To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, in rank order, the statistics collated by his Department for car crime in (a) the member states of the European Union, (b) the regions of the UK and (c) districts within the north-west for each of the last five years. [32187]

Comparisons of car crime statistics in the member states of the European Union are difficult because definitions of offences vary between countries due both to legal differences and statistical recording methods. However, the international crime survey has compared risks of car crime in European countries in 1988 and 1991 and the results are published in Home Office research findings No. 8. Additionally, information on recorded thefts of a vehicle in European countries in 1990 is published in the "Draft European Sourcebook of Crime and Criminal Justice Statistics". Copies of both these publications are available in the Library. Statistics for each police force area in England and Wales have also been placed in the Library. Figures for Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for the respective Secretaries of State. Information on districts within the north-west is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to introduce a code of practice for use by appointed investigating officers when dealing with the Police Complaints Authority supervised investigations following firearms incidents; [32225](2) for appointed investigating officers to deal with the Police Complaints Authority supervised investigations following firearms incidents. [32226]

None. The investigation of police conduct is a matter for the chief officer of the force concerned and the Police Complaints Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the overall crime rate and annual percentage change in each year since 1979 in (a) the west midlands and (b) Staffordshire. [32258]

The information requested is given in the following table:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if a person detained in prison for an immigration offence is kept informed of reviews of his case. [32468]

Those detained in prisons and immigration detention centres under powers contained in the Immigration Act 1971 are advised in writing by the immigration service of developments in their case on a monthly basis from the date of their detention under immigration powers. Following the issue of revised instructions in May 1995, detained asylum claimants are informed separately about the progress of their applications by the asylum directorate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police forces in Great Britain employ, or plan to employ, a special constabulary liaison recruiting officer or equivalent; [32232](2) in those police forces which employ a special constabulary proactive recruiting officer or equivalent

The information held centrally is as follows:All 43 police forces in England and Wales have force recruitment officers whose responsibilities include the recruitment of special constables. At least two forces employ at least one member of staff who is solely dedicated to processing applications to the special constabulary. In one force, a special constable handles applications to the special constabulary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost of the royal commission on criminal justice review for England and Wales chaired by Viscount Runciman of Doxford. [32304]

The total cost of the royal commission on criminal justice, which reported in July 1993, was £2.5 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions were brought against persons destroying bats and bat habitats in the latest year for which figures are available. [32234]

Information collected centrally by my Department on court proceedings under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 section 9—protection of certain wild animals—does not identify the animal involved or the subsection under which the offence was placed. However, our statistics show that in 1994—the latest year for which figures are available—there were a total of seven prosecutions under section 9.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the crime clear-up rate and annual percentage change in each year since 1979 in (a) Staffordshire and (b) the west midlands. [32259]

The information requested is given in the following table:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the results of Coopers and Lybrand's review of comparative costs and performance of privately managed and public sector prisons; and if he will make a statement. [33265]

I have today placed in the Library copies of a review of comparative costs and performance of privately and publicly operated prisons carried out for the Prison Service by Coopers and Lybrand. The study compared Blakenhurst, Doncaster and the Wolds with the most nearly comparable public sector prisons using 1994–95 data. The findings are summarised in the tables.The results show that, after adjusting costs onto a comparable basis, privately managed prisons are cheaper by 13 to 22 per cent. than public sector prisons and deliver equal or better performance on most measures. The findings are broadly consistent with previous findings based on 1993–94 data but suggest that the gap between the two sectors on cost has narrowed slightly.

To ask the Secretary of Sate for the Home Department how many persons of Irish origin were being supervised by the probation service in England and Wales at the latest available date and for equivalent dates in 1986 and 1991. [32713]

Information on the nationality of those supervised by the probation service is not collected centrally by the Home Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of miscarriages of justice have involved persons of Irish descent over the last 15 years. [32714]

The information requested is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to consult on further measures to protect the public from sex offenders. [33278]

I shall be publishing a consultation document on the sentencing and supervision of sex offenders at 11 am on Monday 17 June. Copies will then be available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many personal callers visited the south Wales traffic area office in Cardiff in (a) April 1996 and (b) May 1996; and if he will make a statement. [32224]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 June to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Lady O. Maitland), Official Report, column 30. In April 1996, there were 193 personal callers and 246 callers in May 1996 to the south Wales traffic area office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evidence he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated of other countries' methods of levying light dues; and if he will make a statement. [32471]

We contributed to the study of "user pays" carried out by the European Commission by providing an adviser on secondment for one year. We are currently awaiting the final results of that study.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to ensure that where seat belts are fitted to coaches and minibuses for use by school children (a) tested equipment is fitted, (b) equipment is fitted safely, (c) the three-to-two rule is not used, (d) counterfeit equipment is not allowed and (e) seat belts are worn. [32572]

The safety of equipment and its fitting must ultimately remain the responsibility of the installer. We intend to issue guide lines in support of the legislation and are exploring options for checking installations at the annual test. We are also considering other safeguards but they can be of only a limited nature.Additional steps beyond the legal measures already in place are not currently considered necessary for three to two, counterfeit equipment and the wearing of seat belts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that each child on a school bus has a seat; and if he will make a statement on standing on buses and on blocking of gangways and emergency exits by baggage. [32573]

The responsibility for providing suitable home to school transport for children rests with the local education authority. Both the operators and the LEA must be satisfied that the transport provided enables children to travel in safety.The carriage of standing passengers on buses is controlled by the Public Service Vehicles (Carrying Capacity) Regulations 1984. Both seating and standing capacities must be marked clearly on the vehicle. Vehicles intended to carry more than eight standing passengers must meet minimum requirements for both standing space and headroom. Sufficient hand grips must be fitted for each standing passenger. Gangways and emergency exits must not be obstructed at any time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Environment in respect of discounting of extra expenditure incurred by local education authorities in respect of implementation of the end of the three-to-two rule on school travel. [32571]

The additional costs to local authorities of implementing changes to the three-for-two concession, following the new seat belt regulations, were taken into account along with a range of other pressures when determining the amount for education—education standard spending—in the local government finance settlement, and reflected in the increased funding for local education authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action his Department is taking to ensure that slots for domestic services are protected at Heathrow and Gatwick airports; and if he will make a statement. [32796]

The Department of Transport is taking no such action. Recommendations 8 and 9 of the Transport Committee's report on airport capacity, published on 21 May this year, address this issue. The Department aims to respond as soon as possible to the report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the current evaluation of a close parallel runway at Gatwick; and if he will make a statement. [32789]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 22 May 1996, Official Report, column 231.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the future of the CAA following the EU third package on the liberalisation of air services. [32805]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what mandatory requirements are placed on European Passenger Services to undertake security inspections on passengers' baggage in respect of those travelling aboard Eurostar services. [32785]

EPS is required to security screen a percentage of passengers' baggage. The percentage varies depending on the levels of threat and risk as assessed by Government agencies.All unaccompanied baggage—that is, baggage travelling separately from its owner—is screened.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many inspections were undertaken by Transec on security measures undertaken at the channel tunnel in each of the last two years. [32784]

From June 1994 to March 1995, 124 security inspections in relation to channel tunnel services were carried out. The figure for 1995–1996 was 289.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) for what reasons traffic forecasts contained in the official assessment report for the 10 to 12 lane M25 widening scheme between junctions 12 and 15 do not allow for the road traffic impact of the consequences of a planning permission being granted for terminal 5 at Heathrow airport; and if he will make a statement; [31887](2) what allowance has been made within the traffic growth forecasts accompanying the junctions 12 to 15 widening scheme for the M25 for the traffic generation factors that were identified and contained in the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment report of December 1994; and if he will make a statement. [31886]

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 assessment has been made of the cost effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by his Department. [32664]

Initial assessment of critical operational systems has produced estimates of around 5,000 date tests needing modification. Assessment of necessary work is the subject of further detailed studies and will form the basis of cost negotiations with contractors. Replacement may obviate modification in some cases. Urgent changes have been made. Many of the Department's operational service and management systems will be replaced by the end of the century and are not being assessed. Studies are planned to cover all other systems in the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the implications of the Wrekin decision of the European Court of Justice on retirement ages, for concessionary travel for pensioners in (a) Greater London and (b) the rest of the metropolitan countries. [32718]

The European Court of Justice has not yet given its judgment in the Atkins v. Wrekin district council and Department of Transport case. When it does we shall assess the implications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if entries on the British register of shipping indicate fully (a) the ownership of a vessel and (b) those with a title to the vessel. [32227]

The register of British ships records legal ownership. Title proof is required in respect of merchant ships and pleasure vessels on part I of the register, and of fishing vessels with full registration on part II of the register. Title proof is not required on part III—small ships—part IV—bareboat charter ships—or for fishing vessels with simple registration on part II of the register.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a White Paper on the same lines as the economic assessment published in February 1970 showing the gains and losses to the average British family resulting from membership of the EU. [31820]

There are no plans to publish such an assessment.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the gains and losses to the standard of living in the United Kingdom of (a) abolishing the common agricultural policy, (b) ending contributions to the EU budget, (c) ending free trade with the EU and its associations and (d) taking control over (i) fishery and (ii) other resources. [32085]

There are no plans to do so. Any such calculation would be very imprecise as it would require hypothetical assumptions to be made about the level of UK spending in the absence of contributions to, and receipts from, the Community budget; the policies which replaced those in the EU; the performance of the UK economy outside the Community; and the impact on trade outside the EU.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of the investigation into the BMARC affair; and if he will publish the findings of the investigation. [32199]

[holding answer 11 June 1996]: To date, the direct costs of the Customs investigation into alleged breaches of UK export controls by BMARC have been approximately £20,000. This figure is based on the National Investigation Services' time recording system. The figure does not include costs incurred by departmental management and legal advice provided by departmental lawyers, or the costs of giving evidence to the Trade and Industry Committee. Customs inquiries are, however, not yet complete and decisions on the form of any announcement on the outcome of these inquiries will be taken at the appropriate time.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy on the harmonisation of taxes on beers, wines and spirits; and what is his assessment of the revenues lost to the Treasury through such smuggling in the latest year for which figures are available. [32542]

[holding answer 12 June 1996]: Member states should be free to set excise duty rates at the level they feel are appropriate to their own particular circumstances, subject only to the agreed minimum rates. This was the basis of the agreement reached by all member states at ECOFIN on 19 October 1992. Nevertheless, the Government consider that there should be movement towards the approximation of excise duty rates across the EU, and that some steps in the direction of the UK pattern of indirect taxation makes sense. The mechanism for achieving this aim is through the Commission's biennial review of the minimum rates of excise duty, the next such review being due by the end of 1996.Customs does not, at present, have a reliable estimate of the extent of cross-border smuggling of alcoholic products. It is liaising with the drinks industry with the aim of achieving an objective measurement.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of (a) the total value and (b) the total volume of the cross-border smuggling of (i) beer, (ii) wines and (iii) spirits in the latest year for which figures are available; and what value of smuggled goods was seized in that year. [32540]

[holding answer 12 June 1996]: Customs does not at present have a reliable estimate of the extent of either the total volume or total value of cross-border smuggling of alcoholic products. It is liaising with the drinks and tobacco industry with the aim of achieving an objective measurement. The revenue value of intra-EU smuggling detected by excise verification officers in the year ending 31 March 1996 is shown in the table:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received relating to the impact upon British companies and traders of cross-border smuggling of beers, wines and spirits; and what response he intends to make to those representations. [32541]

[holding answer 12 June 1996]: The Chancellor receives many representations from the trade and other interested parties about the cross-border smuggling of alcoholic drinks and its consequential impact on legitimate UK trade. These representations are taken into account by the Chancellor when making his Budget decisions.Customs has deployed excise verification officers to seek out and prosecute those engaged in smuggling activity. In addition, in November 1995 Customs, together with the various associations representing the industries concerned, formed an excise alliance for the purpose of developing a co-operative approach leading to the detection of smugglers and fraudsters, and to exchange high level information on excise smuggling and fraud matters.

To ask the Attorney-General what assessment has been made of the cost effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by his Department. [32675]

The departments and agencies for which my right hon. and learned Friend is responsible are assessing the impact of the millennium date change.In the case of the Treasury Solicitor's Department and Government Property Lawyers, no significant cost effects are expected.The Serious Fraud Office estimates that several man months of work will be required to implement the change.The Crown Prosecution Service has started a programme of work to assess the implications of the change but is not yet in a position to give an estimate of costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been made of the cost effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by his Department. [32678]

In line with Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency recommendations, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office diplomatic wing has completed a study to determine which of its computer systms will be affected by this problem. The findings show that approximately 60 per cent. of Foreign and Commonwealth Office computer systms will be affected in some way. Further study is now taking place to determine what the cost will be.The Overseas Development Administration is updating its systems, most of which already recognise the year 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the Wilton Park agency performed against the targets which were agreed for 1995–96; and if targets have been agreed for the current year. [33275]

According to provisional figures which are subject to audit, Wilton Park exceeded all four of the agreed targets set for 1995–96 financial year, for the number of conference participants, income, cost recovery and cost per head to the FCO overall.The Wilton Park departmental board met in April. We have agreed to the recommendation of the board that the following key targets be adopted for this financial year:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of housing association tenants have been in receipt of housing benefit in each year since 1988. [32014]

Definitive information is not yet available but on the basis of sample surveys the percentages have increased from the order of 52 to 55 per cent. in 1988 to about 61 to 65 per cent in 1994–95—figures for England.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the average water leakage levels in (a) 1988 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [32048]

The Office of Water Supply Services report, "Leakage of Water in England and Wales", published on 30 May 196, gave a total leakage level for 1994–95 of about 30 per cent. of water put into the distribution system. Of this percentage, companies attribute about 23 per cent. to leakage from the distribution system and 7 per cent. from customers' supply pipes.Further detail is contained in the body of the report, a copy of which is in the Library.Leakage levels for 1988 are not available on a comparable basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment has been made of the cost effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by his Department. [326679]

My Department is aware of the issue and is currently investigating the scale and complexity of the problem and its potential cost effects. The Department's computer systems are primarily based upon modern technology, not affected by the millennium date problem. It is expected that those systems still residing on older technology will reach the end of their natural life and be replaced before 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to take action under section 13 of the Local Government Act 1988 against authorities who have subjected white collar professional work to competition; and if he will make a statement. [33153]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has today served notices under section 13 of the Local Government Act 1988 on the London boroughs of Enfield and Hounslow, the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority and the metropolitan district of Barnsley setting out his view that these authorities may have acted anti-competitively during competitions for legal services work. He has also served notices on the cities of Liverpool and Manchester setting out similar views in respect of construction-related services work.Although the circumstances differ in each case, the most common grounds cited in the notices are: work was not packaged in a way which took proper account of the market's ability to provide the services, that tender documents did not indicate how much work was on offer, and that onerous conditions featured in some contracts.They have four weeks in which to explain their actions in assigning work in-house after competitions against the private sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 1 April, Official Report, column 15, what guidance will be issued on the Special Waste Regulations 1996. [33154]

Detailed guidance on the Special Waste Regulations 1996 has been issued today in the form of a joint circular from the Department of the Environment, the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department and the Welsh Office. A copy of the circular has been placed in the Library.The guidance was issued in draft form for public consultation in 1995. The final text takes account of the many comments received. It gives an outline of the procedures which are to be followed by those who handle special waste and incorporates in a separate annexe technical guidelines on the definition of special waste, technical aspects of assessing whether a particular consignment of waste is special, and the hazard criteria which apply.Copies of the circular have been distributed to local authorities, the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, which will have a supervisory role in the system of controls.In addition, we have produced a free 10-page leaflet on the regulations. This is designed for those who handle special waste and answers to the main questions which are likely to arise.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will announce the allocations for the 1996–97 round of the estates renewal challenge fund. [33236]

I shall be announcing allocations for the 1996–97 round of the estate renewal challenge fund tomorrow and shall place both copies of the press notice detailing the successful authorities in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the responses to the consultation papers, "Our Future Homes: Opportunity, Choice, Responsibility" and "More Choice in the Social Rented Sector". [32460]

[holding answer 12 June 1996]: Six explanatory and consultation papers were published by my Department setting out the details of proposals in last year's White Paper "Our Future Homes". Copies of responses to these papers were made available for inspection through the Department of the Environment library in line with normal practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, what voluntary leakage reduction target each water company has set over the next five and 10 years. [27164]

[pursuant to his reply, 30 April 1996, c. 420]: The Water Services Association has notified a correction to the data it originally provided. A revised summary table of water service companies' targets for reducing leakage follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) Germany have died of tobacco-related cancers in each of the last 10 years. [31765]

The Health Education Authority report "The Smoking Epidemic", copies of which are available in the Library, estimated that there were about 44,000 cancer deaths attributable to smoking in the United Kingdom in 1988.No comparable figures are available for Germany.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many meetings his Department, at ministerial or official level, has had with the Carers National Association since 1 January 1995 regarding the drafting and implementation of the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995; and if he will make a statement. [32483]

We have had several meetings with the Carers National Association since January last year to discuss the legislation, and it was involved in the preparation of the policy guidance and practice guide. We regularly meet CNA—and other organisations—to discuss a variety of issues, including new legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he has taken to assist local authorities to implement the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995; and what extra funds have been provided for this purpose (a) in England and (b) in each county in the south West. [32482]

In February this year, we issued the carers (recognition and services) policy guidance and practice guide to all local authorities. Draft versions of the guidance were issued for consultation in October last year—some six months before the Act came into force. The Act enshrines in law principles of good practice which we recommended in previous guidance issued at the time of the implementation of the community care reforms. Examples of good practice on carers are described in the social service inspectorate reports published in 1995: notably "Caring Today" and "What Next for Carers?".The Act should not involve significant extra costs. It enshrines in statute many of the principles of good practice which we had recommended local authorities follow.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients had their operations cancelled on the day of admission at Walsgrave hospital, Coventry, in each year since 1990. [32256]

The information on individual hospitals is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. Gary Reay, chairman of the Walsgrave Hospital NHS trust for details.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the percentage of patients not assessed within five minutes at Walsgrave hospital, Coventry, for each year for which figures are available. [32255]

This information can be obtained from the performance tables publication for 1993–94 and 1994–95, copies of which are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of reported and suspected adverse reactions to Lariam have been notified during the last three years for which figures are available. [32282]

The Medicines Control Agency has received 878 reports of 2,493 suspected adverse reactions associated with Lariam between 7 June 1993 and 7 June 1996. During this time, in excess of four hundred thousand patients have received Lariam. The reports received are consistent with the known safety profile of Lariam as described in the authorised product information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from professional bodies and the Committee on Safety of Medicines on the anti-malarial drug Lariam. [32284]

The Department and the Medicines Control Agency have received representations from doctors and other health professionals and bodies representing health professionals and have responded to the issues raised. The Committee on Safety of Medicines, as an independent expert advisory body to the Licensing Authority, provides advice on the quality, efficacy and safety of medicines, including Lariam, to the Licensing Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the indicated side effects of the drug Lariam. [32283]

Warnings on the side effects of Lariam are included in the product information. This includes the data sheet provided to all doctors and pharmacists and the information leaflet for patients.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the average waiting time for an MRI scan in (a) north-east Warwickshire and (b) Walsgrave hospital, Coventry; [32254](2) what is the average waiting time for an MRI scan in the United Kingdom. [32253]

Information for England is not available centrally. Questions relating to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department spent during the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96 on sending civil servants accompanying Ministers from his Department on official duties abroad. [32416]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Warrington, South (Mr. Hall) on 1 March, Official Report, columns 762–64. Within the overall cost of ministerial visits to other countries, it is not possible to identify separately the element attributable to civil servants accompanying Ministers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the general medical services budget and proposed budget in the East London and City health authority. [32561]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) on 21 April 1995, Official Report, column 312.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) of 19 December 1995, Official Report, column 1153, what factors prevented commencement of the despatch of letters relating to desogestrel and gestodene before 16.30 on 18 October 1995. [32723]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health made an oral statement to the House on 23 October 1995, columns 707–02 which described the urgent arrangements put in place to communicate the Committee on Safety of Medicines' advice to health professionals. In addition, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 5 June, Official Report, column 448.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the members of the Medicines Commission as at 1 January indicating for each member his or her principal professional appointment, the date of first appointment to the commission, the scheduled termination of the period of membership and which of the criteria laid out in section 2(3) of the Medicines Act 1968 is relevant to the appointment of each member. [32722]

Members of the Medicines Commission are appointed for their knowledge and expertise which encompass the activities set out in section 2(3) of the Medicines Act 1968. The members of the Medicines Commission, as at 1 January 1996, are listed in the table, indicating for each member his or her principal professional appointment, the date of first appointment and the scheduled termination date of the current period of membership.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations were cancelled in the NHS (a) last year and (b) in each of the previous 10 years. [32806]

Information is available for the last two years only. Tables will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the statutory basis for the appointment of members for the day of the Committee on Safety of Medicines. [32724]

All members of the Committee on Safety of Medicines are appointed under section 4(5) of the Medicines Act 1968. In the case of members for the day, the terms in their letters of appointment limit membership to a particular meeting of the committee. The statutory basis for such terms is regulation 4 of the Medicines Commission and Committees Regulation 1970 (S.I. No. 746).

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the cost effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by his Department. [32677]

Preliminary analysis of the Department of Health's own mainframe computer systems has already been undertaken to assess the likely impact of the change of millennium. A further more detailed analysis is to be carried out during 1996–97 fully to assess the impact and likely cost of the change.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Army courts martial were convened each year since 1979. [32551]

Details of courts martial prior to 1990 are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The number of individuals tried by Army courts martial convened since 1990 are as follows:

• 1990: 930
• 1991: 707
• 1992: 780
• 1993: 688
• 1994: 594
• 1995: 440.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are his plans for his Department's former radar base at Mormond Hill, near Fraserborough; what public consultation will take place; and if he will make a statement. [32758]

I have nothing to add to the answers which I gave on 16 April, Official Report, columns 458–59.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about steps to reclaim moneys from the companies involved in the payment of commissions to Gordon Foxley relating to defence contracts. [33235]

A satisfactory settlement has been concluded with one of the companies concerned, Raufoss AS of Norway, under which the company will pay an agreed sum in redress to my Department, including interest and a contribution to costs, for payments made contrary to contractual conditions.A statement of contrition by the company, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House, forms part of the agreement with the Ministry of Defence. We have decided that in the light of this agreement the company will become eligible to be considered for Ministry of Defence orders, although normal commercial relations will not be resumed for some months during which period we shall monitor the operation of the agreement.Discussions are taking place with the other companies involved in the Foxley case, against whom proceedings are still in train.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what use has been made in the past of thermal identity beacons for military vehicles; if he will make a statement on the new requirement for such beacons in future, purchase No. ASIC/31 of the MOD contracts bulletin volume 10 No. 16; and if such beacons are in use with other NATO forces. [30784]

No use has been made of thermal identity beacons for military vehicles in the past. The new requirement, outlined in MOD "Contracts Bulletin" volume 10 No. 16, is for the United Kingdom contingent of The NATO implementation force—IFOR No. 16 in Bosnia and is being procured to reduce the risk of friendly fire. The beacons are not in use with other NATO forces but we intend to share the technology with other IFOR nations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the advantages of (a) leasing and (b) using the private finance initiative in relation to the supply of self-loading dump trucks for the Royal Engineers as set out in tender No. EM and D1A/155 of the MOD "Contract Bulletin" volume 10 No. 16. [30785]

Self-loading dump trucks to meet the specific military requirement of the Royal Engineers are not currently available for lease on the commercial market. No assessment was made of the advantages of using the private finance initiative for this specific requirement.A study commissioned by the Procurement Executive is currently under way to examine the potential for greater private sector/private finance involvement in the management and supply for future requirements of this type. The study will not be complete in time to influence this procurement because the existing fleet has reached the end of its economic life and requires replacement now. Recommendations of the study will be carefully considered for future requirements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the quantity of fuel purchased by his Department for allocation to the Royal Navy fleet in each of the last five years. [32647]

The full information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Such information as is available is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in how many exercises the Royal Nay has taken part in each of the last 10 years. [32648]

Royal Navy exercises range in scale from very small activities involving individual elements of establishments, units or ships, to participation in major tri-service and international exercises.Details of all of the various exercises in which the Royal Navy has participated in some form over the last 10 years are not held centrally, and the information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Army's battlefield equipment reliability return in each of the last three years for (a) Warrior vehicles, (b) Challenger tanks and (c) the multiple-launch rocket system. [32649]

The information requested is classified and cannot be released.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of spare parts for the Clansman radio system in each of the last three years. [32650]

The cost of spare parts for Clansman for each of the last three years was as follows:

• 1993–94: £9.8 million
• 1994–95: £10.7 million
• 1995–96: £10.3 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current estimated total cost of the EH101 Merlin helicopter; what was the original total estimated cost of the helicopter at current prices; what was the original in-service date and what is its current estimated in-service date; and if he will make a statement. [32651]

The current estimated total cost of the EH1O1/Merlin programme is £4,307 million. The prime contractor is Lockheed-Martin-ASIC.The estimated total cost, at current prices, when the Main Production Contract—MPC—was awarded was £3,922 million.The in-service date agreed when the MPC was awarded was December 1998 and this has not changed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his American counterpart to allow British companies greater access to American markets; and if he will make a statement. [32653]

Regular discussions are held at all levels with the US Administration and Congress to convey Her Majesty's Government's concerns regarding the level of access that United Kingdom companies have to the American defence market. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has raised this issue with Dr. Perry on two occasions this year and during my visit to the United States last month I discussed this subject with a number of senior officials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the cost effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by his Department. [32670]

The capability of MOD's existing computer systems to recognise the millennium date change is under investigation and will be the subject of MOD-wide guidance requiring those responsible for current and planned information systems to assess fully the extent of the problem. Until this is known, it will not be possible to assess the cost effects of the year 2000 date change.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning recent changes to NATO's combined joint task force initiative. [32654]

The recent meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Berlin welcomed the approval of the combined joint task forces concept which, when implemented, will facilitate the mounting of NATO contingency operations as well as those undertaken by the Western European Union. Ministers asked for a report on implementation of the concept. We expect these recommendations to come forward in December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the criteria to be used in the placing of a contract for the replacement maritime patrol aircraft. [32655]

The contract for the replacement maritime patrol aircraft—RMPA—will be measured against criteria that will offer the best value for money. Many factors will influence the decision including: performance, reliability, commonality with equipment already in service and the cost of operating and maintaining equipment through its expected life. A combined operational effectiveness and investment appraisal exercise is one of the tools which has been employed in determining the best value for money.The RMPA decision will take account of the benefits that come from having a strong indigenous defence industry and, in that respect, due weight will be given to industrial capabilities which the UK has an interest in retaining in order to support the equipment we procure. Industrial participation proposals have been sought from the prime contractors and, where foreign contractors are employed, due account will be taken of the nature and cost of the work put back into United Kingdom industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what mechanisms he assesses the impact on the United Kingdom defence industrial base of his Department's procurement decisions. [32656]

My Department's practice on the consideration of United Kingdom defence industrial base issues in procurement decisions was set out in written and oral evidence to the Select Committee on Defence and Trade and Industry in joint session during 1995. The minutes of evidence were published as daily parts on 9 August 1995 (HC 333-iv) and the Committee's final report was published on 5 December 1995 (HC 61 and 62).In its response to the Committee's report, published on 8 February 1996 (HC 209 and 210), the Government noted that industrial factors had always been taken into account in equipment procurement decision making processes. However, following a review of its internal procedures, my Department will in future take a more systematic account of such factors. Guidance is currently being prepared to this end.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people have been dismissed from each of the services in each of the past five years for (a) alcohol misuse and (b) illegal drug misuse. [32055]

[holding answer 10 June 1996]:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to call out further Army Reserve and Territorial Army personnel in support of the operations in the former Yugoslavia. [33142]

Approval has been given to call out up to 251 members of the Army Reserve and Territorial Army to provide support to operations in the former Yugoslavia, and volunteers are being sought. The majority will replace those called-out last February, but there is also an additional need to fill 55 posts to reinforce regular units. This arises from some units having dual commitments. Those called out will report to a mobilisation centre between 8 and 12 July, and those who are selected for service will undergo training before deployment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how much income has been received in the current year by the compensation recovery unit; and what is the projected income by the end of the current financial year; [2904](2) what was the total amount recovered by the compensation recovery unit in 1994–95. [2905]

Compensation recovery is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how much compensation has been recovered by the compensation recovery unit in the current financial year from sufferers from asbestos-related diseases; how many sufferers there have been; and what have been the individual sums recovered; [2901](2) how much compensation was recovered by the compensation recovery unit in 1994–95 from sufferers from asbestos-related diseases; how many suffers there were; and what were the individual sums recovered. [2907]

Compensation recovery is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what have been the 10 largest sums recovered by the compensation recovery unit in the current financial year; and if he will list the (a) illnesses, (b) accidents and (c) diseases suffered by those from whom compensation was recovered. [2906]

This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons who qualified for severe weather payments for each month from 1 November 1995 to 30 April 1996, applied to each of the Benefits Agency offices in the Doncaster and Mexborough area; and what were the figures for the period 1 November 1994 to 30 April 1995. [31432]

Once a cold weather period has been identified, a scan of the income support database is run to establish those who are eligible for a cold weather payment. Payment is sent out automatically; there is no need for a claim to be made.Information relating to cold weather payments made for the periods 1 November 1994 to 30 April 1995 and 1 November 1995 to 30 April 1996 can be found in the statistical section of the Library. The data are held in the social fund statistical load file under "Cold Weather Payments by District Office".

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to alter the qualification requirements for cold weather payments to enable ex-service men on war pensions but not receiving income support to entitlement to these payments. [32250]

There are no plans to change the existing qualifying groups. The current scheme targets available resources towards those regarded as most vulnerable during a sustained period of very cold weather.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in how many cases the suspension of benefit under regulation 37A of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987 was lifted following representations by or on behalf of claimants; and if he will give a breakdown of the reasons for the lifting of the suspension in each of those cases and in total. [31808]