To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list (a) the average value of contracts awarded by his Department (b) the value of (i) the smallest and (ii) the largest contract awarded (c) the number of contracts with a value of (1) £0–£999, (2) £1,000–£9,999, (3) £10,000–£49,999, (4) £50,000£99,999, (5) £100,000–£499,999, (6) £500,000–£999,999 and (7) above £1,000,000 and (d) the total number of contracts awarded in 1995–96. [34153]

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

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proposals he has to ensure that each legislative measure put forward by his Department contains a compliance cost assessment (a) relating to small firms and (b) in respect of which small firms have been consulted. [34152]

The Government require a compliance cost assessment to be prepared for all legislative proposals which affect business or charities. Departments must consult small businesses about the impact of the proposal on them, and the results must be shown in the CCA. Full details of the arrangements for carrying out a CCA are set out in "Checking the Cost of Regulation: A Guide to Compliance Cost Assessment", a copy of which is in the House Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make an announcement on the progress of the sale of the Occupational Health and Safety Agency. [34972]

The House was informed on 23 November last year that it was the Government's intention to sell the Occupational Health and Safety Agency as a single viable business in a way which would ensure that it retained its reputation for the provision of high-quality occupational health services to Government Departments and the wider public sector while allowing it to benefit from the freedom and opportunities for attracting new customers to be gained outside the constraints of operating within Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will propose an amendment to the immigration rules in order to continue leave to take employment for a migrant who, having had leave to remain and work in the United Kingdom, applies in good time for a renewal of that leave and make interim provision for the period between the expiry of the old leave and any grant or refusal of new leave. [33319]

No amendment is necessary. The Variation of Leave Order 1976 provides that, when a person applies for an extension of stay before the expiry of his leave, the conditions attached to that leave continue until the application is resolved.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will announce who will be deputy chairman of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England. [35047]

The Lord Chancellor has appointed Mr. Justice Michael Harrison to serve as the deputy chairman of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England. This appointment is effective until 31 December 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list (a) the average value of contracts awarded by his Department, (b) the value of (i) the smallest and (ii) the largest contract awarded, (c) the number of contracts with a value of (1) £0 to £999, (2) £1,000 to £9,999, (3) £10,000 to £49,999, (4) £50,000 to £99,999, (5) £100,000 to £499,999, (6) £500,000 to £999,999 and (7) above £1,000,000 and (d) the total number of contracts awarded in 1995–96. [34127]

The information required to answer this question is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proposals he has to ensure that each legislative measure put forward by his Department contains a compliance cost assessments (a) relating to small firms and (b) in respect of which small firms have been consulted. [34130]

I refer to the written answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster setting out the Government's requirements for the preparation of compliance cost assessments.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list (a) the average value of contracts awarded by his Department, (b) the value of (i) the smallest and (ii) the largest contract awarded, (c) the number of contracts with a value of (1) £0 to £999, (2) £1,000 to £9,999, (3) £10,000 to £49,999, (4) £50,000 to £99,999, (5) £100,000 to £499,999, (6) £500,000 to £999,999 and (7) above £1,000,000 and (d) the total number of contracts awarded in 1995–96. [34131]

Details of every contract let by the Department are not held in central registers and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, analysis of the 617 contracts awarded in 1995–96 which are held in central registers is as follows:

(a) £100,611

(b) (i) £42

(b) (ii) £24 million

(c) (1) 55

(c) (2) 219

(c) (3) 219

(c) (4) 51

(c) (5) 58

(c) (6) 8

(c) (7) 7

(d) 617.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the new Government of Sierra Leone concerning the restoration of human rights in that country and the bringing to justice of those guilty of the violation of human rights in that country. [24055]

We are encouraging the civilian Government to carry forward the process of political reform and are giving support for good governance projects in areas such as the police and judiciary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what resources have been allocated to programmes addressing the care and support of orphaned children in countries affected by the HIV epidemic. [34443]

The ODA does not provide funds specifically for the development of institutional care for children orphaned by HIV-AIDS, but prefers to support work which enables communities themselves to care for people affected by HIV-AIDS. Examples of this approach include ODA funding for a home-based care training programme in Chingola, Zambia and for an AIDS education, prevention and community care programme in Kenya. Through its grants to UNICEF, the ODA contributes to similar projects being implemented throughout the developing world. The percentage of ODA bilateral and multilateral resources applied exclusively to the care of orphans is not calculable.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list (a) the visits he has made to Wales to carry out official duties and (b) the dates of those visits. [34417]

I have visited Wales on official business on the following occasions since I became Prime Minister:

• 14 June 1991
• 20 September 1991
• 3–4 September 1992
• 11 June 1993
• 28 October 1994
• 13–14 June 1996

In addition to these, I have visited Wales on a number of other occasions.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee when he expects that the recommendations arising from the survey into the Serjeant at Arms Office will be implemented. [34669]

The Administration Committee has not been directly involved in the Serjeant at Arms' survey, but any matters that fall within its areas of responsibility are being considered as soon as they are brought to the attention of the Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list (a) the average value of contracts awarded by her Department (b) the value of (i) the smallest and (ii) the largest contract awarded (c) the number of contracts with a value of (1) £0–£999, (2) £1,000–£9,999, (3) £10,000–£49,999, (4) £50,000£99,999, (5) £100,000–£499,999, (6) £500,000–£999,999 and (7) above £1,000,000 and (d) the total number of contracts awarded in 1995–96. [34157]

The information on contracts is not readily available in the detail and format requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals she has to ensure that each legislative measure put forward by her Department contains a compliance cost assessment (a) relating to small firms and (b) in respect of which small firms have been consulted. [34156]

I refer to the reply given today by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what controls are in place to protect the Antarctic environment from contamination; and what are the penalties for breaches of those controls. [34429]

Provisions to protect the Antarctic environment are to be found in various treaties, including the environmental protocol to the Antarctic treaty (1991), the convention on the prevention of marine pollution by dumping of wastes and other matter (1972), the international convention for the prevention of pollution from ships (1973/1978) and the Basel convention on the control of transboudnary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal (1989). The Antarctic Act 1994 implements the environmental protocol. The maximum penalty for offences under the Act is an unlimited fine and/or two years imprisonment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will introduce measures to insulate the BBC World Service from the effects of the proposed reorganisation of the BBC. [33451]

This Department has received assurances from the BBC that the quality of World Service programmes will be unaffected by the proposed new arrangements, that clear separation between the grant in aid funded World Service and the BBC's other activities will be maintained, and that we will be fully consulted on the implications of the proposals for the World Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to ensure that each legislative measure put forward by his Department contains compliance cost assessment (a) relating to small firms and (b) in respect of which small firms have been consulted. [34122]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list (a) the average value of contracts awarded by his Department, (b) the value of (i) the smallest and (ii) the largest contract awarded, (c) the number of contracts with a value of (1) £0 to £999, (2) £1,000 to £9,999, (3) £10,000 to £49,999, (4) £50,000 to £99,999, (5) £100,000 to £499,999, (6) £500,000 to £999,999 and (7) above £1,000,000 and (d) the total number of contracts awarded in 1995–96. [34123]

This Department does not have the information available in the form requested and could provide it only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the impact of the Government's policy of non-co-operation with European Union partners. [32618]

[holding answer 24 June 1996]: The Government have ended its policy of non-co-operation, having secured their two objectives of an end to the ban on beef derivatives and agreement on a clear framework for lifting the wider ban. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in his statement to the House on 24 June, non-co-operation was the decisive factor in ensuring this result in such a short space of time.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the United Kingdom Government supports the Italian presidency text of the Commission directive on the European single electricity market. [34350]

At the Energy Council of 20 June, which I attended, political agreement was reached on a proposal for a Council directive to liberalise electricity markets based on the Italian presidency text. Although the agreement falls short of what the United Kingdom was seeking, it represents an important first step in the opening of the electricity market in the European Union. The United Kingdom, Netherlands and Finland entered a minutes statement regretting that the agreed text did not provide a greater degree of initial market opening and a shorter timetable. That statement also emphasised the importance of ensuring that the directive led to equivalent economic effects in the member states.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list (a) the average value of contracts awarded by his Department, (b) the value of (i) the smallest and (ii) the largest contract awarded, (c) the number of contracts with a value of (1) £0 to £999, (2) £1,000 to £9,999, (3) £10,000 to £49,999, (4) £50,000 to £99,999, (5) £100,000 to £499,999, (6) £500,000 to £999,999 and (7) above £1,000,000 and (d) the total number of contracts awarded in 1995–96. [34139]

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

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to ensure that each legislative measure put forward by his Department contains a compliance cost assessment (a) relating to small firms and (b) in respect of which small firms have been consulted. [34138]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if every application for his Department's regional selective assistance is (a) considered and (b) offered by DTI regional offices; if the value of the grant determines whether central or regional offices are responsible for the granting of this financial assistance; what other reasons require responsibilities to change between offices; and if he will make a statement. [30029]

[holding answer 20 May 1996]: Government offices in the regions normally appraise applications for regional selective assistance up to the value of £2 million with the advice of regional boards. Applications above this level are appraised in headquarters. All offers of £1 million or more are subject to ministerial approval.Applications for RSA may be considered by another regional board in certain circumstances, for example, where there is a potential conflict of interest.

To ask the Attorney-General what proposals he has to ensure that each legislative measure put forward by his Department contains a compliance cost assessment (a) relating to small firms and (b) in respect of which small firms have been consulted. [34128]

I refer to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. In practice, my Department is responsible for few, if any, legislative measures of relevance to small firms.

To ask the Attorney-General if he will list (a) the average value of contracts awarded by his Department, (b) the value of (i) the smallest and (ii) the largest contract awarded, (c) the number of contracts with value of (1) £0 to £999, (2) £1,000 to £9,999, (3) £10,000 to £49,999, (4) £50,000 to £99,999, (5) £100,000 to £499,999 (6) £500,000 to £999,999 and (7) above £1,000,000 and (d) the total number of contracts awarded in 1995–96. [34129]

Information for the Departments and agencies for which I am responsible is provided on the basis of such information as is readily available and is as follows¹:

Question
Crown Prosecution Services
(a)	£122,227
(b) (i)	£10,312
(b) (ii)	£2,862,589
(c) (3)	77
(c) (4)	20
(c) (5)	10
(c) (6)	4
(c) (7)	4
(d)	115
Treasury Solicitor's Department2
(a)	£41,122
(b) (i)	£230
(b) (ii)	£560,000
(c) (1)	2
(c) (2)	14
(c) (3)	13
(c) (4)	2
(c) (5)	2
(c) (6)	1
(c) (7)	0
(d)	34

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department spent in recruiting staff to his Department and its executive agencies during the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years. [31390]

Details of the costs and numbers of staff recruited by the Chancellor's Departments and executive agencies are given in the following table:

Recruitment expenses by Chancellor's Departments and their Executive Agencies
Department	Number of staff recruited	Recruitment costs (£)
1994–95 financial year
HM Treasury	13	64,625
HM Customs and Excise	455+34 fixed term appointments	283,000
HM Inland Revenue	1,310	444,037
Office for National
Statistics	68	202,388

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what use his Department and its executive agencies have made of executive search agencies or employment companies in filling vacancies within his Department or executive agencies administered by his Department during the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96; what agencies were employed; what was the cost in each case; how many staff were recruited in each case; and what was the total cost in each financial year of these contracts. [31405]

The information requested for the Chancellor's departments and agencies is given in the table:

Use of Executive Search agencies and employment companies by Chancellor's Departments and their Executive Agencies
Department	Agency	Number of recruits	Costs (£)
1994–95
HM Treasury	RAS	13	64,625
HM Customs and Excise	Paul
	Goodman	6	23,000
	RAS
	scheme 1	3	9,282
		RAS
	scheme 2	1	13,159
HM Inland Revenue	MSL International Ltd.	2	30,000
Office for National Statistics	RAS	12	100,503
Department for National
Savings	BNA	1	1,550
Royal Mint	nil	nil	nil
PAYMASTER	RAS
	scheme 1	1	26,293
	RAS
	scheme 2	2	28,697
1995–96
HM Treasury	RAS	19	263,978

Use of Executive Search agencies and employment companies by Chancellor's Departments and their Executive Agencies
Department	Agency	Number of recruits	Costs (£)
HM Customs and Excise	Paul
	Goodman	7	24,000
	RAS
	scheme 1	2	4,844
	RAS	24+1 fixed term
	scheme 2	appointment	2,468
HM Inland Revenue	nil	nil	nil
Office for National Statistics	RAS. GSS Korn Ferry
	International	23	53,484
Department for National
Savings	BNA	nil	436
Royal Mint	nil	nil	nil
PAYMASTER	nil	nil	nil

Inland Revenue includes the Valuation Office Agency. The £436 for the Department for National Savings is for a six week extension to a 1994–95 contract.RAS: Recruitment and Assessment Services.GSS: the Government Statistical Service.BNA: British Nurses Association.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost in each of the past five years of (a) sick pay and (b) compensation paid to employees of his department or their families, or members of the public, as a result of (i) minor, (ii) major and (iii) fatal injuries related to the work of his Department, detailing incidents involving information technology and those involving expenditure of more than £5,000. [33454]

Costs incurred by the Treasury over each of the past five years for compensation paid to employees or their families, or members of the public as a result of minor injuries related to the work of the Department are as follows:

• 1991: £3,270
• 1992: Nil
• 1993: £1,500
• 1994: Nil
• 1995: Nil

No major or fatal injuries occurred during this period. Sick pay costs are deducted from the compensation awarded; therefore, no sick pay costs were incurred.No compensation claims involved information technology or expenditure of more than £5,000.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost in each of the past five years of rectifying working conditions that were the responsibility of his Department and its agencies, to bring them up to acceptable health and safety standards, detailing incidents involving information technology and those involving expenditure of more than £5,000. [33455]

The information requested is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, significant sums have been spent maintaining buildings, furniture and equipment to acceptable standards, including measures to meet health and safety requirements. Expenditure in the Treasury has included the removal of asbestos; the provision of new furniture and replacement lighting to comply with the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992; and the installation of fire detection equipment to meet current fire standards.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many (a) minor, (b) major and (c) fatal injuries have been suffered by staff in his Department and its agencies in work-related incidents in each of the past five years, showing in each year how many were related to information technology and giving details of all incidents involving fatalities. [33453]

The table gives the number of injuries suffered by staff in the Treasury, HM Customs and Excise, the Office for National Statistics, Paymaster, the Valuation Office and the Royal Mint in each of the past five years.

	19911	1992	1993	1994	1995
Minor injuries	697	1,376	1,293	21460	579
	3	6	5	2	4
Fatal injuries	31	—	41	—	51
Of the minor injuries the following were IT related:	3	5	2	1	nil
1 Data for Customs and Excise for 1991 and 1995 are unavailable.
2 Two injuries involved electric shocks from computer equipment in Customs and Excise.
3 A maintenance fitter working for the Royal Mint suffered head injuries whilst carrying out work on factory Customs plant.						4 Customs Officer fell into the hold of a ship whilst undertaking a search of the vessel
5 A transport operator working for the Royal Mint was killed when his fork-lift truck overturned.

The Inland Revenue does not maintain comparable information. However, records of claims for compensation for upper limb disorder (RSI) injuries directly related to information technology are as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the effect of the present level of real interest rates on the price competitiveness of British manufacturers on overseas markets. [34481]

Real interest rates are one of many factors which may have an effect on the price competitiveness of British exports of manufactures.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the change in the deficit in balance of trade with Germany between 1993 and the first quarter of 1996; what assessment he has made of the reasons; and what was the change in United Kingdom manufacturing output and jobs as a result. [34480]

The change in the deficit on trade in goods with Germany from the first quarter of 1996, compared to an average per quarter in 1993 was £0.7 billion. This is not surprising as, since 1993, the UK economy has grown faster than the German economy, and import prices have risen more than export prices. There is no simple relationship between manufacturing output and employment and the balance of trade with Germany.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the effect on output and the number of jobs lost in United Kingdom manufacturing of the deficit in trade in manufactures. [34479]

There is no simple relationship between manufacturing output and employment and the balance of trade in manufactures.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list (a) the average value of contracts awarded by his Department (b) the value of (i) the smallest and (ii) the largest contracts awarded (c) the number of contracts with a value of (1) £0–£999, (2) £1,000£9,999, (3) £10,000–£49,999, (4) £50,000–£99,999, (5) £100,000–£499,999, (6) £500,000–£999,999 and (7) above £1,000,000 and (d) the total number of contracts awarded in 1995–96. [34147]

The information is given in the table:

(a) Average value of contracts	£8,777
(b) (i) smallest contract	£6.38
(ii) largest contract	£2.6 million
(c)(l)£0–£999	785 contracts
(2) £l,000–£9,999	323
(3) £10,000–£49,999	67
(4) £50,000–£99,999	25
(5) £100,000–£499,999	10
(6) £500,00–£999,999	0
(7) above £1,000,000	2
(d) Total contracts	1,212

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Treasury Solicitors will be able to provide the legal advice requested by the Ministry of Defence in February in the case of Mrs. A. McHale of Catford SE6. [34084]

[holding answer 24 June 1996]: The Department for National Savings, not the Ministry of Defence, sought the advice of the Treasury Solicitor's Department. Advice has now been given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the UN Habitat II conference in Istanbul. [33450]

The United Kingdom played an active and positive role at the United Nations conference on human settlements. I led the UK delegation and also played an active part as a member of the UN Secretary-General's international advisory group for the conference. A new basis for policy was established, in which urban areas are seen not as a threat to the environment but as the environment for an increasing majority of people.The United Kingdom report prepared for the conference was very well received. It served as a sound basis for our contribution to the negotiation of the habitat agenda, which is the main output of the conference. This sets out a comprehensive framework which can be used by all those who are responsible for achieving the two objectives considered by the conference—adequate shelter for all and sustainable human settlements development. It also reaffirms the right to housing. We also contributed to the drafting of the "Istanbul declaration", the statement of

Applicant	File ref.	Project title	Decision	Date	Grant Approved
Cumbria Tourist Board	EUR/611/503/1/NW	Tourist Market Forecast	F	13 May 1996	20,000.00
North Pennine Heritage Trust	EUR/557/501/1/NW	Rampgill Visitor Centre	F	13 February1996	78,745,00
Carlisle College	EUR/606/501/1/NW	Rural Flexitech	F	1 May 1996	8,098,00
Voluntary Action Cumbria	EUR/586/501/1/NW	Rural Resource Centre	F	25 October 1995	32,809,00
Alston Town Hall Trustees	NW3878EUR	Alston Town Hall Multi Purpose Centre, Project Co-ordinator	F	21 May 1996	4,545.50
Voluntary Action Cumbria	NW39125EUR	Rural Comm Support Obj 5B Area Cumbria	F	29 January 1996	104,604.00
Kendal College	EUR/631/501/2/NW	Encouragement of Enterprise to Develop Existing SME's	F		11,594.00
Carlisle College	EUR/606/501/2/NW	Vocational Training & Upskilling in Key Skills req. by SME's	F		35,028.00
Newton Rigg College	EUR/556/510/2/NW	Upskilling Supervisors in the Food Business	F		6,242.00
Newton Rigg College	EUR/556/511/2/NW	Training and Assessment Skills for Small Businesses	F		1,530.00
Cumbria TEC	EUR/518/507/2/NW	Appleby Training Centre	F		12,626.00
Cumbria TEC	EUR/518/506/2/NW	Graduate/Redundant Manager Placement Scheme	F		16,830.00
Cumbria TEC	EUR/518/503/2/NW	Rural Business Skills Training	F		11,857.00
Cumbria TEC	EUR/518/502/2/NW	Improving Competitiveness of SME's through Training	F		17,046.00
Cumbria TEC	EUR/518/501/2/NW	Rural Self-Employment Start-Up/scheme	F		14,994.00
TEED	EUR/73/506/2/NW	Cumbria TEC—Business Start-up	F		14,647.00
TEED	EUR/73/505/2/NW	Cumbria TEC—Construction Training	F		52,008.00
TEED	EUR/73/503/2/NW	Cumbria TEC—Business Administration Training	F		6,174.00

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of applications for objective 5b grants in Cumbria; and if he will provide a list of approvals and the sums involved. [34241]

To date, there have been 25 formal offers for objective 5b grants in Cumbria, totalling £2,678,500. A full schedule of these approvals and sums involved is given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give details of outputs claimed for the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96 by region. [34506]

The annual report of the Department, Cm 3207, gives the latest information about outputs from the Department's programmes, broken down where appropriate by region. Final figures for 1995–96 are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what leverage was achieved by region against expenditure broken down into contributions by (a) the private sector, (b) the public sector, (c) European Union funding and (d) other, in the financial year in 1995–96. [34394]

The latest information about financial expenditure on the Department's programmes is set out in the Department's Annual Report Cm 3207. Where possible, this is broken down by region. Final figures for 1995–96 are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will (a) undertake a survey of all public buildings and (b) maintain a database to indicate the presence and location of asbestos in the United Kingdom and if he will make a statement. [33650]

A survey of asbestos in public buildings will not be undertaken. Instead, Government Departments are working together to raise public awareness of the risks of exposure to asbestos and the need for sound management of asbestos materials in all buildings. The Department of the Environment gives advice on surveying buildings for asbestos and its subsequent management within the guidance document "Asbestos Materials in Buildings", which was first published in 1983 and has been regularly updated. This guidance is aimed at building owners, managers and local authorities. The Health and Safety Executive also issues guidance to owners and employers on the management of asbestos in buildings. It advises that employers should locate, identify and keep a record of all asbestos in their premises and ensure that all workers/contractors who are likely to work on it are aware of its presence.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if asbestos may still be used for gutters; and if he will make a statement. [33651]

White asbestos incorporated into asbestos cement may still be used to make gutters. In practice, other materials are now more commonly used.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the current permitted uses for asbestos in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [33652]

The use of asbestos in the United Kingdom is controlled by the Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 and the Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993. These regulations prohibit the marketing and use of all forms of amphibole asbestos, which includes blue and brown asbestos, and many uses of white, chrysotile, asbestos. Further limitations on the use of white asbestos are contained within the Asbestos Products (Safety) Regulations 1985. Uses of white asbestos which are not specified in any of these regulations are permitted, although in practice the most common use is in asbestos cement and heavy bearing materials such as gaskets.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the use of asbestos for gutters. [33653]

No assessment has been made specifically of the use of asbestos in gutters. However, a more general assessment of the uses of, and exposure to, asbestos in the non-workplace environment is currently being performed on behalf of this Department. The results of this work will be published early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many times the Albert Dock Management Co. has carried out repairs to the apartments overlooking the River Mersey since December 1988; and if he will make a statement. [33895]

The Albert Dock Management Co. is not responsible for carrying out repairs to apartments. That responsibility falls on the occupiers. The Albert Dock Management Co. is responsible for the common parts and the structure.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the current service charges levied by the Albert Dock management; what assessment he has made of the value for money provided; and if he will make a statement. [33896]

The service charge at the Albert dock for the Colonnades residential units covers a range of services including 24-hour security, insurance—including terrorism insurance—all repairs to common parts, the cleaning and decoration of common parts, refuse collection, all structural repairs and a contribution to the overall management of the external areas around Albert dock. The service charge account is audited on an annual basis and certified in accordance with the leasehold interest of each resident and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987. The level of the service charge is a private and confidential matter between the Albert Dock Management Co. and each individual tenant and it would be inappropriate for the information to be divulged.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment who owned the land in the area of the Albert dock prior to the take over of the development corporation. [33897]

Mersey Docks and Harbour Co. owned Albert dock prior to its purchase by Merseyside development corporation in 1982.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations have been received by the (a) chief executive and (b) chairman of the Merseyside development corporation from (i) the Albert dock residents association and (ii) right hon. and hon. Members concerning the Albert Dock Management Co.; and if he will make a statement. [33898]

The chief executive of MDC has received eight letters from the Albert Dock residents association over the last two years and the chairman of the MDC has received five letters from the residents association. The hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside has written to the chairman on one occasion, 11 October 1995, and my right hon. Friend the Member for Wirral, West (Mr. Hunt) wrote to the chairman on 21 February 1996 forwarding a letter from the Albert Dock residents association.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from residents of Albert dock concerning their future lease after the Merseyside development corporation ceases to exist; and if he will make a statement. [33925]

The Secretary of State for the Environment has received nine letters from residents of the Albert dock concerning both their future lease and other issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many development corporations are currently in existence; and how many have residential blocks within their grounds. [33899]

There are nine development corporations in existence, of which six have residential blocks in their respective areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list (a) the average value of contracts awarded by his Department (b) the value of (i) the smallest and (ii) the largest contract awarded (c) the number of contracts with a value of (1) £0 to £999, (2) £1,000 to £9,999, (3) £10,000 to £49,999, (4) £50,000 to £99,999, (5) £100,000 to £499,999, (6) £500,000 to £999,999 and (7) above £1,000,000 and (d) the total number of contracts awarded in 1995–96. [34149]

The information requested is riot held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce the Government's conclusions on the review of the navigation functions of British Waterways and the Environment Agency; and what proposals the Government have to improve co-operation between navigation authorities and planning authorities. [34855]

My Department issued a consultation paper on 15 February 1995 reviewing the navigation functions of British Waterways and the Environment Agency—the latter were then the functions of the National Rivers Authority. The Government have considered the responses received to that consultation paper.The Government recognise that there is room for improvement in the way in which navigation authority arrangements operate but consider that there is no single, obvious, right answer everywhere regardless of local circumstances. The Government therefore support the initiative taken by British Waterways and the Environment Agency to pursue jointly a programme of studies examining individual navigations in consultation with users and others. The studies will examine the present arrangements and the options for change in administering navigation. The Government have asked them to make preliminary reports to Ministers by October 1996. The results of the studies will provide a solid basis for Government decisions on individual transfers of responsibility from one navigation authority to another.Meanwhile, the Government welcome and will encourage co-operation between British Waterways, the Environment Agency and other navigation authorities to draw better value from the waterway system and develop a more commercial approach and coherent strategy for development of inland waterways. Improvements will include streamlining licensing and charging and providing a better focus for marketing and customer representation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to ensure that each legislative measure put forward by his Department contains a compliance cost assessment (a) relating to small firms and (b) in respect of which small firms have been consulted. [34148]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given earlier today by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what mechanism his Department uses to ensure that the public interest is protected against the dominance of one airline in the UK, with special reference to domestic services. [32794]

Under EC regulation 2409/92, the Secretary of State, having taken advice from the CAA, has powers to:

(a) require a fare on an intra-EC route to be withdrawn where he considers that the fare is excessively high to the disadvantage of users in relation to costs; and

(b) stop further reductions in air fares on an intra-EC route, if he considers that there has been sustained down movement in fares unrelated to costs, resulted in widespread losses among the air carriers operating on that route.

The Director General of Fair Trading has powers to apply UK competition legislation in relation to domestic air services and does so with the assistance of the CAA.Where trade between member states is affected, EC competition law applies. Decisions on these cases are for the European Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the proposed publication date for his Department's study to assess the shore-based demand for United Kingdom seafaring skills; and if he will make a statement. [33337]

We will publish the document shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of (a) all traffic and (b) traffic on motorways and trunk roads is represented by car journeys of under (i) two miles and (ii) five miles in length as shown in chart la of the document, "Transport: the Way Forward". [33303]

Data concerning journey length, as shown in the chart in 'Transport: the Way Forward', are derived from the national travel survey. This is a survey of personal travel only and does not, therefore, cover all road traffic. Neither does it identify the class of road used for personal journeys.The national traffic census gives estimates of total traffic by vehicle type and class of road. In 1995, cars and taxis accounted for 82 per cent. of traffic on all roads and 78 per cent. of traffic on motorways and trunk roads.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the pass and fail rate for (i) the car test, (ii) the light goods vehicle test and (iii) the passenger carrying vehicle test for the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96. [34006]

The pass rates requested are:

Percentage
Test category	1994–95	1995–96
Car	46.9	45.7
LGV	47.5	47.0
PCV	50.0	49.3

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the pass and fail rate for delegated examiners in (a) the private sector and (b) the Post Office for (i) the car test, (ii) the LGV test and (iii) the PCV test for the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96. [34005]

The pass rates requested are:

Percentage
Test category	1994–95	1995–96
(a) Private sector
Car	80.5	93.2
PCV	64.2	62.2

No LGV driving examiners have been appointed to private-sector companies. The car driving examiners that were appointed to private-sector companies have now retired, and there are no plans at present to appoint further ones.

Percentage
Test category	1994–95	1995–96
(b)Post office
Car	52.7	47.5

The Post Office examiners have authority to conduct only care L-tests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list by LGV and PCV driving test centre the pass and fail rate for the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96. [34007]

The pass and fail rates for LGV and for PCV tests by each test centre for 1994–95 and 1995–96 are given in the attached table.

Driving test pass rates (as percentages)
	1994–95		1995–96
Name of centre	PCV tests	LGV tests	PCV tests	LGV tests
Aberdeen LGV	63	59	67	60
Alvaston LGV	39	49	49	43
Beverley LGV	30	35	50	24
Bishopbriggs LGV	61	59	54	57
Botley LGV	56	50	59	49
Bredbury LGV	46	42	39	43
Bristol LGV	58	51	50	51
Caernarfon LGV	68	58	59	65
Camborne LGV	59	54	65	57
Cambridge LGV	56	59	50	50
Canterbury LGV	46	41	49	41
Carlisle LGV	62	60	66	59
Chelmsford LGV	39	36	46	38
Croydon LGV	44	45	45	43
Culham LGV	56	68	57	69
Darlington LGV	42	41	42	40
Elgin LGV	93	70	91	66
Enfield LGV	39	40	46	41
Exeter LGV	56	51	54	49
Featherstone LGV	37	42	38	39
Galashiels LGV	75	76	64	72
Garretts Green LGV	38	43	42	44
Gillingham LGV	44	42	37	41
Gloucester LGV	43	53	46	50
Gosforth LGV	47	47	49	43
Grimsby LGV	40	38	27	45
Guildford LGV	43	55	43	50
Harlescott LGV	63	64	58	61
Hastings LGV	48	54	60	51
Heywood LGV	46	41	38	34
Inverness LGV	53	53	57	56
Ipswich LGV	60	50	52	49
Kilmarnock LGV	48	59	58	58
Kirkham LGV	62	52	63	47
Lancing LGV	52	48	55	47
Leicester	44	45	43	46
Leighton Buzzard LGV	54	54	55	54
Livingston LGV	62	53	57	56
Llantrisant LGV	54	49	46	48
Neath LGV	52	53	54	53
Norwich LGV	50	44	51	52
Patrick Green LGV	30	33	33	31
Perth LGV	64	66	68	69
Peterborough LGV	43	50	32	43
Plymouth LGV	62	58	56	57
Pontypool LGV	59	53	57	50
Poole LGV/PCV	61	60	60	60
Purfleet LGV	47	39	38	43
Reading LGV	53	51	61	54
Rookley LGV	74	66	62	67
Sheffield LGV	45	40	57	45
Simmonswood LGV	52	47	42	42
Steeton LGV	44	43	30	37
Swynnerton LGV	52	59	57	58
Taunton LGV	53	50	49	53
Upton LGV	41	25	34	28
Walton LGV	32	40	36	36
Watnall LGV	42	37	36	37

Driving test pass rates (as percentages)
	1994–95		1995–96
Name of centre	PCV tests	LGV tests	PCV tests	LGV tests
Weedon LGV	37	43	37	43
Wrexham LGV	46	47	35	43
Yeading LGV	43	41	40	42

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the implementation of the theory test for LCVs, PCVs and motorcycles has been deferred; and if he will make a statement. [34008]

Theory testing for learning motorcyclists is being implemented 1 July 1996 as originally planned. Implementation of the theory tests for LGVs and PCVs has been deferred until 1 January 1997, giving more time to finalise outstanding issues and put in place the necessary legislation, and allow the road haulage, passenger transport and related training industries more opportunity to prepare for the changes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the exemptions from the theory element of the driving test, the reasons for the exemptions and at what level the decision to exempt particular categories of vehicle was taken. [34009]

The following are the arrangements which we have agreed. There will be an exemption between tests to drive different categories of vehicle where this is justified by the content of the relevant theory tests.

In view of the overlap of topics for theory test for cars and two-wheelers, a person holding a full licence for car driving will not have to take a theory test as a learner motorcyclist, or vice versa. A person holding a full moped licence obtained after 1 July will not have to take a theory test as a learner car driver or motorcycle rider.

If a person obtains a full licence to drive a medium-sized lorry, he will not have to pass a further LGV theory test as pan of seeking a full licence to drive a large lorry. Similarly, if a person obtains a full licence to drive a minibus, he will not have to take a further PCV theory test as part of seeking a full licence to drive a bus or coach.

A person will not have a take a separate theory test as part of the test to drive an articulated lorry or vehicle combinations.

There will be an exemption where a further driving test has to be taken to lift a restriction to drive a vehicle within the same category. For example, a person holding a full car licence limited to automatic transmission in order to obtain in unrestricted car driving licence.There will be no separate theory test for the minor domestic licence categories where drivers will generally also be car drivers and can therefore demonstrate their knowledge within the car driving theory test. These categories are F (tractor), G (road roller), H (tracked vehicle) and K (pedestrian controlled vehicle), L (electrically powered vehicle) and N (vehicle excise duty exempt vehicle). Categories L and N are being dropped as test categories from 1 January 1997, and, from that date, candidates for tests for categories G and H must already hold a full car licence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he intends to issue compulsory purchase orders for land at Longnewton to construct the proposed A66 grade separated junction. [34318]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 21 May, Official Report, column 124, whether he intends to proceed with the guarantee to Strathclyde Passenger Transport in respect of the liabilities to it of DoA Ltd. [34991]

The guarantee was entered into by my Department on 17 May, and will have effect for so long as sums are payable under the terms of the deeds of assumption.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what considerations led him to enter into the guarantee, laid before the House on 20 May, covering the obligations of European Passenger Services Ltd. at Ashford International station. [34992]

When EPS was a subsidiary of the British Railways Board, BRB guaranteed to the developers of the new station at Ashford that EPS would pay rent for occupation of part of the station and a toll based on passenger numbers. After ownership of EPS passed from BRB to the Secretary of State, it made sense for the guarantee also to be transferred. The guarantee includes provision for its replacement in due course by the new owners of EPS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what considerations led him to enter into the guarantee, laid before the House on 20 May, in respect of leases of night stock by European Passenger Services Ltd. [34993]

When EPS was a subsidiary of the British Railways Board, BRB guaranteed leasing obligations for rolling stock to be used on overnight passenger services through the Channel Tunnel. After ownership of EPS passed from BRB to the Secretary of State, it made sense for the guarantee also to be transferred. The guarantee includes provision for its replacement in due course by the new owners of EPS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to give the British Railways Board the assurance proposed in the minute on the board's contingent liabilities laid before the House on 7 June. [34973]

Yes. The British Railways Board's annual report and accounts 1995–96 are due to be published shortly. Before British Rail's auditors can approve them on a going concern basis, they must be satisfied that adequate funds will continue to be made available to meet any financial obligations arising from the Board's present or future liabilities or liabilities arising out of past transactions, events and circumstances. The provision of funds and expenditure by the British Railways Board will be subject to the procedures and controls indicated in the minute.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list (a) the average value of contracts awarded by his Department, (b) the value of (i) the smallest and (ii) the largest contract awarded, (c) the number of contracts with a value of (1) £0 to £999, (2) £1,000 to £9,999, (3) £10,000 to £49,999, (4) £50,000 to £99,999, (5) £100,000 to £499,999, (6) £500,000 to £999,999 and (7) above £1,000,000 and (d) the total number of contracts awarded in 1995–96. [34141]

The information is not available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to ensure that each legislative measure put forward by his Department contains a compliance cost assessment (a) relating to small firms and (b) in respect of which small firms have been consulted. [34140]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 17 June, Official Report, column 342, if statutory blight purchase notices served on Central Railway plc before the parliamentary debate to approve the company's scheme will be enforceable against the company after the debate is held and regardless of whether the House approves or rejects the motion. [33998]

A blight notice properly served in accordance with section 150 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 will continue to be enforceable against Central Railway plc if the House passes a resolution approving the Central Railways proposals. If the House rejects the motion, the order applied for could not be made. The land would cease to be blighted from the date the application was withdrawn or I determined to reject the application.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many decisions by his Department were challenged by way of judicial review in each Session since 1991–92; and if he will list in how many cases (a) the Department's decision was upheld by the court, (b) the court found for the applicant, (c) the Department submitted to the judgment and (d) the Department appealed successfully against the judicial review decision. [33578]

[holding answer 19 June 1996]: The information is not available for the period 1991–92 except at disproportionate cost. For the calendar years 1993 to 1996, the numbers of cases are as follows:

Year	Total	1(a)	2(b)	3(c)	4(d)	Withdrawn	Pending
1993	6	3	1	2	0	0	0
1994	14	4	1	7	0	1	1
1995	9	5	0	0	0	2	2
1996	7	3	0	0	0	1	3
1(a) = Department's decision upheld by the court.
2(b) = Court found for the applicant.
3(c) = Department submitted to the judgement.
4(d) = Department appealed against the decision.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions in each Session since 1991–92 legislation has been introduced into Parliament by his Department, with the purpose of (a) removing the effects of a judicial review decision or (b) implementing a judicial review decision; and if he will list the relevant legislative provisions. [33595]

[holding answer 19 June 1996]: The information is not available for the period 1991–92 because information on judicial review cases in that period could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. No legislation has been introduced into Parliament by the Department of Transport from 1993 with the purposes mentioned in the question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the advice referred to from the Committee on Safety of Medicines was given under the requirement of the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations etc) Regulations 1994. [31912]

The Committee o n Safety of Medicines provides advice in accordance with its functions under the Medicines (Committee on Safety of Medicines) Order 1970 (No. 1257).

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met representatives of the British Medical Association to discuss health services for Greater London. [33108]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly meets representatives of the British Medical Association to discuss a wide range of issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the proposed private finance initiative contract at Barnet hospital. [33618]

The first stage of the Barnet hospital redevelopment is already under way, and is being publicly funded. The proposed private finance initiative contract would be for the second stage. The trust has identified a preferred bidder, with whom it is discussing its requirements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the planned land use at (a) Edgware hospital and (b) Barnet hospital under the proposed PFI contract at Barnet hospital. [33619]

Major redevelopments are planned at both Barnet and Edgware hospitals. All the land at Barnet hospital will continue to be required by the national health service. Plans for the future of Edgware hospital will allow some of the land at Edgware to be released. Any proceeds from land sales will be used to benefit the NHS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of areas in England where people experience problems of gaining access to an NHS dentist. [33882]

There is no national problem of availability in national health service dentistry. There were 15,942 dentists on family health services authorities lists in December 1995, the highest December figure ever and 3,500 more than in 1979.Health authorities are generally able to put patients who contact them in touch with dentists who will treat them. Where necessary, the health authority can make use of the community dental service or apply to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to appoint a salaried dentist. In April 1996, 140 salaried dentists were employed in England. In addition, health authorities will shortly be able to bid for funds from a new access fund for local schemes to improve accessibility to services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have contacted each family health services authority or their equivalent asking for help in finding a dentist in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [34329]

This information was collected from July 1992 to March 1996. Information will be placed in the Library showing figures for the three full years available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dental practitioners treating NHS patients were registered in each family health services authority or their equivalent for each of the last eight years. [34330]

Information will be placed in the library setting out the number of general dental practitioners on family health service authority lists in England.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will commission an inquiry into the production of duplicate numbers under the NHS unique number project; and if he will make a statement. [33988]

A study has already been carried out to establish the cause of the non-unique numbers, and to assess the best way of preventing their occurrence in future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to amend paragraph 2(1)(b) of the Human Organ Transplantation (Establishment of Relationship) Regulations 1989 (SI, 1989 No. 2107) to reflect current technology. [34324]

Consideration is being given to amending the Human Organ Transplants (Establishment of Relationship) Regulations 1989 to reflect developments in medical science and technology.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 June, Official Report, column 352, concerning performance standards of emergency ambulance services set by contracts made by the district health authorities with providers, if he will take steps to collect information on the extent to which they comply with the national Orcon standards and the patients charter. [34086]

Information is collected to check the performance of each national health service ambulance service against Orcon and patient's charter standards. This information for 1995–96 is due to be published in a statistical bulletin on 2 July, and copies will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the responsibilities for (a) the registration and (b) the inspection of children's homes which have fewer than four children, and which take in children entirely from outside the area of the social services authority in which they are located. [34090]

Children's homes run by voluntary organisations are required to register with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and are inspected by the social services inspectorate irrespective of the numbers of children accommodated.The registration and inspection of small children's homes run by private organisations that provide accommodation for fewer than four children is being considered within the current review of the inspection and regulation of social services.Authorities placing children in those homes, as in any other homes, have a statutory duty under the Arrangements for Placement of Children (General) Regulations 1991 to ensure that the homes are suitable and that they promote and safeguard the child's welfare. The Department of Health issued guidance to local authorities about the application of these regulations in LAC(93)16, copies of which are available in the Library.The local authority in which the home is situated has the duty to investigate, with a court order if necessary, any concerns that a child in such a home is at risk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the financial implications of the closure of mental handicap hospitals in the north-west; and what resources are available to support those people who need residential care. [34106]

The financial implications are in both revenue and capital requirements. The revenue budgets are identified for the hospitals and are made available for providing the support required for care within the community. Capital costs are funded from the capital resources allocated to health authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State of Health when Sir William Utting's report will be published. [34495]

His recommendations will be made to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Health and for Wales as speedily as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what actions are being taken by his Department to ensure that children are not working in breach of the current employment law. [33203]

Enforcement of the law in this area is a matter for local authorities.