To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to section 4 of the Government's response to the fourth recommendation contained in the second report of the Public Service Committee on ministerial accountability and responsibility, HC 67, Session 1996–97, if he will make it Government policy to answer parliamentary questions relating to events taking place more than 30 years ago. [3886]

To the extent that such questions are admissible under the rules of the House—"Erskine May", 21st edition, page 294—Ministers will seek to answer them, as any other question, in accordance with "Questions of Procedures for Ministers".

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 November. [2703]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 November. [2704]

This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and 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 Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the findings contained in the UN report relating to arms smuggling to Rwandan Hutus based in Zaire with particular reference to the role of United Kingdom companies in supplying arms. [3801]

Inquiries by HM Customs and Excise, the appropriate investigating authority, undertaken as a result of earlier allegations that United Kingdom companies may have been involved in arms supplies to Rwanda groups, have not produced evidence to support criminal proceedings against any United Kingdom company or individual. HM Customs and Excise are in contact with the United Nations about their report and will provide details in response to appropriate requests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representation she has received, and what response he has made, in respect of the proposals to build an emergency jetty in the north of Montserrat; and if he will make a statement. [4078]

A number of representations were received from residents of Montserrat and others regarding the environmental considerations of building an emergency evacuation jetty in Little bay. As with all such projects, the plans were subjected to an environmental impact study. The results of this were taken into account when the Government of Montserrat's planning authority approved the project on 30 October.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what assessment his Department has made of the advantages of giving additional weight to environmental impact in determining planning restrictions on agricultural holdings; [3364](2) what research his Department has

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to review (a) PPG7 and (b) other planning guidance on agricultural and other dwellings in the countryside in order to give greater weight to environmental and social sustainability; and if he will make a statement. [3378]

The main body of PPG7 has been cancelled in Wales. Planning policy guidance on rural development can be found in "Planning Guidance (Wales): Planning Policy" 1996, which is currently being reviewed. Guidance on agricultural dwellings will be contained in a proposed technical advice note on rural development, which should be issued shortly for public consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of hospitals and health trusts facing deficits during the current financial year. [3186]

Latest trust directors of finance monitoring returns, which projects estimated end of year financial positions—as at 30 June for those on quarterly monitoring and 31 August 1996 for those on monthly monitoring—identify six trusts with deficit at year end. Welsh Office officials are currently assessing the mid-year monitoring returns.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the cost of staff employed full time or part time (i) to provide information and publicity and (ii) to work in press or media in (a) 1995–96, (b) 1994–95 and (c) 1993–94. [3567]

The costs of staff employed in the information division to provide publicity and press services for the Welsh Office were as follows:

£000
Year	Publicity	Press
1993–96	186	431
1994–95	206	418
1995–96	257	403

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many staff were employed full time or part time by his Department to provide information and publicity in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1994–95 and (iii) 1993–94. [3571]

The number of staff employed in the information division to provide information and publicity services for the Welsh Office were as follows:

• 1993–94: 23.5
• 1994–95: 21.5
• 1995–96: 23.9

Full-time equivalent

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the cost assumed in his Department's budget for people employed full time or part time to work on the press and the media in 1996–97. [3575]

It is £335,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was his Department's expenditure on consultants to assist with information, publicity, press and media in (a) 1995–96, (b) 1994–95 and (c) 1993–94. [3578]

Welsh Office expenditure on consultants to assist with information, publicity, press and media is as follows:

• 1993–94: £17,450
• 1994–95: Nil
• 1995–96: Nil

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the inquiry into the provision of insulin pen needles by the NHS, with particular reference to its implications for Wales. [3806]

We are currently considering whether insulin injection pen needles should be made available on general practitioner prescription.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number in modern apprenticeships in engineering at (a) craft, (b) technician and (c) student levels in (i) Wales and (ii) each region of Wales for which statistics are available. [4138]

There is no information available centrally on the number currently participating in modern apprenticeships in engineering. Information from the Department for Education and Employment modern apprenticeship database indicates that the number starting on modern apprenticeships in engineering is as shown in the table:

Starts in modern apprenticeships in engineering1, 1995–96
TEC area	Craft related occupations2	Other occupations3
Gwent	113	16
Mid Glamorgan	139	19
Powys	4—	24
North-east Wales	114	4—
North-west Wales	4—	4—
South Glamorgan	n/a	n/a
West Wales	105	71
Wales	494	136

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the Engineering Council for Wales concerning increasing the status of engineering among school leavers, school teachers and parents in Wales. [4132]

None, but from reports of routine contacts between my officials and the Engineering Centre for Wales I know that the centre's new executive chairman shares my keenness to raise the profile of engineering as a career choice for school leavers.I understand that the centre is re-examining its strategies for achieving this, seeking to build upon existing links with the education business partnerships. It will also be a key player in Wales in helping to promote 1997 as the Year of Engineering Success—YES.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairmen of the boards of governors of university of Wales institutes at Cardiff and Newport, the chairmen of South Glamorgan and Gwent training and enterprise councils, and the chairman of the Higher Education Funding Council Wales in relation to the training and education of skilled and qualified engineers in south-east Wales. [4155]

The supply of skilled and qualified people for the manufacturing sector is a key priority in "People and Prosperity: an Agenda for Action in Wales" and, as such, features regularly in discussions which I arid my Department hold with training and enterprise councils and the Welsh funding councils. I have asked the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales to give priority to science and technology courses and I met the chairman of the council last month to discuss progress. I shall be meeting the chairman of the Council for Welsh TECs on 18 November to discuss skills supply in manufacturing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the previous chairman of the South East Wales Ambulance Trust concerning the conclusions in relation to both value for money and regularity and propriety contained within the district auditor's reports of 11 November. [4156]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the South East Wales Ambulance Trust regarding the contents of the district auditor's reports of 11 November, what proposals he has for ensuring the return of (a) the performance-related pay bonuses paid, (b) the cost of the camperwagon converted at public expense and (c) other trust funds diverted into private hands via the credit cards and fuel cards; and if he will make a statement. [4153]

None. My officials are continuing to monitor progress at the South East Wales Ambulance Trust and are receiving regular reports on issues raised by the district auditor. The trust has taken legal advice and, where appropriate, is doing all within its power to recover losses incurred.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the environment directorate of the European Commission concerning the complaint in relation to the Cardiff bay barrage. [4136]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what independent legal advice he has sought on the implications of the Lappel bank judgment on the Cardiff hay barrage. [4135]

It is not my practice to disclose the nature of the legal advice I receive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the British bases established as part of the IFOR operation in (a) Bosnia and (b) Croatia; and how much Britain is charged for these bases to be situated in each of these areas. [4058]

The British bases established as part of NATO's implementation force operation in Croatia and Bosnia, and the charges agreed for their occupation, are as follows:

	Monthly charge £
Location—Croatia
Split—Divulje barracks	No charge
Split—port facilities	117,000
Split—factories and warehouse	224,000
Location—Bosnia
Tomislavgrad-factory and warehouse	40,000
Lipa	12,000
Kupres	32,000
Gornji Vakuf—3 factories	41,000
Sipovo—3 factories, sawmill and hotel	21,000
Glamoc-sawmill and factory	7,000
Sanski Most—two factories	8,000
Mrkonjic Grad—two factories, sawmill and dam	11,000
Banja Luka—factory and offices	36,000
Vitez-bulk fuel installation and school	11,000
Jajce—factory	6,000
Kljuc-depot	1,000
Bosanski Petrovac-garage	5,000
Krupa—two factories	5,000

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the (a) dates on which and (b) types of aircraft which his Department has lost through crashes in each of the last five years; and what were the causes of these accidents. [4059]

The information requested is given in the table.

Date	Aircraft type	Cause
1992
12 May	Tucano TI	Aircrew error
12 May	Lynx AH7	Aircrew error
14 February	Hunter T8C	Technical fault
14 May	Harrier GR3	Operating hazard
28 May	Sea Harrier FRS1	Not positively determined
30 May	Viking	Natural hazard
9 July	Buccaneer S2B	Technical hazard
9 July	Viking	Aircrew error
7 August	Harrier GR5	Technical fault
30 September	Hawk T1A	Aircrew error
16 October	Bulldog T1	Not positively determined
21 October	Sea King HC4	Aircrew error
26 November	Puma HC1 and Gazelle AH1	Operating hazard
1993
18 March	Gazelle HT2	Human factors (non-aircrew)
19 May	Chipmunk T10	Aircrew error

Date	Aircraft type	Cause
27 May	Hercules C3	Not positively determined
28 June	Harrier GR7	Natural hazard
1 July	Hawk T1	Aircrew error
20 July	Gazelle AH1	Aircrew error
12 August	Wessex HC2	Technical fault
26 August	Chipmunk T10	Aircrew error
9 September	Gazelle T10	Aircrew error
17 September	Wessex HC2	Natural hazard
21 October	Tornado F3	Aircrew error
6 November	Sea King HAS6	Technical fault
23 November	Harrier GR7	Technical fault
1994
6 January	Sea Harrier FA2	Human factors (non-aircrew)
14 January	Harrier GR7	Aircrew error
25 March	Lynx HAS3	Aircrew error
10 April	Lynx AH7	Aircrew error
2 June	Chinook HC2	Aircrew error
7 June	Tornado F3	Technical fault
8 July	Tornado GR1	Aircrew error
19 July	Tornado GR1	Technical fault
1 August	Tornado GR1	Under investigation
1 September	Tornado GR1A	Not positively determined
19 September	Tornado GR1	Technical fault
22 September	Lynx AH7	Technical fault
11 November	Gazelle AH1	Aircrew error
15 December	Sea Harrier FRS1	Technical fault
1995
10 March	Tornado F3	Technical fault
16 May	Nimrod R1	Technical fault
1 June	Harrier GR7	Not positively determined
21 June	Jaguar GR1A	Under investigation
5 August	Viking	Aircrew error
10 August	Hawk T1W	Aircrew error
20 August	Lynx AH7	Aircrew error
27 August	Viking	Aircrew error
2 September	Nimrod MR2	Under investigation
5 October	Gazelle HT2	Aircrew error
30 October	2 x Tornado F3	Under investigation
1996
10 January	2 x Tornado F3	Under investigation
11 January	Tornado GR1	Under investigation
23 January	Jaguar GR1B	Under investigation
13 February	Sea Harrier F/A2	Under investigation
13 February	Hawk T1	Under investigation
19 February	Harrier GR7	Under investigation
26 February	Harrier T4N	Under investigation
26 February	Tornado GR1	Under investigation
13 May	Tucano T1	Under investigation
26 May	Hawk T1	Under investigation
24 July	Jaguar GR1	Under investigation
18 September	Jaguar T2A	Under investigation
28 September	Tornado F3	Under investigation

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the precise location of the unexploded bombs in West Ham and East Ham. [4079]

The information available to my Department on this subject is obtained from public records. A summary was placed in the Library of the House in response to an earlier question from the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes), Official Report, column 863.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the breakdown of the Japanese roll on roll off vessel, Sea Crusader chartered by his Department; when the vessel broke down; how many of its engines have broken down; when the vessel was chartered; what is the vessel's current position; what actions his Department has taken to replace the vessel; and if he will make a statement. [4061]

The Japanese-built vessel was the only suitable ro-ro available to meet the requirements of the joint rapid deployment force. Named RFA Sea Crusader, it was chartered on 17 September 1996, is a UK registered vessel and is manned and operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The vessel lost power in its starboard engine on 1 November 1996 while en route to its UK base at Marchwood. This reduced the ship's speed but it continued to carry out its operational duties. The engine fault has now been rectified under guarantee and at no cost to my Department. The vessel is due to arrive in UK waters in late November 1996 as originally planned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contracts his Department, agencies and associated bodies have had with EDS for each year since 1985; what was the value of each contract; if he will indicate for each contract (a) if it was completed, (b) what modifications were made at the request of (i) the company and (ii) the Department and (c) if work under contract is being undertaken in-house; and if he will make a statement on the number of job reductions in his Department arising from the contracting out of work by EDS. [3798]

As the management data held centrally for MoD headquarters contracts branches shows in excess of 150 live contracts and does not include the information required, the answers to this question could be provided only at disproportional cost. In addition, I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave on 16 October 1995, Official Report columns 31–32.Where chief executives of my Department's agencies exercise responsibilities for this matter under the terms of their framework documents, I have asked them to write to the hon. Member direct.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions (a) non-departmental public bodies and (b) executive agencies responsible to his Department have provided answers by letter, with copies to the Library but not published in the Official Report in each of the latest available two years. [3159]

Questions which refer to the work of non-departmental public bodies responsible to my Department are answered by Home Office Ministers and published in the Official Report. Replies to questions which are prepared by the chief executives of Home Office agencies are published in the Official Report, except on those occasions where there is insufficient time to provide the information requested before the House rises for recess. In such cases, the chief executive gives an undertaking in the Official Report to provide an answer by letter, and to place a copy of the letter in the Library. There is no information available on the number of occasions when this procedure has been followed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department issues in respect of the interpretation of "reasonable force" as used in the making of an arrest by the police using police dogs. [3631]

Home Office guidance on the training of police dogs indicates the importance of dog handlers identifying themselves as police officers and giving any person to whom a challenge is directed the opportunity to give themselves up before the dog is instructed to chase and detain, or search for, a person.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what monitoring is conducted by his Department to ensure police forces adhere to his Department's guidelines on the operational use of police dogs; [3630](2) what steps he is taking to ensure regional training centres for police dog development adhere to Home Office guidelines on the training of police dogs. [3629]

The training and deployment of police dogs is an operational matter for chief officers.The operation of police dog units is monitored by Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary as part of its inspection procedure.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will break down the number of illegal entrants to the United Kingdom detected in 1995 in respect of (a) nationality, (b) the methods of entry into the United Kingdom stating the number in each category, (c) the length of time they had been in the United Kingdom before detection and (d) the manner in which they were detected, stating the number in each category. [3412]

Information on nationality and category is given in tables which have been placed in the Library. The other information requested is either not available or could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a joint committee on health and safety under the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council; and if he will make a statement. [3525]

Health and safety issues are currently dealt with in the existing joint committees. A review of the functions, costs and working practice of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council is in progress. Any changes in the council and sub-committee structure and terms of reference will be considered in the light of its recommendations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many films have been refused a video release certificate by the British Board of Film Classification as a result of consideration of the new criteria contained in the Criminal Justice Act 1994; and if he will list their titles. [3539]

The British Board of Film Classification has refused classification certificates to 12 video works since the introduction of the statutory classification criteria in the Criminal Justice and Public order Act 1994. The following works have been refused a certificate:

• Kickboxer 4—The Aggressor;
• Back in Action;
• Bare Behind Bars;
• Sadomania;
• Demoniac;
• Arrowhead;
• Boy Meets Girl;
• Schoolgirl Fantasy;
• Mikey;
• Ultimate Pursuits;
• LA Blue Girl;
• S & M Why?

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many videos certified for home release have been re-classified as a result of the review by the British Board of Film Classification arising from the change in the law contained in the Criminal Justice Act 1994; and if he will list their titles. [3540]

I understand that the British Board of Film Classification has not reviewed the classification of any video works under the Video Recordings (Review of Determinations) Order 1995, which came into force on 1 November 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it compulsory for all retail establishments to be fitted with an appropriate number of smoke detectors and sprinklers. [3434]

No. The need for smoke detectors or sprinklers in any particular retail premises must depend upon the outcome of a fire risk assessment for those premises.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many dog breeding establishments have been inspected by local authorities since the Breeding of Dogs Act 1991 came into force; and how many were inspected in the period 1986 to 1991; [3760](2) how many licences have been issued each year since the passing of the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973; and what proportion of applications are refused; [3759](3) how many dog breeding establishments have been closed under the Breeding of Dogs Act 1991; and how many offenders have been fined the maximum amount under this legislation; [3771](4) what measures are being taken to ensure local authorities are complying with the requirements of the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973. [3773]

Information is not collected centrally about the number of dog breeding establishments inspected by local authorities, the number of licences issued and applications refused, and the number of breeding establishments which have been closed down. So far as we are aware, no offender has been fined the maximum amount under the legislation.The level of priority given to implementing the provisions of the Breeding of Dogs Acts is a matter for local authorities to determine.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many dog breeders have been convicted under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 since 1966. [3772]

It is not possible, from the information held centrally, to identify offences specific to dog breeding from other summary offences under the Protection of Animals Act 1911, as amended. In 1995, there were 754 recorded convictions under the Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers (a) were placed in detention at Saughton or Cornton Vale in 1996 and (b) were in detention in each month of 1996, broken down by (i) country of origin, (ii) length of detention and (iii) place of application. [3789]

Information on the number of asylum seekers placed to detention at Her Majesty's prison Saughton or the Cornton Vale institute during 1996 is not available.The requested breakdown of all detained asylum seekers, for selected dates during 1996, is given in the tables.

Table 1: Number of people recorded as being detained1 who had sought asylum at some stage, by nationality
Nationality	As at 31 January	As at 29 February	As at 29 March	As at 30 April	As at 31 May/7 June2
Nigeria	109	108	114	114	105
India	91	84	79	93	96
Algeria	71	66	62	67	72
Sri Lanka	31	29	34	37	38
Ghana	30	31	38	38	52
Pakistan	26	32	27	23	29
Zaire	23	27	30	32	34
Peoples Republic of China	38	32	23	22	26
Turkey	29	23	26	33	39
Angola	13	10	11	11	12
Romania	12	20	17	21	23
Cyprus	3	5	2	4	2
Israel	—	—	—	—	—
Yugoslavia	10	10	5	4	19
Columbia	3	6	4	4	11
Gambia	58	57	51	44	29
Bangladesh	22	14	12	22	17
Liberia	3	2	3	3	5
Poland	6	7	6	6	5
Ethiopia	3	4	2	3	5
Iran	8	8	11	7	13
Jamaica	6	7	4	4	5
Russia	3	2	4	6	5
Ivory Coast	4	3	3	6	6
Sierra Leone	6	5	3	5	5
Tanzania	4	3	9	6	4
Kenya	19	17	11	7	4
Lithuania	8	6	5	8	11
Morocco	3	—	—	—	—
Slovakia	—	—	—	—	—
Sudan	5	3	3	2	2
Uganda	5	7	3	3	5
Ecuador	10	8	5	5	8
Eritrea	2	—	—	—	—
Somalia	7	5	5	6	8
South Africa	2	—	—	3	—

Table 1: Number of people recorded as being detained1 who had sought asylum at some stage, by nationality
Nationality	As at 31 January	As at 29 February	As at 29 March	As at 30 April	As at 31 May/7 June2
Afghanistan	6	11	6	7	7
Albania	5	4	7	7	5
Bulgaria	2	2	3	3	2
Congo	2	—	—	—	—
Nationality Doubtful	4	2	4	6	4
Others3	41	42	53	53	38
Total	733	702	685	725	751
1 These figures include people who have been in detention for less than a month. Because of the delay in recording receptions into, and releases from, detention and the large number of persons detained for a short period, the figures should be used with caution.
2 Port cases are as at 7 June and in-country cases are as at 31 May.
3 The 'Others' category may include nationalities of detainees already listed.

Nationality	As at 27 June	As at 30 July/2 August1	As at 4 September	As at 1 October	As at 5 November
Nigeria	106	106	110	112	114
India	101	96	91	95	70
Algeria	75	70	65	63	68
Sri Lanka	43	45	47	48	55
Ghana	52	56	60	58	46
Pakistan	25	35	35	34	44
Zaire	38	43	48	44	43
Peoples Republic of China	32	35	39	44	42
Turkey	35	39	47	42	38
Angola	16	16	18	23	19
Romania	23	33	20	18	19
Cyprus	7	6	12	17	17
Israel	—	—	—	15	15
Yugoslavia	9	6	12	9	15
Columbia	15	11	10	35	14
Gambia	27	16	16	16	14
Bangladesh	18	17	16	18	13
Liberia	4	5	9	7	10
Poland	6	8	6	5	10
Ethiopia	6	8	9	9	9
Iran	11	9	11	13	9
Jamaica	5	8	8	10	9
Russia	6	5	6	8	9
Ivory Coast	6	7	7	6	7
Sierra Leone	6	4	7	8	6
Tanzania	4	4	3	4	6
Kenya	6	4	9	7	5
Lithuania	5	4	4	7	5
Morocco	2	—	—	3	5
Slovakia	—	—	—	—	5
Sudan	3	—	4	4	5
Uganda	4	3	4	8	5
Ecuador	8	6	3	4	4
Eritrea	—	2	2	—	3
Somalia	9	6	6	5	3
South Africa	2	2	—	—	3
Afghanistan	5	6	2	—	2
Albania	3	2	3	2	2
Bulgaria	—	—	2	3	2
Congo	—	2	—	—	2
Nationality Doubtful	6	10	8	11	7
Others2	43	41	50	49	29
Total	772	776	809	864	808
1Port cases are as at 2 August and in-country cases are as at 30 July.
2The "Others" category may include nationalities of detainees already listed.

Table 2: Number of people recorded as being detained who had sought asylum at some stage, by length of detention
Detained as at	0 to 1 Month1	1 to 2 Months	2 to 6 Months	12 Months	12 Months	Total
31 January	194	133	296	97	13	733
29 February	150	119	311	109	13	702
29 March	188	109	284	93	11	685
30 April	181	143	280	106	15	725
31 May/7 June2	201	133	287	112	18	751
27 June	214	139	282	113	24	772
30 July/2 August3	192	148	311	100	25	776
4 September	211	141	312	115	30	809
1 October	244	154	311	121	34	864
5 November	198	138	314	123	35	808
1 These figures include people who have been in detention for less than a month. Because of the delay in recording receptions into, and releases from, detention and the large number of persons detained for a short period, the figures should be used with caution.
2 Port cases are as at 7 June and in-country cases are as at 31 May.
3 Port cases are as at 21 August and In-country cases are as at 30 July.

Table 3: Number of people recorded as being detained1 who had sought asylum at some stage, by location of application
Detained as at	Port	In-country	Total
31 January	418	315	733
29 February	406	296	702
29 March	416	269	685
30 April	436	289	725
31 May/7 June2	462	289	751
27 June	472	300	772
30 July/2 August3	483	293	776
4 September	503	306	809
1 October	543	321	864
5 November	482	326	808
1 These figures include people who have been in detention for less than a month. Because of the delay in recording receptions into, and releases from, detention and the large number of persons detained for a short period, the figures should be used with caution.
2 Port cases are as at 7 June and in-country cases are as at 31 May.
3 Port cases are as at 2 August and in-country cases are as at 30 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of (a) homicides, (b) unlawful woundings and (c) accidental injuries notified to the police in which licensed handguns were used in each month since March. [3788]

Information as to whether firearms used in offences are legally held is not at present routinely collected centrally in England and Wales. However, a special exercise has recently been carried out to find out whether the guns used in homicides were licensed. The exercise covers the years 1992 to 1994. Out of a total of 22 homicides in which the firearm was legally held, four involved handguns.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the continuation of section 11 funding. [4208]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the arrangements for funding under section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966 for pupil support after March 1997. [4100]

I refer the hon. Members to the reply that I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Mr. Thomason), Official Report, column 242.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in respect of crime from the Sparrow Hall community council in the Liverpool, West Derby constituency; and what response he has made. [3989]

We have received a letter from Jean Hannah of the Sparrow Hall community council, and a reply was sent on 13 November. I understand that the area commander is developing a community partnership strategy to deal with local crime problems.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the high-intensity regime will open at the MCTC at Colchester; and if he will make a statement on the cause of the delays in opening the centre; [1761](2) what Prison Service training the officer who is in charge of the military corrective training centre at Colchester has had since July; what plans there are for further training; and if he will make a statement. [1762]

[holding answer 6 November 1996]: This is a unique initiative, requiring careful preliminary work. Much progress has already been made, and Colchester young offender institution will open when we have agreed the final details of the regime and completed the staff appointments.By the end of July, the officer in charge of the military corrective training centre had undertaken training in relation to prisoner adjudications and the command of serious incidents, and had made several familiarisation visits to Prison Service establishments. Since July, he has undertaken finance training. Further training is planned on the staff code of discipline and staff appraisal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the cost of staff employed full time or part time (i) to provide information and publicity and (ii) to work in press or media in (a) 1995–96, (b) 1994–95 and (c) 1993–94. [3569]

The answers are £1,620,308, £1,491,230 and £1,538,298, respectively.These figures combine the cost of staff who work on information, publicity, press and media for the Department and its agencies. The split between information, publicity, press and media could be provided only at disproportionate cost. It does not include the work of the public inquiry point, as this work is part of its general administrative duties and is not recorded separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the cost assumed in his Department's budget for people employed full time or part time to work on the press and the media in 1996–97; [3577](2) what is the cost for staff employed full time or part time by his Department to provide information and publicity in 1996–97. [3573]

The answer is £1,800,347.This figure includes the cost of staff who work on information, publicity, press and media for the Department and its agencies. The split between press, media and information and publicity could be provided only at disproportionate cost. It does not include the work of the public inquiry unit as this is part of its general administrative duties and is not recorded separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out the expenditure on roads in each county expressed as a figure per motor car based on the census figures for car ownership in each of the last 10 years. [2599]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the advantages of subsidising research into electric vehicle propulsion and the installation of recharging facilities in large conurbations; and if he will make a statement. [3194]

There are a number of research projects, such as the Coventry electric vehicle project, recently launched by my right hon. Friend and partly funded by the Energy Savings Trust, which are already assessing the benefits and practicality of electric vehicles in real-life situations. Although electric vehicles have yet to reach the point where they are a clear alternative to more conventional technology as a means of providing a cost-effective solution for urban air quality concerns, a variety of organisations are working to improve the technology and reduce costs. I am keeping this progress under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the annual expenditure on the marine pollution control unit in each year since it was established. [3638]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the advantages of introducing incentives to promote the retro-fitting of emission control devices to diesel vehicles. [3791]

We keep the position under review, taking account of relevant research such as analysis undertaken in the EU auto-oils programme, trials by London Transport buses and related research.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the latest estimated outturn costs to the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising, including incentive payments for paying (a) franchised and (b) non-franchised train operators, for the year 1996–97; what was the original budget; and what estimates he has made for subsequent years. [4150]

Opraf's original budget for support for passenger rail services provided for the franchise payments to Great Western and South West Trains of £125 million and a budget for BR of £1,692 million, making a total of £1,817 million against the £1,626 million voted in the main supply estimates. The latest estimated outturn is £1,763 million and a winter supplementary estimate for a further £137 million has been announced. The reduction of £54 million against the initial budget is the result of the savings on the 11 franchises let this year and the anticipated savings from later franchises. The split is estimated at payments to BR of £1,329 million and to franchisees of £434 million. The exact outturn will depend on the commencement dates of the later franchises and the savings achieved. Estimates for future years are being discussed in the public expenditure survey and announcements will be made at the usual time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest estimated outturn of the cost of running the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising for the year 1996–97; what was the original budget, excluding payments to franchised and non-franchised train operators; and what are his latest estimates for subsequent years. [4149]

The latest estimated outturn for Opraf' s running costs for 1996–97 is £7.556 million, which is the amount voted in the supply estimates. The estimates for 1997–98 and 1998–99 remain those in table 7 of the "Transport Report 1996", Cm 3206 page 85.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the planned timetable for completion of refurbishment work on the Shoreditch to New Cross/New Cross Gate underground line; what was the original timetable; when the line will reopen; and if he will make a statement. [3869]

I understand that London Underground's refurbishment and tunnel strengthening works on the East London line are well under way and that London Underground is aiming to complete the works and re-commission the line in time to re-open it in late summer 1997. The works were originally programmed to take place between March and October 1995. They are now proceeding on schedule.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest estimate of the outturn of the British Railways Board for the year 1996–97; what was the original budget; what is his latest estimate of expenditure in subsequent years; and what plans he has to finance any budgetary shortfall. [4152]

British Rail's budget for 1996–97 is currently under review in the light of the faster-than-expected progress made with privatisation. Estimates of expenditure in subsequent years, and plans to finance any budgetary shortfall, will be announced after the Chancellor's Budget statement on 26 November 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what loans were made to the British Railways Board in the years 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93 and 1993–94; and how the expenditure funded by these loans was divided between domestic railway services and expenditure in connection with channel tunnel services. [4148]

Long-term loans from the national loans fund were made to the board as set out;

• 1990–91: Nil
• 1991–92: £850 million
• 1992–93: £950 million
• 1993–94: £625 million.

No long-term loans were obtained by the board in those years other than from the NLF. Such loans are not hypothecated to specific investment but are provided to finance the borrower's overall capital requirements, which included substantial investment related to channel tunnel services in that period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest estimated outturn of the cost of running the Office of the Rail Regulator for the year 1996–97; what was the original budget; and what estimates he has made for later years. [4146]

I am advised by the Office of the Rail Regulator that the latest estimated outturn of the cost of running the office for 1996–97 is in line with the original budget, details of which are set out in the table. I will write to the hon. Member after the Chancellor's Budget statement on 26 November 1996 with estimates of expenditure plans in subsequent years, and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

	1996–97 original estimate and forecast outturn £ million
Running costs	7·8
Capital costs	0·4
	8·2

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the total payments made in respect of railway passenger services made by central Government through the seven passenger transport executives for 1996–97; what was the original budget; and what are his latest estimates for subsequent years. [4151]

Metropolitan district councils in England receive recognition of the costs of PTE support for railway passenger services payments. This is included within the calculation of revenue support grant. The support given in this way—and its Scottish equivalent—amounts to £281.2 million for 1996–97. Railway passenger services in those areas also benefit from expenditure funded by payments under the terms of the deeds of assumption. Support for these rail services in later years has not yet been determined.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the membership of the independent scientific review into the policy on tuberculosis and badgers which he announced on 23 July. [4497]

I am pleased to be able to announce the membership of the independent review team on tuberculosis and badgers. Apart from Professor Krebs, who has already kindly agreed to chair the review, the members are Professor Roy Anderson FRS, Dr. W. I. Morrison, Professor Douglas Young, Professor Tim Clutton-Brock FRS and Dr. Crystl Donnelly.The review will look at the incidence of tuberculosis, in cattle and badgers and assess the scientific evidence for the links between them. It will take account of EC policies on reducing and eliminating the incidence of tuberculosis in cattle and of any risk to the human population. Its overall purpose will be to review, in the light of scientific evidence, present Government policy on badgers and tuberculosis and to make recommendations.The review is now beginning. Interested parties who wish to submit written evidence to the committee are invited to do so before 15 January 1997.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many hybrid wolves have been imported into the United Kingdom in each of the last five years. [3654]

I have been asked to reply.Import permits from the Department of the Environment are required only for those species of wolves listed in the appendices to the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora—CITES. Hybrid wolves are covered by the controls if one of the parents is a listed species. The Department's records indicate that in the last five years no CITES import licences have been granted for hybrid wolves.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of (a) the average weekly working time and (b) the sickness and fatality rates of (i) European Commissioners, (ii) senior Commission officials and (iii) Members of the European Parliament. [4109]

None. We do not recognise working time as being a genuine health and safety issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps have been taken in the European Union concerning the abuses of human rights in Turkey; and if he will make a statement. [3214]

The European Union maintains a dialogue with Turkey on political issues, including human rights. The Council of Ministers has urged the Turkish Government to make further progress in this area. Concern about Turkey's human rights situation was expressed in the European Commission's October report on the customs union and a European Parliament resolution on 19 September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Turkey concerning recent killings in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [3215]

We have made it clear to the Turkish Government that we condemn the disproportionate use of force by security forces in the north of Cyprus, which has resulted in the tragic deaths of unarmed civilians along the ceasefire line. These incidents reinforce the importance of UN efforts to secure agreements on demanning, unloading and rules of conduct along the ceasefire lines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens are currently held in detention in Venezuela. [4212]

There are three British citizens currently held in detention in Venezuela. There is also a Commonwealth citizen for whom we have consular responsibility.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations between the United Kingdom and Venezuela. [4214]

Bilateral relations are good. There is substantial UK interest in trade and investment in Venezuela. I was there in May and the Venezuelan Planning Minister and Finance Minister visited London in September and October respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the charges made against Mr. Paul Loseby and Mr. James Miles who are currently being held in Venezuela. [4209]

Mr. Paul Loseby and Mr. James Miles were arrested at Caracas airport on 4 November with cocaine strapped to their bodies.The public prosecutor will decide whether any formal charges will be made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to visit Venezuela. [4213]

My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary has no immediate plans to visit Venezuela. I visited in May and met several senior Venezuelan Ministers, including the President.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date and at what time the embassy in Caracas was informed of the arrest of Mr. Paul Loseby and Mr. James Miles; and for how many hours and on what days Mr. Loseby and Mr. Miles have been visited by consular officials. [4211]

The Venezuelan authorities told embassy officials in Caracas at about 11.00 hours on 6 November 1996 that two unnamed British nationals had been arrested. The same day, consular officials sought permission to visit, and were allowed to see Mr. Loseby and Mr. Miles at 15.00 hours on 7 November. The visit lasted about one hour.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Venezuelan authorities about the situation of British citizens currently being detained in Venezuela. [4215]

The British embassy in Caracas liaises regularly with the Venezuelan authorities and monitors closely the situation of all British citizens who have been detained. An EU demarche was made in July on the situation of the Venezuelan prisons and a statement was issued earlier this month by the EU presidency, following recent disturbances at the La Planta prison in Caracas.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish the proposed rules on excessive deficits in respect of EMU; and if he will make a statement on the methods for achieving and monitoring compliance with these rules; [3553](2) what proposals have been put to the Council of Ministers to include amendments to article 104(b) among those matters to which decision by a majority vote would apply; [3557](3) if he will publish the latest proposals for a stability pact in respect of EMU; and if he will make a statement on the methods for achieving and monitoring compliance with the terms of the pact. [3554]

Rules on excessive deficits in respect of EMU and the methods for achieving and monitoring compliance with them are set out in article 104c of the Maastricht treaty. A stability pact has been proposed to clarify the practical application of these provisions. I submitted an explanatory memorandum to Parliament on the Commission's proposals for a stability pact on 31 October. The purpose of the excessive deficits procedure and the stability pact is to ensure that member states participating in EMU do not follow irresponsible fiscal policies which could affect exchange rates and drive up interest rates for other member states. Under the UK's opt-out, paragraphs 1, 9, and 11 of article 104c would not apply to the UK if the UK were to decide not to participate in stage 3 of EMU.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what powers will be available to (a) the European Monetary Institute and (b) a future European central bank to prevent the contravention of the no bail-out provisions of article 104(b) where such a bail-out is supported by (i) a majority of and (ii) all EU member states. [3555]

Contraventions of any part of the treaty establishing the European Community, including the no bail-out clause—article 104b—are a matter for the European Court of Justice, not for the European Monetary Institute nor for a future European Central bank.The excessive deficits procedure in article 104c, reinforced by the proposed stability pact, is designed to ensure that member states participating in EMU act in a fiscally responsible way and should help to prevent the issue of bail-out from arising.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provisions exist for the variation of the rules for excessive debt in respect of EMU (a) generally and (b) specifically in relation to unfunded pension liabilities. [3551]

The rules on excessive debt in respect of EMU are set-out in article 104c of the Maastricht treaty. Paragraph 2 of that article makes clear how excessive debt shall be treated. Protocol (No.5) of this treaty explains how debt is defined and gives its reference value. This definition includes any debt incurred as a result of expenditure arising from pensions liabilities.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the possible impact on (a) the United Kingdom (i) if it does and (ii) if it does not participate in the EMU and (b) the proposed euro currency of the falling due for payment of currently unfunded pension fund liabilities among European member states which participate in EMU. [3550]

I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Southport (Mr. Banks) on 6 November, Official Report, columns 354–46.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the latest estimate of unfunded pension liabilities published by the International Monetary Fund. [3549]

The IMF figures show that, in relation to unfunded pensions liabilities, the UK is in a stronger position than many other leading industrial countries. All estimates of unfunded pension liabilities depend upon a number of assumptions concerning pension entitlement and contribution rates and demographic and economic trends over future decades.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what (a) published and (b) unpublished decisions have been made of European Finance Ministers in relation to the operation of article 104(b) and unfunded pension liabilities; [3547](2) if he will list the meetings of European Finance Ministers at which the operation of article 104(b) in relation to unfunded pension liabilities has been discussed; [3546](3) what discussions have been held by

Parliament has been kept informed of discussions by European Finance Ministers in relation to the operation of article 104c. The most recent explanatory memorandum, on the Commission's proposals for a stability pact, was submitted to Parliament on 31 October.Since November 1995, the proposed stability pact has been discussed on several occasions by the Council of European Finance Ministers, most recently on 11 November 1996. It aims to reinforce the operation of the excessive deficits procedure in EMU as set out in article 104c. Its purpose is to ensure that member states participating in EMU do not follow irresponsible fiscal policies. It is designed to ensure that if a member state needs to address the consequences of a build-up of liabilities of any kind it will not be able to fund them through excessive borrowing. This applies to all forms of liabilities, including pensions liabilities.The UK and other member states provided the European Commission with information on pensions schemes earlier this year, and the issue of pensions liabilities will form part of the work programme of the economic policy committee over the next six months.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations Her Majesty's Government made in respect of the recent decision of Eurostat to allow the inclusion in the French Government's accounts of France Telecom's proposed pension payment to the French Exchequer in calculating the French annual deficit in 1997 or 1998. [3556]

Eurostat consulted the Committee on Monetary, Financial and Balance of Payments Statistics. The United Kingdom is represented on this committee by the Office for National Statistics and the Bank of England. Other member states are also represented by their national statistical offices and central banks.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further information he has evaluated in relation to European member states' unfunded liabilities and debt since his predecessor's answers of 26 November 1991, Official Report, column 446, in relation to (a) EC Government debt and (b) single currency. [3763]

European member states regularly publish information on their Government debt. In accordance with standard internationally accepted definitions, these figures do not take account of unfunded liabilities. OECD and IMF calculations published in the last two years and based on a number of assumptions show that the UK is in a stronger position than many other leading industrial countries in relation to unfunded pension liabilities.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total value of payments made to EDS Ltd. since 1993 in relation to the provision of information technology services to the Inland Revenue. [2420]

[holding answer 5 November 1996]: The total value of payments made to EDS Ltd. for information technology services amounts to £356.7 million exclusive of VAT. In addition, the Department has paid £59.4 million for the use of the assets transferred when the contract started on 1 July 1994 and for the use of additional hardware purchased since that date.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people (a) in total and (b) in the age bands (i) 16 to 24 years, (ii) 25 to 34 years, (iii) 35 to 44 years, (iv) 45 to 54 years, (v) 55 to 64 years and (vi) 65 years and over, have experienced (1) two, (2) three, (3) four and (4) five spells of unemployment, since 1992 in the United Kingdom; and if he will give the figures as a percentage of the economically active work force in the relevant age band. [1913]

[holding answer 7 November 1996]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his timetable for (a) the abolition of (i) capital gains tax and (ii) inheritance tax, and (b) implementing a standard rate of tax at 20p in the pound; and if he will make a statement. [3245]

[holding answer 11 November 1996]: The Government remain committed to the long-term aims of abolishing capital gains tax and inheritance tax, and reducing the basic rate of income tax to 20 per cent., as and when resources permit.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the number and percentage of economically inactive (i) men, (ii) women and (iii) people of working age in the United Kingdom and for each region in (a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 1996, indicating the percentage changes since 1981; [2810](2) what are the latest figures for the number and percentage of economically inactive

[holding answer 12 November 1996]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what percentage of economically inactive (a) men and (b) women of working age are classed as (i) sick, (ii) disabled and (iii) voluntary retirees; [2812](2) what percentage of economically inactive people of working age are classed as

[holding answer 12 November 1996]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if self-assessed taxpayers who are selected for random audit in 1997–98 will be told that they are being investigated for purely statistical reasons; [3111](2) how many random audits his Department plans to carry out in 1997–98 under self-assessment power S9A TMA 1970. [3112]

[holding answer 12 November 1996]: No tax returns will be selected for inquiry purely for statistical reasons.Most returns will be selected on the basis of an identified tax risk, but the Inland Revenue proposes to select approximately 10,000 tax returns for inquiry on a random basis during 1997–98, that is about 0.1 per cent. of all self-assessment returns. First and foremost, random inquiries will help to deter would-be tax evaders, who believe they might otherwise successfully cover their tracks and so avoid selection for inquiry. They will also help the Department to identify new areas of high risk and indicate levels of compliance.The Inland Revenue will not tell any taxpayer the basis on which his return has been chosen for inquiry, since to do so would undermine the effectiveness of this new power and could introduce unnecessary confrontation into inquiry work.The Inland Revenue aims for high standards in its inquiry work and has published a new code of practice 11—"Enquiries into tax returns by local Tax offices"—explaining how this will be conducted under self-assessment.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Inland Revenue is taking to ensure that queries about the self-assessment system are dealt with speedily. [3255]

[holding answer 12 November 1996]: The Inland Revenue will seek to achieve the published standards of customer service for 1996–97 for all taxpayers including those affected by self-assessment.The capacity of tax inquiry centres and switchboards has been reviewed and where appropriate enhanced. A helpline has been established to assist taxpayers outside normal working hours.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff the Inland Revenue had (a) in 1994 and (b) in each subsequent year; and what increases in staffing there will be to cover the period of the introduction of self-assessment. [3322]

[holding answer 12 November 1996]:

(a) At 1 April 1994 the Inland Revenue, excluding the Valuation Office Agency, had 58,569 staff in post;

(b) The numbers for subsequent years are:

• April: 54,562
• April: 52,150

There will be no increase in staff numbers to cover the introduction of self-assessment, but measures have been taken to ensure that a higher level of customer service is available in a number of ways to help with any queries which may arise during the introductory period.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters the Inland Revenue has received (a) in total and (b) from self-employed people in each quarter during the last five years. [3253]

[holding answer 12 November 1996]: The Inland Revenue does not currently disaggregate information on post volumes by origin or type of post. The table shows quarterly volumes of post received since April 1993. Earlier figures are obtainable only at disproportionate cost.

Year		Total volume of post received1
1993–94	First quarter	33,133,062
	Second quarter	32,755,151
	Third quarter	33,124,631
	Fourth quarter	31,089,124

year		Total volume of post received1
1994–95	First quarter	35,665,814
	Second quarter	32,384,943
	Third quarter	33,332,228
	Fourth quarter	29,986,006
1995–96	First quarter	29,807,052
	Second quarter	29,388,557
	Third quarter	31,992,414
	Fourth quarter	29,480,783
1996–97	First quarter	29,149,287
	Second quarter	26,991,811
1 Figures are for Inland Revenue regional executive offices responsible for assessing and collecting income tax, corporation tax and capital gains tax.