To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the estimated number of Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus living in the area to the south of the UN-patrolled buffer zone; what are current trends in the number; and if he will make a statement. [27152]

The UN Secretary-General's report of 10 December 1995 on the UN operation in Cyprus states that 362 Turkish Cypriots located in the southern part of Cyprus have made themselves known to United Nations forces in Cyprus personnel. We support the call in UN Security Council resolution 789 for a Cyprus-wide census under the auspices of the United Nations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 April, Official Report, column 84, what is his Department's assessment of the effect of Her Majesty's Government's decision to modernise their stock of anti-personnel mines on the prospects of achieving an international agreement banning all anti-personnel mines. [27323]

We are committed to pursuing a total ban on anti-personnel land mines. We shall as soon as possible destroy nearly half of our existing stocks of anti-personnel land mines. We intend to destroy the remainder when an international ban is agreed, or when viable alternatives become available. In the meantime, should it become necessary to replace any of the remaining mines, we shall do so only with self-destruct mines. We have taken no final decision to procure any new anti-personnel mines. We shall continue to pursue the policy which, in our view, offers the best prospect of addressing the terrible consequences for innocent civilians of the irresponsible use of anti-personnel land mines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 April, Official Report, column 84, how the Government plan to pursue an international agreement on banning all non-self-destructing anti-personnel mines. [27320]

We are committed to pursuing a total international ban on all anti-personnel mines and, as an interim measure, will also work for a ban on non-self-destructing mines. We shall consider how best to proceed, in concert with allies and partners who share our objectives, in the light of the conclusion of the UN weaponry convention review conference, which is currently in progress in Geneva.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 April, Official Report, column 84, what is his Department's policy towards sharing self-destruct technology with those countries who currently export non-self-destruct anti-personnel mines to help them switch production to self-destruct anti-personnel mines. [27324]

Our aim is to bring about the elimination of all anti-personnel land mines as soon as it is practicable, and in the short term to eliminate particularly non-self-destruct mines which are the most dangerous to civilians. We have also announced a total moratorium on the export of all anti-personnel land mines to all destinations. We shall be guided by these factors in considering any sharing of mine-related technology with any country.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Gosport. [25708]

I have at present no plans to do so.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the future role of the Department of Transport. [26903]

The "Transport Report 1996", Command Paper 3206, which was published on 25 March, sets out the Department of Transport's overall objectives and priorities for the immediate future.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 22 April to the hon. Member for Reading, West (Sir A. Durant) Official Report, columns 18–19, if he will publish (a) the financial commitments made to the Ukraine to close down and clean up the Chernobyl reactors by (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) the G7 and (b) the timetable over which these commitments are made. [27348]

The memorandum of understanding signed in December 1995 between the Ukraine, the G7 countries and the European Commission provides for the closure of Chernobyl within the framework of a comprehensive assistance programme for Ukraine's energy sector. The MOU committed assistance to some $500 million in grants and to $1.8 billion in projected investments. To date, the United Kingdom has contributed over £16 million for Chernobyl-related projects and assistance with energy sector restructuring.

To ask the Prime Minister what estimates he has made of the cost to the United Kingdom of (a) additional health monitoring, (b) nuclear installations safety reviews, (c) compensation for loss of trade to the United Kingdom and (d) other costs of the Chernobyl accident of 1986. [27386]

No central estimate has been made of the cost of the United Kingdom of additional health monitoring of the Chernobyl accident. Direct costs which can be identified amount to around some £13 million for compensation paid to sheep farmers and environmental monitoring projects. In addition, over a 10-year period, £33 million will have been invested in the Government's radioactive incident monitoring network.

To ask the Prime Minister in what circumstances the Prince of Wales's consent is needed for a Bill. [26043]

Bills whose provisions affect the hereditary revenues, personal property or interests of the Duchy of Cornwall require the consent of the Prince of Wales to be signified in both Houses before they are passed. The same would apply to any Bill which affected the interest of the Prince of Wales in his capacity as Prince and Steward of Scotland.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 30 April. [26044]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 30 April. [26045]

This morning, I 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 Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what are the key performance targets for the Court Service, Her Majesty's Land Registry, the Public Record Office and Public Trust Office for 1996–97. [27708]

The following tables set out the key performance targets that the Lord Chancellor has set for the Court Service, Her Majesty's Land Registry, the Public Record Office and the Public Trust Office for 1996–97.

Court Service Key performance targets 1996–97
	Indicator	Target
Quality of service:	1. Percentage of courts and offices meeting all charter for court users standards	95 per cent.
Supreme court:	2. Percentage of administrative process dealt with within target time	95 per cent.
Crown court:	3. Percentage of defendants committed for trail waiting 16 weeks or less	75 per cent.

Court Service Key performance targets 1996–97
	Indicator	Target
County courts:	4. Percentage of administrative process dealt with within target time	92 per cent.
Enforcement:	5. Number of warrants paid as a percentage of correctly directed warrants	70 per cent.
Unit costs:	6. Unit cost of a productive courtroom hour (Crown court)	£522.55
	7. Unit cost of an hour of administrative work as measured by the business management system (county courts)	£49.92
Cost recovery:	8. Percentage of the cost of civil courts recovered	86 per cent.

Fuller details of the agency's targets are given in its business plan which is available from the Court Service Headquarters.

Her Majesty's Land Registry Executive Agency Key performance targets 1996–97
Indicator	Target
Financial
Return on average capital employed1 (ROCE):	3 per cent.
External financing limit:	£0
Efficiency
Cost per unit in real terms3	£27.84—a 3 per cent. reduction over the 1995–96 target of £28.70
Cost per unit in cash terms:	£30.82
Productivity
Unit output per post (per day):	3.34 units—a 4.1 per cent. increase over the 1995–96 target of 3.202 units
Citizen's charter standards Percentage of pre-completion applications handled in two working days at every district land registry:	Not less than 98.5 per cent.
Average processing time for post-completion applications at every district land registry:	Where no requisitions arise, no more than 15 working days.
Percentage of registrations handled free of error at every district land registry:	Not less than 98 per cent.
Development of land registration
Number of computerised titles:	To increase the number of registered titles in computerised format to 14 million.
Number of title plans:	To increase the number of title plans in computerised format to 0.3 million.
Number of account holders using direct computer access at end of year:	400 account holders
1 ROCE below 6 per cent. reflects agreement with HM Treasury to apply surplus income generated in 1993–95, when ROCE exceeded 25 per cent. in each year to fee reductions in 1996–99.
2 The real term unit cost in the base year, of 1992–93 was £30.65. Fuller details of the registry's performance targets are given in its business plan, which is available from Her Majesty's Land Registry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what powers he has to ensure that the water companies take steps to guarantee uninterrupted water supplies this summer. [25688]

Under the Water Industry Act 1991 the Secretary of State—or the Director General of Water Services—may make enforcement orders requiring a company to take specific actions in order to secure compliance with any statutory or other requirement enforceable under the Act. One such duty, under section 37, is that water companies must develop and maintain an efficient and economical system of water supply within their area and make supplies available to persons who demand them.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to monitor the future availability of water supplies. [25692]

My Department commissioned a series of reports from the National Rivers Authority on the water resource situation and prospects for supplies in England and Wales. A further report, from the Environment Agency, is expected to be published on 1 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what voluntary leakage reduction target each water company has set over the next five and 10 years; [27164](2) if he will publish water company leakage rates on a quarterly basis at times of water shortage. [27165]

The water service companies' current targets for reducing leakage are summarised in the table. The Director General of Water Services is involved in on-going discussions with companies about the adequacy and consistency of these targets. There are not plans to publish leakage rates quarterly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what additional investment each water company approved in the past six months to respond to the present shortage of rainfall [27167]

During the latter part of 1995 and the first four months of 1996, the privatised water and sewerage companies have announced additional investment of more than £400 million in developing water resources and improving the distribution network. Figures for individual companies are as follows:

	£ million
Anglian Water	10
Dwr Cymru	10
Northumbrian Water	3
North West Water	53
Severn Trent Water	100
Southern Water	32
South West Water	20
Thames Water	35
Yorkshire Water	171
Wessex Water	5

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the impact on small businesses of his policy to give transitional relief on the unified business rate. [25689]

In 1995–96, the transitional arrangements benefited 815,000 small business premises compared with 315,000 large properties. This represents a saving to small businesses of nearly £380 million. Over the period 1995 to 2000, small businesses are expected to benefit by about £1.35 billion from transition.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the Controller of the Audit Commission on the district auditor service. [25690]

No such discussions have been held, but Ministers meet the chairman and members of the commission informally from time to time.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last met local authority leaders to discuss Government contribution to local authority spending. [25693]

I last met local authority leaders specifically to discuss the financing of local authority revenue expenditure on 15 January. My most recent meeting with chairmen of the local authority associations was on 23 April.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the percentage increase in expenditure by local authorities between 1992–93 and the 1996–97 budgeted figures. [25691]

The increase in local authority budgeted expenditure from 1992–93 to 1996–97 is estimated at 9.3 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to change the basis on which local authorities are authorised to make grants to (a) sporting and (b) other bodies; and if he will make a statement. [26046]

We have no plans to change the basis on which local authorities are authorised to make such grants.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement of the rules governing the use of funds paid to a company by a local authority for the provision of services, with particular reference to the use of such funds to prepare bids to provide similar services for other local authorities. [27447]

Where a company carries out work for a local authority it is for that company to determine how it uses the income from the contract.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many copies of the rural White Paper have been sold to date. [25694]

Since the publication of the White Paper, "Rural England" in October 1995, some 7,200 copies have been sold.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received concerning the allocation of funds to local education authorities. [25695]

The Secretary of State received 143 written representations from local education authorities and, with ministerial colleagues, met delegations from 44 local education authorities during the formal consultation period.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what submissions he has received from local authority leaders concerning capital challenge. [25696]

Two hundred and twelve responses have been received from local authorities and local authority associations and 36 have been received from other bodies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to promote a good landlords registration scheme. [25697]

We believe that a compulsory national registration scheme would impose an unnecessary regulatory burden on landlords and local authorities, and unnecessary costs. Research shows that the majority of tenants have a good relationship with their landlord.We actively encourage local authorities through the housing investment programme to work with private landlords to make the most effective use of the local housing stock and to provide good quality accommodation. We believe authorities should have the flexibility to develop initiatives which best meet local needs and problems.Local authorities have a range of enforcement powers to take action against landlords who provide accommodation which does not meet fitness standards. Proposals in the Housing Bill will strengthen local authorities' powers to deal with the particular problems in houses in multiple occupation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to help local authorities deal with anti-social tenants. [25698]

The Government have included in the Housing Bill a substantial package of measures to help local authorities to deal more effectively with anti-social tenants. We have also issued guidance to all local authorities to help them make better use of the court system when evicting troublemakers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on improvement in energy efficiency in the domestic, industrial and transport sectors of the economy since 1970. [25699]

My Department actively promotes energy efficiency through a wide range of initiatives across all sectors, including information and advice, voluntary schemes, and selective use of grants, incentives and regulation. My Department's recent publication, "Sustainable Development Indicators", shows that primary energy consumption in the UK has remained fairly constant since 1970, despite the 60 per cent. rise in gross domestic product. The UK expects carbon dioxide emissions to be 4 to 8 per cent. below 1990 levels by the year 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to improve the built environment in London. [25700]

My over-arching objective is to raise the standard of urban design in London, as elsewhere in the country. I have a number of initiatives in hand to achieve this.I shall shortly be publishing "Strategic Guidance for London Planning Authorities", which has a chapter devoted to policies to protect and improve the quality of London's environment to ensure that the capital maintains its attractiveness and competitiveness.Similarly, "Strategic Guidance for the Thames" will increase awareness of the importance of raising design standards in the sensitive river corridor and will contain a set of design principles which local planning authorities will be required to take account of when considering development proposals.Earlier this year, the Government office for London published a research document on London's urban environment, "Planning for Quality", which identifies the principal components of urban quality and illustrates how they can be enhanced as planning policies are developed.This is all part of the wider quality in town and country initiative that I launched last year, which seeks to encourage debate and action about what government and others can do to achieve quality in the built environment. Out of this grew last summer's urban design campaign to promote greater consideration of design issues at local level. Out of 21 schemes being supported by my Department nationwide, two are in London-at Borough market and Wimbledon town centre. They will feature in a major exhibition on urban design later this year and the results will help to inform the preparation of good practice on design.My Department is also reviewing existing planning policy guidance on design in the context of a general review of planning policy guidance note No. 1.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to ensure that the criteria employed by the Environment Agency in deciding how many cases of mine water discharges in England and Wales should be selected for remediation funding are consistent with the EC limits set out in the freshwater fisheries directive. [26880]

I am advised that some of the chemical parameters set out in the Fresh Water for Fish Directive, 78/659/EEC, are used by the Environment Agency in assessing the state of waters affected by discharges from abandoned coal mines.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will obtain from the Environment Agency a copy of the full list of sites of mine water discharges in England and Wales which were considered for possible remediation funding, together with the criteria used in the decision as to the cases to be put forward; and if he will place the list in the Library. [26881]

So far as mine water discharges from coal mines are concerned, the Environment Agency has considered a large number of sites affected by mine water discharges, using the following criteria:

• Biological impact
• Area biologically affected
• Area visually affected
• Length visually affected
• Substrate quality
• Iron deposition
• Total iron downstream of discharge
• pH, dissolved oxygen levels and aluminium concentration.

As a result of the application of these criteria, 35 sites have been identified for further study in order to consider the practicability and cost of potential remedial work. I am arranging for a list of these sites to be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will announce his decision with regard to the planning proposals for four out-of-town-centre food superstores at Daventry, Northamptonshire. [27388]

I expect to be able to issue decisions shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last met representatives of the house building industry to discuss house building in England; and if he will make a statement. [26129]

The Secretary of State met members of the volume housebuilders study group on 13 February 1996. This was followed by more detailed discussions with the chairman of the group. In addition, my hon. Friend the Minister for Planning, Construction and Energy Efficiency and I hold regular meetings with representatives of the construction industry including, where appropriate, those from the housebuilding industry.There were 135, 700 private housing starts in 1995; that is 13 per cent. higher than in 1992, which was the lowest point in the recent housebuilding cycle. In the three months to February 1996, starts rose 6 per cent. compared with the previous three months. Mortgage interest rates are now at their lowest for nearly 30 years and house purchase is unusually affordable. The Government believe that there is every reason to have confidence in the present and future health of the housing market.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the role of the board of the Environment Agency and its regional committees. [26358]

The board is directly responsible to Ministers for all aspects of the agency's organisation and performance. We expect the board to ensure that the agency fulfils its statutory duties and to ensure propriety, regularity, economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the operation of the organisation.Within each of its regions, the agency is required to establish an environment protection advisory committee and a fisheries advisory committee and to consult them about the manner in which it carries out relevant functions in the regions.Each region also has one or more flood defence committee, which are responsible for carrying out all the agency's flood defence functions other than the issuing of levies, making drainage charges or borrowing money.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dunn) of 18 March, Official Report, column 9, on the establishment of an interdepartmental working group in respect of perceived blight (a) what is the membership of the group, (b) when it is due to report to him, (c) when its findings will be published, (d) what representations will be allowed from local authorities and affected residents and (e) if it will take into account views expressed by any Select Committee of the House of Lords on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill. [27105]

The interdepartmental working group on blight is chaired by the head of the Department of the Environment planning directorate. The membership of the group is drawn from the Departments for Education and Employment, the Environment, National Heritage, Trade and Industry and Transport and the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and of Defence, Her Majesty's Treasury, the Welsh and Scottish Offices, the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, the Highways Agency, the Prison Service, NHS Estates and the Valuation Office.The working group will circulate a paper shortly summarising the main issues for consideration and inviting comments. A copy will be placed in the Library. Until we see what evidence is submitted and are able to analyse the options that may arise, it is premature to say when a final report will be submitted, but the working group will proceed as quickly as possible and I have already undertaken that there will be a progress report in September.Evidence from affected residents, local authorities or other interested parties is welcome at any time through one of the professional bodies or interest groups, or direct to the working group. Representations should be sent to the secretary, room C16/08a, 2 Marsham street, London SW1P 3EB.The working group will, of course, take full account of all views expressed by any Select Committee of the House of Lords on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill, alongside those already expressed by the Select Committee in the House of Commons and by hon. Members during the Commons Standing Committee on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what new proposals he has to improve the habitats of butterflies, bats and toads. [25682]

The biodiversity steering group, chaired by my Department, with members drawn from all sectors, published its findings on 13 December 1995. "Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report", identifies some 25 butterfly, 15 bat and two toad species whose populations should be monitored where possible. The report includes costed action plans for seven of the butterflies, three of the bats and one of the toads and recommends that costed action plans for a further three butterflies, one bat and one toad be produced within three years.In addition, many of the species concerned would benefit from the proposals for costed action plans for 14 key habitats included in the report and the recommendation that costed plans for a further 24 key habitats be produced within three years.The Government intend to publish their response to the report shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how may householders are currently on a waiting list for assistance under the home energy efficiency scheme; how long he estimates it will take for these householders to have work under the scheme carried out; and if he will make a statement. [27556]

I estimate that installers now have, on average, about 36 weeks' work from the 310,000 expressions of interest recorded by Eaga Ltd, the scheme managers. The queue will be tackled efficiently to return average waiting times to the lengths for which the scheme is rightly well regarded.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was (a) the total sum, (b) the amount paid to Kingswood borough council, (c) the percentage of the total paid to Kingswood borough council and (d) the amount paid per dwelling in Bristol, in transitional relief in respect of the council tax in each year from 1993–94 to 1995–96. [27450]

The information requested is as follows:

(a) Total amount of transitional relief

• 1993–94: £378,652,826
• 1994–95: £111,283,108
• 1995–96: £27,178,179⁽¹⁾

(b) Amount of transitional relief paid to Kingswood borough council

• 1993–94: £164,456
• 1994–95: £28,416
• 1995–96: £6,125⁽¹⁾

(c) Percentage of total amount of transitional relief paid to Kingswood borough council

• 1993–94: 0.04 per cent.
• 1994–95: 0.02 per cent.
• 1995–96: 0.02 per cent.⁽¹⁾

(d) Amount paid per chargeable dwelling in Kingswood

• 1993–94: £4.59
• 1994–95: £0.78
• 1995–96: £0.16⁽¹⁾

These figures are averages. The actual amount of transitional relief varied according to a household's council tax banding, its composition and its previous liability for community charge.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was (a) the total sum, (b) the amount paid to Bristol city council, (c) the percentage of the total paid to Bristol city council, and (d) the amount paid per dwelling in Bristol, in transitional relief in respect of the council tax in each year from 1993–94 to 1995–96. [27449]

The information requested is as follows:

(a) Total amount of transitional relief

• 1993–94: £378,652,826
• 1994–95: £111,283,108
• 1995–96: £27,178,179¹

(b) Amount of transitional relief paid to Bristol city council

• 1993–94: £2,061,364
• 1994–95: £529,832
• 1995–96: £148,666¹

(c) Percentage of total amount of transitional relief paid to Bristol city council

• 1993–94: 0.54 per cent.
• 1994–95: 0.48 per cent.
• 1995–96: 0.54 per cent.¹

(d) Amount paid per chargeable dwelling in Bristol

• 1993–94: £12.94
• 1994–95: £3.32
• 1995–96: £0.93¹

These figures are averages. The actual amount of transitional relief varied according to a household's council tax banding, its composition and its previous liability for community charge.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy in respect of permitting access by cable companies (a) across local authority land, (b) to install their services to local authority builders and (c) to install their services to listed buildings and in conservation areas; and if he will make a statement. [27057]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what recent representations his Department has received concerning the expansion of water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement; [26994](2) what plans he has for legislation to require water companies to extend the provision of fluoridated water; and if he will make a statement. [26993]

I have been asked to reply.The Department of Health regularly receives correspondence expressing opinions both for and against water fluoridation. Our professional and scientific advisers continue to advise us of the safety and effectiveness of optimal water fluoridation as a means to improving the oral health of the nation, and we therefore support fluoridation, especially in areas of poor dental health. This remains, however, a local matter for agreement between health authorities and water undertakers after local public consultation. There are no plans for changes to current legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the recorded crimes which were cleared up in each of the past five years were cleared up by secondary means. [25603]

The information requested is given in table B of Home Office statistical bulletin 3/96, a copy of which is available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the post of chairman of the Criminal Cases Review Commission was advertised; when the interviews took place; how many candidates were interviewed; why no appointment has yet been made; and if he will make a statement. [26883]

The post of chairman of the Criminal Cases Review Commission was advertised on 3, 5 and 8 September 1995. Six candidates were interviewed on 12 and 20 December 1995. It was announced on 3 April that the chairman will be Sir Frederick Crawford. He will be appointed formally when section 8 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 is brought into force.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the Criminal Cases Review Commission to be established; what is the reason for the delay; when he is proposing to advertise for members of the commission; and if he will make a statement. [26884]

We expect the Criminal Cases Review Commission to start work later this year. Work to establish it is proceeding as quickly as possible. Advertising for the members of the commission will begin on 5 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he first received representations on behalf of Mr. Brian Parsons; when he expects to complete his considerations; and if he will make a statement. [26886]

Representations were first made between March 1991 and January 1993, but on the basis of these it was decided in May 1993 not to refer the case to the Court of Appeal. Further representations were made following television documentaries shown in 1994 and 1995. As a result of these, the entire case was re-examined by the Devon and Cornwall police. Once we have finished considering their report, we shall aim to reach a conclusion about the case as quickly as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions driving licences have been used fraudulently in each of the last five years. [26902]

The available information relates to the number of findings of guilt for fraud, forgery and similar offences associated with driving licences in England and Wales, and is as follows:

Findings of guilt in England and Wales for fraud, forgery and similar offences associated with driving licences.

• 1990: 1,436
• 1991: 1,200
• 1992: 1,015
• 1993: 944
• 1994: 1,344.

Figures for 1995 are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive a report from Superintendent Roger Matthews on his inquiry into the James Hanratty case; and if he will make a statement. [27155]

We expect to receive shortly a report from the Metropolitan police on certain matters raised in the representations in this case.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce measures to register and regulate individuals and organisations offering legal advice and representation to applicants for asylum and immigration. [27248]

I have no plans to introduce such measures. Discussions are continuing with the Law Society and other interested parties on the question of regulation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the annual report for 1995 of the complaints audit committee of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate; and if he will make a statement. [27768]

A copy of the report has been placed in the Library. It is a wide-ranging, informative and encouraging document and I am grateful to the committee for its comments and recommendations. These are already receiving careful consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the UK Passport Agency performed against its targets in 1995–96; and what performance targets he has set for the agency in 1996–97. [27769]

I am pleased to say that the UK Passport Agency achieved all its targets in 1995–96. The targets for processing properly completed straightforward applications were met despite a 20 per cent. increase in demand for passport services with an average turnround time for the whole year of 6.1 working days, well within the average target of seven working days. The Passport Agency's financial target was to reduce its unit cost by 5 per cent. in real terms. The latest indications are that the agency has achieved a 7.25 per cent. real terms reduction in its unit cost. Another notable achievement was the re-award of the chartermark in December 1995.During 1996–97, I shall expect the Passport Agency to continue to improve its standard of service to the public, while seeking further efficiency savings in its operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will ensure that all police forces will have adequate equipment and manpower available to control unruly behaviour at European nations cup football matches; [27390](2) if he will ensure that water cannons will be available to police authorities in the United Kingdom to control unruly spectators attending the European nations cup football matches; [27392](3) if he will list the steps that have been and will be taken to ensure the safety of spectators at the European nations cup football matches to be held in the summer in England; and if he will make a statement. [27391]

Decisions about the deployment of officers and the allocation of resources to police Euro 96 are the responsibility of the chief officers of the eight forces concerned. They must decide how many officers need to be deployed at matches and in surrounding public places. Chief officers are well used to policing football throughout the ordinary football season and are thus best placed to make decisions of this kind.A joint Home Office and police working party has concluded that water cannon should not be added to the range of public order equipment available to the police This is because they are heavy and cumbersome and cannot be mobilised quickly to deal with spontaneous disorder.The Association of Chief Police Officers has developed extensive plans for the policing of Euro 96, in conjunction with the Football Association and Government Departments. There will be police intelligence centres adjacent to the grounds with a national co-ordinating centre in central London. Police "spotters" will be used to identify troublemakers from home and abroad: very close liaison with the police forces of the participating countries is taking place and will continue throughout the period of the tournament. The latest technology is now in place and will be used to ensure that local police have up-to-date information about the movements of known and suspected hooligans.The police strategy is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the great majority of genuine and law abiding football supporters who will be coming to enjoy Euro 96. However, anyone intending to disrupt the competition and spoil the enjoyment of others can be assured they will be swiftly dealt with by the police, the prosecuting authorities and the courts.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Ahmadi muslims (a) in Pakistan and (b) elsewhere have sought asylum each year since 1984; and how many such applications in each year have been successful. [26042]

Asylum applications are recorded on the basis of nationality rather than religious beliefs, so therefore, applications lodged by Ahmadi muslims are not separately identifiable in the statistics.Tables 2.1 and 3.1 to 3.3 of the Home Office statistical bulletin "Asylum Statistics United Kingdom 1994", issue 15/95, give asylum application and decision figures for nationals of Pakistan and other Muslim countries, for the years 1986 to 1994. Equivalent information for 1985 is given in issue 17/94 of this publication, both of which are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for how long Raghbir Singh has been detained; for what reason he has been detained; what recourse to appeal he has against his detention; and if he will make a statement. [26210]

Raghbir Singh has been detained since 29 March 1995, when he was served with a notice of intention that he should be deported on the ground that his deportation would be conducive to the public good for reasons of national security.The lawfulness of my decision to detain Mr. Singh under Immigration Act powers and to initiate deportation action against him has been the subject of judicial review proceedings before both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. On both occasions, the courts concluded that the action was lawful.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the safety of pro-democracy supporters being returned to Nigeria; and if he will make a statement. [27136]

Our assessment of the general situation in Nigeria is summarised in the December 1995 country information document which has been placed in the Library. That assessment is kept under review. Each asylum application is, however, considered in the light of its particular individual circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what direction he has given to chief constables in relation to activities not related to their duties in managing and supervising the police force in their area, and the amount of time to be spent on such activities not related to the immediate duties for which they are employed; and if he will make a statement; [26809](2) if he will list for all chief constables the amount of time each has spent out of force over the past 12 months; where this has exceeded one week, what clearance has been given from the Home Office for such out-of-force activities; and if he will make a statement; [26810](3) what guidance he has given to chief constables and police authorities in relation to the amount of leave out of force for any one chief constable in a given 12-month period; what provision has been made for cover to be provided in the light of such absence; and if he will make a statement. [26811]

[holding answers 26 April 1996]: These matters are for chief constables and their police authorities to manage within the provisions of the Police Regulations 1995. During periods of absence, an assistant chief constable, who is designated under the terms of section 6 of the Police Act 1964, as amended by section 6 of the Police and Magistrates Courts' Act 1994, will exercise all the powers and duties of the chief constable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers there are in each member state of the Council of Europe; [26356](2) what is the current ratio of police officers per 1,000 population in each member state of the EU. [26357]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: This information is not centrally collected.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Home Office report on the Learmont recommendations will be published; for how long he has had the report; what are the reasons for the time taken to publish the report; and if he will make a statement. [26668]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: My right hon. and learned Friend gave his initial response to the report on 16 October 1995, when he dealt with the key recommendations. He agreed that the Prison Service should take forward the policy reviews recommended by Sir John Learmont. My right hon. and learned Friend said that he would come back to the House with a full report in due course. He will do so when he receives the findings of these major reviews.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what extra funding is being made available to meet the cost of implementing the recommendations arising from the Learmont report; and if he will make a statement. [26669]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: The cost of implementing recommendations arising from the Learmont report is being examined as part of the preparation of my right hon. and learned Friend's response to the report.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action she intends taking to ensure the retaining in the United Kingdom of the painting "The Panshangar Fra Bartolommeo" by Fra Bartolommeo; and if he will make a statement. [27265]

The Secretary of State has deferred a decision on the export licence application for Fra Bartolommeo's "Holy Family" until after 8 May 1996. The purpose of the deferral is to allow time for a potential purchaser to come forward to keep the painting in the UK, and my Department is aware of the serious intention to make a purchase offer. It is for the owner of the painting to decide whether to accept any forthcoming offer. If such an offer were made and accepted, the licence application would lapse, the painting would become the property of the purchaser and would be retained in the UK. If such an offer were refused, the Secretary of State would take into account the existence of the purchase offer in making a decision on the licence application.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will name the 24 seconded staff in the Private Finance Panel Executive; and if they are employed on civil service pay and conditions. [25360]

There are 25 members of the Private Finance Panel Executive: 13 are seconded; the remaining 12 are employed directly by the PFPE. Panel executive members on secondment from other organisations are:

• Mr. Douglas Hogg (Chief Executive)
• Mr. Rees Griffiths (Deputy Chief Executive)
• Mr. Alisdair Evans
• Ms Catherine Clarke
• Ms Philippa Roe
• Ms Nathalie Nonninton
• Mr. Chas Johnson
• Mr. Neil Carey
• Mr. David Goldstone
• Mr. Andrew Neil
• Mr. David Cain
• Ms Angela Brewis
• Mr. Alex Harris.

Secondees to the PFPE remain under contract to their employer and their pay and conditions are a matter for them and their employer. The PFPE negotiates with employer organisations an agreed level of reimbursement.The PFPE is also subject to an overall budgetary constraint. Within this, it fulfils its remaining staffing requirement through direct employment on the basis of short-term appointments. The PFPE, as a limited company, has management responsibilities for its staff which are unconnected with civil service terms and conditions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the revenue spending estimated by his Department in connection with the private initiative for (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26633]

The estimated revenue spending in connection with the private finance initiative by Departments responsible to the Chancellor of the Exchequer is:

• 1995–96: £0 million
• 1996–97: £2 million
• 1997–98: £7 million.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 18 March, Official Report, column 52, what would be the estimated full-year costs at 1996–97 income levels of introducing a single positive rate of income tax at 23 per cent. assuming transferable personal allowances of £5,000 per person and the abolition of all other tax expenditures, exemptions and reliefs now allowable against income tax. [27242]

The estimated full-year cost of introducing a single 23 per cent. rate of income tax at 1996–97 income levels would be about £3 billion. This assumes a personal allowance of £5,000 transferable between spouses and the abolition of all other income tax allowances, mortgage interest relief, tax relief on employer's contributions to occupational and personal pension schemes, reliefs for TESSAs, PEPs and profit-related pay, national savings certificates, employee share schemes and charitable giving.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the change in revenue to the Exchequer resulting from a rise in the top rate of income tax from (a) 40 per cent. to 50 per cent. and (b) from 40 per cent. to 60 per cent. [26762]

[holding answer 25 April 1996]:Estimated full-year yields at 1996–97 income levels are given in the table. The estimates do not take account of any behavioural effects which might result from the introduction of such changes. The figures include consequential effects on the yield of capital gains tax.

Higher rate at:	Yield £ billion
50 per cent.	4.7
60 per cent.	9.3

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the yield from higher rate income tax charged by direct assessment on investment income received net of lower rate income tax in the latest year for which figures are available. [27033]

[holding answer 26 April 1996]: In 1995–96, £1.2 billion tax was collected via assessments for additional tax on investment income from which tax had already been deducted at source.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the (a) identifiable and (b) non-identifiable public expenditure per head in (i) England and (ii) the United Kingdom in the latest year for which figures are available. [27109]

The latest available figures are for 1994–95:

£ per head
	Identifiable	Non-identifiable
England	3,614	n/a
Scotland	4,505	n/a
Wales	4,208	n/a
Northern Ireland	4,976	n/a
United Kingdom	3,760	688

The term "non-identifiable expenditure" is used to refer to spending which cannot be attributed to the benefit of any one part of the Union.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the current estimate of the revenue to be expected from the landfill tax; [27378](2) what is his estimate of the revenue available for environmental trusts from the landfill tax. [27413]

The estimated net revenue yield from landfill tax is £450 million in a full year. However, because precise figures about the amount of waste sent to landfill are not available centrally, the revenue estimate for the tax is open to a greater than usual margin of error. The estimate assumes that credits of tax amounting to £50 million will be given to site operators in respect of voluntary contributions they make to environmental trusts, although, on the basis of the revenue projection for the tax and the maximum credit entitlement, as much as £100 million is potentially available for trusts in a full year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reasons led him to offer shares to the market (a) in tranches and (b) in one complete issue for each privatisation since 1979. [27343]

Decisions on offer structure are matters for each vendor Department, taking account of such issues as the size of the company being sold and market conditions at the time of each sale.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the recent spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. [27709]

I attended meetings of the IMF's interim committee and the IMF/World Bank development committee in Washington on 22 and 23 April, where progress was made on several issues of importance for the world economy and for developing countries. As usual, the IMF and World Bank meetings were preceded by meetings of the G7 and G10 Finance Ministers and central bank governors.The G7, the interim committee and the development committee all discussed the joint IMF/World Bank proposals on the multilateral debt of the poorest, most indebted countries which was one of my top priorities for the meetings. I first launched this initiative at Valletta 18 months ago, and good progress is now being made. In Washington, all agreed that there is a problem which must be tackled. A substantial number of countries now agree with us that, as the managing director has now proposed, the IMF should sell a small part of its gold and invest it to produce commercial returns, which could be used for contributing to the ongoing enhanced structural adjustment facility. The G7 countries all agreed that the resources of the international financial institutions themselves must be mobilised for the purpose of relieving multilateral debt.With the support of other Ministers, I asked the IMF and World Bank last autumn to produce proposals by the spring. These were delivered in outline form and, last week, we agreed on the principles and a framework for action. We have now called on the IMF and World Bank, in co-operation with the regional development banks, swiftly to put forward more specific proposals, making the fullest use of their own resources to finance them. Our aim is to take final decisions by the time of the annual meetings which will be held from 29 September to 3 October.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual revenue losses which are due to the importation of hand rolling tobacco as a consequence of (a) smuggling and (b) the implementation of the duty-free/duty-paid regulations. [26438]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: Customs does not have any reliable estimate of the extent of revenue losses due to smuggling of hand rolling tobacco. It is working closely with the tobacco and alcoholic drinks industries with the aim of achieving an objective measurement of smuggling of excise goods.Customs' estimate of tax revenue—excise duty and VAT—lost from legitimate personal importation of duty-paid tobacco products for the year ending 30 June 1995 is £150 million. There are no separate figures available for hand rolling tobacco, and no official estimate of the extent of duty-free sales of hand rolling tobacco.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will commission a study of the sales of hand rolling tobacco and of cigarette papers with a view to establishing the extent of tobacco smuggling; and if he will make a statement. [26373]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: No. I have already told the Treasury Committee, in response to the report on its 1995 inquiry into cross-border shopping, that Customs and Excise is having discussions with the trade to find an agreed methodology for deriving credible estimates of the level of smuggling in tobacco products. Factors such as sales of hand rolling tobacco and of cigarette papers may form part of the methodology, or may be used to validate it.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action Customs and Excise has taken to counter well known, widely used and successful VAT avoidance schemes. [27271]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: Countering successful VAT avoidance schemes normally requires changes to the law. These are proposed in the annual Finance Bill, as with the recent changes to the VAT group registration provisions, or introduced by secondary legislation.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how Customs and Excise is proposing to counter well-known VAT avoidance schemes that use VAT place of supply rules to ensure VAT costs are avoided. [27272]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: Customs and Excise, as part of its normal functions, is active in identifying VAT avoidance schemes, including those involving the manipulation of the rules on place of supply, and in suggesting and implementing measures to combat such avoidance. It would not be appropriate to specify in advance what any new measures might be.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what investigations are planned in respect of suspected breaches of United Kingdom export controls following the UNSCOM report on the involvement of British companies in supplying Iraq with the components of chemical and biological weapons. [25663]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: Any information from UNSCOM reports passed to Customs and Excise is carefully examined and given appropriate attention. It is not, however, the practice of that department to provide information on any planned investigations lest disclosure should prejudice the effectiveness of any inquiries.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates he has made of United Kingdom (a) direct and (b) portfolio investment in each year since 1990 in (i) China and Hong Kong and (ii) India. [26298]

I have been asked to reply.The available information on direct investment is published by the Office for National Statistics in Business Monitor MA4, "Overseas Direct Investment". Information on portfolio investment, broken down by country, is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if a claimant issued with jobseeker's direction to attend an employment or training programme will suffer benefit sanction if (a) he leaves the programme early and (b) is asked to leave by reason of misconduct. [27104]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: The only employment programmes and training schemes in connection with which claimants will normally receive a benefit sanction if they leave early without good cause or as a result of misconduct will be those prescribed for the purposes of section 19 of the Jobseeekers Act 1995. These are jobplan workshops, 1–2–1, workwise, restart courses and, in two pilot areas, project work. However, it may on occasion be appropriate to give an individual a jobseeker's direction to take up a place on a non-prescribed programme to which sanctions will not normally be applicable. Such a direction would be given only if it were reasonable in the jobseeker's circumstances, if it were given with a view to assisting him to find employment or improving his prospects of being employed, and if other prescribed employment programmes and training programmes were not appropriate. Whether such a claimant received a benefit sanction if he left the programme early or through misconduct, having been directed to attend, would depend on the specific terms of the direction.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment she has made of the number of local education authorities which (a) will and (b) will not benefit in (i) financial and (ii) qualitative terms in respect of nursery education from her nursery voucher proposals. [26422]

All local education authorities have the opportunity to benefit from extra funding via the nursery education voucher scheme if more four year-olds attend their schools or attend for more terms before compulsory school age; and all LEAs have the opportunity to build upon existing good practice and raise standards in the context of the desirable outcomes for children's learning developed by the School Curriculum Assessment Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will announce the postgraduate bursary and studentship rates for the academic year 1996–97. [27707]

The main maintenance rates under the Department's own postgraduate awards scheme for certain professional and vocational courses in the academic year 1996–97 will be as follows (1995–96 rates are shown in brackets):

	1996–97
	£
Bursaries
London	3,460 (3,375)
Elsewhere	2,735 (2,665)
Parental home	2,065 (2,015)
Studentships
London	5,845 (5,695)
Elsewhere	4,645 (4,525)
Parental Home	3,420 (3,335)

These represent increases of 2.6 per cent. on the current year's rates. The relevant supplementary allowances will be increased broadly in line.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many small firms (a) are currently participating in investors in people and (b) have achieved the standard (i) in total and (ii) in each parliamentary constituency. [27008]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: At 29 February 1996, a total of 13,987 small firms in the UK—that is those employing fewer than 200 employees—had made a formal commitment to achieve the investors in people standard; 2,385 small firms are already recognised as having achieved the standard. This gives a total of 16,372 small firms participating in investors in people.A breakdown of the figures by parliamentary constituency is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, a regional breakdown is provided in the following table:

Investors in People Commitments and Recognitions in Small Firms (organisations with fewer than 200 employees)
Region	Commitments	Recognitions
East Midlands	1,315	150
Eastern	1,248	110
London	1,926	142
Merseyside	424	102
North West	1,923	246
Northern	472	126
South East	1,837	219
South West	1,280	380
West Midlands	1,305	252
Yorkshire and Humberside	1,089	217
Wales	633	145
Scotland	457	203
Northern Ireland	61	25

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps are being taken by her Department to develop postgraduate training and continuing medical education in dentistry; and if she will make a statement. [26992]

I have been asked to reply.Since October 1993, it has been a requirement that all new graduates who wish to enter the general dental services take part in one year's vocational training. The continuing professional development of the 18,500 dentists who provide general dental services is organised by dental postgraduate deans and directors. Subject to certain conditions, GDS dentists who attend courses approved by postgraduate deans and directors may claim a postgraduate education allowance for up to two courses per financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what factors underlay his decision not to require that passenger and freight ships operating in British waters should use English as a single designated working language. [26296]

Our legislation requires that crews on passenger ships on domestic services understand English or that there are adequate arrangements for transmitting orders in a language they understand. Further legislation is being considered, for all UK ships and all other passenger ships operating to or from the UK, requiring effective oral communication between all crew members and adequate means of communication, in the English language, between the ship and shore-based authorities. The ability of crew members to communicate effectively with each other is already monitored by the Marine Safety Agency.Many ships which operate in UK waters do not call at UK ports, and international action is, therefore, also needed. The revised international convention on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers, which will be implemented by 1 February 1997, builds on existing international standards and requires every master, mate and officer in charge of watchkeeping on a vessel of 500 gross tonnes and over to have an adequate knowledge of the English language to communicate with other ships and with coast stations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the countries that have been visited by (a) his Department and (b) the Civil Aviation Authority to assess that country's compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards; and if he will make a statement. [26753]

At the Department's request, the CAA visited Belgrade in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1995 and Bulgaria earlier this year. We have increased the Department's budget to allow for about three such visits this financial year.Visits to assess compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation—ICAO—standards can be arranged only with the agreement of the foreign aviation authority concerned. The need for the UK to arrange such a visit will depend on whether assessments have been, or are being, undertaken in the country concerned by other organisations, such as the Joint Aviation Authorities. In addition, ICAO, has recently launched its own assessment programme. The Department is paying for CAA inspectors to join ICAO teams to visit a number of countries later this year; the details have yet to be finalised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number of inspections which have been undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority in (a) Jamaica, (b) Colombia, (c) Dominican Republic, (d) Gambia, (e) Peru, (f) Philippines, (g) Poland, (h) Swaziland, (i) Trinidad and Tobago, (j) Turkey, (k) Uruguay, (l) Venezuela, (m) Zaireand (n) Zimbabwe [26752]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the United Kingdom airports serviced by airlines flying to or from (a) Jamaica, (b) Colombia, (c) the Dominican Republic, (d) Gambia, (e) Peru, (f) the Philippines, (g) Poland, (h) Swaziland, (i) Trinidad and Tobago, (j) Turkey, (k) Uruguay, (l) Venezuela, (m) Zaire and (n) Zimbabwe. [26752]

The United Kingdom airports currently serviced by airlines flying to or from those countries are listed in the table. In addition, charter services may operate from UK airports to those countries on an ad-hoc basis, as and when applications are made.

(a) Jamaica

• London Heathrow (Air Jamaica), London Gatwick (British Airways)

(b) Colombia

• London Heathrow (British Airways)

(c) The Dominican Republic

• None

(d) Gambia

• None

(e) Peru

• None

(f) the Philippines

• London Heathrow (British Airways), London Gatwick (Philippine Airlines)

(g) Poland

• London Heathrow (British Airways, British Midland and LOT Polish Airlines)

(h) Swaziland

• None

(i) Trinidad and Tobago

• London Heathrow (BWIA, British West Indies Airways)

(j) Turkey

• London Heathrow (British Airways and THY Turkish Airlines), London Gatwick (British Airways), London Stansted (THY Turkish Airlines)

(k) Uruguay

• None

(l) Venezuela

• London Heathrow (British Airways and Viasa)

(m) Zaire

• None

(n) Zimbabwe

• London Gatwick (British Airways and Air Zimbabwe).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the consultations being undertaken by (a) his Department and (b) the CAA with (i) Jamaica, (ii) Colombia, (iii) the Dominican Republic, (iv) Gambia, (v) Peru, (vi) the Phillippines, (vii) Poland, (viii) Swaziland, (ix) Trinidad and Tobago, (x) Turkey, (xi) Uruguay, (xii) Venezuela, (xiii) Zaire and (xiv) Zimbabwe concerning the commencement or increase in flights to and from the United Kingdom. [26751]

Air service negotiations undertaken by the Department of Transport with these countries are listed in the table. A representative from the CAA is usually present at such negotiations.

(i) Jamaica

• Negotiations were held on 24 to 26 January 1996 and it is expected that a further round will be held later this year.

(ii) Colombia

• Negotiations were held in September 1995. No talks are currently planned.

(iii) The Dominican Republic

• Negotiations were held in 1951. No talks are currently planned.

(iv) Gambia

• Negotiations were held in February 1992. No talks are currently planned.

(v) Peru

• Negotiations were held in 1969. No talks are currently planned.

(vi) the Philippines

• Negotiations were held on 7 to 8 March 1996 and it is anticipated that a further round will be held later this year.

(vii) Poland

• Negotiations were held in January 1995. No talks are currently planned.

(viii) Swaziland

• We have no record of negotiations with Swaziland and none are currently planned.

(ix) Trinidad and Tobago

• Negotiations were held in December 1987. No talks are currently planned.

(x) Turkey

• Negotiations were held in June 1992. No talks are currently planned.

(xi) Uruguay

• Negotiations were held in 1970. No talks are currently planned.

(xii) Venezuela

• Negotiations were held in March 1992. No talks are currently planned.

(xiii) Zaire

• Negotiations were held in 1974. No talks are currently planned.

(xiv) Zimbabwe

• Negotiations were held in July 1989. No talks are currently planned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to introduce an inspection system of auditing a country's aviation infrastructure similar to that operated by the US Federal Aviation Authority. [26759]

My reply to the hon. Lady on 7 March 1996, Official Report, column 309, set out our procedures for checking that foreign aircraft operating in the UK comply with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.In addition, we are participating in the safety oversight programme established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and in discussions on possible actions to be taken by the European Civil Aviation Conference and the EC.In some circumstances, the Civil Aviation Authority is prepared to audit overseas regulatory authorities outside the framework of international programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the revenue spending estimated by his Department in connection with the private finance initiative for (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26623]

Revenue spending by my Department in connection with the private finance initiative for the years in question is estimated at roundly: (a) zero, (b) £50 million, and (c) £160 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the road-building contractors will meet the costs of security for the work carried out on the Newbury bypass; and if the Government will take into account the cost of security for road-building projects when considering other road schemes in the future. [26797]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the average age of railway rolling stock in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) France in 1993. [26972]

This information is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve the bridge on the A40 trunk road in Cheltenham near the junction of Lansdown road and Gloucester road; and if he will make a statement. [27059]

The existing brickwork parapets on the Lansdown road bridge do not comply with modern standards. It is proposed that they be upgraded and at the same time the bridge be widened to accommodate a shared cycle and pedestrian facility on the south side and a segregated facility on the north side. The provision for cyclists will form part of the Tennyson road to Shelburne road facility.The timing of construction will depend upon the availability of funds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning improvements to the A40 trunk road between Cheltenham and Gloucester; what estimate he has made of the cost of each improvement scheme; in what order of priority he has placed each scheme; what plans he has to implement the improvements before detrunking this part of the A40; and if he will make a statement. [27060]

Gloucestershire county council has asked the Highways Agency to fund the following schemes on the A40 through Cheltenham before the road is detrunked. The schemes are listed in priority order.

(1) Lansdown road railway bridge—Parapet strengthening and widening to cater for pedestrians and cyclists. (Cost £860,000).

(2) Tennyson road to Shelburne road cycleway—Provision of a cycle track and footway along the northern side of the A40. The scheme has been the subject of public consultation. (Cost £120,000).

(3) Old Bath road/Sandford road—Provision of a roundabout. (Cost £44,000).

(4) Gordon lamp junction improvement—Scheme has been progressed to tender document stage. (Cost £9,000).

(5) Lansdown road/Lansdown walk junction—Closure of the side road. (Cost £5,600).

(6) West Green—Signing improvements, completed in 1995–96. (Cost £2,000).

Gloucestershire county council has also asked for certain maintenance works to be carried out on the A40.The Highways Agency is close to finalising agreement with Gloucestershire county council on the package of works related to the detrunking of the A40, subject to satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures.We expect to publish draft orders this summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list, by grade, the number of staff employed (a) in his Department and (b) in the Civil Aviation Authority who have responsibility for administering the requests for leasing of aircraft. [26913]

Four administrative officers in the Department's international aviation negotiations directorate have day-to-day responsibility for processing aircraft leasing applications as part of their duties. However, more senior officers in the directorate give final approval.The economic regulation group of the CAA advises the Department on all lease applications except for substitution flights. This accounts for a small proportion of the overall work of three staff graded JMG1, JMG4 and JMG7.The safety regulation group of the CAA is responsible for issuing safety approval for leased aircraft. Administering lease applications involves two staff, one leasing co-ordinator and one assistant leasing co-ordinator.