To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the outcome of the European Union Development Council Meeting on 5 June. [4140]

Ministers held further discussions on the future of EC trade and development relations with the African, Caribbean and Pacific States. The Council adopted two Resolutions. The first establishes mechanisms to improve coherence between development and other EC policies. The second sets out plans to create a more coherent framework for research activities. The Council also adopted two sets of Conclusions, relating to co-ordination between the programmes of the Community and Member States and the needs of indigenous peoples. It also agreed a Common Position on a draft Regulation covering co-financing with Non-Governmental Organisations. Useful discussions were held on a number of other topics, including the 1996 DAC report on EC Development Assistance, preparations for the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) to review progress since the Rio Summit, and UN Reform. The Commission made presentations on two further topics: proposed Community involvement in the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative and Democratisation, Human Rights and the Rule of Law in the ACP states.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to ensure opportunities for women to participate in environmental decision-making; and if she will make a statement. [3756]

I am making a speech on 26 June at the Commonwealth Institute which will outline our plans, for enhancing the participation of women in the decision-making process in all aspects of development.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's proposals relating to women and sustainable development for the Earth summit II. [3758]

One of the messages the UK will be stressing at the Earth summit II is that environmental sustainability and the elimination of poverty go hand in hand. I firmly believe that empowering women is a major key to poverty reduction. My Department will be refocusing its efforts to support the aim of halving the proportion of people living in abject poverty by 2015.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures her Department is taking to eliminate discrimination against women world-wide; and if she will make a statement. [3754]

My Department already has a gender equality strategy which was redesigned in response to the Beijing Platform for Action. We will continue to assess and address inequalities between women and men as an integral part of all our development co-operation activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the funds allocated to promoting women's role in development for each of the next six years. [3757]

There is no pre-set allocation of funds for any sector within the development co-operation programme. My Department's policy is to mainstream gender equality throughout all its activities and to carefully monitor progress.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the promotion and protection of the human rights of women and girls. [3753]

My Department recognises that the rights of women and girls need special attention if human rights are to be secured in practise. Women's development and the education of girls, as well as human rights, will be major themes of the forthcoming Development White Paper.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to regulate the use of footage obtained from CCTV cameras. [3392]

Most public space closed circuit television systems are already regulated by codes of practice as are any systems which receive financial assistance from the Home Office. We wish to encourage best practice but will be prepared to consider the arguments on the principle and practicalities of statutory regulation of CCTV to underpin the existing codes of practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what year was the last (a) prosecution and (b) conviction for (i) treason and (ii) piracy; and what was the penalty imposed. [3391]

Statistical data held centrally by the Home Office show one prosecution in 1981 for treason under the Treason Acts 1351 to 1842. This resulted in a conviction carrying a five-year custodial sentence. A further four prosecutions have also been recorded (two in 1989, one in 1991 and one in 1992) but none resulted in a conviction.In 1849 there were two prosecutions under the Piracy Act 1837. One resulted in a custodial sentence of between seven to 10 years. In 1894, five defendants were tried for piracy. All were acquitted.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the detention procedures relating to asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [3388]

A general review of the Government's immigration detention policy is currently being undertaken.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans in respect of the white list. [3386]

We are reviewing the provisions of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, including those relating to designated countries of destination, and will consider the options for change that best meet our manifesto commitment to secure swift and fair asylum decisions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements have been made to ensure that police stations at which firearms are surrendered in accordance with the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 comply with the health and safety requirements concerning the handling of explosive substances. [3594]

The Police Service is fully aware of its obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974. Police stations are not required to be licensed to store explosives, but forces have a general duty of care to ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff. The terms of the compensation scheme keep the need to store explosives for any length of time down to a minimum and forces have been offered guidance on the safe handling of surrendered firearms, ammunition and explosives. The Explosives Inspectorate Directorate and the Ministry of Defence will offer further guidance to police forces as necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give authority under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 to competitors from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games 2002 to use pistols in their ownership which are lawfully held overseas so that they can participate in the games on equal terms with nationals from other countries. [3994]

The Government appreciate the need for the planning of the games to take place well in advance and we intend to discuss the matter with all interested parties. It is too early to grant section 5 authority at this stage. However, all competitors from the United Kingdom, as elsewhere, will be eligible to be considered nearer the time.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) pursuant to his oral statement of 11 June, Official Report, column 1165, if he will publish the evidence which shows that nothing proposed in the Firearms (Amendment) Bill will put the holding of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 in jeopardy; [3990](2) pursuant to his statement of 11 June,

The arrangements for holding the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 are set out in a contract between Manchester city council and the Commonwealth Games Federation. The contract can be invalidated only if the host nation is unable to hold the games due to natural disaster or if the games are not properly organised.The hosting of the Olympic Games and the inclusion or otherwise of particular events is a matter for the Olympic Committee to decide in discussion with prospective host nations. The provisions of section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 can be used to allow shooting events to take place.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the correspondence which he has had with the organisers of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 in relation to pistol shooting competitions. [3992]

The Home Office has not received any correspondence from the organisers of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in relation to pistol shooting competitions, but the issue was dealt with fully in the debate in the House on 11 June 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a draft of the authority and the conditions attached thereto which he intends to grant under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 in respect of competitors in pistol shooting events at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002. [3988]

No. Any authority to be issued to competitors for the pistol shooting events at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 will be a matter for the Secretary of State. Under section 5(4) of the 1968 Act, the Secretary of State can attach any conditions which he considers necessary to ensure that public safety or the peace is not endangered. It is a matter for the Secretary of State to decide the appropriate drafting and conditions of any such authority after consultation with the Games organisers and, in the case of Manchester, with the Greater Manchester police.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his policy to outlaw the possession and use of black powder pistols. [3991]

The term "black powder pistol" is not used in the Firearms Acts, but is synonymous with a muzzle-loading gun as defined in the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. The Government have no plans at present to prohibit the possession of such weapons. The Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, which is presently before Parliament, deals only with the prohibition of small-calibre pistols. However, we shall keep under close review all controls on firearms to ensure maximum public safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many authorisations Home Secretaries have given under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 during the last five years to foreign nationals to enable them to participate in pistol shooting competitions in the United Kingdom. [3993]

There have been no applications. Until the implementation of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, pistols (other than fully automatic pistols) are not prohibited under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 and authority is not required. Foreign nationals can at present possess pistols on a visitor's firearm permit issued by the police force for the area which they were visiting.

Self-inflicted deaths in prison establishments: 1992–19971
	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	11997
Totals for the prison estate	41	47	62	60	64	21
HMP Winchester	0	1	1	0	2	2
Dates of deaths at HMP Winchester		20 February	31 July		23 April	16 May
					3 May	17 May
1 1997 total up to 21 May 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to give the Prison Service Union official recognition as a trade union. [3273]

The Prison Service has no plans to give official recognition to the Prison Service Union at this time.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the prisons at which members of the Prison Service Union work. [3272]

The Prison Service does not formally recognise the Prison Service Union (PSU) and does not maintain membership records or details of the location of the union's members. However, it is understood that PSU membership is in the order of 1,200 in England and Wales, spread across more than 100 prison establishments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of (a) men and (b) women, who were serving a life prison sentence in prisons in England and Wales as of 1 June. [3203]

The latest available provisional totals are for 30 April 1997. On that date, there were 3,523 male and 128 female life sentence prisoners in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in each of the last five years, how many prisoners have committed suicide (a) at HMP Winchester and (b) in total; if he will list the dates of all suicides committed at HMP Winchester; and if he will make a statement. [1086]

The number of self-inflicted deaths at Winchester prison and for the whole prison estate over the requested period is shown in the table. For Winchester, the individual coroners' verdicts were as follows:

• 1993: open
• 1994: suicide
• 1996: 1 x open; 1 x suicide
• 1997: inquests still outstanding.

The Prison Service is committed to doing everything possible to reduce the likelihood of suicides occurring and is continuing to research prevention strategies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what review his Department has undertaken of the impact of imprisonment on families of prisoners; and if he will make a statement. [3285]

In keeping with Prison Rule 31, which provides that special attention shall be paid to the maintenance of such relationships between a prisoner and his family as are desirable in the best interests of both, the Prison Service keeps under continuous review the impact of imprisonment on prisoners and their families, in a number of fora. These include the Prison Service Family Ties Consultative Group which comprises representatives from a wide spectrum of interests, including penal reform and family ties support groups.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to redirect section 11 funding towards needs led allocation. [3023]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Foster) on 9 June, Official Report, column 330.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money was allocated to local authorities under section 11 to assist language teaching in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [3024]

The table shows the amounts of grant paid to, or expected to be paid to, local authorities in relation to their expenditure within each of these years on projects which were entirely or principally concerned with teaching English as a second language in schools. Precise disaggregation of projects containing elements of other work concerned with raising educational achievement is not possible. The figures in the table do not include grant paid in relation to projects in further education colleges,

Section 11 Grant: ESL funding for 1992–93 to 1996–97
ESL projects
LEA	1992–93	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97
Avon2	738,902	782,422	560,462	517,469	0
Barking and Dagenham	300,053	285,412	216,681	245,269	252,014
Barnet	886,259	888,470	604,181	739,744	785,198
Bedfordshire	2,728,983	2,799,311	2,095,796	1,930,291	1,977,989
Berkshire	900,858	917,565	927,074	811,214	833,522
Bexley	63,446	161,686	100,138	110,848	113,896
Birmingham	5,211,788	5,077,372	3,475,267	3,324,125	3,415,538
Bolton	716,582	731,700	558,616	578,376	594,282
Bradford	4,891,850	5,147,620	3,758,431	3,612,026	3,707,284
Brent	1,335,990	1,456,511	1,008,819	970,869	994,487
Bristol2	0	0	0	0	539,235
Bromley	0	0	0	19,118	22,671
Buckinghamshire	1,223,956	1,209,284	884,750	761,564	884,119
Bury	395,825	464,258	338,238	300,468	308,731
Calderdale	990,242	1,034,282	724,005	698,055	658,291
Cambridgeshire	1,137,452	1,256,649	943,296	862,061	885,768
Camden	1,232,639	1,364,312	996,706	1,231,714	1,324,898
Cardiff2	0	0	0	0	353,806
Cheshire	90,746	99,664	73,682	68,369	70,249
Cleveland2	459,449	470,930	340,541	331,799	0
Coventry	2,192,027	2,267,078	1,843,142	1,599,123	1,616,104
Croydon	956,353	1,102,874	779,056	857,263	913,168
Derbyshire1	1,058,739	1,406,477	1,026,632	944,899	1,040,741
Devon	15,597	15,816	11,949	42,249	59,573
Doncaster	91,925	125,714	93,665	86,240	88,611
Dorset	0	0	0	15,523	20,316
Dudley	972,476	990,148	763,374	656,613	711,594
Durham	96,533	171,737	119,090	117,811	121,051
Ealing	2,515,428	3,359,869	2,502,375	1,123,777	1,149,605
East Sussex1	171,546	172,010	132,752	175,571	188,022
Enfield	932,179	1,182,166	881.644	1,001,209	1,067,566
Essex	33,143	34,865	25,755	24,258	24,925
Gateshead	17,132	32,918	22,732	21,211	21,536
Gloucestershire	283,982	271,120	196,920	201,468	208,837
Greenwich	1,381,572	1,561,935	1,185,583	845,944	869,207
Gwent2	149,533	268,583	192,662	221,407	0
Hackney1	3,612,460	3,466,312	2,978,070	2,377,959	2,289,531
Hammersmith and Fulham	604,060	582,028	475,431	369,128	407,789
Hampshire	674,973	748,448	558,367	513,435	527,554
Haringey	1,695,810	2,565,456	2,113,364	1,704,835	1,751,367
Harrow	682,275	723,789	550,753	511,042	528,968
Havering	51,960	50,636	39,169	35,875	36,862
Hereford and Worcester	204,565	238,339	175,235	154,930	160,021
Hertfordshire	1,906,645	1,980,344	1,464,810	1,340,169	1,377,024
Hillingdon	287,153	297,310	244,050	203,954	209,563
Hounslow	1,556,837	1,585,688	1,157,155	1,041,080	1,069,711
Hull2	0	0	0	0	32,750
Humberside2	309,419	338,209	244,893	232,011	0
Islington	1,569,829	1,593,722	1,169,014	1,199,552	1,232,540
Kensington and Chelsea	1,007,552	1,051,241	820,563	714,954	734,615
Kent	956,653	1,074,317	882,988	736,981	757,248
Kingston	99,962	123,861	95,806	83,838	86,143
Kirklees	2,414,075	2,725,944	2,005,454	1,912,360	1,946,520
Lambeth1	1,204,508	1,237,070	922,583	1,001,111	1,011,152
Lancashire	4,603,652	4,838,711	3,651,180	3,164,866	3,328,182
Leeds	772,344	1,053,854	869,678	709,138	728,639
Leicestershire	3,252,152	3,580,065	2,353,001	2,401,675	2,480,992
Lewisham	1,726,023	1,825,602	1,363,705	951,038	978,279
Lincolnshire	55,236	69,958	61,319	70,972	72,924
Liverpool	119,714	139,807	110,580	113,917	112,739
Manchester	1,984,133	2,094,634	1,613,278	1,490,701	1,517,795
Merton1	474,754	643,576	438,356	490,188	509,289
Middlesbrough2	0	0	0	0	343,729
Newcastle	304,618	306,095	208,403	209,981	215,756

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has received concerning the extension of the powers and duties of EUROPOL; what consultations he has initiated and with which bodies on these matters; and if he will make a statement. [3930]

EUROPOL will be a central body in the European Union for the exchange and analysis of intelligence on serious and organised trans-national crime. Its powers and duties are set out in the EUROPOL Convention, which is currently subject to ratification in member states. There have been no formal proposals to amend the Convention.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers in Haslar Detention Centre, Gosport, have been on hunger strike in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [3311]

Records show that 10 immigration detainees have refused regular prison meals at Haslar Detention Centre during the past 12 months, although they do not distinguish between those who have applied for asylum and others. There are currently no foods protesters at Haslar.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers in Haslar Detention Centre in Gosport have been detained for more than (a) six and (b) 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [3312]

Central records show that at Haslar Detention Centre there are 14 detainees who have been detained for more than six months and who have sought asylum at some time, and that there are three others who have been detained for more than twelve months. All 17 applications have already been refused.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Government have to implement the recommendations of the report of the Working Group on Special Constabulary in England and Wales 1995–96, with particular reference to its recommendations relating to the provision of compensation for death or injury. [3419]

We are taking a fresh look at the Report's recommendations which, in general, provide a good basis for improving the efficiency, effectiveness and conditions of service of the special constabulary. Some of the recommendations have already been implemented by the Home Office and others are for police forces and police authorities to consider. Priority is now being given to the recommendations which relate to the circumstances in which special constables injured on duty will be able to receive compensation. A consultation paper is being prepared and will be sent shortly to the police and local authorities associations for their comments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute discussions with the Secretary of State for Health on the inclusion of NHS organisations in the Public Safety Radio Communications Project. [3627]

The National Health Service Ambulance Trusts are already represented on the Major Sharers Forum which communicates the views of potential users of the proposed radio communications service to the Board responsible for taking the project forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's policy on membership of NATO for (a) Estonia, (b) Latvia and (c) Lithuania. [3281]

The choice of countries to be invited to join NATO will be taken by the time of the NATO Summit in Madrid on 8–9 July. In reaching a decision with other allies we shall need to consider the wider effects on European security and on the effectiveness of the Alliance, as well as the credentials of individual countries. NATO will remain open to further enlargement after the NATO Summit in Madrid, in accordance with Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge Argentina to ratify the High-Seas Fishing Agreement. [3153]

I assume the right hon. Member is referring to the UN Agreement on Straddling Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. The United Kingdom and Argentina regularly discuss their international responsibilities for the conservation of fish stocks at meetings of the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission. The United Kingdom hopes that Argentina will ratify the Convention in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with which nations the UK proposes to enter into regional fisheries organisations under the High-Seas Fishing agreement. [3152]

I assume the right hon. Member is referring to the UN Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. The UK already participates in a number of regional fisheries organisations, including the North West Atlantic Fisheries Organisation and the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission. The UK is currently participating in talks aimed at establishing regional fisheries organisations for the South West Atlantic and the South East Atlantic.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he estimates the UK will ratify the High-Sea Fishing Agreement. [3157]

I assume the right hon. Member is referring to the UN Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks which the UK signed last year. We intend that the UK should ratify this agreement when the necessary procedures have been completed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning a settlement of the dispute between Russia and the Ukraine over the Black Sea fleet; and if he will make a statement. [3282]

We and our EU partners have welcomed the Russia-Ukraine agreements of 29 May on the Black Sea Fleet and the Bilateral Friendship Treaty of 31 May. They are an important contribution to regional stability and to security in Europe overall.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) men and (b) women who are British citizens are serving (i) a life sentence of imprisonment and (ii) a sentence of imprisonment in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement. [3204]

We are aware of 10 British citizens detained and sentenced in Hong Kong. All are men. None has received a life sentence. The British Trade Commission, which will become a Consulate General on 1 July, looks after the interests of British prisoners in Hong Kong.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a member of the British High Commission office in Cyprus last visited the Karpass area in occupied northern Cyprus; and what report has been made of that visit. [3528]

A member of the British High Commission visited the Karpass 9–10 May as part of a regular series of visits to this and other regions in Cyprus. The High Commission report no significant changes in living conditions since the previous visit in February.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the British embassy in Moscow last contacted the Russian authorities about the cull of (a) harp seals and (b) fully grown adult seals in the White Sea; when the Russian authorities last contacted the United Kingdom on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [3691]

The British Embassy in Moscow has made repeated approaches to the Russian authorities on both questions. The last one was on 28 May. The Russian Government have not yet released their figures for the seal cull in the White Sea. We will continue to press them to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will review the role and functions of the Economic and Social Committee of the European Union. [3438]

The role and functions of the Economic and Social Committee are currently under discussion in the Intergovernmental Conference.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what exchanges he has had with the United States with a view to securing the territorial integrity of Taiwan. [2049]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has had no exchanges with the United States on Taiwan. We acknowledge the position of the People's Republic of China that Taiwan is a province of China. We attach importance to the maintenance of peace in the Taiwan straits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by what procedure he expects the Council of Ministers to appoint a Foreign Affairs spokesperson, as proposed in drafts of the treaty of Amsterdam; under what terms such a person will operate; and what arrangements will be made for their direct consultation with the Foreign Ministers of member states prior to the exercise of their functions. [3906]

Under the Presidency's current proposal, the Secretary-General of the Council would assist the Council in the common foreign and security policy field, contributing to the formulation, preparation and implementation of policy decisions. When appropriate, he or she would conduct political dialogue with third parties on behalf of the Council at the request of the Presidency. The Secretary-General is appointed by the Council acting unanimously and would operate in this new role on the basis of clearly defined mandates from the Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the topics suggested for future agreement by qualified majority vote of the Council of Ministers of the European Community contained in draft proposals from the Presidency to be considered at the forthcoming Inter-Governmental Conference. [3911]

Below is the relevant section from the latest Presidency proposal:

List of Articles where extension of QMV is envisaged

• Article 8a: Right of movement and residence.
• Article 45(3): Compensatory aid for imports of raw materials.
• Article 51: Measures in the field of social security necessary to provide freedom of movement.
• Article 56(2): Coordination of provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action for special treatment for foreign nationals (right of establishment).
• Article 57(2): Amendment of principles laid down by law governing the professions in a Member State.
• Article 128: Culture.
• Article 130: Industry.
• Article 130i(1): Adoption of the research framework programme.
• Article 130i(2): Adapting or supplementing the research framework programme.
• Article 130o: Setting up of joint undertakings in R and T development.
• Article 130s(2): Environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those areas where legislative proposals of the Council of the European Community can be halted by a resolution of the European parliament (a) currently and (b) as proposed by the Presidency to the IGC. [3909]

Measures under the following Treaty Articles are subject to the assent of, or codecision with the European Parliament:

• assent: 8a(2); 105(6); 106(5); 130d; 138(3); 228(3); 0;
• codecision: 49; 54(2); 56(2); 57(1); 57(2); 100a; 100b; 126(4); 128(5); 129(4); 129a(2); 129(d); 130i(1); 130s(3).

So far as further areas are concerned, below is the relevant section from the latest Presidency proposal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date he received notice from the Presidency of the European Union concerning the Franco-German proposal for progressive absorption of the Western European Union into the European Union; what information that notice gave of the opinions of other member states; and what subsequent steps he has taken to inform the originators of the proposal of the opinion of Her Majesty's Government. [3907]

On 24 March the Presidency of the European Union circulated to all Partners a letter enclosing a joint proposal by Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and Spain for the phased integration of the Western European Union into the European Union. We have made clear both in the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) and in bilateral meetings with Partners that we oppose the integration of the Western European Union into the European Union.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed provisions of the draft treaty of Amsterdam on the relations between the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth; and if he will initiate discussions with other Commonwealth Governments on the effect of relevant aspects of the treaty prior to its signing. [3912]

The draft Treaty is primarily concerned with internal EU matters and has no direct impact on UK/Commonwealth relations. We therefore have no plans to hold discussions with Commonwealth governments before signature of the Treaty. There will however be opportunities to discuss EU matters of interest to the Commonwealth in the margin of this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. In addition, the EU has regular contacts with Commonwealth countries through a wide range of co-operation agreements, notably the Lome Convention to which 38 Commonwealth countries members belong.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the activities of the European Union described in or arising from Pillar 2, or the J articles of the treaty of European Union from which the European Commission (a) is currently excluded and (b) would be excluded under the widened scope of such title and articles as proposed by the Presidency. [3910]

Under the existing Treaty on European Union the European Commission is fully associated with the work carried out in the common foreign and security policy field. This would remain the case under current Presidency proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy in relation to promoting the establishment of high dependency unit beds in the hospital service. [2460]

Provision of high dependency care is one of many policy areas to which we are turning our attention.As a first step, we have asked regional offices to report on the current position and we will be using this to take forward consideration of adult and high dependency care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether public funds will be made available in 1997 for the building of the new maternity hospital at the Stone Grove site in Sheffield if the PFI hid proves to be unsatisfactory. [2545]

The private finance initiative scheme for the new maternity hospital for Central Sheffield University Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the 43 acute sector PFI projects included in the prioritisation exercise we announced on 10 June. An announcement on those schemes which have been selected to proceed will be made at the end of June.Those trusts which fail to be prioritised will be invited to stop further work on their PFI schemes. Their projects will then be reconsidered and prioritised nationally alongside schemes that are competing for public capital. They will then be progressed under the PFI, if that is appropriate, or considered for funding from available public capital.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review the interest rate returns on capital requirements imposed on trusts where trust estates include historic or heritage buildings. [3041]

The return required on a National Health Service trust's assets is affected by both the set target rate of return (currently 6 per cent.) and the value of the assets concerned.There are currently no plans to change the target rate of return. However, following a recommendation by the Advisory Group on the Review of the Trust Financial Regime the NHS Executive is at present investigating the methods used for valuing land and buildings in the NHS. If it can be demonstrated that clear benefits would result from changes to the existing method, those changes can be implemented at the next national revaluation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Department's assessment of the impact of health promotion shops on men's health over the next five years. [3221]

We are aware of the Acorn shop in the foyer of St. Mary's hospital in the hon. Member's constituency and there are a number of similar shops throughout England. No Department of Health assessment has been made of the impact of shops of this type on men's health. However, the Department has recently funded a project run by Community Health UK to look into the question of health promotion for men. One of the aims of this project was to identify which health promotion methods are effective for conveying messages to men. This project ended in March 1997 and we are awaiting the final evaluation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received from (a) Northumbrian Water Ltd. and (b) Water Services Association regarding the indemnities available to water companies to cover liabilities of operating a fluoridated water supply; [3208](2) what representations he has received from the

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the time scale for the United Kingdom to sign and ratify the European Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine. [3313]

The Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine contains a wide range of provisions covering a number of complex ethical issues. The Government are considering the implications of the provisions and of signature and ratification. No decisions on a timescale for signature have been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements he will put in place to ensure that the interests of patients are protected when any research is conducted without their consent, pursuant to article 17 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine. [3314]

Under the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, research must not be conducted on patients capable of giving consent without such consent and this accords with current United Kingdom law. Article 17 affects only those incapable of giving consent. For the protection of patients, the Department of Health has required since 1991 that all research on National Health Service patients must be approved by an independent Local Research Ethics Committee. A range of guidance is available to members of such Committees, including a Briefing Pack issued by the Department of Health earlier this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are taken to monitor public satisfaction with the procedure for complaints against general practitioners; and if such monitoring reveals public satisfaction to be increasing or decreasing. [3671]

Work is under way to develop an evaluation programme which will cover all aspects of the complaints procedures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to establish the Royal Commission on the costs of the care of the elderly; and what its membership and remit will be. [3449]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Alyn and Deeside (Mr. Jones) on 5 June at column 243.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information is collected centrally on the level of complaints against general practitioners. [3672]

Health authorities are required to make annual returns to the National Health Service Executive providing information on the numbers, and general nature, of complaints made against general practitioners.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had regarding training in dementia care for professionals; and if he will make a statement. [3011]

We have had no recent discussions on this issue. Such training is primarily the responsibility of the relevant professional bodies, the universities and the organisations which employ health and social care professionals.The Department has contributed funding towards the provision of training material on dementia for mental health professionals. We commissioned Manchester university to produce training literature in mental health, including specific guidance on older people with mental health problems. We helped the Alzheimer's Disease Society with the production costs of their recent training pack for general practitioner trainers, "Dementia in the Community: management strategies for general practice". The Department also contributed funding to a recent feasibility study led by the British Medical Association into an educational video for GPs on dementia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the funding of research into Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. [3012]

The Government's commitment to the health and well being of mentally ill people is exemplified in "The Health of the Nation". The Medical research Council, the Department's Policy Research Programme and the National Health Service Research and Development Programme are all undertaking work into dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. For example, the policy research programme is contributing almost £1 million to the Medical Research Council's Cognitive Function and Ageing Study. Results of Government funded research are made freely and widely available. Research and development priorities cover a wide range of health care issues and research into Alzheimer's disease is considered along with other research priorities. Government investment in this area of research is continuing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure the provision of specialist services for the needs of younger people who suffer from dementia. [3013]

The Health of the Nation Handbook on Mental Health of Older People advises health and social care purchasers to work across boundaries to ensure the necessary care and treatment are available for those with early onset dementia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on discrimination against people at risk of dementia. [3014]

It is not possible to identify medically those at risk from dementia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what checks are made to ensure that departmental guidelines on the taking of cervical smears are followed. [3253]

Guidance on taking cervical smears was given in the British Society for Clinical Cytology's training video and booklet for smear-takers, "Taking Cervical Smears" which was promulgated to the NHS under cover of EL(94)33, and "Quality Assurance Guidelines for the Cervical Screening Programme" issued to the NHS in March 1996. A further training resource pack is currently in preparation by the NHS, which will include methods of audit. Copies of these guidance documents are available in the Library. It is for health authorities to ensure that quality standards in smear-taking are achieved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of actions for clinical negligence brought against each NHS trust in the Northern and Yorkshire regions in the last two years. [3254]

At present this information is not held centrally. However, the Department of Health is actively considering what steps can be taken to improve the range of clinical negligence data collected to get a more accurate picture of the effect of clinical negligence on National Health Service funds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish his conclusions on the location of cancer treatment centres. [3255]

A great deal of work has been undertaken in the National Health Service to implement the recommendations contained within the document "A Policy Framework for Commissioning Cancer Services". A key element has been local discussion as to where and what cancers should be treated at each individual potential cancer centre or cancer unit. As the process is ongoing, we will continue to review progress before considering any announcement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases there have been in which NHS staff have been the subject of criminal prosecutions based on their work for the NHS in each of the last 10 years. [3256]

I have inquired what information is available. Unfortunately, no information is held centrally. It may be held by personnel departments of individual NHS employers but could be collected only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances a patient receiving cancer surgery has a right to be told the results of such surgery. [3257]

We are concerned to ensure that all patients and their families, including cancer patients, who may have particular worries about their condition and treatment, including surgery, receive information which is clear, concise and easily understood, not only about the proposed treatments, but about possible alternatives and any substantial risks. A patient partnership strategy has been developed to ensure that the National Health Service gives patients and their carers greater voice and influence in their own care. This will not only increase patient satisfaction but is also likely to improve health care outcomes. This important principle has been emphasised to local health authorities, trusts and individual clinicians.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the General Medical Council takes to eliminate racism in the exercise of its functions of professional regulation. [3258]

The General Medical Council has made it clear that it is committed to a system of self-regulation of the medical profession which is open and accountable; and to procedures and processes that are fair, objective, transparent and free from discrimination.The General Medical Council's guidance

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances pathologists reporting cervical cytology are permitted to advise on follow-ups without a record of the visual appearance of the cervix. [3259]

A record of the visual appearance of the cervix is a requirement on the pathology request form only in cases of suspected abnormality. Since the purpose of the cervical smear test is to detect abnormalities at a very early stage, a cervical smear can be classed abnormal in cases where the appearance of the cervix remains normal. Pathologists are expected to advise on follow-up action on the basis of an abnormal smear alone, whether or not there is a record of the visual appearance of the cervix. Where the request form explicitly states that the cervix has not been visualised, pathologists should always advise that follow-up action be taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total remuneration package for the current financial year for (a) the highest paid executive director, indicating the title of the post, and (b) the chief executive of Basildon and Thurrock hospital trust. [3303]

We are informed that the remuneration of the Executive Directors at Basildon and Thurrock General Hospital NHS Trust has not yet been agreed for the current financial year.The total remuneration package for 1996–97 for

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if a code of practice exists for senior health service management which discourages spouses being in a line management relationship; and if he will make a statement. [3300]

There is no specific code of practice. Employers are expected to follow good employment practice when involved in the recruitment and selection of staff. The actions of those who work in the National Health Service must be able to stand the test of parliamentary scrutiny, public judgments on propriety and professional codes of conduct.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what are the criteria by which trusts can determine that land within their ownership is hospital land surplus to requirements; [3301](2) what procedure must be followed by NHS trusts prior to resolving that land within their ownership is hospital land surplus to requirements. [3302]

National Health Service trusts are responsible for determining their own property requirements but they must consult with the health authorities who may commission services from them (and who themselves have a statutory duty to consult on proposed substantial variations in services), and with other NHS organisations who may have an interest, before resolving that the property they own is not required for NHS purposes.NHS trusts are required to prepare an annual business plan, supported by an estates strategy which details the plans they have for their property, which they must submit to the NHS Executive. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State may, in the interests of the NHS, prohibit or restrict the disposal of assets owned by NHS trusts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department's review of the operation of the private finance initiative for health will include consideration of the need for the full environmental impact of such projects to be taken into account. [3593]

The Government have given a commitment to ensure that all Government Departments promote policies to sustain the environment, and any changes to the private finance initiative approvals process will take into account. Any changes to the PFI appraisal process within the National Health Service will be made in accordance with that policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how hospitals in the Dudley borough will be affected by the Government's commitment to cut NHS waiting lists by an extra 100,000 patients. [3648]

Our manifesto commitment is to treat an extra 100,000 patients through reducing bureaucracy. Linked to this is our commitment to end waiting times for cancer surgery, especially breast cancer. We have already announced an initiative to improve breast cancer services (22 May). We will be discussing our future plans with the National Health Service before making any final decisions about the exact scope of our targets and how quickly we will expect them to be achieved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to take steps to limit the amount of NHS money which is to be paid out to patients who sue for negligence or medical accidents; and what plans he has for a no-fault medical accident compensation scheme. [3405]

The Government have every sympathy with those who suffer adversely as a consequence of clinical treatment. Where negligence can be shown to have caused this it seems only right that compensation should be available, and the Government is currently exploring alternatives to litigation which might offer a quicker and cheaper way of dealing with clinical negligence claims. However, it is a longstanding principle that compensation should be paid by the National Health Service only when there is evidence that negligence has been involved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve services for children who are looked after by local authorities; and by what means young people in care will be consulted about proposed changes. [3401]

The Children Act 1989, and other relevant legislation, gives local authorities the responsibility for looking after children in public care.The Department supports them in their role in a variety of ways, for example: statutory guidance; professional and practice guidance; and the "Looking After Children" system and materials which provides local authorities who chose to use it with a framework to capture information about the development of individual children to ensure that their needs are properly met within a care plan which involves the child, their families and carers. The Department also commissions and disseminates a range of research.A reports is expected in the summer from Sir William Utting on safeguards for children living away from home, including those in public care. In considering Sir William's report the Government will take the opportunity of discussing with local authorities and other interests, including those representing children, what further steps might be usefully taken to improve services for children who are looked after by local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were looked after by local authorities in England and Wales on 1 April 1997 broken down by local authority and type of placement; how many children left care in each authority in 1996–97; and how many of those moved to secure tenancies in (a) the public housing sector and (b) the private housing sector. [3400]

Information on the number of children looked after by each local authority in England at 31 March 1995, including types of placement and the number of children who ceased to be looked after, is given in Tables 1 and 4 in the publication "Children Looked After by local authorities, year ending 31 March 1995, England", copies of which are available in the Library. The corresponding figures for the year ending 31 March 1996 are due to be published in August 1997. Local authorities have until 30 June 1997 to return their data on children looked after at 31 March 1997 to the Department of Health; this information is therefore unavailable at present.Information on the subsequent accommodation of young people who have ceased to be looked after is not collected centrally.Statistics on children looked after in Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding his Department's policy towards compensation payments to women who claim to have been injured through receiving radiotherapy treatment; and what steps his Department is taking to investigate the causes of this problem. [3394]

The Government have every sympathy with women who have suffered adverse side-effects as a consequence of radiotherapy treatment. However, it is a longstanding principle that compensation should be paid by the National Health Service only when there is evidence that negligence has been involved.The following action has been taken to help women with damage as a result of radiotherapy for breast cancer:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what levels of asthma have been recorded in the Torbay parliamentary constituency in each year since 1987; and what the national average levels of asthma were in each year since 1987. [3781]

According to the available data provided by South and West Devon Health Authority, in-patient finished consultant episodes for asthma in the borough of Torbay are as follows:

	Asthma in any diagnostic position	Asthma as the main diagnosis
1993–94	484	233
1994–95	570	236
1995–96	785	217
1996–97	796	243

Nationally, there is no comprehensive data on the number of people with asthma.According to data collected by the Royal College of General Practitioners, the mean weekly incidence of new general practitioner episodes of asthma per 100,000 population in England for each year since 1987 was as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will implement a moratorium on the use of silicone breast implants until the review on their use has been completed; and if he will introduce an immediate directive ensuring that all plastic surgeons only operate when the patient has given their informed consent. [2300]

[holding answer 6 June 1997]: An independent expert group has on two occasions (in 1992 and 1994) found no evidence of a link between silicone breast implants and connective tissue disease. In view of the renewed concerns of patients the Department of Health has now set up a further review (May 1997). This will look particularly at issues relating to preoperative advice and counselling to patients. However, the scientific evidence does not currently suggest the need for a moratorium or immediate directives to plastic surgeons. Further action will be considered in the light of the review findings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the names of the experts on the panel of the review of the use of silicone breast implants.[2301]

[holding answer 6 June 1997]: The names of the members of the Independent Review Group are as follows:

• Professor R. D. Sturrock (Chairman): Professor of Rheumatology
• Professor R. Batchelor: Professor of Immunology
• Professor Alan Silman: Professor of Epidemiology
• Mr. T. M. Milward: Consultant Plastic Surgeon
• Professor J. P. Sloane: Professor of Histopathology
• Professor D. R. London: Formerly Professor of Medicine.

To ask the Prime Minister when his office briefed the media about his opinion of bonuses to Camelot directors. [3776]

On 28 May.

To ask the Prime Minister how many (a) reviews and (b) Royal commissions the Government have established; and how many of each it plans to establish in the next year. [3026]

Significant reviews which we have announced include:

• A comprehensive spending review;
• A strategic defence review;
• A review of the bureaucratic burden on teachers;
• A review of detailed criteria used in considering license applications for the export of conventional weapons;
• A review of the law relating to surrogacy;
• A review of the law relating to silicone breast implants;
• a review of proposed NHS private finance initiative schemes;
• A review of the breast cancer screening service in Devon and implications for the breast cancer screening programme as a whole;
• A review of the arrangements for celebrating the Millennium;
• A review of the National Lottery, leading to the publication of a White Paper;
• A review of film policy;
• A review of steps which might be taken to strengthen local democratic control of the three public water authorities in Scotland;
• Scottish Enterprise has been asked to bring forward its planned review of strategy to encourage a more effective, responsive and accountable enterprise network in Scotland;
• A review of the way in which social rented housing is supported in Scotland;
• A review of the Skye Bridge tolling arrangements;
• A fundamental review of transport policy leading to the publication of a White Paper on our long term strategy for an integrated transport policy;
• A review of the arrangements for enforcing the rules on the welfare of animals exported live to the continent;
• A review of the case for inoculation as a substitute for the quarantine of animals;
• A review of the international development policies leading to a publication of a White Paper in the Autumn;
• A review of economic regeneration in Wales;

We made clear in the Labour manifesto our plans to review ministerial accountability, to implement the Nolan recommendations fully and extend them to all public bodies. These will be among the various matters to be reviewed in preparation of the White Paper on Better Government which we intend to publish in the Autumn.No Royal Commissions have been established.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will set out the salaries of each of the political appointees to assist the Prime Minister and other Ministers on a Department by Department basis. [3403]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) on 10 June, Official Report, column 390.

To ask the Prime Minister when the Annual report of the commissioner appointed under the Security Service Act 1989 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement. [4262]

A copy of Lord Justice Stuart Smith's seventh annual report, for 1996, has been laid before the House in accordance with section 4(6) of the Security Service Act 1989. The confidential annex to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 4(7) of the 1989 Act. I am grateful to the Commissioner for his work in providing assistance to the Tribunal as provided in that Act and for reviewing the issue of warrants under the Intelligence Services Act 1994.