To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to increase the protection available to women from violence and the threat of violence. [34410]

On 17 June, my right hon. and learned Friend published a consultation paper entitled "Sentencing and Supervision of Sex Offenders". The proposals in that paper would help to protect women by strengthening arrangements for the supervision of sex offenders, by requiring those offenders to notify the police of their address and by extending the powers of the police and Prison Service to take samples for the purposes of DNA testing.The Government are also committed to combating domestic violence vigorously. Inter-departmental groups of Ministers and of officials were set up in 1993 to co-ordinate an effective and concerted response to domestic violence. Both groups are due to meet shortly to review and develop initiatives aimed at promoting more co-ordinated national and local responses to the problems associated with domestic violence.Although the risk of becoming a victim of violent crime is relatively low, it can be reduced still further. Since 1988, almost 23 million copies of "Your Practical Guide to Crime Prevention" has been distributed. This Home Office booklet includes advice to women on how to minimise their risk from violence.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicide attempts there have been at Littlehey prison during the last three months. [33800]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met members of the Prison Governors Association to discuss changes in the level of the prison population. [33709]

My right hon. and learned Friend last met national representatives of the Prison Governors Association on 9 February to discuss Prison Service spending. The association's concern about rises in the prison population was among the subjects raised, both at the meeting and in correspondence arising from it.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what were the clear-up rates of recorded (a) car break-ins, (b) car thefts and (c) burglaries in Staffordshire in each year since 1979; [34340](2) how many recorded car thefts there were in Staffordshire in each year since 1979; [34389](3) how many recorded domestic burglaries there were; in Staffordshire in each year since 1979; [34347](4) how many car break-ins were recorded in Staffordshire in each year since 1979. [34388]

The information requested is provided in the table. Please note that information for theft from vehicles has been provided for "car break-ins".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average age of people convicted of (a) car theft and (b) burglary in Staffordshire in the latest year for which statistics are available. [34341]

Information for 1994 on the number of offenders convicted at all courts in the Staffordshire police force area by age is given in the table. Data for 1995 will not be available until the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the conviction rate for retail store robbery and till snatches in (a) Tamworth and (b) Staffordshire in each year since 1979. [34476]

This information is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average value of items stolen in recorded domestic break-ins in each year since 1979 in (a) Staffordshire, (b) the west midlands and(c) the United Kingdom. [343421

Information on the average value of items stolen in recorded domestic burglaries in Staffordshire and the west midlands for 1993 and 1994 is provided in the table. Data before 1993 are no longer available, and data for 1995 are not yet available.Similar information for England and Wales covering 1979 to 1992 is published annually in the Command Paper "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales", copies of which are available in the Library. Information on Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for the Secretary of State for each Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average value of items recorded as stolen from cars in Staffordshire in each year since 1992. [34348]

Information on the average value of items stolen from cars in Staffordshire is not generally published separately from total offences of theft. However, information for 1993 and 1994 is provided in the table. Data for 1992 are no longer available, and data for 1995 are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what proposals he has to modify regulations to facilitate the granting of asylum to women asylum seekers who claim that they are seeking to avoid genital mutilation in their countries of origin; and if he will make a statement; [34159](2) how many women asylum seekers have sought asylum over the past 10 years on the grounds that they are seeking to avoid genital mutilation; how many were granted asylum; and if he will make a statement. [34160]

The statistical information requested is not held centrally.To qualify for refugee status, applicants need to show that they have a well-founded fear of persecution based on one of the reasons contained in the 1951 United Nations convention relating to the status of refugees. Those who do not meet the requirements of the 1951 convention may nevertheless be granted exceptional leave to remain if there are compelling humanitarian reasons for their doing so. Cases are considered in the light of their individual circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women police officers in the metropolis have referred employment grievances to industrial tribunals in each of the last five years; and how many of these cases have been dismissed. [34758]

The Commissioner informs me that the information requested is not available before July 1995. Since July 1995, the Metropolitan police have dealt with 49 applications to industrial tribunals by women police officers. Of these cases, 10 have been withdrawn, three were settled and six dismissed. The remaining 30 cases are outstanding.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the annual number of hoax calls to the emergency services in each of the last five years (a) in Bolton, (b) in the north-west and (c) nationally, indicating the approximate cost of each call-out; [34408]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to issue a final response to the report of the royal commission on criminal justice. [35118]

I have today placed in the Library a copy of the Government's final response to the report of the royal commission on criminal justice.The royal commission made 352 recommendations. The Government have accepted, wholly or in part, 204 recommendations and 58 remain under consideration in the light of other initiatives and developments. The Government have decided not to implement 46 recommendations. The remaining 44 recommendations are not primarily for the Government, but the response indicates the action that the Government understand to have been taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Parole Board will become an executive non-departmental public body; and how its functions will alter. [35119]

A commencement order has been made that will bring into effect on 1 July 1996 section 149 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. This will establish the Parole Board as an executive non-departmental public body. The statutory functions of the board will not be affected; the changes are essentially administrative and will make the board more accountable for its performance. A copy of the board's management statement and the financial memorandum will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for Staffordshire police force the (a) number of serving officers, (b) number (2) if he will list the annual number of hoax calls to the fire service in each of the last five years (a) in Bolton, (b) in the north-west and (c) nationally indicating the approximate cost of each call-out; and if he will make a statement. [34409]

Information on the number of times the police attend a hoax call and on the cost of so doing is not available centrally. The readily available information on malicious false alarm incidents attended by local authority fire brigades in the north-west and the United Kingdom is shown in the table. Information on cost is not collected centrally.of officers on the beat,

Information on the number of serving officers is set out in table 1. Information on the number of officers specifically assigned to beat duties is not available. Estimates of the number of offices on patrol duties are available from 1989 and are also set out in table 1.Information on average police pay and total force expenditure is available only from 1988–90 and is set out in table 2.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [34126]

[holding answer 26 June 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 26 June, column 119.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken by his Department to encourage the purchase of British manufactured locks in the establishments under the control of his Department. [34568]

[holding answer 26 June 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) women and (b) men admitted to the United Kingdom on probation as a spouse were refused leave to remain due to the breakdown of the marriage before the end of the 12-month probationary period in (i) 1993, (ii) 1994 and (iii) 1995; and in each case what proportion of these marriages broke down due to the spouse seeking settlement having suffered domestic violence from the settled spouse. [34733]

A decision to grant or refuse an application for indefinite leave to remain made on the basis of marriage to a person settled here would normally be taken at the end of the 12-month probationary period. The numbers of women and men refused leave to remain at that stage, which include those admitted as a spouse and those who married in this country, are given in the table. Allegations of domestic violence are not separately recorded.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what financial assistance his Department has provided towards prisoners' wives and families support groups annually since 1986. [33903]

Details of financial assistance given to prisoners' wives and families support groups are as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on progress with developing a model for appeals against enforcement action. [35080]

A new model mechanism for appeals against enforcement action has been set out in S.I. 1678, which was laid before Parliament today.This new model provides for a speedier and cheaper way of resolving disputes on enforcement of regulations. At the same time, it incorporates procedures that will ensure every opportunity is made available to business to resolve disputes informally without having to resort to the appeal process.The model has been developed through wide consultation with the business and regulatory community, drawing on best practice from existing appeal procedures.Features of the model include: rights to make representation before formal action is taken, unless urgent action is necessary; provision for an appeal tribunal to be set up by the Minister responsible for the legislation, to resolve disputes that cannot be resolved informally; time limits for each stage of the appeal process; appeals to be considered on their merits by the tribunal; assistance with an effective and efficient resolution of disputes, for which pre-hearing reviews will be encouraged; and, where appropriate, the decision of the tribunal can be based on written submissions only, avoiding the time and costs of oral hearings.Each tribunal will be made up of a legally qualified chairman assigned from a panel appointed by the Lord Chancellor in England and Wales and the Lord Advocate in Scotland; a member who is expert in the field; and a member representing business. Each tribunal will be supported by a registrar to provide for active case management.The model is designed to apply across a wide range of policy areas. The rights to make representations at an early stage have already been implemented by the Environment Agency and for health and safety legislation. They will shortly be applied to food safety and building regulations, and later in the year to fire safety and consumer affairs.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 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. [33498]

The table gives available sick pay and compensation costs for the Central Cabinet Office, including No. 10, and the executive agencies for which I am responsible.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on how many occasions in each of the past five years health and safety problems in his Department and its agencies have been reported via internal monitoring; and on how many occasions the Health and Safety Commission has become involved. [33496]

The information requested from the Cabinet Office, its agencies, the Central Office of Information and HMSO is as follows:

Cabinet Office and its Agencies:

• 1991–92: Nil
• 1992–93: Nil
• 1993–94: One
• 1994–95: Three
• 1995–96: Five

Central Office of Information:

• No occasions. On no occasion was the Health and Safety Commission involved.
• HMSO:
• The information is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 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. [33499]

The Cabinet Office, its agencies, the Central Office of Information and HMSO all have rolling programmes of maintenance which are designed to ensure that working conditions meet acceptable health and safety standards. They also respond to specific concerns as they arise. Information on this type of expenditure is as follows:

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 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. [33497]

The information requested from the Cabinet Office, it agencies, the Central Office of Information and HMSO is as follows:

To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the constituencies he has visited in the past three months on official business and the constituencies he intends to visit in the next three months; and if he will make a statement. [34390]

In April, I gave the Allsebrook lecture at the university of Ulster in Jordanstown in my capacity as Minister without Portfolio. My diary for the next three months has not yet been finalised, but I always do my best to give prior warning to hon. Members when I visit their constituencies in an official capacity.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what was the cost to public funds of producing "Competitiveness: creating the enterprise centre of Europe". [34060]

[holding answer 25 June 1996]: Final figures are not yet available, but I expect my Department's costs for the production and launch of the White Paper and related products to be in the region of £380,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the formal written request of 11 October 1995 to the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products that matters relating to desogestrel and gestodene be considered by that committee received the prior approval of Ministers. [33980]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 30 April, column 499.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 19 December 1995 to the hon. Member for Gordon, (Mr. Bruce), Official Report, column 1152, if he will name the studies relating to myocardial infarction which were made available to the Committee on Safety of Medicines on 13 October 1995; and if he will list the data included and vehicle of publication of those results and what results remain unpublished. [33979]

I refer the hon. Member to the replies that I gave him on 7 March, column 321–22 and on 9 May, column 243.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the means by which the Licensing Authority has, since 1 January 1995, implemented its responsibilities to the European Medicines Evaluation Agency. [33985]

The Licensing Authority implements its responsibilities under the European drug regulatory system through adoption of the following European directives: the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Regulations 1994, (S.I. 3144, and European Council Regulation 2309/93.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what procedure referrals are made to the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products by the United Kingdom [33981]

Formal referrals to the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products must comply with the provisions of Council directive 75/319/EEC, as amended by directives 83/570/EEC and 93/39/EEC.Matters may also be placed on the agenda of meetings of the CPMP for information and discussion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number and proportion of hospitals, and the number and proportion of general practitioner practices, which now have systems in place to handle the unique NHS patient number. [33990]

[pursuant to his reply, 21 June 1996, c. 669]: I regret that there was an error in my previous reply.The final sentence should have read:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of providing free prescriptions and optical and dental treatment to students for each year since 1992–93. [34279]

The information is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate how many people suffering (a) schizophrenia, (b) manic depression and (c) other severe mental illness receive free prescriptions; and if he will make a statement. [34103]

This information is not available. In 1996–97, we expect 85 per cent. of prescriptions to be dispensed free, thanks to our extensive exemption arrangements, which are among the most generous in Europe. Many people with mental health problems will benefit from these.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current salary range for consultant anaesthetists in the NHS; and how many NHS trusts offer salaries in excess of the range. [34427]

The current salary range for hospital medical and dental consultant staff is £41,760, to a maximum of £64,690, which includes discretionary points. This applies to consultants employed on national terms and conditions of service. Consultant staff employed on trust contracts may be remunerated in excess of this range. Information on the number of consultant staff on trust contracts is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts have made a pay offer additional to the pay award to nurses recommended by the Nurses and Midwives Pay Review body on 8 February. [34641]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those hospital trusts in the west midlands that (a) have made pay offers to nurses and (b) have not made pay offers to nurses at the latest convenient date. [34660]

The timing and structure of local pay offers is a matter for local national health service management. It is for each trust to decide whether to make public the position it has reached.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish his Department's response to the sixth biennial report of the Mental Health Act Commission. [35117]

I have written to Lady Runciman, chairman of the Mental Health Act Commission, enclosing a detailed response and have today placed these documents in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to health authorities on the supply of wheelchairs to disabled people. [33730]

We have recently issued HSG(96)34 to health authorities. This gives guidance on the provision of indoor-outdoor powered wheelchairs, which the Government have made available on the national health service for the first time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list those health authorities which no longer supply wheelchairs to disabled people unable to walk outside their homes; [33731](2) what provision he proposes to make to ensure that disabled people who are occasional users of a wheelchair have access to a wheelchair suitable for their needs. [33732]

Wheelchair services are the responsibility of health authorities. It is for health authorities and the wheelchair service centres that provide the service to set their own criteria and priorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many wheelchairs are currently on loan from the NHS; and if he will breakdown the ages of the users into the following groups (a) 10 to 20 years, (b) 20 to 40 years, (c) 40 to 50 years, (d) 50 to 60 years, (e) 60 to 70 years, (f) 70 to 80 years and (g) 80 years-plus. [33733]

The information is not available centrally in the form requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what correspondence he has had with the Royal Associations for Disability and Rehabilitation regarding the wheelchair service offered by Sandwell health authority; and if he will make a statement. [33734]

I have seen the correspondence between Mr. Bert Massie of the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation and my officials, It is for health authorities to set their own criteria for the provision of wheelchairs within the increased resources available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research is currently being carried out on stored frozen embryos. [34581]

Research in the United Kingdom involving frozen embryos requires a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. At present, there are no licences granted for such research. As for previous research, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Liverpool, Mossley Hill (Mr. Alton) on 26 January, column 415.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the arrangements for identifying the donors of stored embryos. [34582]

I refer the hon. member to my letter of 14 May to my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Mrs. Winterton). This was placed in the Library following the reply I gave the hon. Member for Liverpool, Mossley Hill (Mr. Alton) on 25 June, columns 85–6.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what are the minimum requirements for the amount of space surrounding a bed in an NHS hospital ward; and what weight is given, when setting such requirements, to evidence on (a) the avoidance of cross-infection, (b) the ability to provide effective bedside diagnosis and treatment, and (c) the need for confidential discussions between patient and carer; [34761](2) what guidelines exist to govern

Guidance on facilities to be provided in different types of hospital wards and recommended bed spaces is detailed in design guidance (health building notes) produced by National Health Service Estates, an executive agency of the Department of Health. The recommended amount of space surrounding a bed varies in accordance with the level of dependency of the patient, from 7.2 sq m in an adult acute ward to 25.5 sq m for a bed in intensive care.A number of factors are considered in the recommendations, including the nature of bedside activities, the avoidance of cross-infection, the clinical equipment used and the associated ergonomic requirements, as well as patients' privacy.Rather than proposing minimum requirements, the guidance suggests an appropriate mix of bed areas, sanitary facilities, clinical treatment areas, consultation and office spaces, depending on the nature of the condition of the patient.It is for NHS trusts to take appropriate advice. Health building notes are intended to give good practice advice and guidance on the briefing and design implications of planning new buildings and of adapting or extending existing buildings. The guidelines are not enforced, and data on adherence to them is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of GPs, GP practices and patients covered by community fundholding as at 1 April 1996; and what proportion each figure is of the total numbers of GPs, practices and patient population. [34760]

The information is shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many companies within the pharmaceutical price regulation scheme received each rate of return; how many exceeded their targets; and how many failed to reach their targets for each of the last three years for which figures are available. [34764]

This information is not available for reasons of commercial confidentiality. The Department last month published a first report to Parliament on the pharmaceutical price regulation scheme, which provides an overall assessment of the operation of the scheme. Copies of the report are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the candidates who are currently under consideration for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations. [34566]

Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, UN Secretary-General, declared his intention to stand again on 19 June. The one other formally declared candidate is Mr. Nicos Rolandis, Cyprus.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received concerning the ritual practice of female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34166]

We receive occasional correspondence and this subject is also considered by the UN Commission on Human Rights.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about which countries tolerate female genital mutilation; what discussions he has held with the leaders of such countries regarding it; and if he will make a statement. [34167]

The UN special rapporteur on violence against women monitors this practice in accordance with her mandate. At the Commission for Human Rights in April, the United Kingdom co-sponsored a resolution stressing the rapporteur's recommendation that states have a duty to enact and enforce legislation against the perpetrators of acts such as female genital mutilation. There have been no bilateral discussions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards Ambassador Ramaker's proposal that a comprehensive test ban treaty should enter into force after five years if 75 states have signed and ratified it. [34753]

Her Majesty's Government's position is that, for it to be a fully effective non-proliferation measure, the comprehensive test ban treaty must have as parties the declared nuclear-weapon states and all other states with a nuclear capability and which are not otherwise prevented from testing by other international agreements to which they are parties. The formula proposed by Ambassador Ramaker on 20 June, but not incorporated into his revised text, does not meet this requirement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's assessment of the implications for international security of a lengthy delay in the entry into force of a comprehensive test ban treaty. [34754]

We believe that the earliest practicable entry into force of the treaty on the basis of universal adherence would best serve the interests of international security.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on whether the 37 states with seismic stations or radionuclide laboratories must sign and ratify a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty before it enters into force; and what is the reason for this policy. [34755]

Her Majesty's Government's position is that, for it to be a fully effective non-proliferation measure, the comprehensive test ban treaty should have as parties the declared nuclear-weapon states and all other states which are not otherwise prevented from testing by other international agreements to which they are parties. The formula referred to in the question, which appears in the chairman's draft text, meets these requirements and is therefore acceptable to the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the verification procedures as outlined in the draft comprehensive test ban treaty will come into effect only once the treaty has entered into force. [34756]

Once the treaty has been opened for signature, a preparatory committee will be established in order to make the necessary arrangements for the treaty organisation and the verification regime. This work can be expected to take at least two to three years. These arrangements must be complete before the treaty enters into force. Equally, entry into force is self-evidently necessary before the verification system can be operational.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on allowing a comprehensive test ban treaty to enter into force before India, Pakistan and Israel have signed the treaty; and if he will make a statement. [34757]

I refer the right hon. Member to my earlier answer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union. [34980]

The forthcoming business will be:

• SUBJECT: MONTHLY FORECAST OF BUSINESS FOR JULY 1996
• 1. The following Councils are scheduled: 8 July: ECOFIN
• 10 July: Social Welfare (Informal)
• 11 July: Social Welfare (Informal)
• 11 July: Labour Affairs (Informal)
• 12 July: Labour Affairs (Informal)
• 15 July: General Affairs Council
• 16 July: General Affairs Council
• 19 July: Environment (Informal)
• 20 July: Environment (Informal)
• 22 July: Agriculture
• 23 July: Agriculture
• 25 July: Budget
• 2. The following subjects are likely to be discussed:
• 8 July: Ecofin Council
• Approval of the provisional agenda;
• Approval of the list of "A" items;
• Presentation of the Irish Presidency's ECOFIN programme: open debate;
• Follow up to the Florence European Council;
• Examination of the Austrian convergence programme;
• Excessive government deficit procedure: recommendations (a vote may be requested on this item;
• ELISE (possible item);
• New guarantee system for EIB lending to third countries (possible item);
• Preparation of structured dialogue with the CEECS;
• SEM 2000 interim report by the Commission;
• Fight against fraud: Commission's annual report 1995;
• Other business.
• ECOFIN will be followed by a meeting with CEES at 4.00 pm, and an informal dinner for CEEC Finance Ministers at 7.00 pm, hosted by the Presidency.
• 10–11 July: Social Welfare Council (informal)
• Long-term unemployment.
• 11–12 July: Labour Affairs Council (informal)
• Long-term unemployment.
• 15–16 July: General Affairs Council
• Agenda not yet available.
• 19–20 July: Environment Council (informal)
• Agenda not yet available.
• 22–23 July: Agriculture Council
• Set aside rate for 1997–98
• Arable base area flexibility
• Price fixing (possible item)
• Reform of the fruit and vegetable regime (possible item)
• Bananas (possible item)
• Plant health: solidarity and responsibility (possible item)
• BSE (possible item)
• 25 July: Budget Council
• 1997 preliminary draft budget

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the animal welfare issues for which his Department has responsibility. [34305]

[holding answer 25 June 1996]: We have no direct responsibility for animal welfare issues. We closely follow international animal welfare issues and ensure that foreign policy considerations are taken into account in the handling of these issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list (a) United Kingdom legislation, (b) EU legislation and (c) international treaties, conventions or other obligations concerning animal welfare for which his Department has responsibility. [34306]

[holding answer 25 June 1996]: None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list by group, division or other work unit the number of grades of staff working within his Department on animal welfare issues. [34307]

[holding answer 25 June 1996]: The environment, science and energy department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office employs one DS7 (HEO equivalent), one DS9 (EO equivalent) and one AO dealing with animal welfare issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Russian Government about their plans to drill into the freshwater lake lying under the Antarctic ice cap; and if he will make a statement. [34430]

I have been asked to reply.None.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when Air Operations International applied for company registration within the United Kingdom; and if it currently holds such registration. [34027]

The index of company names held by the Registrar of Companies shows no registration in the name Air Operations International and there is no application currently being processed in that name. Records covering the past 20 years show no indication of a company having used the name Air Operations International.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action was taken by (i) his Department and (ii) the official receiver as a result of (a) Sultan Air, (b) Time Air, (c) Omega Air and (d) Air Operations Europe going into receivership. [34026]

After extensive research, it does not appear that companies or firms with any of these names are the subject of receivership or any other insolvency proceedings in the United Kingdom.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what directions have been given by his Department pursuant to paragraph 13(1) of schedule 1 to the Coal Industry Act 1994, to the Coal Authority in relation to the authority's efficiency and effectiveness in the disposal of assets, with particular reference to its ownership of a site at Green lane, Featherstone. [33872]

The Secretary of State has made a determination as to the financial duties of the Coal Authority pursuant to paragraph 13(1) of schedule 1 to the Coal Industry Act 1994. That determination is set out in the authority's annual report and accounts 1994–95, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. The restored opencast site at Green lane, Featherstone is owned by British Coal.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what directions have been given by his Department, pursuant to paragraph 14(2) of schedule 1 to the Coal Industry Act 1994, to the Coal Authority in relation to retention of receipts for the financial year 1995–96; what directions he has given in relation to the realisation of further receipts from the disposal of assets for the current financial year; and what directions he has given to expedite the realisation of such receipts from the disposal of such assets as those held by the Coal Authority at Green lane, Featherstone. [33871]

The Secretary of State has given one direction to the Coal Authority pursuant to paragraph 14(2) of schedule 1 to the Coal Industry Act 1994 concerning the retention of receipts. That direction is set out in the authority's annual report and accounts 1994–95, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. The restored opencast site at Green lane, Featherstone is owned by British Coal.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the companies and location of activities which received awards in the 14th round of offshore oil and gas licensing; and if he will make a statement. [34780]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy on 14 June 1993, Official Report, columns 409–11 in reply to my hon. friend the Member for Edmonton (Dr. Twinn). Information on this topic is also available in the Library of the House.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the average age of capital stock of machinery in manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom relative to (a) the United States of America, (b) Japan, (c) France and (d) Germany. [33413]

A paper recently published by the DTI and Cabinet Office, "The UK's Investment Performance Fact and Fallacy", available in the Library of the House, outlines the available evidence on the relative age of the UK's capital stock of machinery. The evidence, from trade surveys and studies of similar plants in different countries, finds UK machinery to be of a similar age to that in other major countries.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what criteria he uses to evaluate the success of the technology foresight programme. [34633]

The aim of the foresight programme is to build partnerships between the science base and industry, with the ultimate objective of using the UK's strengths in science and technology more effectively to increase national wealth and improve the quality of life. In the short and medium term, we are evaluating the success of the programme using a range of intermediate criteria, including: numbers actively involved in the programme; the scale of networking activity generated; the level of industry participation in collaborative projects with the science base addressing foresight priorities; and the number and value of public sector R and D programmes initiated or enhanced in direct response to the foresight recommendations.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will instigate a scheme for payments of compensation by Government for terrorist damage on the British mainland through the Compensation Agency in accordance with the Northern Ireland model. [34661]

No. Insurance to cover damage caused by acts of terrorism is available in Great Britain, with the support of the Government-backed scheme established under the Reinsurance (Acts of Terrorism) Act 1993. Such insurance has not been available in Northern Ireland for many years.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to publish the report by the Director General of Fair Trading for the year 1995. [35112]

The 22nd annual report by the Director General of Fair Trading has been published today. It covers the period from 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1995. Copies of the report have been laid before Parliament.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when his Department intends to publish the consultative document, referred to in the recent competitiveness White Paper Three, on the question of whether public limited companies should be required to report details of their payment practice in their accounts. [35114]

The Government recognise that late payment is a serious problem for small businesses and sire committed to tackling it. With the aim of helping to promote a "prompt payment culture", the DTI has been developing proposals on providing more public information about the payment practices of public limited companies.A consultative document outlining our proposal for extending the Companies Act 1985 payment policy disclosure to cover payment practice as well is being published today. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the Houses.The consultative document sets out the method to be followed when reporting payment practice and includes draft regulations, which would be introduced next Session, if supported by the results of the consultation. Comments should be submitted to the company law directorate at the DTI by 27 September.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of damages claims for radiation-induced illness settled annually for the past five years in the United Kingdom nuclear industry; what was the average settlement for each of the years; and how many cases were attributable to the Magnox stations and how many to the advanced gas-cooled reactor stations. [34328]

The compensation scheme for radiation-linked diseases is a nuclear industry voluntary scheme for determining compensation due to employees who develop radiation-linked diseases. Since it was introduced in 1982, and up until the end of 1995, compensation payments have been awarded to 63 cases, with almost £3 million in compensation being paid. This is against a total number of claims arising of almost 500.The employers and unions from the organisations participating in the compensation scheme agreed that, in order to protect the identification of individual claimants, information on successful claims will be provided only for the compensation scheme as a whole. Details on compensation scheme payments are contained in an annual press statement. I am arranging for copies of the 1995 statement to be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 13 June, Official Report, column 270, on electronic batons, what is the title of the marketing research report referred to. [34441]

[holding answer 25 June 1996]: The title of the marketing report referred to in my answers of 28 March, Official Report, column 733, and 13 June, is "Police and Public Security Requirements for Equipment and Services in the Countries of the Arabian Peninsula".

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial assistance and other forms of aid he has given over the past 10 years to the United Nations agencies that are attempting to eliminate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34161]

Many of the UN agencies to which we contribute are tackling the problem of female genital mutilation in their programmes but it is not possible to determine what proportion of our contributions have been used specifically for this purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions in the last 10 years he has provided financial and other assistance, in terms of health education, to countries that have implemented, or are seeking to implement, local campaigns to eliminate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34163]

I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with his ministerial colleagues in the context of the EU multilateral aid programme concerning countries that tolerate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34164]

There have been no recent discussions between Ministers on this subject in the context of the EU multilateral aid programme. We continue to work closely with other member states to ensure the implementation of the 1995 development council resolution on gender equality.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) on what occasion in the last 10 years he has refused foreign aid to countries on the grounds that their Governments tolerate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement; [34162](2) what proposals he has to increase foreign aid to countries that are taking action to eliminate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34165]

We believe that the best means to bring the practice of female genital mutilation to an end is to change attitudes: for example, through seedcorn initiatives for reproductive health and women's empowerment programmes. We support measures to this end and continue to express our views in wider dialogue with relevant governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much Overseas Development Administration funding in 1995–96 was provided specifically for work in developing countries with disabled people. [34382]

Providing assistance to people with disabilities forms an integral part of many of our programmes in developing countries. No central record is kept of grants made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much of the money made available to British non-governmental organisations by the Overseas Development Administration in 1995–96 was provided specifically for work in developing countries with disabled people; and if he will make a statement. [34383]

The ODA made available £2,397,419 in 1995–96 to British non-governmental organisations specifically for work with disabled people in developing countries.The Overseas Development Administration recognises that disabled people are often among the poorest and most vulnerable in society. We aim to assist disabled people to participate in development through a process that creates economic independence and self-help and in which they are involved in the decisions and planning that most closely affect them.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will give his approval for the work to be carried out at Halesowen magistrates court to allow the amalgamation of the Halesowen and Stourbridge bench. [33843]

Yes

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 27 June. [33654]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 27 June. [33655]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 27 June. [33404]

I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is attending the G7 summit in Lyon.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise at the next meeting of the European Council the level of unemployment in the EU. [33400]

Unemployment was one of the issues discussed at the European Council in Florence. The European Council confirmed the priority attached to tackling unemployment and agreed to carry forward the strategy agreed at the Essen European Council in December 1994, which recognised the primacy of action by member states and recommended a number of lines of action reflecting this Government's approach.

To ask the Prime Minister what changes he has made to the United Kingdom delegation to the parliamentary assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. [35115]

The hon. Member for Inverness, Nairn and Lochaber (Sir Russell Johnston) has been named as a substitute for the Liberal Democrat party.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what action is planned to improve access to the Palace of Westminster by tour visitors. [34668]

This is a matter for the Serjeant at Arms. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee for what reasons the Crypt chapel is not included in the line of route when it is not in use. [34671]

The Chapel of St. Mary Undercroft in the Crypt is not suited for visits by Members' parties of up to 16 in number on the lint; of route due to the restricted access from Westminster Hall and the limited space available. However, parties of visitors up to six in number personally escorted by an hon. Member may be admitted to the chapel from 12.30 pm to the rising of the House on sitting days only.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the impact of the recent Stockholm agreement on safety standards on ferries operating to and from the United Kingdom. [35121]

The Stockholm agreement is a major achievement. It will provide substantial extra protection for those who travel on ro-ro ferries. Ferries operating to and from United Kingdom ports must demonstrate, within a tight time scale, that they meet a stringent basic survivability standard and that they can cope with a considerable amount of water on the car deck.The requirements of this significant agreement go beyond the worldwide application of the demanding SOLAS 90 standard, as agreed in the International Maritime Organisation last November. Ferries connecting ports in the United Kingdom with neighbouring countries will meet a higher standard for sea-going voyages than will similar vessels operating outside the specified area, as will those on similar UK domestic services.A list of ferries, showing the dates by which each must meet the new standard, has been published today. Copies of the list have been placed in the Library.The list shows that about 100 sea-going passenger ro-ro ferries currently serve United Kingdom ports. The majority of these vessels already have such a high survival capability that further limited modification is not required until the latter part of the agreed time scale. This shows the robustness of the ro-ro fleet, which will be fortified yet further by the application of the new standard.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish a draft Merchant Shipping Bill; and if he will make a statement. [35243]

A draft Merchant Shipping Bill has been published today for consultation, and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.The draft Bill contains clauses to implement those recommendations in Lord Donaldson's report "Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas", Cm 2560, which the Government accept and which require legislative change.The draft Bill contains important provisions that will be widely welcomed. Taken with the measures already implemented since the Donaldson report, they represent a significant step forward in protecting the marine environment and raising safety standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his Department's management plans for 1996–97. [35123]

I have today published the Department of Transport's departmental management and efficiency plan 1996, summary report. This gives details of how my Department will use its administrative resources in 1996–97 and also reports on efficiency achievements and reviews planned. Copies of this document have been placed in the Library.The "Transport Report 1996", Cm 3206, presented to Parliament in March 1996, set out my Department's expenditure plans for 1996–97 to 1998–99. It is supplemented by the business plans published by each of my Department's executive agencies and placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the consultation and consideration by the Marine Safety Agency on a code of safety practice for fishing vessels under 12m to be concluded; how he proposes to deal with the recommendations arising from this consideration; what representations he has received about the time taken to consult on and consider this matter; and if he will make a statement. [34794]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the consequences for safety in the east Shetland basin of the withdrawal by Shell Expo of the Bell 212 helicopter search and rescue facility from the beginning of 1997; and if he will make a statement. [34793]

The helicopter referred to has been provided by Shell Expo as an additional service and is not a declared UK search and rescue facility. Search and rescue responsibility is met by the Coastguard helicopter based at Sumburgh. Arrangements exist with Norway for the provision of a SAR helicopter based in the Norwegian sector if it is available. In addition to the declared facilities, Shell has advised that two extra pilots will be on standby overnight at Sumburgh to respond to medical emergencies using its own S61 helicopter.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much money from the Arts Council lottery funds has been awarded to the (a) Queen's hall, Hexham, (b) Dovecot arts centre, Stockton and (c) the Royal Court theatre, London theatres; and for what specific proposals. [33243]

No award has been made to the Queen's hall, Hexham from the national lottery. The Dovecot arts centre has received an award of £16,000 towards the costs of a feasibility study for the development and extension of its existing premises. There have been two awards to theatres named "Royal Court". The Royal Court Theatre Foundation in Liverpool has received £50,000 towards urgent repairs of the 1930s listed grade II theatre. The Royal Court theatre in London has received £15.8 million towards renovation and development costs. This is the only award to theatres in south-west London.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will commission regular reports from the Office of the National Lottery on the measures it is taking and has taken to ensure that the lottery draw is conducted honestly. [34371]