To ask the Attorney-General what plans he has to review the workings of the Serious Fraud Office; and if he will make a statement. [40554]

The Serious Fraud Office continues to implement recommendations made in the Graham report and by the Davie group, including measures to rationalise its investigative function and to make the most efficient use of police resources. I have no plans for further reorganisation.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the total number of magistrates' courts in each region, for each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [39116]

[pursuant to reply, 24 July 1996, c. 340]: The information requested is not collected centrally. Magistrates' courts are locally managed by magistrates' courts committees under the provisions of the Justices of the Peace Act 1979.The extra time to answer this question afforded by the parliamentary adjournment has allowed officials to contact each of the 100 MCCs, and for the requested information to be collected. The cost of this exercise has exceeded the maximum limit set for answering parliamentary questions.The information requested is as follows:

Magistrates courts' committee area	The number of magistrates courts 1992 to 1996
	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996
Avon	5	5	5	5	5
Barking	1	1	1	1	1
Barnet	2	2	2	2	2
Barnsley	1	1	1	1	1
Bedfordshire	6	6	6	6	6
Berkshire and Oxfordshire	16	15	15	13	13
Bexley	1	1	1	1	1
Birmingham	2	2	2	2	2
Bolton	1	1	1	1	1
Brent	1	1	1	1	1
Bromley	1	1	1	1	1
Buckinghamshire	6	6	6	6	6
Bury	1	1	1	1	1
Calderdale	3	1	1	1	1
Cambridgeshire	8	7	7	7	7
Cheshire	10	10	10	9	10

Magistrates courts' committee area	The number of magistrates courts 1992 to 1996
	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996
City of London	1	1	1	1	1
Cleveland	3	3	3	3	3
Cornwall	9	9	9	9	9
Coventry	1	1	1	1	1
Croydon	1	1	1	1	1
Cumbria	12	12	12	10	10
Derbyshire	13	13	12	12	12
Devon	18	18	18	18	17
Doncaster	2	2	2	2	2
Dorset	12	12	12	11	11
Dudley	3	3	3	3	3
Durham	9	9	9	9	9
Dyfed	15	10	10	10	10
Ealing	2	2	2	2	2
East Sussex	9	4	4	4	4
Enfield	1	1	1	1	1
Essex	13	13	13	13	12
Gateshead	1	1	1	1	1
Gloucestershire	11	11	9	9	9
Gwent	11	11	10	10	9
Hampshire	16	13	12	10	10
Haringey	2	2	2	2	2
Harrow	1	1	1	1	1
Havering	1	1	1	1	1
Hereford and Worcester	10	9	9	9	9
Hertfordshire	10	10	9	9	9
Hillingdon	1	1	1	1	1
Hounslow	2	2	2	2	2
Humberside	17	17	17	17	10
Inner London	20	19	19	19	17
Isle of Wight	1	1	1	1	1
Kent	17	16	16	15	14
Kingston upon Thames	1	1	1	1	1
Knowsley	2	2	2	1	1
Lancashire	16	14	13	13	13
Leeds	5	5	5	5	5
Leicestershire	8	8	8	8	8
Lincolnshire	14	14	14	14	14
Liverpool	1	1	1	1	1
Manchester	1	1	1	1	1
Merton	1	1	1	1	1
Newcastle upon Tyne	2	2	2	2	2
Newham	2	2	2	1	1
Norfolk	11	10	10	10	8
North Tyneside	2	1	1	1	1
North Wales	24	24	24	21	19
North Yorkshire	19	19	18	17	17
Northamptonshire	6	6	6	6	6
Northumberland	6	4	4	4	4
Nottinghamshire	5	5	5	5	5
Oldham	1	1	1	1	1
Powys	6	6	6	6	6
Redbridge	1	1	1	1	1
Richmond upon Thames	1	1	1	1	1
Rochdale	2	2	2	2	1
Rotherham	1	1	1	1	1
Salford	2	2	1	1	1
Sandwell	2	2	2	2	2
Sefton	2	2	2	2	2
Sheffield	1	1	1	1	1
Shropshire	7	7	7	7	7
Solihull	1	1	1	1	1
Somerset	12	6	6	6	6
South Wales	9	9	8	8	8
South Tyneside	2	2	2	2	2
St. Helens	1	1	1	1	1
Staffordshire	15	14	14	13	13
Stockport	1	1	1	1	1
Suffolk	10	10	10	10	10
Sunderland	3	3	3	3	3
Surrey	11	11	10	10	10

Magistrates courts' committee area	The number of magistrates courts 1992 to 1996
	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996
Sutton	1	1	1	1	1
Tameside	2	2	2	2	2
Trafford	1	1	1	1	1
Walsall	2	2	2	2	2
Waltham Forest	1	1	1	1	1
Warwickshire	6	5	5	5	5
West Glamorgan	5	5	5	5	5
West Riding Metropolitan	8	8	8	8	8
West Sussex	7	7	7	6	6
Wigan	2	2	2	2	2
Wiltshire	11	6	6	6	6
Wirral	2	2	2	2	2
Wolverhampton	1	1	1	1	1
Total	576	537	526	510	491

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many magistrates' courts are, (a) administered by an office in a different area, and (b) deal with custody cases in another area; what were the figures five years ago; and if he will make a statement. [39072]

[holding answer 24 July 1996]: The information requested is not collected centrally. Magistrates' courts are locally managed by magistrates' courts committees under the provisions of the Justices of the Peace Act 1979.The extra time to answer this question afforded by the parliamentary adjournment has allowed officials to contact each of the 100 MCCs, and for the requested information to be collected. The cost of this exercise has exceeded the maximum limit set for answering parliamentary questions.Area has been taken to mean petty sessional division and emergency arrangements or Saturday morning rota sittings have not been included.The information requested follows:

Magistrates court's committee area	Magistrates courts administered by an office in a different area		Number of courts dealing with custody cases in a different area
	1992	1996	1992	1996
Avon	—	—	—	—
Barking	—	—	—	—
Barnet	—	—	—	—
Barnsley	—	—	—	—
Bedfordshire	4	4	—	—
Berkshire and Oxfordshire	4	4	—	—
Bexley	—	—	—	—
Birmingham	—	—	—	—
Bolton	—	—	—	—
Brent	—	—	—	—
Bromley	—	—	—	—
Buckinghamshire	—	—	—	—
Bury	—	—	—	—
Calderdale	—	—	—	—
Cambridgeshire	3	4	—	—
Cheshire	1	—	—	—
City of London	—	—	—	—
Cleveland	—	—	—	—
Cornwall	8	6	—	—
Coventry	—	—	—	—
Croydon	—	—	—	—

Magistrates court's committee area	Magistrates courts administered by an office in a different area		Number of courts dealing with custody cases in a different area
	1992	1996	1992	1996
Cumbria	8	6	—	—
Derbyshire	2	2	—	1
Devon	4	3	—	—
Doncaster	—	—	—	—
Dorset	7	7	—	—
Dudley	1	1	—	—
Durham	—	—	—	—
Dyfed	9	6	—	—
Ealing	—	—	—	—
East Sussex	3	—	—	—
Enfield	—		—	—
Essex	6	5	—	—
Gateshead	—	—	—	—
Gloucestershire	2	2	1	1
Gwent	8	6	10	8
Hampshire	—	—	—	—
Haringey	1	1	—	—
Harrow	—	—	—	—
Havering	—	—	—	—
Hereford and Worecester	1	1	—	—
Hertfordshire	5	3	—	—
Hillingdon	—	—	—	—
Hounslow	—	—	—	—
Humberside	11	6	—	—
Inner London	—	—	—	—
Isle of Wight	—	—	—	—
Kent	5	9	—	—
Kingston Upon Thames	—	—	—	—
Knowsley	—	—	—	—
Lancashire	2	4	—	—
Leeds	4	4	—	—
Leicestershire	3	5	—	1
Lincolnshire	6	7	—	—
Liverpool	—	—	—	—
Manchester	—	—	—	—
Merton	—	—	—	—
Newcastle upon Tyne	—	—	—	—
Newham	—	—	—	—
Norfolk	3	2	—	—
North Tyneside	—	—	—	—
North Wales	9	7	—	—
North Yorkshire	5	7	—	1
Northamptonshire	5	5	4	4
Northumberland	—	—	—	—
Nottinghamshire	1	1	—	—
Oldham	—	—	—	—
Powus	4	4	6	6
Redbridge	—	—	—	—
Richmond upon Thames	—	—	—	—
Rochdale	—	1	—	1
Rotherham	—	—	—	—
Salford	—	—	—	—
Sandwell	—	—	—	1
Sefton	—	—	—	—
Sheffield	—	—	—	—
Shropshire	4	5	—	—
Solihull	—	—	—	—
Somerset	—	1	—	—
South Wales	1	1	—	—
South Tyneside	—	—	—	—
St. Helens	—	1	—	—
Staffordshire	5	8	—	2
Stockport	—	—	—	—
Suffolk	—	—	—	—
Sunderland	—	—	—	—
Surrey	3	—	—	—
Sutton	—	—	—	—
Tameside	—	—	—	—
Trafford	—	—	—	—
Walsall	—	—	—	—
Waltham Forest	—	—	—	—
Warwickshire	2	3	—	—
West Glamorgan	2	3	—	—
West Riding

Magistrates court's committee area	Magistrates courts administered by an office in a different area		Number of courts dealing with custody cases in a different area
	1992	1996	1992	1996
Metropolitan	—	—	—	—
West Sussex	3	2	—	—
Wigan	—	—	—	—
Wiltshire	6	1	—	—
Wirral	—	—	—	—
Wolverhampton	—	—	—	—
Total	161	148	21	26
Where a section shows no value the answer was none.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the trends in manufacturing productivity in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) other member states of the European Union in each of the first three quarters of 1996. [40549]

Figures on UK manufacturing output per person employed are published by the Office for National Statistics in table 4.7 of "Economic Trends", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. They are also available on the central shared database, which can be accessed from the Library. The figures up to August 1996 will be released on Wednesday 16 October. Comparable figures for the other member states of the European Union are not yet available.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what sum was received by the Government from the sale of British Coal Enterprises. [40422]

The sale of British Coal Enterprise is a matter for British Coal. I understand that the corporation has not yet completed the sale of all the activities of BCE.

To ask the president of the Board of Trade when he will place further memoranda concerning the prior options reviews of public sector research establishments in the Library. [41075]

I have placed in the Library of the House the memorandum setting out the rationale underlying the decisions concerning ADAS which were announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 18 July.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are his plans for reforming Government support for business. [41076]

We are today launching two new challenges. I am also confirming a major simplification of central schemes.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing for each member state of the European Community the rates levied by value added tax on food in shops, household fuel, children's clothing, books, newspapers and magazines, public transport, water and sewage services, newly constructed homes, second-hand homes and the standard of tax most recently adopted; when the current VAT agreement expires; and what remunerations have been received from the Commission concerning its services or continuation for any stated period. [41410]

[holding answer 14 October 1996]: The information about VAT rates is set out in the table. The current EC VAT agreement (the sixth VAT directive), and so the provisions governing the VAT rates

VAT rates on various goods and services in the EC
Percentage rate of VAT
								Homes
Member state	Foods in shops	Household fuel	Children's clothing	Books	Newspaper and magazines	Public transport	Water and sewage supplies	New	Second-hand	Standard rate
Austria	10	20	20	10	10	10	20	20	Exempt	20
Belgium	6	121	21	6	6	6	221	12	Exempt	21
Denmark	25	25	25	25	325	4Exempt	5Exempt	25	Exempt	25
France	65.5	20.6	20.6	5.5	2.1	5.5	720.6	20.6	Exempt	20.6
Germany	7	15	15	7	7	815	915	Exempt	Exempt	15
Greece	8	18	18	4	4	8	1018	18	Exempt	18
Ireland	110	12.5	0	0	12.5	Exempt	21	12.5	Exempt	21
Italy	1210	1310	16	4	4	1410	19	1519	19	19
Luxembourg	3	1612	3	3	3	15	15	Exempt	Exempt	15
Netherlands	6	17.5	17.5	6	6	6	1717.5	17.5	Exempt	17.5
Portugal	1817	1917	17	5	5	5	2017	21Exempt	Exempt	17
Spain	227	16	16	4	4	7	7	16	Exempt	16
Sweden	12	25	25	25	6	12	25	25	Exempt	25
UK	230	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	Exempt	17.5
1 A reduced rate of 12 per cent, applies to coal and peat.
2 A reduced rate of 6 per cent, applies to the supply of water.
3 A zero rate applies to magazines.
4 Transport on regular services is exempt, but on chartered buses is taxable at 25 per cent.
5 Exemption only applies to water in connection with the letting of a house or premise; otherwise the standard rate of 25 per cent, applies.
6 Sweets, chocolate, margarine and vegetable fat are subject to the standard rate of 20.6 per cent.
7 A reduced rate of 5.5 per cent, applies to sewage services.
8 A reduced rate of 7 per cent, applies to transport which takes place within a town or where the distance does not exceed 50 km.
9 A reduced rate of 7 per cent, applies to supplies of water.
10 A reduced rate of 8 per cent, applies to sewage services.
11 Chocolates, sweets, biscuits etc. are taxable at 12.5 per cent.
12 A reduced rate of 4 per cent, applies to basic foodstuffs such as bread and pasta; a rate of 16 per cent, applies to items such as lobsters and oysters.
13 A 16 per cent, rate applies to coal.
14 Transport between towns which are less than 50 km apart is exempt.
15 A reduced rate of 4 per cent, applies to certain social housing.
16 A 12 per cent, rate applies to wood, oil and coal.
17 A reduced rate of 6 per cent, applies to the supply of water.
18 A reduced rate of 12 per cent, applies to unprepared foodstuffs.
19 A reduced rate of 5 per cent, applies to electricity and oil.
20 A reduced rate of 5 per cent, applies to the supply of water.
21 A reduced rate of 5 per cent, applies to certain constructions of housing by building co-operatives.
22 A reduced rate of 4 per cent, applies to certain basic foodstuffs.
23 The standard rate of 17.5 per cent, applies to confectionery, crisps, ice cream, chocolate etc.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has to remove tax secrecy from (a) the Channel Islands, (b) the Isle of Man, (c) Gibraltar and (d) Caribbean dependencies; and if he will enter into discussions with the authorities of such places about the prevention of drug trafficking and fraud. [40368]

[holding answer 14 October 1996]: Arrangements already exist for the exchange of information with the Channel Islands and other dependencies, where appropriate, for taxation purposes, including the detection and prevention of fraud. Legislation has been in place for some time to tackle the avoidance of tax through the use of off-shore concerns, and if the Government become aware of any significant new risk in this area, further legislation will be considered.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the percentage change in real personal disposable income (a) overall, (b) of persons in employment and (c) of persons not in employment, for each year since 1979. [40364]

[holding answer 14 October 1996]: Information on real personal disposable income at 1990 prices is published annually in the United Kingdom National Accounts, the Blue Book, and is also held on the Office for National Statistics database. These sources are available in the House of Commons Library. It is not possible to calculate the proportion of real personal disposable income which goes to persons in employment and to persons not in employment.However, information at current prices is available on sources of household incomes in table 4.9 of the Blue Book; and analyses of incomes, only at household level, based on the family expenditure survey are also available—results are published annually in the relevant editions of "Family Spending" which are available in the Library.The percentage change in overall real personal disposable income at 1990 prices in each year since 1979 is:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are currently earning less than £3 per hour; and what was the number in 1991. [40142]

The labour force survey shows that, in spring 1996, there were 1.74 million people in Great Britain earning less than £3 per hour. The labour force survey did not collect earnings information prior to 1992.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many new cases of glaucoma were detected in each of the last five years. [40573]

Statistics on glaucoma are not collected centrally.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many new cases of oral cancer were detected (a) in each regional health authority and (b) nationally in (i) 1991 and (ii) 1992. [40572]

The number of new cases of oral cancer detected in (a) each regional health authority and (b) nationally in 1991 are shown in the table. Data for 1992 are not yet available.

Oral Cancer Registrations (ICD1codes 140–149 excluding 142 by regional health authority and constituent countries of the United Kingdom.
19912	Number
Northern	221
Yorkshire	227
Trent	249
East Anglian	110
North-west Thames	207
North-east Thames	175
South-east Thames	199
South-west Thames	142
Wessex	194
Oxford	124
South Western	155
West Midlands	320
Mersey	189
North Western	249
England	2,761
Wales3	185
Scotland	466
North Ireland	103
UK	3,515
1 International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision.
2 All data are provisional, except those for Scotland.
3 1990 data; 1991 are not yet available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the recent annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World bank. [40951]

I attended meetings of the IMF's interim committee and the IMF/World bank development committee in Washington on 29 and 30 September, and the IMF/World bank annual meeting on 1–2 October, where progress was made on several issues of importance for the world economy and for developing countries. As usual, the IMF and World bank meetings were preceded by meetings of the G7 and G10 finance Ministers arid central bank governors. I also attended the Commonwealth Finance Ministers' meeting in Bermuda on 24 to 26 September.One of my top priorities for these meetings was the reduction in debt of the poorest, most indebted countries. I first launched an initiative on this subject at the Commonwealth Finance Ministers' meeting in Valletta two years ago. This year the IMF/World bank launched their own proposals in response to my initiative. These proposals were discussed in Bermuda and in Washington. I am delighted to be able to tell the House that they were endorsed. All other Ministers in the development committee joined me in calling for implementation to begin for the first potentially eligible countries before the end of 1996.All major creditors—the IMF, World bank, and Paris Club—confirmed in Washington that they would play their part in delivering debt sustainability. The World bank will do so through the creation of trust funds. It has already allocated $500 million, and expects to contribute up to $2 billion in all. The IMF has undertaken to provide a combination of grants and loans which have longer maturities and grace periods, thereby effecting a substantial reduction in the value of its share of debt. The Paris Club of official bilateral creditors has agreed to go beyond Naples terms, on a case-by-case basis, up to 80 per cent. reduction of present value of claims. This is something the British Government have been advocating for many years, since it was first proposed by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, in 1990.I regard agreement on this initiative, which the Prime Minister and I have advocated at successive international meetings over the last two years, as a major achievement. In the timescale of international economic diplomacy, two years from my first outline proposal to worldwide agreement on implementing a detailed scheme is good going. I am grateful to those who have worked to help us get there, including the voluntary organisations which have kept up the international pressure for action, as well as the officials of the international organisations who have helped put the pieces in place. We now have a scheme that offers real hope to some of the world's poorest countries. I will continue to work to ensure it is implemented in a flexible and commonsense way by the institutions concerned, to give countries that qualify an early and lasting exit from unsustainable debt.I will also work to try to ensure that poor countries do not slip back into unsustainable debt, and that all developing countries have the best possible access to work markets and flows of private sector capital. I was therefore glad that, at the Commonwealth Finance Minister's meeting in Bermuda, Ministers agreed on the need for donors and creditors to discourage the financing of unproductive spending in developing countries. At Bermuda also, Ministers stressed the importance of an open, rules-based and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system. Ministers also discussed the rapid expansion in private capital flows, acknowledging their importance in promoting economic growth and investment. I pointed out the need for financial sector reform and liberalisation of the capital account. At my request, a small working group of Finance Ministry officials from Commonwealth countries will now study the role of national and international policies in encouraging private capital flows for investment.Following another UK initiative, Ministers in Bermuda endorsed the new and updated 40 recommendations agreed by the financial action task force at the end of June 1996, which set out the measures countries should take to combat money laundering. In addition, we approved the publication of a comprehensive set of guidelines, prepared by the Commonwealth Secretariat, to help Commonwealth countries with the practical implementation of their anti-money-laundering strategies. Ministers also supported the establishment of regional groups—modelled on the Caribbean financial action task force—to enable Commonwealth countries to review their progress in implementing anti money laundering measures. We also urged the IMF and the World bank to take full account of the need for countries to maintain effective anti-money laundering systems in their surveillance activities and in their provision of technical assistance.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidelines have been issued to non-departmental public bodies in relation to the implementation of local pay delegation, following the decision to end the previous pay arrangements for such organisations. [40133]

Departments were given delegated responsibility for the pay systems of their civil service staff outside the senior civil service from 1 April 1996. This change did not directly affect non-departmental public bodies—they already had responsibility for their pay systems, subject to Treasury approval or consent in many, but not all, cases, and do not generally employ civil servants. However many NDPBs have pay systems which are analogous to or closely follow those of the civil servants in the sponsor department. As Departments introduce pay systems tailored to their particular requirements, NDPBs will need to consider what changes are appropriate for them. The Treasury has issued guidance to help departments think through the many issues involved, and Departments are free to show this to their NDPBs if they decide that is helpful.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what further assistance he proposes to support local authority local waste recycling schemes; and if he will make a statement. [38365]

The measures and policy framework to assist local recycling are set out in the White Paper "Making Waste Work".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received regarding energy conservation. [38367]

My right hon. Friend and I regularly receive a wide range of representations on this subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the application of the area cost adjustment on Local government funding. [38368]

In our consultation, all four local government organisations have expressed reservations about implementing this review and have asked for further work. I will consider the representations after my meeting with them tomorrow.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to reform the area cost adjustment. [38374]

We will be discussing the review of the area cost adjustment with the local authority associations tomorrow at the consultative council on local government finance. Once we have taken their views, we will decide how to proceed. [38374]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of sewage outfalls into rivers or the sea receive tertiary treatment. [38369]

Fourteen.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the management of coastal areas. [38370]

We recognise that coastal areas are an important resource and have taken a number of steps to promote their effective management. In England, these include creation of a national coastal forum, publication of policy guidelines for the coast and—later this month—the issue of a best practice guide to coastal management.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the latest report of the royal commission on environmental pollution. [38371]

We welcome the royal commission's 19th report on the "Sustainable Use of Soil." We are considering all its recommendations carefully and expect to publish a formal response to the report by the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent studies he has made of the conduct of local government. [38372]

We have made no recent studies of the conduct of local government. However, the Nolan committee announced in June that its third study will examine aspects of conduct in local government in England, Scotland and Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the governance of London. [38373]

The current arrangements serve our capital city and the nation extremely well.

To ask the Secretary Environment what progress he has conservation of wetlands in Europe. [38375]

The Government have broadly welcomed the policy set out in the European Commission's communication on the wise use and conservation of wetlands. Many positive steps are already being taken in Europe to conserve wetlands under EU directives and international conventions. The UK makes a major contribution. For example, we have listed 107 internationally important wetlands under the Ramsar convention. Many wetland sites have also been classified as special protection areas under the birds directive. Other sites have been submitted to the Commission as candidate special areas for conservation under the habitats directive, and will be protected in the interim pending formal designation. [38375]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many homes are under construction and how many have been built during the last 12 months; and what were the equivalent figures in 1978–79. [38376]

It is estimated that 146,000 dwellings were completed in England during the 12 months to August 1996 and that 197,000 were under construction by the end of August. In comparison, some 227,000 dwellings were completed in the financial year 1978–79 and there were 339,000 under construction at the end of March 1979. [38376]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what new responses he plans to combat global warming (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) via international initiatives. [38377]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action is being taken by his Department to meet its objectives in respect of carbon dioxide reductions. [38378]

I am pleased to say that the UK is on target to meet the Rio commitment to return greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2000 and we expect carbon dioxide emissions to be 4 to 8 per cent. below 1990 levels. This achievement reflects the impact of measures set out in the UK climate change programme and the progress report on carbon dioxide emissions.However, there is no room for complacency. The UK is one of only a handful of states which will meet the Rio commitment and, by the next climate change conference in December 1997, we need to have agreed significant reductions in emissions beyond 2000. That is why I have called on other states to agree to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5 to 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure democratic accountability of integrated regional office officials in Yorkshire. [38379]

As head of the Government office for Yorkshire and the Humber, the regional director remains accountable to each of my right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretaries of State for Education and Employment and for Transport and to me for the delivery of our particular policies and programmes.

To ask the Secretary of state for the Environment how many tenants have exercised the right to buy in the last 12 months. [38366]

In the year to March 1996, there were more than 31,500 right-to-buy sales by local authorities and new towns in England. Right to buy and other home ownership schemes are still producing about 180 new home owners a day in Britain.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what environmental policy initiatives have been launched since 26 July. [38518]

During the parliamentary recess, we have been mainly concerned to develop initiatives which will be announced in this place shortly. Since 26 July, we have launched the following main environmental policy initiatives: consultation on air quality strategy; publication of circular on revised special waste regulations; and publication of draft statutory guidance on contaminated land. In addition, the landfill tax came into operation on 1 October.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take in regard to the protection of hedgerows which were established under private enclosure legislation in the light of a recent court case in East Yorkshire. [40073]

The recent judgment in this case established that the Yorkshire wildlife trust and Mr. Colin Seymour, a parishioner, have locus standi to pursue their application for a declaration that Flamborough parish council is bound by the relevant Enclosure Act and award to preserve part of an enclosure hedge. I understand that the application has yet to be heard by the court. We await the outcome with interest. When that is known, we will consider the implications of this case, if any, for regulations for the protection of important hedgerows to be introduced under section 97 of the Environment Act 1995. Such regulations will not, however, override restrictions imposed by other enactments or agreements, including enclosure awards.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many rating appeals (a) in total and (b) by valuation office were lodged against the (i) 1990 and (ii) 1995 rating lists; and in each case how many (1) have been resolved and (2) are outstanding. [40423]

I am placing in the Library a set of tables which set out, in total, by region and by each office of the Valuation Office agency in England, the number of valid proposals to alter the 1995 rating lists which were received by 31 August 1996, the number settled and the number outstanding.I am also placing in the Library tables setting out, in total, by region and by each office, the number of proposals to alter the 1990 lists which are outstanding as at 31 August. The number of valid proposals received against the 1990 list in England up to 31 August was 1,402,948. Information on the number received by individual office and region is not available, as the structure and number of offices have now changed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects all the appeals against (a) the 1990 rating list and (b) the 1995 rating list to have been resolved; and if he will make a statement. [40424]

Current plans are that appeals against the 1990 rating lists outstanding at 1 April 1996 should be cleared by 31 December 1996; appeals made prior to 31 March 1996 by 31 December 1997; and to reduce progressively the time to clear appeals to a maximum of 12 months by 1 April 1988. The only exceptions will be cases where all reasonable efforts to settle matters by agreement have been exhausted and the cases are awaiting determination by valuation tribunals or by the Lands Tribunal.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the research being conducted at British universities into materials that could be exported in support of construction projects compatible with principles of sustainable development; and what support his Department has provided these projects. [40425]

My Department has made no such assessment. However, the Department of the Environment is providing direct support for the enhancement of civil engineering exports, including environmental technology, through collaborative funding of a two-year research project led by the Institution of Civil Engineers. This follows a recommendation from the national technology foresight exercise and will promote appropriate research programmes to cultivate UK expertise critical to export success in civil engineering.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce approval of the child care facility in north Hull under the Yorkshire and Humberside objectives of the European regional development fund programme. [40477]

The approval letters for this scheme were issued by the Department for Education and Employment on 25 September 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when his Department plans to complete its review of ERDF processes in England. [40421]

We hope to complete the review in time for the implementation of the 1997 to 1999 round of objective 2 programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when his finance directorate issued its MINIS 17 guidelines for administrative expenditure. [40654]

Expenditure guidelines were issued on 22 September 1995 at the beginning of the MINIS 17 planning round, based on the resource requirements which were agreed in MINIS 16. The guidelines were adjusted as normal throughout the MINIS 17 round, in the light of available resources, technical changes and decisions taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of whether the outcome of the review of the handling of incidents arid prosecutions by the drinking water inspectorate is consistent with the quality procedures manual and the code of enforcement. [40656]

The review of incidents was carried out by a consultant on behalf of the drinking water inspectorate. It did not cover the inspectorate's handling of incidents, but was concerned with the lessons that could be learnt by the water companies in preventing incidents and their handling of them. The objectives of the review included: categorising the type of incidents, causes and frequency of occurrence; carrying out a critical appraisal of water companies' responses to incidents, including actions taken to protect and inform consumers, to communicate with health and local authorities and to prevent recurrence of incidents; assessing the effectiveness of water companies' arrangements for responding to incidents and the actions taken to rectify any faults in the treatment/distribution system, identifying areas of weakness; identifying those incidents which were outside the control of the company and those incidents which were avoidable; identifying those regulations which are commonly breached; and making recommendations appropriate to the findings from the above on any issues which warrant wider consideration.The inspectorate is assessing the consultant's findings and will publish the main conclusions and lessons to be learnt early in 1997.The drinking water inspectorate's quality procedures manual consists of a number of procedures covering the inspectorate's activities, including one on the handling of incidents and another on the handling of consumer complaints about drinking water quality. These procedures have been developed as part of the inspectorate's total quality programme. The one on handling incidents has been in operation since May 1996. This procedure is an important part in achieving a consistent and rigorous approach to the investigations of incidents.The code for enforcement was introduced at the beginning of 1994. The code sets down how the inspectorate carries out its duties and sets service standards with response times. The inspectorate reports on its performance against the response times in its annual report.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to make more transparent the output of his Department's central economic directorate. [40657]

The output of the Department's chief economist directorate is set out each year in its MINIS return.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to publish his Department's evaluation of the Government advisory document, "Policy Appraisal and the Environment," as implemented by Government Departments. [40655]

The consultants appointed to undertake the evaluation of "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" are due to submit a draft final report to the Department in mid-December. No decision about the timing of publication has yet been taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the implications for the United Kingdom environment policy of ISO 14001 published in September; and if he will make a statement. [40653]

The White Paper on sustainable development—Cmnd. 2426—set out the Government's belief that voluntary initiatives by business have a vital role to play. The Government therefore welcome the new international standard for environmental management systems, ISO 14001, as it provides a management tool which will enable businesses voluntarily to improve their environmental performance. I was delighted earlier this week to address the British Standards Institution's conference to launch ISO 14001 in this country, an event which aptly reflected the pioneering work previously done by the institution to establish the world's first specification for environmental management systems, BS 7750. Businesses now have a framework for a voluntary and proactive approach to the management of their environmental impacts which is backed up by a regime of independent certification and is recognised worldwide. Companies making use of the standard will also be well on the way to achieving registration of their sites under the eco-management and audit scheme, which was launched last year across the European Union and is keenly supported by the Government. These initiatives, with their industry-wide recognition, should together form a powerful incentive for progressive business organisations to improve their competitiveness and at the same time raise the level of their environmental performance well above the minimum demanded by regulation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information his Department (a) holds and (b) has assessed in respect of unexploded bombs in London; how many unexploded bombs are estimated to exist in each London authority area; how many bombs are officially listed; what is the estimated risk associated with these; what contact his Department has had with planners, surveyors or their representative groups in this matter; and what action is planned to deal with the situation. [40564]

There is nothing I can add to the answer already given today by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, who has undertaken to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the practitioner's guide to wildlife law. [40945]

Last November, I launched the partnership for action against wildlife crime, and announced that the Department would make funds available to finance a guide to wildlife law. Through the launch of the partnership, we have established good links between enforcement organisations, identified problems hampering enforcement, and sought ways to overcome them. One problem has been the lack of a comprehensive source of information about the various pieces of legislation protecting wildlife.Tomorrow, the Secretary of State for the Environment will announce the publication of the guide "Wildlife Crime—a Guide to Wildlife Law Enforcement in the UK" at a major seminar on combating environmental crime, to be held at the QEII conference centre in London. A copy of the guide will be placed in the Library of the House.The seminar will explore the scope for improving the enforcement of trade measures contained in key international environmental agreements to ensure that the UK is at the forefront of tackling the illegal trade in endangered species, ozone-depleting substances and hazardous waste, and whether lessons learnt in one area can be applied in another.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Government intend to publish their progress report on the Rural White Paper, "Rural England: A Nation Committed to a Living Countryside". [41082]

My right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I intend to publish the progress report "Rural England 1996" on 24 October 1996. This reports on progress in implementing the commitments made in "Rural England", which we published in October 1995.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 15 October. [38691]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 15 October. [38692]

This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House I shall be having further meetings later today.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the offices of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and Health Service Commissioner for England, for Scotland and for Wales. [40949]

In accordance with section 1(3) of the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 and schedule 1 to the Health Service Commissioners Act 1993, Sir William Reid will be retiring from these offices on 2 January 1997.

s been pleased to approve the appointment of Mr. Michael Sydney Buckley as Sir William's successor as Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and Health Service Commissioner for England, for Scotland and for Wales, with effect from 3 January 1997.I am sure all Members of the House would wish me to express their gratitude and admiration for the very able and thorough manner in which Sir William Reid has fulfilled these duties over the last seven years. He has made an outstanding contribution to our public life.

To ask the Prime Minister what changes are planned to be made to the memorandum of understanding of 5 February 1993 under which the Queen and the Prince of Wales pay income, capital gains and inheritance tax on a voluntary basis, to take account of the introduction of the new system of self assessment for income tax and capital gains tax. [40950]

Yes, a change is required to reflect the new tax payment dates under self assessment. The memorandum of understanding has been amended, and I am placing a copy of the amendment in the Library.The memorandum of understanding provided that income tax and capital gains tax would be payable on 1 December following the end of the tax year. However, under self-assessment, 1 December will no longer be a tax payment date, and instead income tax will be payable on 31 January and 31 July and capital gains tax on 31 January. The memorandum of understanding has therefore been amended to make income tax and capital gains tax for 1996–97—the transitional year—payable on 31 January 1998; and income tax and capital gains tax for 1997–98 and subsequent years will be payable on 31 January and 31 July in accordance with the normal rules of self assessment.These new arrangements mean tax will be paid under the memorandum of understanding several months earlier on average than at present.Changes have also been made to the provisions relating to payments on account, and interest on tax underpaid or overpaid, to bring them into line with the new self assessment rules.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many (i) early retirement and (ii) voluntary severance packages were given to civil servants by grade in each Government Department in 1995–96. [40121]

I regret that the information requested is available only at disproportionate cost. However, the table provides details of the number of early retirements and early severances in 1995–96 by main Department.

Department	Number of early retirements	Number of early severances
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food	280	228
Crown Prosecution Service	53	10
Customs and Excise	588	335
Defence	2,285	2,400
Education and Employment	450	627
Environment (including Property Holdings)	180	102
Foreign and Commonwealth Office	98	15
Overseas Development Administration	47	92
Health	284	355
Her Majesty's Prison Service	51	25
Home Office	103	22
Inland Revenue	1,090	466
Lord Chancellor's Department	84	28
National Savings	316	307
Office for National Statistics	55	31
Ordnance Survey	52	33
PSA Services	191	231
Scottish Office	144	105
Scottish Prison Service	119	115
Social Security	1,254	752
Trade and Industry	217	102
Transport	374	525
Treasury	44	64
Welsh Office (including OHMCIS)	48	51
Others	979	595
Total	9,686	7,616

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what was the average value of (i) early retirement and (ii) voluntary severance packages given to civil servants by grade in each Government Department in 1995–96 [40120](2) what was the highest value (i) early retirement and (ii) voluntary severance package given to civil servants by grade in each Government Department in 1995–96. [40122]

The information requested is available only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what conclusions have been drawn from the Government's consultation on simplification of business support, announced in the third competitiveness White Paper. [40512]

My Department is today publishing the conclusions of the cross-government review on simplification of business support. The new arrangements mark a significant development in the partnership between government and business. We are bringing together support form across government into more coherent, simplified programmes. We are also committed to moving away from centrally designed and administered support schemes, which business has told us can be too complex and distant from their own needs, and to making government-funded support as customer focused as possible.The new challenge funds—local and sectoral—will be set up to support the best proposals for the most effective and customer focused business partnerships. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is today announcing further details of these challenges. Wherever possible these partnerships will take over the design and delivery of business support. Services that are best administered centrally, such as export market information, will be simplified to make them more accessible and responsive to business needs.By giving business more of a say in how support services are provided, the Government aim to meet their needs more fully and to ensure the best value for money for the taxpayer. Copies of the conclusions, "Helping businesses to win: the conclusions of the consultation", have been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement about the progress of the sales of HMSO, Chessington Computer Centre, Recruitment and Assessment Service and the Occupational Health and Safety Agency. [41081]

These sales have now been completed. Chessington Computer Centre was sold on 31 July to a consortium made up of a management and employee buy-out team, Integris UK—the outsourcing division of Bull Information Systems Ltd.—and financial backers, Close Brothers. The consideration was £12.5 million, of which £1.25 million is deferred until 31 December 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many women from ethnic minorities are employed by his Department and its agencies; at what grade; and what measures he has taken to encourage the (a) recruitment, (b) employment and (c) promotion of women from ethnic minorities within his Department and its agencies. [39895]

There are seven women members of staff who have declared themselves to be from an ethnic minority background in the Scottish Office and its agencies. Three hold posts at AO grade and four at AA grade. As an employer committed to equal opportunities for all staff we monitor the recruitment, employment and promotion of men and women whatever their background to ensure that no discrimination takes place. In recent months we have established a network group to support staff from an ethnic minority background. That group has discussed awareness raising of employment opportunities in the Scottish Office among ethnic minorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of registered blind people in Scotland by category. [40033]

The latest complete figures are those for 1995:

Number of persons registered blind and partially sighted: Scotland—1995
	Number registered at 31 March (include those registered as new cases)
	Blind			Partially sighted
Age (as at 31 March or date of registration)	Male	Female	Total	Male	Female	Total
Under 5 years	97	201	298	55	78	133
5–15	128	110	238	87	85	172

Number of persons registered blind and partially sighted: Scotland—1995
	Number registered at 31 March (include those registered as new cases)
	Blind			Partially sighted
Age (as at 31 March or date of registration)	Male	Female	Total	Male	Female	Total
16–29	301	213	514	214	145	359
30–49	873	665	1,538	403	365	768
50–64	942	836	1,778	412	399	811
65–74	1,197	1,530	2,727	544	810	1,354
75 and over	4,047	9,984	14,301	1,530	4,224	5,754
All ages—total	7,585	13,539	21,124	3,245	6,106	9,351

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to monitor the levels of hepatitis B and C within prisons in Scotland; how many inmates in the prison system have hepatitis B and C; what guidance his Department gives for the treatment of prisoners with hepatitis B and C; what measures are being taken to minimise the spread of hepatitis B and C within Scottish prisons; and if he will make a statement. [39891]

The subject of the question relates to matters undertaken by the Scottish Prison Service. I have asked its chief executive, Mr. E. W. Frizzell, to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the reasons for delaying further reconsideration of the Scottish health authorities revenue equalization—SHARE—formula for distribution of health service funds, with specific reference to rural areas; and when he plans next to have discussions with officials of Highland health board on this matter. [40676]

I anticipate that all health boards will be moved to their SHARE parity position at 1 April 1997. Evaluation of technical aspects of the formula is continually undertaken by my officials. Any proposals for changes to the formula would be subject to consultation with health boards and others at the appropriate time.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a progress report on plans for the millenium exhibition funding from the (a) public and (b) private sectors; and by what date a final decision will be made. [40648]

[holding answer 14 October 1996]: This is a matter for the Millenium 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 National Heritage what progress has been made in preparing for the millennium festival. [37928]

[holding answer 14 October 1996]: This is a matter for the Millenium 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 Transport if he has published the 1995–96 annual report of the Director of Transport Security. [40952]

Copies of this report are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to reduce the level of unpaid maintenance as assessed by the Child Support Agency. [40056]

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cases deferred by the Child Support Agency following the announcement of 20 December 1994 (a) have been taken on by the agency and (b) have yet to be taken on. [40059]

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the number and percentage of women, since the establishment of the Child Support Agency, whose cases have been examined by the Child Support Agency who (a) have not named the father, (b) are accepted by the agency as not knowing the name of the father and (c) claim not to know the name of the father but whose claim has been rejected by the Child Support Agency. [40141]

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to accelerate the community care grant appeals procedure; and if he will make a statement. [40236]

The Secretary of State has laid down guidance and directions for dealing with a request for a review. We are not aware of any major problems with the current review process.From 1 April 1996 to 31 July 1996 inclusive the average clearance time for a community care grant review was 13.8 days.One benefit office in the hon. Member's constituency did have a backlog of reviews outstanding at the end of July. It has since taken action to reduce the arrears in this area of work. Its clearance time for reviews should be showing an improvement and constituents should now be receiving an improved service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals in each of the benefit districts in Wales have been lodged against the withdrawal of the reduction in earnings allowance. [40464]

This information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what estimate his Department has made of the number of appeals to be made in England and Wales against the withdrawal of the reduced earnings allowance; [40468](2) how many additional staff have been employed and how many man hours have been devoted to deal with the outstanding appeals made to date against the withdrawal of the reduced earnings allowance. [40461]

The information is not available in the format requested.It was estimated that approximately 25 per cent. of reduced allowance recipients transferred to retirement allowance following the introduction of amending legislation would appeal against the adjudication officer's decision.Based on this assumption the cost in staff time for the Benefits Agency is estimated at a total of 15.81 man years. This figure is provisional and may be subject to change.Offices have been provided with resources accordingly to enable them to deal with the extra work arising from these appeals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individual appeals against the withdrawal of the reduced earning allowances have been heard; and what percentage of appeals heard have found in favour of the appellants. [40469]

The information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the average cost to an individual who has lost his reduced earnings allowance as a result of recent regulations in each of the benefit districts in Wales. [40467]

The information is not available in the format requested.Reduced earnings allowance recipients who are over pensionable age and who are not in regular employment have been transferred to retirement allowance in accordance with the Social Security (Industrial Injuries and Diseases) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1996, which came into effect on 24 March 1996. The average difference between reduced earnings allowance and retirement allowance is estimated to be around £29.00. This may be offset by additional income-related benefit entitlement for some retirement allowance recipients.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he proposes to introduce the child support departure system. [40915]

I have today laid draft regulations which, subject to the approval of the House, will provide for the departures system to be phased in nationally from 2 December 1996.The child support formula assessment is right in the vast majority of cases but the new system will allow scope for discretion in the small proportion of cases where the standard formula is not seen to produce a fair result. The grounds on which a departure application may be made include, for example, property and capital transfers made before April 1993 and high travel costs to maintain contact with the child. Also included are cases where parents are diverting income which would otherwise be available or where their lifestyle is inconsistent with their declared income.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the terms of reference of the interdepartmental review of funding of supported housing; and if he will make a statement. [40914]

In April, right hon. Friend the Secretary of State consulted on draft regulations to clarify the treatment of service charges in housing benefit. The representations that he received indicated that significant amounts of housing benefit may be being paid in respect of personal services in supported accommodation. He concluded that the sudden withdrawal of this source of income may cause significant difficulties for vulnerable people. Therefore, the proposed amendment was withdrawn and an urgent inter-departmental review commissioned to consider all aspects of the funding of services in supported accommodation. The review's terms of reference are to:

1. Identify and estimate current benefit expenditure on services provided in supported accommodation.

2. Consider the proposed legislation and its implications. In particular, identify and estimate the numbers of people who would have been affected by it.

3. Examine and report upon the current mechanisms for funding and delivery of support services.

4. Identify and report upon alternative mechanisms for funding support services.

5. Examine and support upon where the sustainable balance should lie between Social Security and other funding services, and the implications for the care and housing sectors.

We are seeking a sustainable balance between the various funding sources which ensures that essential support services are properly and appropriately funded whilst securing the most effective and economic resources.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many children aged (a) 16, (b) 17, (c) 18 and (d) 19 years in receipt of child benefit attend (i) school, (ii) sixth form college, (iii) tertiary college, (iv) further education college and (v) the youth training scheme. [30139]

[pursuant to his reply, 22 May 1996, Official Report, c. 290]: The information that I gave regarding the number of 17-year-olds undergoing youth training was incorrect. The correct information is as follows.The information is not available in the format requested. Child benefit data are not available on the nature of the education being undertaken, and education data have no regard to the receipt or otherwise of child benefit. The figures are therefore not directly comparable. However, child benefit is not payable for any young person undergoing a youth training course, and all

entitlement ceases at the 19th birthday. Available data on the number of 16, 17 and 18-year-olds for whom child benefit is paid, and the number in education and training are in the tables:

Number of children for whom child benefit is paid
	Number
16 year olds	577,100
17 year olds	400,700
18 year olds	177,600

Educational establishments attended by 16 to 18-year-olds
	16-year-olds	17-year-olds	18-year-olds
Schools	246,000	175,000	19,000
Sixth form colleges	53,000	40,000	10,000
Tertiary colleges	35,000	30,000	13,000
Further education	125,000	112,000	74,000
Youth training	69,000	76,000	40,000

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received that parts for the ISC-Ferranti precision guided missile were to be supplied by South Africa; what action his Department took as a result of such reports; and if he will make a statement. [40210]

The hon. Member will recall that he raised this issue in a letter that he sent to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister dated 5 November 1994.The Prime Minister's reply of 24 November stated that the papers that the hon. Member had forwarded with his letter did not provide any evidence of breaches in UK import or export controls. I have nothing to add to this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the biological weapons capacity of Iran. [40506]

Iran has a developed biotechnology industry which would be capable of sustaining a biological warfare research programme. For this reason, it is a cause for concern that Iran, though a state party to the biological and toxin weapons convention since 1973, has not offered to submit to the UN centre for disarmament affairs any confidence-building and transparency declarations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to add a gynaecologist to the medical team examining British service men and ex-service men and their partners who are suffering prolonged illness following service in the Gulf war. [40496]

It is not intended to add a gynaecologist to the medical team running the Department's medical assessment programme. If a consultant gynaecological opinion is required, this will be obtained through the usual medical referral procedure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research in collaboration with the United States Institute of Medicine has been funded by his Department into Gulf war syndrome. [40497]

The United States Government are funding a range of studies into Gulf health issues, including one in the United Kingdom by Dr. Simon Wessely of King's college medical school. I shall be announcing the final selection of research projects to be funded by my Department, as recommended by the Medical Research Council, in November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to compensate victims of Gulf war syndrome; and if he will make a statement. [40557]

Those who served in the Gulf war have the same legal right of compensation against the Ministry of Defence as civilian workers have against MOD or any other employer. Any Gulf veterans who can be shown to be suffering from illness caused by negligence on the part of my Department will be entitled to compensation in line with common law principles. However, no such compensation claims have yet been pursued by lawyers for claimants, although a list of over a thousand names of potential claimants has been lodged with MOD. This list gives the symptoms or disease claimed to have been experienced by each person since the Gulf war, without specific allegations of negligence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops were involved with United States forces in the clean-up operations near A1-Nasiriyah in 1991 following the Gulf war. [40498]