To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many of the (a) organisations, (b) individuals and (c) charities that responded to the "Access to Local Government and Housing Association Tenancies" consultation paper published in January 1994 were in favour of the proposals (i) that someone should not be found to be in need of assistance where there is alternative accommodation available, (ii) that the duty of a local authority towards someone needing assistance should be to secure accommodation for a limited periodand(iii) that the private rental sector be used to accommodate more homeless households. [12139]

Nearly 80 per cent. of the 10,000 responses to the consultation paper were from members of the public. A further 10 per cent. were from local charities, churches and other voluntary groups. The next two largest groups of respondents were local housing authorities, 3 per cent., and housing associations, 2 per cent.Only one in five responses commented on any specific proposal in the consultation paper. The majority of respondents expressed opinions about the supposed effects of the proposals as a whole on households accepted as homeless under the new duty. Fewer than 5 per cent. commented on the proposal that households should be ineligible for assistance if there is alternative accommodation available. Our analysis of the responses did not yield quantitative data for (ii) and (iii).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about powers available to local authorities to remove tenants convicted of drug dealing. [12564]

Local authorities have powers under section 84 of the Housing Act 1985, and ground 2 of schedule 2 to that Act, to evict tenants who have been convicted of using their homes for illegal purposes, such as drug dealing.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many households in each region are currently in negative equity. [12568]

Estimates of negative equity are sensitive to underlying assumptions made, such as changes in house prices. Using the Department's house price index, adjusted for the mix of different dwelling types, it is estimated that the total number of households in negative equity in each English region in the third quarter of 1995 was as follows:

Region	Number of households
South east	383,000
Greater London	180,000
South west	112,000
East Anglia	50,000
East Midlands	40,000
West Midlands	89,000
Yorkshire and Humberside	47,000
North west	52,000
North	24,000

These estimates provide only a very broad indication of the number of households in negative equity. The suitability of the assumptions used in compiling estimates of negative equity is currently under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the percentage of extra fuel which is required to heat identical houses in (a) Rochdale and (b) the north-west of England using the Building Research Establishment domestic energy model and taking Bristol as the base case. [13103]

The percentage of extra fuel required to heat a typical house with gas central heating is estimated to be as follows for each of the specified locations:

(a) Rochdale +9 per cent. and

(b) the North West of England: between +9 per cent. and +15 per cent. depending on precise location.

These figures have been calculated using the Building Research Establishment domestic energy model and taking Bristol as the base case.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to cap rebate reimbursement to local authorities which set council housing rents above the guideline figure determined by his Department. [13147]

The limit on rent rebate subsidy formed part of the 1996–97 housing revenue account subsidy determination which was issued on 22 December 1995. Authorities which keep their rent increases within the guideline increase will be unaffected, as will authorities which keep their rents below the guideline rent for 1996–97.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to change the 1995–96 cash limit for Ordnance Survey. [13399]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary spring supplementary estimate for Ordnance Survey, class VII, vote 7, the cash limit will be increased by a token £1,000 from £16,984,000 to £16,985,00, and the net running costs limit will be decreased by £918,000 from £13,465,000 to £12,547,000, reflecting an excess of increased running costs related receipts over increased gross running costs expenditure on the vote.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to change his Department's cash and running cost limits for 1995–96. [13544]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, the following cash limit changes will be made.The cash limit for class VII, vote 1—housing and construction, England—covering sections B, C, D and G of that vote, will be decreased by £1,237,000 from £112,415,000 to £111,178,000. This change partially offsets the increased demand for tax relief grant which is administered by the Housing Corporation and is not cash limited.The DOE/HC—Housing Corporation—cash limit will be increased by £51,000 from £1,149,038,000 to £1,149,089,000 through the take-up of entitlement to end year flexibility for capital spending on the approved development programme as announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995,

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action (a) has been or (b) will be taken against Air Algerie in respect of its not applying for permits. [12173]

Under the Air Navigation (No. 2) Order 1995, a permit can be issued to the operator of the aircraft or the charterer of the aircraft or to the Government of the country in which the aircraft is registered. In this particular case, responsibility for obtaining permits for the cargo charter flights operated from Coventry in December 1994 rested with the UK charterer, Phoenix Aviation. Applications were received from this company but insufficient documentation was supplied to enable a permit to be issued.In light of the fact that flights operated without the necessary permits, the Department in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the flights to determine whether there should be any prosecution action. However, Phoenix Aviation were placed in liquidation before any charges could be laid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how he proposes to modify the flight permit scheme to ensure compliance in accordance with recommendations of the air accident investigation branch's accident report on the Air Algerie Boeing 737 accident at Coventry in December 1994. [12174]

My noble Friend the Minister for Aviation and Shipping announced on 10 January that the Department had amended its procedures for the approval of wet leased aircraft—aircraft leased with crew—in accordance with the recommendation made by the air accident investigation branch. These amended procedures will require the provision of a statement from the applicant airline as to which airline's operations and flight manuals will be applicable to the proposed flight. This change will clarify responsibilities as regards future applications involving the use of wet leased aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he will be taking as a result of the recent report into the Coventry air crash in December 1994. [12956]

My noble Friend the Minister for Aviation and Shipping announced on 10 January that the Department had reviewed its permit procedures as recommended by air accident investigation branch and taken action to amend the procedures for the approval of the operation of wet leased aircraft—aircraft leased with crew—by foreign aircraft. These amended procedures require the provision of a statement from the applicant airline as to which airline operations and flight manuals will be applicable for the proposed flight. This change will clarify permit responsibilities as regards future applications involving the use of wet leased aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the present total estimated cost for the construction of the Newbury bypass; [12733](2) when he expects the Highways Agency to publish details of the cost-benefit analysis carried out in respect of the Newbury bypass; [12747](3) what actions the Highways Agency has taken to ensure that security personnel employed by contractors clearing the route of the Newbury bypass have adequate training. [12746]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many public service vehicle drivers' licences have been (a) applied for, (b) issued, (c) objected to by (i) the police, (ii) the public and (iii) others, (d) issued and (e) withdrawn by the authorities in the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on trends. [12870]

In the year from 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995 the total number of vocational drivers licences issued was 167,650 of which we estimate 33,530 were public service vehicle drivers' licences. This figure includes provisional licences, renewals and replacements as well as new licences. During the same period, 59 licence applications were refused, 24 licences were suspended and 108 licences were revoked by traffic commissioners on grounds of the applicant's conduct record. There is no right of objection to the issue of driver licences but all relevant representations are considered by the traffic commissioners.There is no consistent trend over the last four years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further measures he proposes to take to prevent assaults on children by public service vehicle drivers. [12875]

The traffic commissioners for each area take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that drivers whose conduct suggests they are unsuitable cannot be bus drivers. The primary responsibility for the safety of children in their charge rests with the schools and local education authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding Pendle borough council's decision to sell its 50 per cent. stake in Burnley and Pendle Transport. [12836]

Burnley borough council wrote to the Department last October. The hon. Members for Burnley and for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) spoke during the Adjournment debate on this subject on 13 December, and a number of questions has been answered from those hon. Members. Otherwise I have received no representations on this matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the present policy regarding standing passengers on (a) buses and (b) coaches; what assessment he has made of the benefits of renewing this policy; and if he will make a statement. [12838]

The carriage of standing passengers in both buses and coaches is strictly controlled by the Public Service Vehicles (Carrying Capacity) Regulations 1984. Both seating and standing capacities must be marked clearly on the vehicle. Vehicles intended to carry more than eight standing passengers must meet minimum requirements for both standing space and headroom. Sufficient hand grips must be fitted for each standing passenger.We are currently consulting on a draft code of practice on the operation of one-man operated buses, which includes the measures for standing passengers. I shall be considering the safety of standing passengers, along with the other provisions of the code, in the light of that consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment is made by Railtrack of the financial soundness of a contractor before a maintenance contract is let. [12850]

I understand that, before Railtrack lets a maintenance contract, all prospective bidders who have expressed an interest are required to go through a pre-qualification process, including an assessment of their financial stability and robustness as well as their competence to do the work and their track record.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to change his Department's cash limits and running cost limits; and what proposals there are to change the cash limit of the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and the Office of the Rail Regulator for 1995–96. [13611]

(i) The cash limit for class VI, vote 2—administration and transport services—is reduced by £2,388,000 from £177,405,000 to £175,017,000. The reduction is made up of transfers to class VI, vote 3, £1,700,000, vote 7, £601,000, and the Department of the Environment, class VII, vote 5, £87,000.(ii) The cash limit for class VI, vote 3—transport industries—is increased by £1,700,000 from £8,000,000 to £9,700,000. The increase is wholly made up of transfers from class VI, vote 2.(iii) The cash limit for class VI, vote 4—Vehicle and Driver Licensing Agency—is reduced by £3,000,000 from £176,549,000 to £173,549,000. The reduction is wholly derived from transfers to class VI, vote 7.(iv) The cash limit for class VI, vote 5—roads and local transport—is reduced by £2,150,000 from £514,765,000 to £512,615,000. The reduction is wholly made up of transfers to class VI, vote 3.(v) The cash limit for class VI, vote 6—other transport agencies—is increased by £275,000 from £81,816,000 to £82,091,000. The whole of the increase comprises a transfer of funds from the Ministry of Defence, class 1, vote 1, to the Coastguard agency for stationing a search and rescue helicopter at Portland.(vi) The cash limit for class VI, vote 7—passenger rail services—is increased. by £98,878,000 from £1,620,604,000 to £1,719,482,000. £75,000,000 is funded from non-voted provision for the railways. The remainder comprises £20,277,000 as a claim on the reserve and a transfer of funds from class VI, votes 2 and 4—£3,601,000. The additional provision is required for consultancies and restructuring proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will announce the appointment of the new chairman of the Central rail users consultative committee. [13610]

I have today announced the appointment of Mr. David Bertram as the new chairman of the committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral answer of 15 January, Official Report, columns 391–92, and the letter from Dr. Jim Swire, spokesman of UK Family-Flight 103, dated 22 January, what considerations led him to conclude that a fatal accident inquiry was a suitable substitute for a public inquiry into the destruction of PA103. [13001]

The fatal accident inquiry was a detailed examination of the circumstances of the deaths. It was held entirely in public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in respect of how many of the applications rules under the Transport and Works Act 1992 Central Railway plc has applied for waivers or conditional waivers; and what estimate he has made of the effect on the quality and quantity of information provided in support of the Central Railway application under the Act if the waiver were granted. [12573]

Central Railway plc has withdrawn all its waivers' applications. I understand that it intends to submit fresh applications in a modified form. As stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Eastleigh (Mr. Chidgey) on 31 January, copies of any future waiver requests in respect of the Central Railway project will be placed in the Library of the House. In deciding whether to grant any waivers, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will have regard to the effect on the quality and quantity of information which would be provided in support of Central Railway's application.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the pontoon bridge established by the implementation force—IFOR—across the River Sava from Croatia into north-eastern Bosnia is available for use by non-governmental organisation aid traffic. [12199]

We understand that the bridges established across the Sava river into the US divisional area of IFOR are available for use by NGO convoys, although priority is given to IFOR traffic.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of recruits accepted for direct entry to officer training come from (a) public and (b) private sector education. [12182]

The percentage of recruits accepted for direct officer training in each of the three services which came from the public and private education sectors in 1994–95, the latest period for which figures are available, is shown in the table.

Service	Private sector Per cent.	Public sector Per cent.
Royal Navy	29	71
Army	50	47
Royal Air Force	26	74

In addition, 3 per cent. of the total direct entrant officer recruits to the Army came from overseas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what military aid the United Kingdom gives to Belize; and what treaty arrangements it has with the Government of Belize. [12254]

Belize is an independent country within the Commonwealth. Since 1 January 1994, Belize has had responsibility for its own defence. We have, however, assured the Government of Belize of our readiness to take part in consultations leading to an appropriate response should the security of Belize be threatened in the future.We have made it clear that we shall continue our programme of assistance for the development of the Belize defence force to sustain and improve the force's capability through the provision of loan service personnel, equipment, training and advice. In addition, Belize continues to receive substantial amounts of British aid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the value of lethal weapons that have been lost, stolen or unaccounted for in Northern Ireland in each of the past five years; and what were the main weapons involved. [12577]

The number of weapons lost or stolen in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years is as follows:

• 1991: Nil
• 1992: Nil
• 1993: 2 x SA 80
• 1 x pistol
• 1994: 4 x pistols
• 1995: Nil

The aggregate value is estimated at approximately £3,300.Over the period, some seven additional weapons were lost or stolen and subsequently recovered. No weapons were otherwise unaccounted for.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed services personnel were awarded the Gulf war medal with bar. [13014]

Based on the latest figures available at 31 December 1995, 58,546 Gulf war medals have been issued to armed forces personnel. Of these, 66 service personnel were awarded the medal with clasp "2 Aug 1990" for their service with the Kuwait liaison team in Kuwait on 2 August 1990. A further 46,120 service personnel were awarded the medal with clasp "16 Jan–28 Feb 1991" for service in the Kuwait theatre of operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on changes to the class I cash limits and operating costs limit for 1995–96. [13549]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the spring supplementary estimates, the following changes will be made:

Class I cash limits
£000
Vote	Current cash limit	Change	Revised cash limit
1	10,796,956	+199,050	10,996,006
2	4,957,988	-200,000	4,757,988
3	5,965,325	+6,310	5,971,635

These changes increase the block defence cash limit by £5,360,000 from £21,720,269,000 to £21,725,629,000. It reflects the net effect of transfers between the Ministry of Defence and other Government Departments.The Ministry of Defence operating costs limit will also be increased by £5,360,000 from £16,767,218,000 to £16,772,578,000 to reflect the net effect of transfers between the Ministry of Defence and other Government Departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now commission an independent inquiry into the incidence of birth deformities among children of Gulf war veterans; and if he will make a statement. [13007]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark) on 30 January 1996, Official Report, columns 607–8.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flights by No. 32 the Royal Squadron have been charged to the privy purse in the current financial year to date; what sum has been so charged; on what basis the charge is calculated; what is the charge per (a) hour and (b) mile; and what was the cost of the flight from Norwich to Zurich on 2 January. [13008]

In the current financial year to date, members of the royal family have undertaken eight private flights in aircraft of No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron, for which the MOD has charged the relevant households £9,544.67The basis of the charge is the marginal cost of operating the aircraft for the particular flight—fuel consumption, for example. The rates for each of the aircraft types are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many serving military personnel have received advanced language training within the responsibility of his Department in each of the last 10 years; and if he will indicate the figures for each language taught. [12817]

The information requested for the last 10 years is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The figures provided are for the financial years 1993–94, 1994–95 and the programmed figures for 1995–96. They relate to advanced—previously linguist—and interpreter level courses delivered by the Defence school of languages at Beaconsfield, Salmond house training centre in Germany as well as individual external language training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current salary of the chief executive of the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation at Gosport; and what it will be from 1 April. [12525]

[holding answer 30 January 1996]: The current salary of chief executive is that of a Royal Navy captain in the range £47,000 to £57,700.The Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation defence agency's triennial review has now been completed and has confirmed that the NARO should continue as a defence agency for a further term of three years with effect from 1 April 1996. The evaluation study into the performance of the agency during its first three years—a copy of the executive summary of which has been placed in the Library of the House—reported that the agency was competently meeting its objectives and satisfying its customers but would benefit from the introduction of best management practices from the private sector. A new chief executive will, accordingly, be recruited through open competition to take up appointment in April 1996, or as soon thereafter as possible. He/she will be required to introduce a challenging programme of efficiencies within NARO and to explore the scope for greater private sector involvement in helicopter repair. The details of this new post, including remuneration, have yet to be finalised.A revised framework document is in preparation and will be completed once the new chief executive is in post and the necessary delegation have been approved. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House at that time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the value of British aid to Belize over the last five years. [12097]

Aid to Belize over the last five years for which records are available, has been

• 1990–91: £6.016 million
• 1991–92; £3.674 million
• 1992–93: £4.498 million
• 1993–94: £5.966 million
• 1994–95: £16.618 million

The increase in aid provided in 1994–95 is due primarily to the disbursement of a CDC loan of £10.4 million to the Belize Electric Co. Ltd. for a hydro-electric power facility on the Macal river.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list current aid and preferential trade arrangements with Belize. [12093]

Belize receives concessional aid from Britain and the European Union under the Lomé convention. Other donors include Taiwan and Kuwait. Belize is also a borrowing member of the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and Caribbean Development Bank. Preferential trade arrangements include the European Community's generalised system of preferences and, under the terms of the Lomé convention, tariff-free access to Community markets for industrial products, and preferential access for a wide range of agricultural goods.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy in respect of the recommendation in the Overseas Development Administration's fundamental expenditure review on agencies receiving £750,000 or more per year from the joint funding scheme; what considerations led the Overseas Development Administration to select the threshold figure; and what considerations were given to lower thresholds. [12242]

The figure of £750,000 was selected after considering a range of options. No particular significance attaches to the figure: it simply produced a limited number of non-governmental organisations who had been major recipients of joint funding scheme funds over a sustained period and with whom we intend to begin exploring the possibilities of moving to block grant arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if money disbursed via the joint funding scheme will, following the Overseas Development Administration's fundamental expenditure review, be limited to countries within the Overseas Development Administration's new focus. [12255]

We do not anticipate any significant change in the geographical cover of the joint funding scheme as a result of the fundamental expenditure review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will name the Nigerian police officers who have undergone study tours in the United Kingdom since 1985, in each case indicating the officer's rank and the date of (a) commencement and (b) completion of the training. [12566]

There have been seven study tours, that is sponsored visits as opposed to classroom training, all in 1992. There are no records prior to 1990. The details are as follows:

Name	Rank	Duration of visit
Mr. S. Adeoye	Assistant	27 November 1992–
	Commissioner of	8 December 1992
	Police
Mr. E. B. Edemeka	Deputy	27 November 1992–
	Superintendent of	8 December 1992
	Police
Mr. O. J. Ekama	Deputy	27 November 1992–
	Commissioner	8 December 1992
Mr. D. K. Isiofia	Assistant	27 November 1992–
	Superintendent of	8 December 1992
	Police
Mr. E. J. James	Deputy	27 November 1992–
	Superintendent of	8 December 1992
	Police
Mr. Z. Muazu	Assistant	27 November 1992–
	Superintendent of	8 December 1992
	Police
Mr. M. C. Okoye	Assistant	27 November 1992–
	Superintendent of	8 December 1992
	Police

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will name the Nigerian police officers who have been trained in Britain since 1985, giving each officer's rank and date of (a) commencement and (b) completion of the training. [12565]

Twenty-one Nigerian police officers have received ODA funded training in the United Kingdom since 1990. There are no records prior to this date. The further details requested have been placed in the Libraries of the house.

Details of ODA funded training provided in the United Kingdom for Nigerian police officers between 1990–91 and 1994–95
Name	Rank	Duration of training
Mr. B. Madake	Deputy	26 October 1990–
	Superintendent	2 December 1990
Mr. B. D. Odigie	Deputy	29 October 1990–
	Superintendent	2 December 1990
Mr. Salami	Chief Superintendent	26 September 1991–
		8 November 1991
Mr. Adeoye	Chief Superintendent	26 September 1991–
		15 December 1991
Mr. N. L. Hussein	Superintendent	2 November 1992–
		11 December 1992
Mr. B. Benjamin	Assistant	15 July 1993–
	Superintendent	27 July 1993
Mr. T. Chenbap	Assistant	15 July 1993–
	Superintendent	27 July 1993
Ms H. Ugochukwi	Assistant	15 July 1993–
	Superintendent	27 July 1993
Mr. S. Gambo	Assistant	15 July 1993–
	Superintendent	27 July 1993

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what external finance limit has been set for the current financial year for the Commonwealth Development Corporation. [13718]

The external finance limit for the CDC for 1995–96 is being increased by £10,000,000, from £19,000,000 to £29,000,000. The limit takes account of an increase to the provision for CDC in class II, vote 5 provision for which is made in the spring supplementary estimate. This increase is being met by transfer of resources within the vote and does not add to the planned total of public expenditure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes have been made in the 1995–96 cash and running cost limits for expenditure by the Overseas Development Administration. [13719]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, the cash limit on the external assistance vote, class II, vote 5, will be increased by £10,390,000 from £1,764,277,000 to £1,774,667,000 and the ODA running cost limit will be increased by £400,000 from £73,993;000 to £74,393,000. The increase is in respect of: a balance of underspending against European Community budgetary aid for central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union in 1993 and overspending for developing countries in 1994; an increase of £400,000 for ODA running costs in respect of a partial take up of end of year flexibility entitlements announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995, Official Report, columns 776–82; an increase of £78,000 for expected costs for the Crown Agents privatisation programme; and an inward PES transfer of £300,000 from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office diplomatic wing in respect of the know-how fund. The increase will be offset by a transfer and a claim on the reserve and will not, therefore, add to the planned total of public expenditure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of action needed to implement the recommendations of Dr. Martin Angel of Southampton's report on "Deep-Sea Fish and their Habits". [11740]

In 1990, the ODA commissioned a series of papers, by Dr. Martin Angel and other specialists in aquatic biodiversity, to inform the preparation of an ODA biodiversity strategy. In 1995, ODA commissioned these authors to update their papers. The report was presented to countries at the second conference of the parties to the biodiversity convention last year to help stimulate debate. The findings of Dr. Angel's report will inform ODA's future programme but as the report goes wider than ODA's responsibilities, the ODA will be consulting other Government Departments on its follow-up.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those civil servants in his Department who hold non-executive directorships in private companies, indicating in each case the civil service post held and the name of the company. [10923]

Any staff holding non-executive or other directorships are required to make a declaration if they come into contact in an official capacity with a business concern in which they have an interest, or if the business concern has concluded or may conclude a contract with a Government Department.Any such declarations are carefully considered and the papers kept on the individual's personnel file. We are unable to provide a list without incurring disproportionate cost.I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given in another place on 22 January by the Minister for Overseas Development,

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the authorities of (a) Antigua and (b) Barbuda to prohibit the right of public access to beaches on these islands. [12876]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the cost to his Department in each of the last five financial years and this year to date of the entertainment of foreign dignitaries. [12880]

Expenditure on official entertainment by the FCO—diplomatic and aid wings—for the years requested was as follows:

• 1990–91: £5,178,849
• 1991–92: £5,700,606
• 1992–93: £6,946,298
• 1993–94: £7,488,121
• 1994–95: £7,680,934
• 1995–96: £8,213,136 (projected)

This expenditure has been incurred both in the UK and at 222 posts worldwide in the pursuit of the foreign policy and trade promotion objectives of Her Majesty's Government. Information about expenditure on particular categories of guest is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the EU General Affairs Council held on 29 to 30 January. [13110]

The A points listed in document 4564/96—which will be deposited in the Library of the House as soon as it is available—were adopted, except for items 2 and 26 which were withdrawn by the presidency.The Council took note of the European Parliament resolutions in Docs. 12131/95 and 12945/95, PE-RE 83 and 89. Copies of these documents will be deposited in the Library of the House as soon as they are available.The Council held an open, televised debate on the Italian presidency's programme.The Council discussed former Yugoslavia. It heard reports from Carl Bildt and the EU's administrator in Mostar, Mr. Koschnick. The Council decided to postpone the question of recognition of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It asked the commission to produce a paper on policy towards the region by March.The Commission outlined their ideas for a possible new agreement with Albania. They will produce draft negotiating directives no later than the Foreign Affairs Council on 25 and 26 March.The Presidency and the Commission gave a brief situation report on the follow up to the Barcelona conference on Mediterranean. The Council also discussed the MEDA regulation on assistance to the Mediterranean. This was remitted to the Committee of Permanent Representatives for further work.The head of the EU election unit monitoring the Palestinian elections, Carl Lidbom, briefed the Council, which adopted conclusions on EU/Palestinian relations.The Council discussed the Asia-Europe meeting on 1 and 2 March in Bangkok.The Council adopted conclusions on a proposed trade agreement with South Africa. These note the Commission's commitment to produce studies to enable approval of a mandate at the 26 and 27 February Foreign Affairs Council, with a view to concluding by June.

:.To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when he expects a decision to be taken on an application made to the United Kingdom post in Islamabad by Mr. Niaz Ahmed, Ref: Imm/C8853, to join his wife and daughters in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement; [12953](2) when he expects to make a recommendation to the United Kingdom post in Islamabad regarding the application by Mr. Niaz Ahmed, Ref: Imm/C8853, to join his wife and daughters in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [12954]

I have asked the high commission at Islamabad for details and will arrange for the hon. Member to receive a substantive reply from the migration and visa correspondence unit as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further changes he proposes to make in his Department's diplomatic wing cash limits and running cost limits for 1995–96. [13452]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimates, the following changes will be made.The cash limit for class II, vote 1—overseas representation—will be increased by £4,379,000 from £709,165,000 to £713,544,000. The increase is the net effect of take-up of capital end year flexibility entitlement of £14,614,000 less a transfer to class II, vote 2-other external relations—of £10,211,000 and a transfer of £24,000 to the Home Office. The gross running costs limit on class II, vote 1 has been reduced by £10,235,000 from £522,799,00 to £512,564,000 due to the transfers to the Home Office and class II, vote 2 as described.The cash limit for class II, vote 2—other external relations—will be increased by £176,809,000 from £291,633,000 to £468,442,000. Parliamentary authority will be sought for additional expenditure in respect of certain international organisations and contributions to peacekeeping operations. The increase will be met partly by increased appropriations in aid, partly from a claim on the reserve and partly by offsets from other sections of votes 1 and 2.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of expenditure on all forms of hospitality and entertainment by (a) hid Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies, for (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92, (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97. [11438]

[holding answer 30 January 1996]: The available information requested is as follows. Expenditure on all forms of hospitality and entertainment by the FCO—diplomatic and aid wings:

• 1991–92: £5,700,606
• 1993–94: £7,488,121
• 1994–95: £7,680,934
• 1995–96: £8,213,136 (projected)

Figures for earlier years could be made available only at disproportionate cost. Planned expenditure in 1996–97 is approximately £7.5 million.Expenditure on hospitality and entertainment by the ODA's agency, the Natural Resources Institute:

To ask the Attorney-General (1) what account he has taken of the case of Hehir, 1982, in advising Ministers and others on the freedom to waive necessary claims to public interest immunity; [12435](2) what account he has taken of the rules put forward on public interest immunity duties in the case of Makanjuola

Advice to the Crown on public interest immunity takes account of all relevant case law, which includes Hehir and Makanjuola and, since 1994, the House of Lords decision in ex parte Wiley.

To ask the Attorney-General what changes he proposes for the Crown Prosecution Service's cash and running costs limits for 1995–96. [13344]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, the cash limit for class IX, vote 4 will be increased by £1,500,000 from £229,754,000 to £231,254,000. The increase will be charged to the reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.The running costs limit of class IX, vote 4 will be reduced by £1,200,000 from £225,754,000 to £224,554,000. The reduction will fund an increase in capital provision and, with the increase mentioned earlier, will fund the accelerated implementation of team working and the CPS's SCOPE—standard case operations system—computer system.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on cash and running cost limits for the Northern Ireland Office, Northern Ireland departmental services, the independent living fund and certain national agricultural schemes for 1995–96. [13453]

Subject to parliament approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, it is proposed that the cash limit for class XVI vote I—the Northern Ireland Office—will be increased by £15,650,000 from £888,655,000 to £904,305,000. This reflects the take-up of end year flexibility on capital and departmental running costs, and the additional expenditure on compensation and the opening of border roads.The cash limit which covers most Northern Ireland departmental services will be increased by £97,622,000 from £3,936,723,000 to £4,034,345,000. This increase reflects the take-up of end year flexibility on capital, departmental running costs and health, the EU peace and reconciliation programme expenditure and other technical changes.The cash limit for the independent living fund—Northern Ireland Department of Health and Social Services vote 5—had been reduced by £1,125,000 reflecting lower than expected demands on the fund. This amount will be transferred to class XIII, vote 3.The cash limit covering national agriculture capital grant schemes and certain assistance for production, marketing and processing and the fishing industry will increase by £1,120,000 from £6,882,000 to £8,002,000 as a result of the take-up of entitlement to end year flexibility on capital—£670,000—and a transfer from Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food of £450,000 in respect of the scheme to decommission nephrops vessels in Northern Ireland.The combined gross running cost for the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments will be increased by £29,782,000 from £789,017,000 to £818,799,000. This reflects the take-up of £29,877,000 of end year flexibility entitlement announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995,

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what studies his Department has undertaken into work force planning in the last five years. [8333]

[holding answer 10 January 1996]: The following studies have been carried out by the Department of Health and Social Services over the last five years:

(a) 1992 Nursing establishment and skill mix in Northern Ireland, "Making the best use of Resources in Northern Ireland".

(b) 1995 Nursing establishment and skill mix in Northern Ireland, "Mental Health Nursing Resources".

(c) 1995 Nursing establishment and skill mix in Northern Ireland, "Learning Disability Nursing Resources".

(d) 1993 report of the task force on nursing manpower.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the gross net income of a married man with two children under 11 years of age, earning a national average wage and paying non-contracted-out national insurance contributions, in each year since 1966; what was the annual percentage increase in the retail prices index; what was his net real income at 1995 prices; and what was the percentage increase in his net real income compared to (a) 12 months previously and (b) to the level in 1966. [9318]

The available information is contained in the table.

Real take-home pay
	Net income1 2£ per week	RPI3	Real take-home pay2 4£per week
1973–74	34.90	24.45	215.71
1978–79	73.45	51.10	217.18
1979–80	88.60	59.20	226.13
1980–81	104.02	68.80	228.46
1981–82	113.06	76.80	222.44
1982–83	121.46	82.20	223.26
1983–84	132.61	86.00	233.00
1984–85	144.31	90.40	241.21
1985–86	154.81	95.70	244.44
1986–87	167.14	98.80	255.52
1987–88	183.71	102.70	270.29
1988–89	203.34	108.90	282.14
1989–90	221.73	117.40	285.43
1990–91	242.53	128.70	284.74
1991–92	260.83	134.90	292.14
1992–93	277.47	139.10	301.40

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the costs of collection of (a) income tax, (b) corporation tax and (c) capital gains tax in each year since 1974; what were the reasons for changes in costs between years; and in which areas of Government increased administrative costs were attributable to the complexity of legislation. [11135]

The following table shows the costs of collection in current prices and the costs expressed as a percentage of the yield for 1982–83 onwards. Figures for earlier years are not readily available.

£ million
	Income tax cost	Corporation tax cost	Capital gains tax cost
1982–83	650	60	15
1983–84	676	63	15
1984–85	730	60	14
1985–86	805	62	15
1986–87	883	71	18
1987–88	932	85	25
1988–89	973	91	27
1989–90	1,068	101	32
1990–91	1,203	125	39
1991–92	1,248	152	43
1992–93	1,366	149	38
1993–94	1,427	156	42
1994–95	1,353	149	33

Changes in costs reflect changes in prices, in the overall burden of work and in efficiency.It would not be practical to attempt to list every area of government where increased administration costs were attributable to the complexity of legislation, but civil service running costs are falling in real terms and are planned to fall by 15 per cent. between 1993–94 and 1998–99.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the costs to the Exchequer of unemployment in (a) 1979 and (b) the last year for which figures are available. [12688]

Gross benefit payments to the unemployed in 1979–80 and 1994–95, at 1994–95 prices, are estimated to have been £3.4 billion and £9.1 billion respectively.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the direction issued by Customs and Excise regarding the payment by registered disabled individuals of VAT on computers and printers specially adapted for them for home use. [12868]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Eccles (Miss Lestor) on 24 January 1996, Official Report, columns 228–29.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates his Department has made of the cost to the Exchequer from the tax loophole involved in the use of special dividends in takeover bids. [12539]

The payment of a special dividend does not involve a tax loophole. A special dividend carries a tax credit in the same way as an ordinary dividend. This mitigates the double tax charge on distributed profits since tax is payable by the company on the profits out of which the dividend is paid.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes are proposed in the cash limit and running cost limit for 1995–96 for the Inland Revenue. [13547]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, the cash limit for class XVII, vote 4 will be increased by £25,000,000 from £1,630,358,000 to £1,655,358,000 and the running costs limit will be increased by £10,000,000 from £1,662,705,000 to £1,672,705,000. Within the cash limit increase is included the take up of £10,000,000 running costs end-year flexibility entitlement announced by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995, Official Report, columns 776–82. A further £1,330,000 is required in respect of a shortfall in law costs receipts. The balance of £13,670,000 is required to cover reduced receipts because of lower than expected charges to the Department of Social Security and the Department of Health and Social Services (Northern Ireland) for the cost of collecting of national insurance contributions. The £13,670,000 is entirely offset by a saving to the national insurance funds out of which the charges are met.The increases other than that relating to the receipts from the national insurance funds will be charged to the reserve and will not, therefore, add to the planned total of public expenditure.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes are proposed in the cash limit and running cost limit for 1995–96 for HM Customs and Excise. [13548]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary' supplementary estimate, the cash limit for class XVII, vote 3, will be increased by £8,824,000 from £850,237,000 to £859,061,000 and the running cost limit for Customs and Excise by £7,955,000 from £741,377,000 to £749,332,000.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the total income from all sources of all pensioners expressed as a percentage of (a) gross domestic product and (b) the total personal incomes of the population as a whole in each year since 1979. [10999]

[holding answer 23 January 1996]: Available information is given in the table. The figures are influenced both by changes in the number of pensioners and by changes in their average incomes over time. Average pensioner incomes have increased by 50 per cent., in real terms, since 1979.

Total pensioner income1 from all sources as percentage of:
	(a) GDP2	(b) total personal income3
1979	7.8	9.4
1981	8.7	10.0
1987	9.3	11.1
1988	9.2	10.9
1989	8.9	10.3
1990	9.0	10.0
1990–914	9.5	10.6
1992	10.2	11.1
1993	9.9	10.9

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of expenditure on all forms of hospitality and entertainment by (a) his Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies, for (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92, (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97. [11448]

[holding answer 30 January 1996]: Expenditure on hospitality and entertainment by Her Majesty's Treasury and agencies responsible to the Chancellor of the Exchequer is included in the published running costs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the expenditure of his Department, his Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all forms of overseas travel, overseas accommodation and other associated expenses for (a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95, (f) 1995–96, and (g) 1996–97. [11451]

[holding answer 30 January 1996]: Expenditure on overseas travel and subsistence by Her Majesty's Treasury and agencies responsible to the Chancellor of the Exchequer is included in the running costs published for the Department and each agency.

To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the authorities of (a) Antigua and (b) Barbuda to prohibit the right of public access to beaches on these islands. [12877]

None.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 9 January, Official Report, column 16, to the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Godman) if he will place in the Library the evidence which he claims supports the charges against two accused Libyans in respect of the destruction of Pan Am 103 in 1988. [11739]

No. Details of the evidence cannot be released as this would prejudice the outcome of a trial.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 1 February. [11620]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 1 February. [11621]

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

To ask the Prime Minister what considerations underlie his Department's decision not to declare St. Davids day a bank holiday in Wales. [12576]

Successive Governments have kept the pattern of bank holidays in the United Kingdom under review. The introduction of any additional bank holiday must take account of the potential costs and disruption to industry. To declare St. David's day a bank holiday in Wales would create cost and disruption to businesses both in Wales and elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

To ask the Prime Minister when a copy of his statement on the Mitchell report was communicated to the Irish Taoiseach; at what time it was (a) sent and (b) received; and what response he received from the Irish Government before to his statement to the House on 24 January. [13083]

A copy of the text of my statement was faxed to the Taoiseach's office at about 2 o'clock on 24 January. No response from the Irish Government reached me before I made my statement to the House.

To ask the Prime Minister 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). [11366]

[holding answer 25 January 1996]: My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service, will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many people were employed by (a) British Gas, (b) British Telecom, (c) Central Electricity Generating Board, (d) East Midlands electricity board, (e) Eastern electricity board, (f) London electricity board, (g) Manweb, (h) Midlands electricity board, (i) Northern electricity board, (j) Norweb, (k) Seeboard, (l) South Wales electricity board, (m) South Western electricity board, (n) Southern electricity board, (o) Yorkshire electricity board, (p) Anglian water authority, (q) Welsh water authority, (r) Northumbrian water authority, (s) North West water authority, (t) Severn Trent water authority, (u) Southern water authority, (v) South West water authority, (w) Thames water authority, (x) Wessex water authority, and (y) Yorkshire water authority, in the final year before each was privatised; [12189](2) what was the total amount of remuneration paid to people serving on the boards of

I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply of 30 January 1996, Official Report, column 656.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much money at 1995 prices raised by the nuclear levy will be refunded to the Exchequer as a result of the proposed privatisation. [12476]

No levy money will be refunded to the Exchequer as a result of the proposed privatisation.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 24 January, Official Report, column 253, what is the make-up of the Sydney Olympics UK business task force. [12567]

The membership of the Sydney Olympics UK business task force is as follows:

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the non-cadmium substitutes available to replace cadmium pigments in polypropylene following the implementation of European Union directive 91/338/EEC. [12821]

There are many factors to consider when choosing a pigment to colour polypropylene, including the thermal stability of the pigment during processing, the service demands of the finished article—i.e. light and weather fastness—and suitability for use in toys and food contact articles. By assessing the demands of the application, it is then possible to choose the correct pigment for the particular application.A wide variety of pigments can be used to colour polypropylene, varying in shade, colour, strength, physical properties and price. These include organic systems such as those based on quinacridone, diketo-pyrrolo-pyrrol, isolindolinone, quinophthalone, perylene and azo condensation products. Inorganic systems based upon nickel and chrome titanium and bismuth can also be used.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when Sir Richard Scott's report will be published. [13612]

On current plans, I expect Sir Richard Scott's report to be published on 15 February.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will halt the sale of British Coal land in Copeland and inquire into the procedure followed; [13154](2) if he will ensure that all relevant information is available to all potential purchasers of British Coal land before any sales are concluded; and if he will make a statement. [13156](3) if he will set out the guidelines to be followed in the sale of British Coal land; [13157](4) what assessment he has made of whether the method adopted to sell British Coal land in Copeland will maximise the return for the assets disposed of; and if he will make a statement. [13155]

The management and disposal of its property is a matter for British Coal. I understand that the corporation has followed a normal commercial approach to the disposal of property in Copeland and related areas, including the provision of all relevant information to all potential purchasers; and that bids have been assessed with a view to obtaining the best terms available for the assets involved, in the light of the corporation's statutory duties.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the value of United Kingdom trade with Saudi Arabia in the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [12748]

[holding answer 31 January 1996]: The information is as follows:

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the benefits and disbenefits of extending section 123 of the Land Registration Act 1925 to conveyances which do not accompany a transfer of the beneficial interest in the land. [12212]

The recommendations for the introduction of legislation to extend the compulsory registration of title provisions of section 123 of the Land Registration Act 1925 to various categories of disposition did not include extending compulsory registration at present to conveyances which do not accompany a transfer of the beneficial interest. This was because responses to the consultation document on extending section 123, issued by the Land Registry in November 1992, received general support but included reservations about extending the section to such conveyances—paragraphs 2.5 to 2.7 of the first report of a joint working group on the implementation of the Law Commission's third and fourth reports on land registration, Law Corn. No.235, Cm 2950. Paragraph 2.6 of the first report proposed that matters—including the extension of section 123 to such conveyances—identified as having insufficient support to justify further action at present should be reviewed again after a period of five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the chair of the board of visitors of each prison in England and Wales as to the use of restraints when women inmates are taken outside prison for whatever reason. [11600]

At last September's annual conference of boards of visitors the issue of handcuffing women in sensitive situations was raised with me.The chairmen of the boards at Bullwood Hall and New Hall prisons wrote to my right hon. and learned Friend on 16 and 17 October 1995 respectively, about the use of restraints on women when on escort. An earlier letter of 16 June 1995, from the chairman of the board at Askham Grange prison to the then Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Stirling (Mr. Forsyth), about women prisoners generally, also raised this issue. Askham Grange board wrote again on 13 November 1995.When my right hon. and learned Friend and I visit prisons, we take the opportunity to speak to boards of visitors who raise a wide range of issues. None of the records of our visits indicates that the use of restraints on women prisoners outside their establishments was raised as a concern.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which powers contained in the Asylum and Immigration Bill affect foreign passport holders with permanent right of United Kingdom abode; if foreign passport holders will be re-classified as immigrants; how their right to remain in the United Kingdom will be affected; and if he will make a statement. [12180]

A Commonwealth citizen with the right of abode under section 2 of the Immigration Act 1971 will be unaffected by the Bill, except to the extent that certain provisions, such as the new power of search in clause 7, are applicable to all people regardless of their status under the Act.The use of the term "immigrant" in clauses 8, 9, 10 and 12 of the Bill to refer to a person who, under the 1971 Act, requires leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom will not affect the immigration status of such a person. In particular, the entitlement of a person who is settled in this country to housing assistance and child benefit and their freedom to take employment will not be affected.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for asylum in the United Kingdom have been received from asylum seekers currently located in other EU countries for each year since 1990. [12607]

An average of five asylum applications have been received from nationals of European Union countries in each year since 1990.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 24 January, Official Report, column 261, if bull bars have now been removed from Metropolitan police vehicles. [12519]

As I stated in my reply to an earlier question from the hon. Member on 29 November 1995, Official Report columns 781–82, and 12 December 1995, Official Report columns 604–5, this is an operational matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. However, I understand that the Commissioner has reviewed the situation in light of the guidelines issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers and is complying with them. So far as possible, bull bars will be fitted only to vehicles for use in public disorder and where that is required in the interests of officer safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what benefits and payments are available to special constables. [12601]

Special constables are unpaid volunteers, but they are eligible to receive a number of benefits. Under the Special Constables Regulations 1965, they may be reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses or receive payment of an allowance in lieu of reimbursement. Chief officers choosing to pay an allowance may draw on Home Office guidance about allowances in respect of footwear, tights and stockings, travel and refreshment.Regulations entitle specials to sick pay in respect of injury suffered—or illness contracted—while on duty, and police authorities have discretion to make ex gratia payments to specials who do not qualify for sick pay under the regulations.In addition, regulations give police authorities discretion to pay a small bounty to special constables who qualify under the criteria—which relate to a minimum commitment of hours in a defined six-month period.We set up a working group on the special constabulary last year under Home Office chairmanship. We expect it to make a number of recommendations in March about the expenses and allowances that special constables should receive.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many legally held firearms there are in (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales (i) in total and (ii) of each type. [12989]

At the end of 1994, the latest year for which figures are available, it is estimated that some 375,000 firearms were covered by firearms certificates on issue in England and about 21,700 by firearms certificates on issue in Wales. Information is not held centrally, however, on the type of firearm covered by these firearm certificates.In addition, some 1,230,800 shotguns were covered by the shotgun certificates on issue in England at the end of 1994, and some 102,300 in Wales.Figures for Scotland are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, but I understand that information on the number of weapons legally held is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the street value of all illegal drugs, per type of drug, seized by Government officials in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [12724]

The total estimated street value of drugs seized by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, in the last five years for which data are available, is as follows:

• 1990: £245 million
• 1991: £308 million
• 1992: £546 million
• 1993: £475 million
• 1994: £551 million

Estimates of the street value of police seizures of illegal drugs are not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the street value of all illegal drugs seized by Government officials in each of the European Union member states in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [12725]

This information is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest estimate of the total street value of the illegal drugs market in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [12727]

It is not possible to make such an estimate with any accuracy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on informing the families of victims of manslaughter and murder of the release of offenders. [13003]

Our policy is as set out in the 1995 national standards for the supervision of offenders before and after release from custody, a copy of which is in the Library. In such cases, the probation service should arrange for the victim's family to be contacted within two months of the imposition of the sentence and offered the opportunity of being kept informed of developments. Where this opportunity is taken up, the service should inform them when release from custody is imminent.