To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the west coast main line will qualify for inclusion in the trans-European network high speed rail links. [36827]

The west coast main line is included on the current trans European network high speed rail map. The United Kingdom secured nearly £7 million of EU funding in support of the WCML modernisation in 1995 and we are confident of further sums during 1996 and beyond.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the total cost of the Scott inquiry. [36042]

The total cost so far to public funds of Sir Richard Scott's inquiry is assessed as £6,945,000.This figure includes the direct salary, legal and other estimated costs of the inquiry itself; the direct salary cost of officials wholly employed on matters relating to the inquiry—but not the cost of officials who have worked on inquiry-related matters from time to time as part of their normal duties, which is unquantifiable; the cost of providing external legal services for witnesses to the inquiry, and the value of legal services charged by the Treasury Solicitor's Department. Some legal advice has been provided by Government lawyers as part of their normal duties, which is also unquantifiable and therefore not included.Some officials continue to work on inquiry-related matters, for example in taking forward the Government's response to Sir Richard Scott's recommendations. However, since this work is generally carried out as part of officials' other duties it is unlikely that there will be a significant increase in the costs set out.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many allegations made by civil servants of improper conduct by Ministers are currently under investigation by the first civil service commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the nature of the allegations. [37132]

The civil service commissioners' annual report for 1995–96 published on 4 June, stated that one appeal to them under the civil service code was currently under investigation; one case had been the subject of internal departmental investigation and the commissioners had not yet received an appeal; and one further case was still the subject of internal departmental procedures. I understand from the first commissioner that none of these cases involved allegations of improper conduct by Ministers and that no further approaches have been made to the commissioners since their report was published. The commissioners will report in general terms on the number, nature and outcome of all appeals made to them in their next report.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make an announcement on the progress of the sale of the Occupational Health and Safety Agency. [37549]

The House was informed on 23 November 1995 that it was the Government's intention to sell the Occupational Health and Safety Agency. I announced the shortlist of four companies to the House on 26 June. It is the Government's intention to identify a preferred bidder by the end of July and to complete the sale as soon as possible thereafter.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the change in real terms since privatisation in industrial electricity and industrial gas prices; and what estimate the DTI energy model has provided about the effect of these changes on consumption levels. [36815]

Between privatisation—in the second quarter of 1990—and the first quarter of 1996 industrial electricity prices have fallen by 10.5 per cent. in real terms. Industrial gas prices fell by 55 per cent. in real terms between privatisation—in the fourth quarter of 1986—and the first quarter of 1996.The DTI energy model estimates that in the short run, industrial energy demand is relatively unresponsive to changes in energy prices. In the longer term, for every 10 per cent. fall in energy prices, total energy demand is estimated to rise by around 4 per cent.However, the price responsiveness of energy demand varies significantly across industrial sectors and types of fuel. For example, industrial electricity demand is estimated to be more price responsive than industrial gas demand.Energy prices are just one of the many influences on energy demand and recent changes in demand for electricity and, particularly, gas will be affected by developments in technology and availability of supplies as well as prices.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the British Government's policy on the issuing of transhipment licences relating to trade between two other countries for products supplied by British companies. [36485]

[holding answer 10 July 1996]: A transhipment licence is used where controlled products enter the United Kingdom solely for transit to another country. Individual transhipment licences are no longer required for many such goods except to the most sensitive destinations and for certain military, security and paramilitary police equipment. Most transhipments, for both industrial and other military goods, are allowed under the terms of the open general transhipment licence.Where applications for individual transhipment licences are required, they are considered against the same strict criteria as applications for other export licences.In accordance with arrangements introduced on 10 November 1994, goods that remain on board a plane or ship or those on "through airway bills" or "through bills of lading" are not controlled provided that they leave the UK within 30 days of arrival, that the final destination has been decided before the goods left the country of original export and are not re-directed on their way through the UK. Additionally, the goods must have been exported in accordance with the original country's export laws.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with (a) the chairman of the Welsh Development Agency and (b) other bodies regarding amending his Department's guidelines for the work of the Welsh Development Agency in respect of inward investment; and if he will make a statement. [36597]

With the approval of the Treasury, my Department issued guidelines to the Welsh Development Agency for its inward investment activities in March 1995. An amendment to those guidelines, covering United Kingdom relocations, was agreed and issued in June 1995 and a copy placed in the Library of the House.The guidelines are currently being reviewed with the agency. Should it be necessary to make further amendments, or issue revised guidelines, a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give a timetable for the production of all technical advice notes to accompany "Planning Guidance (Wales) Planning Policy", published in May. [36550]

The first group of technical advice notes was issued for public consultation on 25 June. The intention is that final versions of these will be published before the end of the year. The remaining notes are scheduled for public consultation in October with the intention of publishing them in final form by March 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for mineral planning guidance in Wales. [36551]

My right hon. Friend is reviewing minerals planning guidance in Wales. Consultation on the draft guidance which results will take place later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what financial support he currently provides to the Epilepsy Association in Wales. [36859]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the South and East Wales ambulance trust concerning (a) the maximum expenditure allowed on capital projects without specific authorisations from his Department, (b) the cost of the new headquarters of the trust at Mamhilad, Pontypool and (c) the efficacy of the radio control system ordered for the trust. [37149]

None. All capital projects are subject to established planning and approval processes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set out the minimum term of car leasing contracts in NHS trusts and health authorities under executive car leasing schemes approved by his Department; what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Gwent health authority concerning the annual renewal of the chief executive's car leasing contract; and if he will make a statement. [37133]

The provision of leased cars is governed by section 24 of the NHS General Whitely Council agreement for staff employed by health authorities and NHS trusts on national terms and conditions of service. I am placing a copy of section 24 in the Library. NHS trusts can determine their own leasing arrangements for staff employed on trust terms and conditions of service and they need to be satisfied about the propriety of expenditure on them. My Department does not approve individual schemes and I have had no consultations with the chairman of Gwent health authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people with an educational qualification below national vocational qualification level 2 in the Don Valley parliamentary constituency (a) have been and (b) are being trained by the Barnsley-Doncaster training and enterprise council. [36161]

The information is not available in the form requested. The national follow-up survey of all 1994–95 youth training leavers indicates that 30 per cent. of participants in the Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council's youth programmes had no qualifications when they joined.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many of those in the age range 18 to 25 years(a)resident in the Don Valley parliamentary constituency and (b) resident in related travel-to-work areas have obtained national vocational qualification level 2. [36160]

The information is not available in the form requested. I understand that in the Doncaster district 1,025 participants on the Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council's youth programmes obtained a qualification at NVQ level 2 or higher during 1995–96. Other young people will have achieved NVQ level 2 or above as a result of other education and training programmes, including those not organised by the TEC. Figures for this are not available at constituency level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list the number of school students achieving grades C and above in GCSE examinations in Cheshire for each of the last five years and how that number relates to the national average. [36370]

The table gives the (i) number of and (ii) percentage of 15-year-old pupils attaining grades C and above in GCSE examinations in Cheshire and England for the years 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992. The data for 1991 are not available on a consistent basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations she has received from City college, Manchester in respect of redundancies consequent on funding reduction. [36940]

My right hon. Friend has received one letter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps she is taking to ensure a local provision of post-16 education in Manchester. [36922]

It is the statutory duty of the Further Education Funding Council to secure the provision of sufficient facilities for full-time education for those aged 16 to 18, and adequate facilities for part-time education for those aged over 16 and for full-time education for those aged 19 and over. I understand that there is no shortage of provision in Manchester.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce further legislation in respect of trafficking in human beings. [36562]

Under section 25(1) of the Immigration Act 1971, it is an offence for a person to be knowingly concerned in making or carrying out arrangements for securing or facilitating the entry into the United Kingdom of anyone who he knows or has reason to believe is an illegal entrant. Clause 5 of the Asylum and Immigration Bill extends this provision to include facilitating for reward the entry of an asylum claimant, and facilitating the acquisition of leave to remain by deception. No further legislative changes are planned.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to guarantee foreign prostitutes illegally present in the United Kingdom immunity from expulsion if they come forward. [36563]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures to prevent trafficking in women were discussed by officials from his Department and from the immigration service at the recent European Commission conference in Vienna. [36565]

The conference discussed a wide range of issues in the areas of migration policy, social policy and protection, law enforcement and police co-operation, and judicial co-operation. The European Commission is considering the conclusions of the conference with a view to presenting a communication to the Council and the European Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of incidents attended by the Cheshire fire service in each of the last five years. [36470]

The available information is in the following table:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many private finance initiative applications have been received from(a)police authorities and (b) fire brigades; and what is the total value of these projects. [36246]

It is for police and fire authorities to take forward private finance schemes. My hon. Friend, the Minister of State for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration announced on 21 May measures to help local authorities to engage in private finance initiative projects.The Home Office is supporting 13 police forces in the development of 14 "pathfinder" PFI projects, with an estimated total capital value of around £130 million. A number of fire brigades are also being encouraged to explore potential private finance options.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what mechanism compensation may be claimed for health damage to a child or adult caused by low flying aircraft; and how many such claims there have been since 1990. [36813]

My Department will pay reasonable compensation providing it can be demonstrated that military aircraft activity is responsible for any injury sustained. Individuals should submit their claim in writing to:

• The Ministry of Defence
• PL(LS) Claims 3
• Room 459
• Lacon House
• Theobalds Road
• London WC1X 8RY

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much is the Department's annual expenditure on research into possible health damage to people caused by low flying aircraft. [36814]

My Department is involved in research, both intramurally and extramurally, into a wide range of issues which have a bearing on the relationship between military aircraft activity and health. The annual expenditure specific to the possible effect of military low flying on health, however, cannot be separately identified.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body 1996 report concerning the use of the assured shorthold tenancy as a basis for fixing service accommodation rents. [37069]

The Armed Forces Pay Review Body stated in its 1996 report that it has adopted as the basis for its recommendations on accommodation charges a weighted average derived from all relevant housing sectors. This includes assured shorthold tenancies, but these are not the sole comparator. The Government have accepted the review body's recommendation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if armed forces accommodation newly constructed by his Department is included in his plans for the sale of the married quarters housing stock. [37068]

The estate intended for sale ranges widely in age, from properties constructed recently to housing built before 1945.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to publish the next edition of "Europe Finances". [36354]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to publish the statement on the 1996 EC budget; and what factors underlie the delay in publication. [36690]

I hope to publish this document before the recess. I regret that publication has been delayed by pressures of other work in the Treasury.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the principal differences in the treatment of PFI projects between the present system of cash accounting and the system of resource accounting which is planned to be introduced. [36571]

PFI contracts seek to procure public services which flow from capital invested by the private sector. Proposals to achieve an appropriate accounting treatment for PFI projects under resource accounting will be examined by the independent financial reporting advisory board to the Treasury which has been set up in response to the wishes of Parliament.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the entitlements for 1996–97 resulting from the carry forward of underspends allowed under the endyear flexibility schemes for capital, running costs, health, Ministry of Defence operating costs, EU structural funds and Jubilee line extension expenditure. [37693]

A list of entitlements totalling £369 million for capital expenditure; £498 million for running costs; £268 million for health expenditure; £285 million for MOD operating costs expenditure; £359 million for EU structural funds and £30 million for expenditure on the Jubilee line extension is shown in the table.Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimates, individual cash limits and running costs limits will be increased when entitlement is taken up.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the benefits of mutual status; and if he will make a statement. [36463]

During the recently concluded consultation on the draft Building Societies Bill, a number of societies, and others, mentioned the benefits of mutual status. We are currently considering these responses along with all the others we have received.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in receipt of a state pension pay(a)higher rate income tax, (b) basic and lower rate income tax only and (c) the lower rate of tax only. [36358]

The estimated numbers of taxpayers by marginal rate in receipt of state retirement pension—men aged 65 or over and women aged 60 or over—at 1996–97 income levels are given in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on action by the European Commission to incur expenditure on projects to assist the elderly without legal authority. [37690]

My Department has become aware that the European Commission has invited applications for funding for measures to assist the elderly. Such action has not been agreed by the Council of Ministers. The Government firmly believe that the Commission does not have the legal authority to commit expenditure of this kind without the endorsement of all member states in the Council. The Government have, therefore, lodged an application in the European Court of Justice challenging this planned expenditure. This challenge is necessary to ensure legality, financial propriety and democratic accountability in Commission spending.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial support he currently provides to the British Epilepsy Association in England. [36858]

In the current financial year the main national epilepsy organisations, the British Epilepsy Association and the National Society for Epilepsy have been awarded section 64 project grants from the Department of Health amounting to £52,500 and £29,500 respectively. The British Epilepsy Association is currently receiving a section 64 project grant of £22,500 a year for three years towards its database project, and a grant towards its helpline of £90,000 over three years.The National Society for Epilepsy is currently receiving a project grant for its joint educational fellowship for epilepsy project with the Royal College of General Practitioners of £40,000 over two years and a grant of £12,500 a year due to end in 1997–98 for its information needs project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in how many cases the regional executive for the North and Yorkshire has agreed that hospital trust budgets for 1996–97 can plan outturn deficits; and for which trusts deficit budgets have been agreed. [37019]

This information is based on estimates subject to revision. It is not therefore suitable for publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what policy guidance he has given to hospital trusts about the planned setting of deficit budgets in the present financial year. [37020]

Trusts' annual plans are based on contracts negotiated with local purchasers. The primary financial duty of national health service trusts is to break even on an income and expenditure basis, taking one year with another. This is a statutory obligation and is set out in the NHS and Community Care Act 1990. We have not issued any further policy guidance on this matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which hospital trusts had deficits in 1995–96; and what the size of the deficit was in each case. [37021]

Financial information for all trusts is placed in the Library when audit has been completed. The latest year for which audited records are available is currently 1994–95. The audited information for 1995–96 will not be available until later this year and as before will be placed in the Library as soon as practicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library the research which he has conducted into medical conditions that particularly affect members of ethnic minorities. [37023]

The Department attaches great importance to ensuring that the health needs of ethnic minority populations are recognised and met.The Department's policy research programme is open and research findings are normally published. The main agency through which the Government support biomedical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council. The MRC is an independent body receiving its grant in aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on how the "The Health of the Nation" targets relate to members of ethnic minorities. [37036]

The targets for improvement in health within "The Health of the Nation" White Paper relate to the whole of the population. The White Paper recognises that there will be a need for local decisions about developing local strategies and action to take account of the particular needs of different population groups such as those from black and ethnic minority groups.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what have been the rates of incidence of(a)sickle cell anaemia, (b) thalassaemia, (c) glaucoma, (d) diabetes and (e) hypertension in each of the last five years in (i) ethnic minority and (ii) other patients. [37097]

Information is not available centrally on rates of incidence of these conditions which differentiates between members of ethnic minorities and others.Information is available centrally in the hospital episode system both of operations and diagnosis using specific codes. The available information is contained in "Hospital episode statistics", volume 1, copies of which are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what percentage of the membership of the NHS executive board are from ethnic minorities. [37136]

None of the current members of the national health service executive board are from ethnic minorities. Members of the board are senior civil servants and are appointed in line with civil service commissioners' guidelines for ensuring fair and open competition regardless of race or ethnic origin.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current percentage of ethnic minority consultants with(a)A+, (b) A, (c) B and (d) C merit awards; and what is the total percentage of consultants with a merit award. [37145]

Information on the ethnic origin of distinction award holders is not currently held centrally. As at 30 September 1995, the proportion of consultants in Great Britain holding an A+, A, or B distinction award was 13 per cent. With effect from 1 April 1996 the C award element of the distinction award scheme was replaced by a system of discretionary points, decided locally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish a breakdown of ethnic minority representation on the boards of(a)health authorities and (b) NHS trusts for the past five years. [37031]

This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish a breakdown of ethnic minority membership of community health councils. [37029]

This information is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current percentage of consultants who are from an ethnic minority, by speciality and in total. [37144]

The proportion of consultants in post from an ethnic minority is 16 per cent. However, this figure is based on information which is voluntarily provided to trusts by the doctors concerned. As not all doctors provide it, this data must therefore be subject to some uncertainty.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will publish a breakdown of general practitioners by ethnic minority for each of the past five years(a)nationally and (b) by region; [37035](2) if he will list the total number of

Information on the number of general practitioners was published in "Statistics for General Medical Practitioners in England: 1985–1995", copies of which are available in the Library. Information on the total number of ethnic minority general practitioners by region is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the current percentage of black and ethnic minority chairs and non-executive members of NHS authorities, trusts and community health councils,(a)nationally and (b) individually by (i) community health council, (ii) trust and (iii) district health authority; [37039](2) how many and what percentage of regional health authority chairmen are from ethnic minorities. [37137]

The current breakdown of ethnic minority chairmen and non-executive members is 4.8 per cent. of people appointed to national health service trusts and 5.9 per cent. of those appointed to health authorities. The figure for community health councils is not available centrally.Specific details relating to each NHS trust and health authority will be in the annual report which is to be published later this summer.None of the eight regional chairmen is from a minority ethnic background.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a)ethnic minority and (b) other patients have been sectioned under the provisions of Mental Health Acts in each of the last five years. [37098]

The number of total formal admissions of patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 is shown in the table. Information on ethnic minority patients admitted under the Act is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have received ECT in each of the last five years broken down into(a)men, (b) women and (c) ethnic minorities. [37099]

Reliable information on the number of administrations of electro-convulsive therapy treatment is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Department's discussions with the Cornwall health authority and Cornwall county council on continuing care eligibility criteria. [37042]

The regional offices of the national health service executive and social services inspectorate are currently working with Cornwall health authority and Cornwall county council, at their request, on the implementation of eligibility criteria.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authorities have not finalised continuing care eligibility criteria. [37041]

Health authorities implemented local policies and eligibility criteria for continuing health care from April 1996. They are required to keep their policies under review and formally to revise their eligibility criteria for April 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department collates on cancelled out-patient appointments. [37044]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he will make an announcement on the appointment of a new chair for the Bradford Hospital trust; [37046]

The procedures for the appointment of the chairman of Bradford Hospital national health service trust have followed the published guidance from the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Details of the new chairman will be announced shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which bandages listed in the drug tariff are direct substitutes for Biflex Thuasne and Velband bandages. [37048]

Clinical equivalence is one of a number of factors taken into account when a product is considered for inclusion in the drug tariff. However, information on the clinical equivalence of products is not routinely kept by the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 8 July, Official Report, column 25, on bad debts, what is included in the "Other" category. [37101]

Other bad debts relate to all debts which are not overseas visitors, private patients, or road traffic accidents. No separate analysis of such debts is available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 21 May, Official Report, column 93, when figures for 1995–96 on debtors and bad debts will be available. [37070]

Figures for 1995–96 on debtors and bad debts will be available from 30 November 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average time spent in higher specialist training by (a) white doctors and (b) doctors from ethnic minority groups with right of residence. [37154]

This information is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the strategy for screening for sickle cell anaemia, glaucoma, diabetes and hypertension; and how this strategy relates to members of ethnic minorities. [37024]

Individual health authorities are responsible for assessing the needs of their resident populations, including the needs of ethnic minorities, and for purchasing services, including screening, to provide for those needs.The new National Screening Committee, which will meet for the first time later this year, will advise on national policy for implementation of screening programmes. Decisions are yet to be made on which conditions it will consider.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are in place for translation of NHS leaflets into languages other than English. [37025]

The Department of Health produces a substantial quantity of health information translated into languages other than English. Material is targeted at ethnic minority groups either if it is specific to them or where it is every citizen's right to have access to the information. The patients charter and "The Health of the Nation and You" are examples of publications translated into ethnic minority languages.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health advocates have been employed in primary care in each of the last five years. [37135]

This information is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what have been the immunisation rates for children (a) nationally and (b) from ethnic minorities for each of the past five years. [37037]

Information can be found in the summary information booklet titled "Vaccination and Immunisation Summary Information for 1994–95 England", copies of which are available in the Library.Information for immunisation rates for ethnic minorities is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the level of spending on AIDS research in each of the last five years. [37043]

The amount spent on HIV/AIDS research are as follows:

• 1991–92: £20.4 million
• 1992–93: £20.0 million
• 1993–94: £21.8 million
• 1994–95: £20.4 million
• 1995–96: £19.9 million

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the companies which have guaranteed a donation to the millennium exhibition, together with the sum guaranteed. [34435]

[holding answer 25 June 1996]: This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I shall reply to the hon. Member in my capacity as chairman of the commission and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the results of the feasibility study for market testing personal details and customer services work for the Contributions Agency. [35684]

Operational responsibility for the Contributions Agency lies with Mrs. Faith Boardman, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans he has to review the procedures of the War Pensions Agency; [35704](2) how many compensation appeals were dealt with by the War Pensions Agency in 1995; and what percentage of those appeals resulted in the appeal being upheld; [35705](3) what factors the War Pensions Agency takes into account when making its statement of case on compensation appeals; [35706](4) how many letters he has received concerning the operations of the War Pensions Agency and its operational procedures in the last three years. [35707]

These are matters for Mr. Kevin Caldwell, chief executive of the War Pensions Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the number of claimants for (a) child benefit and (b) one parent benefit in (i) Crewe and Nantwich and (ii) Cheshire for each of the last five years. [36347]

The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 3 April, Official Report, column 360, if he will make a statement on the further action by the European Commission to incur expenditure without legal authority. [37689]

My Department has become aware that the European Commission has invited further applications for funding for projects seeking to combat social exclusion. The substantive issue—of expenditure without the necessary legal authority is identical to the case that the Government took to the European Court of Justice in April. We have therefore this week lodged an application in the European Court of Justice challenging the legal basis of the Commission's proposed further expenditure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was, at the latest available date, the number of Scottish Office and related agencies staff in 1995 by department or agency, the number of administrative and professional staff in each grade above clerical, by grade, their annual salary costs in each department or agency, the totals in each category, and the population of Scotland. [35993]

The estimated population of Scotland at mid-1995 was 5,136,600. The numbers of staff at 1 April 1995 employed in the Scottish Office and its executive agencies, detailing administrative and professional staff in each grade above clerical and annual salary costs, are set out in the tables.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the Scottish laws, statutory instruments or rules in the field of (a) state and private pensions and (b) commercial law enacted since May 1992. [35994]

Matters relating to state and private pensions are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. Matters relating to commercial law are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.