To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the official inquiry by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise into BMAR has found evidence of knowledge or involvement in illegal arms exports to Iran by the right hon. Member for South Thanet (Mr. Aitken). [17903]

Customs' investigation is not yet complete—the result of some overseas inquiries is still awaited. It is not normally the practice of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to comment on investigations of individuals or companies not yet accused of criminal offences. To do so could risk prejudicing any on-going inquiries or future criminal proceedings. I can, however, say in the particular circumstances of this investigation that inquiries to date have not produced any evidence which would support any criminal proceedings against any person, including my right hon. Friend the Member for Thanet, South (Mr. Aitken) in relation to the exports by BMARC which were alleged to have ended up in Iran.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the estimated Government receipts in Scotland by source for the last year for which figures are available. [19499]

[holding answer 10 march 1997]: The table shows the figures requested. With the exception of corporation tax receipts, these figures were published by the Scottish Office in table 10 of "Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland 1994–95".

Estimates of General Government Receipts in Scotland, 1994–95
	£ billion
Income tax	5
Social security contributions	3.7
VAT	3.6
Council tax and non-domestic rates	2.1
Corporation tax	1.8
All other receipts1	5.9
Total receipts1	22.1
1 Excluding North sea revenues.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the fiscal deficit in Scotland in the last year for which figures are available. [19498]

[holding answer 10 March 1997]: Excluding privatisation proceeds and North sea revenues, the general Government deficit in Scotland is estimated to have been £8.2 billion in 1994–95.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was general Government expenditure in Scotland in (a) identifiable, (b) non identifiable, (c) programme and (d) other expenditure categories, in the last year for which figures are available. [19553]

[holding answer 10 March 1997]: Total expenditure on services by country and function for 1994–95 is given in table 7.7 of "Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 1996–97" Cm 3201.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the latest available figures for (a) GDP and (b) GDP per head, for the four countries of the United Kingdom, including the continental shelf, in (i)current and (ii)1996–97 prices; what proportion of GDP for the United Kingdom continental shelf is ascribed to each country in these figures; and what would be the equivalent figure for Scottish GDP and Scottish GDP per head if 90 per cent. of the United Kingdom continental shelf were in the Scottish totals. [19406]

[holding answer 11 March 1997]: The table shows the figures available. Estimates of GDP at factor cost by region are available only in current prices. The continental shelf is treated in the regional accounts as a separate region, and hence its estimated GDP can not be ascribed to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Estimates of GDP and GDP per head at factor cost in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Continental Shelf, 1995(current prices)
	GDP(£ million)	GDP per head (£)
England	504,893	10,324
Scotland	50,713	9,872
Wales	24,618	8,440
Northern Ireland	13,868	8,410
Continental shelf	10,348	—

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount which has been paid in compensation to people who were mis-sold personal pensions. [20016]

Figures published by the Personal Investment Authority, the regulator responsible for most of the firms involved in the review of personal pensions mis-selling, estimates that about £60 million of compensation had been made in the period up to 31 December 1996.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the companies which have mis-sold personal pensions. [19945]

It is not possible to compile such a list at this stage.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people have been mis-sold personal pensions. [19946]

It is not yet possible to provide a reliable estimate of the number of people who have been mis-sold a personal pension.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total cost of compensation likely to be paid to people who were mis-sold personal pensions. [20022]

There is no reliable estimate available of the total cost of compensation that is likely to be paid to people who have been mis-sold personal pensions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of value added tax on domestic fuel. [20107]

[holding answer 13 March 1997]: VAT was applied to domestic fuel for sound environmental and revenue reasons, which continue to apply. The Government have no plans to change the current rate of 8 per cent. VAT, which applies to domestic fuel. The yield from this measure is about £1.1 billion a year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of the population have (a) committed suicide and (b) suffered a fatal accident in each of the last seven years; and if he will make a statement. [20037]

[holding answer 13 March 1997]: 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 if he will commission a report from the Inland Revenue on arrangements for allowing a husband and wife to elect (a) to transfer between them the personal tax allowances to which each is entitled and (b) to set the tax allowances and the amounts chargeable at the lower and basic rates of income tax to which both are entitled against the sum of their total incomes; and if he will ask the Inland Revenue to assess (i) the advantages and disadvantages of these arrangements,(ii) their cost to the Exchequer,(iii) a timetable for their introduction and (iv) the tax treatment of married couples in other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. [20377]

The tax system already provides a special allowance for married couples, and the Government believe that, by rewarding hard work through reducing tax rates, married couples with continue to benefit under their policies. Nearly two thirds of the income tax package in the 1996 Budget will benefit married couples directly. Against that background, I have asked the Inland Revenue to produce a report about the arrangements that my hon. Friend mentions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 24 February, Official Report, column 76, on the national police management training policy for Indonesia; if he will place a copy of the submission from the head of eastern Asia department in the Library. [20699]

In my answer of 24 February, Official Report, column 76, I undertook to write to the hon. Member about the release of this document. I did so on 12 March and a copy of my letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries received support from his Department for financial decentralisation in 1991. [20170]

The promotion of economic reform and other good government policies in developing countries and in the countries of central and eastern Europe and central Asia is one of the key aims of the UK development assistance programme. ODA funds are commonly used to promote public service reform, which includes delegated management. As a result, support for projects in this area, including for financial decentralisation, is a common feature of almost every bilateral assistance country programme. Precise details of the sort requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much of his Department's budget was allocated to the Great Lakes area of Africa in the last year (a) bilaterally and (b) multilaterally; and if he will make a statement. [20103]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Newham, North-East (Mr. Timms) on 27 January, Official Report column 14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list for 1991 those countries whose trade union movements received support from his Department. [20105]

Under the joint funding scheme, the following countries and regions received support during the funding period 1990–91 to 1991–92:

• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Kenya
• Southern Africa (Regional)
• Caribbean (Regional).

Under the workers group development scheme, the following countries and regions received support during the funding period 1991–92 to 1993–94:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Rwandan Government concerning international assistance for returning refugees; and if he will make a statement. [20104]

HM ambassador in Kigali has regular discussions with the Government of Rwanda, international aid agencies and non-governmental organisations on Rwanda's rehabilitation needs, including assistance for the resettlement of returning refugees. Since 1995 we have committed nearly £20 million bilaterally in support of Rwanda's rehabilitation programme and £18.5 million as our contribution to EU rehabilitation assistance.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Romford (Sir M. Neubert) of 3 March, Official Report, column 497, on the millennium exhibition, if he will make a statement on the methodology by which the figure of 10 million expected visitors was determined. [19834]

A MORI poll conducted by the operating company before Christmas indicated potential visitor numbers of 13.5 million could be achieved if efforts were made to maximise attendance. The original indicative budget produced by Millennium Central Limited was prepared on this basis. As part of the process of refining the indicative budget, the amount to be expended on maximising visitor numbers was reduced and the estimate of visitor numbers was reduced accordingly to 10 million.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what guidance he has issued to non-departmental public bodies following the Cadbury and Greenbury reports; and if the guidance reflects all the recommendations in those reports. [20432]

Following the publication of the Cadbury report and its recommended code of best practice, the Treasury prepared a model code of best practice for board members of public bodies, which was issued in June 1994. This applied the Cadbury principles, where appropriate, to members of public bodies such as executive non-departmental public bodies. The model code has recently been revised and replaced by guidance on codes of practice for board members of public bodies, which was published by the Cabinet Office (OPS) in February 1997 in the White Paper "The Governance of Public Bodies: A Progress Report", Cm 3557. New or revised codes, taking account of the guidance and tailored to the particular circumstances of the body, should be in place for all executive NDPBs by 1 June 1997.No specific guidance has been issued to NDPBs following the Greenbury report. Responsibility for the pay and conditions of service of chairmen and board members of executive NDPBs is primarily a matter for sponsor Departments. Remuneration of chairman, board member and chief executive appointments to NDPBs is published in "Public Bodies 1996", copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to ensure that non-executive directors appointed to non-departmental public bodies do not have previous contractual arrangements with the body concerned. [20431]

Previous contractual arrangements with a non-departmental public body should not automatically debar a candidate from subsequent appointment to it. Whether any potential conflicts of interest exist is a matter which should be determined by the selection procedure for the appointment in question, for example by a selection board during an interview of the candidate. The Commissioner for Public Appointments will be considering whether this matter should be covered in his revised guidance, which is due to be published in July 1997. Guidance to NDPBs on handling conflicts of interest has recently been revised as part of the guidance on codes of practice for board members of public bodies, published last month in the White Paper "The Governance of Public Bodies: A Progress Report", Cm 3557.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the operation of the code of practice on access to Government information during 1996. [20732]

I have today announced the publication of the Government's report on the operation of the code of practice during 1996, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the future of the public record office in Chancery lane. [20745]

The public record office in Chancery lane will shortly be vacated.Discussions are taking place with the Victoria and Albert museum about the possibility of relocating the national art library and the Victoria and Albert archive of art and design to this building, but it is too early to say whether these will lead to a successful conclusion.The Government are aware of the heritage of this building and will make every effort to ensure its preservation.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the new interim scheme to assist young people to take up places at dance and drama schools. [20824]

On 14 October, I announced plans to help more students take up places at accredited dance and drama training schools in England using funding from the national lottery and the Department of Education and Employment, in partnership with local authorities. I am delighted that the Arts Council of England has now announced the operational details of the interim scheme, following close consultation with local authority associations and representatives of the dance and drama constituencies. I am sure that the House shares my pleasure that, through the lottery, it has been possible to create an opportunity for more talented students to pursue their training.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to attract major international sporting events to the United Kingdom. [20753]

The Government are strongly committed to providing promotional and diplomatic support for the bidding for and staging of major international sporting events in this country. The United Kingdom Sports Council, which was established on 1 January 1997, has, as one of its priority tasks, to help attract to this country major international sporting events. To ensure that there is a clear and co-ordinated UK strategy for all major events, we have asked the United Kingdom Sports Council to take the lead. Additionally the Government have demonstrated their commitment in a number of practical ways.My Department chairs a wide-ranging working group to assist Manchester in organising a successful 2002 Commonwealth games, and to ensure that the event has the greatest possible impact, both nationally and internationally, in terms of sporting, tourism, economic and other benefits. The Welsh Office chairs a working group to ensure the success of the 1999 rugby world cup. I am also encouraging the British Tourist Authority to work closely with the organiser of events to ensure synergy, for example between the rugby world cup 1999 and the cricket world cup 1999, with a view to maximising the tourism benefits. Building on the success of Euro 96, the Government are strongly backing the Football Association's bid to host the 2006 world cup. We have already hosted two receptions on behalf of the FA, and I am chairing a co-ordinating group of FA and Government officials to ensure that we are assisting the FA as far as we are able.To assist further, the sports councils have recently launched their national revenue grants programmes, one of which is designed to attract and stage those events which are of genuine major significance to the UK. The UK Sports Council advises the four home nation sports councils on the distribution of national lottery funds in support of bids for, and the staging of, major events in this country as well as on the facilities required to stage them.All of these initiatives underline the importance which the Government attach to attracting and staging major events in this country.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the impact of new county court fees to be charged on debtors under the provisions of the County Court Fees (Amendment) order 1996; and if he will make a statement. [19494]

Following the judgment in R v. the Lord Chancellor ex parte Witham, the Lord Chancellor has decided that litigants in the county courts and in family proceedings should be placed on the same footing as litigants in non-family proceedings in the Supreme Court. He has therefore made orders restoring the exemption and remission provisions which applied before 15 January 1997. As a result, most debtors on low incomes will not be liable to pay court fees.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the estimated projected annual income the Court Service will receive from levying new charges for (a) fee numbers (1)2C(ii) application by debtor to vary judgment,(iii)2C(2) application to set aside judgment,(3)2C(iv) application to district judge,(4)2C(vi) application to circuit judge,(5)4(i)(c)second or subsequent warrant and (6)4(ix) application to suspend warrant and (b) entering a counter claim against the plaintiff. [19502]

The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to review (a) the Supreme Court Court Fees (Amendment) order 1996, (b) the County Court Fees (Amendment) order 1996 and (c) the Family Proceedings Fees (Amendment) order 1996; and if he will make a statement. [20641]

The Lord Chancellor is in the process of implementing wide-ranging reforms to the civil justice system following the publication of Lord Woolf's final report. As part of this process, the current fees structure will be subject to review to ensure that fees are charged at an appropriate level and at appropriate points in the progression of a case.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the expected savings from each element of the (a) Supreme Court Fees (Amendment) order 1996, (b) County Court Fees (Amendment) order 1996 and (c) Family Proceedings Fees (Amendment) order 1996; and if he will make a statement. [20643]

The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received (a) in favour and (b) against the (i)Supreme Court Fees (Amendment) order 1996,(ii)County Court Fees (Amendment) order 1996 and (iii)Family Proceedings Fees (Amendment) order 1996; and if he will make a statement. [20642]

According to our records 91 representations have been received by Ministers relating to the Fees (Amendment) orders 1996, three in the form of parliamentary questions and 88 in the form of letters from Members of Parliament. The representations made have expressed concerns about the effect of particular fees rather than views on each order as a whole.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to reverse recent increases in civil justice court fees in accordance with the decision in R v. the Lord Chancellor ex parte Witham; and if he will make a statement. [20640]

The judgment in R v. the Lord Chancellor ex parte Witham reinstates the former fee exemptions and remissions in the Supreme Court. It does not relate to the increases in civil court fees. To place county court and family proceedings litigants on the same footing as litigants in the Supreme Court, the Lord Chancellor has made orders reintroducing provisions for fee exemption and remission in these proceedings as well, and has made refunds available to those eligible.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received on the extent to which decisions of county courts are not implemented; and if he will make a statement. [18852]

The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 6 March, Official Report, columns 692–93, what factors led him to revise the expenditure on the Principal Registry Family Division (Central London Accommodation) pFI project to nil. [20411]

That project is no longer proceeding via the PFI procurement route.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people have received legal aid in each of the last 10 years to take action against (a) the Labour party, (b) the Conservative party, (c) the Liberal Democrat party and (d) any other political party. [20286]

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

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list by nationality the number of applications for legal aid made by non-British citizens, showing those which have been successful, in each of the last three years. [20624]

Information as to an applicant's nationality is not collected and is therefore not available.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what criteria apply to overseas applicants for legal aid; and what are the procedures by which the Legal Aid Board checks the accuracy of applications. [20626]

All applications for legal aid, from whatever source, must undergo statutory means and merits tests. A special financial application form must be used by applicants not resident in the UK. The Legal Aid Board makes its decisions based on information supplied by the applicant through their solicitor, and where this is insufficient or inconsistent further investigations will be made. The special investigations unit, set up in 1996, investigates the means of applicants with complex financial affairs, which may include foreign nationals.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to the answer from the Secretary of State for Transport to the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Hawkins) of 27 November 1996, Official Report, columns 271–72, what legal action the Official Solicitor plans to take in respect of his duty as trustee of the BEST pension fund; and when he plans to take it. [20505]

NBC Pension Trustees Ltd. is trustee of the BEST pension fund of which the Official Solicitor is sole shareholder. The Official Solicitor has appointed two of his staff as directors. I am informed that the trustee, NBC Pension Trustees Ltd., intends to issue proceedings seeking recovery of the pension funds paid to the Secretary of State for Transport. Allen and Overy, who have advised the former directors for several years, were instructed by the present directors when they assumed responsibility. Allen and Overy have now relinquished their retainer as there is a potential conflict of interest. The trustee has recently instructed Taylor Joynson Garret in order to carry forward the matter as quickly as possible.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the financial limit in relation to administration orders; and if he will list the dates on which the working party set up to assess section 13 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 has met to discuss this matter. [20644]

An administration order currently provides a mechanism for a debtor who has a county court judgment and not more than £5,000 worth of debts to apply to a county court to take over the management of his or her debts. Section 13 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 would put into effect changes recommended by the civil justice review, including the removal of the £5,000 ceiling. The monitoring group which was set up to identify the implications of section 13 discussed the limit at its meeting on 29 November 1993.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take to prevent the export of cull ewes from Dover to France on 7 March for the purpose of ritual slaughter near Paris. [19542]

The Department's powers to regulate sheep exports are exercisable only in relation to the legal provisions concerned with the welfare of animals during transport. We shall apply the relevant rules thoroughly in the usual way. Enforcement of the rules concerned with welfare at slaughter in France is a matter for the French authorities.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to review the operation of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 with particular reference to (a) the increase in the production and import of farmed salmon and (b) the enhanced value of the recreational salmon fishery to the rural economy. [19677]

[holding answer 13 March 1997]: Any review of current salmon and freshwater fisheries legislation in England and Wales would need to address the issues identified by my hon. Friend. The Government will consider whether to carry out such a review in the light of their legislative plans for the next Parliament.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met representatives of the poultry and egg production sectors to discuss the Government's response to the recent outbreak of Newcastle disease. [20051]

Officials of my Department have met representatives of the British Poultry Meat Federation on three occasions, most recently on 5 March 1997. They also met the British Egg Industry Council on 4 February and the NFU on 5 February. Industry organisations are being kept informed of all developments.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many premises have been affected by the recent outbreak of Newcastle disease. [20052]

Between 1 January 1997 and 12 March 1997, Newcastle disease had been confirmed on seven premises in Great Britain.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates he has made of the cost of measures to control the outbreak of Newcastle disease to (a) the Government and (b) industry. [20053]

As of 12 March, the Department is considering or has processed compensation claims amounting to some £4 million in respect of outbreaks of Newcastle disease in Great Britain in 1997. However, action to control Newcastle disease is still being taken, and the overall cost of control to both Government and industry will depend upon whether or not further outbreaks occur.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken to (a) eradicate Newcastle disease and (b) prevent any further outbreaks. [20054]

Movement restrictions are being imposed within infected areas as required by directive 92/66/EEC which lays down community measures for controlling Newcastle disease. Control measures include the slaughter of all poultry on premises where disease has been confirmed, the supervised disposal of their carcases,. the tracing of all movements of birds, eggs, equipment and people onto and off of an infected premises before and subsequent to disease being confirmed and the thorough cleansing and disinfection of an infected premises and equipment after site depopulation.Industry has been advised to vaccinate where this has not taken place and to ensure adequate precautions are in place to avoid the introduction of infection.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the implications of the recent outbreak of Newcastle disease for (a) public health and (b) consumer protection. [20055]

There is no risk to public health from poultry meat which may contain the Newcastle disease virus and, therefore, no consequences for consumer protection.Newcastle disease virus can be spread through the air from infected birds and contact with such birds can occasionally cause conjunctivitis, fever and flu-like symptoms in humans. The risk of human infection is low, even when handling birds known to be infected.The Department of Health has been kept fully informed of developments.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 1997, Official Report, columns 194–95, regarding food safety in the canning industry, what assessment his Department made of (a) the level of expertise and (b) the application of good manufacturing practice among small companies, in its recent review; and if he will make a statement. [20311]

The results of the Department's survey of UK canneries, including an assessment of the level of expertise and the application of good manufacturing practice amongst small companies, are given in microbiological food safety surveillance report No. 5 on the national study of canneries. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the foods currently held in storage in the United Kingdom as European Union surpluses. [20177]

Statistics showing stocks of EC and UK agricultural produce in public intervention and assisted private storage are lodged in the Library of the House.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many officials of the Meat Hygiene Service (a) have been subject to disciplinary action, (b) have been dismissed, (c) have received formal disciplinary warnings, (d) have received formal written cautions and (e) are still under disciplinary investigation for failure to enforce specified bovine material controls in slaughter houses. [20267]

To date, 45 Meat Hygiene Service employees have been subject to disciplinary investigation as a result of failure to ensure full compliance with SBM controls. Four employees have been dismissed—one of whom was reinstated at appeal—18 have received formal disciplinary warnings and 23 have received written cautions, one officer is still under disciplinary investigation. Before any of these staff are allowed to begin their work again they are required to undergo re-training.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what retraining officials of the Meat Hygiene Service who have failed to enforce specified bovine material controls in slaughterhouses have to undergo before they are allowed to resume their work. [20269]

Staff training matters are the responsibility of the Meat Hygiene Service and I have asked the chief executive to reply to you direct.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the commercial composts currently marketed in the United Kingdom which incorporate (a) one or more pesticides and (b) imidacloprid; [20356](2) what requests he has received from manufacturers seeking to use imidacloprid in composts

Currently there are no commercial composts containing pesticides approved for sale in the United Kingdom. However there are a number of pesticides, including imidacloprid, which have approval for use by professionals by means of incorporation to compost.Every application for approvals of pesticides is commercially confidential until a final decision is taken on it.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that plants raised in compost containing pesticides are clearly identified as such. [20360]

Approval is given only if scientific evaluation shows that the product can be used without unacceptable risk to people or the environment. There is thus no need for crops produced with the aid of approved pesticides to be labelled as such.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects of imidacloprid on human health; and if he will make a statement. [20358]

Before approval is given to any pesticide chemical, detailed scientific data on health effects, including both acute and chronic effects for pesticide users and for food consumers, are evaluated by the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides— ACP—on behalf of the Government. The evaluation document for imidacloprid agreed by the ACP has been published and the detailed scientific data, which are protected by rules on commercial confidentiality, may be inspected at the Pesticides Safety Directorate. MAFF does not commission research into the health effects of individual pesticide chemicals.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the extent of the use of imidacloprid in commercial compost. [20357]

Monitoring of all agricultural pesticides including imidacloprid is carried out by the working party on pesticide usage surveys in a four-year rolling programme. Imidacloprid is a recently approved chemical and does not yet feature largely in survey results. Such uses as have so far been recorded do not include application via compost.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations he has received regarding the use of imidacloprid in the product Levington Intercept. [20355]

Apart from approaches from the company, the Ministry has received two inquiries regarding the use of imidacloprid in Levington Intercept.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that any composts containing pesticides are clearly identified as such. [20359]

A compost containing a pesticide chemical and intended to protect plants grown in it is subject to pesticides legislation and must be labelled as a pesticide. A compost sterilised, disinfected or otherwise treated with a pesticide but not in order to protect plants grown in it is not considered as a pesticide and not required to be so labelled. However, no pesticide may be used to treat compost in this country unless this use has been approved following full scientific evaluation of the potential consequences for people and the environment.

To ask the Minster of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the results of the second survey of variable pesticides residues are now available; and if he will make a statement. [20825]

The results of the second survey of variable pesticide residues were announced on 14 March. A copy of the announcement and of the supporting documents have been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his Department's policy in respect of meetings between (a) Ministers and (b) officials and the Fishermen's Association Ltd. [20496]

We arrange meetings with representatives of fishermen's organisations as and when appropriate. There is no distinctive policy regarding the Fishermen's Association Ltd.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the charitable organisations to which United Kingdom intervention beef will be distributed under the surplus food scheme in 1997. [20657]

A total of 1,059 applications have been received by the Intervention Board from organisations wishing to distribute canned intervention beef under the surplus food scheme in 1997. These include charitable organisations and others such as local authorities. The distribution applications within the United Kingdom is:

• England: 792
• Scotland: 149
• Wales; 85
• Northern Ireland: 33.

These applications are being examined and the organisations considered acceptable will be formally designated in due course to distribute the canned beef.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the possibility of establishing whether particular herds of cattle are BSE free; and what action is being taken so as to identify cattle which are affected. [18205]

[holding answer 10 March 1997]: The beef assurance scheme—BAS—and the export certified herds scheme—ECHS—are based on the identification and verification of factors which taken together indicate that the cattle concerned have not been exposed to a risk of BSE. The BAS is already in operation. Proposals for the ECHS were sent to the European Commission in February and will be discussed by the Commission's scientific advisory committees and the standing committee as part of the Florence framework for lifting the export ban.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effect of recent publicity on the state of British abattoirs on EC officials' consideration of the lifting of the BSE ban on (a) British and (b) Northern Irish beef. [20399]

Much of the media coverage of BSE in recent months has been unhelpful to United Kingdom veterinary interests. I hope and expect the Commission and their independent scientific advisers to consider the case on its merits.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the chance and confidence intervals for cattle developing BSE that their dam would have had BSE; and if he will break down the results to indicate the impact of whether the calf was (a) first born, (b) second born, (c) third born and (d) a later birth. [18203]

[holding answer 10 March 1997]: The chance of BSE offspring cases developing BSE is 1 per cent. Confidence intervals are not appropriate as this is the observed percentage from the epidemic. It is not possible to provide the breakdown of this percentage with any accuracy into first born, second born, third born or a later birth, but there are indications that the risk is greater in calves born closer to the time when a cow develops BSE than in those born earlier.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports he has received on the outcome of tests relating to the destruction of BSE infective material through incineration. [18132]

[holding answer 10 March 1997]: No tests have been carried out on the destruction of BSE infective material through incineration.Advice was sought from the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee on the effectiveness of the incinerators used by the Ministry for the disposal of BSE suspect carcases to destroy the BSE infective agent. The committee has advised, on the basis of its knowledge of earlier studies on the inactivation of TSE agents and proteins in general, that provided incineration was completed, the incinerators used by the Ministry were more than adequate to render the BSE agent inactive.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the modal average age of cattle which died of BSE and were born in each year from 1985 to 1993. [18200]

[holding answer 10 March 1997]: The table shows the modal age at slaughter of confirmed BSE cases with dates of birth between 1985 and 1993:

Year of birth	Modal age at slaughter
1985	5
1986	5
1987	5
1988	5
1989	5
1990	5
1991	4

Year of birth	Modal age at slaughter
1992	4
1993	3

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food pursuant to his answer of 25 February, Official Report, column 194, regarding the level of infectivity in rendered meat and bone meal from cattle slaughtered in the over-30-months scheme, what is the maximum level of infectivity (in IU per gram) that is estimated to be present in the rendered material being considered for incineration. [18972]

Very little infective material is likely to enter rendering plants as cattle suspected of showing clinical signs suggestive of BSE are destroyed by incineration. However, some animals may be incubating disease even though they do not show clinical signs of infection. In 1996 the number of such animals, based on independent research, Anderson et al, 1996, is estimated to have been around 4,600, and most of these would, we believe, have been among the 1.1 million animals slaughtered under the over-30-months scheme—0.418 per cent. BSE infectivity is most likely to be in the brain and spinal cord of cattle, which together weigh approximately 1 kg. On the assumption that the average carcase weighs 500kg, this equates to 550,000 tonnes of carcase material arising from the OTMS last year of which 4.6 tonnes— 0.0008 per cent.—could have contained infectivity. In addition, the rendering process itself is expected to reduce any infectivity present fiftyfold.The amount of infectivity per gram, if any, remaining in rendered material cannot be reliably established without conducting the tests on mice, referred to in the reply given to the hon. Member on 25 February 1997,

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the liability of providers of contaminated feedstuffs to the dairy and beef farming industry for the spread and costs of BSE; and if he will make a statement. [19593]

This Department has received a number of letters from individuals and Members of Parliament querying the liability of providers of contaminated feedstuffs to the farming industry in the context of the cause and spread of BSE. To say how many and from whom they were received could be done only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much was paid to Electophoretics International by his Department for work to find a diagnostic test for BSE. [20666]

No money was paid to Electrophoretics International as the Ministry had not commissioned any work from it.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evaluation he has made of (a) the work to find a diagnostic test for BSE which was conducted for his Department by Electrophoretics International and (b) the value for money of that work. [20668]

Electrophoretics International has not been commissioned to conduct work for MAFF, and no payment has been made to EI by MAFF. It is therefore not appropriate to consider evaluation or value for money.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which companies and research bodies have been commissioned by his Department to undertake work into finding a diagnostic test for BSE. [20663]

The following organisations have been funded by MAFF to undertake work into finding a diagnostic test for BSE:

• Central Veterinary Laboratory
• Institute for Animal Health
• Birmingham University
• London Hospital Medical College
• Animal Health Trust
• Moredun Research Institute
• University of Edinburgh.

A further contract with Newcastle University is in preparation.An open competition for research funding for development of novel methods for the diagnosis of BSE was announced by MAFF to the international scientific community in August 1996. Proposals were reviewed by independent referees and three proposals from UK research laboratories were taken up for funding in January 1997 these are included in the list above. Two further proposals are being followed up; a joint proposal from two Swiss companies (Paul Scherrer Institute and CSEM, Centre Suisse D'Electronique Etude Microtechnique, SA.) and the California Institute of Technology.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings took place between Ministers and officials of his Department and board members and officials of Electrophoretics International (a) prior to the contract for research into a diagnostic test for BSE being let, (b) during the life of the contract and (c) after the expiration date of the contract. [20667]

The agreement was signed on 22 December 1995 and has not expired in respect of all its provisions. MAFF officials attended two meetings with Electrophoretics International representatives prior to the signing of the agreement and two meetings subsequently. This is in addition to contact between scientists from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Weybridge and EI on research collaboration as provided for in the agreement.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis the contract between the Ministry of Agriculture and Electrophoretics International for research into a diagnostic test for BSE was tendered; how many others tenders were received; and what involvement Ministers had in the decision to let the contract to Electrophoretics International. [20665]

The nature of the agreement between MAFF and Electrophoretics International was one of collaboration. The Ministry did not commission any work from EI. This was not a contract to develop a diagnostic test and a tendering process was not relevant.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the contract for research into a diagnostic test for BSE with Electrophoretics International ended; for what reasons it was not renewed; and what plans he has for further contracts with the company. [20669]

MAFF has a collaborative agreement with Electrophoretics International which continues to operate. MAFF will continue to treat the company in the same way as all other bodies in relation to research and supply of materials. There are no plans for any further contracts with EI.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many states had banned British beef (a) before 1990 and (b) between 1990 and 1995; and how many have withdrawn their bans in the last year. [19755]

[holding answer 12 March 1997]: One country introduced a ban on British beef before 1990. Thirty-four countries banned imports of British beef between 1990 and 1995. Restrictions were lifted in 14 countries before Commission decision 96/239/EC introduced a worldwide ban on the export of British beef on 27 March 1996.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the minimum ecu prices per kilo paid to meat plants in (a) Great Britain and (b) Northern Ireland, for beef accepted for intervention storage since 1996. [20275]

The minimum prices in ecu per kilo paid for offers of beef tendered since April 1996 are:

Date of tender	Great Britain		Northern Ireland
	Steers	Young bulls	Steers	Young bulls
9 April 1996	1.964	1—	2.500	1—
7 May 1996	2.365	2.310	2.445	2.3
28 May 1996	1.854	2.080	2.420	2.240
11 June 1996	2.228	2.030	2.405	2.195
25 May 1996	2.225	2.090	2.416	2.208
9 July 1997	2.420	2.110	2.430	2.213
23 July 1997	2.419	2.165	2.390	2—
6 August 1996	2.350	2.115	2.245	2.094
27 August 1996	2.218	2.150	2.214	2—
10 September 1996	2.218	2.150	2.214	2—
24 September 1996	2.299	2.080	2.236	2—
8 October 1996	2.325	2.115	2.244	2—
22 October 1996	2.340	2.120	2.241	2—
12 November 1996	2.490	2.187	2.303	2—
26 November 1996	2.658	2.452	2.410	2—
10 December 1996	2.620	2.510	2.501	2—
14 January 1997	2.556	2.430	2.456	2—
28 January 1997	2.629	2.494	2.413	2—
11 February 1997	2.652	2.550	2.413	2—
25 February 1997	2.650	2.550	2.430	2—
11 March 1997	2.525	2.500	2.415	2—
1 No bids accepted.
2 No bids submitted.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the ecu prices per kilo achieved by meat plants for beef accepted for intervention storage in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland since 1996; and if he will make a statement on the reason for differential prices regionally for beef going into intervention storage. [18337]

[pursuant to his reply, 5 March 1997, column 683]: Differential regional prices for intervention purposes occur only in the areas of Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Northern Ireland is considered a separate region for intervention purchases in recognition of the particular importance of the beef sector there, and the effect of its proximity to the Republic of Ireland market.A list of the prices awarded since March 1996 follows:

	Maximum prices awarded in Great Britain		Maximum prices awarded in Northern Ireland
Date of tender	Steers	Young bulls	Steers	Young bulls
9 April 1996	2.610	2.400	2.410	2.200
7 May 1996	2.450	2.320	2.450	2.320
28 May 1996	2.340	2.190	2.430	2.250
11 June 1996	2.310	2.110	2.410	2.200
25 May 1996	2.474	2.162	2.446	2.236
9 July 1996	2.466	2.175	2.442	2.218
23 July 1996	2.499	2.241	2.429	1—
6 August 1996	2.408	2.273	2.301	2.096
27 August 1996	2.322	2.187	2.229	1—
10 September 1996	2.287	2.185	2.224	1—
24 September 1996	2.362	2.149	2.255	1.940
8 October 1996	2.373	2.150	2.262	1.974
22 October 1996	2.387	2.124	2.261	1—
12 November 1996	2.548	2.248	2.321	1—
26 November 1996	2.660	2.660	2.660	1—
10 December 1996	2.660	2.535	2.660	1—
14 January 1997	2.730	2.730	2.730	1—
28 January 1997	2.730	2.730	2.730	1—
11 February 1997	2.730	2.600	2.730	1—
25 February 1997	2.730	2.581	2.730	1—
1 No bids submitted.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide figures for his Department's PFI projects in the same form as used by the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, in his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 6 March, Official Report, columns 692–93; and if he will list his latest estimates of annual totals for PFI projects, on the same basis as those given in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [20393]

As I explained in my answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 10 March 1997, Official Report, column 50, MAFF's entry for 1999–00 in table 5.5 of the Red Book is an outline estimate for non-PFI procurement only which will be subject to change when PFI tenders have been received.A breakdown, by project, of the schemes identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book is given in table 1. Current estimates are shown in table 2.

Table 1: Red book figures
£ million
Estimated capital investment	1997–98	1998–99	1999–00	Total
Project:
Whitehall HQ building (accommodation)	0	0	170	70

Table 1: Red book figures
£ million
Estimated capital investment	1997–98	1998–99	1999–00	Total
Sea-going research vessel services	0	0	10	10
Total	0	0	80	80
1 Estimated full project cost.

Table 2: Current revised figures
£ million
Estimated capital investment	1997–98	1998–99	1999–00	Total
Project:
Whitehall HQ building (accommodation)	0	0	126	26
Sea-going research vessel services	0	0	10	10
Total	0	0	36	36
1 Estimated expenditure in the first year of the project.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons his Department has not replied to three letters from Mr. Comrie, the general secretary of the Association of Meat Inspectors, sent to him between June and December 1996. [20516]

Mr. Comrie, general secretary of the Association of Meat Inspectors, wrote to me on 11 February 1997. This followed a meeting I held with the AMI on 16 January 1997 and the subsequent suggestions that the general secretary would write to me. I replied on 12 March 1997.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list by livestock species the dates on which the licence for avoparcin's use as a feed antibiotic has been (a) revoked and (b) reinstated; and if he will make a statement. [20645]

All licences for the use of avoparcin in animal feeding stuffs for all species will be revoked by 1 April 1997. The question of reinstatement does not arise.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the fishing organisations (a) he and (b) his officials have met since 1 July 1996. [20495]

This information is not held centrally and definitive lists could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. MAFF Ministers and officials have had meetings or other contract with a large number of national, regional and local fishing organisations since 1 July 1996 on a wide variety of matters. These have included:

• Aberdeen Fish Producers Organisation;
• Anglo-North Irish Fish Producers Organisation;
• Anglo-Scottish Fish Producers Organisation;
• Association of Sea Fisheries Committees;
• Atlantic Salmon Trust;
• Bideford Fishermen's Association;
• British Trout Association
• Cornish Fish Producers Organisation;
• Cornwall Inshore Fishermen's Association;
• Federation of Highlands and Islands Fishermen;
• Fife Fish Producers Organisation;
• Fish Producers Organisation Limited;
• Fisherman's Association Limited;
• Fishermen's Federation of Northumberland;
• Fleetwood Fish Producers Organisation;
• Fleetwood Fishing Forum;
• Grimsby Fish Producers Organisation;
• Leigh and Southend Fishermen's Association;
• Lowestoft Fish Producers Organisation;
• Mudeford and District Fishermen's Association
• National Federation of Anglers;
• National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations;
• National Federation of Fishing and Angling Consultatives;
• North Atlantic Salmon Fund;
• North East Scotland Fish Producers Organisation;
• North Sea Fishermen's Producer Organisation;
• Northern Ireland Fish Producers Association;
• Northern Producers Organisation;
• Orkney Fishermen's Association;
• Ramsgate Fishermen's Association;
• Rye Fishermen's Association;
• Salmon and Trout Association;
• Scottish Fishermen's Federation;
• Scottish Fishermen's Organisation;
• Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association;
• Shellfish Association of Great Britain;
• Shetland Fish Producers Organisation;
• South Devon and Channel Shellfishermen Limited;
• South Western Fish Producers Organisation;
• Southern Commercial Fishermen;
• UK Association of Fish Producers Organisations;
• Wales and West Coast Fish Producers Organisation;
• West Mersea Fishermen's Association;
• West of Scotland Fish Producers Organisation;
• Whitstable Fishermen's Association;
• Yorkshire and Anglia Fish Producers Organisation.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which is the lead Department for (a) animal genome mapping in the United Kingdom and (b) following up the recommendations of the committee of inquiry on ethics of emerging technologies in breeding of farm animals under the chairmanship of the Rev. Professor Michael Banner. [20421]

(a) Whilst there is no one lead Department, research on animal genome mapping is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Biotechnological and Biological Sciences Research Council. The BBSRC is administered by the Office of Science and Technology, which is part of the Department of Trade and Industry. There is close liaison between MAFF and BBSRC.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to place a contract for batch 2 Trafalgar class submarines; and if he will make a statement. [20655]

I am pleased to announce that a contract has been placed with GEC-Marconi as prime contractors for the design, build and initial support of three batch 2 Trafalgar class submarines. The new boats will be known as the Astute class, and are expected to enter service early next century. The submarines will be built at GEC-Marconi's VSEL shipyard in Barrow.The new vessels will be powered by the Rolls Royce PWR2 nuclear reactor, fitted with the updated weapons system of batch 1 Trafalgar class submarines, and armed with the Spearfish torpedo and Submarine-Harpoon anti-ship missile. They will be able to carry conventionally armed Tomahawk cruise missiles. The Astute class will replace the Royal Navy's existing Swiftsure class boats as these vessels reach the end of their operational lives in the early part of the next century. They will perform a wide range of roles including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.The order was won in competition with VSEL, before the company was taken over by GEC-Marconi, and the decision was based on what would provide the best value for money for the taxpayer. The contract will be worth nearly £2 billion to GEC-Marconi and its sub-contractors, and will help to sustain around 7,000 jobs. It has been warmly welcomed by the Royal Navy, and is good news for Barrow and the many sub-contractors who will be working on the project across the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 6 March, Official Report, columns 710–11, if he will provide figures for his Department's PFI projects in the same form as used by the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, in his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington of 6 March, Official Report, columns 692–93. [20398]

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 6 March, Official Report, columns 710–11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will publish the consultative document on the land ranges rationalisation at Eskmeals, Shoeburyness and Pendine; and if he will make a statement. [20190]

The range at Pendine is not being reviewed as part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency land ranges rationalisation study, which is considering defence requirements at Eskmeals, Cumbria and Shoeburyness, Essex. In the reply my hon. Friend, the Minister of State for Defence Procurement, gave my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, East (Sir T. Taylor) on 12 March, Official Report, column 234, he said that he hoped to be in a position to approve the issue of a consultation document on the way ahead within a few weeks, and this remains his intention.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes have been made for the care and protection of works of art following the publication of the National Audit Office report in March 1996. [20323]

My Department has responded positively to the NAO's recommendations. A new system of accountability has been introduced whereby the senior staff who borrow works of art are now held personally responsible for them. Staff who move works of art without permission will lose their entitlement to borrow works and may face disciplinary action. Works of art in our London headquarters buildings are now inspected every night by our guard force and these checks will soon be extended to all our works of art.The NAO guidance on management of works of art has been circulated throughout the Department and a seminar on this subject will be held during March.All works of art owned by the Department or borrowed from public collections will be managed centrally and a photographic record has been compiled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many of the 190 works of art missing from Defence establishments have been located since the publication of the National Audit Office report in March 1996; [20324](2) what steps he is taking to recover works of art missing from his Department's establishments. [20325]

The National Audit Office report states that, in November 1995, 184 works of art were missing. Of these, 107 were the property of my Department and the remainder were loans from other institutions. Since the publication of the NAO report, two of those belonging to my Department have been found.Every effort is made to recover missing works of art. Details have been circulated to all staff and an inspector in the Ministry of Defence police has been given responsibility for finding missing works. Photographs of these have been published in my Department's staff magazine with a request that they should be notified to the police inspector if they are identified. We continue to make periodic searches of our buildings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many paintings have been sold at auction by his Department in each of the past 10 years; and what were the sums realised. [20326]

No paintings have been sold at auction by my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the painting of an officer of the 28th Foot on loan from the national army museum has been located. [20327]

My Department's response to the National Audit Office report stated that, despite a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Defence police, the portrait of an officer of the 28th Foot has not been found. This remains the case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements his Department is making for those personnel stationed overseas, in respect of the Government's nursery voucher scheme; and if he will make a statement. [20807]

My Department is committed to making sure there is no educational disadvantage to families who would otherwise be entitled to receive vouchers if serving in the UK, so it intends to provide, wherever practicable, nursery education for four-year-olds overseas.The MOD will endeavour to provide the same standard of nursery education as that on offer in the UK, but there will be a difference in the way it is run. In the UK, where there will be open competition between playgroups and schools, parents will potentially have a wide choice of places to use a voucher: overseas, the Service sponsor both schools and playgroups and the choice will inevitably be limited.Therefore, rather than adopt the voucher system, the MOD intends to provide direct funding to schools and playgroups and nursery education will be free at source for all four-year olds who attend an accredited provider.It is expected that there will be some locations with both schools and playgroups, some where there are only schools and some where there are only suitable playgroups. To reach the standards required by the Department for Education and Employment scheme, schools and playgroups overseas will need additional staff and training and pass inspection of an accredited authority.Because the MOD needs to study the various option available to deliver nursery education and obtain funding, it has been necessary to delay introduction overseas from that anticipated in the UK. It is aimed to phase introduction from September 1997 to September 1998.There will inevitably be some areas overseas, particularly smaller isolated detachments, where it will not be possible to offer the scheme that will be available in countries such as Germany and Cyprus. The MOD is though looking at ways to provide the best possible provisions wherever practicable and within the resources available—some form of voucher system to cover these locations may be considered. However, in some areas it may simply be impossible to provide any facility; parents will be warned of this in advance of being posted to such locations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the average cost to his Department in the last year for which figures are available of housing (a) a military local service engagement private 1 and (b) a full engagement Regular private 1 band 1. [19730]

I regret that the information requested is unavailable in the format requested and figures cannot be provided except at disproportionate cost. Furthermore, the Military Provost Guard Service is only now forming.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on low flying by the RAF in the vicinity of Seaham on Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 March between 12 noon and 5 p.m; [19941](2) if the flight paths of low flying exercises by the RAF now incorporate the vicinity of Seaham. [19944]

The RAF police have been tasked to investigate the activity of 3 and 4 March. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State will write to the hon. Member when these inquiries are complete. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate his Department has made of the cost of using the temporary site at Bracknell for the joint services defence college. [19893]

To enable the joint services command and staff college to use Bracknell as its main interim site, additional capital expenditure estimated of some £10.2 million has been agreed to cover works, including the provision of temporary teaching and living accommodation, IT and relocation costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of maintaining the pied a terre in London used by the Quartermaster General; and what paintings are located there. [20328]

The Quartermaster General does not have a pied a terre in London. He retains a London office on the seventh floor of MOD main building, and the following prints and paintings are hung there:

• Paintings
• Portrait of Princess Royal by Mark McGregor
• Portrait of Duchess of Kent by Mark McGregor
• Prints
• "O The Roast Beef of Old England" by William Hogarth
• "Sustaining Forward" by Terence Cuneo
• "Sleigh Post (Russia 1919)" by Terence Cuneo.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many homes are (a) currently owned by his Department and (b) vacant by local authority area. [20378]

There are 69,306 homes owned by the Ministry of Defence in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The information on vacant homes is not held in the form requested and could be only provided at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the likely costs of making the properties at Mansergh close, Woolwich fit for habitation. [20382]

The properties at Mansergh close, Woolwich were passed as surplus to Annington Homes as part of the sale of the married quarter estate. Refurbishment costs are a matter for Annington Homes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when construction of MOD homes at Mansergh close, Woolwich, was completed; when the properties were first occupied; for what reasons the properties are vacant; and how long they have been vacant. [20380]

There are 36 houses at Mansergh close, which were built in the late 1960s and early 1970s and occupied thereafter. The properties were vacated by June 1996, due largely to the reduction in service demand after the closure of the military hospital at Woolwich, and were passed as surplus to Annington Homes as part of the sale of the married quarters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of Nomura Securities in the disposal of the married quarters estate. [20379]