To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the accuracy on Inland Revenue tax computations after self-assessment by taxpayer. [17230]

[holding answer 25 November 1997]: The vast majority of around 3 million calculations so far issued are correct. However, errors can occur if the taxpayer provides incorrect information, or information is not properly keyed into Inland Revenue systems by staff. Inland Revenue offices have quality assurance processes in place to minimise the latter form of error, and these will be enhanced as experience is gained of the new system. Where an error is pointed out to the Inland Revenue, or where one is picked up during the inquiry process, it will be corrected.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change the rules used to value North Sea gas for tax purposes. [19570]

The Government intend to introduce legislation which will ensure that the rules used to value North Sea gas for tax purposes will continue to operate in the way that the industry and the Inland Revenue have until now applied them. This will remove some doubts, arising from recent legal advice, about the current interpretation of the rules. The legislation will be included in the next Finance Bill and will apply to all gas disposals which have to be valued, including disposals which have already taken place. The Inland Revenue is issuing a Press Release today which contains details of the changes and draft legislation on which it will be consulting the North Sea oil and gas industry.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those assets listed in the National Assets Register which are located in the City of Norwich. [18148]

The National Asset Register was put together within five months, in order to meet the Government's promise to produce it by the end of November, from the data currently available to departments. And, as a result, the information is at a relatively high level of aggregation which does not easily allow a full geographic analysis to be undertaken. However, in order to increase openness and accountability, the Government will consider how to improve the information on the assets owned by the nation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if dedicated telephone links exist between all Railtrack zonal controls; and if he will make a statement. [18206]

The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate understands that all Zonal Controls are connected to the internal railway telephone system and have separate BT numbers. In addition, after the Ais Gill accident on 31 January 1995, the telephone access between the controls was enhanced by the installation of a number of auto diallers and emergency lines at some controls including York and Manchester. A further enhancement is currently being implemented by Railtrack so that there will be designated lines at each control centre for exclusive use by adjacent control centres.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if NRN radio is available for each Railtrack control office. [18205]

The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate understands that all Railtrack Control Offices, except one located at Derby, have direct access to the National Radio Network. The Derby control is a satellite office of the Birmingham control and there is a direct hot line between the offices. HM Railway Inspectorate is satisfied with these arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is taking to strengthen safety measures in respect of the provision of rail services. [18149]

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) is the safety regulator for the railways and advises Ministers on the need for measures to be taken to strengthen existing requirements and arrangements. Ministers expect the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that safety standards are maintained, and improved where necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what regulations exist covering the rail transport of mixed oxide plutonium-based nuclear fuel through the Channel Tunnel; and what safety and emergency planning exercises have been conducted in respect of accidents involving trains carrying radioactive material through the tunnel. [18520]

The rules of Eurotunnel do not permit mixed oxide nuclear fuel to be transported through the Channel Tunnel.Transporters of radioactive material within the United Kingdom must have contingency plans in place to respond to accidents. The United Kingdom Nuclear Industry Road/Rail Emergency Plan (NIREP) has been established to enable an immediate response from the nearest participating organisation to a transport incident involving radioactive material: the plan is exercised annually. Eurotunnel also holds annual exercises to test its emergency procedures which would apply in the event of any incident in the Channel Tunnel. Eurotunnel's express permission must be sought before any shipment of radioactive material is transported via the Channel Tunnel and it may obtain advice/assistance via NIREP should radioactive material be present on a train involved in an accident.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what amendments the United Kingdom proposed to the draft code covering the safe carriage of nuclear materials on board ships, as adopted by the International Maritime Organisation; and what mechanisms his Department has in place to monitor the application of the code to the sea transport of nuclear materials to and from the United Kingdom. [18405]

The Code for the Safe Carriage of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes in Flasks on board Ships (INF Code) was adopted by the Assembly of the International Maritime Organisation in 1993. The Assembly adopted amendments to the Code last month. The United Kingdom participated fully in the negotiations leading to the adoption both of the original Code and these amendments. While compliance with the INF Code is currently voluntary, UK registered ships engaged in the trade have documents of compliance issued by my Department's Marine Safety Agency. UK companies involved in transporting materials covered by the INF Code use ships complying with the Code. The UK is currently participating in work to make compliance with the Code mandatory. This will enhance our enforcement powers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contribution his Department made to the preparation of the International Atomic Energy Agency Safety Series Number 6 (SS6) Regulations on the transport of radioactive materials; and what review he has undertaken of the application of the regulations to the air transport of mixed oxide fuel. [18406]

Officials from my Department participated fully in the meetings of the International Atomic Energy Agency during the development of Safety Series Number 6, Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material 1985 Edition (As Amended 1990). These multi-modal recommendations provide the basis for the mandatory requirements for air transport as incorporated into the current edition of the International Civil Aviation Organisation's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. The Department similarly supported the IAEA's continuous review and revision procedures leading to the latest edition of "Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material 1996 Edition", now known as Safety Standards Series No. ST-1. The transport of radioactive material in large quantity by air, including that of mixed oxide fuel, was considered in great depth and detail during the development of ST-1. The UK will continue to contribute to future regulatory developments through both the IAEA and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department and government regional offices have undertaken of the capacity of urban areas to accommodate extra housing; and what were its findings. [18603]

My Department and the Government Offices have commissioned and funded a number of projects on brownfield sites and urban capacity, most of which will report next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much land for new housing is currently identified as available by local planning authorities in each (a) region and (b) county. [18602]

This information is held by local planning authorities and not held centrally. Local authorities are required by PPG3 to maintain a continuous five year supply of land for housing.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given local planning authorities about the size of windfall sites to be included in assumptions about future housing land supply in (a) development plans and (b) housing land availability studies. [18605]

Guidance on this matter is contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 (PPG3). A copy of this document is held in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many responses to his consultation document on developing an integrated transport system made reference to cycling. [18845]

The closing date for responses to the consultation on an integrated transport policy was 14 November. We have received a large number of responses which we are in the process of analysing. It is too early to give details of representations on individual subject areas although a number of respondents have mentioned cycling.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his timetable for developing a national cycling strategy. [18846]

The National Cycling Strategy was launched in July 1996. It aims to double the number of trips by bicycle by 2002, and double them again by 2012. My Department, along with many other partner organisations, is supporting the Strategy. Work to implement it is being co-ordinated by the National Cycling Forum, which I chair. A first annual report on progress will be published before Christmas.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage the building of properties within the Greater London Authority area for low cost rent. [18587]

The Government recognise that the building of properties for low cost rent within London raises particular issues because of the scarcity of land for new social housing developments and the high cost of acquisition in what is a global property market. The Revised Strategic Planning Guidance for London Planning Authorities (RPG3) and the proposed revisions to circular 13/96 which details how the delivery of affordable housing may be assisted through negotiations with developers, both send out a clear message that the Government wish to ensure greater allocation of land for low cost rent properties in the capital than has been provided in recent years.The main mechanism for the delivery of affordable housing is through the Housing Corporation of Local Authority Social Housing Grants. In 1997/98. some £161 million representing 65 per cent. of the Housing Corporation's London Region programme, is being directed to new build housing for rent.Our early action to release capital receipts from council; house sales has injected an additional £53 Million into London's housing in 1997–98. Allocations for 1998–99 will be announced shortly. A significant proportion of this will be used by the London Authorities in enabling the provision of new or rehabilitated social housing partnership with registered social landlords.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the gross cost to public funds of a reduction in housing association rents of (a) 10 per cent., (b) nine per cent., (c) eight per cent., (d) seven per cent., (e) six per cent., (f) five per cent., (g) four per cent., (h) three per cent., (i) two per cent. and (j) one per cent.; and what would be the cost net of savings in (i) housing benefits and (ii) public expenditure linked to the RPI. [18595]

There are no powers under which the Government could impose a general reduction in housing association rents. The calculations below are on the hypothetical assumption that the cuts in rent could be achieved and that housing associations would be fully compensated for their loss of revenue. The estimated gross cost and the cost net of savings in Housing Benefit are as shown. The figures represent the annual costs calculated on the basis of average housing association rents in 1996–97. The Department does not have a model for calculating the RPI-related savings in public expenditure arising from reductions in housing association rents.

Reduction in rents percent	Cost of compensating HA revenue loss £ million per annum	Net cost after savings in Housing Benefit £ million per annum
10	298	86
9	269	77
8	239	68
7	209	60
6	179	51

Reduction in rents percent	Cost of compensating HA revenue loss £ million per annum	Net cost after savings in Housing Benefit £ million per annum
5	149	42
4	119	34
3	90	25
2	60	17
1	30	9

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the gross cost to public funds of a reduction in local authority rents of (a) 20 per cent., (b) 19 per cent.,(c) 18 per cent., (d) 17 per cent., (e) 16 per cent., (f) 15 per cent., (g) 14 per cent., (h) 13 per cent., (i) 12 per cent. and (j) 11 per cent.: and what would be the cost net of savings in (i) housing benefits and (ii) public expenditure linked to the RPI. [18596]

A reduction in Guideline Rent in 1998–99 for Housing Revenue Account local authorities in England wouldhave the following estimated effects:

Present value (discounting to 1996–97) of effects from 1998–99 to 2027/28 1996–97 prices discounting to 1996–97
Guideline Rent reduction in 1998–99 (percent)	Loss of gross rental income (£ million)	Saving in rent rebates. (£ million)	Saving in public expenditure linked to the RPI. (£ million)	Net public expenditure cost. (£ million)
11	6,402	4,816	1,476	110
12	6,984	5,244	1,610	130
13	7,565	5,675	1,744	146
14	8,147	6,104	1,878	165
15	8,729	6,527	2,012	190
16	9,311	6,954	2,146	211
17	9,893	7,379	2,280	234
18	10,475	7,799	2,415	261
19	11,057	8,222	2,549	286
20	11,639	8,643	2,683	313

Figures in the table have been rounded to the nearest £1 million. The calculations are derived from LAMOD, the Department's model for estimating the public expenditure effects of a change in Guideline Rent policy for local authorities. The results from LAMOD are sensitive to assumptions which are kept under continuous review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimates his Department has produced of the need for social housing in each (a) region and (b) county. [18609]

My Department has not in the past produced estimates of the need for social housing for either (a) counties or (b) regions. We are considering the scope for more detailed regional analysis of housing requirements including social housing needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to notify households likely to be eligible for the exceptional compensation payable as a result of Channel Tunnel Rail Link blight on their properties; and if he will make a statement. [18625]

The arrangements for the Scheme of Redress for Exceptional Hardship were advertised in a range of local newspapers selected to cover the various route options. In addition, details were sent to Members of Parliament, local authorities and Citizens Advice Bureaux for the areas concerned. As a reminder prominent newspaper advertisements have recently been re-published. Furthermore, the initial announcement of the Scheme attracted wide coverage including on local television news.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many representations he has received concerning the proposed de-notification of SSSI status on Thorne and Hatfield Moors, indicating how many were (a) supportive of the proposal and (b) opposed to the proposal. [18597]

The Secretary of State has received 725 representations against English Nature's proposals to de-notify parts of Thorne and Hatfield Moors Sites of Special Scientific Interest. There have been no letters of support to date. On 2 December English Nature's Council decided not to proceed with the de-notification.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much rail operators have been fined for failing to deliver an adequate service in the last 12 months. [18709]

The Rail Regulator has imposed financial penalties totalling £350,000 on rail operators for failing to meet his standards for the National Rail Enquiry Service (NRES).The Franchising Director has imposed financial penalties totalling £141,000 on two train operating companies for trains being run with fewer seats than required under the franchise agreements. The Franchising Director has also operated financial incentive regimes under franchise agreements which reward or penalise operators according to performance compared with historical benchmarks. Details of these appear in the Franchising Director's quarterly bulletins and in his Annual Report which are in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on disincentives to commuting journeys in respect of his integrated transport strategy. [18876]

The closing date for responses to the consultation on an integrated transport policy was 14 November. We have received a large number of responses which we are in the process of analysing. It is too early to give details of representations on individual subject areas although a number of respondents have mentioned specific journey purposes including commuting in their responses. The importance of encouraging "Green Commuting" was a major theme in the regional consultation meetings held to discuss the consultation document.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the present mileage within the Greater London Authority area of the red route system. [18965]

The length of the red route network is 315 miles.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what measures are in place for the monitoring and control of approved building control inspectors from the private sector; and if he will make a statement; [18871](2) what measures are in place for the monitoring and control of local authority building control inspectors. [18870]

[holding answer 3 December 1997]: Local authority building control officers are answerable to the chief officers of the authorities for which they work, and through them to elected members. As regards private sector approved inspectors, the appointing body also has the power to withdraw approval. In the case of corporate bodies, approval is given by the Secretary of State, and, in the case of individuals, it is given by the Construction Industry Council. I am currently consulting the Local Government Association, the Construction Industry Council and the Association of Corporate Approved Inspectors on ways of securing consistent building control standards and better conditions for competition across the public and private sectors of building control.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will meet deputations from local authorities to discuss his provisional capping and grant settlement. [18976]

[holding answer 3 December 1997]: Yes. My Department wrote to local authorities on Tuesday 2 December with details of the provisional local government finance settlement 1998–99 and set out the arrangements we propose for discussions on our proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice his Department has offered local authorities on millennium compliance and its cost. [18887]

[holding answer 3 December 1997]: Each local authority is responsible for ensuring its own millennium compliance. Authorities have access to high-quality advice on this issue, through the Local Government Management Board and other professional bodies. In addition, the Government have published best practice guidance on millennium compliance. We have taken the financial implications of millennium compliance into account in the proposed 1998–99 local government financial settlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the total cost of millennium compliance to local government. [19202]

The Department has not itself made an estimate of the total cost of millennium compliancy. The Local Government Association's estimate of the cost, for 1998–99, of information technology adaption for the year 2000 was taken into account in the Local Government Finance provisional settlement which was announced to the House on Tuesday 2 December.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which Acts of Parliament require him to call in planning appeals for proposed developments involving more than 150 houses or flats for his own determination. [19036]

There is no statutory requirement for my right hon. Friend to recover planning appeals for his own determination. Under paragraph 3 of schedule 6 to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, my right hon. Friend may, if he thinks fit, direct that a planning appeal will be determined by him rather than by an appointed person.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many planning applications for proposed developments involving more than 150 houses or flats were (a) approved and (b) rejected on appeal in (i) 1994–95, (ii) 1995–96 and (iii) 1996–97; [19035](2) how many planning appeals for proposed developments involving more than 150 houses or flats were called in for his or his predecessor's own determination in each of the years

The provision of information on Planning Appeals is the responsibility of the Planning Inspectorate. I have asked the Inspectorate's Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Minister for the Environment was informed that Mr. Keith Taylor, Chief Executive of Esso, had been appointed to the Government's task force on cleaner vehicles. [19151]

The members of the Task Force's steering group were nominated by the Minister for Transport, in close consultation with the Science, Energy and Industry Minister and officials from the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Department of Trade and Industry. I, along with other relevant DETR Ministers, have been kept fully informed of developments in appointing members of the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the advice of the West Midlands Regional Forum of Local Authorities on housing provision; and if he will issue an amendment to Regional Planning Guidance II. [19508]

The Forum is to be congratulated on the comprehensive nature of its advice and its involvement of the House Builders Federation and the Council for the Protection of Rural England in its formulation.We have concluded that further Regional Planning Guidance on housing provision in the West Midlands is required. We expect to issue this early in the new year. I will write to the hon. Members at that time and place a copy of the amendment in the Library of the House.We have concluded that provision should be made for 335,000 dwellings in the region between 1991 and 2011 including replacements and conversions to be redistributed as set out below. This is broadly in line with the advice received from the Forum but we take the view that the metropolitan area has the capacity to make slightly higher provision than they proposed. This would have benefits both for urban regeneration and protection of the countryside. In amending the guidance we will want to set out clear policies that authorities should pursue in their development plans to increase the amount of housing on previously developed land, to make provision for affordable housing and to ensure sustainable locations for housing development within transport corridors.

Annual average of housing provisions for west midlands region 1991–2011
Number
Regional total	16,750
Herefordshire	825
Worcestershire	2,065
Shropshire	2,400

Annual average of housing provisions for west midlands region 1991–2011
Number
Staffordshire	3,520
Warwickshire	2,035
Shire County total	10,845
Birmingham	2,325
Coventry	555
Dudley	620
Sandwell	890
Solihull	505
Walsall	505
Wolverhampton	505
Metropolitan total	5,905

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of the speed cameras on the motorway system are active over a 24 hour weekday period. [18844]

I have been asked to reply.The information is not available centrally. The use made of speed cameras on motorways is an operational matter for each individual chief officer of police to decide, taking account of local priorities and resources. It is important to bear in mind that, even when the cameras are not taking photographs, their signs and presence are influencing driver behaviour. It is the driver's perceived risk of detection which makes him comply with the speed limit now. Prosecution may make him do so in future. The police do not want to detect and prosecute all speeding motorists. Their aim is to achieve driver compliance with speed limits with the minimum necessary prosecutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prosecutions have taken place in West Yorkshire in 1997 as a result of information taken from speed cameras (a) on the motorway systems and (b) on trunk roads. [18843]

I have been asked to reply.Information broken down by motorway systems and trunk roads is not collected centrally but I understand from the Chief Constable that provisional figures for West Yorkshire Police for 1997 so far indicate that some 9,400 offences have been detected by automatic cameras and dealt with either by fixed penalty or prosecution. Of these, I understand that some 5,300 arose from speed cameras on the motorway systems and 4,100 on trunk roads. Official, verified statistics for police action against speeding offenders detected by automatic cameras in England and Wales for 1997 will be published in the usual way next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will announce the United Kingdom Bathing Water Compliance results for 1997; and if he will make a statement. [19301]

The quality of UK bathing waters fell slightly this year, with 88 per cent. of identified waters meeting EC mandatory coliform bacteria standards. This compares with 90 per cent. of UK bathing waters meeting the standards in 1996. The proportion of bathing waters complying with the standards in England and Wales remained the same at 89 per cent.The UK results are around the average for the EU but I want us to be among the leaders. We will only get there by urgent and targeted action on the small proportion of bathing waters which fail persistently. No Member State achieves 100 per cent. compliance consistently but I shall not be satisfied until we are achieving close to 100 per cent. regularly. There is still some way to go.It is very disappointing that compliance with the Directive is not better than last year, as more improvement schemes have come on stream.The results in the North-West are especially poor, with only half the bathing waters there passing the mandatory bacteria standards, compared with 61 per cent. last year. This is particularly disappointing when major bathing water improvement schemes have been completed in the area. I am asking North West Water to work with the Environment Agency as a matter of urgency to help to sort out the remaining problems, particularly in the Blackpool, Fylde coast area.I am also writing to the Chairman of the Environment Agency for a detailed report on the prospects for compliance and the action needed on persistent failures. I know that only last month the Agency warned water companies that delays in programming major investments were putting Britain at risk of failing to meet EC deadlines for improved sewage treatment under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. In addition to speeding up work to implement the UWWTD, I want to see concerted action by the Agency and the water companies to identify the causes of failure of bathing waters under the Bathing Water Directive, and give priority to tackling them in order to raise the level of compliance. However there is also good news in the results I am announcing today. I am encouraged to see that 180 UK bathing waters reached the higher guideline standard this year which is needed for a "Blue Flag" and I hope more local authorities than have done so in the past will be encouraged to apply for this prestigious award.Furthermore, 397 is a record number of bathing waters meeting the required standard and nearly two-thirds of the 50 failures in England and Wales missed compliance by only one of the 20 samples. Some regions performed particularly well this year and Anglian region deserve to be congratulated for achieving 100 per cent. compliance.The main results for the United Kingdom are summarised below. This information, together with details of English and Welsh bathing waters, will be placed in the Libraries of the House today. This will be supplemented by a report with more detailed results in due course.

England and Wales Environment Agency—Operational regions	Pass	Fail	Total
Northumbrian1	32(29)	2(5)	34(34)
Yorkshire1	19(20)	3(2)	22(22)
Anglian	35(34)	0(1)	35(35)
Thames	3(2)	0(1)	3(3)

England and Wales Environment Agency—Operational regions	Pass	Fail	Total
Southern	67(62)	8(7)	75(69)
Wessex1	39(41)	4(1)	43(42)
South West1	125(126)	12(12)	2137(138)
North West	17(20)	17(13)	34(33)
Welsh	60(52)	4(5)	64(57)
Total	397(386)	50(47)	447(433)
Scotland	18(21)	5(2)	23(23)
Northern Ireland	14(16)	2(0)	16(16)
Grand Total	429(423)	57(49)	486(472)
Results for 1996 are in brackets.
1 Northumbrian and Yorkshire, South West and Wessex Regions were amalgamated in 1993, results are recorded separately here to enable comparison to be made with earlier years.
2 South West has one less bathing water this year due to engineering works on the cliffs at Beacon Cove between May and August, making sampling impossible. Beacon Cover is, therefore, not included in compliance assessment for 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on which date Ministers approved the five-year strategy for Her Majesty's Coastguard. [19203]

Ministers approved, for consultation, the five year strategy on 13 November. The announcement was made on 17 November. Further discussions are underway. The first consultation meeting with the Trade Unions was on 24 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Portsmouth South, sent on 18 September concerning Miss Nor ford of South sea. [18519]

I wrote to the hon. Member on 28 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the BMA's report on the therapeutic uses of cannabis; and if he will make a statement. [18560]

My right hon. Friend and I were sent copies of the report by the British Medical Association on 17 November with an invitation to comment, and we are currently studying the recommendations which relate to Home Office responsibilities in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health. When we respond, I shall place a copy of the reply in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has completed his consultation exercise on the provision of compensation for special constables injured in the course of their duty; and when he expects to introduce the regulations recommended in the report of the Working Group on the Special Constabulary. [18562]

Proposals for new regulations were endorsed by the Working Group on 20 November and we are about to begin formal consultation with the police and local authority association. Subject to these consultations, we propose to implement the proposals as part of a comprehensive new set of regulations for the Special Constabulary. This will take account of other recommendations by the Working Group and we are aiming to lay the Regulations before Parliament before the Summer recess.I have placed a copy of the consultation paper in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the increase in slot machine turnover from his decision to allow the £2 coin to be used as a stake. [18272]

Following a recommendation from the Gaming Board, the maximum stake for a single game on gaming machines was increased from 25p to 30p from 1 October 1997. Larger coins can already be used for multiple play.We do not have any estimates of the effect of the £2 coin on machine turnover. It is unlikely to be in use in amusement-with-prizes and jackpot gaming machines until next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many slot machines are currently operated on premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages; and what estimate he has made of the total annual turnover of these machines. [18273]

Figures kept centrally do not categories gaming machines by different types of premises.The British Amusement Catering Trades Association (BACTA), the trade association representing the gaming machines industry, has recently undertaken a study in conjunction with the Henley Centre. This suggests that at the end of 1996 there were around 75,000 amusement-with-prizes machines (maximum prize £10) in public houses in Great Britain; 700 jackpot machines (maximum prize £250) in casinos; 31,300 jackpot machines in members clubs registered under the Gaming Act 1968; and 25,000 machines in bingo clubs, the majority with £10 prizes.BACTA estimates that in 1996 the amount spent in public houses was about £2.6 billion, with 80 per cent. returned as prizes. Total gross turnover on machines in the above premises is estimated at approximately £5 billion, with about £4 billion paid back to the players.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the organisations and individuals who have made submissions to the review of the detention of asylum seekers; and when he expects to (a) announce and (b) publish the findings of the review; [17419](2) what is the timetable for the inter-departmental review of the detention of asylum seekers. [17461]

At the beginning of September, I wrote to 12 non-governmental organisations inviting their comments on the major policy areas covered by the detention review. Submissions have been received from the following groups:

• United Nations High Commission for Refugees
• Amnesty International
• Immigration Advisory Service
• The Law Society
• The Refugee Council
• Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants
• Churches Commission for Racial Justice
• Refugee Legal Centre
• Charter 87
• Immigration Law Practitioners Association

A number of other bodies have put forward submissions on this issue, both before and during the review.Consideration is now being given to the comments received. I expect to be able to announce the results in the new year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what issues relating to asylum are currently under review; which Government Departments are involved; and what are the terms of reference of each review group. [17420]

All the issues relating to asylum are under review, especially the procedures for dealing with asylum claims and the means of supporting asylum seekers while their claims are being assessed. The Government Departments which have provided members of the study team are the Home Office; Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions; Department of Health; Department of Social Security; and the Cabinet Office. Departments represented on the Steering Group which is overseeing the study team's work, in addition to those already listed, are the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; the Lord Chancellor's Department; Department for Education and Employment; and Her Majesty's Treasury.The terms of reference are: to carry out a scrutiny of the arrangements for dealing with and providing for asylum seekers to assess how these might be improved to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the arrangements taken as a whole, and to identify ways of minimizing costs across government with a view to containing those costs well within the total provision for asylum seekers in existing Departmental programmes. In particular:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans his Department has to review the sentencing procedures for lesser motoring offences resulting in (a) deaths and (b) injury not taken into consideration in sentencing. [18589]

The Government have no plans to review sentencing procedure for lower level motoring offences resulting in death and injury. Sentencing procedure in individual cases is a matter for the courts. A range of offences exist to deal with those who commit motoring offences, with severe penalties available for serious offences. For example, causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs and causing death by dangerous driving carry maximum penalties of ten years' imprisonment.The North Report in 1988 considered, but rejected, the creation of a new offence of causing death by careless driving. It concluded that it would be wrong to visit on a driver severe penalties for the tragic consequences of an act which amounted only to carelessness.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders convicted of offences including (a) sex and (b) violence were sentenced to periods of imprisonment of over four years in the last year for which figures are available. [18847]

For England and Wales in 1996 (latest available), of the 4,426 offenders convicted of indictable sexual offences, 635 were sentenced to periods of immediate custody of over four years, of whom 17 recorded life sentences.Similarly, for the indictable offence group of violence against the person, 30,011 offenders were convicted, of whom 944 were sentenced to periods of imprisonment of over four years, including 267 life sentences.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the current policy and practice of the police in providing the media with the names of victims of crimes. [17933]

[holding answer 2 December 1997]: The Home Office is currently considering whether new central guidance to the police on relations with the media would be valuable. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has been asked for its views. Currently, the ACPO Media Advisory Group advises chief officers that, wherever possible, they should consider the wishes of the victim in deciding whether to publicize a crime and the identity of the victim and respect the victim's wishes if he or she does not wish his or her personal details to be given any publicity. Some police forces, as a matter of policy, do not release the names of victims. I understand that Greater Manchester Police issue guidance to all their officers to the effect that the names of victims should not be released to the press without their consent.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) has been the total cost of compensation paid to date and (b) estimate he has made of that to be paid to the end of 1997–98 under the Firearms Acts. [19102]

As at 28 November, £25.4 million had been paid out in compensation. The current estimate of compensation payments in 1997–98 is £115 million. This figure will be reviewed in the new year in the light of further progress on the processing of payments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has undertaken on the level of the public's satisfaction with the use of community penalties; and if he will make a statement. [18637]

[holding answer 3 December 1997]: The Home Office has not itself recently undertaken research designed to investigate the level of public satisfaction with the use of community penalties. But studies such as that by Professor Hough published in the Howard Journal of Criminal Justice (Vol. 35 No. 3 1996) confirm that these penalties are not as widely understood or valued as they should be.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from charities regarding the introduction of rapid draw lotteries. [18811]

[holding answer 3 December 1997]: As at 1 December, we have received representations from 22 charities; 20 of these stand to benefit from the introduction of Pronto and two do not wish to be associated with it.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to establish the national accreditation bodies for youth organisations recommended by Lord Cullen. [19000]

The recommendation for the national accreditation of clubs and groups voluntarily attended by children and young people is under consideration by the Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to alter the composition of Parole Board panels considering the release of mandatory life sentence adult prisoners. [19593]

The Parole Board is facing a continuing and significant increase in its work load. A very important element of that overall work load is the task of advising Ministers on the progression and release of adult life sentence prisoners convicted of murder. At present, the panels considering these cases comprise four members of the Board, always including a judge and a psychiatrist.By contrast, the panels that consider the release of discretionary life sentence prisoners and those sentenced to be detained during Her Majesty's pleasure, and those that decide or advise on the release of long term determinate sentence prisoners, comprise only three members. The additional member in mandatory cases incurs costs to the Board of around £25,000 annually, and complicates the listing of cases, leading to delay.I am satisfied, on the advice of both the current Chair and recently retired Chairman of the Parole Board, that the size of mandatory panels can now safely be reduced from four to three, without risking in any way the quality of advice which Ministers receive. I have asked that these panels should continue to include both a judge and a psychiatrist.

To ask the Secretary of Stat for the Home Department if he will make available to Parliament the full Schengen acquis. [19720]

The Government wish to make the fullest possible information available to Parliament in connection with the ratification of the Treaty of Amsterdam. The key Scheme Treaties which form the framework for Scheme co-operation are available in the Library. We have been informed that Scheme states have now finalised a list of documents which, for the purposes of incorporation, are to be considered formally as the acquits. Once we receive the full set of papers which comprise the acquits, we shall make them, subject to the usual understanding about confidentiality, available to Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff are currently based at Lunar House; and what was the number last year at the most convenient comparative date. [18396]

The total number of staff who were working in Lunar House as at 28 November 1997 was 1,628.A comparable figure for the corresponding period in 1996 is not available as historical staff records are not maintained on a building specific basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what controls apply to the use of hand-held video cameras by the police. [18914]

The use of hand-held video cameras is an operational matter and the decision to use them and in which circumstances comes within the responsibility of individual chief officers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications for sentencing in England and Wales of the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights. [17703]

The Human Rights Bill is designed to give people direct access in the United Kingdom to the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights. After incorporation, people who are subject to a sentencing decision will be able to argue in our domestic courts that the decision is not compatible with the Convention, whereas at present, they are able to argue the point only before the European Court of Human Rights.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time equivalent staff are dedicated to supporting the telephone-tapping function of MI5. [18698]

It has been the policy of successive Governments not to discuss operational matters relating to the work of the security and intelligence services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has seen the files held on him by MI5. [18696]

I have not asked to see, nor have I seen, any file which the Security Service may hold on me.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what safeguards are in place to ensure that MI5 does not operate outside its legal remit. [18699]

The Security Service falls under my authority and I take a close interest in its work, by regular meetings with the Director General and otherwise. The Permanent Secretary and other officials in my Department deal regularly and directly with the Service across the range of its activities, and ensure that I am aware of any significant developments. I receive, annually, reports on the service's performance and plans, and I act as joint sponsor of the Single Intelligence Vote under which the Service is funded. Applications for warrants to intercept communications or interfere with property are submitted to me and are reviewed by independent Commissioners whose annual reports are published.Complaints from individuals about the Security Service are investigated by an independent Tribunal which, together with the Commissioner, has full access to Security Service documents and information which they need. The service's accounts are scrutinised by the National Audit Office and its overall policy, administration and finance are subject to scrutiny by the Intelligence and Security Committee to which I give evidence from time to time. And finally—but very importantly—the Service has extensive internal procedures to ensure that its operations are properly authorised and comply with statutory requirements.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many current British Telecom employees have been required to sign the Official Secrets Act 1911. [18695]

It is a matter for British Telecom to ensure that their employees comply with all legislation relevant to their work.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many times those subject to investigation under (a) Article 7 and (b) Article 8 of the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (i) have been informed and (ii) have not been informed that they have been subject to investigation; [18701](2) how many requests have been

None. The draft Convention to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member of 17 November 1997, Official Report, column 39, is presently under negotiation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department contributes to the budget of (a) MI6 and (b) GCHQ; and if he will make a statement. [18682]

No. The budgets of all the security and intelligence agencies are funded from the Single Intelligence Vote (Class XVIII Vote 2).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate how many United Kingdom citizens have signed the Official Secrets Act 1911 since 1967. [18694]

Certain provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1911 were repealed by the Official Secrets Act 1989, which came into effect on 1 March 1990. Prior to that date, it had been the practice to require Government Ministers and members of the Civil Service and of the armed forces to sign a declaration certifying that they were aware of the provisions of the legislation. Information about the numbers of those who signed such declarations is not available centrally.Current practice is to draw the relevant provisions of the Official Secrets Acts to the attention of those most likely to have access to the sorts of information covered by them.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will extend the scope of the Interception of Communications Act 1985 to cover automatic call tracing. [18915]

In my reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) on 24 November 1997, Official Report, column 441, I said that it was my intention to introduce, in due course, legislation to bring interception on private networks into the statutory framework. Whether we should take that opportunity to introduce further measures relating to interception of communication; and, if so, what those measures should comprise, is currently under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure cordless telephones can be subject to legal interception only by means of a warrant. [18908]

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley on 24 November 1997, Official Report, column 441

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that all residents within the Metropolitan Police District are treated equally for the purposes of consultation on proposals to create a new police authority. [18644]

The Green Paper 'New Leadership for London—the Government's proposals for a Greater London Authority' was published in July 1997 and included details of the proposals for a new police authority to cover the Metropolitan Police District (MPD). During the period of consultation, which ended on 24 October, the Green Paper was freely available to any interested individuals or organisations, including residents of the MPD. The Government Office for London received over 1,200 written responses, including ones from Hertfordshire County Council, the Boroughs of Broxbourne and Reigate and Banstead. I recently met members of the Outer London Metropolitan Police Group, which represents the interests of those districts which are not London boroughs, to hear their views and discuss the proposals. All comments and written responses will be taken into account.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated average annual payment which will be made to private sector contractors for each child detained in a secure training centre; and if he will make a statement. [18642]

It would be inappropriate to publish the average payment figure to contractors while there are contracts yet to be awarded. The Government will ensure that secure training centres offer good value for money through normal contract requirements for "best value".

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those European Union countries which (a) prohibit and (b) limit the export or transhipment of torture equipment. [17313]

It is difficult to define torture equipment. Many items of equipment can be mis-used for the purposes of torture. We are in the process of consulting our European Union partners in relation to our intention during our forthcoming Presidency to encourage them to impose similar restrictions to those that we announced on 28 July, 1997, Official Report, 28 July 1997, columns 65–66, on the export and transhipment of equipment where there is evidence that it has been used for torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The picture is not yet complete, but it is already clear that there is no uniformity of practice within the Union. Some partners control equipment of the type described in our announcement, while others do not.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons the Private Office of the Under-Secretary of State does not have the out-of-hours telephone number of the Deputy High Commissioner in Bombay. [18527]

It is our practice not to disclose the home telephone numbers of our staff serving overseas. All of our overseas posts operate a Duty Officer system which enables those who need to transact business urgently with our staff outside normal working hours to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United Kingdom plans to ratify the Ottawa Land Mines Treaty; and what action Her Majesty's Government plan to take to encourage non-signing countries to ratify the treaty. [18936]

On ratification of the Ottawa Convention, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Mr. Campbell), on 24 November 1997, Official Report, columns 398–99. We shall continue to take every opportunity to urge as many countries as possible to sign the Ottawa Convention and will press for complementary action, to promote a global ban on anti-personnel land mines, in international fora, including the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will investigate the circumstances in which the personal effects and valuables of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wigham of Swanley, Kent were not returned by the Egyptian authorities: what action the British Embassy in Cairo has been taking to secure their immediate return; and if he will issue a statement. [19003]

As soon as the Embassy heard that valuables were missing they asked the Egyptian authorities urgently to locate them. They have not yet found and the Embassy continue to press. The authorities released the luggage to the Embassy on 2 December. With Embassy assistance, the insurers will return it to the family immediately.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) civilian and (b) non-civilian staff have been employed within GCHQ for each year from 1980. [18916]

It is not our policy to provide detailed information on the staffing of the Intelligence and Security Services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if GCHQ is required to apply for warrants each time it wishes to intercept overseas telegrams. [18690]

GCHQ obtains a warrant wherever necessary as required by the Interception of Communications Act 1985.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions since 1987 GCHQ has been involved in the surveillance of party political conferences. [18702]

The Intelligence Services Act 1994 requires the Director of GCHQ to ensure that GCHQ does not take any action to further the interests of any UK political party. This was established policy even before the Act was passed. On a number of occasions GCHQ has provided advice and assistance to the police present at such conferences on the security of their communications, at their request and also as provided for under the Act. But GCHQ has not been involved in the surveillance of party political conferences.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if CCHQ is permitted to undertake (a) telephone tapping and (b) other interceptions of communications where the terminal points of the communication are both in Great Britain [18686]

GCHQ's functions are set out in Section 3 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994. Communications which GCHQ is permitted to intercept under the authority of a warrant are set out in section 2 of the Interception of Communications Act 1985.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the range of responsibilities currently discharged by GCHQ. [18917]

The responsibilities of GCHQ are set out in Section 3 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidance has been given to employees at GCHQ in respect of the Data Protection Act 1984. [18688]

All staff were informed in 1986 that personal data held by GCHQ are exempt from operative parts of the Data Protection Act 1984 because that exemption is required for the purpose of safeguarding national security. The guidance said that the spirit of the Act would be applied so far as serving staff members were concerned, in that they would be given access to personal data held on data bases in the same way as they would have been had the Act been in force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff who were members of a union were seconded from (a) the DTI and (b) other departments to work in GCHQ Cheltenham during the period that a union ban was in place. [18691]

GCHQ estimates that about 10 people were seconded from other Government Departments to GCHQ between 1984 and 1997. It is not believed that any of these were from the DTI. GCHQ has no record of their union membership.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he takes to ensure there is no contravention of the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964. [18687]

The Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964 gave legal force in the UK to the Vienna Convention concluded in 1962. However, as a result of the 1985 Government Report on the Abuse of Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges (Cmnd 9497), the Government's requirements and procedures were tightened. Stricter standards are applied, in particular on: size of diplomatic missions; notification of new staff; use of diplomatic premises; handling of diplomatic bags; breaches of criminal law and illegal parking.Protocol Department within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is responsible for implementing these requirements and monitoring any breaches. To this end, the Department issues a comprehensive memorandum on privileges and immunities to every Diplomatic Mission. A section of the memorandum states the action we will take in the event of any breach of privileges or abuse of diplomatic immunity. This section is given to each newly appointed diplomat with their identity card. All Heads of Mission are reminded regularly of their obligations by the Head of the Diplomatic Service and the Director of Protocol. Protocol Department also controls the duty-free privileges of each mission in relation to alcohol, tobacco and vehicles.The Diplomatic Protection Group of the Metropolitan Police report all offences allegedly committed by diplomats to Protocol Department who in turn takes the necessary action with the relevant Head of Mission, asking for a waiver of immunity or in its absence the removal of a diplomat if the circumstances merit such action. Only six such requests were made in 1996. Diplomats who park illegally and incur fixed penalty fines are expected to pay them. All figures relating to alleged serious crimes committed by diplomats and unpaid parking fines are submitted to Parliament annually and published in

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what circumstances visa applications from United Kingdom citizens seeking to visit countries overseas are monitored by MI6; and what proportion of visa applications are thus monitored. [18697]

Visa applications from United Kingdom citizens seeking to visit countries overseas are a matter between the individual and the Government of the country concerned. They do not involve any British Government agency. It has been the policy of successive Governments not to disclose information about operational matters relating to the work of the intelligence and security services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many trained lawyers are employed within (a) M16 and (b) GCHQ. [18692]

Both the Secret Intelligence Service and the GCHQ employ qualified Legal Advisers. It is not our policy to provide detailed information on the staffing of the Intelligence and Security Services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his oral answer of 25 November 1997, Official Report, column 754, on what previous occasions he has made statements relating to the bilateral agreement between Spain and the Dutch Presidency; and if he will make a statement. [19043]

I refer the right hon. and learned Member to the replies I gave him on 2 December 1997, Official Report, columns 122–23. I have referred to events surrounding the outcome on Article 4 of the Scheme Protocol on several occasions, as has my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, notably during the evidence he gave to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 4 November and during the Second Reading of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill on 12 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government has made to the government of Zimbabwe about the proposed confiscation of land. [19207]

We recognise the need for land reform in Zimbabwe but do not support that Government's present programme of land acquisition. We have expressed to them our concern that their current action will damage the economy, undermine investor confidence and do nothing to help the poor. We have urged them to follow a carefully planned programme that is fair and transparent and aimed at poverty eradication.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the current number of out of school clubs in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney; and how many he estimates will be established in (a) Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney and (b) Wales under the Government's new undertaking. [18505]

I understand that one out of school club is being developed in Merthyr Tydfil and there are Homework Clubs associated with each of the secondary schools in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. During 1997 there were, in addition, 3 Summer Literacy Schools in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. Under the Government's proposals, The National Lottery New Opportunities Fund will become an important source of funds for new initiatives in education. These will be carefully selected after wide consultation. The extra resources for child care announced by the Chancellor on 26 November 1997 is extremely welcome news and we will make sure that a fair allocation of the new money comes to Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to consult the people of Wales on their preferred location for the Welsh Assembly. [18523]

I am publishing a consultation paper on Monday. I am also arranging for pre-publication copies to be sent to all Welsh members and am making copies available in the Library of the House today so that members will have it in advance of Second Reading of the Government of Wales Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to ensure that the Welsh Assembly has a duty to promote sustainable development; and in what form he will publish such proposals. [19117]

Paragraph 1.24 of "A Voice for Wales" (Cm 3718) said that the Government would ensure that the Assembly promotes sustainable development. I plan to make an announcement to the House on this matter during Second Reading of the Government of Wales Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new policies he plans to introduce to encourage job creation in Wales. [18793]

Our proposals for stimulating the Welsh economy are set out in "An Economic Strategy for Wales" (Welsh Office October 1997). A copy is in the Library of the House. Comments are invited by 20 December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to protect the public from incompetent dentists. [18725]

The Dental Practice Board has a statutory responsibility to the Secretary of State to monitor aspects of clinical probity in the General Dental Service in Wales and to initiate appropriate action in circumstances where acceptable standards have not been met.Some 2,500 random examinations have been carried out in Wales since April 1997 by the Board's Dental Reference Service to provide assurance about the quality of diagnosis and treatment provided by individual dentists. About 1 per cent. of such examinations are referred to health authorities for consideration of appropriate action. There is also an established procedure for patient complaints. A health authority may refer complaints or matters of concern, whether from the Board or from a patient, to a Dental Discipline Committee for investigation. Only in a small proportion of such cases is the dentist found to be "in breach" of NHS Terms of Service.A health authority can also refer allegations of a disciplinary nature to the General Dental Council, the NHS Tribunal or the local police authority.The General Dental Council exercises statutory functions under the Dentists Act 1984 in relation to dentists' professional conduct and fitness to practise.Section 27 of the Act provides that dentists shall be liable to have their names erased from the Dentists Register if they have been convicted of a criminal offence or have been guilty of serious professional misconduct. It is an offence for an unregistered person to engage in the practice of dentistry.The Council at its November meeting approved the publication of new ethical guidance for dentists under the title "Maintaining Standards". This new guidance will be issued to all dentists on the UK Register.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the former NHS dentist, Mr. McDonald. [18723]

No. To do so may prejudice the appellate role of the Secretary of State for Wales in respect of Dental Service Committee Appeals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the effect of the National Vaccination Reward Scheme on the registration of children by GP practices. [18620]

No assessments have been undertaken. GPs are reimbursed for childhood vaccinations under the GP Target Payment Scheme. These targets are set at less than 100 per cent. in recognition of the fact that not all parents wish to have their children immunised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to review planning regulations in Wales. [17587]

[holding answer 1 December 1997]: Planning regulations are kept under continuous review. The key principles of planning policy are contained in Planning Guidance (Wales): Planning Policy (May 1996) (PG(W):PP): that document is currently under review and a revised version is likely to be published in early 1998. PG(W):PP is currently supplemented by thirteen Technical Advice Notes (Wales) (TAN(W)s) covering particular subjects: a further ten TAN(W)s are planned for publication in 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales pursuant to his answer of 27 November 1997, Official Report, column 639, what estimate he has made of the (a) number and (b) cost of (i) redundancies and (ii) resignations of managers of CELTEC as a result of the reorganisation of the TEC. [19147]

I am advised that the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the Alkemy and Business Advance companies is shortly to be completed, and the staff who transfer will then be integrated into the TEC. Following this transfer CELTEC will be undertaking a detailed review of all its resources against its prospective business requirements for the 1998–99 financial year. The outcome of this review will be presented to the CELTEC Board in the New Year, at which time the TEC will be able to finalise its business plans and staffing needs. I will write to my hon. Friend at that time with further details, and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.The cost of any redundancies of staff currently employed by the Hightown Holdings Group of companies which are not transferring to CELTEC is a matter for Hightown Holdings to determine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions written directions have been sought by permanent secretaries and other accounting officers in the past five years; in what circumstances; and on what dates. [19217]

There have been no such directions in the Welsh Office in the last five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to abolish Tai Cymru; and how he will make its functions democratically accountable. [19573]

Following the publication of the Government of Wales Bill, which makes provision for the winding up of Tai Cymru, I am pleased to announce that Tai Cymru and Welsh Office Housing Division will be merged to form an integrated Housing Department of the Welsh Office. This will initially be accountable to my right hon. Friend and ultimately to the Assembly.Subject to the enactment of the Government of Wales Bill we propose that the new Housing Department will be formed on 1 January 1999 and will cover all the existing functions of the two organisations. I estimate that the staffing structure of the new organisation will produce long-term pay bill savings of approximately £55,000 per annum, about 20 per cent. of the current pay costs of the two organisations. There will be some short-term setting up costs.I have today published a consultation paper on the organisation and role of the Housing Department and its relations with other bodies including an enhanced role for local authorities in planning the provision of housing in their areas. I have placed copies in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which local authorities in Wales will be involved in the Wales evaluation study to test the duty of best value; and if he will make a statement. [19571]

I have received a report from the Best Value Project Group which I asked to evaluate the 26 proposals sent in by Welsh authorities. The Project Group concluded that 23 proposals had reached the stated quality threshold set out in its report and should be used to evaluate the impact of Best Value in Wales. There are 21 proposals from local authorities in Wales, one from a police authority, and one from a fire authority. The Project Group felt this would allow Best Value to be vigorously tested across the whole range of public services in Wales. I am happy to accept the Project Group's recommendations.Three of the Welsh proposals have also been chosen to participate in the Best Value research programme commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.I am writing to all those who brought forward proposals and I will arrange for a list of those authorities accepted for both the Welsh and the English studies to be placed in the Library of the House.The development of Best Value will help us deliver our Manifesto commitment to repeal Compulsory Competitive Tendering. Primary legislation will be required for this and the Government intends to introduce a Bill when Parliamentary business allows.Ahead of this there is a need for a wide-ranging debate on Best Value involving local government, the private sector, trades unions and, most importantly, local people. I therefore propose to issue a consultation paper early in the New Year which will seek comments on this and other issues affecting local government in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been charged with offences in connection with paramilitary beatings in 1997. [16031]

Between 1 January 1997 and 2 November 1997 one person was charged with an offence in connection with paramilitary assault.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to increase the representation of Catholics in major public sector organisations in Northern Ireland following the recent Fair Employment Commission report on public service employment in Northern Ireland. [17888]

I welcome the overall increase in the Roman Catholic share of senior public sector posts and the recognition in the Fair Employment Commission's Report of this improvement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the projects receiving funding under the European Peace and Reconciliation Programme indicating the money allocated to each project between 1994 and 1997. [18135]

I will arrange to have placed in the Libraries of both Houses a list of all projects funded and the amounts allocated to them under the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in 1995, 1996 and the first six months of 1997. No projects were funded in 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the Northern Ireland Audit Office report into the privatisation of Belfast International Airport. [18131]

The privatisation of Belfast International Airport was authorised and carried out by the previous Government. The Northern Ireland Audit Office's Report will be considered by the Public Accounts Committee. The Government will respond to the Committee in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures will be taken to improve the ambulance fleet in Northern Ireland. [18133]

In recognition of the particular problems faced by the ambulance service, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Trust has received a further allocation of £500,000 in the current financial year in addition to its normal capital provision of £500,000 for urgent replacement of ambulance vehicles. The Trust has also been permitted to draw on £200,000 of its 1998–99 capital allocation to supplement those resources. In addition, the Trust is presently drawing up proposals for a major ambulance replacement programme to be tested for a private partnership under PFI. These measures should make a significant difference to the state of the ambulance fleet but I will keep the matter under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the per capita funding for further education students for each year from 1978–79 to 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [17395]

It is not possible to give figures since 1978–79 on a comparable basis. The following figures are the average funding per full-time equivalent student in further education in England (in £ cash rounded to the nearest £10) since the establishment of the Further Education sector:

• 1993–94: 3,080
• 1994–95: 3,040
• 1995–96: 2,920
• 1996–97: 2,860

These figures are based on an improved method of calculating full-time equivalent students.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of changes in unit costs of further education since 1978–79 and of their overall effect on funding requirements. [17396]

It is not possible to assess unit costs on a consistent basis going back as far as 1978–79. One of the objectives of the additional funding announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 12 November is to limit the pressure on unit costs to the costs arising from inflation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of New Deal education and training on current facilities and infrastructure in colleges of further education; and if he will make a statement. [17401]

Further Education colleges will have the opportunity to bid for well over £100 million of new deal funds for next year.