To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations his Department held with representatives of astronomical groups in the process of drawing up the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995 (S.I., 1995, No. 2943). [10367]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if an environmental impact assessment in accordance with European Union procedures of the implications of the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995 (S.I., 1995, No. 2943) was carried out. [10363]

No. Environmental impact assessments are required only for certain development projects. They are not appropriate for policy changes regarding advertising.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make it his policy to exempt national parks from the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995 (S.I., 1995, No. 2943); [10364](2) if he will make it his policy to exempt areas of outstanding natural beauty from the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995 (S.I., 1995, No. 2943). [10366]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers are available to local authorities to control aerial advertising in their areas. [10365]

Under the provisions in class A to schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992, a person may display an advertisement on the side of a tethered balloon, subject to certain restrictions, on any site for a maximum of 10 days in any year. Any display which exceeds this period requires the express consent of the local planning authority under those regulations. However, this form of advertising is prohibited in national parks, the Broads, areas of outstanding natural beauty, conservation areas or areas of special control of advertisements.Advertisements on vehicles, including aircraft and airships, which are normally used as moving vehicles, are permitted under the regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles the royal train travelled in 1994–95 on official business; and how often the royal train was used by those other than members of the royal family. [11570]

Between 1 April 1994 and 31 March 1995, the royal train travelled 14,246 miles to enable members of the royal family to carry out official engagements. The train was not used by anyone other than members of the royal family during this period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 22 January 1996, Official Report, column 34, which members of the royal family other than Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales used the royal train in 1995. [12085]

The Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Kent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the royal train is used by members of the royal family for travel unconnected with official duties. [12015]

The royal train is used by members of the royal family for travel only in connection with their public duties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 22 January 1996, Official Report, column 34, if he will list the starting point and destination of each of the journeys in the royal train undertaken by (a) Her Majesty the Queen, (b) HRH the Prince of Wales and (c) the other members of the royal family. [12011]

The information requested is as follows:

Her Majesty the Queen
Start point	Destination
Paddington	Cheltenham Spa
Slough	Southampton Eastern Docks and return
Slough	Coventry
Paddington	Exeter St. David's
Euston	Crewe
Windsor and Eton Riverside	Tattenham Corner
Euston	Stockton
Euston	Stoke on Trent

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
Start Point	Destination
Paddington	Worcester Shrub Hill
Paddington	Tiverton Parkway
Euston	Glasgow Queen Street
Perth	Euston
Euston	Aberdeen
Kemble	St. Bees
Gatwick Airport	Victoria
Kemble	Hull
Cambridge	Lairg
Aberdeen	Euston
Euston	Perth
Paddington	Newport
Kemble	Penzance
Euston	Runcorn

Other members of the Royal Family
Start point	Destination
Euston	Leeds
Euston	St. Helen's Junction
Euston	Liverpool Lime Street and return

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will examine alternatives to the use of salt, with special reference to urea, in de-icing on roads; and if he will make a statement. [11646]

[holding answer 25 January 1996]: I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received following the publication of "Managing the Trunk Road Programme" on 28 November 1995 from (a) hon. Members, (b) local authorities and (c) other organisations and individuals. [12386]

We have received many representations about trunk roads following the publication of "Managing the Trunk Road Programme." The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) inquiries and (b) bids were received from companies or individuals interested in purchasing the British Rail central printing unit at York; how many employees work in the unit at present; what was the unit's turnover in 1995; when the unit is due to close; what will happen to its staff; and what consideration led to the decision not to sell the unit as a going concern. [11677]

The central printing unit employs 10 staff and currently forms part of BR's York facilities management group. Its turnover is not separately identified within the group. The future of the unit—which is a management matter for the BR board—is currently under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what date and for what reasons the contracts of employment of the (a) managing director, (b) production director, (c) finance director, (d) personnel director and (e) commercial director of Interlogic Control Engineering were terminated by the British Railways Board; and what severance terms they were offered. [11678]

These are management matters for the British railways board. Severance terms are a matter for BR and the individuals concerned in accordance with the terms of their contracts of employment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to extend and improve the effectiveness of the monitoring of air quality in towns and cities in the United Kingdom. [11040]

I have been asked to reply.The Department of the Environment currently monitors air pollutants at over 1,500 non-automatic sites and more than 50 automatic sites across the United Kingdom. The Government intend to expand the automatic monitoring network further by completing the main multi-pollutant urban network and integrating national and local systems, to form a national automatic network of at least 80 sites by the end of 1996.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will withdraw the guidelines issued to officers of the Customs and Excise Department regarding the charging of value added tax on computer equipment for the specific use of registered disabled people. [11695]

No. While items of computer equipment are undoubtedly useful to disabled people, they cannot be supplied tax free under VAT law unless designed solely for their use. However VAT is not chargeable on the service of adapting computer equipment so that it is easier for disabled people to use.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he now defines and assesses risk to both the public and private sectors within the private finance initiative. [4925]

Guidance on the definition and assessment of risk is contained in the recent publication "Private Opportunity, Public Benefit", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the costs have exceeded projections in respect of extending the period over which trading losses could be carried back to set against corporation tax liabilities from one year to three years; and what impact this has had on Government revenues. [8311]

The "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1991-92" estimated the net cost of extending loss carry back for companies from one year to three years as £250 million in 1992–93.However, the net cost cannot be measured precisely. Repayments of corporation tax in 1992–93 are estimated to include £350 million from the extension of loss carry hack to three years, but the consequent changes to group relief surrendered and losses carried forward, which would reduce the cost, cannot be measured.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the numbers brought into the higher rate tax for each year since 1989–90 when the Government did not increased tax thresholds in line with (a) inflation and (b) earnings; [8307](2) what is the percentage change in the number of higher rate taxpayers since 1989–90; and what have been the changes in respect of the numbers of people paying the higher rate since 1989–90. [8306]

Estimated taxpayer numbers under independent taxation for years from 1990–91 are given in the table. Under the 1989–90 income tax regime indexed to allow for changes in the retail prices index there would be 1.5 million higher rate taxpayers in 1996–97. Equivalent estimates for all intervening years could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Statutory indexation of tax thresholds is expressed in terms of price rather than earnings movements.

Estimated taxpayer numbers1
Millions
	Number of lower rate taxpayers	Number of basic rate taxpayers	Number of higher rate taxpayers
1990–91	—	24.4	1.70
1991–92	—	24.1	1,62
1992–93	4.24	19.4	1.72

Standard rate of basic rate
£ per annum
	Personal allowance Age under 65	Age allowance Age 65–74	Age allowance Age 75 or more	Standard rate of basic retirement pension Under 80	80 or more
1979–80	1,165	1,540	1,540	1,094	1,107
1980–81	1,375	1,820	1,820	1,285	1,298
1981–82	1.375	1,820	1,820	1.458	1.471
1982–83	1,565	2.070	2,070	1,601	1,614

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the tax threshold as a per cent. of average earnings for each year since 1966 for (a) a single person, (b) a single-wage married couple, (c) a two-wage married couple and (d) a single-wage married couple with two children aged eight and 12 years. [9316]

Available information giving a historical series of tax thresholds as a percentage of average earnings is in appendix C of "Inland Revenue Statistics 1992" for earlier years and table 2.6 of "Inland Revenue Statistics 1995" for recent years.Latest estimates for years from 1994–95, based on the 1994–95 "New Earnings Survey", are in the table. Additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Tax threshold as a percentage of average earnings1 for all occupations
	Single person	Married man without children
1994–95	17.9	26.9
1995–962	17.7	24.2
1996–972	18.2	24.7
1Full time males paid at adult rates working a full week.
2Provisional.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of earnings for retired people, above the limit of the state pension, was free of income tax, in each year since 1979. [10642]

The amount of the personal allowance, age allowances and the standard rate of basic state retirement pension received by a single person, for each year since 1979–80, is given in the table.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the total tax paid by all United Kingdom domiciled charities for each of the years (a) 1979–80, (b) 1990–91 and (c) 1994–95; and if he will make a statement on the taxation of charities and the implications for charities of the changed balance of taxation between direct and indirect. [11320]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: For 1994–95, it is estimated that charities paid the following tax:

	£ million
Income and capital taxes	1neg
VAT	350
National non-domestic rates	100
1 "neg" = negligible (under £3 million).

Estimates of the excise duties paid by charities are not readily available, nor are comparable figures for the earlier years.The Government value the work of charities and encourage charitable activities through the tax system. Charities are exempt from tax on most of their income and gains.Since 1979, the Government have done a great deal to extend and improve the tax incentives to give to charity by deed of covenant and under the gift aid and payroll giving schemes. In 1994–95, tax reliefs for charities totalled £1.5 billion, of which £900 million related to direct taxation, £200 million to indirect taxation and £400 million to rate relief.The Government's overall tax policy is aimed at leaving people with more money to spend as they choose. That choice includes the possibility of giving more to charity.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much corporation tax in 1995 prices has been received from Scottish Nuclear and Nuclear Electric since 1990. [12471]

Details of the tax affairs of identified taxpayers are confidential.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates have been made of the net present value of corporate tax to be received by the Exchequer from British Energy post-privatisation. [12472]

Details of the tax affairs of identified taxpayers are confidential.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what new initiatives he will advance in the next year to deregulate industry; and if he will make a statement. [9990]

This year we hope to make considerable progress on the merger of the administrative procedures for PAYE and national insurance which should benefit small businesses.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what analysis he has made of the effects of deregulation on the protection of the individual at work. [9994]

Deregulation is aimed at achieving better regulation without removing necessary protection, whether for employees, consumers, the environment, or the public at large. Ministers responsible for orders under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 must demonstrate that any necessary protection under existing legislation will be maintained.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the annual costs of the office of the Deputy Prime Minister when that title was held by the two previous incumbents; and what is the estimated annual cost of running the office currently. [9991]

The estimated annual cost of my office is £470,000. The two previous incumbents to whom the hon. Gentleman refers held other posts at the same time, and it is not therefore possible to identify comparable costs.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what changes have taken place in his role since his appointment; and if he will make a statement. [9992]

My role is unchanged.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of his office's functions for the first six months of its operation. [9993]

I have no plans to do so.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when proposals for the privatisation of the Recruitment and Assessment Services Agency will be published. [9995]

Recruitment and Assessment Services will be sold as a single viable business by trade sale. Expressions of interest in RAS have been invited and an information memorandum will be made available to prospective bidders.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what objectives he has set for his Department for the forthcoming year. [9997]

To promote the competitiveness agenda, the deregulation initiative and the effective administration of the services for which my Department is responsible.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what percentage of public expenditure was taken up by quangos in 1979; and what percentage of public expenditure they take up now. [9998]

Expenditure by non-departmental public bodies funded by Government was 4 per cent. of general Government expenditure in 1978–79 and 6 per cent. in 1994–95. Almost two-thirds of expenditure on non-departmental public bodies is accounted for by a very small number of executive bodies, such as the Housing Corporation, Legal Aid board and Higher and Further Education councils, which are responsible for the distribution of funds and provide important services.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made on the effects of deregulation on public safety. [10000]

I am satisfied that deregulation does not diminish public safety. We have included safeguards in the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994, which ensures that any necessary protection under existing legislation will be maintained.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what changes took place in his responsibilities for chairing Cabinet Committees and presenting Government policies consequent on the appointment of the Deputy Prime Minister. [10001]

My right hon. Friend and I took up our current posts at the same time as the reorganisation of Cabinet Committee memberships confirmed in a written answer on Tuesday 18 July 1995.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what are his responsibilities in relation to the consequences of the destruction of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie. [10003]

None.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what has been the principal Government policy with which he has had to work during the current week. [10004]

I have continued to work on a full range of those Government policies for which I am responsible.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the co-ordination of Government policy. [10006]

Government policies are co-ordinated to pursue economic prosperity and security for all, based on an enterprise economy; creating a nation of opportunity reflecting the Government's values of choice, ownership and reward; upholding decent commonsense values in the pursuit of law and order and justice; providing the people of Britain with first class public services; and reflecting pride in our nation and its place in the world.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make it his policy after the privatisation of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, to leave the administration of Crown copyright with the residual HMSO and located in Norwich. [10005]

I can confirm that the administration of Crown copyright will remain a function of the residual HMSO. Ten staff currently work in this area, and there are no plans at present to relocate them away from Norwich.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with (a) the Prime Minister and (b) the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the proposed leasing of American F16 aircraft. [12126]

All discussions between Ministers are confidential.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what priority he accords to representations from (a) members of the public and (b) hon. Members in formulating his Department's policy. [9984]

I take such representations fully into account.

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, when the Church Commissioners last discussed the parliamentary duties of the Second Church Commissioner; and if he will make a statement. [10019]

The role of the Second Church Estates Commissioner, and of the other Church commissioners, has been commented on the recent report of the Archbishops' Commission on the Organisation of the Church of England—"Working as One Body". This report is currently the subject of discussion and refinement within the Church; the next major debate about its recommendations will take place during the February group of sessions of the General Synod.

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what is the current cost of maintaining bishops' palaces; how many of them there are; what were the figures (a) 10 and (b) 20 years ago in (i) real and (ii) cash terms; and if he will make a statement. [10020]

The total expenditure, both capital and revenue, on diocesan bishops' houses in 1994—the last year for which figures are currently available—was £2,347,000. There are 45 houses, including the Archbishop of Canterbury's London base, Lambeth palace. Only 11 can properly be described as palaces. They include not only domestic accommodation but a chapel, meeting rooms and office accommodation. The figures include expenditure on furnishings and gardens and staff accommodation, and are net of any income.In real and comparable terms the total expenditure in 1984 was £1,822,000 and in the year to March 1975 £1,665,000.Expenditure each year varies depending on the turnover in episcopal appointments and the incidence of major repairs. The most recent survey of expenditure shows the average expenditure on diocesan bishops' houses was £39,496 per annum over a 10-year period.The commissioners are currently reviewing the suitability of all See houses, and steps are being taken to keep maintenance costs to a minimum. It has recently been decided to replace the Portsmouth See house by one which will he cheaper to maintain.

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what estimate the Church Commissioners have made of the ability of the pension fund to meet the needs of clergy and staff and to ensure that they receive increases at least in line with inflation in the future. [10021]

Under current proposals, the Church Commissioners will meet the cost of clergy pensions earned up to 1998 and they have confirmed their continuing commitment to meet that cost, including pension increments. They have assessed the likely costs with actuarial advice and their financial projections allow for pension increments in line with the existing formula, which links them to stipend.From 1998 onwards, subject to legislation, it is proposed that the cost of pensions will be met by contributions from dioceses and parishes into a new scheme administered by the Church of England pensions board. The board is discussing with dioceses estimated contribution rates, advised by actuaries; these allow for increases at least in line with limited price indexation. The commissioners would give short term support to dioceses as they make the transition to paying pension contributions in full.The legislation will also enable a funded scheme for staff pensions to be established. Staff are contractually entitled to pension benefits in line with those of civil servants.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) 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; [10979](2) how much has been spent on external consultants in the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction

[holding answer 22 January 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the replies given on Friday 26 January, by my hon. Friend, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Official Report, columns 418–19.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list breaches, by Department and Minister, of conventions on ministerial advertising and publicity since 1992; and if he will make a statement. [12253]

In all cases Government Departments seek to observe the conventions.

To ask the Prime Minister when the Cabinet Office last circulated its guidelines to Ministers on central Government conventions on publicity and advertising and what measures it takes to ensure the guidelines are adhered to. [11955]

An updated version of the guidance on Government publicity and advertising was circulated by the Cabinet Office to Departments this month and I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House. This document makes clear that Departments are responsible for ensuring that the conventions on propriety are observed and that value for money is achieved.

To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received urging him to return a chandelier in No. 10 Downing street to the former Argyll Motor Works building in Alexandria. [12300]

As far as I am aware, none.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to revise the decision announced in 1972 to refuse to grant permission for any demonstration on the issue of Northern Ireland in Trafalgar square. [12815]

My ministerial colleagues and I have reviewed the 1972 ban and decided that in future any application to use Trafalgar square for demonstrations on the issue of Northern Ireland will be treated in the same way as applications in respect of other demonstrations. My Department will continue to apply the rules which restrict all demonstrations on Trafalgar square to weekends, and will continue to consult the local police, Westminster city councils and others, and to consider each application on its merits.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what measures have been taken by her Department to improve publicity for the register of conditionally exempt works of art. [11221]

I have been asked to reply.The register has been computerised, and is updated on a quarterly basis. Each update is announced in an Inland Revenue press release which explains the public's right to view the items included in the register, and how copies of it in computer-readable format may he purchased. The most recent press release was issued on 16 January. Inland revenue is also considering the possibility of placing this information on the Internet.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many maintenance orders were pursued in each year by (a) the Lord Chancellor and (b) the Secretary of State for the Home Department under schedule 2, section 6 of the Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders (Hague Convention Countries) Order 1993. [12204]

Section 6 of the Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1972, as modified by paragraph 6 of schedule 2 of the Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders (Hague Convention Countries) Order 1993, allows the Lord Chancellor to receive an order from a Hague convention country for registration in a magistrates court in England and Wales. For the period 1 May 1994 to 31 December 1994, 29 such cases were received; and during 1995, 53 such cases were received. I regret that figures before 1 May 1994 are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the final cost of rebuilding Strangeways prison. [10030]

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.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if a one year break in contract clause is currently being considered for inclusion in (a) the contracts for the new prison at Fazakerly on Merseyside and (b) the contracts for the running of the five new secure training centres for children aged between 12 and 14 years. [10523]

A number of options relating to termination are under consideration in respect of the contract for the first two secure training centres, but as these are still under negotiation the terms are commercially confidential. Responsibility for replying in respect of the contract for the new prison at Fazakerley has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present policy in relation to the strip searching of visitors to prisons; if access to prisons is being denied to visitors who refuse to remove their clothes in front of prison officers; and if strip searches are conducted in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and its relevant codes. [10325]

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.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will instruct the acting Director General of the Prison Service to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen of 4 December 1995 about the case of Miss Elaine Connolly. [11315]

The temporary Director General replied to the letter from the hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen on 24 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which areas are currently covered by a community officer; and how many of these officers are currently operating in each area of the country. [11853]

All police forces in England and Wales have community liaison departments and deploy community police officers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what ways he is monitoring the effectiveness of the community officer programme. [11854]

Community liaison activities in police forces are monitored by Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many pregnant women are currently in custody at Holloway prison. [11682]

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.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the total expenditure each year since 1990 on education at HMP Holloway; and if he will make a statement. [11641]

[holding answer 24 January 1996]: 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.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) males and (b) females are currently serving in Her Majesty's prisons following conviction for (i) murder, (ii) manslaughter and (iii) other homicide convictions. [11719]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [11912]

The Home Office and all its agencies use the Employment Service's disability symbol both for external recruitment and for internal selection and promotion.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home 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. [11384]

Publicity expenditure is committed when there is a need to advise the public or inform them of their rights. Assessment takes account of policy objectives and prioritisation within available resources.Advertising and press office staff, accommodation and administration costs for my Department are as follows for 1979–80 to 1988–89:

Year	Advertising	Press
1979–80	2,904,671	283,140
1980–81	1,649,605	392,532
1981–82	1,834,476	381,799

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 22 January, Official Report, column 54, what steps have been taken to recover the cell key lost at Frankland prison. [12023]

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.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women prisoners in each year since 1990 have escaped from escort while attending hospital for antenatal care, childbirth or post-natal care; if he will list the circumstances of their escape; and from which prisons they were attending the hospital. [7539]

[holding answer 15 January 1996]: 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.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the size of the overseas aid budget in 1996–97. [10007]

We always receive a number of representations from hon. Members and the general public and this year is no exception.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with non-governmental organisations concerned with the use of overseas aid, regarding the consequences of the reduction of the overseas aid budget. [10014]

My right hon. and Noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development and her officials have frequent contact with NGOs on a wide range of policy-related issues, including the size of the aid budget. We have informed the NGO's that the joint funding scheme will be increased in 1996–97 to over £36 million from £34 million this year.My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary met chief executives from major NGOs on 23 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of the total overseas aid budget for the current year is devoted to educational purposes. [10016]

Expenditure on education from the bilateral aid programme is identifiable only up to 1994–95. In that year a total of £227 million was spent on educational activities, which was 20 per cent. of the total bilateral aid expenditure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent changes he has made to the aid budget to Nigeria. [10013]

Bilateral aid spending will be about £6.4 million in 1995–96 compared with an estimated £7.9 million before the EU measures taken in December 1995. EC aid is limited to tackling poverty through non-governmental organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will commission studies into the role of private capital in fostering economic development. [10015]

I am pleased to inform the hon. Member that the Overseas Development Administration is in the process of commissioning a major research programme on the policy options facing developing countries in attracting private capital.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the delays experienced by non-governmental organisations delivering aid in Bosnia as a result of customs and other procedures required by the Government of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Herceg-Bosnan authorities; what is his assessment of the effect of these delays on

Details of ODA funded training provided in the United Kingdom for Nigerian police officers between 1990–91 and 1994–95
Year	Name	Rank	Cost £	Duration	Where training provided
1990–91	Mr. B. Madake	Deputy Superintendent	2,601	6 weeks	Greater Manchester Police Force
1990–91	Mr. B. D. Odigie	Deputy Superintendent	2,601	6 weeks	Greater Manchester Police Force
1991–92	Mr. Salami	Chief Superintendent	2,400	6 weeks	Greater Manchester Police Force
1991–92	Mr. Adeoye	Chief Superintendent	11,306	3 months	Overseas Command Course, Bramshill
1992–93	Mr. N. L. Hussein	Superintendent	5,783	6 weeks	Hendon Police College
1993–94	Mr. B. Benjamin	Assistant Superintendent	2,915	2 weeks	Central Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
1993–94	Mr. T Chenbap	Assistant Superintendent	2,915	2 weeks	Central Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
1993–94	Ms H. Ugochukwi	Assistant Superintendent	2,915	2 weeks	Central Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
1993–94	Mr. S. Gambo	Assistant Superintendent	2,915	2 weeks	Central Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
1993–94	Mr. K. Gwarzo	Assistant Superintendent	2,915	2 weeks	Central Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
1993–94	Mr. L. Oki	Assistant Superintendent	2,915	2 weeks	Central Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
1993–94	Mr. U. Ntenborg	Assistant Superintendent	2,915	2 weeks	Central Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
1993–94	Mr. A. Yahaya	Assistant Superintendent	2,915	2 weeks	Central Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
1993–94	Mr. P. Ukoyono	Assistant Superintendent	2,915	2 weeks	Central Planning and Training Unit—Harrogate
1994–95	Mr. P. Ebo	Assistant Commissioner	4,482	4 weeks	West Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
1994–95	Mr. S. F. Abdullahi	Deputy Superintendent	4,482	4 weeks	West Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
1994–95	Mr. M Isa-Adejo	Detective	4,482	4 weeks	West Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
1994–95	Mr. M. Yakubu	Detective	4,482	4 weeks	West Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
1994–95	Mr. Onyeguiri	Deputy Superintendent	4,482	4 weeks	West Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
1994–95	Mr. A. Dikko	Deputy Superintendent	4,482	4 weeks	West Midlands Fraud Squad—Birmingham
1994–95	Mr. O. J. Ekama	Deputy Commissioner	1,650	1 week	Bramshill, Harrogate, Ryton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to increase Her Majesty's Government spending on overseas aid to the UN target of 0.7 per cent. of gross national product. [11984]

We know from running our own ODA aid programmes in Bosnia of the delays caused to aid organisations by complicated local customs procedures. Aid organisations registered with the Croatian and Bosnian Governments find that advance clearance from the relevant Ministries usually takes about six days. Further customs checks en-route lengthen aid journeys. We recognise the rights of the Croatian and Bosnian Governments to exercise proper customs controls but have asked them to apply them as efficiently as possible or to relax them for aid. In the new conditions following the Dayton peace agreement access is much improved but we will continue to urge the local authorities to apply customs controls on aid as lightly as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Nigerian police officers have received police training in the United Kingdom in each year since 1990; and if he will list (a) the names and ranks of the trainees, (b) the cost and duration of each officer's training, (c) which United Kingdom police forces provided the training and (d) which Government department provided the funding for the training. [11576]

Twenty-one Nigerian police officers have received training in the United Kingdom since 1990, funded by the Overseas Development Administration. The further details requested have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Eccles (Miss Lestor) on 19 January, Official Report, column 787.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the future of his Department's funding for the Lumle agricultural research centre in Nepal; and what plans he has for aid to Nepal in research into disease-resistant crops such as peas, cold tolerant rice and broad leaf mustard. [11735]

The Government will decide later this year on the extent and nature of further aid support for hill agricultural research in Nepal, including the Lumle agricultural research centre, in the light of progress on the present foundation year project.Research into disease-resistant crops is an important component of current British aid to agricultural research in Nepal. The Lumle agricultural research centre has already successfully produced a cold-tolerant variety of rice, and research into disease resistant tomatoes, wheat, rice, potatoes and maize is currently being undertaken.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 17 January 1995, Official Report, column 628, if he will list the research mentioned in his reply. [11808]

Among the studies considered are the following:

(i) UK Studies on the link between pay and jobs at national level:

• HM Treasury, (1985) "The Relationship Between Employment and Wages". London: HMSO. [This is the most comprehensive survey of the evidence on the link between pay and jobs at a national level.]
• Wells, W. (1983). "The Relative Pay and Employment of Young People", Department of Employment Research Paper No. 42.

(ii) UK Studies on the employment effects of proposals for a national minimum wage:

• Bazen, S. (1990) "On the Employment Effects of Introducing a National Minimum Wage in the UK", British Journal of Industrial Relations, 1990.
• Bazen, S. (1991) "Minimum Wage, an Analysis of the Issues", Institute of Personnel Management.
• Dennison, S.R. and Forrest D. (1984. "Low Pay or No Pay; A Review of the Theory and Practice of Minimum Wage Laws", Institute of Economic Affairs, Hobart Paper No. 101.
• Gregg, P. (1992). "National Minimum Wage", in the National Institute Economic Review, February 1992.
• Minford, P. (1989). "The Effects in the UK of EEC Wage Proposals in the Social Charter", in the Liverpool Quarterly Economic Bulletin, December 1989.
• UBS Phillips and Drew (1991). Economic Briefing, June 1991.
• James Capel Economic Research Unit (1991) in "Is Labour a Threat?"
• Kleinwort Benson, (1995): "Window on the Economy". UK Economics, Third Quarter 1995.

(iii) Studies of the employment effects of the wages boards and councils:

• Canning, D. And Tarling, R. (1985). "A Report on the Department of Employment's Study "Wages Floors in the Clothing Industry, 1950–1981", Department of Applied Economics, Cambridge 1985.
• Craig, C. And Wilkinson, F. (1986). "Pay and Employment in Four Retail Trades", Department of Employment Research Paper No. 51.
• Kaufman, R. (1989). "The Effects of Statutory Minimum Rates of Pay on Employment in Great Britain". Economic Journal, December 1989.
• Lund, P., Morris, T., Temple, J., Watson, J. (1982). "Wages and Employment in Agriculture, 1960–1980", GES Working Paper No. 52.
• Machin, S. and Manning, A. (1992). "Minimum Wages, Wages Dispersion and Employment: Evidence from the UK Wages Councils", LSE Working Paper No. 221.
• Morgan, P., Paterson, D. and Barrie, R. (1986). "Wage Floors in the Clothing Industry, 1950–1981", Department of Employment Research Paper No. 52.
• Neuburger, H. (1984). "From the Dole Queue to the Sweatshop", London Low Pay Unit.

(iv) Studies on the employment effects of the United States minimum wage:

• Brown, C., Gilroy, C., Kohen, A. (1982). "The Effect of the Minimum Wage on Employment and Unemployment." Journal of Economic Literature, Vol. xx [This contains a survey of the US evidence.]
• Card, D. (1991). "Do Minimum Wages Reduce Employment? A Case Study of California, 1987–1989." NBER Working Paper No. 3710.
• Castillo Freeman, A. and Freeman, R. B. (1991). "Minimum Wages in Puerto Rico", NBER Working Paper No. 3759.
• Katz, L. and Kreuger, A. (1991). "The Effect of the New Minimum Wage Law in a Low Wage Labour Market", Princetown University Working Paper, No. 379.
• Newmark, D., and Wascher, W. (1991). "Evidence on Employment Effects of Minimum Wages and Subminimum Wage Provisions from Panel Data on State Minimum Wage Laws". NBER Working Paper No. 3859.
• Card, D. and Kreuger, A. (1994). "Minimum Wages and Employment: A Case Study of the Fast-Food Industry in New Jersey and Pennsylvania", American Economic Review, Vol. 84, No. 4.
• Card, D. and Kreuger, A. (1995). "Myth and Measurement—The New Economics of the Minimum Wage", Princetown University Press, 1995.
• Katz, L. and Kreuger, A. (1992). "The Effects of the Minimum Wage on the Fast-Food Industry", Industrial and Labour Relations Review, Vol. 46, No.1.
• Neumark, D. and Wascher, W. (1995). "The Effect of New Jersey's Minimum Wage Increase on Fast-Food Eemployment: A Re-Evaluation Using Payroll Data", National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper No. 5224.
• Report of the Minimum Wage Study Commission (1981). Vol. 1. [This report contains an assessment of the Federal minimum based on a large number of studies.]
• Walsh, K. (1991). "A Comparative Review of Minimum Wage Systems" in "Minimum Wage—An Analysis of the Issues". Institute for Personnel Management.
• Vedder, R. and Gallaway, L. (1995). "Minimum Wages Cost Jobs".

(v) Studies of the employment effects of the minimum wage in EU member states:

• Ducos, and Plassard (1991). "Young People's Employment and the Minimum Wage".
• Van Soest, A. (1994)"Youth Minimum Wage Rates: The Dutch Experience".

(vi) References to international evidence of the employment effects of minimum wage legislation in work conducted by the ILO and the OECD:

• ILO (1992). "Minimum Wages, Wage Fixing Machinery, Application and Supervision", International Labour Office.
• OECD, (1991). "1990–91 OECD Economic Surveys, France".
• OECD, (1989). "1988–89 Economic Surveys, Netherlands".
• OECD, (1990). "Labour Market Policies for the 1990s".
• OECD, (1994). "The Jobs Study: Evidence and Explanations Part Two". OECD, Paris, 1994.
• Starr, G. (1981). "Minimum Wage Fixing", International Labour Office.
• Bazen, S. and Martin (1991). "Impact of the Minimum Wage on Earnings and Employment in France", OECD Economic Studies No. 16.

(vii) Other articles and correspondence concerning the debate about the employment effects of the wages councils, and minimum wages. For example, a recent Fabian Society pamphlet by Fred Bayliss; various publications by the Low Pay Unit; and New Economy, Winter 1995, Vol. 2, Issue 4.