To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the Government will respond to the outstanding recommendations contained in the second report of the Select Committee on the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration on open government, HC 84, Session 1995–96. [3055]

The Government have submitted their response to the remaining recommendations of the report of the Select Committee on the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, and the Committee is arranging for the response to be published today.The Government responded to the majority of the recommendations contained in the Select Committee's report on 28 June 1996. It welcomed many of the conclusions and recommendations contained in the report, and in particular the Committee's endorsement of the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information" as having been an important and valuable contribution to more open government. The Government's response reaffirmed their commitment to greater openness.The Government's initial response did not, however, cover seven of the Committee's recommendations which had implications for openness in government beyond the code of practice. The Government wished to await the report of the Public Service Committee on ministerial accountability and responsibility, believing that it would provide a valuable contribution to their consideration of the issues in this area. That report was published on 30 July and the Government's response to it is also being published today.The Government are grateful to the Select Committee on the PCA for the constructive contribution that it has made to the debate on openness. I am pleased that we have been able to agree to many of the recommendations contained in its report and that much common ground has been established between the Committee and the Government on these important issues.However, the Government do not accept the Committee's proposal for a Freedom of Information Act. It believes that the non-statutory code of practice has a proven record and should now be given an enhanced role as setting the clear, recognised minimum standard for providing information to Parliament, and in setting out the reasons for withholding information on those occasions when this is necessary. Given this increased importance for the provisions of the code, the Government do not believe that it would now be sensible to seek a fundamental change in its status.The Government will soon be issuing a revised code of practice and guidance on its interpretation, to reflect the responses to the PCA and Public Service Committees and in the light of the day-to-day operation of the code during the last two and a half years. The ability to amend the code to reflect experience in this way is, in the Government's view, a major advantage of their preferred non-statutory approach.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the Government's response to the second report of the Select Committee on Public Service of Session 1995–96 on ministerial accountability and responsibility (HC313). [3501]

The Government have submitted their response to the report from the Public Service Committee on ministerial accountability and responsibility, and the Committee is arranging for the response to be published today.The Government are grateful to the Select Committee for undertaking this investigation which, as envisaged by the President of the Board of Trade in the debate on 26 February,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many unauthorised releases from chemical plants have taken place each year since 1970; how many were classified as serious; how many led to prosecutions; and what was the fine or penalty in each case. [1009]

Chemical processes have been subject to prior authorisation under the integrated pollution control regime since 1990. So far as air is concerned, details of unauthorised releases, prosecutions and other enforcement action taken between April 1991 and March 1996 are contained in the annual reports of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, which was the IPC regulator between those dates. The annual reports are in the House Library.HM inspectorate of pollution became a part of the Environment Agency on 1 April this year. I understand from the agency that since that date there have been 550 unauthorised releases to air from chemical processes. Few of these had serious implications. I further understand that the agency has to date carried out one prosecution in respect of those releases and that a further one is in hand. Prosecution is only one of a number of enforcement options available to the Environment Agency, which can also issue enforcement or prohibition notices.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the need for continuing financial support from (a) the Government and (b) the Energy Savings Trust for local energy advice centres funded by the Energy Savings Trust over the last three years. [2254]

My Department has received approximately 30 representations about the funding of local energy advice centres over the last three years. Of these, 14 covered Government funding and five funding by the Energy Saving Trust. The remaining 11 were concerned with financial support in general.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the local energy advice centres which have been funded via the Energy Savings Trust in the last three years. [2220]

The local energy advice centres which have been funded by the Energy Saving Trust in the last three years are:

• Aberdeenshire Energy Advice Centre
• Belfast Energy Advice Centre
• Black Country Energy Advice Centre
• Bristol Energy Advice Centre
• Cardiff Energy Advice Centre
• Croydon Energy Advice Centre
• Greenwich Energy Advice Centre
• Highland Energy Advice Centre
• Islington Energy Advice Centre
• Leeds Energy Advice Centre
• Leicester Energy Advice Centre
• Lewisham Energy Advice Centre
• Lothian and Edinburgh Energy Advice Centre
• Middlesborough Energy Advice Centre
• Northumbria Energy Advice Centre
• Orkney Energy Advice Centre
• Peterborough Energy Advice Centre
• Plymouth Energy Advice Centre
• Ryedale Energy Advice Centre
• Shetland Energy Advice Centre
• Solent Energy Advice Centre
• Stockton on Tees Energy Advice Centre
• Strathclyde and Central Energy Advice Centre
• Swansea Energy Advice Centre
• Tayside Energy Advice Centre
• Telford Energy Advice Centre
• Thames Valley Energy Advice Centre
• West Wales Energy Advice Centre
• Western Isles Energy Advice Centre
• Western Regional Energy Advice Centre
• Wirral Energy Advice Centre.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the local energy advice centres which his Department has assessed as currently lack sufficient funding to ensure their continuing operation. [2256]

The local energy advice centres are the responsibility of the Energy Saving Trust. I understand that only one local energy advice centre, which failed to meet its targets on 31 August 1996, has ceased to operate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of (a) the effectiveness of the local energy advice centres funded via the Energy Savings Trust in the last three years and (b) the need for the continuation of their services. [2255]

The Energy Saving Trust has now taken full responsibility for the further continuation and management of LEACs. On 12 July 1996, I approved grants totalling £4.1 million over three years to be paid to the Trust in support of this work.Previously, market research showed that the LEACs provide an effective and value for money service. In 1994–95, about 57,000 clients visited LEAC offices and as a result of advice received, savings were made of 21,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and £1.8 million over the same period.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many coastal management zones are now fully integrated and operating successfully; [2596](2) how many authorities have published estuary management plans; and if he will publish guidance on their implementation. [2594]

In England, 20 estuary management plans have so far been published as part of the estuaries management initiative promoted by English Nature and further plans are in preparation. Estuaries represent the areas of major pressure on the coast but there are also other initiatives under way with the objectives of managing areas of open coast. On 31 October, the Department of the Environment issued a best practice guide on coastal zone management which will assist in taking forward both types of schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many sites have been identified by English Nature as being at risk from water abstraction; and what proposals he has for the conservation of these sites and for reducing water consumption in the surrounding areas. [22562]

In its report published in September 1996, English Nature reviewed 152 wetland sites of special scientific interest, of which 18 were assessed as being at high risk from water abstraction and 38 were considered to be at medium risk, with a further 23 at high risk and 10 at medium risk if water demands continue to increase. The Environment Agency will be reviewing the report with English Nature, with a view to establishing an agreed list of sites at risk and from that deciding actions which may be needed for alleviation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the number of homeless people in the county of Durham. [2401]

I refer the hon. Member to the supplementary table which accompanies the quarterly information bulletin, entitled "Households found accommodation under the homelessness provisions of the Housing Act 1985: England" for the available information. A copy of the bulletin, the latest of which provides statistics for the second quarter of 1996, is in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average level of (a) discretionary and (b) mandatory disabled facilities grants in each year since 1990. [2462]

The information requested is shown in the table.

Disabled facilities grants: England
	Average final grant payment (£s)
	Mandatory grants	Discretionary grants
1990	1,820	2,860
1991	2,950	3,470
1992	3,740	4,640
1993	4,100	2,740
1994	4,190	2,200
1995	4,180	2,190

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications for disabled facilities grants were refused in each year since 1990. [2463]

The Department does not collect regular data on unsuccessful applications for disabled facilities grant. However, recent research for the Department indicates that about 7,000 applications for disabled facilities grants in England were refused in the year 1993–94.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many (a) mandatory and (b) discretionary disabled facilities grants have been made in each year since 1990 in (i) the west midlands and (ii) the United Kingdom. [2461]

The table shows the available information about the west midlands and about England. Figures about the United Kingdom are not available as the grants system in Scotland differs from that in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Disabled facilities grants: Final payments (Number of grants)
	West Midlands		England
	Mandatory grants	Discretionary grants	Mandatory grants	Discretionary grants
1990	40	—	360	10
1991	990	40	10,790	180
1992	1,590	70	15,450	290
1993	1,450	30	16,720	430
1994	2,090	10	20,410	500
1995	2,310	20	22,730	420

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the impact on council tax levels in the south east of England of the abolition of the area cost adjustment. [2564]

The abolition of the area cost adjustment was not proposed by the team reviewing the area cost adjustment or by other participants in the discussions this year. I have not estimated the impact on council tax levels in the south-east of England of the abolition of the area cost adjustment. To do so would involve making assumptions about capping limits in the new circumstances and about local authority responses.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals the Department's working party has made for the future of the area cost adjustment; and what assessment he has made of the impact on the Isle of Wight of the abolition of area cost adjustment. [2563]

The review of the area cost adjustment recommended a new method for calculating the adjustment, using data from the labour force survey to determine a factor for each local authority in England. Several variations of this approach were included as options in the report of the standard spending assessments sub-group to the Consultative Council on Local Government Finance. No proposals to abolish the area cost adjustment were made by the review team or in the sub-group report. For illustrative purposes, the effect on SSAs for 1996–97 of abolishing the area cost adjustment has been estimated. The SSA for the Isle of Wight would be reduced by £3.4 million, which is 3.5 per cent. of its SSA.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the sites in the Solent and the lagoons that have been submitted to the European Commission for designation as special areas of conservation. [2565]

A third tranche of candidate special areas of conservation was forwarded to the European Commission on 14 October 1996; I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment on Wednesday 16 October, Official Report, column 1073–74. As indicated in that reply, the Solent and Isle of Wight lagoons was one of the candidate sites. This site includes all or part of the following sites of special scientific interst:

• Brading Marshes to St. Helen's Ledges;
• Gilkicker Lagoon;
• Hurst Castle and Lymington River Estuary;
• Langstone Harbour.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992, and are planned for the coming year, arranged in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1893]

The table sets out the number of projects and expenditure incurred in respect of information technology projects undertaken or planned by my Department for the project requested.

Cost bands £ millions	Projects undertaken and completed since 1992	Projects planned for the coming year and/or ongoing
0–1	21	12
1–2	3	1
2–3	Nil	1
3–4	Nil	Nil
4–5	Nil	Nil
5–6	Nil	Nil
6–7	Nil	1
7–8	Nil	1

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of mortgage lenders provided standard assessment procedure ratings as part of valuation surveys in (a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996; and what estimate he has made of the likely percentages in (i) 1997 and (ii) 1998. [2962]

My Department is working with mortgage lenders to encourage the uptake of energy efficiency measures and to promote the wider use of standard assessment procedure ratings via mortgage valuation surveys. A total of 4,000 SAP ratings were issued by the Nationwide building society in 1995 under a joint initiative with the Department; under a similar initiative with the Halifax building society this year, 6,500 SAP ratings were issued. We are not aware of any statistics on or estimates of the percentage of mortgage lenders providing SAP ratings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the effect upon household energy efficiency measures of providing standard assessment procedure ratings in valuation surveys. [2964]

My Department continues to work with mortgage lenders to encourage the uptake of energy efficiency measures through the provision of standard assessment procedure ratings. In particular, the Department and the Halifax building society are co-operating on a joint project to evaluate the impact of providing SAP ratings as part of the valuation process. The results are expected shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of property valuation surveys included standard assessment procedure ratings in (a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996; and what estimate he has made of the likely percentages in (i) 1997 and (ii) 1998. [2963]

My Department is working with mortgage lenders to encourage the uptake of energy efficiency measures and to promote the wider use of standard assessment procedure ratings via mortgage valuation surveys. We are not aware of any statistics collected on this subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the rules and regulations he proposes to repeal or amend by means of a reference to the Deregulation Committee before the end of 1996; and if he will make a statement. [2914]

My Department has recently consulted interested parties on the following proposal for use of the deregulation order-maker power:

Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1907: removal of need for local authority licences for pleasure boats on waters owned or managed by British Waterways or the Environment Agency.

The timing of any reference to the Deregulation Committee will depend on the outcome of our consideration of the responses.In addition, we have recently laid draft regulations under section 37 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 to remove 16 pieces of redundant health and safety legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the going for green initiative over the last 12 months; and what its targets are for the next 12 months. [2965]

Going for Green Ltd. is a private company limited by guarantee, with the aim of promoting sustainable development to the public and helping to change everyday behaviour in a more sustainable direction. Since becoming a private company on 1 April 1996, Going for Green has secured private sector sponsorship of £360,000 in cash and an estimated £950,000 in benefits in kind. Its programme of work has included national publicity campaigns, the publication of a green code, the establishment of sustainable communities pilot projects, a study of waste minimisation and the development of ways of measuring the extent to which individuals' lifestyles are sustainable. This work is a fundamental part of the Government's strategy on sustainable development.Targets for 1997–98 are currently under discussion with the Department in the context of the company's business plan for next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when Sheffield development corporation will be wound up; and if he will make a statement. [3041]

Statutory orders will be laid before Parliament early next year to effect the wind up and dissolution of Sheffield development corporation. Subject to parliamentary approval, the corporation will cease to act from 1 April 1997, except for the purpose of preparing its final accounts and report and winding up its affairs. The corporation will be dissolved on 1 July 1997.Urban development corporations were set up, with finite lifetimes, to regenerate their designated areas. Since designation on 30 June 1988 Sheffield development corporation has encouraged a grant-aided private sector development and undertaken substantial environmental and infrastructure improvements, which have helped to stimulate new jobs and new life in the city and to realise Sheffield's ambitions for a city airport.By the end of its lifetime, the corporation expects to have reclaimed 259.2 hectares of land, created 521,100 sq m of commercial floorspace, built or improved 15 m of road, created 17,683 permanent jobs and attracted £695 million of private sector investment. The corporation has transformed the Lower Don valley area and Sheffield will continue to benefit well into the next century.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends formally to issue the guidance to the Environment Agency required under section 4 of the Environment Act 1995. [3171]

A draft of the guidance which Ministers are required under section 4 of the Environment Act 1995 to give to the Environment Agency on its objectives, including the contribution it is to make towards the achievement of sustainable development, has been laid before the House for the required period of 40 sitting days. Together with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, I am today formally issuing this guidance to the Environment Agency.We are also formally issuing to the Environment Agency a management statement which summaries Ministers' aims and objectives for the agency, its duties, powers and responsibilities, and its relationship with Ministers, Government Departments and other bodies.An explanatory document which restates the principles of sustainable development, provides non-statutory guidance on particular functions and offers a commentary on the agency's duty to take account of likely costs and benefits is also being provided to the agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what legal advice was received prior to the Single European Act 1986 as to the effect of the term "working environment, as regards the health and safety of workers" contained in article 118a; if a copy of the advice will be placed in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [2978]

By convention, any such legal advice to Government is treated as confidential and its substance is not normally disclosed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992 and are planned for the coming year, in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1904]

The Department estimates that it will have undertaken or plans to undertake, a total of 181 information technology projects by the end of the year. In cost bands these are as follows:

£0–£1 million—167, £1–£2 million—3, £2–£3 million—2, £3–£4 million—4, £4–£5 million—3, £11–£12 million—1. £13–£14 million—1.

Some of these will have started in earlier years and some will last several years. So it is not possible to identify the actual costs for a specific year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number of unserviceable passenger rail coaches that have been taken out of service in each of the last five years. [2198]

The information is no longer held by British Rail and is a matter for the rolling stock leasing companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many railway stations are planned to be (a) opened and (b) re-opened in the next two years by the franchise companies. [2040]

There are a number of proposed new stations which were the initiative of local authorities in agreement with British Rail train operating companies. These proposals are being continued by the franchisees.Franchisees have their own longer-term initiatives to open new stations. The LTS rail franchisee, Prism Rail, intends to open a new station at West Ham by the end of 1999. The midland main line franchisee, National Express Group, is undertaking a feasibility study for a new east midlands Parkway station with the aim of completing building and development of the station during 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with the chairman of Railtrack the leaking of accident investigation reports before their agreed publication dates. [1874]

I deplore the premature and unauthorised release of accident investigation reports, and the use which is made of such leaks. The reports of internal railway joint inquiries are not normally published. This is a matter for the railway parties involved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will direct train operating companies to install and operate automatic train protection on all trains. [1870]

No. Automatic train protection would require changes to infrastructure as well as trains. Railtrack and train operators are pursuing a range of alternative measures to reduce risks arising from signals passed at danger, overspeeding the buffer stop collisions. The independent Health and Safety Commission advised that the introduction of ATP, as piloted, on a network-wide basis was not reasonably practicable, and that there were alternative safety investments which would be likely to yield greater effectiveness in terms of lives saved, and better value for money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what income has been generated by Sheffield Supertram since it became operational; and what steps have been taken to increase this income. [2392]

Management of South Yorkshire Supertram is a matter for the South Yorkshire passenger transport executive, which I understand has sought to increase what have hitherto been very disappointing levels of passenger carryings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage the use of 20 mph speed limits in urban areas. [2395]

There are now around 300 20 mph zones in place. These have been very successful in reducing accidents. We have recently ring fenced £1 million of transport supplementary grant for the creation of additional zones in appropriate areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice he has issued to commercial and pleasure craft in respect of the phasing out of the VHF radio service. [2569]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with commercial fishermen about phasing out VHF radio services. [2574]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the occasions when rolling stock operated by private freight companies have been involved in accidents on the west coast main line; [1437](2) if he will list those railway accidents occurring on

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects the new tender for digital selcall to be published; [2570](2) what plans he has to re-equip Her Majesty's Coastguard with digital selcall equipment; and when VHF will be phased out; [2572](3) how many vessels in the United Kingdom rely on VHF radio for emergency purposes; and what transitional arrangements he intends to introduce for digital selcall; [2575]

I have asked the chief executive of the Coastguard Agency to write to, my hon. friend.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what was the total cost to the House of the state opening of parliament. [2806]

The total cost of the state opening of Parliament on 23 October has not yet been calculated, but some £24,000 has been set aside by the House for this purpose.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what plans he has to improve facilities for Line of Route visitors with specific reference to a cafeteria facility, improved toilets and facilities to shelter visitors when queuing in unfavourable weather. [2945]

On 12 July 1994, the House approved the first report of Session 1992–93 from the Catering Committee which recommended that the area currently occupied by the Westminster Hall cafeteria should be converted into a visitor centre to include appropriate toilet facilities. This recommendation cannot be implemented until the opening of the new cafeteria in phase 2 of the new parliamentary building. There are no plans to improve the facilities to shelter visitors queuing in unfavourable weather which have been provided with in the Sovereign's Entrance since 1990.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee (1) what plans he has to provide facilities that will allow access to wheelchair-bound hon. Members to all relevant areas of the Palace of Westminster with specific reference to the Chamber of the Commons; [2943](2) what plans he has to improve facilities to allow access to wheelchair-bound visitors to the Line of Route, Terrace, dining and Committee rooms; [2944](3) what plans he has to provide facilities that will allow access to wheelchair-bound civil servants to all relevant areas of the Commons with specific reference to the Officials' Box in the Chamber. [2946]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox) on 8 February 1995, Official Report, columns 243–45, which describes in detail the conclusions of the review by the Accommodation and Works Committee of access to the House for disabled people. Since then, the Parliamentary Works Directorate has implemented the approved improvements. These improvements enable hon. Members and civil servants who are wheelchair users to access relevant areas of the Palace of Westminster, including the Chamber of the Commons and visitors who are wheelchair users to access the Line of Route, the Terrace, and the dining and Committee rooms. There are no plans currently to make the Officials' Box in the Chamber accessible to wheelchair users. In the event that a wheelchair-using civil servant was required to support a Minister, it is envisaged that he or she would be able to do so from the area adjacent to the Officials' Box. However, a handrail has been fixed in the Officials' Box to assist persons with disabilities.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, pursuant to his answer of 31 October, Official Report, columns 220–21, what were the (a) objectives and (b) costs of the work to restore (i) the two fresco paintings off Central Lobby, (ii) the fresco painting in the House of Lords Chamber and (iii) the 35 oil paintings. [2926]

The work was to conserve, restore and maintain the value of works of art. The cost to the House was approximately £30,000. The total cost of some £50,000 was shared with the House of Lords on a 60:40 basis.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, pursuant to his answer of 31 October, Official Report, columns 220–21, what were the (a) objectives and (b) costs of the work on the second phase of overhaul of the Carriage Gates. [2905]

The work on the second phase of the overhaul of the Carriage Gates was necessary to maintain the gate mechanism for security and for stonework and metalwork restoration. The cost to the House was approximately £29,400. The total cost of some £49,000 was shared with the House of Lords on a 60:40 basis.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Work Committee, pursuant to his answer of 31 October, Official Report, columns 220–21, what are the expected final costs of the full parliamentary data and video network cabling at (a) Star Chamber Court block, (b) Norman Shaw North floors 1 and 2, (c) House of Lords west front ground and first floors and (d) 1 The Abbey Garden. [2900]

The expected final cost of this year's PDVN cabling work is as follows: (a) Star Chamber Court block and (c) House of Lords west front approximately £1.6 million—shared with the House of Lords on a 60:40 basis, cost to the House £960,000, (b) Norman Shaw North floors 1 and 2 (£300,000), and (d) 1 The Abbey Garden is administered by the House of Lords, for which I have no responsibility.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, pursuant to his answer of 31 October, Official Report, columns 220–21, what proportion of the total spending was in areas and

Project	Objective	In-year cost to the House £	In-year total cost1 £
Reconstruction of: (a) Members' Cafeteria (b) Strangers' Cafeteria	Following a resolution of the House, to meet statutory requirements with regard to health and safety, hygiene, fire, ventilation and other building standards	3 million	3 million
Repair work to (c) the roof of the Lords' Chamber (d) the Royal Gallery	To cure leaks	0.66 million	1.1 million
(e) PDVN cabling2	To implement the resolution of the House to install the PDVN	Palace: 0.96 million Norman Shaw North: 0.30 million	1.6 million 0.3 million
(f) Connection of all hon. Members' offices to colour televisions with clean feed from the Chamber	To implement the resolution of the House	0.145 million	0.145 million
(g) New servery in the Members' Tea Room	To implement the resolution of the House to improve health, safety and hygiene standards	85,000	85,000
(h) Furniture restoration for the Members' Tea Room	To maintain appropriate standards	31,000	31,000
(i) Renovation of the Speakers outer office	To maintain appropriate standards	24,000	24,000
(j) Redecoration of the Churchill Room	To maintain appropriate standards	24,000	24,000

facilities used by

Since Members, staff and visitors share many areas of the parliamentary estate, it is not possible separately to identify the costs. During the last three years, considerable progress has been made on improving access to the parliamentary estate for disabled people. Depending upon the nature of an individual's disability, most of the spending in the summer of 1996 has been on facilities potentially available to people with disabilities.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, pursuant to his answer of 31 October, Official Report, columns 220–22, what were the (i) objectives and (ii) total individual costs of the (a) reconstruction of the Members' Cafeteria, (b) reconstruction of the Strangers' Cafeteria, (c) repair work to the roof of the Lords Chamber, (d) repair work to the roof of the Royal Gallery, (e) full parliamentary data and video network cabling, (f) connection of all hon. Members' offices to colour televisions with clean feed from the Chamber, (g) new servery in the Members' Tea Room, (h) furniture restoration for the Members' Tea room, (i) renovation of the Speaker's outer office, (j) redecoration of the Churchill Room, (k) the refurbishment of the lavatories in (1) Upper Committee Corridor South, (2) opposite Committee Room 7 and (3) Commons Court block, second floor, and (l) refurbishment of the cash machines corridor; and if he will make a statement. [2947]

The objectives forecast in-year costs relating to work in the House of Commons are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on torture and human rights abuses in Kenya; and what is the Government's policy on this matter. [1632]

We receive reports from a variety of sources about human rights, including torture, in Kenya. This issue forms part of our ongoing dialogue with the Kenyan authorities. We take every suitable opportunity to remind the Government of Kenya of their obligations and of our concerns on this subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the British Government are making to the Government of Cameroon about the necessity of holding free and fair elections. [2657]

Our high commissioner in Yaounde has stressed repeatedly to the Cameroonian Government the importance we attach to free and fair elections in Cameroon. My noble friend Baroness Challker outlined out concerns to the Cameroonian Deputy Foreign Minister during his visit to the United Kingdom in August and expressed our willingness to help Cameroon establish an independent electoral commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the process of registering voters in Cameroon. [2656]

Registration of voters in Cameroon takes place each year from 1 January to 30 April. This year the period was extended by three months to 31 July. The Ministry for Territorial Administration estimates that 60 to 80 per cent. of those registered for the municipal elections in January have now re-registered which represents between 30 and 40 per cent. of those eligible to vote.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the possibility of free and fair elections being held in Cameroon in 1997. [2655]

Cameroon's electoral code provides a framework for free and fair elections. We have made clear to the Cameroonian Government the importance we attach to the establishment of an independent electoral commission and offered to help, if necessary. In conjunction with a number of other donors, we are launching a training programme for 2,000 Cameroonian election observers in preparation for the next year's legislative and presidential elections.

To ask the Attorney-General on what dates legal advice was given as to the effect of the term "working environment, as regards the health and safety of workers" contained in article 118a of the European Community treaty. [2979]

By convention, the fact of whether the Law Officers have advised on a given issue is not disclosed, nor is the substance of any advice which may have been given.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the average length of time between arrest and conviction for young offenders in 1994–95. [937]

The exact information requested is not available although similar figures are recorded by the magistrates courts time intervals survey. This survey collects information on defendants in indictable, including triable either way, cases against whom proceedings are completed in three sample weeks a year—in February, June and October. The June survey also collects information about proceedings in summary cases. The period which corresponds most closely with that requested is charge to verdict, although it is not possible to separate those defendants who were found guilty from those whose cases were dismissed.The average time from charge to verdict for defendants whose cases were dealt with by summary proceedings in the youth court, as reported by the surveys in the period April 1994 to March 1995, was 84 days and 73 days for defendants charged with indictable and summary offences respectively. These figures include only defendants who were charged and not those who were summonsed. In addition, cases where proceedings did not progress as far as a verdict are excluded, for example, where charges were withdrawn.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to extend the period in which actions can be brought under civil law by victims of child sex abuse. [2980]

The Law Commission has undertaken a comprehensive review of the law of limitation periods with a view to its simplification and rationalisation, and the Government will consider the recommendations made when the Law Commission completes its report. We do not plan to modify the law relating to limitation of actions before then.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions in the last five years the Official Solicitor has appeared in cases involving applications for obstetric interventions without the consent of the patient, and (a) in how many of these he acted as (i) guardian ad litem and (ii) amicus curiae, (b) on how many occasions the application resulted in an order, (c) in how many the use of force was explicitly authorised by the court, (d) in how many cases the patient was detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 and (e) in how many cases the patient was under the age of 18 years. [1844]

The Official Solicitor has appeared in four cases in the last five years involving applications for obstetric interventions—emergency caesarean sections—without the consent of the patient, (a) in two cases he has acted as guardian ad litem and two as amicus curiae; (b) in each case an order authorising a caesarean section was made; (c) in two cases the use of force was explicitly authorised by the court; (d) two of the patients were detained under the Mental Health Act 1983; (e) none of the patients was under the age of 18 years. In three of the cases an emergency caesarean was performed. In one case a normal vaginal delivery took place.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance the president of the family division has issued to judges in the family division relating to applications for court orders for obstetric interventions without the consent of the patient. [1845]

No guidance has been issued by the president of the family division on these matters. Every such application is to be considered by the judge concerned according to its merits.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what amount of fines imposed by magistrates courts is currently outstanding; and what plans he has to allow magistrates courts to charge interest on outstanding fines; [2561]

Separate figures for outstanding fines imposed by the Crown court and magistrates courts are not available. However, from returns made to my Department by magistrates courts I can say that the total outstanding in respect of fines imposed by the Crown court and magistrates courts was about £239 million at the end of the June quarter this year. I have no plans to allow magistrates courts to charge interest on outstanding fines.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to give magistrates immunity from court action in respect of decisions taken by them in the discharge of their official duties. [2560]

On 23 August 1996, the Lord Chancellor issued a consultation paper on this subject entitled, "Liability of Judicial Officers and others for Costs in Court Proceedings". Responses are requested by 29 November 1996. The matter will then be considered in light of representations made.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department against how many magistrates' benches legal action is currently outstanding. [2559]

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

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he plans to bring into effect section 13 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, in respect of (a) abolition of the £5,000 administration order limit, (b) abolition of the requirement for a county court judgment and (c) the three-year limitation period; and if he will make a statement. [2369]

The delay in implementing section 13 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 is due to practical problems identified as likely to result from its operation. My Department has been seeking a way forward which avoids these problems, and this work will continue in the context of the changes to civil procedure recommended by Lord Woolf. In the meantime, a number of steps have already been taken to improve the operation of administration orders, including the introduction of guidance to court staff that the debts included in an application for such an order should be considered for composition by the district judge if the applicant cannot pay the outstanding debt within three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the rules and regulations he proposes to repeal or amend by means of a reference to the Deregulation Committee before the end of 1996; and if he will make a statement. [1407]

This Department issues very few rules and regulations. We have no current plans to repeal or amend any rules or regulations by the end of 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to support the establishment of an international criminal court at the United Nations; and if he will make a statement. [2982]

This Department supports the establishment of an international criminal court to try certain of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. Our support for the establishment of such a court is dependent, among other things, upon its being a court of last resort in cases where states are unable or unwilling to act. A court should be established only if it is generally accepted by the international community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in appointing a person, under section 10(3AA) of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993, to monitor the refusals of entry clearance where there is no right of appeal by virtue of section 10(3A) of the Act. [3602]

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has invited Dame Elizabeth Anson to serve a second three-year term as the independent monitor of entry clearance refusals when her current term expires on 30 November. I am pleased to report that Dame Elizabeth has agreed to do so.

To ask the Lord President of the Council how many information technology projects at the Office of the Lord President of the Council have been undertaken since 1992 and are planned for the coming year, in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1902]

Actual and planned Privy Council Office expenditure on information technology in the years in question is as follows:

• 1992: £8,265
• 1993: £11,057
• 1994: £66,703
• 1995: £15,165
• 1996: £25,355.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 7 November. [1093]

I have been asked to reply.This morning, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. My right hon. Friend has now departed for Bordeaux to attend the Anglo-French summit.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) when papers relating to the World Trade Organisation review in Singapore in December will be placed in the Library; [2319](2) when Her Majesty's Government propose to produce a paper for the World Trade Organisation review. [2317]

My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and I will shortly lay before Parliament a White Paper setting out the Government's approach to trade policy and its interaction with UK foreign policy.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade who will be representing Her Majesty's Government at the World Trade Organisation review to be held in Singapore in December. [2238]

I will lead the UK delegation to the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in December in Singapore.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what preparations have been made by Her Majesty's Government for the World Trade Organisation review to be held in Singapore in December. [2280]

The Government have made extensive preparations for the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in Singapore on 9 to 13 December, in conjunction with the European Commission and other EU member states and in consultation with UK business, consumer and other interested organisations.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if her Majesty's Government are a signatory to the European policy paper for the World Trade Organisation review in December; and if he will make a statement. [2277]

The Government have discussed European policy towards the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in December in Singapore, in the Council of Ministers. The most recent discussion took place on 29 October when the Council agreed conclusions to serve as guidelines for the EU in preparation for the meeting.My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and I will shortly lay before Parliament a White Paper setting out the Government's approach to trade policy and its interaction with UK foreign policy.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the Fire Brigades Union about the control and sale of fireworks; and if he will publish his reply. [2274]

I received a considered and detailed response from the Fire Brigades Union covering all the issues set out in my Department's discussion document. I have not responded to each organisation on the comments they submitted, but all the views and suggestions received will be given careful consideration.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress is being made in the inquiry by the Office of Fair Trading into the preference by dairy companies for their own milk roundsman as opposed to an independent milkman. [2597]

This is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading. I understand the hon. Member wrote to the DGFT on 8 August and that the deputy DGFT sent the hon. Member a holding reply on 28 August. In his letter, he informed the hon. Member that officials at the OFT were currently investigating this matter and that he would write to the hon. Member again when the investigating was complete. I understand that this remains the case.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the requirement on petrol retailers to advertise the price of petrol in litre units rather than gallons was introduced. [2664]

Petrol retailers have been required to display prices by reference to the litre since 1 October 1995, with the option of indicating the gallon-equivalent price alongside the price per litre.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the income to be generated from the fossil fuel levy in each year from 1996 to 2005; and what estimates he has made of the proportion that will be spent in each of those years on (a) renewables, (b) Magnox, (c) British Nuclear Fuels plc, (d) administration and (e) other. [2666]

The Director General of Electricity Supply normally calculates the expected income from the fossil fuel levy annually, with the intention that income in each year matches expenditure. In respect of renewables, premium payments to generators under the first and second non-fossil fuel orders currently amount to almost £100 million. These will cease when their contracts finish in 1998. Payments to generators under the third NFFO order will rise as their projects come on stream, as would payments to generators under the fourth NFFO order which we intend to lay in 1997 and the fifth NFFO order in 1998. The future cost is estimated for the UK as a whole as a maximum of £150 million a year, but the actual cost could be substantially less than this if renewables continue to make good progress in converging towards the market price for electricity. The nuclear NFFO contracts will end in March 1998. In respect of Magnox, I estimate that payments in 1996–97 will amount to £680 million—of which £310 million relates to the period before the privatisation of British Energy—and to £123 million in 1997–98. Annual payments to BNFL are likely to amount to £25million in both 1996–97 and 1997–98. The annual cost of administration of the levy scheme remains fairly constant at £400,000. There is no other expenditure from the levy.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to make further reductions in the fossil fuel levy. [2667]

Responsibility for the calculation of the fossil fuel levy rests with the Director General of Electricity Supply. In July this year, the DGES announced that the levy rate would fall from 10 per cent. to 3.7 per cent. from 1 November 1996, and that he anticipated that it should be possible to maintain or reduce the rate from 1 April 1997.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people were employed in full-time equivalent terms in the coal mining industry in (a) 1992 and (b) 1996. [2665]

Available information is as follows:

Employees in Great Britain
Mining and agglomeration of hard coal1
	Full-time	Part-time	Total
19912	76,700	700	77,400
19932	32,400	400	32,700
19953	10,400	200	10,600
1 Standard Industrial Classification 1992.
2 Sources: Census of Employment September 1991 and September 1993, Office for National Statistics. The census of employment was conducted every two years, so data are not available for even numbered years.
3 Source: Annual Employment Survey September 1995 (which replaced the biennial census of Employment) Office for National Statistics.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many criminal investigations have been undertaken since 1 January 1995 into alleged breaches of section 47 of the Financial Services Act 1986; and what (a) advice, (b) information and (c) assistance has been given by his officials to these investigations. [2632]

Since 1 January 1995, one criminal investigation into alleged breaches of section 47 of the Financial Services Act 1986 has been undertaken. That investigation is being carried out by investigation officers, who are my officials, under the supervision of lawyers of my Department.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the inspectors appointed to investigate the affairs of Pennine Commercial Holdings plc have completed their report; and when it will be published. [3407]

The inspectors, Elizabeth Appleby QC and Peter Foss FCA, signed their report on 26 July 1996, thus completing the final stage of a series of inquiries, which commenced in 1983, into a group of six connected companies all of which were subsequently put into liquidation.By November 1989, the only report outstanding was that into Pennine. Although substantially complete, it remained unsigned until July, pending the outcome of appeals by individuals connected with Pennine against convictions on criminal charges relating to, among other things, the subject matter of the inspectors' inquiries.While the Department's general practice has been to publish reports by inspectors into public quoted companies, as Pennine formerly was, the Secretary of State has concluded that, in this case, publication is not justified.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take in response to the draft limited liability partnerships law in Jersey with particular reference to United Kingdom professional firms moving their nominal registration to Jersey. [3406]

I am well aware of the concerns of many within the professions about the possible consequences of the unlimited liability of partners in the modern commercial environment. In a big modern partnership advising on large commercial transactions it may be impossible for partners to know all other partners and their work—yet their personal assets can be put at risk by the actions of their partners. The Government are determined to maintain a competitive and up-to-date legal framework for business in the UK. We are aware of recent developments in partnership law in other jurisdictions such as the United States of America and Jersey, and responses to a recent consultation were strongly in favour of dealing with this issue. The Government therefore intend to bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity to make limited liability partnership available to regulated professions in the UK, subject to appropriate safeguards to protect the interests of those doing business with the limited liability partnership. To keep a level playing field with companies and partnerships registered in the UK, limited liability partnerships registered abroad but operating from a place of business in the UK will be required to file financial information equivalent to that to be required from limited liability partnerships registered in this country. The Government will publish before Easter full and detailed proposals for legislation, for consultation with all interested parties.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the United Kingdom's average level of productivity in marketed services; and what are the equivalent levels in other OECD countries. [548]

There are no published figures for average levels of productivity in market services in the UK. There is some evidence that our productivity across market services is still roughly a third less than in the US, France and Germany, but, on average, the gap has narrowed since 1979.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what dates during 1993 and 1994 the then Minister for Corporate Affairs attended meetings to discuss whether disqualification proceedings should be taken against certain directors of Butte Mining arising from their conduct as directors of Butte Mining; and on what date the Minister decided that no proceedings should be brought. [2983]

It is not my Department's practice to comment on the affairs of individual companies.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992 and are planned for the coming year, in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1897]

The information requested on IT projects undertaken by my Department since January 1992 is set out. Projects approved by the Department's next step agencies and funded from their budgets are not included. This information provided on projects below £200,000 and on planned projects is limited to that readily available from central records.

	Number approved	Number planned
Less than £200,000	141	7
£200,000-£1 million	7	3
£1 million-£2 million	4	1
£2 million-£3 million	2	2
£3 million-£4 million	1	0
£4 million-£5 million	2	0
£5 million-£6 million	1	0
£6 million-£7 million	0	0
£7 million-£8 million	0	0
£8 million-£9 million	2	0
£9 million-£10 million	0	0
Over £10 million	1	0

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many workers have been made unemployed by the privatised gas, water, electricity and telecoms utilities between April 1992 and April 1996; and what is the estimated cost to public funds. [2974]

This is a commercial matter for the companies concerned. There are long-term benefits to the whole economy from allowing resources, including labour, to move to more productive uses, and to the extent that redundant employees find alternative employment there would be benefits to public funds as well as to the economy.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he last discussed matters with British Energy. [2977]

Under the UK nuclear site licensing regime, nuclear operators must demonstrate the safety of nuclear installations to the satisfaction of the nuclear industry's independent regulator, the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate. Therefore, while Ministers might discuss, in general terms, safety issues with nuclear licensees such as British Energy, operational safety at nuclear installations is a matter for licencees in consultation with the regulator.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what guarantees British Energy has given that its proposal to shed jobs over the next three years will not affect safety standards. [2976]

For British Energy, ensuring safety at its nuclear installations is an absolute prerequisite for its future business success. In announcing its proposals to reduce staff numbers as part of its aim of reducing costs and improving the overall efficiency of the company, British Energy made it clear that these staff reductions will in no way compromise the company's commitment to safety. The nuclear industry's independent regulator, the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate, is being fully consulted on the proposed changes and will need to be satisfied that the proposals remain consistent with arrangements for the management of safety within British Energy.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to ensure that alco-pop drinks are not marketed to under-18s. [1804]

The Government believe that self-regulation is the most effective way to control alcohol advertising. We welcome the responsible approach taken by the Portman Group and its members in drawing up a voluntary code of practice for the packaging, marketing and sale of alcoholic soft drinks in response to concerns about these drinks and their appeal to young people. There is, therefore, no need for action by Government in this area.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of submissions received in 1996 by his Department on proposals for competition law reform were broadly in favour of (a) the incorporation of measures similar to article 85 of the treaty of Rome into United Kingdom law and (b) the introduction of a prohibition approach to anti-competitive agreements. [2245]

Responses were almost universally in favour of a prohibition approach to anti-competitive agreements following the broad framework of article 85, with a majority preferring that the prohibition set out in article 85(1) should be narrowed in scope along the lines suggested in the consultation document.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress his Department has made since the publication of the Green Paper "Abuse of Market Power" in 1992; and if he will make a statement. [2244]

The Government announced in April 1993 that they intended to strengthen the existing provisions in the Fair Trading Act 1973 and the Competition Act 1980 to deal with abuse of market power A consultation document issued in March 1996, "Tackling Cartels and the Abuse Market Power—a consultation document", set out specific proposals on how the existing framework should be strengthened. Draft clauses which would give effect to the proposals to strengthen the fair trading and competition Acts were published in August 1996 as part of a draft competition Bill.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the advantages of introducing a prohibition approach to United Kingdom competition law. [2248]

The Government believe that their proposals to replace the present Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1977 with a prohibition of anti-competitive agreements will be a more efficient and effective way of dealing with the control of anti-competitive agreements.On a prohibition of abuse of market, the Government remain of the view that no compelling case has been made in favour of a prohibition-based system for the economy at large. The difficulties of clearly defining abuse risk deterring genuinely competitive behaviour. The Government are, however, happy to promote further public debate on this matter.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many submissions have been received to date following the publication of the consultation paper "Tackling Cartels and the Abuse of Market Power". [2246]

My Department has published two consultation documents under this heading this year, the first a consultation document on the detailed policy options for implementing the Government's proposals, the second a document containing a draft Bill.In response to the first document, we have received 109 submissions. In response to the second document, we have received 91 submissions to date.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much departmental time was spent in preparation of the consultation paper "Tackling Cartels and the Abuse of Market Power." [2247]

My Department has issued two consultation documents under this heading this year, the first a consultation document on the detailed policy options for implementing the Government's proposals, the second a document containing a draft Bill: 1.4 man years were spent in preparing the first document, 3.2 man years in preparing the second.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what discussions took place at the Council of Ministers meeting on 25 October regarding the multi-fibre arrangement; [2987](2) what discussions he has had with the World Trade Organisation regarding the operation of the multi-fibre arrangement; [2986](3) what representations he has recently received regarding the operation of the multi-fibre arrangement. [2988]

My Department has been consulting the British textile and clothing industry, retailers, importers and consumers about the basis on which the European Union should implement stage 2 of the phase-out of the general agreement on tariffs and trade multi-fibre arrangement on 1 January 1998. The General Affairs Council has not yet considered the matter but is likely to take a decision on 25 November. Decisions on this sort by textile importing countries, including the EU, are a matter for them and are not up for negotiation at the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation to be held in Singapore from 9 to 13 December.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what regulations his Department proposes to repeat by the end of 1996; if he proposes to conduct a compliance cost assessment on each resolution repealed; and what is the estimated cost of undertaking a compliance cost assessment to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each repeal. [1404]

My Department currently proposes to repeal the following regulations by the end of 1996:

• Trade Descriptions (Place of Production) (Marking) Order 1988;
• The Rag Flock (Other Filling Materials) Act 1951;
• The Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Regulations 1981;
• The Stand for Carry-Cot (Safety) Regulations 1966;
• The Gas Catalytic Heaters (Safety) Regulations 1984;
• The Asbestos Products (Safety) Regulations 1985;
• The Asbestos Products (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1987; and
• The Quotations Regulations 1989.

My Department currently proposes to repeal and replace the following regulations by the end of 1996:

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that his television decoder to be used for digital satellite programmes is also available at fair and reasonable cost for digital terrestrial programmes. [2053]

[holding answer 6 November 1996]:] Regulations have been in place since 23 August this year, well in advance of any manufacturing agreements for decoders, which deal with the licensing of decoder technology. The regulations—1996/2185—provide that licensing of proprietary technology for conditional access to manufacturers of consumer equipment must be undertaken on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. Owners of such technology, when licensing one manufacturer, must therefore consider applications for additional licences from other manufacturers—perhaps acting on behalf of other broadcasters operating on other delivery systems—and must grant or refuse such applications on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. If a manufacturer or broadcaster believes he is being unfairly refused a licence, the regulations allow him to take immediate action in court against the owner of the technology.Taken together, these will enable manufacturers to supply set-top boxes which either incorporate facilities for terrestrial and satellite reception, or to which such facilities could be added at a fair and reasonable cost, should they see a market for such receivers which is worth pursuing.The regulations also prohibit the owner of the technology from dissuading a manufacturer from including additional conditional access technology or a common interface in the same decoder. A common interface allows for the attachment of additional conditional access components and other components of the digital decoder—for example, a receiver for another deliver mechanism such as digital terrestrial.The Government do not intend to impose requirements which will increase the cost of set-top boxes, the equipment which will be used to decode digital television signals, by mandating the inclusion of facilities which consumers may not wish to use. However, the European standards for digital television are designed to assist manufacturers who wish to produce receivers capable of receiving and decoding both satellite and terrestrial signals, or to which additional reception capabilities can be added.In due course, conditional access systems are likely to be integrated in the television set, the manufacturers of which will seek to provide access to a wide range of broadcasters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to introduce learning credits for 16 to 19-year-old students. [2207]

The Government propose to bring together, into a single entitlement to learning expressed in the form of a credit, their existing guarantee of training and the statutory duty of the Further Education Funding Council to secure sufficient and adequate education for young people. All young people would be issued with a learning credit as they complete their compulsory education. Learning credits, which would not be cash based, would build on the best of youth credits arrangements already operated by training and enterprise councils. Careers services, working closely with providers, would have an important role in issuing the credit as part of the information and guidance they provide to all young people.The Government believe that the learning credits approach, taken together with the work proposed to secure greater convergence of post-16 funding arrangements, would further strengthen the choices young people make and the responsiveness of providers to them. They intend to consult on learning credits in December, with a view to their phased introduction from 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what financial provision is being made to (a) the local education authority and (b) voluntary organisations in the county of Durham to increase awareness of drug and alcohol-related problems. [2406]

Under the grants for education support and training programme for 1996–97, £67,450 has been made available to Durham LEA in support of in-service training of teachers whose responsibilities include drug education in schools; and £14,000 in support of training for youth and community workers in raising their awareness of and developing skills for dealing with young people at risk from, or in the early stages of, drug abuse.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many school absences of pupils have been related to drug and alcohol abuse in the county of Durham since 1992. [2407]

This information is not collected centrally. Information on levels of authorised and unauthorised absence is collected annually in respect of all day pupils of compulsory school age, but schools are not required to break their absence totals down by cause of absence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many school children in the county of Durham have received treatment and counselling for alcohol dependency since 1992. [2408]

I have been asked to reply.This information is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of students sitting the A-level examination in physics obtained passes at A, B and C grades (a) in 1976 and (b) in 1996. [2438]

The percentage of students obtaining passes at grades A, B and C in GCE A-level physics syllabuses examined in 1976 were 9.5 per cent., 13.3 per cent. and 12.5 per cent. respectively. The corresponding figures for the syllabuses examined in 1996 were 20.6 per cent., 19.1 per cent. and 17.9 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if she will calculate the number of questions, accounting for what percentage of the marks, a candidate prepared for the 1976 A-level examination in physics could have answered in the 1996 examination; [2435](2) if she will calculate the number of questions, accounting for what percentage of marks, a candidate prepared for the 1976 0-level examination in physics could have answered in the 1996 GCSE examination; [2436](3) if she will calculate the number of questions, accounting for what percentage of marks, a candidate prepared for the 1996 A-level examination in physics could have answered in the 1976 examination. [2437]

The examination boards have always offered a range of physics syllabus at GCE A-level, GCE 0-level and, since 1986, GCSE. It is therefore not possible to calculate the precise number of questions common to physics examinations in 1976 and 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how much money has been withheld from the United Kingdom by the European Commission as a result of the Government's decision not to participate in objective 4 of the European structural fund (a) as a percentage of the total United Kingdom allocation and (b) in pounds sterling for the period 1994 to 1996; [2403](2) what sum has been withheld from

Some 3,377 million ecu are available for spending in Great Britain under objectives 3 and 4 of the structural funds between 1994 and 1999. The objective 3 plan for 1994 to 1996 period, which was agreed with the European Commission, provided for 1,501 million of that money to be spent in the UK. The remaining 1,876 million ecu are available for spending in Great Britain under objectives 3 and 4 of the structural funds between 1997 and 1999. The plans for spending that money are currently being negotiated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what sums her Department estimates will be withheld from the United Kingdom European Commission as a result of the Government's decision not to participate in objective 4 of the European structural fund (a) as a percentage of the total United Kingdom by the allocation and (b) in pounds sterling for 1997 to 1999. [2404]

There is no reason to believe that any sums will be withheld by the European Commission for 1997 to 1999. Officials are currently negotiating plans with the Commission for the combined budget for objective 3 and 4 between 1997 and 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what factors underlay her Department's decision not to participate in objective 4 of the European structural fund, and what plans she has to review her policy. [2398]

We preferred to spend the joint budget for objective 3 and 4 on help for unemployed people. Officials are currently negotiating the use of the budget for 1997 to 1999 with the European Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to make an announcement on the alignment of academic medical pay awards this year with medical pay awards generally within the NHS; and if she will make a statement. [2662]