To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department spent during the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96 on sending civil servants accompanying Ministers from his Department on official duties abroad. [32411]

The readily available records do not list the officials who accompanied Ministers on overseas visits during the period in question and this information cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate costs. The available information on costs of accompanying officials is as follows:

• 1994–95: £23,249 (grade 2s and private secretaries)
• 1995–96: £28,753 (private secretaries)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken since March to ensure that the Prison Service has in place by the end of 1996 a database whereby the medical records of sentenced and remand prisoners follow the prisoner and are accessible to all those staff involved in the penal system. [34604]

The Prison Service is committed to introducing a computerised system for tracking medical records of the kind recommended in the report of the independent inquiry into the case of Jason Mitchell. Since March, 44 prisons have begun to introduce systems of this kind. Completion of this work will extend beyond October 1996 and will be dependent upon the availability of resources.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the dates, number and types of incidents involved reported to the Prison Service since 1 January in relation to (a) the Wolds prison and (b) Doncaster prison. [35011]

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 if he will re-introduce police boxes in England. [34997]

This is an operational decision for chief officers of police. I have no plans to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were discharged from prison without permanent accommodation in which to live during the last year for which figures are available. [35054]

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 (1) what research he has (a) commissioned (b) evaluated on the level of literacy of young offenders in Prison Service establishments; [35022](2) what research he has

Responsibility for these matters 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 (1) how many prison officers have been seconded during the last 12 months to the Wolds prison; from what prison establishment they came; and if Her Majesty's inspectorate of prisons was informed of the seconded prison officers working at the Wolds prison when it visited the prison; [34971](2) how many times during the last 12 months prison officers were required to work a double shift at the Wolds prison; and what was the reason for the requirement; [35007](3) how many prison officers have been seconded during the last 12 months from the Wolds prison; to which prison establishments they went; and if Her Majesty's inspectorate of prisons was informed of the Wolds seconded prison officers when it visited the prison. [35013]

Responsibility for these matters 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 expects to ratify the convention on the protection of financial interests of the Council of Ministers; and how this convention will be enforced. [34888]

The European Union convention on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests cannot be ratified by the United Kingdom until part I of the Criminal Justice Act 1993, which extends the courts' jurisdiction over certain fraud and dishonesty offences where a significant element of the offence is committed within the United Kingdom, is in force. We are currently considering the practicalities of bringing part I into force and it is not at present possible to specify a date for ratification. For Scotland, some changes to primary legislation may also be required. The convention comes into force only after all 15 European Union member states have ratified it; none has so far done so. Enforcement will be a matter for the Council of Ministers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to give instructions for those dogs currently held by the Metropolitan police under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and in respect of which charges have either been dropped or not brought, to be returned to their lawful owners. [35084]

This is an operational matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to public funds of the review of comparative costs and performance of privately and publicly operated prisons produced by Coopers and Lybrand; and from which budget these costs were met. [35133]

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 if he will list the rates of pay awarded by grade to employees in each of the next steps agencies under his Department's control. [35132]

Pay rates in the Prison Service, Forensic Science Service, United Kingdom Passport Agency and the Fire Service College are negotiated by them, and full details are not held centrally. Each chief executive will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to minimise the spread of hepatitis B and C in prisons in England and Wales. [35441]

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 prisoners in England and Wales currently have hepatitis B or C. [35440]

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 if he will now implement the outstanding recommendations of the report of the advisory group on video evidence chaired by Judge Thomas Pigot. [35364]

We have implemented the majority of the recommendations made by the advisory group on video evidence, but we are not persuaded that the proposals for pre-trial cross-examination are in the best interests of children. We will keep those recommendations and the proposal to extend the child evidence measures to vulnerable adult witnesses under review in the light of our further work to secure practical improvements in the present arrangements for children to give evidence.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in relation to funding arrangements under section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966; and how many of these expressed concern at delay in announcing what future arrangements will be made. [35430]

The detailed information requested is not readily available. We have, however, received a substantial number of representations in writing and by telephone.We hope to be able to make an announcement about future funding very shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners were held by the Prison Service on (i) 27 May 1993 and (ii) 27 May 1996. [35040]

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 Health what action he has taken to review the Mental Health Act 1983, with particular reference to the mental health review tribunal system. [34598]

None where the Act is concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken since March to inform mental health review tribunal members of the clinical outcomes for patients following discharge decisions. [34625]

Mental health review tribunal regional chairmen monitor decisions made by tribunals in their regions and always review those where a serious offence has taken place shortly after discharge by a tribunal. In-depth research is shortly to commence into decision making and outcomes of tribunals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into alternative therapies as a means of reducing the cost of the NHS. [35061]

We are aware of one such study, on manipulation for back pain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will update the list of hospital building

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the results of his consultation on laws governing the employment of children will be published; and if he will ensure that all submissions by those organisations consulted will be placed in the Library. [35252]

We will announce our decisions in due course.

The information is shown in the tables.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 25 June, Official Report, column 86, if he will collect statistics on the number of NHS trusts which (a) have advertised and (b) plan to advertise outside the United Kingdom to recruit consultants in each specialty. [35317]

I have no such plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost to public funds of (a) the inquiry into child abuse in Cleveland in 1987 and (b) the report by Lord Justice Butler-Sloss. [35129]

[holding answer 1 July 1996]: The total expenditure incurred by the Department of Health in respect of the Cleveland inquiry, including the report by Lord Justice Butler-Sloss, was about £1.25 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the levels of competition in building control practices in local government; and if he will make a statement. [35074]

My right hon. Friend's views are reflected in the Department of the Environment circular 1/96, which was issued on 25 March 1996. As is made clear in the circular, it is recognised that it is just a small minority of local authorities whose practices warranted the issue of what is essentially a guide to good practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has received to his circular on local authority building control and related services, approved inspectors and uncompetitive practices; and if he intends to publish a report on the response. [35075]

Since the circular was issued, a small number of letters has been received from local authorities. It is not intended to publish a report on the response.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the effects of ceasing to charge VAT on building regulations on the work of local authority planning departments. [35076]

It is not the case that local authorities no longer charge VAT on building regulation applications. They continue to charge VAT on the basis of whether or not the type of building work which is to be controlled under the Building Regulations 1991 is subject to competition by private approved inspectors. NHBC Building Control Services Ltd. is currently the only approved inspector. Following recent changes, it may now control developments containing dwellings of any height as well as those containing mixed uses, as prescribed in its approval. Local authorities therefore need to identify building control work which is subject to competition and to charge VAT on it if the applicant chooses to use the local authority's service. Work which is not the subject of competition by approved inspectors will continue not to be subject to VAT.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement regarding the waste management planning scheme and how it affects the recycling of non-ferrous metals. [34681]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him yesterday, 2 July, Official Report, columns 398–99.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his oral statement of 20 June, Official Report, columns 1011–13, on city centre development, if he will call in the proposed hospital development at Colney in the South Norfolk district. [34964]

No. The adopted local plan makes specific provision for a new hospital at Colney. We consider that the local planning authority is best placed to decide the planning application and to impose any conditions it thinks necessary in the light of local concerns about accessibility.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what monitoring is undertaken by his Department of the effects of cumulative discharges to the marine environment from offshore oil and gas installations on marine wildlife and habitats; [35463](2) what action is undertaken by his Department to ensure that cumulative discharges to the marine environment from offshore oil and gas installations do not damage marine wildlife and habitats. [35464]

Most offshore oil installations are in Scottish waters. The Scottish Office marine laboratory carries out monitoring to assess the impact on the marine environment of discharges of oily water, oil contaminated drill cuttings and process chemicals. More generally, marine laboratories of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food maintain an extensive monitoring programme to identify any harmful effects of human activities on the marine environment. Information from both programmes is utilised by the Department of the Environment to assess the need for, and formulation of, national and international guidelines. Overall regulation of the offshore industry is by the Department of Trade and Industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to publish guidance on the implementation of the global programme of action on the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities. [35465]

The global programme of action for the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities reflects the approach already being adopted on this important issue throughout the United Kingdom, and by other estates in north-west Europe, in line with both North sea conference commitments and the requirements of the 1992 Paris convention—OSPAR. This provides a comprehensive framework for protection of the marine environment of the north-east Atlantic from both sea-based and land-based activities. The UK guidance note on the fourth North sea conference was published yesterday; I believe that the publication of further guidance is unnecessary at this stage.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in the last 12 months in respect of the commitments given in the fourth North sea declaration agreed in Esbjerg, Denmark; and if he will make a statement. [35467]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Minister for Construction, Planning and Energy Efficiency to my hon. Friend the Member for Westbury (Mr. Faber) Official Report, column 400.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the sixth annual report of the drinking water inspectorate will be published. [35610]

The drinking water inspectorate published its sixth annual report today. Once again, it shows that drinking water in England and Wales is of a very high quality. In 1995, 99.5 per cent. of the 3.2 million tests carried out by water companies on drinking water met the relevant standard, compared with 99.3 per cent. in 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his Department's planning guidance on the size of new settlements. [35834]

The objective of planning policy is sustainable development. The planning guidance on new settlements contained in both PPG3 and PPG13 points out that a reasonable degree of self-containment, thereby avoiding reliance on the use of private cars, can often be a feature of larger settlements. The community's daily needs, such as employment, schooling and shopping, should mostly be available locally and within easy reach. Therefore, the location of such settlements should seek to maximise existing or potential public transport links.However, the context of new settlements is also important, and smaller settlements may form part of a wider network that offers benefits comparable to larger settlements. New settlements should therefore be designed to reflect local circumstances, including the patterns of towns and villages in an area. Smaller new settlements may be appropriate where they address both issues of context and sustainability.When we come to revise PPG13, we shall be making this clear. Meanwhile, the planning system will be operated to ensure that, should new settlements be proposed, the judgment will be made on the context and the need for sustainable development. In the right circumstances, this may well mean that the establishment of a small new community of even a few hundred may be the best answer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Government intend to respond to the United Kingdom round table on sustainable development's first annual report. [35906]

The Government have today formally published their response to the first annual report of the United Kingdom round table on sustainable development. Copies have been placed in the Library.The Government are encouraged by the progress the round table has made in its first year in exploring its method of working and in reviewing some major sectors of development.The Government hope that their response to the round table's report will contribute to the continuing informed debate about reconciling economic development and environmental protection and enhancement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the proceedings before the International Court of Justice in respect of the opinions of the United Kingdom and Libya regarding the applicability of the Montreal convention, article 14, to the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie. [35301]

The UK has entered preliminary objections which question the admissibility of the claims brought against it by Libya and the international court's jurisdiction to hear these claims. The court will decide on these preliminary objections in due course. Under the court's rules, the pleadings remain confidential, so it is not possible to reveal any further details.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the implications for the United Kingdom's defence policy of United States co-operation in nuclear matters with (a) Russia, (b) China and (c) France. [35431]

Bilateral co-operation between the United States and other countries is a matter for the Government concerned. The United Kingdom will continue to maintain very close co-operation with the United States across the range of defence matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visas have been granted to Indonesian pilots to visit the United Kingdom to receive training from the Royal Air Force in each year from 1990 to 1995 inclusive, and since 1 January 1996. [35421]

Details of military assistance are confidential between Governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much money is currently held in the national lottery distribution fund; and if the interest on that amount is taxed. [35327]

As at 30 June 1996, the balance in the national lottery distribution fund was £1,882,300. Interest on the balance is added to the sums available for the good causes. It is not taxed.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what the arrangements will be for opening Buckingham palace once the restoration of Windsor castle is completed. [35822]

The then Secretary of State announced to the House on 29 April 1993, Official Report, columns 514–15, that the Queen had decided to open parts of Buckingham palace housing important items of the royal collection to the public and that income from admission charges would be given by the Royal Collection Trust towards the cost of restoring Windsor castle. The Government welcome the financial contribution which has been made towards the cost of the restoration of the fire damaged areas of Windsor castle. This has provided a considerable saving to the taxpayer. This arrangement will continue until the restoration is completed.The Royal Collection Trust announced today that the Queen has decided to extend the opening of Buckingham palace beyond 1998 and that the additional revenue will accrue to the Royal Collection Trust once the Windsor castle restoration is completed. The royal collection is held by the Queen in trust on behalf of the nation. It is one of the largest art collections in the world, yet receives no public funding.The Royal Collection Trust will use the income to improve the conservation, restoration, and presentation of this unique collection, while making a contribution towards the maintenance of the areas of Buckingham palace open to the public, thereby helping to offset the cost to the taxpayer.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action he has taken to ensure since March that the Lord Chancellor's list of potential medical members of mental health review tribunals includes psychologists. [34610]

The Mental Health Act 1983 requires medical members to be registered medical practitioners. The Lord Chancellor will consider applications for lay membership from psychologists who have the appropriate experience in mental health issues.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action he has taken since March to emphasise the need for clarity and explicitness by authorities submitting documents to public inquiries. [34612]

A press notice was issued on 26 February 1996 inviting comments on Sir Richard Scott's recommendations concerning the conduct of inquiries set up by Ministers to investigate matters of public concern. Following the consultation period, the Council on Tribunals has been asked to provide advice on all of the issues raised.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action he has taken since March to ensure that non-statutory public inquiries set up by local or central government qualify for subpoena powers under Supreme Court Rules Order 38 Rule 19(1). [34613]

The question of subpoena powers for such inquiries arose during our consultation on Sir Richard Scott's recommendations concerning inquiry procedures. The Council on Tribunals has been asked to provide advice on the issues raised, which the Lord Chancellor will consider once received.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the categorisation of motor caravans as private heavy goods vehicles by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. [33908]

In addition to the two questions which the hon. Member tabled recently, Official Report, 25 June columns 81–82, three hon. Members have written on behalf of caravan clubs and individuals and a further four letters have been received from these sources.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements are to be put in place to seek multilateral approval for the transport of fissile nuclear materials as specified in paragraph 18 of the Radioactive Material (Road Transport) (Great Britain) Regulations 1996 (S.I., 1996, No. 1350). [34400]

The arrangements for obtaining Secretary of State approval for the UK part of international movements of fissile material have been in place for many years and were previously stated in the "Code of practice for the carriage of Radioactive materials by road" published by HMSO. These arrangements are now included in the Radioactive Material (Road Transport) (Great Britain) Regulations 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funds have been allocated for dredging and general silt removal works in Maryport harbour (a) by his Department or (b) with the support of his Department by other agencies in each of the last three years. [35303]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if recommendation 5(c) from his Department, reference AC/14/01 of 19 December 1988, remains in force; and if he will make a statement. [35302]

No. All passengers and their cabin baggage entering an airport restricted zone are searched. Where an article is not a danger to a flight, it may be stored in the aircraft hold, but where any prohibited items are found, the police may be called as appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the locations of all accidents that occurred on the motorways of England in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will plot this information on a map and place a copy thereof in the Library. [35306]

The ordnance survey grid reference location of accidents recorded by the police as occurring on motorways has been sent to the House of Commons Library. There were 6,716 motorway accidents in England in 1994. Information for 1995 will be available in August. A map plotting this information on the motorway network in England is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to require foreign-registered non-United Kingdom aircraft carrying charter passengers to and from British airports to comply in full with the safety regime of the Civil Aviation Authority; and if he will make a statement. [35446]

No. As a signatory to the Chicago convention, the United Kingdom is obliged to accept certificates and licences issued in respect of foreign-registered aircraft provided that safety standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation are being met. Only aircraft on the United Kingdom register are required to comply in full with the safety regime of the Civil Aviation Authority. However, a foreign aircraft leased without crew to a United Kingdom airline must appear on that airline's air operators certificate and is then treated as a United Kingdom-registered aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many United Kingdom officials were involved in the preparation of (a) the fiche d'impact and (b) the compliance cost assessment for the EC bus and coach directive. [34989]

The Commission has not yet made a proposal for a European bus and coach directive and UK officials have not been involved in the preparation of a fiche d'impact. A compliance cost assessment for the UK cannot be prepared until the Commission makes its proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what new measures have been introduced at Milford Haven to prevent grounding of laden oil tankers (a) within the Haven, and (b) in the Haven approaches. [35462]

The Milford Haven port authority has introduced the following interim precautionary measures in advance of the findings of the marine accidents investigation branch inquiry into the grounding of the Sea Empress.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the rail regulator concerning the alleged overcharging of customers by train operating companies. [35664]

My Department has confirmed with the rail regulator that he will give careful consideration to any allegations of overcharging by train operators.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 1 April, Official Report, column 358, if he will list those member states which have invoked grandfather rights when implementing the second EC directive on driving 91/439/EEC. [35037]

[holding answer 2 July 1996]: From the information we have received to date, we understand that Belgium, Sweden, Luxembourg and Spain are likely to allow some drivers to renew their licences even though they cannot meet the standards in the directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to (a) international bodies and (b) the Burundi authorities regarding the conflict in Burundi. [35482]

We are in close and regular contact with the United Nations, the Organisation of African Unity and other international bodies as well as the Government of Burundi. We have made clear our grave concern at the serious political and security situation in Burundi, our condemnation of politically motivated violence from whatever quarter, and our strong support for ex-president Nyerere of Tanzania in his efforts to broker a peaceful political settlement.

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 which have implemented, or are seeking to implement, local campaigns to eliminate female genital mutilation. [34163]

Detailed financial information is not held in the form requested. Many ODA-funded activities which address female genital mutilation do so in the context of wider initiatives which aim to empower women. The ODA has also supported direct research to change people's attitudes to FGM in areas where it is practised. We have funded conferences and meetings where country experiences in dealing with this issue can be shared and differing approaches to eradicate the practice can be compared. The ODA also seeks to promote innovative new approaches through it seedcorn fund for reproductive health.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the gross amount of inheritance tax collected in the most recent year for which figures are available; what proportion of this sum is attributable to tax collected as a result of challenges by the Inland Revenue of the figures set out in the original grant of probate; and what estimate he has made for each of the most recent three years available of the amount of inheritance tax collected net of the expenses of collection. [35108]

The provisional outturn of receipts from inheritance tax in 1995–96 is £1,559 million. It is estimated that about 63 per cent. of inheritance tax is collected before the grant of representation—or probate—is obtained. The Inland Revenue cannot, however, distinguish between voluntary compliance and challenge and negotiation by the capital taxes office in the amount of tax collected after the grant of representation.Estimates of the amount of inheritance tax collected net of the cost of collection are given below:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new appointments he plans to the Board of Banking Supervision and the Securities and Investments Board. [35473]

The Chancellor and the governor have agreed to appoint Sir Andrew Large, the chairman of the Securities and Investments Board—SIB—and Sir David Scholey, a non-executive member of the court of the Bank of England, to the Board of Banking Supervision. They have also agreed the appointment of Howard Davies, deputy governor of the bank, as a member of the SIB. We welcome these appointments, which will strengthen further the links between financial regulators.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the sale of the Government's holding of debt in Railtrack. [35518]

The following bonds were offered for sale:

• £134,837,000 9.125 per cent. bonds due 2006;
• £100,163,000 9.625 per cent. bonds due 2016.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much VAT has been repaid as a result of retrospective claims for each of the last five years; and if he will estimate how much VAT will be repaid next year. [35251]

[holding answer 1 July 1996]: Figures for past refunds of VAT in respect of retrospective claims are not held separately. It is not possible to estimate future amounts to be refunded. Any figure will depend on the outcome of litigation currently before the VAT tribunal and the courts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when she will be in a position to publish the results of the survey her Department carried out on physical education and sport in schools. [34403]

I have today arranged for a copy of the report on the survey's findings to be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations she has received concerning the proposed closure of the Muirhead avenue east site of the Liverpool community college; if she will commission an inquiry into the proposal; and if she will make a statement. [35308]

The Department has received no representations about the closure of the site. I understand that it is one of 12 currently operated by Liverpool community college. While it is for the college to decide how to manage and develop its estate, the Government would encourage colleges to become more efficient in all areas of activity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what was the amount of grant for Kirklees metropolitan council for its education new build programme in each year since 1979–80; [34797](2) what was the amount of grant for Kirklees metropolitan council for the improvement and repair of schools within the area for each year since 1979–80. [34796]

[holding answer 27 June 1996]: The following table gives details of the credit approvals for Kirklees metropolitan council to fund its capital programme for schools.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the allocation of the European structural fund's community initiative reserves. [35587]

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the allocation of European structural funds money to British objective 2 areas. [35588]

The Government obtained for the UK and Gibraltar 2,500 million ecu of objective 2 money for 1997 to 99. I have allocated this as set out in table.

The Government obtained for the United Kingdom and Gibraltar 187.21 million ecu from the Community initiatives reserve. I have allocated this between programmes and between areas as set out in the table.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what are the long-term implications of the damaged fuel pins found in advanced gas-cooled reactor stations; and if he will make a statement; [35295](2) what recommendations the nuclear installations inspectorate made on the operation of the AGRs with known fuel pin problems; and what implications it identified for the emergency shut-down system; [35296](3) when he expects the NII inquiry into the fuel pin problem to be completed; [35297](4) when factors led to the omission of reference to fuel pin problems in British Energy's prospectus. [35298]

There is no omission in the British Energy prospectus. Reference to fuel pin problems is made on page 66 under the heading "fuel brace fretting".As the prospectus notes, British Energy is continuing to examine the significance of this issue at its AGR stations and its potential on future fuel utilisation.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the design, build and commission cost of Sizewell B pressurised water reactor station; what is the net revenue received by the Exchequer since Sizewell B was commissioned to date; and what is the estimated profit and loss against the sale price of Sizewell B. [35299]

Sizewell B commenced generation in the year ended 31 March 1995. At that date, the historic cost of Sizewell B, as recorded in the financial statements of British Energy, was £2,510 million. The net income of any individual power station is a commercial matter for the company. Sizewell B forms part of the assets of British Energy and is not being sold separately, consequently there is no "sale price of Sizewell B".

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many inspections of offshore oil and gas installations have been undertaken by his Department in each of the past 10 years. [35460]

Numerous inspections of offshore installations have been undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry in each of the past 10 years, although precise figures are not available.Until 1991, safety inspections of offshore installations were carried out by Department of Energy inspectors exercising powers in regulations made under the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971. In 1991, this function was transferred to the Health and Safety Executive. The Department of Trade and Industry does not carry out inspections relating to safety.From 1986 to 1993, inspections of offshore oil and gas installations were undertaken by officers for the Department for the purpose of issuing UK oil pollution prevention—UKOPP—certificates under the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1983, SI 1983/1398. However, this has now reverted to the Department of Transport as from 1 June 1995.The Secretary of State has powers under each licence granted in accordance with section 2 of the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934 to examine any installation erected in accordance with a licence and its equipment and any works executed. These powers are most commonly exercised by petroleum measurement inspectors to ensure that the methods of measurement used to account for petroleum won and saved from the licensed areas comply with the requirements of the licence.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish figures for the current balance in the decommissioning account for each of the nuclear companies due to be privatised; and where, in each case, this fund is held. [35578]

This information is included in the audited financial statements of Nuclear Electric Ltd. and Scottish Nuclear Ltd. for the period ended 31 March 1996.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what monitoring is undertaken by his Department to ensure that oil companies comply with the conditions placed on discharges from offshore oil and gas installations to the marine environment; [35461](2) what provisions his Department has in place to ensure that

Both my Department and the Department of Transport's marine pollution control unit monitor discharges from offshore oil and gas installations by means of a programme of aerial surveillance. This is used to monitor whether oil spills are reported in accordance with the requirements of petroleum production licences. Aerial surveillance can also detect high levels of produced water.When a company has been granted an exemption in accordance with section 23 of the Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971, which permits the discharge of produced water, conditions attached to that exemption will require the company to take samples of produced water twice a day for analysis. The results of the analysis are submitted to my Department for inspection on a monthly basis.Similarly, conditions attached to an exemption which permits the company to drill with oil-based mud will require the company to take samples at least once a day for analysis of the oil on cuttings. The results of these analyses are submitted to my Department for inspection after the well is completed.The effects of operational discharges of chemicals in water and drilling muds from offshore oil and gas installations, including possible cumulative effects, are taken into account when agreeing limits for the discharge and use of chemicals for each installation. The Departments responsible for fisheries monitor the well being of the marine environment.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement regarding sums owed to his Department by RJB Mining plc in respect of its acquisition of mining assets of the British Coal Corporation. [35746]

It was agreed at the time of the sale to RJB Mining that my Department would receive £116.7 million of the sale price of £815.3 million in the form of deferred payments up to December 1997. My Department received this initial deferred consideration instalment of £12.2 million, plus interest, last January.The company has now repaid early the entire remaining deferred consideration, which amounts to some £117 million including interest. I welcome this demonstration of the industry's success in the private sector.