To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date a banker's card for the payment of expenses was supplied to the chairman of the Northern and Yorkshire region; how much has been charged to this card; and how much has been reimbursed by the health service. [24968]

I will write to the hon. Member on this matter.

Children aged 16 or over who ceased to be looked after during the year to 31 March 1994 by length of time in continuous care1
England
	Length of time looked after
Legal status	All periods	Under two weeks	Two to eight weeks	Eight weeks to six months	Six months to one year	One to two years	Two to three years	Three to five years	Five to ten years	Over ten years
All1	8,600	600	660	980	820	1,200	960	1,100	1,000	1,100
Care orders:	2,900	—	—	20	20	70	310	670	800	990
Full	180	—	—	10	20	40	30	20	30	30
Deemed	2,700	—	—	—	—	20	270	650	770	970
Other	30	—	—	10	10	10	—	—	—	—
Accommodated by agreement under section 20	4,900	390	440	800	730	1,100	640	470	210	150
Accommodated compulsorily:	690	210	210	150	60	40	20	—	—	—
Remanded or detained	650	200	200	140	50	30	10	—	—	—
Other	40	10	—	10	10	—	10	—	—	—
Other	50	—	10	20	10	10	—	—	—	—

To ask the Secretary of State for Health for how many young people each local authority has a duty to provide advice, assistance and befriending up to the age of at least 21 years, pursuant to section 24 of the Children Act 1989, in each year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [27061]

Information is available centrally on children who in each year qualify for advice and assistance because they have ceased to be looked after by a local authority at age 16 or over. Figures for the period 14 October 1991 to 31 March 1994 will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the numbers of young people who have been subject to care orders, pursuant to section 31(1) (a) of the

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were waiting for operations at St. George's hospital, Tooting, as of 14 April. [26584]

The latest published information for St. George's Healthcare National Health Service trust is that 6,404 people were waiting for in-patient or day case treatment on 30 September 1995. Of these, the vast majority—5,373—had waited less than six months and there were no patients waiting over 18 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of young people aged 16 years and above who left local authority care (a) in the 12 months ending December 1994, (b) in the 12 months ending December 1995 and (c) for the last 12 month period for which statistics are available; if he will provide a breakdown by (i) the legal status of those young people immediately prior to leaving the care of the local authority and (ii) the length of time in continuous care, by legal status; and if he will make a statement. [27042]

The latest figures available centrally are for the financial year ending 31 March 1994 and are shown in the table.Children Act 1989 on or after their 16 birthday, and for whom local authorities have a continuing duty to provide advice, assistance and befriending up to the age of at least 21 years, pursuant to section 24 of the said Act, by local authority area in each year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [27062]

The figures available centrally for the period 14 October 1991 to 31 March 1994 will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) deaths and (b) recorded occasions of illness have resulted from listeria as a consequence of eating unpasteurised cheeses in each year since 1990; what research he has (i) evaluated and (ii) commissioned regarding the incidence and effects of listeria; and what action under public health law he has taken. [26910]

During the period 1990–95 there have been no deaths or illness as a result of eating unpasteurised cheesees. However, because of the characteristics of human listeriosis, specified food vehicles are rerely identified.The Department continues to monitor and evaluate the findings of United Kingdom and international research and surveillance of listeria monocytogenes. The Department has funded projects on L. monocytogenes in foods including seafoods, vegetables and various self-service salad bar foods. Other work which has been funded includes the effect of modified atmospheres on the growth of L. monocytogenes, the effect of thermisation on L. monocytogenes in milk and the carriage of and infection by L. monocytogenes during pregnancy.The Department is currently funding a microbiological study of raw cows' milk on retail sale in England and Wales including surveillance for L. monocytogenes.No action has been taken under food safety legislation concerning L. monocytogenes in unpasteurised cheeses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the consent of patients is required before non-medically qualified persons are admitted to an operating theatre. [26973]

If a patient has consented to a treatment, such as an operation, this will include the involvement of all staff, medically qualified or not, who are required to ensure that the operation is performed safely and effectively. The admission of observers not connected with treatment should be permitted only if the professional in charge of the patient's care believes that it will not be detrimental to the patient and the patient has not objected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what restrictions govern the entry into operating theatres by non-medically qualified people. [26974]

Entry to an operating theatre of non-medically qualified people is permitted if those people are necessary to the safe and effective running of the theatre, the theatre equipment, or are necessary to the delivery of patient care. The admission of observers not connected with treatment should be permitted only if the professional involved in the patient's care believes that it will not be detrimental to the patient and any patient concerned has not objected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of homicides in mental illness acute hospitals or other inpatient NHS supported mental illness hostels or places in each of the last three years and in the first three months of 1996 by region of location. [27339]

This information is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations were cancelled at short notice throughout the Durham hospitals NHS trust over the last 18 months. [27377]

The latest information available is as follows:

• North Durham Health Authority area
• 1994–95
• Quarter 1: 47
• Quarter 2: 27
• Quarter 3: 14
• Quarter 4: 16.
• 1995–96
• Quarter 1: 13
• Quarter 2: 30
• Quarter 3: 41.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the amount spent on purchasing health care from the private sector by (a) Doncaster health authority, (b) Doncaster royal infirmary and Mexborough Montagu trust, (c) Doncaster health care trust and (d) general practitioner fundholders in each year since 1991–92. [27433]

The information available is listed in the tables:

Expenditure on the purchase of health care from commercial (for profit) providers—1994–95
	Expenditure £000
Doncaster district health authority	874
Doncaster Healthcare NHS trust	0
Doncaster Royal and Montagu Hospital NHS trust	0

:To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of five-year-old children in England had dental caries in (a) 1990, (b) 1992 and (c) 1995; and if he will make a statement. [27417]

Every two years, the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry conducts a survey of dental caries prevalence in children aged five throughout Great Britain. It has found that the mean percentage of five-year-old children in England for whom there is evidence of caries experience in 1989–90 was 46.5 per cent. and in 1991–92 was 40.7 per cent. Figures for 1995–96 will not be available until March 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review the suitability of a proposed medium secure hospital unit within the Bierley area of Bradford. [27372]

This is a matter for Bradford Community National Health Service trust and Bradford health authority, which will organise public consultation as appropriate. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman of the trust for details.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27529]

This information is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contracts his Department has entered into with Kaymar Studios; and if he will make a statement. [25926]

The Home Office has not entered into any contracts with Kaymar Studios.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what crimes the four prisoners who escaped from Buckley Hall on 23 April had been sentenced; and what was the length of their sentences. [27289]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost to Greater Manchester police force in (a) staff and (b) use of a police helicopter in capturing the four prisoners who escaped from Buckley Hall prison on 23 April. [27290]

I understand from Greater Manchester police that no additional costs were incurred as the resources utilised in the operation were part of the force's normal deployments and contingencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to close or cluster prisons during the next 12 months; which prisons will be affected; and if he will make a statement. [26663]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in relation to the categories of medical research which may be supported via the National Lottery Charities Board; what consultations he has had with the chairman of that board concerning the financial compensation via board grants for medical charities which lost income when the lottery introduced scratchcards and other competing fund-raising methods; and if he will make a statement. [27314]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: We have received numerous representations about medical research charities receiving grants from the National Lottery Charities Board. Many of these have been concerned with specific types of research. The board announced on 23 April its latest grant round, which will focus on health, disability and care. It will be open to all categories of medical research organisation to make suitable applications.The national lottery is a major source of new income for the voluntary sector and has had a beneficial effect in raising the profile of lotteries generally. It has led, and will lead, to hundreds of millions of pounds of additional money reaching charitable and voluntary organisations every year. The Home Office has commissioned research, in association with the voluntary sector, on the specific issue of charitable income before and after the introduction of the lottery. Once the results of this research are known, we will consider whether action is required.From 1 May, responsibility for voluntary services passed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for National Heritage.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has made to submit evidence on firearms controls to the inquiry being conducted by Lord Cullen into the events in Dunblane. [28021]

The Government submitted their evidence on firearms controls to Lord Cullen yesterday. With Lord Cullen's agreement, I and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland are today publishing the evidence. Copies have been placed in the Library. A copy of the evidence has been submitted to the Home Affairs Select Committee for its use in the separate inquiry which it is undertaking into handguns. Copies of the evidence have also been made available to the press, the police in England and Wales and Scotland, the Firearms Consultative Committee, the British Shooting Sports Council, and other shooting organisations. The Home and Scottish Offices will provide copies on request to other organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provisions exist for local authorities to take up responsibility for stray dogs. [27300]

Under section 149 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, districts and London boroughs have to seize, where practicable, dogs straying in their area. Where the owner can be traced, he must be given the opportunity to reclaim his dog within seven days. If he has not done so in this period, the local authority may sell, give away or destroy it.Under section 150 of the 1990 Act, districts and London boroughs have to deal with stray dogs taken to them by members of the public. They can allow the finder to keep the dog or they can treat it as if it had been seized.These provisions came into force on 1 April 1992.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what decision his Department has reached on the placing of solar PV panels on Eland House. [27124]

The Department of the Environment considered installing photovoltaic cells at Eland house. The investment was not judged to be justified, given that the potential energy savings were small in relation to the capital cost. A number of other cost-effective energy saving measures were however, included in the design.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what expertise will be made available from the British nuclear industry to help mitigate the contamination consequences of the recent fires around Chernobyl. [27095]

The UK Government have received no requests to provide assistance in respect of the Chernobyl fires.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27531]

The information requested is not held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on water supply arrangements in England and Wales in the light of the Environment Agency's report published on 1 May. [28062]

The Environment Agency's report, "Review of Water Company Plans to Safeguard Summer Water Supplies", underlines the exceptional lack of rainfall and consequent impact on water resources in many parts of the country during the past 12 months. It confirms the extent of the measures which the water companies are taking to maintain supplies even if this summer is as dry as last. Over £400 million of capital expenditure has been announced in England and Wales—investment which will be financed without increasing prices to consumers.The Environment Agency's assessment is that the companies are taking appropriate measures, and that, despite the present level of many reservoirs and aquifers, these measures should be sufficient to enable essential supplies to be maintained in all areas even through a hot, dry summer. But there is no room for complacency and, should dry weather continue into the autumn, further measures could be required.On 1 September last year, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that he was putting in hand, with the agency, the Director General of Water Services and representatives of the water companies, a review of water resources and water supply in the longer term. This work is continuing and we expect to publish a report later in the summer.Provided, that the costs of supply are met, the environment is properly protected, and waste is avoided, the aim should be to provide consumers with the water they want. Within the framework of sustainable development, it will, however, be necessary to make sometimes difficult choices about the extent to which supply should be guaranteed in extreme droughts for inessential as well as for essential purposes. These are matters on which there is a need for dialogue between companies and their customers, in the light of the costs and benefits of different levels of security of supply.The work on the review so far suggests that the basic framework for making water resource and supply decisions is sound, and the water companies, the Office of Water Services and the Environment Agency, with the involvement of the Government where necessary, should be able to reach satisfactory decisions on the management of existing resources and the provision of the resources

where needed. In planning and managing water resources and supply, particular attention needs to be given to the following points:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what has been the cost to date of the scaffolding provided for the work on his Department's offices in Marsham street; what is the expected total cost; what tendering procedures applied to the contract for the supply of scaffolding; who was the successful tenderer; and if he will make a statement; [27053](2) when he expects work to be completed on his Department's offices in Marsham street; and if he will make a statement; [27055](3) if he will give an annual breakdown of costs for the work on his Department's offices in Marsham street; and if he will make a statement; [27054](4) what has been the cost to date of the work on his Department's offices in Marsham street; what is the expected total cost; and if he will make a statement. [27056]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when work on the Ashley Health underpass on the A31 in Dorset began; when it was originally scheduled to be completed; when it is currently scheduled to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [27454]

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 progress has been made with the re-tendering of the LTS rail franchise. [27894]

On 26 April 1996, the Franchising Director announced that he had selected Prism Rail plc as preferred bidder for the LTS rail franchise. Prism plans to bring new rolling stock, lower levels of subsidy and other significant passenger benefits to the line. A formal announcement on the award of the franchise is expected to be made soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list, by airline, the number of requests made for (a) dry leasing and (b) wet leasing of aircraft over the last 12 months and the name of the operator providing the leased aircraft together with its country of registration. [26832]

Applications from UK Airlines to lease foreign registered aircraft, other than substitution flights, for the period 1 April 1995–31 March 1996, not all of which have been approved.

UK airline	Number of aircraft	Type of lease D-dry W-wet	Lessor	Country of registration
Heavylift airlines	1	W	Volga-Dnepr	Russia
	1	W	Balkan	Bulgaria
			Pelita Air
	11	W	Services	Indonesia
	1	W	Volga-Dnepr	Russia
	11	W	Volga-Dnepr	Russia
			Pelita Air
	1	W	Services	Indonesia
	16	W	Volga-Dnepr	Russia
Air Foyle	2	W	Souther Air	USA
	1	W	Safair	South Africa
	11	W	Khors Air	Russia
	1	W	Khors Air	Russia
	1	W	Cargolux	Luxembourg
Airtours International	1	W	Centennial	Spain
	1	D	Transwede	Sweden
	11	D	Transwede	Sweden
	1	W	AV Atlantic	USA
	11	W	AV Atlantic	USA
	1	W	Spanair	Spain
	1	W	Sky Service	Canada
	1	W	Transwede	Sweden
Atlantic Air Cargo	1	W	Safair	South Africa
	1	W	Aer Atlantic	Ireland
	1	W	Renown	USA
British Airways	11	W	Evergreen	USA
	13	W	USAir	USA
	2	W	Cargo Lion	Luxembourg
	5	W	MK Cargo	Nigeria
	11	W	Southern Air	USA
			Atlas Air
	1	W	Cargo	USA
			Atlas Air
	1	W	Cargo	Luxembourg2
	12	W	Cargo Lion	Luxembourg
	11	W	USAir	USA
			Atlas Air
	11	W	Cargo	USA
			Atlas Air
	1	W	Cargo	USA

UK airline	Number of aircraft	Type of lease D-dry W-wet	Lessor	Country of registration
	1	W	Gemini	USA
			European Air
	1	W	Cargo	Spain
			Atlas Air
	1	W	Cargo	USA
			Atlas Air
	1	W	Cargo	USA
	11	W	Gemini	USA
Virgin Atlantic Airways	1	W	Translift	Ireland
	11	W	Translift	Ireland
Business Air	1	W	Crossair	Switzerland
Channel Express	2	W	Zantop	USA
	1	W	Farner	Switzerland
Air Foyle Charter	1	W	Transwede	Sweden
	1	D	Alter Baeri	France
			Petroleum
Dollar Helicopters	1	W	Helicopters	USA
Macair	2	D	Sun Air	Denmark
	1	W	Sun Air	Denmark
			Maersk Air
Maersk Air	1	W	Denmark	Denmark
Titan Airways	1	D	Aer Tara	Ireland
	11	D	Aer Tara	Ireland
	11	D	Aer Tara	Ireland
KLM Era Helicopters	3	D	KLM Era BV	Netherlands
	3	D	KLM Era BV	Netherlands
	2	D	KLM Era BV	Netherlands
	4	W	KLM Era BV	Netherlands
Suckling Aviation	11	D	Aerocondor	Portugal
	1	D	Dornier	Germany
	11	D	Dornier	Germany
	21	D	Dornier	Germany
All Leisure Airlines	1	W	Translift	Ireland
	1	W	Canair	canada
Flightline	1	W	Balair	Switzerland
			Malaysian
Air UK Leisure	1	D	Airlines	Malaysia
European Air Charter	1	W	Safair	South Africa
			Canadair
Air 2000	11	W	3000	Canada
Cityflyer Express	1	D	TAT	France
	11	D	TAT	France
	11	W	Transwede	Sweden
	1	W	Transwede	Sweden
	1	D	Britair	France
GB Airways	1	W	Ryanair	Ireland
Brymon Airways	1	D	Bombardier	Canada
	11	D	Bombardier	Canada
			Adria
Caledonian Airways	1	W	Airways	Slovenia
	1	W	Challengair	Belgium
	1	W	AOM	France
	11	W	AOM	France
	1	W	Sun Country	USA
	1	W	Sun Country	USA
			Air Ops of
	1	W	Europe	Sweden
	2	W	Transwede	Sweden
	1	W	Air Atlanta	Iceland
			Air Ops of
Britannia Airways	1	W	Europe	Sweden
			American
	1	W	Trans Air	USA
			Heliglobe
Emerald Airways	1	W	Finet	France
Hunting Cargo Airways	1	W	Safair	South Africa
			Aircraft
British Midland Airways	2	D	Finance and Trading	Netherlands
1 Extensions of previously approved leases.
2 Aircraft dry leased by Atlas from Cargolux of Luxembourg, then leased on to British Airways.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place a copy in the Library of the report from London Regional Transport on the electrical failure on the London underground on 6 April. [27414]

:A report about the electrical failure on the London underground on 6 April will be placed in the Library once the investigation has been completed and a report for publication has been approved by London Underground Ltd.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27520]

This information is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reasons led him (a) to sell Railtrack in its entirety and (b) not to sell shares in tranches. [27341]

The decision to sell substantially all of the Government's shareholding in Railtrack in a single tranche is in line with the Secretary of State's objectives in the Railways Act 1993.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assistance is available to local authority highways agencies to meet additional redundancy costs; and if he will make a statement. [25474]

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27533]

The information is not held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what guidance has been issued to his Department's purchasing staff regarding the implications of dealing with small and medium enterprises. [27513]

The Office of Public Service and its agencies, HMSO and the Central Office of Information have issued guidance to purchasing staff based on guidelines produced by the Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry. In addition, copies of the new edition of the "Think Big Buy Small" booklet will be made available to purchasing staff.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what contracts his Department has with Serco Ltd; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26642]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is the estimated number of blind people who receive a discount for their television licence; what is the level of discount; how long it has remained at this amount; and if he will make it his policy to increase the discount for blind people financed by the extra revenue raised through ending the exemption for a television licence on second homes. [26817]

It is estimated that some 27,000 registered blind people receive the available £1.25 reduction in the television licence fee. The last increase was in 1965 and the Government have no plans to increase the level of this concession. Any such increase would inevitably lead to demands for similar concessions from other groups of people. These demands could not be satisfied without an increase for those who pay the full licence fee, irrespective of their means.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what estimate he has made of the number of heritage sites which are located alongside or in close proximity to canals. [27337]

No such estimates are possible because information held on listed buildings, scheduled monuments and other heritage sites does not necessarily indicate their relationship to canals.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she will assume ministerial responsibility for volunteering, the voluntary sector and charity matters; and if she will make a statement. [28030]

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 1 April, Official Report, column 1, that these responsibilities would be transferred to me from my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department as soon as the necessary financial and other arrangements could be made. I have agreed with my right hon. and learned Friend that I shall take over ministerial responsibility from 1 May 1996. At the same date, the staff who currently perform these functions in the Home Office will transfer to the Department of National Heritage.I have decided that, following the transfer, my hon. Friend the Minister of State will become responsible for the work of the National Lottery Charities Board alongside his existing responsibility for lottery matters; and my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State will become responsible for work on the voluntary sector, volunteering, charities and community development.My Department will be seeking parliamentary authority in the summer supplementary estimates to enable it to make payments of grants and for the transfer of resources currently in the Home Office. Until such time as approval is given, the Home Office will remain accountable for the actual physical payment of these grants.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the directives which have affected her Department in each of the past three years and (a) the United Kingdom legislation introduced as a result of the directives, (b) the United Kingdom legislation which goes beyond the minimum standards set out in the directives and (c) the clauses within each piece of United Kingdom legislation which amplify the minimum standards set out in the directives. [27079]

[holding answer 29 April 1996]: My Department has implemented only one directive in the last three years in an area for which it has lead policy responsibility. This is directive 93/7/EEC on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a member state. Implementation was made by means of a statutory instrument, SI 1994/501, The Return of Cultural Objects Regulations 1994, which came into force on 2 March 1994. The regulations do not go beyond the absolute minimum required to comply with the directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when the Government will announce the results of their consultation process about giving the Sports Council statutory consultee status on the sale of playing fields. [27262]

I have been asked to reply.The Government's consultation on the possibility that the Sports Council should become a statutory consultee for development affecting playing fields ended on 15 March. The responses have been analysed and indicate broad support for this proposal. Subject to further consideration of some technical and legal points, we expect to lay the necessary statutory instrument before Parliament in June.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Inland Revenue contract with EDS mentioned in his answer of 19 July 1995, Official Report, column 1264, precluded open tendering for software development for self-assessment of taxpayers; what is the estimated cost of EDS' s trial development of self-assessment software; and what is the expected cost over the next five years of full development of the software including delivery and technical support to the public. [27249]

As stated in my answer of 19 July 1995, Official Report, column 1264, the contract between the Inland Revenue and the computer company EDS Ltd. was awarded as a result of an open competition to provide all information technology services to the Inland Revenue for the contract period of 10 years. Software development for the self assessment programme falls within that contract.Information concerning the cost to the Inland Revenue of producing an electronic version of the return which will be distributed to taxpayers is commercial confidential.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the summer economic forecast 1996 will be published. [27330]

The summer economic forecast will be published on Tuesday 9 July.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27519]

The Treasury does not distinguish between different sizes of supplier. The Department's aim is to award contracts which offer the

£ per annum 1995–96 prices
	Average earnings			Single person's basic retirement pension
Real terms growth per annum	1.5 per cent.	2 per cent.	2.5 per cent.	0 per cent.	1.5 per cent.	2 per cent.	2.5 per cent.
1995–96	17,490	17,490	17,940	3,060.20	3,060.20	3,060.20	3,060.20
2000–01	18,840	19,310	19,790	3,-6-.20	3,296.80	3,382.60	3,460.60
2010–11	21,860	23,540	25,330	3,060.20	3,824.60	4,126.20	4,435.60

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Ministers currently pay tax on their official residences as a benefit in kind. [27515]

Several Ministers do so, but for reasons of confidentiality details of individual Ministers' tax affairs are not disclosed.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the amount of money paid late to the private sector for goods and services in 1995–96 by each Government department. [27511]

This information is not held centrally.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to publish the consultation document on reform of the Trustee Investments Act 1961. [28031]

The consultation document has been published today. It proposes replacement of the Trustee Investments Act by an order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. The proposed order would contain provisions designed to achieve the necessary level of continuing protection for beneficiaries of trusts and for trustees. The consultation period will end on 31 August. Copies of the document are available in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list (i) average annual earnings and (ii) the annual value of the flat-rate retirement pension for a single person, for (a) the latest year for which both figures are available, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2010–11, (d) 2020–21 and (e) 2030–31, assuming that earnings grow at (1) 1½ per cent., (2) 2 per cent. and (3) 2½ per cent. per annum, and (A) that pensions remain price-related and (B) grow at the same rate as earnings. [26444]

I have been asked to reply.The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the 20 solicitors' companies in rank order which have received the most money from the Legal Aid Board and the amount paid to them in each of the last five years. [26742]

The 20 solicitors' firms receiving the most money from the Legal Aid Board in 1993–94 and 1994–95 are listed. Figures for the previous three years can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Fee payments to solicitors' firms 1993–94
Rank	Firm	Amount paid £
1	Robinsons	3,243,614
2	The Smith Partnership	2,502,581
3	Brendan Fleming	2,427,040
4	Irwin Mitchell	2,135,450
5	Pictons	2,108,801
6	Hugh James Jones and Jenkins	1,904,482
7	Nelson Johnson and Hastings	1,851,869
8	Hodge Jones and Allen	1,833,646
9	Stephensons	1,736,863
10	Russell and Russell	1,683,591
11	TV Edwards	1,651,832
12	Powell Spencer and Partners	1,542,569
13	John Howell and Co	1,520,285
14	Iliffes Booth Bennett	1,502,287
15	Forbes and Partners	1,502,251
16	Hart Brown	1,478,979
17	McGrath and Co	1,455,032
18	Tyndallwoods and Millichip	1,422,874
19	R. Gwynne and Sons	1,416,620
20	Goldsmith Williams	1,408,409

Fee payments to solicitors' firms 1994–95
Rank	Firm	Amount paid £
1	Leigh Day and Co.	8,331,586
2	Robinsons	2,806,424
3	Brendan Fleming	2,685,721
4	Irwin Mitchell	2,419,950
5	The Smith Partnership	2,388,512
6	Pictons	2,202,127
7	Hugh James Jones and Jenkins	2,007,195
8	Nelson Johnson and Hastings	1,977,206
9	Hodge Jones and Allen	1,857,077
10	Stephensons	1,847,252
11	John Howell and Co.	1,832,717
12	Hart Brown	1,811,452

Fee payments to solicitors' firms 1994–95
Rank	Firm	Amount paid £
13	Ilffees Booth Bennett	1,677,068
14	Russell and Russell	1,667,759
15	Tyndallwoods	1,664,141
16	T V Edwards	1,652,947
17	Powell Spender and Partners	1,615,022
18	Forbes and Partners	1,602,053
19	McGrath and Co.	1,599,705
20	Fisher Meredith	1,589,059

The figures shown are based on the main final bills received from solicitors, inclusive of VAT and disbursements, in respect of civil legal aid, criminal legal aid in the magistrates courts, legal advice and assistance, assistance by way of representation and duty solicitors schemes. They do not include counsels' fees, payments on account which would have been paid or recouped, nor adjustment purposes only cases, where the costs are met by the other side and ultimately no payment is made out of the fund. Neither do they take account of amounts received or recovered by way of contributions, costs or damages awarded.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will take action to review the law with a view to reforms such that the potential for litigation is reduced, in particular with regard to mishap or accident. [26757]

I have no present plans to do so.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the case for updating the requirement in Home Office Circular No. 37/1968 relating to the destruction, save for a random sample, after 21 years, of adoption minutes or minutes books in the records of magistrates courts so as to respond to subsequent changes in disclosure possibilities to adopted children. [26756]

The Lord Chancellor's Department, in consultation with various interested parties, is currently undertaking a review which will address this requirement and wider related issues.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth can expect replies to his correspondence of 23 February and 4 April addressed to the immigration appellate authorities referring to Mr. Babar Shahzada of Rawalpindi, Pakistan; and what are the reasons for the delay which has so far occurred. [26754]

The immigration appellate authorities replied on 4 March to the hon. Member's letter of 23 February and on 19 April to his letter of 4 April; both within the target of 10 working days. Copies of these replies have been made available to him.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the total cost of the external legal advice received by his Department in relation to transfers of civilian enforcement staff from the police to magistrates courts committees; and when and in what form the contents of that advice will be made available to magistrates courts committees. [26729]

No external legal advice has been obtained relating to the transfer of civilian enforcement staff from the police to magistrates courts committees. MCCs were again reminded in circular MCD(96)1 on 3 April that whether the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 apply in a particular situation depends on the facts of the case. Each MCC must determine for itself whether, given its particular circumstances, TUPE will apply, and obtain its own legal advice if necessary.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to buy or rent office space in the Doncaster metropolitan borough council area. [26695]

The Lord Chancellor's Department, including its executive agencies, has no plans to buy or rent office space in the Doncaster metropolitan borough council area.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department 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. [26634]

For the Lord Chancellor's Department, including the Court Service and the Public Trust Office, no revenue payments were made to the private sector in respect of private finance initiative projects in 1995–96. Current estimates suggest that such payments to the private sector will be £20,000 in 1996–97 and £6.52 million in 1997–98.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what safeguards his Department took in respect of the last head of the civil business branch of the court Service, in relation to a possible conflict of interest when he took up employment as a consultant with the Drakes Group Ltd.; and if he will make a statement. [26696]

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 Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what contracts his Department and his agencies have with Serco Ltd.; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26639]

The Lord Chancellor's Department holds no contracts with Serco Ltd. I have asked the chief executives of its executive agencies, the Court Service, the Land Registry, the Public Records Office and the Public Trust Office to reply direct, as the question concerns operational matters.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the outcome of his Department's review of how to facilitate small firms' access to appropriate areas to Government procurement in the light of good practice. [27512]

Action has been taken in a number of areas to facilitate small firms' access to the Department's procurement procedures. Our contribution to the DTI's booklet "Tendering for Government Contracts", which provides small firms with contact points has resulted in an increase in the number of enquiries. Information provided by suppliers has been distributed to purchasing staff around the Department. It is also practice for all tenders to contain a contact point for dealing with inquiries relating to the contract. An exercise to identify which of the Department's suppliers are small or medium enterprises will be completed shortly as part of the development of a national purchasing system. This will allow trends in the use of small firms to be measured in the future. I have asked my officials to keep the question of access for small firms under review and to introduce further measures where the scope for improvements can be identified.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27527]

The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Prime Minister what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27524]

For these purposes my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service.

To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received in the last six months from individual civil servants or their representative bodies expressing concern that civil servants have been asked to cost policies of opposition political parties; and if he will make a statement. [27359]

[holding answer Tuesday 30 April]: As far as I am aware, none.

To ask the Prime Minister if (i) he and (ii) his Departmental colleagues have in the last six months asked civil servants to cost policies of opposition political parties; and if he will make a statement. [27360]

[holding answer Tuesday 30 April]: Civil servants have, from time to time, been asked to cost Opposition policies, insofar as they can be identified. The guidelines on costing policies of Opposition parties, were submitted as a memorandum to the Treasury and Civil Service Select Committee in 1990, and were published in its fifth report, HC260, Session 1989–90.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the number of staff employed at the Welsh Office in (a) 1979, (h) 1985, (c) 1990, (d) 1994 and (e) 1995; and if he will make a statement. [26989]

The full-time equivalent number of staff employed in my Department was:

Year	Number of staff
19791	2,680
1985	2,402
1990	2,406
1994	2,586
1995	2,480
1 Nearest available, December 1978.

The figures relate to April for each year except 1979.The current figure is 2,295, a reduction of 185 since April 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of his Department's advertising budget was allocated to local weekly newspapers in Wales in (a) 1993–94 and (b) 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [26990]

Of the total which was spent on advertising in 1993–94, some 28 per cent. was spent with local weekly newspapers in Wales, and the corresponding figure for 1994–95 was some 21 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the new directors of social services in each of the new counties of Wales on community care; and if he will make a statement. [26970]

The social services inspectorate Wales has met all the new directors of social services to monitor their progress on delivering community care as part of their overall responsibilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to meet the chief constable of North Wales to discuss measures to limit drug abuse; and if he will make a statement. [26971]

Number of persons on the handicap register at 31 March 1995
	Clwyd	Dyfed	Gwent	Gwynedd	Mid Glamorgan	Powys	South Glamorgan	West Glamorgan	Wales
Disability
Deaf with speech	29	109	246	52	252	49	206	170	1,113
Deaf without speech	114	75	241	49	213	32	116	109	949
Hard of hearing	784	429	214	94	940	400	617	549	4,027
Blind	950	1,370	1,797	1,046	2,068	290	1,017	935	9,473
Partially sighted	1,243	1,055	1,421	719	1,660	252	670	1,421	8,441
General'	46,117	9,144	14,562	4,459	40,414	7,268	3,689	11,081	136,734
Number on register	49,237	12,182	18,481	6,419	45,547	8,291	6,315	14,256	160,737
1 The number shown for Clwyd relates to 31 March 1993.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which Welsh Office Ministers will respond to press inquiries or requests for interviews on each portfolio subject in the Welsh Office responsibilities; and what changes or restrictions have been placed on the granting of interviews during recent weeks. [27156]

Ministers respond on the basis of their own portfolio of responsibilities. There have been no changes or restrictions placed on granting interviews in recent weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27518]

The information requested is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of people entering higher education are from ethnic minority groups. [27383]

The available information is given in the following table:

:My right hon. Friend and I met the chief constables of all Welsh forces on 16 January this year to discuss amongst other things, drug and alcohol misuse. He has no plans to do so again in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what he has made of the number of disabled people, by category, in each of the local authorities in Wales. [26969]

No estimates have been made of the numbers of disabled people by category in each local authority. Information currently available relating to the number of disabled persons registered under section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948 in each of the former county councils is given in the following table. Similar information has been requested from each local authority and will be available later in 1996.

Home entrants to higher education in higher education institutions in the UK 1995–96 (provisional)
Ethnic group	Percentage1
White	87.4
Black Caribbean	1.4
Black African	1.9
Black other	0.6
Indian	3.0
Pakistani	1.6
Bangladeshi	0.4
Chinese	0.8
Asian other	1.2
Other	1.6
All students	100.0
1 Based on those students for whom ethnicity information was collected/provided.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to set (a) commitment and (b) recognition targets for TECS for Investors in People with firms of under 50 employees. [27188]

I expect training and enterprise councils to offer support to all firms, including those with under 50 employees. I have no plans to set TECs Investors in People targets for firms with fewer than 50 employees.Government offices agree targets with TECs for Investors in People. The targets are linked directly with the achievement of the national targets for education and training. Lifetime target 3 calls for 70 per cent. of all organisations employing 200 or more employees, and 35 per cent. of these employing 50 or more, to be recognised as Investors in People.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of her Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27532]

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are the terms of contract the Student Loans Company has with the SHL Systemhouse Europe software computer system; and if she will make a statement. [27637]

This is a matter for the Student Loans Company. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish figures recording the number of parking fines incurred by diplomatic missions in London during 1995. [26740]

During 1995, the London diplomatic missions incurred a total of 1,586 unpaid parking fines, which is less than half the 1994 figure of 3,613. In February this year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office wrote to all diplomatic missions to give them the opportunity to pay off all outstanding parking tickets, or appeal to have the ticket cancelled. Since then, payments totalling £11,600 have been received. The biggest offender is the Nigerian mission, which has appeared at or near the top of the list for the third year running. The attached table shows only missions which have 11 or more fines outstanding.

Unpaid parking fines
Position	Diplomatic mission	1995	1994
1	Nigeria	117	118
2	India	83	79
3	Ghana	66	76
4	Sudan	45	56
5	Malaysia	32	37
6	Philippines	31	19
7	Romania	27	30
8	Burma	26	7
9	Lesotho	22	14
9	Oman	22	63
9	Pakistan	22	61
12	Egypt	20	50
12	Greece	20	32
12	Qatar	20	353
12	Thailand	20	32
16	Algeria	19	24
16	Bangladesh	19	49
18	Uganda	18	24
19	Turkey	17	27

Unpaid parking fines
Position	Diplomatic mission	1995	1994
20	Cyprus	16	29
20	Jordan	16	52
22	Iran	15	12
22	Russian Federation	15	31
22	Zimbabwe	15	21
25	Tanzania	14	28
25	Albania	14	1
25	USA	14	22
28	Azerbaijan	13	5
28	Cameroon	13	20
30	Israel	12	33
30	Poland	12	35
32	Brazil	11	10
32	Ivory Coast	11	40
32	Hungary	11	49
32	Zaire	11	18
		859	1,557

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many serious offences were allegedly committed in 1995 by persons entitled to diplomatic immunity; and how many foreign diplomats or members of their families were withdrawn from their posts in Britain in the past year as a result of alleged offences. [26741]

Twenty-eight alleged serious offences by persons entitled to diplomatic immunity were drawn to the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1995. "Serious offences" are defined in accordance with the report to the Foreign Affairs Committee "The Abuse of Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges (1985)" as offences which fall into the category which in certain circumstances attract a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment or more: the majority involved drinking and driving and shoplifting.Five diplomats or members of their families were withdrawn at our request from post in Britain as a result of alleged offences, compared with six the previous year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the economic assistance given by Her Majesty's Government to North Korea. [27138]

We have not offered any economic assistance, nor have the North Korean authorities requested any from us.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government are planning to take to assist the peaceful and democratic reunification of the Korean eninsula; and if he will make a statement. [27139]

The reunification of the Korean peninsula can be achieved only through meaningful dialogue between South and North Korea. We encourage such dialogue at every opportunity and have welcomed the proposal, announced on 16 April by the Presidents of the USA and South Korea, that a four-party meeting be convened to discuss the future of the Korean peninsula. We hope that North Korea will respond positively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of China's policy on peace in south-east Asia and human rights. [27326]

We continue to monitor carefully developments in south-east Asia, and to urge all sides involved in disputes in the area to pursue settlement of their differences by peaceful means.We remain deeply concerned about human rights in China. We express our concerns on this subject to the Chinese authorities at every suitable opportunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many countries have announced their support to date for an international ban on the production, stockpiling, sale and use of anti-personnel mines. [27550]

To our knowledge, some 32 countries, including the United Kingdom, have announced their support for a total international ban on anti-personnel landmines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the upgrading of the Ranger landmines delivery system on his policy of working towards the eventual elimination of anti-personnel mines. [27551]

We intend as soon as possible to destroy nearly half of our existing stocks of anti-personnel landmines. 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 systems. One possible option to achieve this objective would be to upgrade the existing Ranger landmine delivery system, but not final decisions have been taken. 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 landmines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96 in respect of (a) the diplomatic wing and (b) the ODA. [27530]