To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Metropolitan Police Committee's advice on proposed objectives for the Metropolitan police in 1997–98. [21370]

Following consultation with the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Committee and the Commissioner, I have approved the following objectives for the Metropolitan police in 1997–98;

(i) To increase the security of the capital against terrorism;

(ii) to solve at least 20 per cent. of burglaries, 15 per cent. of street robberies and at least maintain at the present level detections for offences of supplying illegal drugs;

(iii) to reduce crimes of local concern in identified crime prone areas on every division;

(iv) to improve public reassurance through visible, effective patrolling and problem solving;

(v) to improve the briefing, tasking and debriefing of operational officers;

(vi) to equip operational staff with the management information they need to do their jobs;

(vii) to structure our central support services to ensure the best support to operational policing.

These objectives and details of how to address the Government's key objectives for policing are set out in the "Metropolitan Police Policing Plan 1997–98" which the Commissioner is issuing with my approval. I will be sending copies to all hon. Members whose constituencies fall wholly or partly within the Metropolitan police district and arranging for copies to be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the recent report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary on complaints and discipline in the Metropolitan police. [21392]

I have today placed in the Library a note of the recommendations from the report, together with the Commissioner's responses and the police authority responses, which take into account the advice my right hon. and learned Friend and I have received from the Metropolitan Police Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers from Saudi Arabia have been granted (a) refugee status, (b) exceptional leave to remain and (c) permanent residence in the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years by year of arrival. [20930]

During the period 1987 to 1996, a total of 10 nationals of Saudi Arabia were granted asylum, or refused asylum but granted exceptional leave, in the United Kingdom. During the same period, fewer than 10 Saudi nationals, previously granted asylum or exceptional leave, were accepted for settlement—this excludes any such persons subsequently accepted for settlement on non-asylum related grounds.A full breakdown of the above, by the year of arrival in the United Kingdom, is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department which are subject to (a) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (b) scrutiny by the Audit Commission, (c) scrutiny by the National Audit Office, (d) statutory provisions for open Government, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens charter. [20940]

The information requested is as follows:

(a) Investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration

• Commission for Racial Equality
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
• Data Protection Registrar
• Horserace Betting Levy Board

In addition, consideration is being given to the possibility of including all executive non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) within the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department publish (a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) the minutes of meetings, (d) the agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members' interests; and if this is in each case (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntary. [20906]

The information requested is as follows:

(a) Publication of annual reports

• Alcohol Education and Research Council (statutory)
• Commission for Racial Equality (statutory)
• Criminal Cases Review Commission (statutory)
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (statutory)
• Data Protection Registrar (statutory)
• Gaming Board for Great Britain (statutory)
• Horserace Betting Levy Board (statutory)
• Horserace Totalisator Board (statutory)
• Parole Board (statutory)
• Police Complaints Authority (statutory)

(b) Publication of annual accounts

• Alcohol Education and Research Council (statutory)
• Commission for Racial Equality (statutory)
• Criminal Cases Review Commission (statutory)
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (statutory)
• Data Protection Registrar (statutory)
• Gaming Board for Great Britain (voluntary)
• Horserace Betting Levy Board (statutory)
• Horserace Totalisator Board (statutory)
• Parole Board (statutory)
• Police Complaints Authority (statutory)

(c) Publication of the minutes of meetings

The Commission for Racial Equality keeps copies of the Commissioners' monthly meetings, which are available to the public. (voluntary arrangement)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the disposal of weapons banned under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. [20693]

[holding answer 18 March 1997]: The majority of the lawfully held weapons which will become banned under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 will be destroyed by the police in accordance with local police arrangements. Some weapons which are compatible with current police firearms standards may be retained for police training purposes, others of particular interest may be taken into local museum collections.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if a category A inmate awaiting determination of extradition proceedings can be held or apply to be held in Northern Ireland. [20367]

No. The Extradition Act 1989 makes no provision for a separate jurisdiction for Northern Ireland. Under section 9 of the Extradition Act, the court of committal can only remand a person in custody to a prison in England and Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to replace the current application forms for foreign nationals wishing to apply for leave to remain in the United Kingdom. [21371]

The current application forms expire on 14 April 1997. Revised versions of the six existing forms have been prescribed, together with a new form for those applying for an extension of stay or indefinite leave to remain following the refusal of asylum. These will be valid until 14 April 1998. From today until 14 April 1997 applications may be made on either the newly prescribed forms or the existing versions. Only the newly prescribed versions may be used for applications made on or after 15 April 1997. The new forms will be available shortly from the application forms unit—0181 760 2233—and copies have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reach a decision on his review of the case of John Kinsella. [20534]

My right hon. and learned Friend has decided that the case of John Kinsella should be referred to the Court of Appeal under section 17(1)(a) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968. A letter was sent from the Home Office to the Court of Appeal on 17 March 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps were taken to ensure that the dogs acquired from sources (a) within the European Union and (b) outside the European Union used in scientific procedures during 1995 were purpose bred. [20659]

[holding answer 17 March 1997]: The provenance of imported dogs is routinely checked. In 1995, all such dogs were purpose-bred for laboratory use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the present humanitarian situation in Kenya; and if he will make a statement. [20971]

Much of Kenya is currently experiencing drought conditions, the worst affected areas being in eastern and north-eastern provinces. The British Government have provided emergency assistance totalling £3.9 million through Oxfam and the World Food Programme, mainly for the provision and distribution of food for pastoralist communities. The long rains, expected at this time, are now beginning to fall in some parts of the country. We are continuing to monitor the situation carefully.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to promote cleaner and more efficient energy use. [19453]

The Government actively promote energy efficiency through a wide range of initiatives and programmes across all sectors, including information and advice, voluntary schemes, and selective use of grants, incentives and regulation. The Government also established, and fund, the Energy Saving Trust. The trust's resources for the years to 1999–2000 were increased in the November Budget by £21.5 million, to £71.5 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list (a) the number and (b) the cost of (i) television advertisements, (ii) national newspaper advertisements and (iii) other advertisements that will be made in total as part of the energy efficiency advertising campaign; [20967](2) how many calls have been received by Intelmark from members of the public in response to the current energy efficiency advertising campaign; [20969]

These are matters for the Energy Saving Trust, the independent private company which has developed and is running the current energy efficiency campaign.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment for how much of the year it is estimated that water will flow naturally through the Maidenhead, Windsor and Eton flood alleviation scheme channel; and for how much of the year water will have to be pumped into the channel in order to keep the water moving. [20951]

Water will flow naturally through the flood relief channel all year round without the need for pumping.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department which are subject to (a) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (b) scrutiny by the Audit Commission, (c) scrutiny by the National Audit Office, (d) statutory provisions for open government, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens' charter. [20943]

Details of the executive non-departmental bodies sponsored by my Department are listed in the Cabinet Office publication, "Public Bodies 1996". A copy is available in the House of Commons Library.I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on Thursday 22 February 1996,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department publish (a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) the minutes of meetings, (d) the agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members' interests; and if this is in each case (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntary. [20903]

Details of the executive non-departmental bodies sponsored by my Department are listed in the Cabinet Office publication, "Public Bodies 1996". A copy is available in the House of Commons Library.I refer the hon. Member to my answer to him on Tuesday 27 February 1996,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by the Office of Water Services publish (a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) the minutes of meetings, (d) the agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members' interests; and if this is in each case (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntary. [20952]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave him on Monday 22 July 1996 Official Report, column 29.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current remit of the Commission for the New Towns; and if he will make a statement. [20851]

The current remit of the Commission for the New Towns is to continue disposing of the remaining new town land holdings and other assets at a rate consistent with maximising receipts and securing value for money, while also disengaging from its remaining liabilities in an orderly cost-effective manner.The role of the commission after March 1998 was addressed in the reply given on 11 March 1997 by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to announce his decision on the application for planning permission made by Kestonbond Hoist Ltd. of Laceby, North East Lincolnshire, to build its proposed millennium park in Grimsby. [21163]

No decision on whether the application to which my hon. Friend refers, should be called in for determination by the Secretary of State, can now be made until after the general election.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the scheme for construction contracts under the Housing Grant, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 will become operative. [21138]

The consultation paper, "Making the Scheme for Construction Contracts", which the Department of the Environment published last November, pointed out that it was reasonable to assume that the scheme would not be laid before Parliament before spring 1997. We have made good progress with the consultation exercise but it is now clear that we will not be laying the scheme in the current Session.The consultation document canvassed views about the need for an "adjustment period" between the making of the scheme and the implementation of the complete legislative package. The responses showed that an adjustment period of a few months could well be needed. The precise duration may depend, to some extent, on the date the scheme is approved by Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Government will implement revised arrangements for administering European structural funds for England. [21388]

Following my announcement of 3 December 1996, Official Report, column 580, we notified the European Commission about the revised arrangements, and issued draft administrative guidance to programme monitoring committee partners, the local authority associations and the Training and Enterprise Councils National Council. The consultation demonstrated general support for introducing a more strategic, integrated approach to the administration of European structural fund programmes in England through the introduction of action plans and a single European regional development fund vote. Detailed points have been made about the implementation of this approach which the Government will consider further.We expect the European Commission to agree the 1997 to 1999 objective 2 programmes during April. To ensure that work on the implementation of these programmes can proceed without delay, we shall therefore finalise and issue the administrative guidance as soon as possible.The Government have taken account of the views of local partners about the position in the Mersyside objective 1 area where, as with objective 5(b) areas, there is an on-going six-year programme covering the period until December 1999. In all these areas, the revised arrangements will apply where the appropriate programme monitoring committees wish to adopt them for the remaining life of the current programmes.

To ask the secretary of State for the Environment when he will announce the final receipt from the sale of the Housing Corporation's loan portfolio to NatWest Markets. [21389]

The purchase price will be subject to changes in the underlying portfolio and to movements in the gilt rate until completion on 26 March, and I cannot therefore give a figure for the final sale receipt until after Parliament has risen. However, I shall write to my hon. Friend when the final figure is available, and place copies of the letter in the House Libraries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has yet completed the sale of the Building Research Establishment. [21423]

Yes. The sale transaction was completed earlier today.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the mean (a) winter season and (b) annual concentrations of nitrogen dioxide at each national air quality monitoring site in each year since 1986–87, or the first year when the site commenced monitoring. [20276]

A copy of the requested information, for national automatic air quality monitoring sites, has been placed in the Library of the House. Statistical information on air quality, including nitrogen dioxide, is also available in the Department of the Environment's "Digest of Environmental Statistics No. 18, 1996" and "Air Pollution in the United Kingdom: 1995" published on behalf of the Department by the National Environmental Technology Centre. Copies of both reports have been placed in the Library of the House of Commons.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to ensure that Nirex prepares quantitative analysis of the in-model and out-of-model factors which could significantly affect the calculated risk produced by Nirex 97. [20677]

None. However, Nirex will need to satisfy the Environment Agency of the robustness of its safety case for any underground repository.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will send Cumbria county council copies of the Nirex reports N94, N96, N97, N98 and N99; [20676](2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the Nirex DSAT reports N95, N96, N97, N98 and N99. [20955]

The Department does not have copies of these reports.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the relationship between the identified geological features and the measured responses reported in Nirex report 5/96/003; [20678](2) what period of time will be allowed for independent peer review of the document Nirex 97. [20679]

This information should be requested from UK Nirex Ltd.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about delays to preparations for, or provision of information about, the proposed business rate relief for village shops and similar businesses; and if he will make a statement on the timetable for implementing such relief. [20453]

I have received a number of representations about rate relief for village shops. To allow local authorities sufficient time to prepare for the scheme, we intend to bring the rate relief measures into force from 1 April 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals have been put to him, since 1 January 1995, from organisations representing small businesses, for (a) abolition of the business rates system and its replacement by another system for raising revenue and (b) fundamental changes in this system as it affects small businesses; and which proposals were received from more than one such organisation. [20452]

I have received a number of different proposals from organisations representing small businesses for the reform of the rating system.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to identify special areas of conservation, under the EU habitats and species directive, for harbour porpoises; and if he will make a statement. [20518]

None. The available scientific evidence is insufficient to identify sites which meet the requirements set out in article 4(1) of the directive relating to aquatic species which range over wide areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much land has been reclaimed by development corporations since their inception; and if he will make a statement. [20470]

The urban development corporations have made substantial progress in the reclamation of derelict and contaminated land.A total of 2,976.3 hectares of land had been reclaimed up to 31 March 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the report TR-Z2–11 (Oldfield 95) prepared for HMIP. [20691]

None. This is a matter for the Environment Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the current arrangements for health and safety inspections carried out at go-kart circuits; and if he will make a statement. [20539]

Operators of go-karts are either employers or self-employed people conducting an undertaking. As such, they are subject to the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and relevant regulations under the Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provisions are included in the Building Regulations 1991 (a) to ensure that underground drainage systems are resistant to damage by rats and (b) to prevent rats escaping from the sewerage systems; and if he will make a statement. [20987]

The Building Regulations 1991 are cast in functional form, and as such contain no specific guidance on protecting underground drainage systems from rats. However guidance on the construction of drainage systems is provided in the approved document to part H of the Building Regulations, and includes advice on measures to deal with infestation of drains and private sewers by rodents.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the legal responsibility of local authorities and the water service companies with respect to sewer baiting. [20988]

There is no specific duty on water and sewerage companies in relation to the control of rats in sewers. However, all sewerage undertakers have programmes to control and reduce the number of rats in their systems. This includes the use of baits in pumping stations and air vents to stop rats entering the system, or on ledges within sewers.Local authorities have a long-standing duty to keep themselves informed about the sufficiency of drainage systems in their area to ensure that they do not pose a threat to public health. Failure to control rat infestations on property could be enforceable by the local authority environmental health officer under part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, if it is judged to be a statutory nuisance.

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make a staement on (a) his assessment of, and (b) consultations on, possible changes to the format of Prime Minister's Question Time; and what was the outcome. [20451]

I have nothing further to add to my speech in the debate on parliamentary procedure on 11 July 1996, Official Report, columns 631–71.

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will bring forward proposals to amend the Standing Orders to limit the time taken by Front-Bench spokespersons on speeches at the Scottish Grand Committee. [20448]

I think matters of this kind are better dealt with informally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations she has received concerning the case of Marie Younie and the governing body of Belfairs community college in Leigh; and if she will make a statement concerning the conduct of the governing body and the Funding Agency for Schools in relation to their treatment of Ms Younie and the legal costs involved in her case. [20633]

My right hon. Friend has received many representations in support of both the governing body and Ms Younie since the breakdown in their relations. It is not possible to guarantee good working relations in any occupation and it is particularly unfortunate when this happens in schools. Nevertheless, this is an internal school matter. It is for the governing body to determine what action is deemed appropriate, but the Funding Agency for Schools is responsible for ensuring propriety in the use of public funds by grant-maintained schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will rank primary schools in order of the proportion of children eligible for free school meals. [20509]

Information on the proportion of children eligible for free meals for any particular school is not published centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many Bills her Department and its predecessor Department have sponsored in each of the last 15 years; and how many have been passed by Parliament. [19772]

[holding answer 18 March 1997]: The Department has sponsored a total of 32 Government Bills between 1982 and 1997. The breakdown for each year is as follows:

	Bill	Result
1981–82	Employment Bill	Passed
1982–83	Education (Fees and Awards) Bill	Passed
1983–84	Education (Grants and Awards) Bill	Passed
	Trade Union Bill	Passed
1984–85	Education (Corporal Punishment) Bill	Withdrawn
	Further Education Bill	Passed
1985–86	Education Bill (Lords)	Passed
	Education (No.2) Bill	Passed
	Education (Amendment) Bill	Passed
	Sex Discrimination Bill (Lords)	Passed
	Wages Bill	Passed
1986–87	Teachers' Pay and Conditions Bill	Passed
1987–88	Education Reform Bill	Passed
	Employment Bill	Passed
1988–89	Dock Work Bill	Passed
	Employment Bill	Passed
1989–90	Education (Student Loans) Bill	Passed
	Employment Bill	Passed

	Bill	Result
1990–91	School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Bill	Withdrawn
	School Teachers' Pay and Conditions (No.2) Bill	Passed
1991–92	Education (Schools) Bill	Passed
	Further and Higher Education Bill	Passed
	Offshore Safety Bill	Passed
1992–93	Education Bill	Passed
	Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill	Passed
1993–94	Education Bill (Lords)	Passed
	Sunday Trading Bill	Passed
1994–95	(Disability Discrimination Bill	Passed Supporter)
	(Jobseekers Bill	Passed Supporter)
1995–96	Education (Student Loans) Bill	Passed
	Nursery Education and Grant Maintained Schools Bill	Passed
1996–97	Education Bill	In Process

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment she has made of the extent of skills mismatch on a regional basis. [19470]

The Department funds an annual survey of employers' recruitment difficulties which provides data at regional level and monitors similar data from the CBI. Recruitment difficulties tend to be higher in the southern regions of the country. However, they are generally lower in these regions than they were at the peak of the economic cycle in 1990. Many recruitment difficulties may not be due to skills mismatch.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what performance targets will be set to ensure that the Employment Service achieves its aims and objectives in 1997–98. [21391]

The Employment Service's aim is to promote a competitive, efficient and flexible labour market by helping unemployed people into work, while ensuring they understand and fulfil the conditions for receipt of jobseeker's allowance. This aim is supported by five objectives.I have set the Employment Service targets for each of its objectives as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what targets Remploy has been set in its 1997–98 annual performance agreement. [21390]

My noble friend the Minister of State has written to the chairman of Remploy approving the 1997–98 annual performance agreement between the Department and the company. This agreement covers the Year from 1 April 1997 It has been negotiated by the chief executive of the Employment Service on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment. The targets are:

the average number of disabled people employed by Remploy Ltd. will be at least 9,800;

the average number of disabled people employed under the Interwork scheme will be at least 3,000;

at least 200 disabled employees will move from Remploy factories to Interwork, having been employed there for at least one year, or from Interwork or factories to open employment;

Remploy Ltd. will keep within a total unit cost target (operating deficit per disabled worker) of £10,000;

the unit of cost of Interwork should be no more than £4,400;

Remploy Ltd. will keep within an operating deficit of £99 million (including reorganisation costs).

	Estimated total expenditure on ill-health retirements	Maintained schools sector
	Heads			Other teachers			Other sectors
		Male	Female	Total	Male	Female	Total	Male	Female	Total
	£ million	Number of teachers
1990–91	273	1,119	1,176	2,295	7,313	14,882	22,195	4,730	5,972	10,702
1991–92	320	1,278	1,300	2,578	8,167	16,722	24,889	5,215	6,498	11,713
1992–93	376	1,413	1,408	2,821	9,072	18,552	27,624	5,830	7,126	13,956
1993–94	450	1,632	1,595	3,227	10,231	20,618	30,849	6,474	7,772	14,246
1994–95	517	1,961	1,842	3,803	11,725	23,475	35,200	6,862	7,924	14,786
1995–96	574	2,176	1,972	4,148	12,841	25,627	38,468	7,627	8,924	16,551

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his oral answer of 12 March, Official Report, columns 346–47, what was the role of Professor Caddy in relation to evaluating evidence concerning the crash of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie. [20605]

In 1996, Professor Caddy conducted an independent scientific review of forensic analysis cases carried out at the Forensic Explosives Laboratory— formerly the Royal Armaments Research and Development Establishment—which might have been affected as a result of the contamination of a centrifuge with a high explosive, RDX. The forensic analysis of Lockerbie evidence was carried out at this laboratory. Professor Caddy's report stated

"it can only be concluded that the results from all cases remain a true measure of the presence of the explosive RDX".

This statement covered the Lockerbie case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to announce a decision on the options presented in the consultants' review of future needs of GCHQ; and if he will make a statement. [20632]

The study into GCHQ's future accommodation needs, and how they will be met, is being conducted by an in-house team of civil servants with professional advisers. The outcome will be presented to The text of the annual performance agreement has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much was spent in each year from 1990 to 1996 on the teachers' early retirement scheme in respect of retirements on grounds of ill-health; and what was the number of (a) male and (b) female teachers covered in each year, broken down in respect of (i) class teachers and (ii) head teachers in (1) England and (2) Wales. [15157]

[holding answer 10 February 1997]: The estimated expenditure on ill-health retirements and the number of male and female teachers by grade and sector is shown in the table. These are all teachers who were in receipt of ill-health pensions in the year in question.the director of GCHQ this spring. If it is concluded that the private finance initiative is likely to offer a viable solution, Ministers will be consulted and an announcement made as soon as possible thereafter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of GCHQ. [20627]

GCHQ has had to adapt quickly to the world's changes, but the need for good intelligence to guide policy making, crisis management and military operations remains as strong as ever. GCHQ will continue to make a major contribution to the nation's security well into the next century.

To ask the secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the terms of reference for the consultants' review of future needs of GCHQ; and if he will make a statement. [20630]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale) on 17 January 1997, column 424.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to publish the findings of the consultants' review of future requirements of GCHQ; and if he will make a statement. [20629]

Any advice that GCHQ has received from the professional advisers engaged for this study will include privileged or confidential information which, if disclosed, might affect GCHQ's legal or commercial position, or those of third parties. I do not therefore propose to publish this information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis the contract to carry out a review of future needs of GCHQ was tendered; how many bids were made; what criteria were used to decide the successful bidder; what was the cost of the review; and if he will make a statement. [20631]

The review is being conducted internally by GCHQ; a number of external advisers are involved but GCHQ maintains control of the study. The advisers' contracts were tendered and awarded in accordance with standard public sector procurement practice in order to ensure value for money in the delivery of these services. It is not Government policy to provide details of the expenditure of the intelligence and security agencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the current number of family reunion applications from nationals at

Publish	Annual reports	Annual accounts	Minutes of meetings	Agendas of meetings	Register of members interests
British Council	1Yes (statutory)	Yes (statutory)	No	No	No
Britain-Russia Centre	Yes (statutory)	Yes (statutory)	No	No	No
British Association for Central and Eastern Europe	Yes (statutory)	Yes (statutory)	No	No	No
Commonwealth Institutes in London and Edinburgh	Yes (statutory)	Yes (statutory)	No	No	No
Great Britain-China Centre	Yes (statutory)	Yes (statutory)	No	No	2Yes
Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission	Yes (statutory)	No	No	No	No
Westminster Foundation for Democracy	Yes (voluntary)	Yes (voluntary)	No	No	3Yes
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission	Yes (statutory)	No	No	No	No
Crown Agents Holding and Realisation Board	Yes (statutory)	Yes (statutory)	No	No	No
1 Under the provisions of the Charities Act 1993.
2 Executive committee members only.
3 From 1 April 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department which are subject to (a) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (b) scrutiny by the Audit Commission, (c) scrutiny by the National Audit

Publish	Investigation by Parliamentary Commissioner	Scrutiny by Audit Commission	Scrutiny by NAO	Statutory provisions for open government	Performance indicators	Performance under citizens charter
British Council	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Britain-Russian Centre	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
British Association for Central and Eastern Europe	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Commonwealth Institutes in London and Edinburgh	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	No
Great Britain-China Centre	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes
Westminster Foundation For Democracy	No	No	Yes	No	No	No
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission	No	No	Yes	No	No	No
Crown Agents Holding and Realisation Board	No	No	Yes	No	No	No

The number of family reunion applications at the British embassy in Addis Ababa from Somali nationals in 1996 was 603. The number of family reunion applications from nationals of other countries, or of applications at other British missions is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department publish (a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) the minutes of meetings, (d) the agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members' interests; and if this is in each case (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntary. [20904]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the following table:Office,

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the following table:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current level of fees charged in pounds sterling for applications for entry clearance in Bangladesh; what was the level of fees charged on (a) 1 January 1996 and (b) 1 January 1994; and if he will make a statement. [20428]

Entry clearance fees are set in sterling at rates which apply worldwide. The fees which applied on the dates in question can be found in the Consular Fees Order 1989 No. 152 (as amended), the Consular Fees Order 1995 No. 1617 and the Consular Fees Order 1996 No. 1915. Copies are available in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications have been received at British missions from Somali nationals seeking family reunion in the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years. [20929]

The number of family reunion applications at the British embassy in Addis Ababa from Somali nationals in 1996 was 603. Neither figures for previous years nor applications from Somali nationals at missions in other countries are held centrally. They could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Prime Minister when Ministers were informed that Thomas Hamilton of Dunblane was a police informer. [20656]

Lord Cullen's inquiry looked very closely into Thomas Hamilton's background and his relationship with the police and no information came to light to suggest that he had ever been a police informant. Inquiries of the four forces in whose area Thomas Hamilton ran boys' clubs and of the Scottish crime squad have confirmed this.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy that organophosphates will not in future be used to protect British troops. [20336]

[answer 18 March 1997]: The Ministry of Defence aims to provide the best available means to protect its military personnel, including, where appropriate, the use of pesticides for environmental health purposes. I am advised that pesticides in the services' inventory are kept under review to ensure that appropriate products are available for use in a variety of situations. Some organophosphate pesticides will continue to be included in the inventory as long as these are judged to provide the best available protection in particular areas of actual or potential deployment.

To ask the Prime Minister in how many cases in the past 12 months he was advised that the cost of answering a parliamentary question would exceed £450; and in how many of those cases he declined to provide an answer on grounds of disproportionate cost. [20651]

[holding answer 18 March 1997]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Mrs. Clywd) on 27 February, Official Report, column 320.

To ask the Prime Minister what changes there are in the composition of the United Kingdom delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Assembly of the Western European Union. [21454]

Following the recent death of Martin Redmond, who served as a member of the United Kingdom delegation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Assembly of Western European Union from 1987, the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Cunliffe) has been appointed as a representative in place of Mr. Redmond and the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) has been appointed as a substitute.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide guidance to Hereford and Worcester county council on the steps it needs to take to demonstrate that it has consulted local people in respect of its next package bid for Worcester; and if he will make a statement. [20808]

If Hereford and Worcester county council needs guidance on any aspect of developing the transport package for Worcester, including the adequacy of its public consultation arrangements, they should consult officials at the Government office for the west midlands or my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the passenger forecasts for Croydon tramlink. [21049]

This is a commercial matter for Tramtrack Croydon Ltd., the private sector consortium which has won the concession to build, operate and maintain Croydon tramlink.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future of the driving test centre in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. [21024]

The lease for the present driving test centre in Aylesbury expires on 21 June 1997. The Driving Standards Agency is negotiating a short-term lease to remain at the centre until an alternative property, offering better facilities for candidates and examiners, can be found within the town.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact of future funding plans for the Jubilee line extension on the safety of the line. [21025]

There has been no change in the position on safety, which remains the first priority for London. Underground Ltd. in all aspects of its undertaking, including the Jubilee line extension.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) fatal and (b) non-fatal road traffic accidents occurred in Hemsworth in (i) 1979, (ii) 1990 and (iii) 1996. [20720]

Information is not readily available by parliamentary constituency. Information is available by local authority, and I list the figures for Wakefield metropolitan district council.

Accidents in Wakefield district by road class and severity
		Year of accident
Accident severity	1st road class	1979	1990	1995
Fatal	'A' road	15	7	6
	Other	17	16	8
	All roads	32	23	14
Serious injury	272	330	221
Slight injury	830	849	981
	All roads	1,102	1,179	1,202

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department which are subject to (a) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (b) scrutiny by the Audit Commission, (c) scrutiny by the National Audit Office, (d) statutory provisions for open government, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens charter. [20933]

Following are the answers for each of the Department of Transport's executive NDPB's.

(a) The Traffic Director for London, the Trinity House Lighthouse Service (THLS) and the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB).

(b)None.

(c)The Traffic Director for London, the London Regional Passengers' Committee (LRPC), THLS and NLB.

(d)None.

(e)The Traffic Director for London, THLS and NLB.

(f)The Traffic Director for London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by the Office of the Rail Regulator publish (a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) the minutes of meetings, (d) the agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members' interests; and if this in each case is (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntary. [20891]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 19 July 1996, Official Report, Volume 281, column 682–83.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by the Office of the Rail Regulator which are subject to (a) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (b) scrutiny by the Audit Commission, (c) scrutiny by the National Audit Office, (d) statutory provisions for open government, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens charter. [20936]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 19 July 1996, Official Report, column 682.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department publish (a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) the minutes of meetings, (d) the agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members interests; and if this is in each case (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntary. [20895]

Following are the answers for each of the Department of Transport's executive NDPB's.

(a) The Traffic Director for London and the London Regional Passengers' Committee (LRPC), under statutory requirement. The Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) and Trinity House Lighthouse Authority (THLB), as a consolidated report under statutory requirement.

(b) The Traffic Director for London, under statutory requirement and the LRPC, voluntarily. The NLB and THLB as a consolidated report, under statutory requirement.

(c) The LRPC, voluntarily.

(d)The LRPC, voluntarily.

(e) None.

:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the deterioration of the M40; and if he will make a statement. [20477]

[holding answer 18 March]: I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assumptions the Treasury uses when calculating the cash flow loss to the Exchequer of being paid in two instalments for six-month vehicle excise discs as against the single instalment for a 12-month disc. [20908]

The cash flow loss depends on the interest and inflation rates pertaining at any time. At the current Treasury discount rate of 6 per cent., and inflation of around 2.8 per cent., the loss on the private and light goods licence would be some £3.20 if the annual duty were paid in two six-monthly instalments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (i) six-month and (ii) 12-month vehicle excise discs were issued for the last year in which figures are available. [20910]

The number of licences issued against VED payments in the UK in 1995–96 was:

(i) 6 month: 20,342,490

(ii) 12 month: 17,933,098.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total administrative cost of issuing vehicle excise discs for the last year in which figures are available. [20909]

The issue of vehicle excise discs is an integral part of the vehicle registration and licensing system. The total administrative cost in the UK in 1995–96 was some £128 million, excluding enforcement.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the contracts awarded by his Department to (a) EDS, (b) Andersens, (c) EMI, (d) Capita and (e) Sema since 1992 and the broad function to be carried out by the contractor, and the value of the contract in each case. [17609]

The Treasury has awarded only two contracts to the contractors mentioned since 1992:

(a) EDS in December 1993, valued at £1,475.80 for the supply and installation of a memory board and

(d) Capita in March 1994, valued at £22,031.25 for a consultancy to review the personnel statistic division.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many persons employed in the coal mining industry had as their place of abode a location within (a) each travel-to-work area and (b) each local authority area in South Yorkshire in each of the last seven years; [17536](2) how many persons employed in the coal mining industry had their place of work within

[holding answer 25 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 how much has been spent, and what other contributions have been made, by the General Register Office and the Registrars of Births and Deaths towards the costs of correcting the problem of duplicate NHS numbers. [19102]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate what the unemployment level would have been for the United Kingdom if inactive jobseekers were included in the totals in each year from 1992 to the present; [20097](2) what estimate he has made of the number of unemployed people in the United Kingdom who were not active in their search for employment but wished to be employed, in each year from 1992 to the present. [20096]

[holding answer 17 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 how many employees work in a workplace which employs fewer than 10 people in the Hemsworth constituency. [20725]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the change in the amount of tax which people on (1) (a) a quarter, (b) a half and (c) three quarters of average earnings and (2) average earnings can expect to pay (i) over their working life and (ii) over their lifetime under the proposed tax regime of the Government's basic pension plus proposal, relative to the existing tax regime. [20435]

[holding answer 17 March 1997]: The precise details of the scheme will be decided in the light of full consultation on the Green Paper. Estimates of the amount of tax paid by people over their working life and entire lifetime would also depend on the exact nature of changes in the tax regime, work patterns and life expectancy. Broadly speaking, over a lifetime, the two different tax treatments are equivalent from the saver's point of view—apart from the treatment of the lump sum—as long as the person's marginal rates of tax are the same in work and in retirement.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the level in 2040 of the single and married person's tax allowances for those over the age of 65 years if these allowances are uprated in line with (a) prices and (b) earnings; and what proportion of average earnings this would represent. [20433]

[holding answer 17 March 1997]: Allowances at 1996–97 prices and the proportion of average earnings these represent are in the tables.

Income tax allowances (£) in 2040–41
	Increased in line with
	Prices	Earnings1
For people aged 65 to 74
Personal allowance	4,910	11,740
Married couple's allowance2	3,115	7,455
For people aged 75 and over
Personal allowance	5,090	12,170
Married couple's allowance2	3,155	7,545
1 Assuming a 2 per cent. real growth in earnings each year and without statutory rounding in annual increase.
2 Tax relief for these allowances is restricted to 15 per cent.

Proportion of average earnings in 2040–41 which income tax allowances represent
	ased in line with
	Prices Per cent	Earnings Per cent
For people aged 65–74
Personal allowance	11	27
Married couple's allowance	7	17
For people aged 75 and over
Personal allowance	12	28
Married couple's allowance	7	17

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of United Kingdom overseas investments are in (a) Germany, (b) the European Union, (c) the United States of America, and (d) the rest of the world. [20686]

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 has agreed the business plan for the Office for National Statistics for the period 1997–2000. [21421]

Yes. Copies of the plan, giving details of the performance targets I have set for 1997– 98, have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to implement the recommendations in the Law Commission report "Restitution: Mistakes of Law and Ultra Vires Public Authority Receipts and Payments" (Law Com. No. 227). [21456]

The Government have given careful consideration to the report, which makes recommendations falling under two quite separate heads. The Government have accepted the Law Commission's recommendations for general legislation on the restitution of benefits conferred under a mistake of law and will introduce legislation implementing those recommendations when a suitable opportunity arises. The further recommendations, relating to ultra vires receipts by public authorities, raise other issues, which we are now considering.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department which are subject to (a) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, (b) scrutiny by the Audit Commission, (c) scrutiny by the National Audit Office, (d) statutory provisions for open Government, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens charter. [20939]

The Lord Chancellor's Department sponsors two such bodies: the Legal Aid Board and the Authorised Conveyancing Practitioners Board. However, the latter has been inactive since March 1992 when the Lord Chancellor announced his decision to postpone implementation of the authorised practitioners scheme.The Legal Aid Board is subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, scrutiny by the National Audit Office, statutory provisions for open government, performance indicators and provisions under the citizens charter. It is not subject to scrutiny by the Audit Commission.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department publish (a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) the minutes of meetings, (d) the agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members's interests; and if this is in each case (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntary. [20892]

The Lord Chancellor's Department sponsors two such bodies: the Legal Aid Board and the Authorised Conveyancing Practitioners Board. However, the latter has been inactive since March 1992 when the Lord Chancellor announced his decision to postpone implementation of the authorised practitioners scheme.The Legal Aid Board publishes annual reports which are laid before Parliament. Annual accounts are included in that report, as is information about the background of board members. The board does not publish the agendas or minutes of meetings of the board or its committees. There are statutory requirements for the board to publish information as to the discharge of its functions in relation to legal aid and for the Lord Chancellor to lay before each House of Parliament a copy of every statement of accounts and report of the auditors sent to him in accordance with requirements under the Legal Aid Act 1988.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who arbitrates in instances where the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors is unable to agree with the Legal Services Ombudsman in respect of complaints dealt with by both bodies. [20849]

There is no provision for arbitration in such cases. However, the Legal Services Ombudsman has confirmed that, in practice, the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors complies with all his recommendations to pay compensation to a compliant. In cases where the ombudsman recommends that a compliant be reconsidered, recommendations will have been complied with once the Office has formally reconsidered the complaint. The ombudsman cannot direct the office to arrive at a particular decision.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) if he will make a statement on the composition of the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors; [20850](2) what criteria the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors employs in determining complaints referred to it; how many complaints it has received to date; how many complaints have been referred to the Legal Services Ombudsman; and in respect of how many of these the ombudsman has found in favour of the plaintiff. [20852]

The composition of the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors and the handling of complaints are matters for the Law Society and the office.During 1996, the Legal Services Ombudsman reported on 1,282 cases dealt with by the office and its predecessor, the Solicitors Complaints Bureau. In 389— 30 per cent.— of those reports, there was a finding favourable to the complainant in that the ombudsman made a recommendation in their favour or recorded a formal criticism of the professional bodies handling of the original complaint.