To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the quality of the measuring equipment at (a) the Leeds, (b) the Nottingham and (c) the Waddington weather centres. [12962]

This is a matter for the chief executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from Lieutenant General Sir David Scott-Barrett on the subject of guardsmen Fisher and Wright; and when he plans to reply to those representations. [12185]

My right hon. Friend has received one representation direct from Lieutenant General Sir David Scott-Barrett. A representation from the hon. Member for Linlithgow is one of a number which have been received on behalf of a group of former Scots Guards, including Lieutenant General Sir David Scott-Barrett. Replies to these letters will be sent shortly, but will not address their substance, since that is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of his proposals to extend the cadet force in schools. [13181]

The Government are considering ways of increasing the scope of the cadet forces to allow even more young people the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of membership. Options and the costs associated with them are still under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many former dentists (a) have served and (b) are currently serving a prison sentence following conviction for assault arising from extensive and wholly unnecessary treatment. [12473]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the total number of extra days which will be served in prison due to positive drug tests which have been taken since September 1996; [12383](2) if he will list the total number of extra days which will be served in prison due to positive drug tests which were taken before March 1996. [12382]

Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to commission independent research relating to the introduction of mandatory drugs testing in all prisons. [12210]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if she will list (a) the number of prisoners (i) randomly tested for drugs, (ii) tested for drugs on suspicion, (iii) tested for drugs while on risk assessment, (iv) tested for drugs while on frequent testing, (v) tested for drugs on reception and (vi) voluntarily tested for drugs in each month prior to March 1996 and (b) the number of these prisoners who have tested positive for each type of drug for each of the above categories; [12420]

I will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of prisoners in England and Wales as of 1 January who were serving a life prison sentence for murder. [12171]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those people detained in Birmingham prison under Immigration Act powers were deported during (i) October, (ii) November and (iii) December; and what were their nationalities. [12327]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women were detained in prisons, under Immigration Act powers, at the end of (i) October, (ii) November and (iii) December; what were their nationalities; how many were deported; and in which prison establishments they were detained. [12350]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were detained in Birmingham prison, under Immigration Act powers, in (i) October, (ii) November and (iii) December; and what were their nationalities. [12326]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of prison sieges or hostage takings which took place in each prison in England and Wales during 1996. [12163]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the annual cost, in each of the last three years, of keeping convicted paedophiles in prison; how many such prisoners there were; what was the average cost per prisoner; what proportion of these prisoners were serving a second or subsequent sentence for such an offence; how much was spent in each year on treatment aimed at reducing the risk to the public of reoffending; and how much was spent in each year on research to improve the effectiveness of such treatment. [12198]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the prisons that have a disability officer to monitor prisoners with physical, sensory or mental disability; [12113](2) what plans he has to ensure that there is a disability officer to monitor prisoners with a physical, sensory or mental disability in each prison. [12114]

Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 5 November, Official Report, column 431, when he expects to respond to the recommendations contained in the report of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs "Drug Misusers and the Prison System—An Integrated Approach". [12115]

My right hon. and learned Friend wrote to Lady Runciman and Professor Grahame-Smith on 13 January 1997, thanking them for their very useful report and enclosing some detailed comments on its recommendations. I am arranging for the detailed comments to be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications his Department has received under article 5(6) of the animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and how many and what percentage of the applications resulted in a licence being granted. [13085]

Since 1 January 1995, 128 project licences have been granted which involve the use of species listed in article 5(6) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.Applications to use these species may not be granted for a number of reasons. The application may be refused and the applicant may decide to withdraw the application prior to formal refusal, or authority to use an alternative species may be granted instead. The number of applications in each of these categories is not recorded centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he plans to allocate police grant in 1997–98. [13628]

I have laid before the House the Police Grant Report 1997–98. This should be read in conjunction with, for England, the Local Government Finance Report and the Special Grant Report (No. 23) and, for Wales, with the Local Government Finance Report (Wales) 1997–98 and the Special Grant Report (Wales) 1997.Funding figures for each police authority are set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decision he has made about the future status of the police scientific development branch. [13629]

The prior options review found that the functions performed by the police scientific development branch are needed and that it should remain in the public sector as an integral part of the Home Office. The review concluded, however, that in order to enhance the customer focus of the branch, a number of further managerial improvements should be adopted. The director of PSDB will put these in place as soon as possible.My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is also making a general statement today on the overall outcome of the prior options review programme of public sector research establishments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) for how long Mr. Barry Horne has been detained on remand at Bullingdon prison; [12613](2) what counselling is being made available to Mr. Barry Horne, currently in Bullingdon prison; [12614](3) what information he has obtained about the objectives of Mr. Barry Horne's hunger strike at Bullingdon prison; and if he will make a statement; [12615](4) if he will make a statement on the hunger strike currently being undertaken by Mr. Barry Horne at Bullingdon prison. [12616]

[holding answers 24 January 1997]: Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of motorists breathalysed during the pre-Christmas period proved positive; and what was the proportion during the same period in 1995. [13081]

[holding answer 28 January 1997]: Figures collected by the Home Office do not enable the pre-Christmas period to be separately identified. The available information relates to the total number of screening breath tests required, and the number which proved positive or were refused, in each calender month.The latest such information was published in table 3 of the Home Office statistical bulletin "Breath Test Statistics, England and Wales 1995", issue 7/96, a copy of which is listed. Figures for 1996 are not yet available, but will be published in the spring.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful applications have been made by United Kingdom organisations in the last four years to obtain subsidies from the EU's town twinning scheme; and what funds have already been allocated to the United Kingdom under this scheme. [12347]

My Department does not collect this information.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the projects under consideration under the Thames gateway initiative, indicating the likely start and completion dates, the estimated costs and the number of jobs he estimates will be created. [12567]

There are many proposals for a variety of investments in Thames gateway, to be made by different organisations in the public and private sectors, and in partnership between the two. Data are not held centrally, but it is clear that, in the 18 months since publication of the Thames gateway planning framework, good progress is being made towards its implementation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce further guidelines governing the siting of telecommunication masts. [12999]

Last year, we published a code of practice on planning procedures for the erection of telecommunication masts under permitted development rights. The Government are working with the local authority associations and telecommunications code system operators who erect masts to monitor the effectiveness of the code and review its implementation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received regarding the siting of telecommunication masts in unsuitable locations in the last year. [12998]

In the past years, 165 representations and a standard petition letter from 57 signatories were received from people concerned about the siting of telecommunication masts.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to issue guidance to reduce the intrusion of telecommunication masts into the natural environment. [12943]

Guidance to reduce the intrusion of telecommunications masts into the natural environment has already been issued. Planning policy guidance note 8 sets out planning policy for telecommunications development including masts. We have also published a code of practice, prepared jointly with the local authority associations and representatives of the telecommunications industry, on planning procedures for the erection of masts under permitted development rights.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the value of the area cost adjustment in 1996–97 and in 1997–98 to (i) Buckinghamshire county council, (ii) Milton Keynes borough council, (iii) Aylesbury Vale district council, (iv) Wycombe district council, (v) Chiltern district council, (vi) South Buckinghamshire district council and (vii) the Thames Valley police authority; and if he will make a statement. [12833]

The contribution to SSAs from the area cost adjustment is listed in the table.The contribution of the area cost adjustment is not the same as the amount an authority would gain or lose if there was not an area cost adjustment in the standard spending assessment system. If the area cost adjustment were removed, it would be necessary to revise the analyses on which SSA formulae are based, and we would wish to consult local authority associations on what would then be the most appropriate formulae.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what planning guidance exists to control the spread of telecommunication masts in areas of outstanding natural beauty and near national heritage sites. [12944]

Except in an emergency, the erection of telecommunication masts in areas of outstanding natural beauty needs planning permission from the local planning authority. The erection of masts near national heritage sites is subject either to full planning control or to the prior approval procedure under part 24 of schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, depending on the size and location of the mast. Guidance on such applications is set out in the Department's planning policy guidance note 8. This emphasises the need to protect sensitive environments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the energy conservation authorities which have not yet submitted reports as required by the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995. [12985]

As at 23 January 1997, energy conservation under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 had been received from 349 of the 358 English energy conservation authorities. The following nine authorities had not yet submitted a report:

• Allerdale district council
• Alnwick district council
• Berwick upon Tweed district council
• Fenland district council
• Gosport district council
• Harborough district council
• South Ribble district council
• South Staffordshire district council
• Wellingborough district council

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to lay before Parliament the draft Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) regulations; and if he will make a statement. [13438]

I am today laying before Parliament the draft Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations which are subject to affirmative resolution procedure.These regulations are the outcome of a lengthy process of dialogue and consultation with business about the means by which the United Kingdom can achieve a more sustainable approach to the 8 million tonnes of packaging waste which it generates each year. Packaging is the largest recyclable element in the domestic waste stream and our goal is to double the amount which we are currently recovering. The Government's objective has been to find a policy framework within which the efficiency and innovation of the market can be allowed to function successfully to achieve this goal and these regulations reflect a successful partnership between Government and industry. I pay tribute to the numerous individuals and companies from all sectors of industry for their contribution to this process and in particular to the Advisory Committee on Packaging chaired by Sir Peter Parker which has helped in the preparation of these regulations. I am happy to agree the committee's proposal for its continuing review and I am placing copies of the advisory committee's recent recommendations in the Library.The regulations are based on the shared producer responsibility approach agreed by industry on 15 December 1995. Draft regulations were published for consultation in July 1996 and I announced on 18 December 1996,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce the outcome of his Department's meeting with Manchester city council and the Greater Manchester police authority in relation to the special financial assistance for Manchester announced by the Minister of State, the right hon. member for Skipton and Ripon (Mr. Curry), on 13 January; and if he will make a statement. [12735]

My officials are consulting Manchester city council, Greater Manchester police authority and the London borough of Tower Hamlets on detailed proposals for a special grant, to be made under section 88B of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, to help them cope with the cost of dealing with the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks last year on Manchester and docklands. Once these consultations have been completed, we shall be drafting a special grant report for which we intend to seek the approval of the House as soon as possible. Subjected to that approval, advance payments should be made to the authorities in this financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations his Department has received from Manchester city council in regard to the revenue support grant for 1997–98; what action he will be taking in response; and if he will make a statement. [13083]

Manchester city council made representations about a number of aspects of the proposals for the revenue support grant for 1997–98. We have considered them carefully. It expressed particular concerns about data on income support claimants. These concerns have been examined carefully by the Department for Social Security. In the light of its investigations, we are satisfied that the data can properly be used in the calculation of the revenue support grant.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy that those importing any non-CITES—convention on international trade in endangered species—venomous snakes into the United Kingdom should require the possession of a dangerous wild animals licence. [12627]

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 makes it an offence to keep privately any animal included in the schedule to the Act, except under a licence issued by a local authority. The schedule to the Act includes a number of CITES and non-CITES venomous snakes. I am not aware of any evidence that these controls are inadequate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effect of the current deregulatory proposals in respect of mine safety on the responsibilities of colliery managers. [12960]

No proposals are currently with me in respect of mine safety. The Health and Safety Commission published a consultative document on 20 January 1997 containing proposals for modernising the law relating to the control of ground movement in mines and the provision of ground support. Comments are invited by 19 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what account was taken of recent experience in the preparation of the proposed deregulation of the mine safety arrangements concerning the maximum distances allowed between roof support in collieries; and if he will consult organisations and individuals closely involved in these matters. [12961]

The recently published consultative document on the control of ground movement in mines is not deregulatory. Recent experience of those closely involved in the industry was taken into account when drawing up the consultative document. The consultative document has been widely distributed and full and proper consideration will be given to the views of those who respond.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been his Department's total expenditure on the partners in technology programme in the financial year 1996–97 and projected expenditure in the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99; and how many projects were involved in each year. [13291]

The anticipated expenditure and number of projects within the partners in technology scheme are:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total value and number of the partners in technology projects carried out by the Building Research Establishment in the financial year 1996–97; and what are the projected figures for (a) 1997–98 and (b) 1988–99. [13290]

Partners in technology is a challenge-based scheme, consequently there is no projected allocation to any specific organisation. The funding currently committed by the Department to BRE in respect of partners in technology projects is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to clarify his policy in relation to planning gain. [13633]

A DOE circular on planning obligations has been issued today. It clarifies and updates the guidance previously set out in DOE circular 16/91, following extensive consultation. It sets out the policies to which the Secretary of State and planning inspectors will have regard in determining applications or appeals and which local planning authorities should also take into account when considering planning applications and drafting development plan policies.The circular emphasises that planning permissions may not be bought or sold and defines the policy tests for the proper use of planning obligations. Illustrative guidance is given on acceptable use of obligations in particular circumstances. By following this guidance, the quality of development may be enhanced and public confidence in the planning system retained.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the United Kingdom representatives at the forthcoming European Union-Association of South-East Asian Nations summit in Singapore will raise the subject of (a) the situation in Burma and (b) relations between the EU, ASEAN, the United Kingdom and Burma. [13146]

The agenda for the EU-ASEAN summit in Singapore has not yet been finalised. We expect that there will be discussion about Burma at some point during the summit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the accession of Burma to the Association of South-East Asian Nations on EU-Burma trade. [13149]

We have not assessed the impact that this may have on EU-Burma trade because Burma has not yet been admitted as a full member of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, nor is it known when accession will take place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the (a) Ministers and (b) officials attending the European Unions Association of South-East Asian Nation's summit in Singapore on 14 and 15 February. [13150]

My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary plans to attend the EU/ASEAN ministerial meeting to be held in Singapore from 13 to 14 February. He will also attend the Asian/Europe ministerial meeting—ASEM—in Singapore on 15 February.On present plans, my right hon. and learned Friend will be accompanied at these meetings by:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office if he will list the changes in (a) policy and (b) practice in respect of the Hong Kong visa entry scheme for non-EU nationals, including Russian nationals, after July. [13151]

Hong Kong operates a liberal visa regime which allows nationals of more than 170 countries to enjoy visa-free visits. Nationals of some 34 states, including Russia and other eastern European and central Asian states, have to obtain a visa to visit Hong Kong. Most nationals going to Hong Kong for employment, investment, education or to take up residence need to obtain a visa.Under the Sino-British joint declaration and China's Basic Law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, visa policy after 30 June 1997 will fall within the autonomy of the Government of the HKSAR. The existing visa policy has served Hong Kong well and the Hong Kong Government do not see a need for any significant change in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the level of fees paid by foreign nationals requiring United Kingdom visas since 1 April 1996; what are the visa fees charged by other major European countries; what assessment he has made of the economic advantages accruing to countries charging less than the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [12733]

Details of the fees for processing applications for entry clearance for the United Kingdom from 1 April to 13 August 1996 are given in the Consular Fees Order 1995, S.I. 1995 No.1617, and since 14 August 1996 in the Consular Fees Order 1996, S.I. 1996 No. 1915. It would be possible to obtain the information requested on visa fees charged by other European countries only at disproportionate cost. We are not aware of any evidence that the UK is at an economic disadvantage because of the level of entry clearance fees. The United Kingdom is committed to achieving full cost recovery of the entry clearance operation overseas so that it functions at no cost to the taxpayer. This is in line with the Government's overall expenditure settlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what diplomatic action the United Kingdom has taken in relation to the detention of Kuwaiti citizens in Iraq; what further action he proposes; and if he will make a statement. [12734]

We have been active in focusing international attention on this issue. We most recently raised it at the United Nations when the Security Council reviewed sanctions against Iraq on 31 December. At meetings of the tripartite commission in Geneva and its technical sub-committee, we have repeatedly made clear to the Iraqis our deep concern over the lack of progress. We shall continue to press them to provide substantive information on individual cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department has taken on behalf of Mr. Steve Bryant who is currently held in a Moroccan prison. [13182]

We have given all possible consular assistance to Mr. Bryant from the moment of his arrest. We have translated his petition for a pardon, and delivered prison comforts and post. Consular staff visit him regularly, including six visits during his 25-day hunger strike in November.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment his Department has made of the efficiency and effectiveness of Oftel. [11955]

My Department's close working relationship with Oftel does not extend to formal monitoring of Oftel's performance, since the office of Director General of Telecommunications was created by Parliament with independent statutory powers and duties under the Telecommunications Act 1984. The director general reports to Parliament annually on how he has fulfilled these duties and the use made of the resources Parliament has voted to him. In addition, the National Audit Office has recently examined the effectiveness of the regulatory process in its report, "The Work of the Directors General of Telecommunications, Gas Supply, Water Services and Electricity Regulation", published on 24 July 1996. The director general gave evidence to the Public Accounts Committee on this report on 18 November 1996. He has also appeared twice before the Trade and Industry Committee and is due to appear before it again shortly.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the total contribution to the United kingdom economy of United kingdom subsidiaries abroad in the five most recent years for which figures are available. [12554]

My Department monitors developments in British overseas investment and, from time to time, evaluates relevant studies. Data on total net earnings derived from outward direct investment by UK companies in overseas subsidiaries and associates are published in "Business Monitor MA4" a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Over the past five years, for which data are available, earnings have grown rapidly. The net earnings of UK companies' overseas subsidiaries and associates rose from £14.5 billion in 1990 to £19.6 billion in 1994.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy that future bidding rounds for North sea oil exploration will be subject to prior environmental assessments; and if he will ensure that environmental policy statements submitted by successful bidders will be published. [12454]

My officials currently consult, among others, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee before any seaward area of the United Kingdom continental shelf, including the North sea, is offered for licensing. The JNCC provides advice about the potential impact of oil and gas activities on the environmental resources of the area and, where appropriate, suggests conditions that might be applied to the licence to mitigate these impacts in the event of licence being awarded. The conditions can include requirements for environmental assessment before particular activities under the licence can take place. I expect that these arrangements, or some similar mechanism, will continue for future licensing rounds.I do not at present have any plans to publish the environmental policy statements provided by successful applicants in support of their applications for petroleum licences, but such information may be made available for inspection to members of the public subject to prior arrangement with my officials.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade which Ministers from his Department have visited Greece to discuss trade during the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [12942]

The then Minister of Industry visited Greece in 1994, and, over the past five years, Ministers from other Departments have also paid visits with trade promotion elements. Greece is an important market for British firms, and my Department actively promotes opportunities there. Between 1991 and 1995, our exports of goods increased by more than half.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the last British trade fair was held in Greece; which companies took part; and if he will make a statement. [12940]

Last year, my Department supported the attendance of UK firms at two trade fairs in Greece. They were Posidonia, in June 1996, which 26 UK firms participated, and Defendory, in October 1996, which 10 UK firms attended. A list of the companies that took part is as follows:

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those European Union countries in which there is no statutory right to paid holiday leave for employees. [11743]

The UK is the only member state which does not have such a statutory right. However, UK employers and employees are free to agree holiday arrangements which are appropriate to their circumstances and needs. We believe that the imposition on industry of statutory requirements can only damage competitiveness, undermine flexibility and threaten jobs.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what decisions he has made about the future status of establishments supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Medical Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council. [13632]

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade announced on 22 May that the Government were satisfied that the functions of four BBSRC establishments—Institute of Arable Crops Research, Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, John Innes Centre, and Silsoe Research Institute—were needed, and that they should retain their separate existence, but that full independence from the public sector was a desirable option which merited further consideration. In the light of this further consideration, we have concluded that the establishments should remain in the public sector and retain their separate existence. Similarly, we have concluded that the three BBSRC animal science institutes included in the second tranche of prior options reviews, completed at the end of July—Babraham Institute, Institute for Animal Health and the Roslin Institute—and BBSRC's Institute of Food Research, which was included in the third tranche of reviews completed at the end of December, should remain in the public sector and retain their separate existence.I shall expect the BBSRC, under the oversight of the Director General of Research Councils, to continue to look for ways of improving the establishments' value for money. Specifically, we shall explore the scope for improving control of central costs and for contracting out support services. We shall also consider targets for increased external income. In the case of the Institute of Food Research, we will be exploring further the potential benefits of greater collaboration between IFR and the research component of the Central Science Laboratory at Norwich and, in the case of the Institute for Animal Health, exchanging areas of work with the Veterinary Laboratories Agency.We are also satisfied that the functions of the three NERC establishments—British Geological Survey, Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences and Centre for Ecology and Hydrology—covered by the second tranche of prior options reviews are needed. We have concluded that they should remain in the public sector and retain their separate identities. I shall expect NERC, under the oversight of the DGRC, to pursue the opportunities for rationalisation and restructuring identified by the reviews. I shall also look to NERC to build on its arm's length relationship with the establishments and to improve their financial and management systems.The MRC's Dunn nutrition unit, which was covered by the third tranche of reviews, should be closed and reconstituted to take advantage of the scope for rationalisation with other MRC and university activities, which will open up when the reconstituted unit moves to a new site in 1998.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the programme of prior options reviews of public sector research establishments. [13631]

This programme of reviews has now been completed. The final reports were submitted, as planned, at the end of December 1996. The Government are today announcing decisions on all the outstanding reviews.My hon. Friend the Minister for Science and Technology is today making announcements on a number of establishments for which my Department has responsibility, as follows:

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the effect of the imposition of anti-dumping duty on imported cotton greycloths in the United Kingdom by the European Commission on employment in the United Kingdom textile industry. [11725]

When Sir Leon Brittan announced the imposition of the current provisional anti-dumping duties on cotton greycloth on 21 November 1996, he committed the Commission to carrying out a full assessment of their likely effects on users of the product in the EU textile finishing industry. The results of the assessment will be made available to member states in the next few months before a decision is taken on whether the duties should be made definitive. The Government will vote against any such proposal and will encourage other member states to do so as well.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his Department's policy on the level of the shipbuilding intervention fund during 1997. [13634]

Following a decision of the European Commission, I have decided that the United Kingdom's maximum level of support for large ships from 1 January 1997 shall continue to be 9 per cent. This is inclusive of shipbuilders' tax relief of 2 per cent.I have similarly decided that the maximum level of support for small ships from 1 January 1997 shall continue to be 4.5 per cent. This is inclusive of shipbuilders' tax relief of 2 per cent. These levels are the maximum permitted by the EU shipbuilding regime.The shipbuilding intervention fund was due to end in July 1996 on the introduction of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development agreement respecting normal competitive conditions in the commercial shipbuilding and repair industry. However, the agreement has not yet been ratified by all parties. The shipbuilding intervention fund and equivalent support in other member states will continue until 31 December 1997, pending the implementation of the OECD agreement. Shipbuilders' tax relief in respect of merchant ships will be terminated at the same time.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the (a) White Papers, (b) Green Papers, (c) consultation papers, (d) draft regulations and (e) circulars, for which his Department has been responsible issued in 1996 which his Department assesses could give rise, (i) directly and (ii) indirectly to significant environmental effects. [12703]

[holding answer 27 January 1997]: Most of the large number of White Papers, Green Papers, consultation papers, draft regulations and circulars my Department was responsible for publishing in 1996 have the potential for direct or indirect significant environmental effects. However, central records are not kept which classify such documents according to any environmental effects. Therefore this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the current status of the proposed waste to energy incinerator in Beleverdere, Kent. [13156]

[holding answer 28 January 1996]: The application for consent for the project under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 is in abeyance pending receipt of the further environmental information sought by the Department in November 1995.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each year from 1984–85 to the most recent available year the cost of conditional exemption from inheritance tax of (a) chattels and (b) land, in each case indicating the number of estates granted exemption. [11938]

The relief from capital taxes for qualifying chattels, land and buildings is not an outright exemption as the tax charge is effectively deferred until the qualifying assets are sold, or the appropriate undertakings cease to apply.The number of cases granted relief and the estimated amount of relief given are:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reports, of how many cases, he has received from Her Majesty's Customs and Excise of value shifting between insurance costs and travel costs resulting in a loss of tax revenue. [12354]

Customs and Excise officials inform me that it is a common practice for the travel industry to adopt a pricing structure that results in comparatively low margins on holidays and high margins on the accompanying travel insurance. Regardless of whether the prime motivation for this pricing arrangement is commercial of fiscal, a tax loss results.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take to ensure there is no discrimination on rates of tax between insurance products sold through insurance providers and agents and those sold through travel agents. [12353]

The higher rate of insurance premium tax will be applied only to sales of insurance by certain suppliers, including travel agents. Such tax treatment reflects the fact that this measure is designed to address the tax loss arising from the widespread practice in these sectors of inflating the price of value added tax exempt insurance when it is supplied in association with vatable goods and services. This tax loss cannot arise when insurance is supplied in isolation by insurance companies and their agents.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the timetable for the completion of the privatisation of the Paymaster General's office. [12296]

Privatisation of the Paymaster agency is due to be completed by 31 March 1997.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representative organisations of the public sector pensioners paid by the Paymaster General have been consulted about the proposed privatisation. [12298]

Annexe 1 to the Paymaster prior options review report, copies of which were placed in the Libraries of both Houses last summer, lists those consulted and who responded to invitations to comment. On behalf of public sector pensioners, these included: Civil Service Pensioners Alliance; Civil Service Retirement Fellowship; NHS Pensioners Trust; NHS Retirement Fellowship; First Division Pensioners Group; Public Service Pensions Council; Council of Civil Service Unions; Royal British Legion; Civil Service Healthcare; British Medical Association and the Civil Service Benevolent Fund.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the anticipated pension transfer values are for staff from the privatisation of the Paymaster General's office. [12297]

These will be subject to negotiation with the successful bidder.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase powers of search and detention by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise staff in respect of cross-border movement control of excise goods. [12555]

I have no plans at present.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what legal steps his Department is taking in conjunction with other European Union member states to combat cross-border movements of goods to evade (a) excise duty and (b) value added tax. [12557]

Smuggling and fraud within the European Union are taken very seriously by this Government, the Governments of other member states and the European Commission.In a joint effort to counter such illegal activities Council directive 77/799/EEC, as amended, provides for the mutual assistance by the competent authorities of the member states in the field of direct and indirect taxation. This close co-operation has, since the completion of the single market, been further enhanced by the introduction of systems for the verification of movements and the exchange of data.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on trends in the levels of excise duty across the European Union. [12556]

A number of member states have recently made excise duty changes with effect from 1 January 1997. Trends will be carefully analysed when full information becomes available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the additional excise and VAT revenue yield in a full year which would result from reducing the minimum guide levels set for tobacco products provided under article 9 of directive 92/12/EEC. [12565]

No such estimate has been made.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to set minimum guide levels for tobacco products under article 9 of directive 92/12/EEC. [12563]

Article 9 of directive 92/EEC, setting down guide levels which are used to help distinguish between commercial consignments, which must bear duty in the member state of destination, and private consignments which will have borne duty in the member state where the goods were brought, was implemented in UK legislation on 1 January 1993 by the Excise Duties (Personal Reliefs) Order 1992, SI 1992 No. 3155. For the benefit of the travelling public, these guide levels are reproduced in Customs and Excise notice No. 1 "A Guide for Travellers", copies of which have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of article 9 of directive 92/12/EEC on the United Kingdom yield of excise duty; and what plans he has to reduce the minimum guide levels set for tobacco levels. [12564]

The purpose of article 9 is to help distinguish between commercial consignments, which must bear duty in the member state of destination, and personal consignments which will have borne duty in the member state where the goods were bought.Customs' estimate of excise duty revenue lost from legitimate personal importation of duty paid alcoholic drinks for the year ending 30 June 1996 is £145 million and for tobacco products, £55 million, making a total of £200 million. Additionally, value added tax receipts of £60 million for alcoholic drinks and £15 million for tobacco products, a total £75 million, are estimated to have been lost. Thus the estimate for the total loss of tax revenues from such legitimate cross-border shopping for the year ending 30 June is £275 million.There are no plans to reduce the minimum guide levels for tobacco products. The UK did well to negotiate, against considerable resistance, the existing levels and it would require unanimous agreement to change them. This is most unlikely to be forthcoming, given that some member states seriously doubt the need for any such indicators.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the (a) first-year and (b) full-year costs of raising tobacco duties by the equivalent of 5p per standard packet of 20 cigarettes. [12749]

[holding answer 27 January 1997]: Increasing the tobacco duties by the equivalent of 5p per standard packet of 20 cigarettes plus value added tax would yield £210 million in 1997–98. The first year yield would depend on the date of implementation assumed. Costings take account of the effects on behaviour where they are likely to have a significant effect on the yield and any consequential changes in receipts from related taxes including VAT; and they are measured against a non-indexed base.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions Finance Ministers have discussed the European Commission document COM (96) 328: "A Common System of VAT"; and if he will make a statement [12480]

None. The European Commission's programme for a common system of VAT, outlined in document COM(96)328, has not been discussed by EC Finance Ministers, although it was briefly presented—for information only, and with no debate or discussion—by Commissioner Monti to a meeting of the Economic and Finance Council in October 1996.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his Department's policy in respect of extending value added tax to areas (a) zero rated and (b) exempt; and if he will make a statement. [12798]

[holding answer 27 January 1997]: The Government have no current plans to extend VAT to goods and services that are either zero rated or exempt from VAT. Furthermore, any changes to European Community provisions in respect of VAT require unanimity, and so there is no question of the UK being forced to alter any aspect of our current VAT system.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer in 1997–98 of moving to a single 20 per cent. rate of income tax, assuming the abolition of all reliefs, allowances and exemptions, except for a personal allowance of £5,000 transferable between spouses. [13012]

The estimated full-year cost of introducing a single 20 per cent. rate of income tax at 1997–98 income levels would be about £11 billion. This assumes a personal allowance of £5,000 transferable between spouses and the abolition of all other income tax allowances, and mortgage interest relief, tax relief on employee's contributions to occupational pensions and personal pension schemes, reliefs for tax-exempt special savings accounts, personal equity plans and profit-related pay, national savings certificates, employee share schemes and charitable giving.This estimate does not take into account the substantial behavioural effects which might result from the introduction of such a change, nor do they allow for any subsequent changes to the tax system, such as changes to tax relief on employer's contributions to pension schemes or relief for investment income in pension funds.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the (a) first-year and (b) full-year costs per person of raising the basic rate of income tax by 1p in the pound for (i) each adult in the United Kingdom and (ii) each income taxpayer in the United Kingdom. [12748]

[holding answer 27 January 1997]: The average tax increases at 1997–98 income levels of increasing the basic rate of income tax by 1p is about £28 in the first year and £38 in a full year for each adult—aged 18 and over—and about £49 in the first year and £66 in a full year for every income taxpayer in the United Kingdom.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the (a) first year and (b) full year costs of raising fuel duties by 3p per litre or equivalent. [12751]

[holding answer 27 January 1997]: Increasing the duty rates on petrol and diesel by 3p per litre plus VAT would yield £1,400 million in 1997–98. The first-year yield would depend on the date of implementation assumed. Costings take account of the effects on behaviour where they are likely to have a significant effect on the yield and any consequential changes in receipts from related taxes including VAT; and they are measured against a non-indexed base.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of reducing the value added tax on domestic fuel from 8 per cent. to 5 per cent. [12794]

[holding answer 27 January 1997]: The estimated cost of reducing VAT on domestic fuel and power is about £430 million in a full year. This estimate is based on the costings methodology explained in annexe A to chapter 6 of the 1997–98 "Financial Statement and Budget Report". It therefore incorporates assumptions about changes in behaviour in response to the reduced rate of VAT, but excludes any effect of the tax change on the overall level of income and spending.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the (a) White Papers, (b) Green Papers, (c) consultation papers, (d) draft regulations and (e) circulars, for which his Department has been responsible issued in 1996 which his Department assesses could give rise, (i) directly and (ii) indirectly to significant environmental effects. [12700]

[holding answer 27 January 1997]: The Government are fully committed to taking significant environmental impacts into account, where appropriate, alongside all other relevant costs and benefits during policy appraisal. The Treasury's commitment to this is demonstrated, for example, by the air quality package announced by the Chancellor as part of this year's Budget.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the Exchequer of mortgage interest tax relief in (a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99. [12792]

[holding answer 27 January 1997]: The estimated total cost of mortgage interest relief in 1997–98 is £2.4 billion. This estimate is provisional. It is based on the assumption, by convention, of no change from the current estimated average building society interest rate of 6.43 per cent. The cost of the relief in 1998–99 would depend on future interest rates, the future distribution of the number and value of outstanding mortgages, and the rate and limit of relief.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the method of calculation of the national debt; and if he will indicate the level of national debt per person in each of the last 20 years. [10771]

Estimates of a range of measures of public debt, including net public sector debt, gross general government debt and the national debt, are published in November's edition of the Bank of England quarterly bulletin. The figures are calculated using sector by sector information on debt outstanding—for example, the nominal value of government stocks and Treasury bills outstanding and notes and coins in circulation—most of which is held by the Bank of England.The table provides figures for the level of real net public sector debt per person for the years 1976 to 1995, the last year for which population data are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prosecutions there have been in Scotland for dog fouling during each of the last five years. [11921]

The information requested is not separately identifiable in the Scottish Office Home Department's classification of crimes and offences.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all Forestry Commission woodlands currently for sale, and indicate for each (a) into which English or Welsh county or Scottish region it falls, (b) the number of hectares covered and (c) if an access agreement has been made with the local authority guaranteeing continuing public access.

[pursuant to his answer, 12 November 1996, c. 149–53]: The chief executive of Forest Enterprise has written further to the hon. Member.