To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the total public spending on the youth service by each local education authority (a) in cash terms and (b) as a proportion of the total local authority budget for each year since 1979; and what estimate he has made of the figures for (i) 1995–96 and (ii) 1996–97.[14656]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the costs to the water industry of removing pesticides from water in 1994–95. [14642]

The Director General of Water Services estimates that £200 million was spent on treatment to remove pesticides from drinking water supplies in England and Wales in 1994–95.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the costs to the water industry of removing (a) nitrates, (b) phosphates and (c) pesticides from water. [14647]

The Director General of Water Services estimates that the costs to the water industry up to 1994–95 of removing nitrates from drinking water supplies in England and Wales is £150 million, and pesticides £600 million. No equivalent estimate is available on the cost of removal of phosphates.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the annual costs to the water industry of complying with the existing water regulations. [14646]

The Director General of Water Services estimates that the cost to the water industry in England and Wales, in order to meet the requirements of the water quality regulations, in the period 1990–91 to 1994–95, was around £2,600 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the costs to the water industry of complying with the water regulations in 1994–95. [14641]

The Director General of Water Services estimates the cost to the water industry in 1994–95 in England and Wales, in order to meet the requirements of the Water Quality Regulations, was around £500 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list by region the total number of dwellings started by (a) local authorities, (b) housing associations, (c) new town development corporations and (d) other public authorities in each local authority area in England in each year since 1979; [15067](2) if he will list by region the total number of dwellings completed by

Local authorities' primary housing tasks are now the efficient management of their own stock of housing and enabling other organisations to provide new housing. Housing associations are now the main providers of new social housing.The publications "Housebuilding in England by Local Authority Area: 1980 to 1989" and "Local Housing Statistics" show estimates of housebuilding starts and completions. They cover each local authority area and each new town development corporation area in England. They show starts and completions by sector, including activity by local authorities and by housing associations."Housebuilding in England by Local Authority Area: 1980 to 1989" shows figures for the period 1980 to 1984. "Local Housing Statistics" shows figures for 1979 and later years: issue number 59 covers 1979; number 103 covers the years 1985 to 1990; number 105 covers 1991: number 106 covers 1992; number 110 covers 1993; and number 114 covers 1994, the latest year for which annual figures are available. Copies of these publications are in the Library.However, the starts and completions figures do not show all the new and additional social lettings made available by housing associations each year. In particular, lettings provided by renovation are rehabilitation and by shared ownership and incentive scheme programmes do not feature in the housebuilding statistics.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total sum allocated to each English local authority from central Government resources in each year since 1974. [13822]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list by region the total amount of (a) useable and (b) set-aside capital receipts held by each local authority in England at 31 March 1995. [15066]

A list by region of the amounts of accumulated usable capital receipts for each English local authority at 31 March 1995 was placed in the Library of the House in response to the question of Monday 22 January 1996, Official Report, column 85 from the hon. member for Oxford, East (Mr. Smith).Figures for the amounts of set aside capital receipts are not available. These form part of the provision for credit liabilities, which is reported to the Department, but which also includes amounts set aside from revenue.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the rules regarding payment of non-domestic rates by businesses being run while in receivership; and if he will make a statement. [14997]

In general, any non-domestic property which is in beneficial occupation is liable to a non-domestic rate. However, a number of recent court cases have cast doubt over the ability of local authorities to recover rates where a receiver or administrative receiver has been appointed.We believe that companies which continue trading while in receivership should also continue to pay their on-going liability for rates. We are considering possible measures to make it easier for local authorities to ensure that this is done. We will issue a consultation paper later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate has been made of the cost of eliminating (a) minewater pollution and (b) minewater discharges on a regional basis; and if he will make a statement. [14935]

Discharges from operational mines are regulated in the same way as other discharges to controlled waters. As regards pollution from abandoned coal mines, the Coal Authority, in consultation with the National Rivers Authority, is in the process of assessing the cost of dealing with water pollution at a number of key sites. So far as discharges from other types of abandoned mines are concerned, it has not been practicable to make a general assessment of the cost of eliminating them. However, in the case of watercourses affected by discharges from the Wheal Jane tin mine in Cornwall, I understand that the National Rivers Authority has so far spent approximately £9 million on the treatment of minewater, and is currently assessing the cost of that treatment in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received in respect of minewater pollution with particular reference to discharges produced by abandoned mines; and if he will make a statement. [14934]

In the last six months, my Department has received three representations relating to the provisions on pollution from abandoned mines in the Environment Act 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated number of overflows requiring work to meet the requirement of the urban waste water directive; and at what cost, (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) in the north-west region; what funding his Department will make available; and if he will make a statement. [14936]

The Director General of Water Services, when he set new price limits for the industry in July 1994, made provision of more than £1 billion for the upgrading of over 2,400 combined sewer overflows in England and Wales under the urban waste water treatment directive. The details of the programme of works are matters for the companies and the local offices of the National Rivers Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had on the issue of criminal anti-social neighbours. [13858]

The Housing Bill now before Parliament includes a range of legislative measures to help landlords to tackle anti-social behaviour. Discussions on this topic continue between officials in the relevant Government Departments and the local authority associations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has decided to take in relation to Bury metropolitan borough council following the notices served on it on 12 June and 29 August 1995 and to Oldham metropolitan borough council following the notice served on it on 15 August 1995 for anti-competitive behaviour in assigning certain services in-house. [15649]

On 12 June and 29 August 1995, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State served notices on Bury metropolitan borough council, setting out his view that the authority had acted anti-competitively during a competition for refuse collection, street cleaning, public convenience cleaning and highways maintenance work worth £1.95 million per annum. On 15 August 1995, my right hon. Friend also served a notice on Oldham metropolitan borough council setting out his view that the authority had acted anti-competitively during a competition for the north-west area (area 2) building maintenance contract worth approximately £1.5 million per annum.My right hon. Friend has given careful consideration to the authorities' responses to the notices.Bury withheld information from private contractors relating to depot facilities and to the available vehicle fleet. In my right hon. Friend's view this was unfair as it made it impossible for private contractors to put in bids for the work based on the same information as was available to the in-house team. He has therefore today given the authority a direction which requires it to re-tender the refuse collection, street cleaning, public convenience cleaning and highways maintenance work by 14 October. It must seek his consent if, at the end of the re-tendering process, it plans to assign the work to its direct services organisation.Oldham required prospective contractors to undertake to submit a TUPE bid—one incorporating the present staff's terms and conditions—if they were given the TUPE information. In my right hon. Friend's view, private contractors who have been given details of the present terms and conditions should still be allowed the freedom to bid using different assumptions because the in-house team can revise the way in which it delivers the work and it is unfair to deny this to some of the bidders. He has therefore today given the authority a direction which requires it to re-tender the north-west area (area 2) building maintenance contract by 14 October. The direction bars its direct services organisation from undertaking the work in future.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what resources he will make available to those local authorities which are to be reorganised on 1 April and which were asked to reconsider whether the reorganisations in their area could be implemented more economically. [15858]

The councils of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull city, Bristol city, Bath and North East Somerset and York district were asked to reconsider their estimates of the amount of expenditure they expect to incur on transitional costs of reorganisation in 1996–97. On the basis of the revised information provided by the five authorities, I have decided the maximum amounts to allocate towards such costs in 1996–97. The amounts are as follows:

Maximum amounts: £ thousands rounded
Authority	1996–97	Cumulative total 1995–96 and 1996–97
East Riding of
Yorkshire Council	7,000	8,200
Hull City Council	3,000	6,000
Bristol City Council	3,500	6,500
Bath and North East
Somerset Council	4,000	5,810
York District Council	3,500	6,050

I shall make a further announcement about the allocations to authorities for which reorganisation orders have not yet been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about North West Water's delayed payments for work undertaken by local authorities on the company's behalf. [13202]

[holding answer 5 February 1996]: None. Any arrangements between water companies and local authorities are a matter for the individual parties concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many full-time equivalent teachers were employed by each Welsh education authority in: (a) January 1991 and (b) January 1995. [14039]

The information requested is given in the following table. Figures refer to school teachers only. Teachers in further and higher education establishments were employed by local education authorities in 1991 but by 1995 the majority were employed by the institutions themselves. Comparisons between the two years would not therefore be meaningful.

Number of full-time equivalent school teachers
	Number1,2
Local education authority	1991	1995
Clwyd	3,707	3,212
Dyfed	3,527	3,570
Gwent	4,038	4,049
Gwynedd	2,299	2,232
Mid Glamorgan	5,302	5,443
Powys	1,234	1,184
South Glamorgan	3,733	3,831
West Glamorgan	3,632	3,464
Total	27,472	26,984

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions (a) wards and (b) departments of hospitals have been closed in Wales in (i) 1995 and (ii) 1996; and if he will list the hospitals. [14802]

The information is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to request the Welsh health planning forum to review the future supply and demand for hospital beds. [15124]

The responsibility for ensuring that the NHS has the appropriate number of beds to meet the needs of the population rests with health authorities. Health authorities regularly review the bed capacity available in their areas and through the contracting process and in discussion with NHS trusts balance the provision between emergency, planned and continuing care.The Department's contract with the Welsh Health Common Services Authority for the services provided by the Welsh Health Planning Forum expired last year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the supply and demand for paediatric intensive care beds in (a) Welsh hospitals and (b) in adjoining English specialist hospitals serving adjoining areas of Wales; how many paediatric intensive care beds there are in each Welsh hospital which has them; how many beds are (i) installed but are not currently staffed and (ii) under construction; and if he will make a statement. [15141]

There is currently one paediatric intensive care facility at the cardiac unit at the University hospital of Wales. Other demand is met by adult units.My Department has asked all health authorities and NHS trusts in Wales to work in partnership to review against assessed need the adequacy of the current provision for intensive and high dependency care facilities, including the requirement for dedicated facilities for children. Health authorities are due to report the outcome of this exercise, including action to address any deficiencies, by the end of this month.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the payments of (a) salary, (b) expenses and (c) other emoluments to Mr. Glyn Davies in respect of membership of (i) the Development Board for Rural Wales and (ii) other public appointments between 1985 and 1995. [15221]

The information is not readily available. I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 15 February. [14015]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 15 February. [14017]

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 how many directives have been passed through the Council of Ministers in each of last five years. [13906]

[holding answer 14 February 1996]: The Commission's most up-to-date figures for the number of Council directives in the last five years are:

• 1991: 68
• 1992: 93
• 1993: 66
• 1994: 49
• 1995: 31.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will call for a further report into the case of Ghazanfer Ali who is detained in prison in Mirpur city in Azad Kashmir; and if he will make a statement. [15348]

I understand that Mr. Ali, a Pakistani national, has now been formally charged with murder and the illegal possession of arms and that he is making regular appearances in court. The next hearing are scheduled for 24 and 29 February. My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary will continue to monitor his case on humanitarian grounds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce the presence and activities of the armed forces in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [14918]

Force levels in Northern Ireland are kept under continuous review and will remain appropriate to the security situation and to the need for UK bases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations to the court were made on behalf of Kevin Duncan, a serving soldier in the Highlanders, in respect of his sentence for a drink driving conviction in January. [15075]

It is normal practice, as in the case to which the hon. Member refers, for an officer to accompany all soldiers to civilian court appearances to provide character references, job descriptions and details of pay and allowances. Information is also offered to the court about military matters which it may find helpful in its consideration of the case. The conduct of the court's proceedings is a matter for the court itself.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what spare freight capacity exists on the rail routes running north from London. [14741]

I am informed by Railtrack that considerable spare capacity exists.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he first learnt of the alleged irregularities involving work by Union Railways on the channel tunnel rail link. [15162]

I was first informed by Union Railways of the alleged irregularities on Tuesday 6 February.There is no suggestion of any connection between the alleged irregularities and the evidence Union Railways has presented to the Select Committee considering the Bill, or of any connection with the competition to select the private sector promoter for the channel tunnel rail link project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the inquiry into the alleged irregular processes involving Union Railways is to be completed. [15163]

The inquiry into the alleged irregular processes involving Union Railways began on Wednesday 7 February and is expected to take several weeks to complete.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future of the dial-a-ride service in the London area. [15297]

The Government are committed to the continued provisions of a dial-a-ride service in London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff are employed at the Coventry motor vehicle licensing office; and what provision for transfer of staff to other licensing offices when the Coventry office closes has been made. [15218]

There are currently 22 staff employed at Coventry vehicle registration office including job sharers and part timers, a member of staff on secondment from a neighbouring VRO and five casual staff. Permanent staff have given the opportunity to say if they would want to transfer to a neighbouring VRO. Every effort will be made to effect whatever transfers are necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to close the Leicester motor vehicle licensing office. [15216]

As part of the rationalisation of DVLA's local office network, Leicester vehicle registration office will close later this year and the work will be transferred in stages to neighbouring VROs such as Nottingham, Peterborough and Birmingham. The VRO' s customers including motor dealers, will be consulted so that their needs can be taken into account when making these revised arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vehicles were registered at (a) Coventry and (b) Nottingham motor vehicle licensing offices in each of the last six years. [15217]

The table shows the number of new vehicles registered at (a) Coventry and (b) Nottingham vehicle registration offices over the last four financial years excluding those intended for personal and direct export. The information is not readily available for the earlier periods as it was compiled on a different basis.

	Coventry	Nottingham
1991–92	46,233	46,015
1992–93	72,677	44,230
1993–94	72,696	48,463
1994–95	68,773	50,171

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from vehicle manufacturers in Coventry regarding the closure of the Coventry motor vehicle licensing office; and what proportion were in favour of the closure. [15219]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation his Department held with motor vehicle manufacturers in Coventry regarding the closure of the Coventry motor vehicle licensing office. [15220]

In August 1994, it was announced that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency was to close all its local offices, including Coventry, by 1997. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Retail Motor Industry Federation were informed through their normal links with the agency. No consultation was undertaken with individual manufacturers. A later review completed in January showed a continuing need for a local office presence and although 40 of the 50 offices will remain, open 10—including Coventry—will still close by 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what considerations underlay his Department's decision to close the Coventry motor vehicle licensing office. [15213]

In August 1994 my right hon. Friend wrote to the hon. Member to announce the closure of the vehicle registration office in Coventry. Although a more recent review has recommended retention of 40 offices, the one in Coventry is still planned to close.The overall aim is to reduce the network's operating costs and to match its size to the expected future work patterns. In the case of Coventry, the lease on the premises had expired.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what extra provision he has made for increases in registration at the Nottingham motor vehicle licensing office from March. [15214]

Motor dealers who currently use Coventry vehicle registration office which is to close in March have been asked to indicate which vehicle registration offices they would prefer to use to conduct their business in future. That consultation is currently taking place and when complete will indicate what additional work will move to neighbouring offices such as Birmingham, Nottingham and Northampton. Resources will be adjusted to take account of any increases in order to maintain service standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average capacity of a motor vehicle licensing office in respect of the issue of vehicle licences. [15215]

The capacity of each office varies according to the size and population of the area for which it provides services and the mix of those services, in particular the mix of work between registration and licensing work and vehicle excise duty enforcement. A national average capacity based on licensing work handled by the 50 local offices in 1994–95 would be around 94,000 licences per office per year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when construction work will start on the modernisation of the west coast main line. [15298]

It is Railtrack's intention to invite tenders and award the main works implementation contract later this year.A programme of initial modernisation work is being planned to commence this summer and will be targeted in those areas from which the greatest benefits can be gained.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many personal interviews took place at the Bradford probate office in each of the last five years to date; how many personal interviews took place at the Leeds district probate registry over the same period; what were the opening hours of both offices during this period; what representations have been received, to date, to the proposal to close the Bradford probate office; how many such representations have been (a) supportive of and (b) opposed to closure. [15347]

The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list (a) the total income before and after tax and national insurance and (b) the average earned and unearned income in 1995–96 and 1996–97 of (i) the top 1 per cent., (ii) the top 5 per cent., (iii) the top 10 per cent., (iv) the bottom 70 per cent., (v) the bottom 10 per cent. of taxpayers and (vi) all taxpayers. [14251]

Estimates are given in the table. Total income relates to income subject to tax and excludes non-taxable incomes such as certain social security benefits.

Quantile group of taxpayers	Total income before income tax and national insurance £ million	Total income after income tax and national insurance £ million	Average total income before income tax and national insurance £ million
1995–96
Top 1	34,300	22,400	133,300
Top 5	81,600	56,000	63,400
Top 10	121,500	85,700	47,200
Bottom 70	176,100	146,100	9,800
Bottom 10	11,700	11,100	4,600
All taxpayers	407,700	315,500	15,900
1996–97
Top 1	36,100	23,700	140,300
Top 5	85,800	59,200	66,600
Top 10	127,600	90,800	49,500
Bottom 70	182,300	151,900	10,300
Bottom 10	12,500	11,700	4,800
All taxpayers	428,100	334,300	16,600

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the impact of a single European currency on the United Kingdom economy. [14950]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 8 February 1996, Official Report, column 363.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 7 February, Official Report, column 186, if he will set out the effects of the flat rate tax for income exempt from taxation in £1,000 increments from £3,000 to £10,000 on the basis of (a) a single tax exempt amount per household, (b) a shared tax exempt amount per couple and (c) both (a) and (b) with an additional £2,000 tax exempt amount for married couples only. [14947]

Such an analysis of the effects of introducing a flat rate of income tax on a joint or household basis could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many higher rate taxpayers are at present in (a) occupational pension schemes, (b) personal pension schemes and (c) executive pension schemes. [14665]

[holding answer 12 February 1996]: Latest available estimates are that about 1.3 million members of occupational pension schemes and some 0.5 million members of personal pension schemes are higher rate taxpayers. A separate figure for executive pension schemes is not available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many environmental appraisals were produced by his Department using the guidance contained in the Department of the Environment's "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" in 1995; and if he will place copies in the Library. [15113]

[holding answer 14 February 1996]: None.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assumptions he has made of the effect the proposed increase in the child care disregard will have in 1996–97 (a) on the number of women who will take up the disregard and (b) on the flowback to the Exchequer from bringing more women into the work force. [15222]

I have been asked to reply.We estimate that, on average, between 5,000 and 10,000 families will benefit from the increase in the child care disregard. The behavioural effects of the increase, and the pace at which they occur, are uncertain. No specific assumption has been made as to the flowback to the Exchequer.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what arrangements have been made for (a) distribution of the Scott report within the civil service and (b) access to legal support and representation for civil servants criticised by Lord Justice Scott. [14841]

Copies of the Scott report will be obtained by Government Departments in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of civil servants. Legal support for civil servants criticised in the report will be given where their Department concludes that such support is appropriate

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on each of the recommendations contained in the interdepartmental review of fire safety legislation and enforcement in the United Kingdom. [15398]

The Government have been considering the findings of the review and the views expressed by interested parties, including the deregulation task force. It has also been further considering the fire safety aspects of the EC framework and workplace directives. An announcement on both will be made soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what resources have been committed to the Republic of Belarus to assist with the (a) medical, (b) agricultural and (c) other consequences of the Chernobyl incident; what resources will be committed in 1996–97; and when the Government propose next to review the level of assistance required. [15181]

In 1986, the UK was the first country to respond to the United Nations' resolution on the Chernobyl accident. We have since contributed to international study and assistance programmes to Belarus and Ukraine through the EU, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the World Health Organisation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's Nuclear Safety Account. The first priority of these programmes has been to ensure the safety of other nuclear installations in the region. Since 1991, 236 million ecu, around £180 million, has been committed via the EU' s programme of technical assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States, to which the UK contributes 16 per cent. We also provide financial and technical expertise to international projects in the region on radioactive contamination, feasibility studies for cleaning up contaminated areas, and radiological training. Bilateral assistance to Belarus in dealing with the environmental effects of the Chernobyl accident is through the environmental know-how fund, and during 1996 and 1997 we will continue to examine suitable projects directed at the rehabilitation of the area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what inquiries he has undertaken to establish whether Russian troops serving with British forces in Bosnia have been involved in atrocities in Chechnya. [15390]

We have made no inquiries about whether the Russian troops, who are deployed in the American sector, have served in Chechnya.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a member of Her Majesty's embassy in Moscow last visited Chechnya. [15385]

Two members of Her Majesty's embassy in Moscow last visited Chechnya from 25 to 26 May 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff are employed at each British Council office; what changes have taken place in staffing levels since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [14471]

The British Council currently employs 1,173 staff in the UK—excluding the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges, CBEVE—and 4,985 staff overseas in 229 offices in 109 countries. The number of staff employed in each overseas office is not immediately available. I will, however, write to the hon. Lady giving the detailed figures.Since 1990, the number of British Council staff working in the UK—excluding the CBEVE—has been reduced by 30 per cent. from 1,687 to 1,173. Over the same period, the number of British Council staff working overseas has increased by 13 per cent. from 4,390 to 4,985.These changes reflect the fact that the council is now operating in 109 countries compared with 90 in 1990 and has over the same period implemented radical efficiency measures to reduce the number of its headquarters support staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on pensions in Gibraltar. [15753]

We remain in close touch with the Gibraltar Government on the question of pensions. Discussions are continuing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list for primary and secondary legislation passed since 5 April 1995 which measures were subject to a compliance cost assessment; and what was the compliance cost in each instance. [13640]

[holding answer 7 February 1996]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 14 February, Official Report, column 578.

To ask the Lord President of the Council which grades, appointments and other positions are covered by the Senior Salaries Review Body; and what are the three lowest salaries and the appointments to which they apply. [14626]

The Senior Salaries Review Body advises the Prime Minister on the remuneration of holders of judicial office, senior civil servants and senior officers of the armed forces. It can also be invited, from time to time, to advise on the pay, pensions and allowances of Members of Parliament and Ministers.For the SSRB' s three main remit groups, the lowest salaries and the appointments to which they apply are as follows. The salaries are those which will be payable from 1 April 1996.

To ask the Lord President of the Council how many oral statements have been made by the Secretary of State for Wales in each Session since May 1992 and what was the total length of time taken in making these statements and replying to questions. [1709]

[pursuant to his reply, 4 December 1995, c. 27]: I regret that the information given was inaccurate and should have read:

	Number of statements made
1992–93	16
1993–94	2
1994–95	1
128 October 1992, 14 December 1992, 1 March 1993, 1 April 1993, 14 June 1993, 19 October 1993.

The total length of time taken in making the statements and in replying to questions was six hours 20 minutes. I have written to the hon. Member expressing my apologies for the error.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all cases where spare computer capacity has been sold to other Departments since 1987, giving the Department and value of each contract. [14073]

The management of MAFF' s IT is in many cases the responsibility of local units. Consequently, not all records of any such transactions would be held centrally. There is insufficient time to gather the information requested from anywhere other than central records.MAFF did charge for computer capacity in respect of the processing of grants and subsidies payments for the Department of Agriculture, Northern Ireland. The computer processing component of the total charge was approximately £50,000 per annum, and the contract came to an end in July 1994.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many empty buildings his Department currently owns; what is the cost of insuring and securing these buildings; how many were designed as residential properties; and what was the total amount spent by his Department on empty property taxes in each of the last five years. [14573]

The Ministry owns or leases 45 empty buildings. Most of these are surplus storage depots in the process of being sold. However, five were designed as, and still are, residential properties, but these are either due for disposal or awaiting new tenants.The Ministry does not insure its buildings; as a general rule the Government carry their own insurance risk.The Ministry does not pay uniform business rates to local authorities. Instead contributions in lieu of rates—CILOR—are paid to the Inland Revenue's Crown property unit. The amounts paid in the last three years in respect of empty properties are set out below.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the MV Caroline was used for the purposes of feeding, watering and resting live animals, and declared as such on respective journey plans during the period 18 January to 25 October 1995, for the purposes of the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order 1994. [14455]

Yes.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to recover the costs awarded in favour of the Ministry in the case between the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Live Sheep Traders Ltd., Live Sheep Traders (Ireland) Ltd. and Roger Ernest Mills. [14634]

This matter was referred to a taxing master of the Supreme Court for adjudication. The Ministry is now seeking to recover the costs awarded.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many deaths of animals and birds have occurred at the animal quarantine station at Heathrow airport for each year since 1989. [8777]

[holding answer 19 January 1996]: The animal quarantine station at Heathrow airport—AQS—has informed me that the number of deaths of mammals and birds, including those dead on arrival, at the AQS is in the table.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what have been the total sums paid in support grants to upland areas in each of the last three years. [13012]

[holding answer 1 February 1996]: The total of support grants paid to upland areas are not separately recorded. However, the total of direct subsidies paid to livestock producers in the less favoured areas in the United Kingdom is estimated at around £550 million in 1993 and in 1994 and about £600 million in 1995. These estimates cover only payments under the sheep annual premium scheme, suckler cow premium scheme, beef special premium scheme and hill livestock compensatory allowances scheme.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons his officials on the quayside at Dover returned a vehicle carrying sheep to a local lairage on Friday 2 February; if a prosecution is to be brought in respect of the animals involved; and if he will make a statement. [14328]

[holding answer 9 February 1996]: This consignment was returned to premises close to the port of Dover because two of the sheep had eye discharges and a more detailed inspection was required. The sheep were unloaded under official supervision and they were inspected the following morning. No serious welfare problems were revealed at this inspection, although 20 sheep had ear tags missing. After rest and a further inspection, at which three sheep were rejected as unfit to travel, the remaining animals were permitted to continue their journey from Dover on Monday 5 February 1996. These events are being considered by officials in consultation with Kent county council.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what additional assistance his Department has the power to offer west Cumbria's hill farmers following the recent adverse weather conditions. [14815]

[holding answer 12 February 1996]: The EC rules for the provision of hill livestock compensatory allowances, the main form of aid payable specifically to hill farmers, already provides compensation for the permanent natural handicaps affecting farming activities. There is no provision to pay allowances in respect of abnormal weather conditions. However, the Department's staff at the Carlisle regional service centre have been in contact with the local farming community and Cumbria county council to co-ordinate assistance where required. Activity is mainly centred around the need for early road clearance to allow for milk tanker access to dairy units.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the average contract cost for an Office for Standards in Education nursery school inspection at the latest date for which figures are available. [15125]

This is a matter for Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools, who heads the Office for Standards in Education. I have asked Mr. Chris Woodhead to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many Ofsted registered nursery education inspectors there are currently in England. [15126]

The Nursery Education and Grant-Maintained Schools Bill makes provision for the registration by Ofsted of a new body of nursery education inspectors. Registration itself cannot begin until the Bill has been enacted and brought into force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate she had made of the average contract cost, in phase one of the voucher scheme, for an inspection under the auspices of Ofsted of (a) a nursery school, (b) a playgroup and (c) under-fives provision in primary or infant schools. [15127]

The Department is presently in discussion with Ofsted about the cost of inspection contracts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate she has made of the cash value of the capital repairs backlog in schools in the grant-maintained sector; and when she will publish the findings of the Funding Agency for Schools conditions survey of grant-maintained schools. [15128]

This is a matter for the Funding Agency for Schools. I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the original estimate for expenditure on inspection of schools in 1995–96; and what is the present budget. [15088]

This is a matter for Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools, who heads the Office for Standards in Education. I have asked Mr. Chris Woodhead to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the money sum and proportion of the standard spending assessment or its equivalent, allocated to each English local education authority in (a) 1974, (b) 1979 and (c) 1990 and for latest available year, for education purposes; and what was the actual expenditure and proportion of the local authority's budget spent on education in each of those years. [13821]

I am placing in the Library tables that show for each local education authority, for the financial years 1990–91 and 1993–94—the latest available—total standard spending assessments and education SSAs, and total expenditure and education expenditure. Data in a similar form are not available for 1974 or 1979. Both SSA and spending figures include provision for grant-maintained schools. These figures have not been adjusted on account of any change in functions between the two years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list all (a) Internet and (b) other computer network, sites or bulletin boards operated by her Department or containing information supplied by her Department, indicating for each site or bulletin board (i) the inaugural date, (ii) the timetable and policy in respect of updates, (iii) the Internet, or other network, address and (iv) to whom the site or board is currently made available and the criteria which must be fulfilled by applicants for access. [14229]

The Department for Education and Employment maintains an Internet site. This world wide web site was first made available on 24 April 1995 and is frequently updated. The address for this site is

"Intp://WWW.open.gov.ulddfee/dfeehome.htm".

For technical reasons, some of the information on this site is held electronically at other sites, but all is available from the Department's home page. The Department has an Internet E-mail address-

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people are employed by the TECs; and what was the figure for each year since their establishment. [14254]

Training and enterprise councils are private companies and as such are not required to provide information on the number of staff they employ.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list all cases where spare computer capacity has been sold to other Departments by her current Department or its two predecessors since 1987, giving the Department and value of each contract. [14082]

The following systems have been/are run for other Departments:

Department	System	Value 1993–94 (£000)	Value 1994–95 (£000) Dates	Dates
Central Statistical Office	Retail Price Index	315	947	Finished 1995
Central Statistical Office	Family Expenditure Survey	325	301	Finished 1994
Northern Ireland Department of Economic Development	New Earnings Survey/Census of Employment	80	80	Ongoing

The above figures include the cost of developments, enhancements, support and process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many representations she received during the consultation for the Education (School Premises) Regulations; which local authorities wanted the minimum space requirements for teaching and learning removed; and if she will make a statement. [14319]

Full-time equivalent of teachers in schools in Northamptonshire Local Education Authority area 1979–1995
Position in January in each year
	LEA maintained1		Grant maintained1
	Nursery	Primary	Secondary	Primary	Secondary	City Technology Colleges2
1979	3—	2,105.7	2,899.2	4—	4—	4—
1980	3—	2,062.7	2,977.0	4—	4—	4—
1981	3—	1,962.0	2,928.4	4—	4—	4—
1982	3—	1,979.7	2,953.4	4—	4—	4—
1983	3—	2,034.2	3,028.6	4—	4—	4—
1984	3—	2,024.4	3,019.7	4—	4—	4—
1985	3—	2,041.0	2,993.9	4—	4—	4—
1986	16.0	2,055.5	2,998.4	4—	4—	4—
1987	16.8	2,036.0	2,851.1	4—	4—	4—
1988	15.4	2,053.2	2,806.7	4—	4—	4—
1989	15.6	2,066.8	2,774.0	4—	4—	4—
1990	15.8	2,116.9	2,717.6	4—	4—	4—
1991	14.9	2,120.1	2,633.1	4—	38.4	4—
1992	16.0	2,126.3	2,517.2	18.9	194.7	27.4
1993	16.0	2,135.5	2,130.8	37.0	549.2	47.6
1994	16.6	2,074.8	2,097.5	138.9	615.1	61.3
1995	16.2	2,075.8	2,119.1	149.9	628.1	63.6
1Qualified teachers only.
2Includes all teaching staff.
3Not available.
4Not applicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if asylum seekers will be eligible for Government training programmes under the new regulations, with particular reference to training for work. [15172]

There is no change in asylum seekers' eligibility for Government training programmes. They are eligible for training for work or the Government's

The Department and the Welsh Office sent some 1,500 sets of consultation papers to local education authorities, schools, and other organisations. We received only 119 responses, which is less than 8 per cent. of those consulted.Of local education authorities in England and Wales, fewer than two fifths replied. Among those which did, several supported the principle of non-statutory guidance. In particular, East Sussex and Wandsworth LEAs positively welcomed the proposed deregulation of statutory space requirements.We have given careful consideration to all the responses and intend to incorporate many of the detailed points raised into the final version of the regulations and the accompanying circular.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many full-time equivalent teachers were employed by the Northamptonshire local education authority, grant-maintained and city technology college schools in the nursery, primary and secondary sectors in each year since 1979. [14309]

The available information is shown in the following table.programmes for young people if they have been granted permission to work in the UK by the Home Office pending a decision on their application for political asylum. They must fulfil the other eligibility criteria for those programmes which apply to all UK residents.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what was the total budget for the access to work scheme in each of the last three years; and if she will give a regional breakdown of each national budget; [15331](2) what was the average payment per client of the access to work scheme, in each of the last three years; and if she will give a regional breakdown of the average payment per client. [15332]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many disabled people have benefited from the access to work scheme in each of the last three years; and if she will give a regional breakdown of national figures. [15330]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what was the original budget of the Government's access to work scheme in 1995–96; [15203](2) what is the estimated final outturn of the Government's access to work scheme in 1995–96; and what is the planned expenditure for the scheme for 1996–97. [15204]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultations have taken place with private employers about the access to work scheme; and what discussions have taken place in respect of employer's contributions. [15205]

Discussions are being held with the principal organisations concerned with the future operation of the access to work programme, including ones representing the views of private employers. The discussions are wide ranging.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 8 February, Official Report, column 320, relating to the appointment of Capita Manager Services Ltd. as contractors for the management of phase 1 of the voucher scheme for early years education, what was the number of tenders received; and what were the criteria, other than tender price, used in the appointment. [15346]

Three tenders were received. The principal criteria, other than tender price, used to award the contract were: the quality of proposals for issuing and redeeming vouchers; the strength of proposals to ensure security and control; and the ability to comply with the timetable for phase one.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the answer given on 8 February Official Report, column 320, concerning the statutory basis for the appointment of Capita Manager Services Ltd., at what dates in the contract the first advances on payments are due; and on what dates thereafter. [15345]

Payments were made on 11 December and 20 December 1995 to meet the initial costs of equipment and materials required for the issuing and redemption of nursery vouchers. The remainder of the contract cost will be paid in monthly instalments. These started in December 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools have notified her Department of their interest (a) in increasing their number of assisted places and (b) in using the assisted places scheme for the first time; how many extra places have been notified in the last available year; and if she will make a statement on (i) the numbers to be provided and (ii) the expected timetable of provision. [15445]

Over 400 schools have bid for over 7,400 new entry places from September 1996 as part of the expansion of the assisted places scheme in England, and more bids have been received for further places in 1997. Over 260 of these schools already participate in the scheme, and over 140 have applied for admission. These bids far exceed the scale of expansion necessary to meet the announced doubling of the total size of the scheme over time. My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to announce the first allocations of new places for September 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the Skills Training Agency was first established; how many people it employs; what have been its total running costs to date; and what are the estimated running costs for 1995–96 and 1996–97. [15084]

[holding answer 13 February 1996]: The Skills Training Agency was established as a self-contained agency of the Department of Employment in 1985. It was transferred into the private sector in 1990. At that point, it ceased to be staffed by civil servants. The Department does, however, meet some residual costs relating to former staff and properties arising from the privatisation of the Skills Training Agency: for 1995–96 these are estimated at £1.8 million and for 1996–97 at £1.5 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the current ratio of Scottish Office Agriculture Department staff is to the total number of farmers, partners and directors in Scotland. [12304]

The ratio of staff currently employed in agricultural divisions of the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department to the estimated number of farmers, partners and directors in Scotland is approximately 1:43. This figure is based on recorded permanent staffing levels at 1 January 1996 and an estimate of the number of farmers, partners and directors in Scotland from the latest available information, at June 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current target figure for the number of patients to be covered by general practitioner fundholding practices within each health board area in Scotland. [13252]

The Scottish Office has not specifically set a target number of general practitioner fundholding practices for each health board area in Scotland. However, all health boards other than Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles have agreed with the NHS management executive an objective of achieving at least 30 per cent. coverage of the population by 1995–96.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many on-line terminals are currently functioning in the national lottery. [14256]

This is an operational matter for Camelot Group plc. The Director General of the National Lottery has licensed Camelot to run the national lottery and he regulates its operations. I have therefore asked the director general to write to the hon. Member, placing copies of his response in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was the exact amount of start-up costs (a) to public funds and (b) to Camelot for the national lottery. [14257]

Costs associated with the establishment of the national lottery fall (a) to Camelot Group plc, (b) to the Office of the National Lottery, (c) to my Department and (d) to lottery distributors.Details of costs incurred by Camelot Group plc. are a matter for Camelot. I have asked the Director General of the National Lottery to write to the hon. Member with information about the costs of Oflot and to place copies of his response in the Library of the House.The costs incurred by the national lottery distribution branch within the Department of National Heritage to 31 March 1995 totalled £247,000. It is estimated that these costs were predominantly for the setting up of systems and procedures for administering the fund. These costs were met from the national lottery distribution fund. Other costs of the national lottery division were met from the Department's administration vote. For the year ending 31 March 1995, these come to approximately £251,000.Funds drawn down from the NLDF by the 11 lottery distributors, to cover administration costs, totalled £5.049 million for the period to 31 March 1995. These costs have also been shown to be predominantly set-up costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of the Anglia and Oxford regional health authority cook-chill venture; and if he will make a statement. [14529]

This is a matter for the Anglia and Oxford regional health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact Sir Stuart Burgess, the chairman, for details.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the number of paediatric intensive care units in the North West and West Midlands regions, part of whose planned capacity is deemed to meet demand from north and mid-Wales; and how many beds in those regions are installed but not staffed. [15142]

Health authorities are responsible for assessing health needs and I understand that the long-standing arrangements for the referral of critically ill children from Wales are taken into account in the planning and provision of paediatric intensive care units in the North West and West Midlands regions. There are currently 44 beds. Two more staffed beds will be brought into use next month.