information is in the table. The information requested for 1979–80 and savings accrued from the use of consultants is not available. The estimated expenditure for 1996–97 is not yet available.

Expenditure on external consultants
Year	Amount £ million
1989–90	43.3
1991–92	69.7
1993–94	¹34.0
1994–95	26.1
1995–96 (to date 31 December 1995)	²16.9
1995–96 (estimated full year)	21.66
¹Figures for 1992–93 onwards refer solely to expenditure on consultancy services following work undertaken for the efficiency scrutiny into the Government's use of external consultants. Figures for earlier years include the cost of contracted services.
This figure is provisional and subject to amendment.

Absenteeism

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11393]

The information is not available in the format requested. The average number of working days per staff year lost due to sickness is as follows:

1991: 11.2 days
1992: 9.3 days
1993: 12.2 days
1994: 12.1 days

The figures for 1995 will not be available until the summer.

Family Credit

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families are currently in receipt of family credit in (a) the City of Durham constituency and (b) the northern region; and what has been the cost of this benefit in each year since 1989–90. [10641]

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

Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Gerry Steinberg, dated 24 January 1996:

The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about how many families are currently in receipt of Family Credit (FC) in (a) the City of Durham constituency and (b) the Northern Region; and what has been the cost of this benefit in each year since 1989–90.

The information is not available in the format requested. This is because statistics are not kept which are specific to Parliamentary Constituencies, the borders of which are not the same as those of benefit offices. Statistics are available for the North Durham District which includes the Durham, Chester le street, Peterlee and Seaham offices. The number of families claiming FC in North Durham District is 4080, as at 10 November 1995. These figures are provisional and subject to change.

The Benefits Agency is no longer organised on a regional basis and is now divided into Areas and Territories. FC figures for Scotland and Northern Territory could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Annexe A gives details of the national cost of FC since 1989/90.

I hope you find this reply helpful.

Annexe A
Year	Family credit outturn £ million
1989–90	425
1990–91	494
1991–92	626
1992–93	929
1993–94	1,208
1994–95	1,441

Note:

Figures are provisional and subject to amendment.

Source:

Family Credit Statistics Quarterly Enquiry April 1995.

1995 Departmental Report.

Social Fund

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he has taken to publicise the social fund to likely applicants; and what is the total expenditure involved. [9486]

This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr Jim Callaghan, dated 24 January 1996:

The Secretary of State of Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what measures he has taken to publicise the Social Fund to likely applicants and what is the total expenditure involved.

Social Fund information is produced in partnership with the Department of Social Security.

Products include:

A 16 page, introductory leaflet entitled "How the Social Fund can help you" produced in English, English/Welsh bilingual and eleven ethnic languages.

A detailed, 64 page leaflet "A guide to the Social Fund", published in English.

A series of three posters, publicising the help available and outlining the basic conditions people would need to satisfy before they might be eligible for an award from the Social Fund.

The leaflets are made available to the public from Benefits Agency (BA) offices. They are also available to welfare advisers, Post Offices, Doctors Surgeries and Libraries external to the BA on request, from BA offices and HMSO, Chadderton. Posters are displayed in Benefits Agency offices and are also available to welfare advisers.

The Social Fund publicity budget for 1995–96 is £77,300.

I hope you find this reply helpful.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for discretionary social fund awards were refused in (i) 1993, (ii) 1994 and (iii) 1995 in total and by (a) region and (b) local DSS offices. [9484]

The administration of the Social Fund is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.

Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Jim Callaghan, dated 24 January 1996:

The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many applications for discretionary Social Fund awards were refused in (i) 1993, (ii) 1994, and (iii) 1995 in total and by (a) region and (b) his local department's offices.

The information is not available in the format requested. With the creation of the Benefits Agency in April 1991, former Departmental Local Offices and Regions were grouped into Districts and Area and Territorial Directorates. The information that is available is contained in Annex A - C, for the financial years 1993\94, 1994\95 and 1995\96 year to date. Copies will be placed in the Library.

I hope you find this reply helpful.

Mrs Marilyn Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received on behalf of Mrs. Marilyn Hume, 10 St. Anne's court, Aigburth road, Liverpool L17 6BH; and if he will make a statement. [9675]

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

Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Alton, dated 24 January 1996:

The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what representations he has received on behalf of Mrs Marilyn Hume.

The Benefits Agency has received representation from the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation, Doctor C A Young and Doctor S A Kumar on behalf of Mrs Marilyn Hume.

I hope you find this reply helpful.

Social Security Fraud

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many instances his Department has identified in the past 12 months of attempted social security fraud based on impersonation with particular reference to attempts to secure benefits by changing a name and assuming the national insurance number of the other person; and if he will make a statement. [9309]

The information requested is not available. However, a total of 355 multiple identity investigations are currently under way, comprising 14 investigations with over 150 identities in each investigation and 341 investigations containing between two and 149 identities in each investigation.

Funeral Payments

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many representations he has received in respect of funeral payments from the social fund since the 5 June 1995 amendments were implemented. [10205]

This Department have responded to 54 letters and 19 parliamentary questions concerning social fund funeral payments since 5 June 1995.

Pensioners' Incomes

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the value of the basic state retirement pension for (a) a single pensioner and (b) a pensioner couple in 1970 and at each uprating since 1970; and what it would have been if it had been uprated in line with whichever was the higher of average earnings or prices. [10203]

The available information is in the table. As there was no uprating in 1970, the table shows the effect of uprating by the higher of prices and earnings since November 1969.

£ per week
	Actual rate		Rate if uprated by higher of prices and earnings
Uprating date	Single	Couple	Single	Couple
November 1969	5.00	8.10	5.00	8.10
September 1971	6.00	9.70	6.15	9.95
October 1972	6.75	10.90	7.15	11.55
October 1973	7.75	12.50	8.05	13.00
July 1974	10.00	16.00	9.30	15.00
April 1975	11.60	18.50	11.95	19.30
November 1975	13.30	21.20	13.85	22.35
November 1976	15.30	24.50	15.95	25.70
November 1977	17.50	28.00	18.00	29.00
November 1978	19.50	31.20	20.40	32.85
November 1979	23.30	37.30	24.30	39.15
November 1980	27.15	43.45	28.80	46.40
November 1981	29.60	47.35	32.25	51.95
November 1982	32.85	52.55	34.95	56.30
November 1983	34.05	54.50	38.00	61.20
November 1984	35.80	57.30	39.95	64.35
November 1985	38.30	61.30	43.45	69.95
July 1986	38.70	61.95	45.35	73.00
April 1987	39.50	63.25	47.90	77.10
April 1988	41.15	65.90	51.65	83.15
April 1989	43.60	69.80	56.25	90.55
April 1990	46.90	75.10	61.70	99.35
April 1991	52.00	83.25	68.45	110.20
April 1992	54.15	86.70	73.85	118.90
April 1993	56.10	89.80	77.45	124.70
April 1994	57.60	92.10	79.70	128.30
April 1995	58.85	94.10	82.90	133.45

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many and what proportion of all pensioners, single pensioners and pensioner couples have total incomes of (a) £0 to £5, (b) £5 to £10, (c) £10 to £15, (d) £15 to £20, (e) £20 to £25 and (f) £25 to £30 above income support levels. [10270]

The available information is in the table. Due to the limited sample size available it is not possible to provide reliable information for the proportion of incomes falling within bands of less than £15.

Pensioner income levels
Numbers in thousands (1993 prices)
Income above I.S.	Single pensioners		Pensioner couples		All pensioners units
	Proportion (per cent.)	Numbers	Proportion (per cent.)	Numbers	Proportion (per cent.)	Numbers
£0 to £15	8	200	17	750	13	1,000
£15 to £30	10	250	21	900	16	1,150

Source:

Analysis of the Family Expenditure Survey 1993.

Notes:

1. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 1 per cent., numbers rounded to the nearest 50,000.

2. The level of Income Support used for this calculation is that for pensioners aged 60/65, at April 1993 benefit levels.

Housing Benefit

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will exempt supported lodgings from the proposed housing benefit changes in relation to young people; and if he will make a statement. [11029]

The Social Security Advisory Committee has just completed its consultation on these proposals. The local authority associations will be completing their consultation shortly. I will consider all the representations which have been made on the provisions for young people with special needs, and will respond to them in the Command Paper.

Cold Weather Payments

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received on the system of cold weather payment, in respect of immobile disabled people; and if he will make a statement. [10528]

There have been no representations on this matter. Cold weather payments are focused on the

Year	Month of uprating	Rate of basic retirement pension £ per week	Increase over previous rate percentage	Equivalent annual increase percentage	Change in RPI since previous AprilRate as a percentage of average earnings percentage	percentage
1969	November	5.00	—	—	—	—
1970	—	—	—	—	5.6	19.3
1971	September	6.00	20.0	10.5	9.4	20.3
1972	October	6.75	12.5	11.5	6.3	19.6
1973	October	7.75	14.8	14.8	9.2	19.8
1974	July	10.00	29.0	40.5	15.2	22.2
1975	April	11.60	16.0	21.9	21.7	21.6
	November	13.30	14.7	26.4	—	22.0
1976	November	15.30	15.0	15.0	18.9	22.6
1977	November	17.50	14.4	14.4	17.5	23.7
1978	November	19.50	11.4	11.4	7.9	23.2
1979	November	23.30	19.5	19.5	10.1	23.2
1980	November	27.15	16.5	16.5	21.8	22.6
1981	November	29.60	9.0	9.0	12.0	22.4
1982	November	32.85	11.0	11.0	9.4	23.1
1983	November	34.05	3.7	3.7	4.0	21.7
1984	November	35.80	5.1	5.1	5.2	21.4
1985	November	38.30	7.0	7.0	6.9	21.4
1986	July	38.70	1.0	1.6	3.0	20.5
1987	April	39.50	2.1	2.8	4.2	19.9
1988	April	41.15	4.2	4.2	3.9	18.8
1989	April	43.60	6.0	6.0	8.0	18.2

most vulnerable groups receiving income support, that is those with a pensioner or disability premium, or a child aged under five. So far this winter, 3.8 million payments worth almost £32 million have been made.

State Pensions

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what was the value of the basic state retirement pension as a proportion of gross average earnings in the United Kingdom for each year since 1970; [10204](2) what was

(a) the annual percentage increase in the state pension and (b) the year on year April to April retail prices index for each year since 1970. [10259]

The information is in the table. the rate of increase in the basic pension has been converted to an annual rate where the length of time between upratings was greater or less than 12 months.As there was no uprating in 1970 the value of the basic pension during that year is shown in the last column of the table as a percentage of average gross earnings at April 1970.

Year	Month of uprating	Rate of basic retirement pension £ per week	Increase over previous rate percentage	Equivalent annual increase percentage	Change in RPI since previous AprilRate as a percentage of average earnings percentage	percentage
1990	April	46.90	7.6	7.6	9.4	17.8
1991	April	52.00	10.9	10.9	6.4	18.3
1992	April	54.15	4.1	4.1	4.3	17.8
1993	April	56.10	3.6	3.6	1.3	17.7
1994	April	57.60	2.7	2.7	2.6	17.7
1995	April	58.85	2.2	2.2	3.3	17.5
1996	April	61.15	3.9	3.9	n/a	n/a

Source:

"The Abstract of Statistics for Social Security Benefits and Contributions and Indices of Prices and Earnings", 1995 edition. Average earnings index (whole economy, unadjusted) (Tables 2.1 and 2.2 of the abstract).

Retail prices index information taken from table 1.1.

Incapacity Benefit

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the numbers of people in receipt of incapacity benefit who are no longer eligible for invalidity benefit at the most recent date for which information is available. [11088]

On 13 April 1995, all recipients of invalidity benefit transferred to incapacity benefit at the rate of the benefit in payment. At 31 August 1995, the latest date for which information is available, 1.64 million ¹people were in receipt of incapacity benefit who had, before 13 April 1995, been in receipt of invalidity benefit.

¹Note: Figures excludes a small number of cases paid clerically.

National Disability Council

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he is in a position to announce the chairman and membership of the National Disability Council. [12066]

I am delighted to announce that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security has appointed David Grayson¹ of Business in the Community, as the chairman of the National Disability Council, and the following council members:

Doug Alker¹, Chief Executive of RNID
Christopher Brocksom, Chief Executive of AXA Equity and Law
Alan Dickson, Deputy Director of The Scottish Spastics Society
Ann Foster¹, Director of The Scottish Consumer Council
Tanni Grey¹, Chairman of the British Wheelchair Racing Association
David Jenkins, General Secretary of the Welsh TUC
Colin Low¹, Vice Chairman of RNIB
Jim McAllister, Divisional Director of Marks and Spencers
Bert Massie¹, Director of RADAR, and member of DPTAC
David Mills, Managing Director of Retail Banking Services, Midland Bank
Martin Reaveley¹, Director of Corporate Finance and Planning, Bass PLC
Phillipa Russell¹, Director of the Council for Disabled Children David Roberts¹, Founder member of Clwyd People First
Kevin Shinkwin¹, parliamentary advisor to the Muscular Dystrophy Group
Alan Smith, Chairman of NACEPD
Jenny White, Deputy Legal Advisor to the Electricity Association

¹ indicates that the member is either a disabled person or the parent or guardian of a person with disabilities

My right hon. Friend will also be inviting the chairman of the Northern Ireland Disability Council to become a member once he or she has been appointed.In making these appointments, the Secretary of State has met the commitments given in Parliament that membership will be drawn from throughout Great Britain and sought to provide common membership with the National Advisory Council on the Employment of People with Disabilities and the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Council. More than half of the membership of the council are disabled people or the parents or guardians of people with disabilities. They will bring to the council a wide range of experience of disability, the disabilities represented include sensory impairments, mobility difficulties and learning disabilities.The National Disability Council can make a great contribution to the reduction of discrimination against disabled people and the chairman and members will be crucial to its success. I believe that we have achieved the right balance of experience of business and disability.

Environment

City Grants

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list, by region, the figures for city grants approvals and achievements since May 1988 in terms of (a) schemes approved, (b) grants approved (c) total private sector investment and (d) the gearing ratio and jobs created. [10188]

The following table provides the information requested for city grant applications administered either centrally by my Department, or by English partnerships since 10 November 1993, city challenge partnerships and the urban development corporations.

Region	Schemes approved¹	Grants approved £ million	Private investment £ million	Gearing ratio	Jobs created
North-east	105	104.183	824.798	7.92	8,398
North-west	139	134.003	657.063	4.90	16,185
Yorkshire and Humberside	104	78.760	278.280	3.53	13,541
Merseyside	68	55.807	213.400	3.82	7,464
West Midlands	130	141.321	552.622	3.91	20,221
East Midlands	55	52.028	145.239	2.79	5,815
Eastern	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
South-west	12	22.894	52.472	2.29	2,939
South-east	4	4.262	30.841	7.24	835
London	46	50.776	229.240	4.51	6,674
Total	663	644.034	2,983.955	4.63	82,072
¹ This does not include approved schemes on which grant was not drawn down.

Asylum Seekers

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what responsibilities local authorities have to house asylum seekers whose applications (a) are under consideration and (b) have been refused; and if he will make a statement.[11203]

At present the homelessness legislation requires local authorities to secure accommodation for asylum seekers who are unintentionally homeless and in priority need, if there is no other accommodation available for them. When the Asylum and Immigration Bill becomes law we propose to make an order that would remove entitlement under the homelessness legislation from those persons who apply for asylum after they have entered this country, and from those asylum seekers who remain in this country pending the outcome of an appeal against an initial negative decision. This will align entitlement under the homelessness legislation with entitlement to housing benefit.

Local Government Finance

To ask the Secretary of State for the Enviornment how much each local authority took from balances to fund budget expenditure in 1995–96. [11596]

I have placed the information in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Enviornment what would be the effect of an 8 per cent. increase in council tax on (a) the total yield of council tax in Great Britain, (b) the total yield of council tax in England, (c) the council tax bill in England for each valuation band, (d) the average council tax in England, expressed as the total yield from the council tax divided by the total number of chargeable dwellings, (e) council tax benefit, (f) the retail price index and (g) index-linked benefits. [11728]

The information relating to Wales and Scotland is the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland.If council taxes in England had increased in 1995–96 by an additional 8 per cent. compared to actual levels, the approximate effect is estimated as follows:

(b) the gross yield of council tax would increase by £780 million;

Band A: by £32 to £439
Band B: by £38 to £512
Band C: by £43 to £585
Band D: by £49 to £658
Band E: by £60 to £804
Band F: by £70 to £950
Band G: by £81 to £1,096
Band H: by £97 to £1,316

(d) the average bill per chargeable dwelling, before council tax benefit or transitional relief, would increase by £40 to £538;

(e) council tax benefit would increase by £170 million;

(f) the increase would add around 0.2 percentage points to the percentage change over 12 months in the all items retail prices index.

(g) the precise effect on those benefits linked to the retail prices index would depend on whether this marginal change resulted in benefit levels moving up or staying unchanged. As an approximate guide, an additional 0.2 percentage points on the rate of inflation would add around £80 million to the cost of those benefits in a full year. There would be no effect on those income related benefits which are usually linked to the Rossi index.

Chicken Litter Fuelled Power Station

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received regarding the proposal to establish a chicken litter fuelled power station at Poole farm, near Wellington, Somerset; and if he will make a statement. [11826]

The Government office for the south west has received two representations objecting to the proposed electricity generating station at Wellington. Somerset.Copies of the relevant papers have not yet arrived from the local planning authority, Somerset county council. Upon receipt it will be considered whether the issues raised merit my intervention.

Departmental Expenditure

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what estimate he has made of the annual telephone costs to (a) his Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) his Department's non-departmental public bodies staff for each of the years (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92, (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97; and if internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas of (a) to (c); [11398](2) what assessment he has made of the expenditure of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants including management consultants for each of the years

(a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–

Annual telephone costs
£000
	1989–90	1991–92	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96
DoE (Central)	3,554	3,051	2,728	2,532	1,920
Property Holdings	n/a	385	159	132	145
PSAS	6,052	6,047	2,170	105	50
Total department	9,606	9,483	5,057	2,769	2,115
Planning inspectorate	0	0	162	77	46
Building research establishment	173	194	237	172	108

Figures for planning inspectorate for 1989–90 and 1991–92 are included within the departmental total.

The figure for Property Holdings for 1989–90 is included within the figure for PSAS.

Expenditure on consultants
£000
	1989–90	1991–92	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96
DoE (Central)	9,835	6,547	9,195	9,567	10,739
Property Holdings	n/a	1,125	223	204	529
PSAS	177,400	182,850	25,120	752	441
Total department	187,235	190,522	34,538	10,523	11,709
Planning inspectorate	0	40	632	465	80
Building research establishment	31	187	220	212	151
The buying agency	n/a	n/a	9	17	25
Security facilities executive	n/a	n/a	56	368	150
QEII Conference Centre	n/a	n/a	60	10	32

Figures for planning inspectorate for 1989–90 are included within the departmental total.

The figure for PSAS includes works consultancies.

The figure for Property Holdings for 1989–90 is included within the figure for PSAS.

Excludes expenditure on the Department's strategic IT consultancies.

The remaining information requested on telephone costs and consultancies is not held centrally in the form required and could be made available only at disproportionate cost.

The Department makes use of CCTA's metropolitan telephony service, which provides us with full managed telephony and directory services. The Department, along with other MTS users, maintains a current directory of staff, location and telephone extensions. The MTS service provides an annual estimate of telephony charges.

The Government telephone network connects more than 1,000 Government offices nationwide. As users of the GTN, and GTN dialling codes booklet is available to all staff in this Department. It enables staff to identify the operator in any other Government building for inquiry services.

Absenteeism

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each 96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will estimate the savings accruing to his Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11395]

The tables set out the information available on annual telephone costs and expenditure on consultants respectively.of the years

(a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11397]

The following information gives the average number of sick days per staff member for the calendar years 1992, 1993 and 1994; it covers non-industrial staff in my Department—excluding Health and Safety Executive, Ordnance Survey and PSA Services. Information is not available for earlier years andwill not be available for 1995 until late summer.

1992: 8.0
1993: 8.1
1994: 7.17

Source: OHSA sickness absence database.

Health

Nhs Administration

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what expenditure was incurred on (a) general and senior managers and (b) administrative and clerical staff salaries in the national health service in each region in each year since 1990–91. [9035]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) on 6 November 1995, Official Report, columns 624–25. Provisional expenditure for 1994–95 is shown in the table.

Hospital and community health service salary costs for managerial and administrative and clerical staff 1994–95
£000
	Managerial expenditure	Admin and clerical expenditure
Northern and Yorkshire region	100,963	199,367
Trent region	59,387	139,380
Anglian and Oxford region	70,363	148,005
North Thames region	122,338	285,923
South Thames region	112,835	243,981
South and West region	91,730	183,010
West Midlands region	70,588	166,298
North-west region	93,474	212,515
Special health authorities	1,633	3,650
Total England	723,361	1,582,129

Sources:

1. The annual financial returns of district and regional health authorities and the special health authorities of the London postgraduate teaching hospitals.

2. The annual financial returns of NHS trusts.

Notes:

1. The figures are provisional.

2. Salaries and wages costs incurred by family health services authorities and the special hospitals service authority (HQ London, Broadmoor, Ashworth and Rampton hospitals) and the UK transplant support service are excluded as corresponding costs are not identified on the same basis.

3. Managerial staff consist of general senior managers for health authorities and executive board members and senior managers for NHS trusts.

4. The figures are based upon gross costs including employers' National Insurance and superannuation contributions.

Early Retirement

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department collects on (a) general practitioners and (b) other medical staff taking early retirement. [10931]

Statistical information about general practitioners and other medical staff are recorded, along with all other groups of national health service employees by the NHS Pensions Agency, and are categorised by reason of termination. This covers the type of retirement and age. Data are not readily identifiable for specific posts.

Efficiency Scrutiny

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) by how much the total budget of the North Mersey Community Health Trust has been reduced as a result of his efficiency scrutiny; [10713](2) what plans he has to maintain the present efficiency scrutiny arrangements into 1996–97, and beyond. [10711]

The efficiency scrutiny into the burdens of paperwork in national health service trusts and health authorities will complete its report within 90 working days. There are no plans at present to extend its remit beyond the end of March 1996. The efficiency scrutiny team will report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, and the Prime Minister's efficiency adviser, Sir Peter Levene, with recommendations for implementations within two years.The aim of the efficiency scrutiny is to make proposals to cut down on unnecessary bureaucracy in the NHS so that more time and effort can be devoted to patient care. It is not within the terms of reference of the scrutiny to reduce the total budget of any particular trust. Copies of the terms of reference will be placed in the Library.

Continuing Health Care

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish his Department's analysis of the responses to HSG(95)8. [10929]

Yes, in due course.

Medical Negligence Claims

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what amount of money was paid out by the NHS in relation to medical negligence claims in each of the last five years. [10741]

Data on medical negligence alone are not collected centrally. For the estimated costs of overall clinical negligence claims, I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister for Health gave the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 6 March 1995, Official Report, columns 40–42, for 1991–92 to 1993–294. Figures for 1990–91 and 1994–95 are £60 million and £155 million respectively.

Promotional Calendars (Cost)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will indicate how much "The New NHS Number is for every 1" desktop calendar cost to the NHS Management Executive to produce and send; to how many people it was sent; and if he will list the recipients. [10736]

The costs of production and distribution totalled £28,000, and it was sent to 30,000 people. The recipients were general practice managers for distribution within their practices, and those officers with responsibility for implementation of the new NHS number in family health services authorities and acute hospitals.The purpose of the calendar is to raise awareness of the new NHS number and to provide a visual reminder on a daily basis of the importance of using it. The total cost will be more than offset if as few as 1 per cent. of GP practices use the new NHS number.

School Dental Service

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many pupils in Lancashire were both inspected and re-inspected by the school dental service in each year since 1990. [10874]

This information is not available centrally.

Mental Health Services

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the expenditure on mental health services as a proportion of total NHS spending in each year since 1988–89. [11053]

Information in the form requested is not available.

Elderly Mentally Ill

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how may EMI beds there are in the Sunderland, Hartlepool and Durham health authority areas; and how many there were in each year since 1990. [11092]

Information is published annually in "Bed availability for England", copies of which are available in the Library. Information for 1990–91 to 1992–93 is available for individual health authorities. For subsequent years, the information was collected by national health services trust or directly managed unit.

Tomlinson Projects

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money has been allocated to Tomlinson projects in each year since the programme started; and what was the allocation in each year to each health commission in the London area. [11110]

The information requested on the London initiative zone programme, since it was established in 1993, is shown in the table:

£000
Family health services authority	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96
Barking and Havering	1,716	1,927	2,094
Camden and Islington	2,920	6,036	7,095
City and East London	5,088	13,132	13,221
Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow	3,594	9,941	12,576
Brent and Harrow	1,210	3,292	2,048
Enfield and Haringey	2,786	6,808	5,258
Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster	2,436	8,182	6,029
Redbridge and Waltham Forest	1,318	3,887	5,876
Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham	10,750	11,605	24,214
Bexley and Greenwich	3,085	2,181	7,834
Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth	3,928	4,490	4,425
Croydon	523	5,147	5,743

1. LIZ funds comprise central top-sliced resources together with funds from the Thames regions and local HAs.2. Figures are based on total LIZ plans, excluding funds carried forward from previous years.3. The table excludes payments made centrally by the NHS executive and regions in respect of the voluntary sector initiative (1993–94 and 1994–95) and GP educational initiatives (1994–95 and 1995–96).

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the projects funded by Tomlinson moneys to date stating the budget location, name and purpose of each project. [11111]

Information on individual London initiative zone projects are available from the chief executives of the health authorities concerned. These are:

Camden and Islington HA
Brent and Harrow HA
East London and the City HA
Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster HA
Redbridge and Waltham Forest HA
Enfield HA
New River HA
Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow HA
Croydon HA
Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth HA
Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham HA
Bexley and Greenwich HA
Barking and Havering HA

Earnings

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS employees earn less than £4 an hour. [11152]

This information is not available centrally.

Surgical Beds

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current ratio of surgical beds to head of population (a) nationally, (b) in the northern region and (c) at Sunderland general hospital. [11137]

The information available centrally is shown.

	Number
England
Annual average daily available beds	144,803
Population (mid 1994)	48,707,459
Ratio (beds per 10,000 population)	29.7
Northern Regional Health Authority
Annual average daily available beds	10,184
Population (mid 1994)	2,927,525
Ratio (beds per 10,000 population)	34.8
City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Trust
Annual average daily available beds	1,044
Population (mid 1994)	n/a
Ratio (beds per 10,000 population)	n/a

Data on bed availability are collected by broad ward classification. "Surgical beds" has therefore been interpreted as "General and acute" which comprises beds for general patients (including the elderly), the younger physically disabled, neonatal cots not in maternity wards and beds for the terminally ill or those receiving palliative care.

Sunderland Hospitals

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which premises previously operated by Sunderland Hospitals NHS trust have been deemed surplus to requirements in the trust's site and services review; [11150]

(2) what is the annual maintenance cost of the empty hospital and buildings formerly used by Sunderland City Hospitals NHS trust. [11138]

These are matters for City Hospitals Sunderland NHS trust. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. David Graham, chairman of the trust for details.

Personal Information

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research he has evaluated into patients' willingness to share personal health information with NHS administrators; and what studies into patients' views on access to their data by non-clinical staff he proposes to commission; [11472](2) what arrangements are in place for patients to give unambiguous consent for the sharing of their identifiable personal health information; and what plans he has to alter such arrangements; [11471]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration he has given when preparing his guidance booklet for the NHS on the protection of patient information to the principle of obtaining informed consent from patients for the sharing of their identifiable personal health information; [1190](4) to what extent the Department requires health service bodies to

(a) monitor and (b) control the practice of NHS administrative personnel accessing identifiable personal health information; and if he will make a statement. [11473]

We issued a consultation document on the protection of patient information in 1994 and have taken into account the many responses received, including from patients' organisations. We shall shortly be promulgating detailed guidance to the national health service. All NHS bodies and staff have a legal duty to keep patient information confidential. This is also a patients charter requirement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what penalties exist for unauthorised access to identifiable patient health data; and on how many occasions these penalties have been used in each of the last three years. [11475]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Carlile) on 4 December 1995, Official Report, columns 42–43. The Department of Health does not hold figures about the imposition of legal penalties in such circumstances. National health service employers are responsible for any disciplinary action against staff.

Surgical Wards

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the number of dedicated surgical wards required at Sunderland district general hospital to meet the needs of the population of Sunderland and north Easington. [11139]

This is a matter for Sunderland health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. George Bedell, chairman of the authority, for details.

Nhs Trusts

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 January, Official Report, column 553, how many trusts have been assessed in respect of their long-term financial viability; and what has been the outcome in each case. [11115]

The financial viability of all trusts is assessed as a part of each trust's annual business planning cycle. The outcome in the vast majority of cases has been the continued existence of the trusts as they were established.Trusts are merged or reconfigured for a number of operational reasons. Those which have resulted largely from concerns over their long-term financial viability are:

West Dorset Community Health NHS trust with West Dorset Mental Health NHS trust to form the Dorset Community NHS trust.

Royal Liverpool University NHS trust and Broadgreen NHS trust to form Royal Liverpool University and Broadgreen NHS trust.

There are also two further proposals subject to public consultation for the following trusts:

Louth and District Healthcare NHS trust and Lincoln Hospital NHS trust.

Royal Free NHS trust and the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital NHS trust.

Public Information Lines

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 14 December, Official Report, column 812, if he will list those companies currently operating health information lines on behalf of his Department, the value of the contracts involving these companies and the period of their duration. [11145]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 22 January, Official Report, columns 13–14. The additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 6 December, Official Report, column 227, if he will make a statement indicating the number of calls that have been made to the health information service on a regional health authority basis; and what has been the cost of operating and publicising the health information service to each of the regional health authorities. [11143]

Details of the number of calls received by the health information service, on a regional basis, since its establishment in April 1992 to the end of December 1995, and details of the cost of providing the health information service, on a national basis, for the financial years 1992–93 to 1995–96, are shown in the tables.

Number of calls received by the Health Information Service between April 1992 and December 1995
	1992 calls received	1993 calls received	1994 calls received	1995 calls received
Northern and Yorkshire	13,415	16,394	60,358	73,958
Trent	1,665	9,366	14,571	32,009

Number of calls received by the Health Information Service between April 1992 and December 1995
	1992 calls received	1993 calls received	1994 calls received	1995 calls received
Anglia and Oxford	1,716	10,674	16,499	28,998
North Thames	5,113	20,350	30,434	62,748
South Thames	942	14,603	18,397	57,923
West Midlands	1,545	8,370	29,394	48,886
North and West	17,059	33,107	82,541	102,637
South and West	5,839	17,893	21,398	50,028
Pan-Thames¹	3,958	5,536	1,812	—
Total	51,252	136,293	275,404	457,187
¹College of Health National Waiting Times Helpline—discontinued as part of the Health Information Service.

Cost of providing the health information service, on regional basis between 1992–93 and 1995–96
Region	1992–93 £	1993–94 £	1994–95 £	1995–96 £
Northern and Yorkshire	288,201	260,000	276,223	346,120
Trent	177,181	137,859	149,637	155,193
Anglia and Oxford	268,000	268,000	308,000	308,000
North Thames	142,500	236,200	243,608	237,629
South Thames	n/a	221,714	240,777	255,210
West Midlands	102,965	165,277	151,156	241,243
North and West	331,296	344,548	421,037	573,371
South and West	197,500	248,400	254,900	221,000
Total	1,507,643	1,881,998	2,045,338	2,337,766

Intensive Care Beds

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many intensive care (a) beds and (b) admissions there were for (i) infants, (ii) children and (iii) adults in each health region in each year since 1987. [11197]

The information available centrally is published in "Bed availability for England" and "Ordinary and day case admissions for England", both of which are available in the Library.

Speech And Language Therapy

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the level of expenditure by each health authority in England and Wales for speech and language therapy services for (a) children with a record of needs and (b) children without a record of needs in (i) 1992, (ii) 1993 and (iii) 1994. [11589]

This information is not available centrally.

Childhood Cancer Study

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the United Kingdom childhood cancer study organised by the United Kingdom Co-ordinating Committee for Cancer Research is expected to be completed; when the research project was first started; if his Department will ensure that the findings of the report are widely disseminated; and what is the total amount that his Department is contributing to the project. [10662]

The United Kingdom childhood cancer study organised by the United Kingdom Co-ordinating Committee on Cancer Research commenced in April 1992, following preliminary studies from 1 January 1992 to 31 March 1992.Field work and the collection of data are expected to be completed by the end of 1997 with subsequent analysis of the data.The findings of the whole report will be submitted for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals. The UKCCCR will also disseminate the results more widely after publication.The total amount that the Department of Health is contributing to the project is currently £635,853.

Employment Of Children

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many responses to the "Employment of Children" consultation document have so far been received; if he will publish them, what action he will take after the close of consultations; and if he will make a statement. [11544]

To date, some 40 responses have been received. I have no plans to publish them. Future action will take into account the views expressed in response to the consultation.

Absenteeism

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11337]

The available absenteeism rates for the Department of Health in the years 1992, 1993 and 1994 are shown in the table.

Year	Number of days sickness absence per staff year
1992	9.4
1993	9.7
1994	8.9

Information is not available for 1995 nor for the years prior to 1992.

Departmental Expenditure

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the annual telephone costs to (a) his Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) his Department's non-departmental public bodies staff for each of the years (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92, (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97; and if internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas of (a) to (c). [11338]

Annual telephone costs incurred by the Department and its agencies are as follows:

1990–91: £4,739,561
1991–92: £3,017,000
1992–93: £3,490,000
1993–94: £3,419,000
1994–95: £2,951,740
1995–96: £2,914,000 Estimated outturn
1996–97: £3,734,000 Forecast

The figure for 1996–97 additionally includes the telephone costs of approximately 1,100 staff in the eight new national health service executive regional offices at seven separate sites.Separate figures for the Department of Health are not available before 1990–91 since such costs were incurred by the combined Departments of Health and of Social Security.No central records are available for the telephone costs of non-departmental public bodies.Internal telephone directors are available to all staff in the Department, its agencies, and non-departmental public bodies.

Transplant Patients

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he has given to health authorities and trusts in the light of the recent case of Mr. Peter Sumners; if he will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the kidney transplant to Mr. Peter Sumners; what steps he has taken to minimise the risk to transplant patients in the light of the experience of Mr. Peter Sumners; and if he will make a statement. [11832]

The question of whether to conduct an investigation into this case, which was as a result of transplant which took place in 1986, is for the local trust. The decision about the suitability of a donor organ for transplant is a clinical one; however, we are confident that the stringent protocols that are now in place will exclude the possibility of such an incident in the future.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he has evaluated regarding the possible causes of MRSA; and what advice he has issued to doctors regarding prescribing practice in the light of increases in the incidence of MRSA outbreaks. [11834]

Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus is the term used for strains on the bacterium staphylococcus aureus which have become resistant, principally to methicillin, but also to other antibiotics. Clinicians are expected to consider a number of factors, including resistance to infection, before prescribing antibiotics for a patient.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the number of (a) beds and (b) wards closed and i) admissions and (ii) operations postponed or cancelled as a result of outbreaks of MRSA. [11833]

This information is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the financial cost of MRSA in terms of isolating and treating patients; and what action he is taking to reduce or control the incidence of MRSA outbreaks. [11835]

Information on the costs of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus is not available centrally. I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Williams) on 22 January, Official Report, columns 16–17 for information on the action the Department is taking to reduce or control the incidence of outbreaks of MRSA.

Meningitis

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department is taking to ensure early diagnosis of and fast treatment for bacterial meningitis. [11726]

Guidance on the early management and treatment of cases and contacts of meningitis has been issued by the Department of Health, the Public Health Laboratory Service and the National Meningitis Trust, which receive funding from the Department of Health. In October 1995, the chief medical officer wrote to all doctors and health authorities alerting them to the expected winter rise in cases of meningococcal infection and reminding doctors of the benefits of early administration of benzylpenicillin. Directors of public health were reminded in November of the need for local plans to respond to outbreaks of meningococcal infection, especially those involving schools. Since issuing its guidelines on control of meningococcal infection in 1989, the PHLS has issued regular updates. The guidelines are sent to all DPHs and local consultants in communicable disease control, the most recent being published in the communicable disease report of 8 December 1995.The Department and the National Meningitis Trust have collaborated in providing an information leaflet for parents of small children and for teenagers. The leaflet is included in the college bag for students, a group where there is a higher risk of meningitis than for other adults.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to make available vaccination against bacterial meningitis for all children. [11727]

There is no vaccine available against the most common form of meningococcal infection, meningitis group B. Vaccine is available against group C meningitis but this vaccine is not appropriate for use on a routine basis. The vaccine is not effective in children under age two, the group at highest risk of group C meningitis, and in older individuals the protection it provides is only short lived. Because the available vaccine is not very effective, the independent expert committee, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises the United Kingdom Health Departments, does not recommend the meningitis C vaccine for general immunisation. The vaccine may be used in clearly identified target groups, such as school contacts, whenever local circumstances indicate. No country in the world uses this vaccine for all children.The Department of Health has invested considerable resources in trials of new meningococcal vaccines.

Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) used to be the most common form of bacterial meningitis in the under-fives, but Hib meningitis has now been virtually eliminated since the introduction of Hib vaccine into the childhood immunisation programme in 1992.

Northern Ireland

Democratic Accountability

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to improve the democratic accountability of the Northern Ireland Office. [9634]

Our overall objective is, as part of a three-stranded process, to establish locally accountable political arrangements in Northern Ireland, on a widely accepted basis.Until there is agreement on such arrangements and they are in place, I want to improve the democratic accountability of the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments. I need therefore to consult the Northern Ireland parties which I shall shortly do. The remit of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee is, for example, an area with a promising potential.

Republican Terrorism

10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) violent attacks and (b) murders have been committed by republican terrorist organisations in Northern Ireland in the last year. [9635]

In the period 15 January to 14 January 1996 there were 225 punishment attacks, of which 144 have been attributed to republican groups. Over the same period there have been 10 terrorist-related deaths, of which eight have been attributed to republican groups.

Arms And Explosives

12.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current positions taken by paramilitary organisations in Ulster on the surrender of weapons. [9637]

The international body concluded that the paramilitaries will not decommission any arms prior to all-party negotiaions. We see no sufficient reason why they should not begin. But no one should be allowed to block the path of peace. That is why we hope that an elective process may now be considered by the parties which, together with the recommendations the body has made, may well offer an alternative means to generating the necessary confidence which the body found to be lacking.

Paramilitary Murders

13.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will give the number of murders committed in Northeren Ireland involving the use of firearms since the declaration of a ceasefire by paramilitary organisations in the Province. [9638]

Since the Provisional IRA ceasefire on 1 September 1994 there have been 17 murders committed in Northern Ireland which involved the use of firearms. Of these, 10 have been categorised by the RUC as having a terrosit involvement.

Peace Process

14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on recent developments in the peace process.[9639]

20.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current political situation in Northern Ireland and recent progress on the peace process. [9646]

21.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made on the Government's "twin-track" approach to the Northern Ireland peace process [9647]

I refer the hon. member to the replies I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Castle Point (Dr. Spink) and to the hon. Members for Liverpool, West Derby (Mr. Wareing) and for Lewisham, East (Mrs. Prentice).

19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the impact of the peace process on living standards in the Province. [9644]

It is not possible to link the peace process directly to any general measure of the standard of living in Northern Ireland. however, in the first 12 months after the ceasefire employment increased by almost 11,000—1.9 per cent.—to the highest level ever recorded; unemployment fell by just over 9,000—9.5 per cent.—to its lowest level for 14 years and house prices increased, on average, by 5 per cent.

Inward Investment

15.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current annual level of inward investment in Northern Ireland; and what was the level prior to the ceasefire. [9640]

During the nine months of the current financial year to 31 December 1995 Northern Ireland has secured eight inward investment projects promoting 2,306 jobs. In the 12 months of 1994–95 there were 10 projects promoting 1,969 jobs, and in the 12 months of 1993–94 there were 13 projects promoting 2,309 jobs.

Food Companies

16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what grants are available to food companies wishing to conduct inward investment in Northern Ireland. [9641]

The range of grants available to food companies wishing to invest in Northern Ireland is the same as that for any other potential inward investor engaged in manufacturing industry or in internationally tradeable services.

Mitchell Commission

17.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress of the Mitchell Commission. [9642]

25.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his policy in respect of the form the decommissioning of weapons and ordnance by paramilitary groups should take; and if he will make a statement. [9651]

28.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made on the decommissioning of paramilitary arms. [9655]

I refer hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Castle Point (Dr. Spink).

Shootings And Beatings

18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current levels of shootings and punishment beatings in Northern Ireland. [9643]

I strongly condemn these wicked attacks on people. Such attacks divide the community and destroy the trust in Northern Ireland. The Government's position is clear. These murders, senseless shootings and attacks are appalling and must cease. There is no excuse of any kind. I am in no doubt that terrorists are involved in all such incidents and I call on all those genuinely committed to peaceful methods unreservedly to condemn such acts.

Economic Prospects

22.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the prospects for the economy of Northern Ireland during 1996. [9648]

Prospects for the Northern Ireland economy are very encouraging. Business confidence is high, employment is at record levels and output and trade are increasing. With continuing peace we can look forward to this excellent progress being maintained.

Pensioners

23.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total number of (a) pensioners and (b) pensioners on income support in Northern Ireland. [9649]

The latest available figures show that at September 1994 there were 219,109 pensioners in Northern Ireland and at November 1995 there were 65,931 pensioners—excluding partners over pensionable age—in receipt of income support.

Licensed Weapons

24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many licensed weapons were in private hands in Northern Ireland; and what proportion of these weapons are owned by (a) Catholics and (b) Protestants. [9650]

At 30 November 1995 there were a total of 133,869 weapons held on 88,092 firearms certificates received under the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.There is no information held which would indicate the religious background of an applicant.

Housing Executive

26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the future proposals involving the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. [9652]

The housing policy review entitled "Building on Success" was published on 19 December and copies placed in the Library. The conclusions confirm the Executive's role as a single, comprehensive, regional housing authority for Northern Ireland, and also propose to strengthen and enhance that role. I would welcome comments on those proposals by 31 March.

Elderly Physically Handicapped

27.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the care of the elderly physically handicapped in Northern Ireland. [9653]

Care services for elderly physically disabled, and other vulnerable people, in Northern Ireland are provided on the basis of individual assessed health and personal social services care needs. In securing the delivery of services which respond flexibly and sensitively to the needs of individuals, and the relatives and friends who care for them, boards are expected to ensure that priority is given to those in greatest need and to secure value for money.

Nursery Education

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many four-year-olds arc currently receiving education; what proportion of their age group this represents; what is the cost to public funds; and if he will make a statement. [10168]

Available statistics relate to pupils' age at 1 July. 26,089 four-year-olds were receiving education at the 1995 census date. This represents 100 per cent. of the four-year-old age group, as this is the age of commencement of compulsory schooling. The cost to public funds for the education of four-year-olds cannot he separately identified.

Absenteeism

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11401]

The estimate number of days absence for non-industrial staff in (d) 1993–94 was 335,780 and in (e) 1994–95 was 362,438. Information for (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90 and (c) 1991–92 is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The estimated number of days lost in the first six months of 1995–96 was 165,765.

Child Care

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average money spent per capita on child care in Northern Ireland; and what is the figure for English local authorities. [10311]

The information is not available in the form requested. HPSS bodies produce statements in support of the annual accounts which provide supplementary analyses of the expenditure in the accounts over programme of care. One programme of care is family and child care. The total expenditure on this category in Northern Ireland for 1993–94 amounted to £44 million. This expenditure figure has been related to the child population in Northern Ireland 1993 to give an average cost per child of £100. The equivalent figure for English local authorities is not held centrally.

Care Of The Elderly

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what guidelines he has issued about the provision of care to the elderly living in the community. [10565]

Policy and practice guidance has been issued by my Department to health and social services boards in relation to their community care responsibilities. "People First: Community Care In Northern Ireland in the 1990s" was issued in March 1990 and practice guidance on care management and assessment was issued in August 1991. In addition, the social services inspectorate produced a report on assessment and care management arrangements in Northern Ireland in June 1995.

Radioactive Land

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will now publish and place in the Library a map showing the changing areas of land in Northern Ireland to which the restrictions consequent upon the Chernobyl incident apply, indicating the dates of the different changes and the levels of radioactivity at each such date in those areas at the latest available date; and when he estimates all the remaining restrictions will be removed. [9515]

On each occasion that derestriction takes place a press release is issued along with a small scale map outlining the changes per derestriction. Arrangements have been made to have copies of these maps placed in the Library. Derestriction is based on monitoring levels of radioactivity in live sheep and can be considered only where the levels are found to be below the action level of 1,000 becquerels per kilogramme.Although the continued downward trend is encouraging, it is not possible to indicate at this time when all restrictions may be removed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish and place in the Library a map showing the area and land use, of the areas of land in Northern Ireland to which the restrictions consequent upon the Chernobyl incident have applied; and what uptake of radioactive material by trees in such areas there has been. [9516]

On each occasion that derestriction takes place a press release is issued, along with a small-scale map outlining the changes. Arrangements have been made to have copies of these maps placed in the Library. These maps do not indicate the land use, which in the main is rough grazing with some forestry. There is no data available on uptake of radioactive material by trees.

Incontinence Pads

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his policy is in relation to the supply of incontinence pads to those who require them because of disability; what plans he has to review these arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [9210]

The organisation of continence services in Northern Ireland and the manner in which they are delivered, including the provision of incontinence pads, are matters for health and social services boards and trusts. They are under a general obligation to provide these services where the need exists and in the light of their resources and priorities. There are no current plans to review these arrangements.

Fire Authority

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to change the membership of the Fire Authority; and if he will ensure that present representation from local authorities is maintained. [9862]

I am currently reviewing the constitution of the Fire Authority. No decision has yet been taken, but there will be full consideration about any proposed changes.

Rural College, Draperstown

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons are employed at the Rural college at Draperstown, County Londonderry; how many are (a) Catholics and (b) Protestants; and if he will make a statement. [9860]

Staff at the Rural college, Draperstown are employed directly by the college. I am therefore not in a position to answer the question.

Six Mile Water (Effluent)

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many consented discharges are in operation on the Six Mile Water; and what was the river flow regime used in granting these consent discharges. [9915]

Four consents granted by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland under the Water Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 for effluent discharges to the Six Mile Water are currently in operation. The consents are based on the low flow in the river, known as the Q95, which is the flow exceeded for 95 per cent. of the time.

Water And Sewerage Systems

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) water treatment plants and (b) sewage treatment plants are operating in County Antrim. [9914]

The Department of the Environment's Water Executive operates 17 water treatment works and 158 sewage treatment works in County Antrim.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to improve the water and sewerage systems serving (a) Northern Ireland and (b) Mid Ulster. [10575]

The Water Executive will continue the programme of improvements commenced six years ago to enable it to meet the standards set by EC directives on drinking water quality, urban waste water treatment and bathing waters. New sources of water supply will be developed and refinements made to the water distribution system and sewerage system to make them more effective in dealing with current and future demand for services. On top of the £370 million already spent in the last six years on these objectives throughout Northern Ireland a further £66 million has been committed for the 1996–97 year. In Mid-Ulster planned capital investment over the next five years amounts to £35 million with particular emphasis being placed on strengthening the water supply infrastructure serving the towns of Omagh and Cookstown.

Power Stations

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many power stations in Northern Ireland use aluminium sulphate in the treatment of water used in cooling towers; and what arrangements are in place for the disposal of the residue. [9913]

Community psychiatric nurses for each health board in Northern Ireland
	Eastern Board		Northern Board		Southern Board		Western Board
	Number	WTE	Number	WTE	Number	WTE	Number	WTE
1991	61	61.00	12	12.00	16	16.00	26	26.00
1992	67	66.80	18	18.00	13	13.00	24	24.00
1993	72	72.00	24	24.00	18	18.00	32	32.00
1994	68	66.80	22	22.00	16	16.00	40	40.00
1995	66	65.50	26	25.40	17	17.00	40	39.60

WTE = Whole time equivalent. Number = Head count (staff in post).

General Practitioner Fundholding

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what evaluation has been made of the results of the general practitioner fundholding initiative in the west of the Province. [10573]

The Western health and social services board is responsible for the monitoring of the GP fundholding scheme within its area and no separate evaluation of the scheme's operation there has been undertaken. On the basis of monitoring reports supplied by the board, I am satisfied that the scheme is working well in the Western board area and that patients of fundholding GPs are receiving a high standard of service.

None of the four power stations in Northern Ireland use towers for cooling water. Consequently, aluminium sulphate is not used for this purpose.

Road Deaths And Injuries

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the number of road deaths and serious injuries in the years 1994 and 1995. [10577]

The number of road users killed in 1994 was 157 and the provisional figures for 1995 is 144. The number seriously injured in 1994 was 1,648 and the provisional figure for the 11 months to 30 November 1995 is 1,520. good progress is being made towards achieving the Northern Ireland road safety target of reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on Northern Ireland's roads by one third, compared with the average for 1981 to 1985, by the year 2000.

Health Boards (Private Finance Initiative)

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many private finance initiative schemes he (a) has agreed and (b) is considering in respect of Northern Ireland health boards. [10566]

No scheme under the private finance initiative has been approved to date in the Northern Ireland health boards. One scheme has been approved to proceed to tender stage and eight other cases are currently under consideration which may lead to private finance solutions.

Psychiatric Community Nurses

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the change in the number of psychiatric community nurses since 1989 in each of the Northern Ireland health boards. [10564]

The information is as follows:

Homelessness

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if accommodation approved by the Northern Ireland tourist board is used by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to accommodate the homeless. [10316]

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, whose chief executive has advised me that he is aware of one establishment approved by the Northern Ireland tourist board and used by the Executive to accommodate the homeless. While tourist board approval may exist for some other properties used by the Executive for similar purposes, a property's suitability is determined by the Executive on the basis of its own technical inspections and tourist board approved status is neither a pre-requisite nor the subject of inquiry by the Executive. In the light of recent interest, I understand that the chief executives of the tourist board and the Executive will be meeting to discuss these matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations have been received about the need for proper liaison between the RUC, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Northern Ireland tourist board and health and social services authorities on the placement of homeless families or individuals; and what response has been given. [10317]

I understand that a representation has been made to my noble friend who has responsibility for the Department of Economic Development about liaison between the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and other agencies on the placement of homeless applicants including instances where the accommodation used by the Housing Executive has attained the tourist board's approval status. The reply indicated that there was no evidence that the standard of accommodation in tourist board approved establishments has deteriorated as a result of the placing of homeless there and that present liaison arrangements were satisfactory.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about liaison arrangements between the RUC, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the health and social services authorities on the placement of homeless people with a criminal record. [10315]

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive whose chief executive has advised me that, when considering both the temporary and permanent housing needs of homeless applicants, the Executive will liaise where appropriate with the RUC, the Health and Social Services Board and the Probation Board for Northern Ireland. Liaison arrangements operate on a case by case basis at local level between the Executive's district office staff and their counterparts in the agencies involved.Regional inter-agency meetings involving the Executive, the Health and Social Services Board and the Probation Board are held at least twice a year to discuss general issues relating to homelessness.

Wales

Nursery Voucher Scheme

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is, in respect of the nursery voucher scheme in Wales, (a) the amount of new money he intends to make available, (b) the amount he intends to reduce from the budget allocation for local authorities, (c) the cost of providing a full time place for a four-year-old pupil, (d) the number of four-year-olds taking up nursery places in April 1997, (e) the number of places he estimates (i) local authorities, (ii) the voluntary sector and (iii) the private sector will provide and (f) the number of places available in Ysgolion Meithrin. [9047]

The total cost of the scheme in 1997–98 is not expected to exceed £43 million. The scheme will be funded by a mixture of new money and a proportion of present local authority expenditure on provision for four-year-olds in the maintained sector. There will be a one-off transfer of money from the local authorities total, but this will be at the all Wales level and not deducted from individual authorities' budgets. The maximum amount of this transfer will not exceed a sum equivalent to the value of the voucher multiplied by the number of four-year-olds receiving education in the maintained sector. A final decision on the relevant levels of new money and present expenditure funding will he taken in the context of the public expenditure settlement for 1997–98.The cost of providing a full-time place for a four-year-old pupil will vary according to the sort of provision made and the sector in which it is made.The number of four-year-olds taking up places in April 1997 will depend on parental choice, though I would not expect it to be less than current levels. The sectors in which places are taken up will also depend on parental choice, which will be enhanced by the voucher scheme.

Regeneration Scheme (Caernarfon)

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the expenditure to date under the provision of the 1992 regeneration scheme for the town of Caernarfon; and how many new jobs have so far been facilitated by this expenditure. [9335]

The Welsh Office's strategic development scheme has contributed £1.11 million for the period 1993–94 to 1994–95 towards environmental improvements and infrastructure works in Caernarfon. The Welsh Development Agency has contributed £2.91 million for the same period. Information on the number of jobs created to date is not available. However, the agency will shortly be conducting an evaluation to determine the number of jobs created and other results of the regeneration programme.

Unemployment

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in (a) Alyn and Deeside and (b) Clwyd are (i) long-term unemployed and (ii) unemployed in the age group 18 to 24 years; and if he will make a statement. [9554]

In October 1995 the number of claimants in the Alyn and Deeside constituency who were long-term unemployed—over 52 weeks—was 617; the number of claimants in the age group 18 to 24 years was 621. The corresponding figures for Clwyd were 3,794 and 3,780, respectively. Over the last two years, the numbers in each of these categories have fallen by between a fifth and a third.

Helplines

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list all the helplines, or schemes which include a helpline service, for which his Department provides any funding, stating which are (a) independent organisations, (b) run by his Department or agencies of his Department or (c) of another classification; how many calls each received in each of the last five years; and how much money each received from his Department in each of the last five years. [9802]

Information in the format requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. In 1995–96, my Department is funding the following helplines run by external organisations.

Organisation	Helpline	Welsh office funding in 1995–96 £
ADAS	Countryside and Agricultural Information Service (CAIS)	Not separately identified
Arena Network	Help and advice on environmental issues for businesses	1,100
8 business development consortia	Business connect	¹500,000
Cardiff Bay Development Corporation	Groundwater enquiry line	Not separately identified
Carmarthen Area Blind Society	Helpline for the visually impaired	Not separately identified
Childline	Childline	73,000
Cymru/Wales Clwyd Social Services Department	Carers helpline	6,000
County Hospital, Pontypool	Cardiac rehabilitation project	Not separately identified
Gwent Training and Enterprise Council	Adult prospects	3,250
Gwynedd Carers Outreach	Carers helpline	Not separately identified
Healthcare Management Information Services	Health Information Wales	63,000
Healthcare Management Information Services	Health Information Wales—Waiting Times Inormation Service	1,000
Mid Glamorgan Carers Support Group	Carers helpline	Not separately identified
Network Scotland (on behalf of all UK Health Departments)	National AIDS and Drugs Helpline	34,000
Newport MIND	Crisis helpline	500
Pennell Kerr Forster	Helpline for GP fundholders with accounting queries	300
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service, Merthyr	Rape and sexual abuse helpline	Not separately identified
South Glamorgan Social Services Department	Community Alcohol Team helpline	1,800

Organisation	Helpline	Welsh office funding in 1995–96 £
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS)	Support helpline	10,700
West Glamorgan Health Authority	National Incontinence Helpline 1996	200
West Wales Energy Group	Local energy advice	Not separately identified
¹This represents Welsh Office support in 1995–96 for the development of the Business Connect network, including information technology.

In addition, my Department operates the following helplines:

Helpline

Cost to Welsh Office in 1995–96

Number of calls in 1995–96 (estimate)

Citizen's charter freephone

275

100

Help and advice on energy efficiency

1,500

3,000

Schools (Deficit Budgets)

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list (a) the grant-maintained and (b) the locally-managed schools which had deficit budgets in the last financial year for which information is available, indicating in each case the number of years deficits have been carried over, the measures each school has been asked to take to get rid of the deficits and the legal obligations on school governors if the deficits arc not removed. [9475]

[holding answer 15 January 19961: The information requested is as follows:The audited accounts for 1994–95 show that two grant-maintained schools—Cwmcarn in Gwent and Bishop Vaughan Catholic comprehensive in West Glamorgan—had deficits at the end of March 1995. This is the first year in which Bishop Vaughan had a deficit; that for Cwmcarn was carried over from 1993–94.The financial memorandum agreed between the Welsh Office and grant-maintained schools says that governing bodies must plan and conduct their affairs so as to remain solvent. If it becomes apparent to its governors that their school is in overall deficit, they must inform the Welsh Office. Officials then discuss with the school a strategy to extinguish the deficit. The Department is currently in discussion with both schools on action appropriate to eliminate the deficits.Should the governing body fail to implement the agreed strategy, then it is open to the Secretary of State to appoint additional governors to the governing body in accordance with section 67 of the Education Act 1993. If, however, it is his opinion that the governing body's actions are prejudicial to the provision of education at the school then, under section 64 of the 1993 Act, he can replace all or any of the first governors. In extreme cases, where the Secretary of State is of the view that the school is unsuitable to continue, he can, under section 109 of the Act, give the school notice of his proposed date for cessation of his duty to maintain the school.As regards LEA-maintained schools, the position as detailed in the section 42 outturn statements for the period 1990–91 to 1994–95 is as follows:

Local Education Authority	Number of years in which school has had a deficit
CLWYD
Primary schools
St. Ethelwood's, Shotton	2
Llanarmon-yn-Ial	3
Secondary schools
Denbigh High School	2
Special schools
Gwersyllt	1
DYFED
Primary schools
Gorslas	1
Ffarmers	1
Llanboidy	1
Llangennech Infants	1
Crymych	1
Llanarth	1
Blaenporth	1
Fishguard Juniors	2
Mynachlogddu	2
Narberth	2
Tregaron	2
Mathry	2
Bwlchygroes	3
Llangeitho	3
Llandyfaelog	3
Llangynin	4
Ffairfach	4
Coedmor	4
Alltwalis	4
New Inn	4
Pencader	4
Llansaint	4
Moylegrove	4
Llannon	4
Ysbyty Ystwyth	4
Angle	4
Llangwm	4
Secondary schools
Ysgol Dewi Sant	1
Lampeter	1
Glanymor	1
St. John Lloyd RC	2
Ysgol Pantycelyn	2
Fishguard	2
Graig	2
GWENT
Primary schools
Brynglas J and I	1
Bryngwyn J and I	1
Cefn Fforest Junior	1
Hillside J and I	1
Ringland Junior	1
Varteg J and I	1
Llanyravon J and I	2
GWYNEDD
Primary schools
Nebo	1

Local Education Authority	Number of years in which school has had a deficit
Trefriw	1
Brynsiencyn	1
Pencarnisiog	1
Faenol	2
Llangoed	3
Secondary schools
Friars	2
Special schools
Y Gogarth	1
MID GLAMORGAN
Primary schools
Cwmaman Infants	1
YGG Abercynon	1
Cwmbach Church Primary	1
Blaen-y-Cwm	1
Cymer Infants	1
Dunraven	1
Llwynpia	1
Pentre	1
Penyrenglyn Infants	1
YGG Ynyswen	1
Coed yr Esgob	1
Gellideg Infants	1
Gellifaelog	1
Goetre Infants	1
Ynysowen	1
YG Rhyd y Grug	1
St. Illtyd's	1
St. Brides C in W	1
Bargoed Infants	1
Hengoed Primary	1
Nant y Parc	1
Abertaf	2
Blaenrhondda	2
Llangewydd	4
Pencoed Juniors	4
Trallwng Infants	5
Secondary schools
YG Rhydfelen	1
Cardinal Newman RC	1
Vaynor and Penderyn	1
POWYS
Primary schools
Archdeacon Griffiths	1
Builth Wells	1
Gungrog C in W	1
Llandinam	1
Llanfaes	1
Llangynidr	1
Oldford Infants	1
Rhayader C in W	1
Talgarth	1
Tregynon	1
Whitton (Aided)	1
Castle Caereinion C in W	2
Hay-on-Wye	2
Ladywell Green N and I	2
Llangorse C in W	2
Nantmel C in W	2
Ysgol Maesydre	2
Cwmdu C in W	3
Cwmtwrch	3
Guilsfield	3
Montgomery C in W	3
Mount St. Juniors	3
Trecastle	3
Trefonnen C in W 1	3
Forden C in W	4

Local Education Authority	Number of years in which school has had a deficit
Llangurig	4
Manafon C in W	4
Radnor Valley	4
Banw	5
Clyro	5
Maesyrhandir	5
Sarn C in W (Aided)	5
Secondary schools
Gwernyfed	1
Ysgol Bro Ddyfi	1
Maesydderwen	1
Crickhowell	2
South Glamorgan
Primary schools
Pendoylan C in W	1
St. David's (Vale)	1
Ysgol Sant Curig	1
Fairfield	3
Secondary schools
Radyr	2
Llanedeyrn	4

Local management of schools schemes in general prohibit governing bodies from planning deliberately for deficits, except to the extent that the LEA may think it reasonable to make provision in its scheme to allow schools, in certain specified circumstances, to anticipate their budget shares for the following year in order to finance some major planned item of expenditure for which the full cost cannot readily be accommodated within the current year's budget share. Where deficits nevertheless arise, LMS schemes must make appropriate provision for their recovery, normally from the following year's budget share, except where clear practical considerations preclude recovery on this timescale. It is for LEAs to pursue any appropriate action in respect of deficits incurred by LEA maintained schools.

Repossessions

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the extent of repossessions in Wales over the past two years; and what are his estimates of likely trends in (a) repossessions and (b) negative equity in 1996. [10258]

Information is not recorded centrally on the number of cases in which mortgage possession orders lead to warrants to have the defendants evicted. However, recent figures on the number of possession orders and suspended orders are given in the table. Estimates of likely trends in repossessions and negative equity are not available for 1996.

	1991	1992	1993	1994	¹1995
Mortgage possession orders	3,958	3,403	2,297	1,485	1,245
Suspended orders	3,457	3,673	3,598	2,253	2,008

Source:

Lord Chancellor's Department.

Note:

¹ Figures are for the first 3 quarters of 1995.

Estimates of likely trends in repossessions and negative equity are not available for 1996.

Bristol Channel (Dredging)

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the study on the impact of dredging on the coastal environment in the Bristol channel referred to in his answer of 2 May 1995, Official Report, column 140, to be completed. [10912]

Invitations to tender will be issued shortly. The study will commence as soon as a suitable contractor has been chosen. The work is expected to take two to three years to complete.

Council Of Ministers

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many times he has attended meetings of the Council of Ministers. [10696]

None to date. Members of the Government attending meetings of the Council of Ministers speak on behalf of the whole United Kingdom, including Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many meetings of the Council of Ministers dealing with responsibilities held by the Welsh Office have been convened since he took up his duties as Secretary of State for Wales. [10695]

Between 5 July 1995 and 19 January 1996, the Council of the European Union met on 19 occasions when the title of the Council could in some way be related to responsibilities held by the Welsh Office as set out in the 1995 departmental report of the Welsh Office.

Cadw

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many offices CADW currently has in Wales. [10702]

This is a matter for the agency and I have asked the chief executive, Mr. T. J. Cassidy, to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from T. J. Cassidy to Mr. Elfyn Llwyd, dated 25 January 1996:

The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question in which you ask how many offices Cadw currently has in Wales.

The Agency has only a single administrative office and this is located at Brunel House here in Cardiff, although it will be relocated into the main Welsh Office building in Cathays Park later this year. The Agency also has three works management units at Caerphilly and Neath these will be centralised at Crickhowell in April—and at Caernarfon. There are responsible for the management of industrial staff and the conservation maintenance programme for the estate in care.

Community Councils

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many community councils there were in Wales (a) 1976 and (b) 1986; and how many there are currently. [10675]

I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Temporary Traffic Lights, Bryncoedifor

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how long the temporary traffic lights system has been in operation at Bryncoedifor on the Bala to Dolgellau road; and if he will make a statement. [10708]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Wrexham (Dr. Marek) on 24 November 1995, Official Report, column 415.

Severn Flood Barrage

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated as to a River Severn flood barrage in the Llandrinio area; and if he will make a statement. [11257]

None.

Departmental Expenditure

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the total expenditure of his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies on publicity for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will break these figures down to indicate expenditure on (1) advertising and (2) press and public relations. [11360]

The information requested is included in the following table.Expenditure on advertising and press and public relations by my Department and its executive agency CADW for the years requested are set out in the table below. Figures are not held centrally for NDPBs.

Year	Advertising	Press and public relations
Welsh Office
1979–80	61	451
1989–90	411	2,245
1991–92	349	2,089
1993–94	275	1,704
1994–95	255	2,068
1995–96 (i) to date	352	964
(ii) estimate outturn	465	2,055
1996–07 estimate	408	2,187
CADW
1979–80	n/a	¹n/a
1989–90	n/a	n/a
1991–92	n/a	n/a
1993–94	58	370
1994–95	35	471
1995–96 (i) to date	26	312
(ii) estimate outturn	26	374
1996–97 estimate	26	375

CADW was set up as an executive agency in April 1992.

¹ Figures before 1992–93 are not readily available and can be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

Expenditure on advertising includes television, radio and press advertising costs. Figures for press and public relations includes press and publicity staff costs, press cutting services and the cost of purchasing other forms of publicity material.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the annual telephone costs to (a) his Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) his Department's non-departmental public bodies staff for each of the years (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92, (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97; and if internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas of (a) to (c). [11362]

The information requested is included in the following list.

(a) 1979–80: No records available

1989–90: £906,700 (actual)
1991–92: £1,159,874 (actual)
1993–94: £1,314,015 (actual)
1994–95: £1,221,344 (actual)
1995–96: £834,483 (spend to date)
1996–97: Not yet finalised

(b) 1979–80: No Agencies

1989–90: No Agencies
1991–92: £38,866 (actual)
1993–94: £65,763 (actual)
1994–95: £32,033 (actual)
1995–96: £55,671 (spend to date)
1996–97: £57,700 (estimate)

(d) Internal directories are available to all staff in my Department and it's Agencies. Information is not available centrally on the position of NDPB's.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the expenditure of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants including management consultants for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will estimate the savings accruing to his Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11359]

Expenditure on management and other consultants engaged by the Welsh Office is as follows:

	£000
1979–80	not applicable
1989–90	342
1991–92	1,109
1993–94	1,454
1994–95	805
1995–96 to end—December	202

My Department's plans for using external consultants in 1996–97 have not yet been finalised. There are no central records of expenditure on consultants by non-departmental public bodies, or the savings resulting from consultancy work.

Absenteeism

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11361]

The average number of working days sickness absence per member of staff by calendar year was as follows:

1992: 9.82
1993: 10.1
1994: 9.14

Statistics on a comparable basis are not available prior to 1992. Statistics for 1995 are not yet available.

South Glamorgan Health Authority

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the South Glamorgan health authority in relation to the cancellation of all extra-contractual referrals until the end of the current financial year. [11905]

My Department was made aware of the health authority's policy decision prior to its introduction.

General Practitioners

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the proposals to provide general practitioner out-of-hours health care, and the process of public consultation in Mid Glamorgan and in Wales. [11729]

The agreement reached last year between the Government and the British Medical Association provides the opportunity for GPs to organise their emergency out-of-hours services in ways that will maintain and improve patient services.

The arrangements for implementing the agreement at a local level rests with the relevant family health services authority.

Retail Shopping Developments

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which superstore projects have received public funding from (a) regional selective assistance grants and (b) other grants in each of the counties of Wales; what are the amounts awarded; and if he will make a statement. [11730]

This information is not readily available in the form requested. I will write to the hon. Gentleman.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy concerning out-of-town retail parks. [11731]

My right hon. Friend's policy is set out in planning policy guidance note No. 6 "Town Centres and Retail Development". Planning policy guidance (Wales) which was issued for consultation in July 1995 contains revised guidance on retail development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representation he has received in the last three years concerning the impact of new superstores and out-of-town retail parks on existing shopping centres. [11732]

My right hon. Friend and I have received various representations in that time from individuals, companies, local authorities and other organisations relating both to specific retail proposals and to retail development generally.

Volume 270: debated on Thursday 25 January 1996

Written Answers To Questions

Scotland

Scottish Grand Committee

Departmental Expenditure

Home Department

Conservative Central Office

Departmental Expenditure

Absenteeism

Police Funding

Prisoners (Mechanical Restraints)

Doncaster Prison

Holloway Prison

Martin Fenton

Prisons Budgets And Staff

Stoke Heath Young Offenders Institution

Immigration And Asylum Interviews

Prison Service (Director General)

Incapacitants

Treasury

Labour Statistics

Scott Inquiry

Employment Statistics (Accuracy)

Earnings (Yorkshire And Humberside)

Part-Time Workers

Employment (Maastricht Treaty)

Manufacturing Industry

Trade And Industry

Isdn Lines

Waste

Industrial Death And Retirement Fund

Balance Of Trade

Directors' Remuneration (Disclosure)

Royal Family (Free Postage)

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Departmental Expenditure

Scott Inquiry

China

Saudi Arabia

Government Borrowing

Prime Minister

Engagements

Scott Inquiry

Hafey Dalkamouni

Duchy Of Lancaster

Compliance Cost Assessments

House Of Commons

Staff Salaries

Defence

Scott Inquiry

Munitions Dumping

Positive About Disabled People Symbol

Nato (Interoperability)

Departmental Contracts (Chelmsford)

Dodman Exercise Area

Absenteeism

Civilian Posts

Lsd Experiments, Porton Down

Married Housing Sales

Attorney-General

Scott Inquiry

Lord Chancellor's Department

Legal Aid

Absenteeism

Departmental Expenditure

Wayne Thompson

Repossessions

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Fish Farming

Live Animal Transport

Chernobyl Explosion (Compensation)

Private Finance Initiative

Mobile Phones

Education And Employment

Young Entrepreneurs (Training)

University Facilities

Information Technology

Home-To-School Transport

Education Multi-Media Industry