Written Answers To Questions
Tuesday 1 July 1997
Defence
Nuclear Test Veterans
To ask the Secretary of state for Defence how many claims by British nuclear test veterans have been made; and how many have been settled. [5447]
It is not possible to say precisely how many claims for compensation from the Ministry of Defence have ever been made by British nuclear test veterans. However, my Department's computer records show that since 29 June 1976 109 claims for compensation for radiation linked illnesses have been made by ex-Service personnel who were involved in the British nuclear test programme. All of these cases have been repudiated because independent studies of the health of the test veterans showed that participation in the nuclear testing programme had had no detectable effect on the veterans' life expectation, or on their risk of developing cancer. However, nuclear test veterans may receive a War Pension, which is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security (Mrs. Harman).
Cyprus (Environmental Damage)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the risks of damage to the environment through British military exercises in the Akamas peninsula in Cyprus; and what measures (a) are being taken and (b) are planned to minimise such damage. [6255]
Every effort is made to minimise the environmental impact of military training on the Akamas peninsula. Particular care is taken to avoid starting fires, the most important potential cause of damage from training. Exercises involving live ammunition are undertaken in the wetter and cooler months to minimise the risk. Use of the area is kept to the minimum required to meet essential training requirements and we have offered to discontinue training on the Akamas altogether if the Government of the Republic of Cyprus can provide a suitable alternative site.
Royal Yacht
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy in respect of a possible replacement for the Royal Yacht. [6140]
The Government is currently considering the requirement for a replacement Royal Yacht, and will announce its decision in due course.
Army Recruiting Organisation
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about Defence Agency status for the Army's Recruiting Organisation. [6439]
On 1 July the Army's recruiting function will be amalgamated with the Army Individual Training Organisation (AITO) which is an existing Defence Agency. As a result of its expanded responsibilities the AITO will be retitled the Army Training and Recruiting Agency (ATRA). The ATRA's Chief Executive, a Major General, will be known as the Director General Army Training and Recruiting (DGATR). The ATRA's headquarters will continue to be based at Upavon, Wiltshire; alongside the Headquarters of the Adjutant General who will continue as the Agency's owner. The Agency will assume responsibility for an additional 598 military and 337 civilian staff employed at various recruiting units, including the Armed Forces Careers Offices and Army Careers Information Offices throughout the country. Altogether the ATRA will employ 11,153 personnel at 178 locations.The integration of the recruiting and individual training functions into a single Defence Agency will further improve efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of trained manpower to the Army. The ATRA's mission will be "to recruit and train young people to become the best soldiers in the world". The Chief Executive has been set the following Key Targets for the first year of operation:
I shall arrange for copies of the agency's Framework Document to be placed in the Library of both Houses.
1 As expressed in the Statement of Training Requirement (SOTRs) which stipulate the numbers to be trained, the standards to be achieved and when the output is required. SOTRs are published (internally within MOD) in AG's Annual Management Plan, although with the agreement of the Agency they may be updated during the year to reflect changes to the requirement.
Defence Analytical Services Agency
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Defence Analytical Services Agency for 1997–98. [6438]
Key Targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency for financial year 1997–98. The targets build on the progress already made by the Agency since it formed in July 1992 and are as follows:
Delivery of customer service and quality
The majority of the Agency's business is covered by Service Level Agreements with customers, which set out the targets for timeliness and quality of work. For the parts of the business where Service Level Agreements are inappropriate, Project Agreements are in place. The Agency is committed to achieving a continual improvement in the range and quality of the services provided to customers. Key targets are:
Efficiency and business excellence
The Agency plans to make efficiency savings in 1997–98 as well as meeting the additional demands placed upon it by a number of important studies and initiatives. The Agency is committed to continual improvement and is using the Business Excellence Model as a means of driving this forward. Key targets are:
Plastic Baton Rounds
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 June, Official Report, column 263, what factors underlie the differences of policy between Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and his Department in respect of the disclosure of the name of the company whose baton gun is authorised for police use in the United Kingdom. [6296]
There is no difference in policy between my Department and Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary in this respect. My Answer of 19 June to my hon. Friend, Official Report, column 263, related to the manufacturer of the baton rounds rather than the baton gun.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 19 June, Official Report, column 262, what happened on or before 24 March to prompt his Department to advise the RUC that some 1994 plastic baton rounds were outside agreed specification when earlier tests carried out in 1995 were not considered conclusive. [6107]
[holding answer 30 June 1997]: Following a meeting of MOD technical staff in February 1997 to discuss the baton round development programme, the MOD decided that rounds manufactured in 1994 should be withdrawn from operational use. This decision was taken in the light of the tests carried out in 1995 and further tests which had been conducted in 1996. The 1996 tests showed that batches of rounds manufactured in that year did not exceed the specification and were therefore to be preferred to the 1994 rounds.
Defence Industry (Chelmsford)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what help he will make available to defence-related companies in the Chelmsford area to diversify into non-military activities to offset redundancies in the defence industry; [3784](2) what help his Department will make available to employees of Marconi Communications in Chelmsford who have been made redundant to help them retrain and get back into work; and if he will make a statement. [3786]
[holding answer 16 June 1997]: I have met with the hon. Member to discuss this matter. I understand that he has also raised with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Business, Trade and Industry the question of what help can be made available in the fields of retraining and assistance. The Ministry of Defence does not currently have a role in such measures. However, I hope that in the future our developing policy towards defence diversification will offer some help in similar situations. As I told the House on 16 June, the Government will be making proposals in the autumn on how best to give effect to the objectives for defence diversification as outlined in our manifesto.
A1-Yamamah Contract
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will establish the level of commission paid to individuals to secure the A1-Yamamah contract. [5622]
[holding answer 27 June 1997]: The British Government have not employed business agents to secure the A1-Yamamah contract and has paid no commissions. Any use of agents by companies associated with A1-Yamamah is a matter for those companies, but the prime contractor, British Aerospace, has assured us that it operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia.
Home Department
Metropolitan Police
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will transfer responsibility for that part of Elmbridge currently in the Metropolitan police area to the Surrey police area. [6223]
We have no plans to change the boundaries of the Metropolitan police district.
European Court Of Justice
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the titles and purposes of those conventions (a) proposed and (b) agreed under the Home and Justice Pillar of the treaty of Maastricht which proposed that the European Court of Justice should have judicial powers in respect of that convention; in each case what was the position of Her Majesty's Government in respect of providing those powers for the Court; and what parliamentary proceedings are planned before ratification of each agreed convention. [5564]
Seven conventions have been agreed under the third pillar of the treaty on European Union, and six more are currently under discussion. The information requested is set out in respect of each convention.
Concluded conventions
1. Convention on the Establishment of a European Police Office (Europol Convention)
The purpose is to establish a European police office. The European Court of Justice has jurisdiction over disputes relating to conditions of employment of Europol staff. A subsequent protocol to the convention establishes an optional jurisdiction for the court in respect of points referred by national courts for preliminary rulings. The convention was ratified by the United Kingdom on 10 December following debates in both Houses of Parliament on an order granting Europol legal status in the United Kingdom.
2. Convention on the Use of information Technology for Customs Purposes (Customs Information System Convention)
The purpose is to enhance the exchange of intelligence between member states on the movement of drugs and other prohibited or sensitive goods. The convention establishes jurisdiction for the European Court of Justice to rule on disputes between member states and between member states and the European Commission. The Court also has an optional jurisdiction to give preliminary rulings on interpretation of the convention, subject to member states declaring whether they will accept this jurisdiction. The convention was ratified by the United Kingdom on 18 June 1997.
3. Convention on the Protection of the European Communities' Financial Interests (Fraud Convention)
The purpose is to ensure that frauds committed against European Community (EC) funds are appropriately criminalised in all member states. The European Court of Justice has jurisdiction over certain parts of the convention to rule on disputes between member states, disputes between member states and the European Commission and proceedings brought by individuals against the Commission. The convention establishes an optional jurisdiction for the Court to give preliminary rulings on the interpretation of the convention and its first protocol, subject to member states declaring whether they will accept this jurisdiction. An order under section 78(3) of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 is required before the convention can be ratified.
4. Convention on the Fight against Corruption Involving Officials of the European Communities or Officials of Member States of the European Union
The purpose is to ensure that acts of corruption by or in relation to European Community or national officials (whether or not to the detriment of the EC budget) are appropriately criminalised in all member states. The European Court of Justice has jurisdiction over disputes between member states, and over disputes between member states and the European Commission as regards certain articles. The convention establishes an optional jurisdiction for the Court to give preliminary rulings on the interpretation of certain articles, subject to the acceptance of such jurisdiction by member states. No further parliamentary proceedings are required to ratify the convention.
5. Convention on Simplified Extradition Procedure between the Member States of the European Union
The purpose is to improve extradition procedures between the member states in cases where the subject consents. The European Court of Justice has no jurisdiction. Ratification of the convention will require amendment of the Extradition Act 1989.
6. Convention Relating to Extradition between the Member States of the European Union
The purpose is to improve extradition procedures between member states. The European Court of Justice has no jurisdiction. Ratification of the convention will require amendment of the Extradition Act 1989.
7. Convention on the Service in the Member States of the European Union of Judicial and Extra Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters
The purpose is to formalise procedures for the service of documents in civil and commercial matters. The European Court of Justice has jurisdiction to give preliminary rulings on the interpretation of the convention, subject to the acceptance of such jurisdiction by member states. Ratification procedures may require changes to the Rules of Court.
Proposed conventions under discussion
1. Draft Convention on Driving Disqualifications.
The purpose of the convention is to prevent drivers who are given a driving disqualification in a member state from escaping the ban when they travel to another member state. There is no provision for European Court of Justice jurisdiction.
2. Draft Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between Member States of the European Union.
The purpose of the convention is to update and improve procedures for provision of mutual legal assistance between member states in criminal matters. There is no provision for European Court of Justice jurisdiction.
3. Draft Convention on the Crossing of the Erternal Frontiers of the Member States of the European Union.
The purpose is to provide for common standards of immigration control at the external frontiers of the European Union. The draft convention contains provision for the European Court of Justice to give preliminary rulings concerning the interpretation of the convention and to rule on disputes between member states and the European Commission.
4. Draft Convention on Jurisdiction, Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Matrimonial Matters (Brussels II Convention).
The purpose is to allow the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters between member states. No decisions have yet been taken about European Court of Justice jurisdiction.
5. Draft Convention on Mutual Assistance and Co-operation between Customs Administrations (Naples II Convention).
The purpose is to foster operational co-operation and assistance between customs administrations of the European Union. No decisions have yet been made about possible European Court of Justice jurisdiction.
6. Draft Eurodac Convention.
The purpose is to set up a system of collection, storage, exchange and comparison of fingerprints of applicants for asylum, m connection with Article 15 of the Convention Determining the Stale Responsible for Examining Applications for Asylum Lodged in one of the member states of the European Communities (the Dublin convention—a pre-Maastricht instrument). The issue of possible European Court of Justice jurisdiction has yet to be discussed.
The Government's views
As all conventions agreed under the third pillar require unanimity, it may be taken that Her Majesty's Government were content with any role established for the Court in respect of the concluded conventions. As regards draft conventions still under discussion, the Government's general approach is to consider the possible need for European Court of Justice jurisdiction in each case on its merits.
Schengen Agreement
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the decision on whether or not to join the Schengen Agreement was influenced by his assessment of the technical and operational documents relating thereto; and if he will make a statement. [6098]
The Government have no intention of signing the Schengen agreement because it would require the removal of United Kingdom frontier controls with other member states. This decision was not influenced by our examination of documents relating to the implementation of the agreement.
Extradition (Mr Ronnie Biggs)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the extradition treaty with Brazil is to be concluded; and what steps he is taking to secure the extradition of Mr. Ronnie Biggs. [5605]
The United Kingdom/Brazil extradition treaty was signed on 18 July 1995. Both the United Kingdom and Brazil have now completed the necessary domestic parliamentary procedures for ratification. Preparations are in hand for the drawing up of the instrument of ratification for signature by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. This will then be forwarded to Brazil where Her Majesty's ambassador will exchange instruments with a representative of the Brazilian Government. The treaty will come into force on the date of the exchange of instruments of ratification. Only then could any request for extradition be made. In line with normal practice, I would not disclose the existence of any request until proceedings had been instituted in the requested state.
Passport Agency (Northern Ireland)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of the Passport Agency in Northern Ireland in relation to the use of the name of the city and county of Londonderry. [5639]
It is the policy of the Passport Agency in Northern Ireland to issue passports showing the place of birth as either Londonderry or Derry, depending on which has been used by the applicant on the application form. The county in which an applicant is born is not recorded on passports.
Mr Jonathan Aitken
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers and of which rank are currently assigned to investigate the alleged offences of Mr. Jonathan Aitken. [6058]
The Commissioner informs me that a senior detective from the Specialist Operations Department at New Scotland Yard has been appointed to investigate the allegation. Other detectives will assist the inquiry. They will be selected on the basis of the skills they bring to the task, and not according to their rank.
Asylum Applications
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to announce changes to the handling of asylum applications from nationals of Sierra Leone. [6546]
In view of the current situation in Sierra Leone, we have decided to declare that that country has undergone such a fundamental change in circumstances that we would not normally order the return of a person to that country for the time being. The effect is that a Sierra Leonean national who entered the United Kingdom previously and applies for asylum within three months of this declaration being made, becomes eligible to claim social security benefits while their application is considered by my Department. No decisions will be made on asylum applications made by Sierra Leonean nationals until the situation stabilises.
Police Act 1997
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to implement part IV of the Police Act 1997. [6547]
We intend to bring part IV of the Police Act 1997, which establishes the Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO) as an executive non-departmental public body (NDPB), into force in two stages. In the autumn, we shall appoint the board of PITO and confer on it the necessary powers to bring to fruition the preparations required to establish the NDPB. The board will then take on its statutory functions in respect of police information technology and procurement with effect from 1 April 1998. PITO's new status will bring the police service into the heart of decision making and lead to the improved delivery of cost-effective and timely information technology systems.PITO was set up in April 1996 on an interim basis as part of the Home Office. We are today publishing the organisation's first annual report, copies of which are available in the Library.
Electoral Register
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to establish a rolling electoral register; and if he will make a statement. [5048]
We are examining this issue carefully.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to alter the guidance issued to electoral registration officers; and if he will make a statement. [6022]
Guidance is issued regularly to electoral registration officers on all aspects of electoral registration as this is required. Written guidance was last issued to electoral registration officers and acting returning officers in England and Wales on 19 June.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department will (a) assess the (i) advantages and (ii) disadvantages and (b) estimate the costs of introducing a rolling electoral registration system. [6024]
We are examining this issue carefully and will look at the points mentioned by my hon. Friend.
Postal And Proxy Voting
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he plans to take to ensure that persons requiring a postal vote at elections are properly informed about the availability of postal votes and proxy voting and have time to complete the relevant forms. [5049]
Absent voting facilities were publicised at the general election through a television campaign and advertisements in the national press. We are currently reviewing the effectiveness of this publicity. The closing dates for absent vote applications were recently relaxed as set out in the Representation of the People (Amendment) Regulations 1997.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons forms for infirm elderly and disabled persons requiring a postal or proxy vote were not available at some electoral registration offices prior to the 1997 general election. [5050]
I understand that in the Wakefield area, just before the general election, application forms for an absent vote for an indefinite period were not available. Electors affected by this were provided with alternative application forms so that they could obtain an absent vote for the elections on 1 May. They were subsequently supplied with application forms to give them absent votes for an indefinite period.
| Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for offences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 by type of offence and police force area 1992–95 | ||||||||
| Sections 1 to 5 and 101 | ||||||||
| 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | |||||
| Police force area | Pros | Con | Pros | Con | Pros | Con | Pros | Con |
| Avon und Somerset | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| Cheshire | 2 | 2 | — | — | 4 | 4 | — | — |
| Cleveland | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| Cumbria | 1 | — | — | — | 5 | 3 | 1 | — |
| Derbyshire | 3 | 3 | 4 | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1 |
| Devon and Cornwall | 8 | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Dorset | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| Essex | — | — | 4 | — | — | — | 2 | 1 |
| Gloucestershire | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — |
| Greater Manchester | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Hampshire | 3 | — | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | 6 | — |
| Hertfordshire | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | — | — |
| Humberside | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | — | — | 3 | 2 |
| Kent | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — |
| Lancashire | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Leicestershire | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Lincolnshire | — | — | 4 | 4 | — | — | — | — |
| Merseyside | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| Metropolitan Police | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Norfolk | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| North Yorkshire | — | — | 7 | 2 | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| Northumbria | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | 3 | 3 |
| Nottinghamshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| South Yorkshire | 2 | — | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| Staffordshire | — | — | 1 | — | 2 | — | 8 | 6 |
| Suffolk | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Surrey | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Sussex | 1 | — | 6 | 1 | 3 | 3 | — | — |
| Warwickshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Polling Stations (Access)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the numbers of disabled people who failed to vote at the last general election due to their inability to gain access to polling stations; and if he will make a statement. [6014]
Information on the number of disabled people who could not vote in person at the general election because they could not gain access to a polling station is not collected centrally. District and London borough councils are statutorily required to designate as polling places, so far as is reasonable and practicable, only places which are accessible to the disabled. Acting returning officers may apply to the Home Office for grants towards the cost of providing temporary ramps where it is not possible for them to use a building for the purpose of a polling place which affords easy access for the disabled. Grants are also available for specially adapted polling screens for use by the disabled.
Protection Of Badgers Act
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) arrests, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions have been recorded under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 in each year since 1992, broken down by local authority in (i) England and (ii) Wales; and if he will make a statement. [5706]
I have been asked to reply.Information on the number of people arrested for specific offences is not collected centrally.Available court proceedings data, by police force area, are given in the table. 1996 information will be available in the autumn.
Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for offence under the protection of Badgers Act 1992 by type of offence and police force area 1992–95
| ||||||||
Section 1 to 5 and 10 1
| ||||||||
1992
| 1993
| 1994
| 1995
| |||||
Police force area
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
|
| West Mercia | 9 | 7 | 2 | — | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| West Yorkshire | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 3 | — | — |
| Wiltshire | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| England | 42 | 23 | 46 | 20 | 32 | 22 | 33 | 21 |
| Dyfed Powys | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | 5 | 3 |
| Gwent | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| North Wales | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| South Wales | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Wales | 8 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 6 |
| England and Wales | 50 | 28 | 48 | 22 | 39 | 27 | 41 | 27 |
1 Offences of cruelly to badgers and special protection for badgers and their setts. | ||||||||
Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for offences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 by type of offence and police force area 1992–95
| ||||||||
Section 13 2
| ||||||||
1992
| 1993
| 1994
| 1995
| |||||
Police force area
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
|
| Avon and Somerset | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Cheshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Cleveland | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Cumbria | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Derbyshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Devon and Cornwall | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Dorset | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Essex | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Gloucestershire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Greater Manchester | 1 | 1 | — | — | 2 | 2 | — | — |
| Hampshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Hertfordshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Kent | — | — | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| Lancashire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Leicestershire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Lincolnshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Merseyside | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Metropolitan Police | — | — | 2 | — | 1 | — | — | — |
| Norfolk | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| North Yorkshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Northumbria | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Nottinghamshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — |
| South Yorkshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Staffordshire | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| Suffolk | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Surrey | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| Sussex | 2 | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Warwickshire | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — |
| West Mercia | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| West Yorkshire | 4 | 2 | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wiltshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| England | 11 | 8 | 12 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Dyfed Powys | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1 |
| Gwent | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| North Wales | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| South Wales | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Wales | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1 |
| England and Wales | 12 | 9 | 12 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
2 Offence of failing to give up dog for destruction or having custody of a dog while disqualified (Powers of court where dog used or present at commission of offence under Sections 1, 2 or 3 of the Act). | ||||||||
| Pros = Prosecutions, Con = Convictions. | ||||||||
Wild Mammals (Protection) Act
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) arrests, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions have been recorded under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 since its introduction, broken down by local authority in (i) England and (ii) Wales; and if he will make a statement. [5703]
I have been asked to reply.Information on the number of people arrested for specific offences is not collected centrally.Information on court proceedings under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996, which came into force on 29 April 1996, will first become available this autumn. That information will be by police force area and not by local authority area.
National Heritage
Millennium Exhibition
To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the public spending implications in respect of (a) land reclamation, (b) infrastructure works, (c) costs, (d) road construction and (e) other items arising from the decision to proceed with a Millennium Exhibition in Greenwich. [5633]
All these regeneration costs are included in existing public expenditure plans. The Millennium Exhibition itself has no public spending implications. The Millennium Commission has pledged its support for the project by committing £400 million of National Lottery proceeds to it.
Millennium Celebrations
To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has for an additional bank holiday in the year 2000 to celebrate the Millennium. [6133]
[holding answer 30 June 1997]: There is a clear demand in the country for a one-off additional bank holiday to mark the Millennium. I shall be recommending to colleagues that my Department proceed to consultation with the relevant interest groups on the basis that the holiday should take place on Friday 31 December 1999.
Lord Chancellor's Department
Public Record Office
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what are the key performance targets for the Public Record Office executive agency for 1997–98. [6545]
The following table sets out the key performance targets that the Lord Chancellor has set for the Public Record Office for 1997–98.
Public Record Office Key Performance Indicators and Targets 1997–98
| |
Indicator
| Target
|
Efficiency
| |
| Unit costs of key activities: | |
| (a) record accessions; | Reduce by 37.55 per cent. to £1.68. |
| (b) providing record storage space per linear metre; | Limit increase to 0.93 per cent., i.e. to £67.52. |
| (c) making documents available to users per document; | Reduce by 23.38 per cent. to £3.90. |
| (d) providing Census reader services per reader visit; | Reduce by 17.68 per cent. to £4.33. |
| (e) providing document reader services per reader visit; | Reduce by 16.95 per cent. to £37.24. |
| (f) providing remote user information services per contact. | Reduce by 42.10 per cent. to £26.38. |
| Backlog of records reported by departments as being over 30 years old and awaiting review. | Reduce by 1200 metres. |
| The timely destruction of records not worthy of preservation. | Departments to have in place key features of records management, as specified in the PRO Manual of Records Administration. |
| Provision of acceptable storage conditions i.e. meeting the preservation and environmental standards recommended by BS 5454: 1989 Recommendation for storage and exhibition of documents (BSI. 1989). | Increase the proportion of records stored to the standards from 87.85 per cent, to 88.12 per cent. |
| Management efficiency in running support services and projects. | Reduce the running costs of the Office's support services as a proportion of overall running costs from 9.8 per cent. to 9.01 per cent. |
Quality of Service
| |
| Citizen's Charter Standards. | Achieve the Charter Standard targets. |
Effectiveness
| |
| Performance in achieving specified milestones towards strategic objectives. | I. Carry out the quinquennial agency review of the Office and implement its agreed recommendations to the required timetable. |
| II. Extend the Office's opening hours by 29 per cent. | |
| III. Increase revenue by 13 per cent, against the 1996–97 target. | |
Fuller details of the agency's targets are given in its business plan, which is available from the Public Record Office.
Lord President Of The Council
Drugs Tsar
To ask the President of the Council what will be the responsibilities and terms of appointment of the official described as the drugs tsar. [2384]
The post-holder will be responsible to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Drug Misuse, which I chair. His or her main tasks will be to provide visible leadership in the fight against drugs; to support and help co-ordinate the efforts of relevant agencies; and to draw up for ministerial consideration a new strategy for tackling drugs. Detailed terms of reference are being drawn up, and an appointment will be made as soon as possible.
To ask the President of the Council when she expects to reply to the question of 5 June from the hon. Member for Berwick upon Tweed relating to the drugs tsar. [6336]
I have replied to the hon. Member today.
Departmental Advisers
To ask the President of the Council if she will list the special advisers in her Department, the Minister to whom each is responsible, the subjects on which they advise and the number of advisers in her Department in the year up to 1 May. [5365]
Subject to final agreement on their salaries, three special advisers are being appointed in the Privy Council Office: Mr. Ian McKenzie, Mr. Damien Welfare and Miss Marianne Morris. Special advisers are employed on terms and conditions based on a model contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Mr. McKenzie is to advise me, and Mr. Welfare and Miss Morris are to advise my noble Friend the Lord Privy Seal, in his capacity as Leader of the House of Lords, on a range of matters concerning parliamentary business and, in particular legislation, in accordance with schedule 1 (part 1) of the Model Contract. The number of special advisers to Ministers in the Privy Council Office during the financial year 1996–97 was two.
Northern Ireland
Planning Service
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the review of the area plans in respect of the Down and Newry and Mourne district council areas will be included in the Planning Service's business case for the financial year 1997–98. [5407]
Responsibility for this subject has been delegated to the Planning Service under its chief executive Mr. T. W. Stewart. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from T. W. Stewart to Mr. Eddie McGrady, dated 26 June 1997:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about the Down and Newry and Mourne area plans.
As I explained in my recent letter of 20 June 1997 on this issue, the review of the Down and Newry and Mourne area plans is not included in the Agency's Business Plan for 1997–98, a copy of which is enclosed. I explained that the programming of work on both plans will be taken into account in accordance with competing priorities and available resources. At present, there is no agreed time-scale for the commencement and execution of the work.
I do hope this further clarifies the position.
Absent Voting
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the number of absent voting papers issued in each local government area for the 1993 and 1997 elections and the Northern Ireland total and percentage, and the percentage difference for each council between 1993 and 1997; and if she will make a statement. [3832]
The information requested is as follows:
| 1993 and 1997 Northern Ireland District Council General Elections | |||
| Absent voters | |||
| District Council | 1993 | 1997 | Percentage difference |
| Derry | 1,637 | 1,912 | 16.80 |
| Limavady | 990 | 927 | -6.36 |
| Coleraine | 1,407 | 1,296 | -7.89 |
| Ballymoney | 375 | 462 | 23.20 |
| Moyle | 486 | 380 | -21.81 |
| Larne | 287 | 274 | -4.53 |
| Ballymena | 872 | 851 | -2.41 |
| Magherafelt | 1,212 | 1,902 | 56.93 |
| Cookstown | 2,206 | 2,539 | 15.10 |
| Strabane | 1,125 | 2,072 | 84.18 |
| Omagh | 2,005 | 2,665 | 32.92 |
| Fermanagh | 3,581 | 4,206 | 17.45 |
| Dungannon | 3,117 | 3,396 | 8.95 |
| Craigavon | 1,461 | 1,422 | -2.67 |
| Armagh | 2,385 | 2,974 | 24.69 |
| Newry and Mourne | 2,884 | 3,529 | 22.36 |
| Banbridge | 1,588 | 1,526 | -3.90 |
| Down | 2,714 | 2,164 | -20.26 |
| Lisburn | 1,098 | 1,192 | 8.56 |
| Antrim | 665 | 503 | -24.36 |
| Newtownabbey | 659 | 582 | -11.68 |
| Carrickfergus | 386 | 366 | -5.18 |
| North Down | 689 | 765 | 11.03 |
| Ards | 568 | 727 | 27.99 |
| Castlereagh | 432 | 463 | 7.17 |
| Belfast | 2,633 | 2,913 | 10.63 |
| Total | 37,462 | 42,008 | 12.13 |
Unemployment
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will identify the categories and travel-to-work areas of long-term unemployed people. [5140]
The latest available information as at 8 May 1997 is as follows:
Number of long-term (one year or more) unemployed in Northern Ireland at 8 May 1997 by travel-to-work area and occupational sought
| |||||||||||||
News Socus: Trawl-to-work Area
| |||||||||||||
Ballymena
| Belfast
| Coleraine
| Cookstown
| Craigavon
| Dungannon
| Enniskillen
| Londonderry
| Magherofelt
| Newry
| Omagh
| Strabane
| Total
| |
| Health | 21 | 339 | 54 | 11 | 47 | 25 | 27 | 76 1 | 8 | 57 | 35 | 15 | 715 |
| Teaching | 12 | 159 | 24 | 3 | 19 | 11 | 11 | 38 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 304 |
| Construction | 174 | 2,531 | 508 | 183 | 468 | 427 | 529 | 690 | 322 | 691 | 311 | 239 | 7,073 |
| Transport | 70 | 1,045 | 136 | 69 | 222 | 110 | 126 | 249 | 53 | 261 | 127 | 83 | 2,551 |
| Clothing | 9 | 221 | 28 | 16 | 56 | 25 | 15 | 89 | 23 | 29 | 10 | 32 | 553 |
| Agriculture | 21 | 300 | 172 | 44 | 115 | 90 | 168 | 98 | 36 | 133 | 80 | 121 | 1,378 |
| Business | 3 | 74 | 11 | 6 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 138 |
| Law | 12 | 214 | 34 | 5 | 24 | 5 | 17 | 43 | 4 | 19 | 5 | 10 | 392 |
| Food | 31 | 282 | 65 | 15 | 141 | 19 | 62 | 77 | 16 | 72 | 23 | 13 | 816 |
| Catering | 30 | 1,012 | 114 | 22 | 95 | 30 | 77 | 238 | 25 | 88 | 68 | 37 | 1,856 |
| Clerical | 57 | 768 | 67 | 21 | 112 | 55 | 54 | 138 | 15 | 84 | 50 | 23 | 1,444 |
| Labouring | 76 | 3,579 | 472 | 156 | 655 | 94 | 283 | 1,606 | 54 | 475 | 351 | 392 | 8,193 |
| Managerial | 9 | 161 | 21 | 1 | 32 | 6 | 4 | 31 | 2 | 19 | 6 | 5 | 297 |
| Engineering | 6 | 69 | 6 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 18 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 7 | 147 |
| Miscellaneous | 174 | 1,788 | 165 | 32 | 183 | 110 | 34 | 178 | 60 | 57 | 33 | 45 | 2,859 |
| Skilled | 24 | 1,079 | 164 | 52 | 128 | 82 | 48 | 215 | 69 | 156 | 69 | 84 | 2,170 |
| Sales | 40 | 826 | 89 | 31 | 102 | 52 | 61 | 143 | 23 | 89 | 74 | 36 | 1,566 |
| Computing | 12 | 346 | 32 | 6 | 50 | 23 | 19 | 75 | 13 | 59 | 26 | 21 | 682 |
| Other/NK | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 4 |
| Total | 781 | 14,796 | 2,162 | 674 | 2,471 | 1,194 | 1,546 | 4,011 | 730 | 2,305 | 1,298 | 1,170 | 33,138 |
Plastic Baton Rounds
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the ACPO Joint Standing Committee on Police Use of Firearms was informed of the use of faulty plastic bullets. [6115]
[holding answer 30 June 1997]: I have been asked to reply.The Secretary of the Association of Chief Police Officers Joint Standing Committee on the Police Use of Firearms was informed that certain plastic baton rounds were not performing to the required specification on 25 March 1997.
Alcohol Smuggling (Sunday Markets)
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide details of the seizures of alcohol smuggled through Sunday markets in the past six months. [5246]
I have been asked to reply.I regret that no central figures are kept.
Duchy Of Lancaster
Special Advisers
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the special advisers in his Department, the Minister to whom each is responsible, the subjects on which they advise and the number of advisers in his Department in the year up to 1 May. [5363]
I have appointed one special adviser, Andrew Lappin, who is responsible to me.Mr. Lappin is employed under terms and conditions based on the model contract for special advisers, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Mr. Lappin advises me on issues across the range of my responsibilities in accordance with Schedule 1 (Part 1) of the Model Contract.
There were two special advisers in my Department in the year up to 1 May. Sir Paul Judge was special adviser to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster until resigning in July 1996; he was succeeded by Andrew Caesar-Gordon from September 1996 to March 1997.
In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State had two special advisers in his office. Dr. Alan Kemp until his resignation in December 1996; and Lady Eileen Strathnaver until April 1997.
Deregulation
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster where the Deregulation Unit which was part of the Cabinet Office is now located; and by what name it is now known. [5634]
The Deregulation Unit has been renamed the Better Regulation Unit to reflect our priority to get regulation right. It remains a core part of the Cabinet Office. The Government is committed to ensuring that regulations are simple, helpful and fair both to business, particularly small firms, and to the citizen.The work of the Unit will contribute to my Department's White Paper, "Better Government" to be published in the autumn, setting out a unified programme for the renewal of government.
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to re-assess the deregulation initiative; and if he will make a statement. [5416]
The Government is committed to ensuring that regulations are simple, helpful and fair. We aim to deliver responsible and responsive regulation for business, particularly small firms, and the citizen. The Deregulation Unit has been renamed the Better Regulation Unit to reflect our priority to get regulation right.We are giving small firms a greater voice by appointing six small business representatives on the revitalised Task Force. To develop practical measures to help small businesses, we are setting up a cross-departmental group on "Access Business". It will draw together regulatory advice and forms into a simpler, more unified service, in particular using advances in information technology.
We are equally committed to removing bureaucracy from the lives of ordinary people, bringing citizens' issues to the fore. We will focus on key groups—the elderly, the young, the disadvantaged and volunteers.
The work of the Unit will contribute to my Department's White Paper, "Better Government" to be published in the autumn, setting out a unified programme for the renewal of government.
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what policy he will adopt in relation to the further deregulation of British industry. [5635]
As we made clear in our Manifesto, we are committed not to impose unnecessary burdens on business. I am also appointing a revitalised Task Force and will work with them to lift regulatory burdens wherever appropriate.
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to improve the regulation of British industry. [5636]
I aim to modernise Government for business—particularly small firms—and citizens by achieving better quality regulation. To develop practical measures to help small businesses, we are setting up a cross-departmental group on "Access Business". It will draw together regulatory advice and forms into a simpler, more unified service, in particular using advances in information technology.I am also in the process of appointing a revitalised Task Force, half of whose members will represent small business. I look forward to working with them to ensure that new regulations are simple, helpful and fair.
Freedom Of Information
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to which public bodies the Government's proposed Freedom of Information Act will apply. [5972]
We believe that the Freedom of Information Act should apply to a substantial number of public bodies in addition to central Government departments and agencies. Details of our proposals will be set out in the forthcoming White Paper.
Sovereign (Communications)
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will review public access to those communications sent directly to the Sovereign from other Heads of State relating to the political relations between the country concerned and the United Kingdom. [5712]
Communications about political matters from Heads of State to the Sovereign are referred to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and therefore come within the ambit of the Public Records Acts. The forthcoming White Paper on Freedom of Infermation will address the issue of public access to all types of government records.
House Of Commons
Rifle Range
To ask the President of the Council what arrangements exist for access by hon. Members to the rifle range; how many members of the rifle club there are; and how many of these are hon. Members. [4064]
I am advised by the Rifle Club that it has 24 members, four of whom are hon. Members. If hon. Members wish to access the rifle range they can contact the club.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Social Chapter
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many directives under the social chapter are currently being prepared by the European Commission; and how many of these will be subject to unanimous decision. [6088]
The Commission have launched consultations with a view to possible legislation in two areas under the Social Agreement: rights to part-time workers, on which the European Social Partners have negotiated a framework agreement which may be translated into a directive; and arrangements for information and consultation of workers, on which the Commission recently published a consultation paper. The Voting procedure for directives on either of these issues would be Qualified Majority Voting.
European Parliament, Strasbourg
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost of maintaining the European Parliamentary presence in Strasbourg in 1996; and how much has been spent upgrading the buildings there and in Brussels. [6096]
There is no readily available break down of the complete cost of the EP presence in Strasbourg. Title 2 chapter 20 of Section 1 of the 1996 budget of the EU (Official Journal, volume 39 of 29 January 1996) gives details of investments in immovable property, rental of buildings and associated costs for the EP's Strasbourg site at a total cost of 23,836,078 ecu (£16,713,994). Title 2, Section 1, articles 204 and 209 of the 1996 budget and Title 2, Section 1 articles 204 and 209 of the 1997 budget (Official Journal, volume 40 of 14 February 1997) give details of costs of fitting-out of premises and other expenditure on buildings, in Brussels and Strasbourg, in 1996 and 1997 at a total cost of 21,371,000 ecu (£14,991,756).
European Monitoring Centre On Racism And Xenophobia
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the activity of the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia. [6093]
We welcome the establishment of the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia. It will gather, and provide to the Community and Member States, information on the phenomena of racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism. This information will be particularly in the fields of:
Lomé Convention
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what will be the United Kingdom's approach to the negotiations on a successor to the fourth Asian, Caribbean, Pacific/European Union Convention of Lomé. [6144]
The Lomé Convention is the main cooperation agreement between the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, covering political dialogue, development assistance and preferential trade access for ACP goods to the EU. It is one of the mainstays of the UK's relations with the ACP states. We will play a leading role in formulating the EU's mandate for a successor to Lomé IV, especially during our Presidency in 1998. We will work for a coherent outcome which increases poverty focus and improves effectiveness, promotes an outward-looking EU and strengthen links with the Commonwealth, 38 of whose members belong to the ACP group.
China
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the potential for development of United Kingdom relations with China after the handover of Hong Kong. [5718]
We aim to build a new, broad and forward-looking relationship with China. We want Hong Kong to be a bridge not a barrier between us, but that will depend on China honouring its undertakings in the Joint Declaration. Britain and China have substantial common interests. We look forward to dialogue and cooperation across a full range of issues.
Council Of The European Union
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for July; and if he will list the major EU events for the next six months. [6437]
Details are as follows.MONTHLY FORECAST OF BUSINESS FOR JULY 1997The following Councils are scheduled:
- July 4–5: Labour and Social Affairs Council (Informal)
- July 7: Ecofin Council
- July 22–23: General Affairs Council
- July 22–23: Agriculture Council
- July 24: Budget Council
The following subjects are likely to be discussed:
- July 4–5: Labour and Social Affairs Council (Informal)
- No formal agenda.
- July 7: ECOFIN Council
- Approval of the agenda.
- Approval of the list of A items.
- Work Programme of Luxembourg Presidency: open debate.
- Convergence Programme of Italy (possible item).
- Follow-up to Amsterdam Council (possible item).
- Technical characteristics of Euro coins.
- Other Business:
- Preparation of the ASEM/EU Finance Ministers' meeting;
- Preparation of the EFTA/EU Finance Ministers' meeting.
- July 22–23: General Alidirs Council
- Agenda not yet available.
- July 22–23: Agriculture Council
- EU/Third countries veterinary and phytosanitary equivalence agreements (possible item).
- Hops (possible item).
- Animal welfare (possible item).
- BSE (possible item).
- Set-aside rate for 1998 (possible item).
- July 24: Rtulget Council
- EU Budget for 1998.
This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.
European calendar: July to December 1997
| ||
Venue
| Event
| |
July 1997
| ||
| 1 | — | Luxembourg Presidency begins |
| 3 | Luxembourg | Visit by Commission |
| 4–5 | Echternach | Labour and Social Affairs Council (Informal) |
| 7 | Brussels | Ecofin Council |
| 10–11 | Luxembourg | Political Committee |
| 14–18 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 22–23 | Brussels | Agriculture Council |
| 22–23 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 24 | Brussels | Budget Council |
August 1997
| ||
| There are no events scheduled for August. | ||
September 1997
| ||
| 4 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 7–9 | Echternach | Agriculture Council (Informal) |
| 12–14 | Mondorf | Ecofin Council (Informal) |
| 15–16 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 15–19 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 22–25 | New York | Political Committee |
| 22–23 | Brussels | Agriculture Council |
| 29 | Brussels | Political Committee (reserve date—tbc) |
European calendar: July to December 1997
| ||
Venue
| Event
| |
October 1997
| ||
| 1–2 | Brussels | European Parliament Plenary |
| 2 | Luxembourg | Telecommunications Council |
| 3–4 | Echternach | Internal Market Council (Informal) |
| 6–7 | Luxembourg | General Affairs Council |
| 7 | Luxembourg | Social Affairs Council |
| 9 | Luxembourg | Transport Council |
| 9–10 | Mondorf | Justice and Home Affairs Council (Informal) |
| 10–11 | Strasbourg | Council of Europe Summit |
| 13 | Luxembourg | Ecofin Council |
| 16 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 16 | Luxembourg | Environment Council |
| 16–17 | Luxembourg | Possible European Council |
| 20–21 | Luxembourg | Political Committee |
| 20–21 | Luxembourg | Agriculture Council |
| 20–24 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 24–27 | Edinburgh | CHOGM |
| 25–26 | Mondorf | Foreign Ministers (Informal) |
| 30 | Luxembourg | Fisheries Council |
November 1997
| ||
| 3 | Brussels | Consumer Council |
| 3 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 5–6 | Brussels | European Parliament Plenary |
| 10 | Brussels | Research Council |
| 10 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 13 | Brussels | Industry Council |
| 17 | Brussels | Ecofin Council |
| 17 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 17–18 | Brussels | Agriculture Council |
| 17–21 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 19 | Brussels | Fisheries Council (tbc) |
| 20 | Brussels | Education Council |
| 21 | Brussels | Budget Council |
| 24 | Brussels | Culture Council |
| 24–25 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 27 | Brussels | Internal Market Council |
| 28 | Brussels | Development Council |
December 1997
| ||
| 1 | Brussels | Econfin Council |
| 1 | Brussels | Telecommunications Council |
| 2 | Brussels | Labour and Social Affairs Council |
| 3–4 | Brussels | European Parliament Plenary |
| 4 | Brussels | Health Council |
| 4–5 | Brussels | Justice and Home Affairs Council |
| 8 | Brussels | Energy Council |
| 8–9 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 10–11 | Brussels | Transport Council |
| 12–13 | Luxembourg | European Council |
| 15–16 | Brussels | Agriculture Council |
| 15–19 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 16–17 | Brussels | Environment Council |
| 18–19 | Copenhagen | OSCE Ministerial Council |
| 18–19 | Brussels | Fisheries Council |
Prime Minister
Welsh Assembly
To ask the Prime Minister what steps he took to investigate the allegations made by the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) against the right hon. Member for Caerphilly. (Mr. Davies). [6260]
To ask the Prime Minister what investigations he carried out and with whom he spoke prior to writing to the Leader of the Opposition on 26 June concerning matters relating to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith). [6261]
I have nothing to add to the replies I gave to the right hon. Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague), on Wednesday 25 June, Official Report, columns 837–38.
Trade And Industry
Mis-Selling Of Pensions
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will review the charging to policyholder funds of the costs of mis-selling of pensions by insurance companies. [3304]
[holding answer 16 June 1997]: The Department has been in regular contact with all life insurance companies on a number of issues arising from pensions mis-selling, including the attribution of costs.In October 1994, in the light of SIB's publication of criteria and procedures for assessing whether compensation should be paid to individual pension policyholders, the Department made clear that each company would need to consider where the costs should fall on its funds; and indicated that, while the precise arrangements would vary according to the circumstances of each office, the Department considered the following general principles to be relevant:
(i) With profits funds which, in normal circumstances, stand to profit front the sale of pensions business can reasonably be expected to bear a corresponding share of the costs associated with that business.
However,
(ii) Compensation costs should not be regarded as a normal expense of the business for the purpose of assessing bonus rates; and
(iii) The Department would expect proprietary offices to consider whether it is appropriate that sonic part of the compensation cost be met from outside the long-term fund, to enable the reasonable expectations of policyholders to be fulfilled.
The overall objective of this guidance was to minimise the risk that the costs of compensation would have an adverse effect on the levels of bonus paid to policyholders.
The Insurance Companies Act 1982 gives the Secretary of State powers to intervene in individual companies' affairs, to protect policyholders against the risk that the company may be unable to meet its liabilities, or —in the case of life and pensions business—fulfil the reasonable expectation of policyholders. The Department stands ready to use these powers, though on current evidence it believes that their use to impose a particular attribution of the costs of pensions mis-selling is likely to be justified only in exceptional cases.
Toys (Imports)
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she intends to abandon the use of the CE mark as an indicator of the safety of imported toys. [5168]
The CE marking is not a European mark of safety or quality intended for consumers. Its purpose is to indicate to enforcement authorities that the toys bearing it are intended for sale in the European Community and signifies a declaration by the manufacturer or his authorised representative that the toys have been designed and manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the relevant European directives. All toys supplied in the United Kingdom, whether manufactured here or imported, must comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 which implement the European requirements and trading standards officers have the necessary powers to remove non-complying toys from the market.
Defence Industry
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the annual cost to the Government of subsidies to the defence industry per person employed on defence-related work in each of the last three years. [4751]
[holding answer 23 June 1997]: It is not possible to answer the question in the way posed because the Government do not provide subsidies to the defence industry. However, the Department and others, through our on-going sponsorship activities, support and encourage the competitiveness of the industry as it does to a whole range of sectors.
Accountancy Firms
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will assess the advantages of requiring auditors criticised in her Department's inspectors' reports to bear part of the costs. [4826]
[holding answer 25 June 1997]: The role of Companies Act inspectors is to investigate rather than to perform a judicial function of apportioning blame. It would therefore not he possible to recover costs from any party criticised by Companies Act inspectors. Inspectors' reports can be and often are the basis of subsequent action by the Department or by other prosecutors and/or regulators. Under section 439(2) of the Companies Act 1985 a person who is convicted on a prosecution initiated as a result of the investigation may be ordered to pay all or some of the costs of that investigation.
Resort Hotels
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will investigate the affairs of the auditors of Resort Hotels and the recognised supervisory body which licensed and monitored the quality of audits. [4857]
[holding answer 25 June 1997]: The regulation of auditors is a matter for their recognised supervisory body to whom any complaints should be made. The Department's powers of investigation are broadly directed towards limited liability companies and to persons carrying on investment business, rather than the affairs of auditors.
Insolvency Regulators
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will assess the advantages of replacing the present regulators of insolvency with a single independent regulator. [4823]
[holding answer 25 June 1997]: As the hon. Member will be aware, a working party has been established to consider whether there are ways in which regulation of the insolvency profession might be made more effective in the public interest. The working party intends to issue a draft report by way of a consultation document in the autumn and will clearly welcome responses from all those with an interest in insolvency. I shall give careful consideration to any recommendations the working party may make in its final report.
Helene Clothing Company Inquiry
To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects to announce the result of her Department's inquiry into the affairs of the clothing company, Helene. [6060]
My Department does not discuss the affairs of individual companies.
Fraud
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will extend the requirement to detect and report fraud placed on local authority and bank auditors to other private sector auditors. [5973]
My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has no plans to do so.Guidance on the rights and duties of auditors required to report to regulators in the financial sector was set out in the Auditing Practices Board's (APB) "Statement of Auditing Standards" (SAS) 620, issued in March 1994 and revised in March 1995. The APB has published two further SASs that clarify the rights and duties of auditors when reporting fraud or any other non-compliance with regulations. These are SAS 110: Fraud and Error and SAS 120: Consideration of Law and Regulations. Copies of these documents are available for inspection in the Library of the House.
Telecommunications
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his Department's position towards a European Union universal service in telecommunications. [6106]
The draft EC directive on the application of open network provision to voice telephony and on universal service for telecommunications is scheduled to come into force on I January 1998. The directive defines universal service as a defined minimum set of services of specified quality which is available to all users independent of their geographical location and, in the light of specific national conditions, at an affordable price. The Government are keen to ensure that EC universal service obligations guarantee consumers a good quality service at an affordable price, whilst not imposing unreasonable burdens on new entrants to the EC telecommunications market.
Regulations
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the regulations laid by her before the House since 1 May. [5997]
[holding answer 30 June 1997]: My Department has laid one set of regulations—the British Coal Corporation (Change of Quorum) Regulations—which were laid on 26 June.
Ariane Mission
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions she has had with the European Space Agency on the rescue of the Ariane 5 Cluster Mission of June 1996; and if she will make a statement. [4636]
[holding answer 30 June 1997]: I took the opportunity of my visit to the Paris air show on 17 June to hold an introductory discussion with the senior management of the European Space Agency. I was very encouraged by the approach being taken by the agency in maintaining excellence in space research and development, while focusing on the competitiveness of European industry and increasing further the value the UK and other member states gain from their investment in ESA. I look forward to working with the new Director General of ESA, Mr. Rodota.The failure of the first Ariane 5 launch in June 1996 was a severe blow to the European space community and to scientists, many of whom are in the UK, planning to work on data from the four Cluster satellites. I am therefore very pleased that ESA has been able to gain approval for a recovery mission in the year 2000, this time using a Soyuz launch.ESA and its member states have also made a splendid effort in reorganising their space programmes to cover the cost of the launch failure. The successful launch of Ariane 502, now planned for September, will clearly be of the utmost importance for Europe's space capability.
Cjd Litigation
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the legal costs incurred to date by the Treasury Solicitor on behalf of the Medical Research Council in respect of CJD litigation. [6083]
The total legal costs incurred to date by the Medical Research Council in relation to the litigation, including the costs of the Treasury Solicitor, amount to almost £49,000.
Industrial Pollution
To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what assessment she has made of the risk of extra industrial pollution elsewhere in the world as a result of tighter emission controls in the United Kingdom; [5841](2) what assessment she has made of the impact of tighter controls on industrial emissions than elsewhere in the world on the numbers of
(a) job losses, (b) factory closures and (c) bankruptcies in the United Kingdom. [5842]
In recognition of this risk, the UK seeks the greatest possible international participation in environmental agreements, both to maximise the potential environmental benefits and to minimise any risks to our competitiveness that might arise. Studies by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development have not so far identified evidence of significant industrial migration to countries with lower environmental standards.
Education And Employment
Teacher Training Recruitment
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the advice on teacher training recruitment targets received by his Department from the Teacher Training Agency for 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [5700]
[holding answer 27 June 1997]: The targets are the responsibility of the Department. The TTA has not in the past been invited to submit advice to the Department on the whole range of issues involved, but on occasion we have discussed particular aspects—such as the necessary assumptions on course length and wastage—with Agency staff. The Select Committee on Education and Employment, in its sixth report, recommended that TTA be given a greater role in advising the Department on the staffing model and training targets and that its advice about them should he made public. The Government's response will be published shortly.
Unemployed Teachers
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the availability of full-time posts for unemployed teachers in (a) the Northern region and (b) the Teesside area. [5964]
The following table shows the number of full-time vacancies as at January 1997 in each Local Education Authority in the North East region. Teesside TEC area is covered by Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton on Tees.
| Total vacancies1 | |
| North-cast Region2 | 73 |
| Gateshead | 10 |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | 6 |
| North Tyneside | 0 |
| South Tyneside | 0 |
| Sunderland | 17 |
| Hartlepool | 7 |
| Middlesbrough | 4 |
| Redcur and Cleveland | 8 |
| Stockton on Tees | 14 |
| Durham | 7 |
| Northumberland | 0 |
| Source: | |
| 618g survey. | |
| Notes: | |
| 1 The total shown covers full-time vacancies in maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special schools. | |
| 2 Government Office region. | |
Jobseeker's Allowance
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many and what percentage of people in Blackpool aged 17 to 25 years are currently claiming the jobseeker's allowance. [5945]
It is not possible to provide the precise information as requested but I can confirm that in April 1997 there were 1,283 people aged between 17 and 24 who were receiving JSA. It is not possible to give an unemployment rate for particular age groups. I can confirm that the unemployment rate for all age groups for the North West, based on May 1997 information, is 5.3 per cent.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will review the operation of the jobseeker's allowance with particular reference to the impact of the six-month rule on those seeking or involved in seasonal employment in the leisure and tourist industries. [5954]
Our Welfare to Work objectives are to provide work incentives, to reduce poverty and welfare dependency and to strike a new balance between rights and responsibilities. A programme of monitoring and evaluation is under way to enable us to ensure that Jobseeker's Allowance contributes to achieving our objectives. In addition to this major evaluation exercise, we shall also keep the individual benefit rules under active consideration as we develop our plans.
Head Teachers
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to review the funding of the National Qualification for Head Teachers so as to take account of schools' financial ability to make contributions. [5950]
The Government is supporting candidates from LEA-maintained schools taking the National Professional Qualification for Headship with £4.5 million in 1997–98 through the Grants for Education Support and Training programme. This funding is allocated to LEAs on the basis of the number of schools in their area; central support for candidates is not dependent on the financial ability of their school to make contributions.
Primary Class Sizes
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are the (a) average and (b) maximum numbers of children in primary school classes in East Sussex. [5956]
The available information is shown in the following table.The information in Table 2 puts into context the information on maximum class sizes in Table 1.
| Table 1: Average and maximum class size taught by one teacher in maintained primary schools in the East Sussex Local Education Authority area in January 1997 (provisional estimates) | ||
| Average class size | Maximum size class | |
| East Sussex | 28.2 | 36 |
| Table 2: Numbers of classes and pupils by class size for classes taught by one teacher in maintained primary schools in the East Sussex Local Education Authority area in January 1997 (provisional estimates) | ||
| Size of class | Number of classes | Number of pupils |
| 1–20 | 133 | 2,044 |
| 21–30 | 959 | 25,676 |
| 31–35 | 695 | 22,574 |
| 36–40 | 21 | 756 |
| 41 or more | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1,808 | 51,050 |
School Performance Targets
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to review the presentation of statistics for primary and secondary school performance to give greater prominence to the progress made over a three year period by the schools concerned. [5946]
I announced on 25 June that the secondary school performance tables to be published this November will show schools performance over the last three years. Primary tables will be published locally by LEAs in January. LEAs will be able to publish information on school improvement alongside the core data. We are also working to include measures of value added in the performance tables of 1998 data.
Assisted Places Scheme
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his oral answer, Official Report, column 965, to the hon. Member for Romsey (Mr. Colvin) of 26 June, by how much the projected savings from the phasing out of the assisted places scheme fall short of the cost of reducing class sizes for five, six and seven-year-olds. [6241]
About £100 million will have been saved from the phasing out of the assisted places scheme by the year 2000, and annually thereafter the savings will be in excess of £100 million a year. That is adequate funding to fulfil our pledge to reduce class sizes for five, six and seven-year-olds by the end of this Parliament.
Wakefield Training And Enterprise Council
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what financial resources were made available to Wakefield Training and Enterprise Council in respect of the pit closure programme in Wakefield district; and what reports he has received on the use of those resources. [5051]
Over the last four years over £6 million has been made available to Wakefield Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) as part of the agreed "Coal Plan" to assist in areas affected by the closures of collieries. Of this over £4.5 million has been paid directly to the TEC, and the balance has been available to fund allowances to support unemployed adults attending additional Training for Work provision organised by the TEC. Other Government funding available to the TEC will also have benefited former mining areas. Wakefield TEC commissioned PRISM Research to undertake a full independent evaluation of its activities under Coal Plan Funding. The findings were published in a series of reports published in April and May 1997 and copies have been received by Government Office York and Humberside officials. Conclusions were generally positive.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he took to evaluate the record of Wakefield training and enterprise council, in working with relevant local bodies and the voluntary sector. [5052]
Wakefield TEC's record of working with local bodies has been formally evaluated within the context of the TEC Licensing process, and more generally within the TEC annual planning and contracting round. Wakefield TEC was awarded a Licence to run from three years from April 1995, and as part of this was found to be fully competent in its ability to work with local partners to develop and implement a shared agenda, which is a key element of the licensing process. The TEC annual re-contracting evaluation process covers all aspects of the TEC's capacity to work with partners. Wakefield TEC is a founder member of and plays a key role in the Wakefield Economic Alliance and also plays a key role in the Wakefield Partnership which includes representatives from the business, voluntary and education sectors.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the annual budget for Wakefield training and enterprise council in the last year for which figures are available, provided by public funds; what additional training, education and employment placements were created as a result of this funding; and if he will make a statement. [5113]
Wakefield TEC's annual budget for 1996–97 was £8,602,358. A total of 3,643 young people/adults secured training placements as part of Youth Programmes (YP) and Training for Work (TFW) in 1996–97. Information is not available about the total number of employment placements, although all young people within the YP will undertake work experience, and work placements also form an integral part of TFW. There were 302 Modern Apprenticeship starts during 1996–97, and a total of 1,069 NVQs were gained by Youth Trainees (60 NVQs per 100 leavers). One thousand and forty two adults leaving TEW secured employment, resulting in Wakefield TEC achieving an average of 50 jobs per 100 leavers.
Training And Enterprise Councils
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the annual budget for Training and Enterprise Councils provided from public funds in the last year for which figures are available; and what quality audit mechanisms are employed to monitor their efficiency and value for money. [5112]
The budget provided by this Department for Training and Enterprise Councils in England in 1996–97 is provisionally estimated to be £1.2 billion.A range of mechanisms are in place to monitor efficiency and promote value for money. Government Offices negotiate and monitor key performance targets. They also assess the effectiveness of each TEC's financial control environment to ensure public money is properly protected. In addition, the TEC Quality Assurance: Supplier Management (TQA: ASM) framework sets out the quality requirements which the Department places on TECs and which it requires TECs to make of their suppliers. The Department is also considering proposals to establish an inspectorate that would assess the quality of Government funded training provision.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what powers he has in relation to appointments to the boards of TECs. [5826]
The Government's contract with Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) sets eligibility conditions that TEC directors must meet. However, TECs are private companies and the appointment of directors to TEC boards is determined by the members of the company acting in accordance with the company's Articles of Association. It is for each TEC to decide on its own membership in accordance with its contract with government and the TEC National Council's "Framework for local Accountability of TECs" which has as its first principle clarity and openness in the selection of well qualified and trained board members.
Research Assessment Exercise
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to review the research assessment exercise in higher education establishments. [6139]
None. The research assessment exercise is a matter for the higher education funding bodies, which are currently reviewing the conduct and outcome of the 1996 exercise. I understand that they intend to consult on future options in the light of any relevant recommendations from the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education, which is expected to report shortly.
Museums
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will ensure that the Higher Education Funding Council's criteria for making funding awards to university museums are published; [6306](2) what proposals he has to co-ordinate policy with the Scottish Office and the Department of National Heritage with regard to the funding of university museums; and if he will make a statement; [6307](3) what proposals he has to review the criteria by which the Higher Education Funding Council allocates funds to university museums; [6310](4) if he will list the university museums which receive funds from the Higher Education Funding Council, stating in each case how much each museum has received in the last five financial years and how much it will receive in future financial years for which funding has been determined; [6316](5) if he will list the museums in England and Wales which receive non-formula funding from the Higher Education Council. [6318]
Most university museums are funded by their parent universities. In addition the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) provides "non-formula funding" in support of a number of university museums of national importance. These are listed in HEFCE Circular 9/95, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House.The HEFCE reviewed its non-formula funding of museums in 1993 and 1994 and announced its decisions in March 1995. The criteria for funding were published in HEFCE Circulars 5/93, 46/93 and 9/95, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House.Circular 9/95 listed the amounts that each museum would receive in 1995–96 and announced the Council's decision that, on the recommendation of its Museums. Galleries and Collections Review Group, the distribution of non-formula funding in respect of university museums would not be reviewed for at least five years. Funding allocations in support of university museums before 1995–96 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.The Department for Education and Employment, the other Education Departments and the Department of National Heritage work together closely on policy for funding university museums. Funding of university museums in Scotland and Wales is the responsibility of the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales respectively.
Social Costs And Employment
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish his Department's response to the Education and Employment Committee's fourth report, on Social Costs and Employment (HC 130) of Session 1996–97. [6462]
I welcome the Committee's report. The Department's response is being placed today in the Library.
Cabinet Office
Private Secretary
To ask the Minister without Portfolio what are the main duties and responsibilities of his private secretary; and if he will make a statement. [6169]
My private secretary supports me in carrying out my Ministerial responsibilities for contributing to and implementing Government policy and driving forward the Millennium Experience at Greenwich.
Treasury
Stillbirths
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many stillbirths there were in each region of the United Kingdom in 1996. [2158]
The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Tim Holt to Mr Keith Vaz, dated 1 July 1997:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply, as Director of the Office for National Statistics, to your question on the number of stillbirths in each region of the United Kingdom.
The information for health regions of England and Wales is available in ONS Monitor Series DH3 97/1: Infant and perinatal mortality 1996: Health authorities and regional offices. This publication is available in the House of Commons Library. Similar information for the health regions of Scotland and Northern Ireland is shown on the following table:
Numbers of stillbirths in Health Regions of Scotland, Northern Ireland 1996
| |
Number
| |
Health Board Areas—Scotland
| |
| Argyll and Clyde | 33 |
| Ayrshire and Arran | 28 |
| Borders | 7 |
| Dumfries and Galloway | 13 |
| Fife | 26 |
| Forth Valley | 18 |
| Grampian | 42 |
| Greater Glasgow | 69 |
| Highland | 15 |
| Lanarkshire | 43 |
| Lothian | 51 |
| Orkney | — |
| Shetland | 1 |
| Tayside | 33 |
| Western Isles | 2 |
Health and Social Services Boards—Northern Ireland (Provisional)
| |
| Eastern | 59 |
| Northern | 32 |
| Southern | 30 |
| Western | 34 |
Source:
General Register Office Scotland.
General Register Office Northern Ireland.
Inland Revenue Chairman
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who will be the next chairman of the Inland Revenue; and what criteria will be used to determine this appointment. [3366]
Mr. Nicholas Montagu CB has been appointed chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue. The criteria for selection were set out in the public advertisement for the post, a copy of which has been placed in the Members' Library.
Cross-Border Shopping
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his most recent estimate of the duty revenues lost as a result of cross-border shopping for, and smuggling of, (a) cigarettes, (b) hand rolling tobacco, (c) beer, (d) wine and (e) spirits. [3544]
Custom's latest estimate of excise duty paid alcohol and tobacco products is for the year ending 30 june 1996, and is given in table 1, and for smuggling is given in table 2.
| Table 1: Revenue losses from cross border shopping | |
| £million | |
| Product type | Excise duty |
| Beer | 25 |
| Wine | 75 |
| Spirits | 45 |
| Tobacco products | 55 |
| Total | 200 |
| Table 2: Revenue evaded through smuggling | |
| £ million | |
| Product type | Excise duty |
| Beer | 75 |
| Wine | 35 |
| Spirits | 40 |
| Hand-rolling tobacco | 335 |
| Cigarettes and other tobacco products | 110 |
| Total | 590 |
Vat (Fuel)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the VAT income which would accrue from VAT on fuel at (a) 5 per cent., (b) 7½ per cent., (c) 10 per cent. and (d) 12½ per cent., and the cost of the subsidy to retirement pensioners and other vulnerable groups at those levels. [3510]
The estimated full-year cost, in 1997–98, of reducing VAT on domestic fuel and power from 8 per cent. to 5 per cent. is around £450 million: estimates for the other options can be approximated pro rata.
Fuel (Vat)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the reduction in the total annual amount of VAT on fuel paid by pensioners in the constituency of Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland as a result of the proposed reduction in the rate of VAT to 5 per cent. [5563]
Information on household consumption of fuel and power is not available at constituency level. The average household would save £18 per year from a reduction in VAT on domestic fuel and power from 8 per cent. to 5 per cent., pensioners will benefit most in proportion to income.
Stamp Duty
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what stamp duty is on share transactions in (a) Germany, (b) France and (c) The United Kingdom; and what assessment he has made of the impact of differential stamp duties on share transactions on the competitiveness of the City of London. [3624]
UK stamp duty on share transfers is generally charged at 0.5 per cent. In certain circumstances—for example, a transfer of shares into a depositary receipt scheme—the rate of duty is 1.5 per cent.In France a stock exchange turnover tax is charged on both purchases and sales of shares. The tax is charged at 0.3 per cent. of the price up to FF 1 million, and 0.15 per cent., on any excess of over FF 21 million. The amount of tax is then reduced by FF 150. The maximum tax on a transaction is FF 4,000. There is also a 1 per cent. registration tax on deeds relating to the transfer of company shares, up to a FF 20,000 maximum.There is no share transfer tax in Germany.Stamp duties on share transactions do not affect the competitiveness of the City of London.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the number of assessments and the revenue derived from stamp duty on property transactions in each band of £5,000 between £60,000 and £100,000 in the latest convenient year. [3444]
Estimates for 1995–96 are as follows:
| Price of transactions | Number of property transactions (thousands) | Value of stamp duty (£ million) |
| £60,000 to under £65,000 | 50 | 30 |
| £65,000 to under £70,000 | 55 | 35 |
| £70,000 to under £75,000 | 45 | 30 |
| £75,000 to under £80,000 | 40 | 30 |
| £80,000 to under £85,000 | 35 | 25 |
| £85,000 to under £90,000 | 30 | 25 |
| £90,000 to under £95,000 | 25 | 20 |
| £95,000 to under £100,000 | 20 | 20 |
| Total1 | 295 | 225 |
| 1 Totals may not be the sum of the figures shown because of rounding. | ||
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the yield of stamp duty reserve tax has been in each tax year since its inception. [3448]
The figures are as follows:
| Stamp duty reserve tax receipts (£ million) | |
| 1986–87 | 44.2 |
| 1987–88 | 103.9 |
| 1988–89 | 64.2 |
| 1989–90 | 82.2 |
| 1990–91 | 73.4 |
| 1991–92 | 100.5 |
| 1992–93 | 48.0 |
| 1993–94 | 59.5 |
| 1994–95 | 42.4 |
| 1995–96 | 44.7 |
| 1996–971 | 310.0 |
| 1 Provisional. | |
| Leaded petrol | Unleaded petrol | Beer at 4 per cent. abv | ||||
| Excise duty (pence per litre) | VAT (per cent.) | Excise duty (pence per litre) | VAT (per cent.) | Excise duty (£ sterling per hectolitre) | VAT (per cent.) | |
| Austria | n/a | 20.00 | 29.73 | 20.00 | 11.94 | 20.00 |
| Belgium | 40.57 | 21.00 | 36.69 | 21.00 | 14.09 | 21.00 |
| Denmark | n/a | 25.00 | 31.94 | 25.00 | 28.34 | 25.00 |
| Finland | n/a | 22.00 | 38.45 | 22.00 | 95.31 | 22.00 |
| France | 44.15 | 20.60 | 41.18 | 20.60 | 8.44 | 20.60 |
| Germany | 39.63 | 15.00 | 35.96 | 15.00 | 6.44 | 15.00 |
| Greece | 28.79 | 18.00 | 25.05 | 18.00 | 10.22 | 18.00 |
| Ireland | 32.77 | 21.00 | 29.22 | 21.00 | 64.14 | 21.00 |
| Italy | 40.88 | 19.00 | 37.60 | 19.00 | 11.35 | 10.00 |
| Luxembourg | 28.66 | 15.00 | 24.92 | 12.00 | 6.52 | 15.00 |
| Netherlands | 42.43 | 17.50 | 37.77 | 17.50 | 13.17 | 17.50 |
| Portugal | 35.90 | 17.00 | 33.41 | 17.00 | 9.28 | 17.00 |
| Spain | 33.42 | 16.00 | 25.74 | 16.00 | 6.36 | 16.00 |
| Sweden | n/a | 25.00 | 34.72 | 25.00 | 55.96 | 25.00 |
| UK | 41.68 | 17.50 | 36.86 | 17.5 | 43.28 | 17.50 |
Private Health Insurance
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of taxpayers currently claiming tax relief for private medical insurance are over retirement age. [3628]
In 1994–95, the latest year for which information is available, it is estimated that about three-quarters of the individuals covered by private medical insurance contracts on which tax relief is claimed are over retirement age, that is, men aged 65 or over.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people currently benefit from tax relief on medical insurance. [3520]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much stamp duty payable on house purchases was received from sales (a) at or above £200,000 and (b) at or above 375,000 in each of the last five years. [3774]
[holding answer 20 June 1997]: Available estimates are as follows:
| Stamp duty on residential property transactions1 | ||
| (£ million) | ||
| (a) At or above £200,000 | (b) At or above £375,000 | |
| 1991–92 | 85 | 30 |
| 1992–93 | 50 | 25 |
| 1993–94 | 85 | 30 |
| 1994–95 | 95 | 35 |
| 1995–96 | 90 | 30 |
| 1 Figures exclude non-residential transactions which are also liable to stamp duty. | ||
Taxation And Duty
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list on a comparable basis the levels of taxation and duty on (a) petrol, (b) cigarettes and (c) beer in each of the EU member states. [3550]
The information requested for petrol and beer is given in the table.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many tax payers are currently claiming tax relief in respect of private medical insurance. [3629]
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for East Ham (Mr. Timms) on 13 March 1997, Official Report, column 322.
Single Currency
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations have been undertaken by Treasury Ministers and officials with the banking and retail industries, and the accountancy profession, on the preparations for the introduction of a single currency. [3530]
Treasury Ministers and officials meet regularly with representatives of the banking, retail and accounting sectors to discuss a wide range of issues.The Bank of England has been involved in consultations with the financial sector on a number of issues surrounding the implications of the introduction of a European single currency. The Bank provides information, primarily targeted at the financial sector, through the publication of a quarterly bulletin entitled "The Practical Issues Arising from the Introduction of the Euro".
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the cost to the Government of the introduction of a European single currency. [3539]
The Government will assess the implications of EMU for jobs, investment and growth in the United Kingdom. In making that assessment, the cost to Government of joining EMU is one of many aspects which will be taken into account.
Demand Elasticity
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the elasticity of demand for (a) unleaded petrol, (b) cigarettes, and (c) beer. [3545]
The estimated own price elasticities, based on a computer model produced by the Institute of Fiscal Studies, are -0.272, -0.201, and -0.963 for petrol, tobacco and beer respectively.
Mortgage Interest Relief
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the estimated reductions in weekly household income in each household income decile group which would result from the withdrawal of mortgage interest relief. [3562]
Information for 1997–98 is given in the table. The estimates are based on information projected from the 1994–95 family expenditure survey and are therefore provisional.
| Average weekly reduction in households income1as a result of withdrawing mortgage interest relief | |
| Household income decile group | Average weekly reduction for households with a mortgage £ |
| Lowest ten per cent. | 2— |
| Second | 1.30 |
| Third | 2.30 |
| Fourth | 3.70 |
| Fifth | 4.50 |
| Sixth | 4.60 |
| Seventh | 4.90 |
| Eighth | 5.00 |
| Ninth | 5.00 |
| Highest ten per cent. | 5.20 |
| 1 Household income is defined as income from all sources less income tax payments and National Insurance contributions. | |
| 2 Insufficient data to provide a reliable estimate. | |
Vat (Fuel)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the impact on retirement pensioners of reducing VAT on fuel to 5 per cent. [3552]
The average household would save £18 per year from a reduction in VAT on domestic fuel and power from 8 per cent. to 5 per cent., pensioners will benefit most in proportion to income.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the financial impact on the average household of a reduction in the rate of VAT levied on domestic fuel to 5 per cent. [3682]
The average household would benefit by £18 per year from a reduction in VAT on domestic fuel and power from 8 per cent. to 5 per cent.
Inland Revenue Offices
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to review the network of Inland Revenue offices; and if he will make a statement. [3548]
The Inland Revenue has now completed four years of its 10 year programme to restructure its network of local offices. Ministers together with the Board of Inland Revenue are currently considering how to take the programme forward.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the terms of the leases of Inland Revenue offices which are undergoing closure; and what penalty clauses will apply if the new office structure plan goes ahead. [4903]
The Inland Revenue has offices in hundreds of buildings throughout the United Kingdom. Some buildings are Crown property, others are leasehold and the terms of each occupation are the subject of separate negotiation and agreement. The costs, including any penalties for vacating premises ahead of lease breaks are always fully taken into account as part of the overall appraisal.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the conclusions of the new office structure plan phase 3 for Inland Revenue offices will be published; and if he will make a statement. [4904]
The Inland Revenue has embarked on a major programme of change which includes restructuring its local office network over a number of years. The restructuring programme, which is scheduled to take 10 years to complete, is now in its fifth year. Ministers are currently considering with the Board of the Inland Revenue how to take the programme forward.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Inland Revenue offices have been refurbished; and what has been the total cost to public funds under the inland Revenue new office structure plan of the (a) closure and (b) transfer of offices. [4907]
The Inland Revenue's programme to restructure its network of local offices was designed to be implemented in three stages from January 1993 to around 2002. When implementation of the second stage is completed during 1998, some 167 new-style offices will have replaced 387 old-style offices. The total cost of setting up these 167 new-style offices, all of which will be in new or refurbished accommodation, will be £107 million. Set against these costs, the programme will have delivered running cost savings reaching £35 million per annum in 1997–98 rising to about £50 million per annum by 2002.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the savings and costs identified under the Inland Revenue new office structure plan phase 3 in respect of the (a) Penzance, (b) Launceston, (c) Barnstaple and Bideford, (d) Truro, (e) Torquay, Newton Abbot and Paignton, (f) Wells, (g) Frome and (h) Bridgewater offices; and if he will list the criteria used in each office to identify costs and savings. [4906]
The Inland Revenue has embarked on a major programme of change which includes restructuring its local office network over a number of years. The restructuring programme, which is scheduled to take 10 years to complete, is now in its fifth year. Ministers are currently considering with the Board of Inland Revenue how to take the programme forward. A full investment appraisal in accordance with normal Treasury rules will be required before detailed individual proposals can he considered for approval.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the proposals contained in the new office structure plan phase 3 currently before the Board of Inland Revenue can proceed in instances where changes produce negative savings. [4905]
The Inland Revenue has embarked on a major programme of change which includes restructuring its local office network over a number of years. The programme, which is scheduled to take 10 years to complete, is now in its fifth year. At the outset, the Board of Inland Revenue agreed with Ministers that the overall programme should deliver a high rate of financial return.
Tax Offices
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the Inland Revenue tax offices which are currently the subject of consideration for closure under the New Office Structure Review No.3. [3372]
Since 1993, the Inland Revenue has been carrying out a 10-year programme to reorganise its whole network of local offices. I have now asked the Revenue to review all of the proposed reorganisations which would result in closure of the only local office.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the names of right hon. and hon. Members who have made written, oral or personal representations to his Department in the last 12 months about tax offices which are included in the New Office Structure Review No. 3. [3371]
Since 1993, the inland Revenue has been carrying out a 10-year programme to reorganise its whole network of local offices. Firm plans exist for the period up to mid 1998 and proposals for the remaining period are currently being considered by the Board of Inland Revenue. A large number of Members made representations in the present Session and in 1996–97 regarding offices which will be included in the final stage of the reorganisation programme.
Drug Imports
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase the numbers of customs officers directly engaged in duties relating to the import of drugs. [3546]
There are no plans to increase the number of customs officers directly engaged in duties relating to the smuggling of illicit drugs.
Industrial Investment
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of the most recent reduction in capital allowances on the level of investment by industry. [3704]
It is too early to judge the impact of the legislation on investment.
Company Cars
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated loss of tax revenue resulting from the special treatment of company cars. [3702]
No estimates of revenue effects can be made without details of what is meant by their special treatment.
Tax Receipts
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has received from the Inland Revenue revised estimates for tax receipts for 1997–98 taking into account the higher than forecast tax receipts for 1996–97. [3362]
Yes, the next published forecast will be on 2 July in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report."
Self-Assessment
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost has been of Inland Revenue publicity in support of the move to self-assessment. [3440]
Since the launch of the self assessment public information programme in June 1995 about £15,000,000 has been spent informing taxpayers of the changes.
Vat (Holidays)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to public funds of reducing VAT on domestic holidays to the level in France. [3556]
No figures on the revenue generated from VAT on domestic holidays are currently available.
Company And Shareholder Taxation
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government have to abolish the imputation system of company and shareholder taxation. [3625]
It would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.
Vat
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy on extending the scope of VAT to (a) new housing and (b) fares for international travel. [3701]
It is not possible to comment on tax matters in advance of the Budget.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria determine which items of play equipment, fixtures and fittings purchased for the use of children with special needs are exempted from VAT. [5587]
[holding answer 30 June 1997]: There is no general provision for VAT relief on play equipment, fixtures and fittings used by children with special needs. Equipment, including play equipment, fixtures and fittings, is zero-rated if it has been designed solely for use by chronically sick or disabled people including children, provided that it is supplied to such people, charities, serving their needs, and certain other eligible bodies which pay for the goods wholly from charitable funds or with voluntary contributions.
Excise Duty
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of each excise duty, other than VAT, is payable by businesses and is recoverable as a business cost. [3447]
Excise duties are not normally recoverable by businesses. The exceptions include when goods on which duty has been paid are exported or returned to the manufacturer, for example because they are contaminated. In addition businesses may receive duty paid goods, principally hydrocarbon oils, which are relieved of duty when used for eligible purposes and on which a refund of duty can be claimed.
Mergers
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the advantages of merging the Inland Revenue, the Customs and Excise and the Contributions Agency; and if he will make a statement. [3532]
A programme of closer working between Customs and Excise, Inland Revenue and the Contributions Agency has been developed since 1994. We intend to develop further this programme in support of Government objectives.
Corporate Groups
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's policy with regard to spend to save initiatives in respect of large corporate groups. [3623]
The spend to save initiatives being implemented by Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise include a range of measures for improving compliance, covering both large corporate taxpayers and other taxpayers.
Political Appointees
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what has been the additional cost resulting from the increase in the numbers of political advisers since 1 May; [3318](2) what has been the additional cost resulting from the increase in sin of the Prime Minister's Policy Unit since 1 May. [3319]
I refer the hon. Member to the reply which the Prime Minister gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Harborough (Mr. Garnier), Official Report, column 25.
Customs And Excise
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 3 June, Official Report, column 146, if he will make a statement setting out how closer working between Customs and Excise and the Inland Revenue will be developed; and what are the manpower and financial implications of each of these proposals. [3332]
The closer working programme has been continually developed since its introduction. Where initiatives have manpower or financial implications these are being contained within existing spending plans.
Policy Making
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what mechanisms he will put in place to ensure that environmental sustainability considerations are taken into account in the policy-making process within his Department. [3853]
Our manifesto stated, "We will put concern for the environment at the heart of policy-making, so that it is not an add-on extra, but informs the whole of government." Like other departments, the Treasury is committed to delivering that commitment. I shall, as the Minister with the lead on environment issues for the Treasury, be taking a close interest in ensuring that we do so.
Discretionary Trusts
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many discretionary trusts benefiting minors are in operation; [4029](2) what is the value of (a) the highest and (b) the lowest decile of discretionary trusts benefiting minors. [4028]
The information requested is not available.
National Audit Office
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will request the NAO to provide an annual report to the Committee of Public Accounts on their review of the assumptions behind the economic forecast. [4186]
The Comptroller and Auditor General, as Head of the NAO, was asked to review the key assumptions and conventions for projecting the public finances. His report was published as a Command Paper on Thursday 19 June. Copies a the report are available from the Vote Office. The Government intend that, in future Budgets, there will be a continuing role for the NAO in auditing the process of forecasting the public finances.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the assumptions behind the economic forecast which will be submitted to the NAO for review. [4185]
The NAO was asked to review the following assumptions and conventions for projecting the public finances:
Credit will only be taken for privatisation proceeds from sales that have already been announced.
The estimate of savings generated by the "Spend to Save" programme announced in the November 1996 Budget will be limited to the direct effects of the measures, and will exclude indirect impacts such as the deterrent effect of the programme.
The assumed underlying rate of growth of the economy will be 2¼ per cent. per year.
A flat planning assumption for unemployment will be used rather than forecasts of actual unemployment.
The NAO report was published as a Command Paper on Thursday 19 June. Copies of the report are available from the Vote Office.Assumptions for the level of interest rates will be derived from expectations in financial markets.
Windfall Tax
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his oral answer of 12 June, Official Report, columns 1261–62, if the Treasury will account for revenue accruing from the windfall tax on a deferred income basis spread over the whole Parliament. [4073]
The Chancellor of the Exchequer will announce details of the windfall tax in his Budget Statement.
Travel Insurance
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the current rate of tax levied on travel insurance sold by (a) a bank, (b) a newsagent and (c) a travel agent. [4594]
Under provisions introduced in the last Budget, with effect from 1 April 1997 travel insurance sold by a travel agent is subject to insurance premium tax (IPT) at a rate of 17.5 per cent. Travel insurance sold by a bank or newsagent is normally liable to IPT at a rate of 4 per cent.
Duty Free Shopping
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy towards the European Commission's proposal to end duty free shopping and if he will make a statement. [4061]
[holding answer 19 June 1997]: The Government have no objection to looking at the impact of the end of the regime. But the legal commitment is to abolish duty free shopping for intra EU travel by 30 June 1999.
Cot Deaths
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the rate of cot deaths in England and Wales in (i) 1994, (i) 1995 and (iii) 1996. [5959]
The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Ronnie Fearn, dated 1 July 1997:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply, as Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), to your recent parliamentary question on the rate of cot deaths in England and Wales.
The information for 1994 and 1995 is available in ONS Monitor Series DH3 96/2 Sudden infant deaths, 1991–1995. This publication is available in the House of Commons Library. Information for 1996 will be published in August 1997.
Departmental Advisers
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list each person advising or assisting his Department who has (a) membership of and (b) involvement in (i) the European Round Table of industrialists, (ii) the European Centre for Infrastructure Studies, (iii) the Competitiveness Advisory Group, (iv) Transatlantic Business Dialogue, (v) the Association for the Monetary Union of Europe, (vi) Union of industrial and Employers Confederations of Europe, (vii) Europa Bio and (viii) the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. [5308]
I am advised that no civil servant or special adviser in the Chancellor's Departments is either a member of, or directly involved in, any of these bodies. Treasury Ministers and officials do, however, have contacts with many different organisations, including some of those listed, in the course of their work. It would be impracticable to maintain a database of all the organisations and individuals with whom contact is maintained.
Green Taxes
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Tax-benefit Working Group's remit covers the job-creating potential of green tax reform; and if he will make a statement. [5160]
The role of green taxes is not within the remit of the task force on tax and benefits. The task force will concentrate on streamlining and modernising the tax and benefits systems so as to promote work incentives, reduce poverty and welfare dependency, and strengthen community and family life.
Disabled People (Computer Equipment)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on current relief from VAT on computer equipment supplied to disabled people. [4377]
VAT is not chargeable on the cost of adapting computer equipment so that it is easier for a disabled person to use, nor on items of equipment and software specifically designed for the disabled—for example, Braille embossers.
Married Couples (Taxation)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane) of 2 June, Official Report, column 89, if the report to be prepared by the Inland Revenue into the tax and benefits system will consider alternative means for the taxation of married couples; [4813](2) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Rotherham of 2 June,
Official Report, column 89, if he will make it his policy not to take decisions on the future of the married couple's allowance until the review has been completed. [4801]
Martin Taylor is leading the task force on tax and benefits. He will no doubt consider whatever options can streamline and modernise the systems and so promote work incentives, reduce poverty and welfare dependency, and strengthen community and family life. The Government's policy is to take decisions which will achieve those objectives.
Holidaymakers (Purchases Abroad)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect on the United Kingdom economy of holidaymakers purchasing goods duty paid abroad. [4452]
Customs' latest estimate of the retail value of alcohol and tobacco products purchased duty paid in other EU member states for personal importation into the United Kingdom is given in the table. The figures shown are for the year ending 30 June 1996.
| Legitimate cross-border shopping | |
| £ million | |
| Product type | Retail value |
| Beer | 175 |
| Wine | 450 |
| Spirits | 185 |
| Tobacco products | 95 |
| Total | 905 |
Tobacco Taxes
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue was raised from each of the taxes payable on each category of tobacco product in the last year for which figures are available. [4506]
The amounts raised from excise duty and VAT are as shown for the financial year 1995–96.
£ million
| ||
Duty
| VAT
| |
| Cigarettes | 6,883 | 1,570 |
| Cigars | 131{*B} | |
| Hand-rolling tobacco | 225{*B} | 140 |
| Other smoking and chewing tobacco | 52{*B} | |
Value added tax has been estimated from Office for National Statistics figures for consumers' expenditure on tobacco.
Vat (Plants)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to bring the VAT charged on flowering and pot plants into line with European Union norms. [5596]
I have no plans to change the rate of VAT charged on flowering and pot plants. The rate of VAT charged on these goods varies significantly across the European Community.
Firearms
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if payments made by the Government to firearms dealers under (a) the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Compensation Scheme and (b) the ex gratia compensation scheme for small calibre pistols are subject to VAT. [5829]
Yes. If the dealer is registered for VAT the surrender of pistols against a payment of compensation is a taxable supply for VAT purposes.
Fuel Duty (Rural Areas)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will have particular regard in considering any increase in duty on petrol and diesel to the impact of such measures on rural areas with low income levels and lacking public rail and road transport; and if he will make a statement. [5837]
[holding answer 27 June 1997]: Matters such as these will be taken into account in reaching Budget decisions.
Interest Rates
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 24 June, Official Report, columns 455–56 on interest rates, if he will set out the basis of his calculations and the assumptions on which his measures of real rates were based. [6063]
The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked hint to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 1 July 1997:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your further question (6063) on interest rates following the answer which I gave on 24 June (at columns 455–6).
The original table provided was regretfully incorrect due to miscalculation. I now attach a table providing the corrected nominal and real interest rates which I hope rectifies any confusion ONS caused.
As stated in my original letter, the real rate of interest is calculated as the nominal rate of interest adjusted by removing the growth in inflation over the 12 month period. The basis of the calculation is the base interest rate of retail banks adjusted for the change in the retail price index excluding mortgage interest payments.
The annual rate of interest is a weighted average of the retail banks' base rate over the year. The weights are the number of days a particular interest rate is in operation.
Real interest rates are calculated by adjusting the annual nominal rates by the change in the rate of inflation over the previous year (refer to footnote). The Bank of England also calculate real interest rates, but use indicators of future inflation rather than recorded price changes in the previous year. Latest movements are detailed in their Inflation Report.
Once again T apologise for the inconvenience this error has caused you.
RPI: Percentage change over 12 months
| |||
Nominal interest rate
| All items excluding mortgage interest payment
| 1 Real interest rate
| |
| 1970 | 7.2 | 6.4 | 0.8 |
| 1971 | 5.9 | 9.4 | -3.2 |
| 1972 | 6.0 | 7.1 | -1.1 |
| 1973 | 9.9 | 9.2 | 0.6 |
| 1974 | 12.3 | 16.0 | -3.2 |
| 1975 | 10.4 | 24.2 | -11.1 |
| 1976 | 11.1 | 16.7 | -4.8 |
| 1977 | 8.9 | 15.9 | -6.0 |
| 1978 | 9.1 | 8.6 | 0.5 |
| 1979 | 13.7 | 12.6 | 1.0 |
| 1980 | 16.3 | 16.9 | -0.5 |
| 1981 | 13.3 | 12.2 | 0.9 |
| 1982 | 11.9 | 8.5 | 3.2 |
| 1983 | 9.8 | 5.2 | 4.4 |
| 1984 | 9.7 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| 1985 | 12.2 | 5.2 | 6.7 |
| 1986 | 10.9 | 3.6 | 7.0 |
| 1987 | 9.7 | 3.7 | 5.8 |
| 1988 | 10.1 | 4.6 | 5.3 |
| 1989 | 13.8 | 5.9 | 7.5 |
| 1990 | 14.8 | 8.1 | 6.2 |
| 1991 | 11.7 | 6.7 | 4.7 |
| 1992 | 9.6 | 4.7 | 4.6 |
| 1993 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 2.9 |
| 1994 | 5.5 | 2.3 | 3.1 |
| 1995 | 6.7 | 2.9 | 3.7 |
| 1996 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 2.9 |
1 The real interest rate = (((1+i | |||
where
9 = the nominal rate of interest in year t (Column 1/100)
rt = the annual percentage change in retail prices excluding mortgage interest payments (RPIX) between year t-1 and year t (Column 2/100).
Beer (Illegal Imports)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the loss of income to the Exchequer from illegally imported beer. [6236]
Customs and Excise estimate that the total revenue (excise duty plus VAT) evaded through smuggling of beer into the UK, excluding any amounts for commercial fraud, is some £110 million per annum.
Customs And Excise (Expenditure)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the expenditure of HM Customs and Excise in each of the last five years for which figures are available on preventing imports of child pornography and associated intelligence. [5450]
[holding answer 30 June 1997]: Customs do not hold statistics on expenditure directly related to preventing imports of child pornography and associated intelligence. Child pornography is one of the highest priorities for Customs work in protecting society.
Treasury Economic Brief
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the Treasury weekly economic brief. [6001]
[holding answer 30 June 1997]: The Treasury is currently considering whether to make a wider range of briefing on the economy and the Government's economic policies available on its Internet site, including material from the Treasury weekly economic brief.
Windfall Tax
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, at the time of the Budget Statement, he will release details of the Treasury analysis of the likely effect of a windfall tax on utility prices, investment levels, share values and employment. [5980]
[holding answer 30 June 1997]: The Chancellor of the Exchequer will announce details of the windfall tax in his Budget Statement.
Jobseeker's Allowance
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the impact of the introduction of the jobseeker's allowance upon the reduction in the unemployment figures in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) Wales. [6138]
The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Edward Rowlands, dated 1 July 1997:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on what the effects are of the introduction of Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA) on unemployment figures for a) the UK and b) Wales.
The measure of unemployment, derived from the quarterly Labour Force Survey (LFS), is defined on a consistent and internationally recognised basis set out by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and counts as unemployed people who are: a) without a paid job; b) available to start work within the next two weeks and c) have either looked for work in the last four weeks or are waiting to start a job already obtained. However, largely because it is a sample survey, information is not available from the LFS in as much geographical detail as from the claimant count measure described below.
ONS also publishes the monthly claimant count, which is based on the administrative system and includes all people claiming unemployment-related benefits (i.e. Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support or National Insurance credits) at Employment Service offices on the day of the monthly count, who on that day had signed on as unemployed and available to do any suitable work. Essentially, all people who attend an Employment Service office to sign are counted, irrespective of whether they are actually receiving benefit.
There have been two main types of JSA effect on the claimant count figures:
1. Changes to rules - the effect of the main change in the rules under JSA, to means test after 6 months rather than twelve months, is proving very difficult to disentangle from other JSA and real economy effects. The best estimate that can be provided is that this has led to around 30,000 extra claimants leaving the count in the UK since the introduction of JSA. A breakdown of this estimate by country is not available.
2. Behavioural - it is likely that the introduction of JSA has had an effect on claimant behaviour, such as deterring fraudulent claims, but it is impossible to quantify this using available data.
The estimates of ILO unemployment properly reflect people's behaviour in the labour market, as reported in LFS interviews, and are not dependent on the receipt of unemployment-related benefits. It is, however, possible that labour market behaviour could have been influenced to some extent by the introduction of Jobseekers' Allowance, although this cannot be quantified.
Tax Returns
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has received on the availability of suitable software to allow chartered accountants to carry out partnership tax returns under the new assessment system; and what steps he will take to resolve those problems which have been identified; [5650](2) when the Inland Revenue
(a) planned to make and (b) made available to software houses final versions of the new tax return system; and if he will make a statement; [5651]
(3) what advice he will issue to chartered accountants who cannot gain access to final versions of the necessary software to carry out computerised partnership returns under the new tax assessment system; and what plans he has to extend the filing deadlines for 1997 tax returns. [5652]
The availability and reliability of commercial computer software packages is a matter for software suppliers to address. For their part the Inland Revenue are continuing to work closely with software suppliers to give them the assistance they need to produce an approved software package.The near final draft of the new tax return for self-assessment was published in September 1996. The only changes made after September 1996 were minor corrections and the changes required following the last Budget.The Inland Revenue had kept software houses fully informed of developments throughout the three-year process of consultation on and testing of the new return form.Taxpayers have until 31 January 1998 to submit their completed 1996–97 tax returns. There are no plans to extend the filing deadline.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the interest payment liability for existing partnerships under income tax self-assessment where the profit for the transitional period is higher than the submitted assessment. [5649]
From 1997–98 onwards the same payment rules will apply to all self-employed taxpayers, whether individuals or partners. But in 1996–97 special transitional rules apply. For certain partnerships—broadly, those with businesses which commenced prior to April 1994—the transitional arrangements mean that the existing rules are retained for one final year. As in previous years therefore the tax due for 1996–97 is payable in two instalments, on 1 January 1997 and 1 July 1997. Normally interest will only arise on any additional tax for the year, over and above the amount originally assessed, which remains unpaid after 1 July 1997.
Scottish Parliament
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the data gathered in 1977–79 for the tax options for a Scottish Parliament. [6142]
In taking forward work on the Government's devolution proposals, Treasury Ministers and officials have consulted a wide range of papers and people, including papers bearing on the devolution proposals of the last Labour Government.
Budget
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish, at the same time as the Budget Statement, the Budget briefing pack prepared for departmental Ministers. [6263]
Budget documents will be provided to right hon. and hon. Members on Budget day as in the past. The Budget brief will be released on the Internet about a week later in the same way as last time.
Tax Rates
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the impact on the tax yield of increasing the top rate of tax to 50p in the pound; and if he will make a statement. [6254]
The estimated full year yield at 1997–98 income levels of increasing the top rate of income tax from 40 per cent. to 50 per cent is £5.3 billion. The yield includes the consequential effects on the yield of capital gains tax after allowing for likely changes in the volume of disposals. It does not take account of any behavioural effects which might result from the introduction of the new rate.
Environment, Transport And The Regions
Wet-Bikes
10.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce regulation to govern the use of wet-bikes; and if he will make a statement. [4673]
Local authorities have powers to regulate seaside pleasure boats for the prevention of danger, obstruction or annoyance to persons bathing in the sea or using the seashore and for the prevention and suppression of nuisances. We shall be considering whether existing powers are adequate as part of my Department's review of coastal byelaws.
Strategic Authority For London
13.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the Government's plans to set up a strategic authority for London. [4676]
To date we have received 22 letters about our plans to set up a strategic authority for London. We have also had a number of meetings at which this issue has been raised.
19.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress on the Government's plans to set up a strategic authority for London. [4682]
28.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress on the Government's plans to set up a strategic authority for London. [4691]
We intend to issue a consultation paper on the establishment of a strategic authority in London by the end of July. Subsequently we will introduce legislation to make provision for a referendum in London on this matter and, subject to parliamentary approval, it is our intention to hold the referendum in May 1998.
Regional Development Agencies
14.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the regional economic development agencies to be set up. [4677]
We propose to bring forward legislation in the Autumn with a view to the agencies beginning operation on 1 April 1999.
Social Housing
15.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in enabling local authorities to improve and expand the provision of social housing. [4678]
17.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in enabling local authorities to improve and expand the provision of social housing. [4680]
We are currently consulting local authorities about our proposals for the capital receipts initiative which will provide additional resources to local housing authorities. Under this initiative local authorities will be able to renovate local authority stock and, in partnership with Registered Social Landlords, provide new social housing where appropriate.
Scottish Assembly
16.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his letter of 3 June, if he will make a statement on the extent to which his Department would retain responsibility for the Health and Safety Commission in the circumstances of a Scottish Assembly. [4679]
We are currently considering many issues to do with devolution, including the responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament. The Government's proposals will be published in a White Paper later in the summer.
Water Services
18.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in persuading water companies to accept responsibility for supply pipes. [4681]
Water companies have responded positively to the 10 point plan announced at the Water Summit on 19 May. Most have agreed to offer a free leakage detection and repair service for household customers' supply pipes. We are pursuing this issue with a few companies who have yet to give a fully satisfactory response. We will make a further statement shortly.
22.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he next expects to meet representatives of the water companies to discuss water leakage. [4685]
At the Water Summit on 19 May, I announced that the Director General of Water Services would set tough mandatory targets. I have no current plans to meet representatives of the water companies again to discuss the issue.
Homelessness
20.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives he has undertaken to reduce homelessness. [4683]
Homelessness is an affront to civilised society; this Government is adopting measures that deal with its causes, through the phased release of capital receipts to help fund new housing, and measures that deal with its effects, by providing a better deal for homeless households.
Construction Contracts (Adjudication)
21.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to bring forward proposals for adjudication, pursuant to the provisions of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. [4684]
I expect to lay the order required to implement Part II of this Act later this year.
Council Tax
23.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce changes to council tax banding. [4686]
The question of whether any changes should be made to the structure of the council tax valuation hands is one that I shall wish to discuss with the Local Government Association and others for reaching a view. Any changes that might be proposed will be the subject of widespread consultation.
Local Government Services
24.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he has taken to encourage public-private partnership in local government services. [4687]
Good local government should be a partnership between local people, businesses and voluntary groups and our mandate is to give authorities the powers necessary to develop these partnerships. We have introduced a Bill to help authorities set up privately financed projects, and said that compulsory competitive tendering will be replaced by a duty on authorities to achieve best value. In these and other matters we are working closely with the Local Government Association and other parties directly interested in the provision of local services.
National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas
25.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions When he next plans to visit the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas. [4688]
I have no plans to visit the National Memorial Arboretum, However, the Under Secretary of State (Angela Eagle) plans to visit the Arboretum in October when she launches the Tree Council's 100th Tree Warden Scheme at Lichfield.
Local Government Finance
26.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to direct a local authority to rebill all households in the event that it is refused permission to spend above its cap; and who pays for this. [4689]
The powers to limit an authority's budget requirement are set out in sections 57 to 59 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. Where these powers have been exercised, the authority is required to make substitute calculations by virtue of section 60, which applies to billing authorities, and section 61, which applies to precepting authorities. Under section 31 a billing authority which makes substitute calculations is required to set substitute amounts of council tax and there is an equivalent requirement for a precepting authority in section 42. Costs of rebilling fall to the billing authority except where they result from a substitute precept issued by a precepting authority. In such cases, section 31 allows the billing authority to recover its administrative expenses from the precepting authority.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement regarding his Department's policy towards the capping of local authorities' spending. [5875]
We have now met all three of the authorities designated for capping this year (Oxfordshire, Somerset and Warwickshire County Councils) and are carefully considering their cases before determining caps for each authority which are reasonable, achievable and appropriate. We hope to complete the 1997–98 capping round before the summer recess.
For the future, we have given a commitment to do away with crude and universal capping, although we will retain reserve powers to control excessive council tax increases. We are now considering ways to implement our commitment.
Structure Plans
27.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that structure plan population and housing growth figures are commensurate with anticipated employment opportunities and job creation projections. [4690]
Existing national policy (PPG 12) provides advice to local authorities on the content of structure plans, including the need to ensure that interactions between land use policies for housing and economic development are fully considered. It is open to the Secretary of State to object to a plan if this advice is ignored. These issues are also considered during the preparation of Regional Planning Guidance, issued by the Secretary of State. The Government is committed to a more integrated approach to the planning process at the regional level and is considering the role that Regional Chambers and Regional Development Agencies might play in this process.
Green Belt (West Midlands)
29.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the protection of the Green Belt in the West Midlands with particular reference to the Meriden gap between Coventry and Birmingham. [4692]
Policy on Green Belts is set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 2. There is a general presumption against inappropriate development in the Green Belt. Inappropriate development can only be justified if there are very special circumstances whereby the harm is clearly outweighed by other considerations.Regional Planning Guidance for the West Midlands, published in September 1995, reaffirmed this national policy and made clear that the Meriden Gap should remain in the Green Belt.Within the Meriden Gap between Birmingham and Coventry, detailed Green Belt boundaries have been confirmed in the recently adopted Solihull Unitary Development Plan.
Unitary Authorities
30.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has for reassessing the funding of the new unitary authorities with particular reference to North-east Lincolnshire. [4693]
Discussions with local government on the distribution of Revenue Support Grant for 1998–99 are currently in progress. These discussions will cover most of the standard spending assessment elements received by unitary authorities.
Devolved Decision Making
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for a rolling programme of devolved decision making within England. [4674]
We want to encourage the development of representative regional bodies in England so that we can increase the Government's accountability. It is important, however, that uniformity is not imposed on the diverse English regions.
Internet
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what use he plans to make of the Internet to make Government more open. [5104]
The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions already takes advantage of new technology, including the Internet, as part of its communications strategy. We promote the Internet as an important additional source of information across a wide range of the Department's responsibilities. Examples include the provision of national air quality data, up-dated hourly from the Department's monitoring stations, and full details of the Mobility Roadshow, being held at Crowthorne, with information on a range of production vehicles and equipment for disabled drivers.The Department currently has two Internet sites averaging 33,000 accesses a week. Collectively both sites carry substantial guidance on open access with information on the Department's business, with named officials, addresses, and telephone numbers and an alphabetically listed public enquiry facility with over 70 e-mail addresses. As a result of our recent merger, arrangements are now in hand to move towards a single Departmental Internet site. Until the site is set up the current addresses are as follows:
- DOE-http://www.open.gov.,uk/doe/doehome.htm
- DOT-http://www.open.gov.uk/dot/dothome.htm
Passive Smoking
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the leisure industry concerning the dangers to their customers and employees from passive smoking. [5083]
Officials from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions have discussed passive smoking with representatives of pub and restaurant trade associations. The associations are well aware of the dangers of passive smoking and are keen to work with us to develop effective smoking policies.The Government intend to hold a seminar of experts in the field of smoking reduction on 14 July 1997. The results of this seminar will inform policy, which will then be set out in a White Paper on our strategy to reduce smoking. As part of this, my Department will be looking for ways of speeding up progress in the introduction of more stringent smoking policies in public places.
Contaminated Land
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to implement section 57 of the Environment Act 1995 (Provisions on Contaminated Land); and if he will make a statement. [5662]
I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 21 May to the hon. Member for Denton and Reddish (Mr. Bennett), Official Report, columns 84–85.
Environmental Task Force
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria will determine the projects to be undertaken by the Environmental Task Force; to what extent the costs for non-Governmental organisations taking part in the scheme will be reimbursed; and what qualifications will be awarded to those taking part. [5664]
Further information on the Government's New Deal programme, including the Environmental Task Force, will be announced as part of the Budget.
Nuclear Discharges
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy on proposals relating to nuclear discharges into the marine environment to be considered at the OSPAR convention meeting in September. [6283]
The UK delegation to the Oslo and Paris Commissions has made clear to our partners in those Commissions that the Government is reviewing the policy to be adopted on all the questions to be discussed at the forthcoming Ministerial meeting of the OSPAR Commission, among others those relating to radioactive substances, including waste. These reviews are not yet complete.
Housing Benefit
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if housing benefit will continue to be paid via local authority housing revenue accounts. [5046]
We are currently examining the financing of local authority housing as part of our comprehensive review of spending. Housing benefit granted by local authorities to their tenants as rent rebates is paid through local authority housing revenue accounts in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Legislation would be required to change this.
Lake District Planning Board
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the reappointment date for each member of the Lake District Planning Board. [5824]
Twelve members of the new Lake District National Park Authority were appointed by the then Secretary of State for the Environment with effect from 1 October 1996. They are listed below, together with the expiry date of their current appointments. Seven of the 12 members are appointed to represent the national interest, the remainder are parish members. The Authority has a further 14 members appointed by the local authorities in the area.
| Secretary of State members of the Lake District National Park Authority | |
| Appointment expires | |
| National | |
| Mr. William Cowx | 31 March 1998 |
| Mr. John Trotter | 31 March 1998 |
| Mr. Peter Dean | 31 March 1999 |
| Mr. John Fryer-Spedding | 31 March 1999 |
| Mr. Keith Harryman | 31 March 1999 |
| Mr. John Park | 31 March 1999 |
| Mr. David Thornton | 31 March 1999 |
| Parish members | |
| Mr. Thomas Coulthard | All 31 May 1999 |
| Mr. Benjamin Dobson | |
| Mr. John Hayton | |
| Dr. Helen Jones | |
| Mr. Jack Morris-Eyton | |
Small Cetaceans Agreement
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the actions taken by the Government, pursuant to the Agreement for Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas. [6007]
The UK has taken forward numerous measures to implement the Resolution on the implementation of a Conservation and Management Plan, adopted by the Parties at Stockholm in September 1994. The Resolution established the following as priority actions: reduction of pollution; reduction of direct interaction with fisheries; reduction of indirect interactions with fisheries; reduction of disturbance; reduction of indirect disturbance; monitoring, status and population studies; education and promotion; and administration.The UK has produced a report on actions taken between April 1992 and March 1996. A copy of that report will be made available to the hon. Member.
Vehicle Emissions Standards
42.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to improve vehicle emissions standards. [4705]
The Government is considering a range of measures for reducing vehicle emissions. These include measures aimed at reducing the level of emissions from individual vehicles, and reduced car usage.
Birmingham Northern Relief Road
44.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce a decision about the Birmingham northern relief road. [4707]
The Birmingham northern relief road is one of 12 schemes that are the subject of an accelerated review as part of our roads review. We propose to announce decisions on these schemes later.
Railway Industry (Investment)
45.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to encourage higher investment by the privatised rail industry. [4708]
The Government is keen to encourage higher levels of investment by the rail industry. First and foremost, we will use all the levers at our disposal to make sure that Railtrack and the train operating companies deliver on their existing investment obligations.
Trust Ports
46.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's proposals for the future of trust ports. [4799]
Trust ports vary greatly in their commercial significance, type of use, and the powers and duties they have under local legislation. We will be reviewing the options available to trust ports, including voluntary privatisation under the Ports Act 1991.
M62 Relief Road
47.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress in respect of the M62 relief road scheme. [4710]
The M62 relief road was withdrawn from the roads programme in November 1995.
Public Transport (Bicycles)
48.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received recently regarding the transit of bicycles on the public transport system; and if he will make a statement. [4711]
I have received 29 representations about the transit of bicycles on trains.The Government supports the objectives of the national cycling strategy and the aim of a fourfold increase in cycling by 2012, as pail of an integrated transport policy. The Government will be encouraging improvements in conditions for cycling, and we intend to play a lull part in the National Cycling Forum, which has been set up to co-ordinate delivery of the strategy.I recently presented a cycle mark to Anglia Railways under the rail operations' code of practice for cyclists for its bikes on trains initiatives.
London Underground
49.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the future ownership of London Underground. [4712]
53.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for the funding of London Underground. [4718]
We are looking very urgently at options for public/private partnership to increase investment in the core Underground network. This work is intended to fulfil our Manifesto commitment to develop "a new public/private partnership to improve the Underground, safeguard its commitment to the public interest and guarantee value for money to taxpayers and passengers". We have also made it clear that wholesale privatisation of London Underground is not the answer.
Airports (Investment)
50.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the level of investment in the airports system. [4713]
In 1995–96, the most recent year for which information is available, £591 million was invested in UK airports. (Sources: The UK Airports Industry Airports Statistics 1995–96, published by the Centre for the Study of Regulated Industries, and the Civil Aviation Authority).
A1 (Morpeth)
51.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about progress towards dualling the A1 north of Morpeth. [4716]
The Highways Agency is investigating the further dualling of the A1 between Morpeth and the Scottish Border.
Road Traffic
52.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has for the reduction of road traffic as part of his Department's promotion of sustainable development. [4717]
We will be addressing the issue of road traffic growth as we develop our integrated transport policy.
Traffic Flow (London)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on plans to improve traffic flow in London. [4706]
The Government announced last month that it was launching a fundamental review of transport policy to provide an integrated transport system which meets the needs of all regions of the county, including London. Traffic levels will form a key aspect of that review.
Heathrow And Gatwick Airports
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many days in (a) 1996 and (b) 1997 a procedure permitting a reduced final approach separation distance between aircraft has been put into operation at (i) Heathrow and (ii) Gatwick airports. [5603]
Strict criteria, particularly in respect of visibility and weather conditions, govern the introduction of reduced final approach separation. Since the trials began in 1994, procedure has been applied for approximately 1 per cent. of flights into Heathrow overall. Specific information on the number of days involved in 1996 and 1997 is not available. A similar trial is expected to start at Gatwick airport soon.
Cycling
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will represent to the Rail Regulator the importance of cycling in the Government's transport policy; and if he will make a Statement. [5807]
I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 12 June 1997, Official Report, volume 296, column 523.
Roads Programme Review
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what environmental and economic criteria the Government will use to review road schemes in its forthcoming Roads Programme Review; if the same criteria will apply for each phase of the review; and if he will make a statement. [5960]
Roth the accelerated review and the main review will use the same criteria of accessibility, safety, environmental impact and economy. Our objective is to find the best possible solutions to the transport problems we face within the limits of the available resources and to ensure that short term gains in one area are not negated by wider or longer term damage. Achieving the right balance between our four criteria will therefore be a central issue in the review.
Channel Tunnel (Safety)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve security on trains travelling through the Channel Tunnel. [6153]
The security requirements placed on the operators of Channel Tunnel rail services are closely tailored to the risk, which takes account of the threat to the tunnel as assessed by Government agencies. The measures, which cover both the trains and the passengers, freight and vehicles carried, are constantly monitored and adjusted according to the level of assessed risk, and any necessary improvements made in the light of experience.
Public Servants (Car Use)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what policies the Government will adopt to discourage the use of cars by public servants. [4714]
A cross-Government group is reviewing existing travel policies and identifying what measures can be taken to reduce the environmental impact of travel. Departments are being encouraged to draw up green transport plans to address issues such as staff commuting and official business travel. Guidance on green transport plans is being developed by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to assist other Departments. The Government has also been encouraging public and private sector organisations to look at ways of minimising staff commuting by car and cutting down on environmental impacts of car fleets. The Government's general transport policies to encourage use of public transport and reduce car dependency, will also affect public servants' travel decisions.
Rail Services (South West)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review rail services in the south west. [4715]
Our objective for the whole of the passenger network is to see more people travelling by rail. We want higher levels of investment, proper enforcement of train operators' service commitments and all the benefits of having a national railway network. We welcome work that is planned or in progress to improve rail services in the south west and elsewhere on the network.
Network Card
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to extend the powers of the Rail Regulator to enable him to prevent train operating companies making significant changes to the conditions applying to network-purchased train tickets. [5463]
Neither the Government nor the Rail Regulator has powers to prevent train operating companies making changes to the conditions applying to the Network Card. Train operating companies' participation in the Network Card scheme is voluntary and there is no statutory obligation on them to offer the Network Card.The Government is currently considering the options for establishing more effective and accountable regulation by the Rail Regulator.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will meet the Rail Operators Association to discuss their proposals to (a) limit the use of the network and (b) increase the cost of travel for those using the network card. [6299]
The Government has no powers to prevent train operators changing either the price of the Network Card or the conditions on which it is offered. The Government is keen to see off-peak rail travel increase. We have already held a number of discussions with train operators, and we will continue to encourage them to develop new plans to expand the off-peak market in the South East and elsewhere.
Bus Route Tenders (London)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) of 19 June, Official Report, column 278, if he will make it his policy to withhold on grounds of confidentiality only those parts of any tender document that necessarily should be confidential and make the other parts of the document publicly available with those confidential parts blanked Out. [6123]
This is a matter for London Transport Buses.
Lightning Jets
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy in respect of granting licences to fly ex-RAF Lightning jets in private ownership in the United Kingdom; and what guidance he issues to licensing authorities in other countries. [5505]
The issue of Permits to Fly to ex military aircraft is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority, which is sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The CAA's policy on this subject is set out in the British Civil Airworthiness Requirements (BCAR) Chapter A8–20—this requirement covers the design evaluation and assessment of the aircraft type, as well as the maintenance activity required to maintain its airworthiness. In addition, Civil Aviation Publication (CAP) 632 specifies the requirements to be satisfied for the operation of ex military aircraft by civil organisations, owners and operators. BCAR A8–20 and CAP 632 are both available to the public.The CAA does not give general guidance to overseas authorities, but would share its experience on specific aircraft types if asked.
M25
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the length of the stretches of road to be included in the proposed widening of the M25 in Surrey including those areas involving the removal of hard shoulders; and if he will make a statement. [6335]
The widening scheme for M25 junctions 12 to 15 is 10.9 km long of which 1.595 km of the Northbound carriageway and 955 m of the Southbound carriageway has discontinued hard shoulder.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the accelerated highways review will include an assessment of the safety implications of containing the proposed widening of the M25 in Surrey within the existing motorway curtilage; and if he will make a statement. [6340]
The Accelerated Review will assess schemes in terms of accessibility, safety, economy and environmental impact. The safety implications of continuing widening within the existing motorway boundary will be considered.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the projected carbon emissions within the vicinity are consequent on the proposed widening of the M25 between junctions 12 and 15 will be compatible with the commitments made on behalf of the United Kingdom under the Convention on Climate Change; and if he will make a statement. [6337]
The UK is on course to meet its climate change convention commitment to return national emissions of carbon dioxide to 1990 levels by the year 2000. Within this trend of downward total national emissions some individual emissions may rise. As shown in the Environmental Statement about the scheme this is forecast for the proposed widening of the M25 between junctions 12 and 15. Such increases are not incompatible with the UK commitment.
A23
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the construction of the A23 Coulsdon Inner Relief Road. [6334]
The A23 Coulsdon Inner Relief Road proposals will be considered within the terms of the comprehensive Review of Trunk Roads announced recently by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport. The full Review will include consultation with interested parties. The results of the Review are expected next Spring.
Vehicle Excise Duty
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment has been made of the feasibility of a banded form of vehicle excise duty related to engine size and fuel efficiency and the environmental benefits that would accrue. [5381]
I have been asked to reply.It is not possible to comment on tax matters in advance of the Budget.
Social Security
Child Support Agency
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements there are to ensure a high quality of telephone access to the Child Support Agency; and if she will review the quality of telephone access. [2182]
We expect the Child Support Agency to provide an efficient and effective service to all its clients throughout the child support assessment process.The Secretary of State has asked the Child Support Agency to improve the telephone service it offers to its customers. To do this the Agency plans to employ staff to work a wider more flexible range of working patterns over six days a week. This will provide more opportunities for customers to contact the Agency and vice versa, and will enable the Agency to deliver a better standard of customer service through greater use of the telephone and faster throughput of cases.
Pensioners' Christmas Bonus
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Christmas bonus for pensioners was introduced; what was its value; and what plans he has to increase it this year. [4033]
All pensioners should share fairly in rising national prosperity and we are committed to examining ways to deliver more automatic help to the poorest pensioners. We will shortly be announcing details of a review of the central areas of insecurity for older people.The Christmas bonus was first paid in December 1972 at the rate of £10. We have no plans to increase this payment in 1997.
Benefits (Payment)
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will increase the discretion of local managers of benefits offices to allow those who may be currently required to appear in person to collect benefit, to be paid their benefit by post. [4567]
In order to safeguard public funds, each individual claimant's case is considered on its own merit. There are no plans to amend this regulation. As the administration of Social Security benefits is a matter for the Benefits Agency, I have asked its Chief Executive, Peter Mathison, to write to the hon. Member directly and for his reply to be published with the answer.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Tom Dalyell, dated 30 June 1997:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if she will increase the discretion of local managers of benefit offices to allow those who may be currently required to appear in person to collect benefit, to be paid their benefit by post.
The manner in which benefit is paid is determined by a Benefits Agency officer acting on behalf of the Secretary of State. These officials have a duty to safeguard public funds and to ensure that the customer receives the benefit to which they are entitled. There are circumstances where officials may consider it necessary for a customer to collect their benefit in person. These may be where the customer has an unsafe postal address or is homeless.
A customer's individual circumstances are always considered when the payment method is determined. There are no plans to change the level of discretion an officer acting on behalf of the Secretary of State has in determining whether a customer is required to collect their benefit in person.
I hope you find this reply helpful.
Housing Benefit (Rent Levels)
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the future relationship between housing benefit subsidy and rent levels in the public sector. [5047]
Housing policy and housing benefit policy should not be considered in isolation from each other, and we need to consider the relationship between personal subsidy and "bricks and mortar" subsidy. This Department will be working with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the regions with the aim of developing a housing policy which frees people from the benefit trap and which encourages personal responsibility.We are examining the financing of local authority housing as part of our Comprehensive Spending Review. This will review all aspects of public expenditure and will see that taxpayers' money is being spent effectively in order to fulfil the Government's manifesto commitments.
Pensioners (Vat On Fuel)
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the effect on (a) a single retirement pensioner and (b) retirement pensioner couple of reducing VAT on domestic fuel from 8 per cent. to 5 per cent., taking into account the effect of the subsequent annual uprating of pensions and benefits. [6173]
Pensioners' fuel bills vary considerably. We expect any reduction in VAT to be reflected in their fuel bills.
Scotland
Crofting
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions have been held with representatives of the Scottish Crofter's Union regarding (a) changes to land tenure and (b) specific grants fur crofters and crofting communities. [3822]
[holding answer 23 June 1997]: My noble Friend the Minister for Agriculture, the Environment and Fisheries met representatives of the Scottish Crofters' Union (SCU) on 9 June. There was no discussion of changes to land tenure as such but union representatives outlined their ideas for the establishment of a Pan-Highland Trust. In addition, the SCU mentioned the importance to crofters of the crofters building grants and loans scheme.
Bullying
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance he has given to schools and local education authorities concerning dealing with bullying; and what steps he has taken to encourage schools and LEAs to learn from best practice elsewhere in Scotland in this respect. [5397]
The Government take the problem of bullying very seriously. In recent years, my Department has issued a range of guidance on the subject, as follows.In 1992, the Department issued to all schools a support pack called "Action against Bullying". The pack contained extensive examples of good practice and stressed that the single most important thing a school can do to prevent bullying is have a clear policy to which staff, pupils and parents are committed.In 1993, the Department funded the issue to every school of a follow-up resource pack aimed at non-teaching staff and families. The pack is called "Supporting Schools against Bullying in Scotland".
In August 1994, the Department issued to all schools a leaflet aimed directly at children entitled "Let's Stop Bullying—Advice for Young People". In August the following year, the Department issued a further leaflet providing advice for parents and families entitled "Let's Stop Bullying—Advice for Parents and Families".
We are urgently reviewing what further steps might be taken. I have asked for the report "Which Way Now? A Progress Report on Bullying in Scottish Schools" by Andrew Mellor to be followed up, in order to establish if there are further measures based on the report which could be usefully implemented. I am also taking steps to satisfy myself that every school has an effective anti-bullying policy in place.
Health Boards
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to reform the structure of health boards in Scotland with particular reference to the percentage of the board made up of (a) councillors, (b) NHS representatives and (c) directly elected representatives; and if he will make a statement. [5862]
In the last week eight new chairmen for health boards have been announced, which signals a new direction for the Scottish Health Service. It is out intention to ensure that health boards are representative of the populations they serve: I have just announced a local authority member for Lothian, Tayside and Grampian health boards. It is my intention to ensure that all health boards have on them a local authority member. I have also indicated that I would welcome nominations of candidates for health boards from the STUC. In all cases I will appoint the best available candidates in order to pursue the Government agenda for the NHS.
Water Authorities
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when, and in what form, the water authorities in Scotland will be returned to local democratic control. [5866]
I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 5 June 1997 to my hon. Friend the member for Glasgow, Shettleston (Mr. Marshall), Official Report, column 233–34 and to the reply given on 26 June 1997 to my right hon. Friend for Inverness, Nairn and Lochaher (Mr. Stewart), Official Report, column 601–02.
Private Finance Initiative
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the Scottish health projects which were pursuing experimental private finance initiative funding as at 22 June; and if he will indicate the sum spent to date in respect of preparatory work for each project. [5992]
[holding answer 30 June 1997]: Proposals for capital projects which were exploring the PFI route as at 22 June this year and on which information is held by the Department are as listed. It should be noted that projects are considered for PFI only alter outline business case approval. In addition there are other smaller projects developed on the same principles which fall within trust and health board delegated limits and for which information is not held centrally.
Health board/NHS trust
| Project description
| Capital value (£ million)
|
| Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust | Relocation of major acute teaching hospital | 175 |
| Law Hospital NHS Trust | Hospital | 100 |
| Hairmyres and Stonehouse Hospitals NHS Trust | New major acute hospital | 63 |
| Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust | Provision of geriatric beds at Mearnskirk | 2 |
| Ayrshire and Arran Community Healthcare NHS Trust | Community Hospital (Cumnock, East Ayrshire) | 9 |
| Greater Glasgow Community and Mental Health Services Trust | Replacement of facilities for delivery of in patient mental health services (Stobhill) | 8 |
| Southern General Hospital NHS Trust | Provision of geriatric medicine | 9 |
| Western Isles Health Board | Community Hospital | 8 |
| Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust | Provision of maternity and day care services | 4 |
| Yorkhill NHS Trust | Provision of maternity services | 10 |
| Orkney Health Board | Community Hospital | 12 |
| Highland Communities NHS Trust | Provision of psychiatric unit (Inverness) | 18 |
| Dundee Healthcare NHS Trust | Provision of psychiatric unit (Dundee) | 9 |
| Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS Trust | Geriatric assessment facility | 9 |
| West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust | New major acute teaching hospital | 100 |
| Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS Trust | Package of schemes | 40 |
On Monday 16 June I announced that due to the urgent nature of proposals for maternity and theatre facilities at Glasgow Royal the Government would provide £36 million of public funding. Other aspects of the package of schemes will continue to explore PFI. I also decided that PFI was inappropriate for proposals for the redevelopment of the Western general hospital in Edinburgh and on Monday 23 June announced that £40 million would be provided for a new ward and theatre block.
Information on sums spent on preparatory work is not centrally available. However we estimate that costs should be not more than 1.5 per cent. of the capital value of a project. In view of the innovative nature of PFI boards and trusts have been provided with sonic funding to help cover these costs. As at 30 April 1997 grants to projects listed above amounted to approximately £4.7 million. We expect costs to decrease significantly as the PFI process becomes more streamlined. It should also be noted that much of the preparatory work for a project is necessary regardless of whether it will be funded publicly or under the PFI.
Badgers
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many (a) arrests, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions have been recorded under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 in Scotland in each year since 1992 broken down by local authority; and if he will make a statement. [5708]
Information on the number of people arrested is not collected centrally.
The information requested on prosecutions and convictions is not separately identifiable within the Scottish Office Home Department's classification of crimes and offences.
Museums
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the museums in Scotland registered under the Museums and Galleries Commission's 9 registration scheme. [6312]
There are some 300 Scottish museums and galleries registered under the scheme. A list of registered museums in Scotland drawn up by the Museums and Galleries Commission is available in the Library.
Health
Royal Bolton Hospital
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients admitted to Royal Bolton hospital (a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97 had been forced to remain in hospital for longer than their treatment required because suitable residential or day care was not available for up to (i) one week, (ii) two weeks, (iii) one month, (iv) two months and (v) three months or longer; and what estimate he has made of the additional costs to the NHS of these extended periods of care. [4251]
For information for 1 June 1997, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 20 June 1997 at columns 317–18. Bolton Hospital national health service trust is unable to aggregate these figures for the reasons previously described. The trust has collected precise information on this subject only for the last 18 months. My hon. Friend may wish to approach Mrs. B. Peacock, chairman of the trust, for more details.
Surgical Work
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what monitoring takes place of the quality of surgery carried out in general practitioners' surgeries; how this compares with the monitoring of similar surgical work in hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [5320]
In order to receive a fee from the health authority for undertaking minor surgical procedures, a general practitioner must gain admission to the health authority's minor surgery list. The National Health Service (General Medical Services) Regulations 1992 require the health authority to satisfy itself that the general practitioner has the medical experience, training and facilities necessary to carry out minor surgical procedures.General practitioners themselves are guided by professional advice on minor surgery. We are exploring with the profession options for standardising entry criteria and introducing regular review of general practitioners on such lists.Clinical audit can have a valuable role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of clinical care. The Government and the NHS support clinical audit in all areas of care, and nowadays participation in audit is becoming an accepted and expected part of high standards of professional practice.
Waiting Lists
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were awaiting non-emergency treatment for (a) up to six months, (b) up to 12 months, (c) up to 18 months, (d) up to 24 months and (e) for over 24 months in the constituency of Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East at the latest date for which figures are available. [5562]
The latest date for which the information requested is available is 31 March 1997. Provisional figures show that on that date 9,931 patients were waiting for admission to South Tees Acute hospitals NHS trust, the major trust in my hon. Friend's constituency, on either an inpatient or day-case basis. Of these, 7,430 had been waiting up to six months and all had been waiting less than 12 months.
Prescriptions
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to health authorities concerning the (a) payment and (b) monitoring of payment for prescriptions, issued by general practitioners for optician services. [5659]
Only optometrists, and ophthalmic medical practitioners are empowered to issue prescriptions for glasses under the General Ophthalmic Services. Guidance on monitoring and checking arrangements is contained in Health Circular HC(91)17, copies of which are available in the Library.
Health Service Reviews
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish a full list of reviews at present being carried out in the national health service, the timetable for each review and if the results will be published. [5691]
In addition to reviews of local services being carried out by health authorities, the Government have announced the following reviews which have an impact on the national health service.The Chief Secretary to the Treasury announced a Government-wide comprehensive spending review on 11 June which will look at all areas of Government spending. The timetable for the review is 12 months and the results will inform a new set of public expenditure plans. In the Department of Health the review will be carried out in the context of the Government's election manifesto commitment which states:
"it you are ill or injured there will be a national health service there to help; and access to it will be based on need and need alone—not on your ability to pay, or on who your GP happens to be or on where you live".
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health announced on 20 June the details of the Government's review of health services in London. The review will be conducted by an independent advisory panel chaired by Sir Leslie Turnberg, President of the Royal College of Physicians. The panel has been asked to complete the main elements of its work by the end of October 1997. It is envisaged that the panel's findings will be published.
We have announced an ongoing review looking at the process and product of the private finance initiative in the NHS. It will be complete by the end of the year and the results will be published.
In addition, we have also established a national health service efficiency task force to explore more effective and efficient ways of delivering high quality patient care. The group has not been asked to prepare a report.
Dental Services
To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the 1996–97 General Dental Service access funding grants were allocated to dental practices in the Cambridgeshire and Huntingdon health authority area; if this funding has been distributed; and to what extent criteria set out in the bid were fulfilled. [5681]
The funding was used to meet the aims identified in the health authority's bid and was allocated to practices in the 1996–97 financial year.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the £41,000 recently awarded to Gloucestershire health authority to improve patients' access to NHS dentistry has yet been allocated. [5674]
Yes.
Cancer Treatment (Cpt-Ii)
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the effectiveness of the drug CPT-II in combating bowel cancer; [5612](2) what is the cost of a course of treatment for CPT-II; [5614](3) which health authorities currently allow the supply of CPT-II to cancer patients. [5613]
CPT-II is the manufacturer's code name for a chemotherapy drug, Irinotecan hydrochloride which this year acquired a product licence from the Medicines Control Agency. While the Department of Health does not undertake research into new drugs prior to licensing, the Medicines Control Agency assesses the research evidence relating to their quality, safety and efficacy before licensing. The dose of CPT-II is adjusted for the size of patient; the cost of one dose is £830 on average and some patients may have up to six doses, at intervals of three weeks.The drug came on the market only three months ago. Further research is underway to assess its role in comparison with current standard treatment and many doctors will await the outcome of this research before deciding whether to use this drug. For these reasons, it is too early to derive meaningful information on where the drug is being provided. The decisions on whether to use any drug takes into consideration the medical details of the individual patient and evidence as to whether the patient is likely to benefit.
Health Service Fraud
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the Healthcare Financial Management Association report concerning alleged fraud in the health service; and if he will make a statement; [5657](2) what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the Healthcare Financial Management Association report on alleged fraud in the health service. [5658]
We are determined to stamp out fraud which diverts resources away from patient care in the national health service. The report of the Efficiency Scrutiny on Prescription Fraud in England and Wales was published on 19 June. In response to that report, we have already announced the Government's intention to take immediate steps to tackle prescription fraud.We shall also look carefully at the report of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and consider its recommendations, some of which complement those of the Efficiency Scrutiny. We shall consider the proposals to deal with dental and optical fraud on a similar timescale.
Hepatitis C
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that counselling is available for those who contracted hepatitis C, other than by means of blood transfusions. [5667]
As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health said in his reply of 19 June 1997, column 291, patients who may be infected with hepatitis C should be given sufficient information to enable them to make an informed decision about the implications for them of a positive test before being tested. Generally we would expect that the health care professionals dealing with the patient should be able to provide the advice and support that the patient needs. A few may require more specialist counselling and support. Patients who have a positive test should, if they wish, be referred to a specialist for further advice on the management of their disease, including more specialised counselling. It is for those commissioning services to ensure that suitably trained staff are available to advise such patients irrespective of how they were infected.
Private Finance Initiative
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department gives on the circumstances in which it is appropriate for health authorities or trusts to engage outside advisers or consultants in the preparation of PFI proposals; and if he will make a statement. [5815]
Guidance on the appointment of external consultants and advisers is given in the "National Health Service Capital Investment Manual" (HSG(94)31 published in 1994) in the sections "Business Case Guide" and "Management of Construction Projects". The "Guide to Procedures for the Commissioning of Building and Engineering Consultants" issued as part of "Concode" (published 1983) also gives advice. Advice is also available in "5 Steps to the Appointment of Advisers to PFI Projects" (published May 1996) which was issued by the private finance panel.We will be examining the use of external advisors in our review of PFI.
Elmstead House, Hendon
To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the report into the deaths at Elmstead House, Hendon, will be published. [5663]
We understand that Barnet health authority currently expects the report of the review panel to be published in late July or early August this year.
Health Service Professionals
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will assess the (a) advantages and (b) disadvantages of self employed status for national health service (i) general practitioners, (ii) pharmacists, (iii) dentists and (iv) opticians. [5660]
Self-employment has both advantages and disadvantages for both the national health service and the contractors concerned. who will take these into account when making decisions on how best to pursue their professions.The national health service already directly employs doctors, dentists, pharmacists and optometrists in the hospital and community health sectors.The national health service Acts currently require health authorities to arrange for the provision of primary care, generally through independent contractors. Pilots that may be introduced under the NHS (Primary Care) Act 1997 could extend to doctors and dentists options for salaried service in this sector.
Bse
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has received further advice from the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee on the scientific evidence on the possibility of a link between bovine spongiform encephalopathy and new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. [6573]
The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) considered this issue at its meeting on 23 May 1997 and has since produced a statement entitled, "research Into The Link Between BSE and nvCJD" (SEAC, June 1997). The statement summarises the key research results on the question of whether there is a causal link between bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (nvCJD) which have emerged since March 1996 when SEAC first concluded that the most likely explanation for the eases of the new variant CJD was exposure to BSE before the introduction of the Spongiform Bovine Offals ban in 1989. The statement concludes that the evidence that has accumulated since the March 1996 announcement is consistent with the hypothesis that nvCJD is caused by exposure to the BSE agent, and that no evidence refuting the hypothesis that nvCJD is caused by exposure to the BSE agent, and that no evidence refuting the hypothesis has yet come to light. However, SEAC regard the evidence to date as insufficient to constitute formal scientific proof of a causative link, and that further data are required before a firm conclusion can be reached. A copy of the statement has been placed in the Library.
Blood Centre, Liverpool
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received (a) during the consultation process and (b) subsequently from medical consultees on the clinical implications of proposals to remove blood processing and testing from the Liverpool blood centre. [5653]
The consultation process relating to the plans for the reorganisation of the National Blood Service took place in 1994–95. Separate records were not kept on the make-up of those commenting. Since 1 May 1997, one clinician has written with views on the proposed changes at the Liverpool blood centre.
Hospitals (London Review)
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the geographical area for hospitals within the London review; and on what basis that area was determined. [5715]
The review covers services provided within the area of Greater London.
Basildon And Thurrock Hospital Trust
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the towns of residence of each of the non-executive directors of the Basildon and Thurrock hospital trust; [5710](2) what are the termination dates of the contracts for the existing non-executive directors of the Basildon and Thurrock hospital trust; and when he expects advertisements will be published inviting applications to fill the next vacancies that occur. [5711]
The information requested is provided in the table:
| Post town | Appointment dates From | To | |
| Chairman | |||
| Mr. Ian | |||
| Macpherson | Ingatestone | 1 Doccmber 1993 | 30 November 1997 |
| Non-executive directors | |||
| Mr. Derek | |||
| Harman | Benfleet | 1 December 1995 | 30 November 1997 |
| Mrs. Joan | |||
| Sladden | Brentwood | 1 December 1993 | 30 November 1997 |
| Mr. Peter Wallis | Grays | 1 December 1994 | 30 November 1998 |
| Mr. Melvyn | |||
| Lambert | Hornchurch | 1 December 1996 | 30 November 1998 |
| Ms Fiona Last | Brentwood | 1 December 1996 | 30 November 1998 |
Sunday Times on 29 June 1997. Two more advertisements will be placed in The Guardian on 2 July 1997, and The Times on 3 July 1997. The two non-executive director posts will be advertised in the local press shortly.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health which (a) royal colleges and (b) other bodies have indicated that they may withdraw accreditation for teaching of staff employed by the Basildon and Thurrock hospital trust if services are not transferred to Basildon hospital from (i) Orsett hospital and (ii) other locations. [5713]
We understand from Basildon and Thurrock General Hospitals NHS Trust that the accreditation of training currently undertaken at Basildon hospital is not dependent on services being transferred there from Orsett or other locations.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultants with (a) full time contracts and (b) part-time contracts with the Basildon and Thurrock hospital trust are permitted under those contracts to work privately at (i) the Nuffield hospital, Brentwood and (ii) other hospitals indicating the total hours they are contracted to work for (1) the trust in each case and (2) in private hospitals. [5714]
We understand from Basildon and Thurrock General Hospitals NHS Trust that it currently employs 69 consultant medical staff. Of these 31 are on whole-time contracts and do 11 sessions a week, 30 are on maximum pan-time contracts and do 10 sessions a week, and eight are on part time contracts and do from two to eight sessions a week for the trust. The consultants are employed on nationally agreed terms and conditions which specify their entitlement to undertake private practice. The work plans of every consultant are reviewed annually to ensure that contractual requirements are met and that clinical sessions are allocated to meet local healthcare needs.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library a copy of the document by which the Basildon and Thurrock hospital trust consulted the Burma Star Association over its intention to seek planning permission for residential development at Orsett of land containing the Burma Star Association's garden of remembrance. [5716]
We understand from Basildon and Thurrock General llospitals NHS trust that the planning documents prepared so far deal with the principles of land use. Matters relating to the layout of the land are reserved, and Parties having an interest in the site will be consulted as appropriate.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the terminal dates of the fixed term contracts for each of the executive directors of the Basildon and Thurrock hospital trust. [5709]
We understand from Basildon and Thurrock General Hospitals NHS trust that each of the executive directors is on an 18-month rolling contract subject to regular formal review by the remuneration committee.
Cot Deaths
To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the expert group on cot deaths chaired by lady Limerick to publish its final report; if he will ask the group to research the cause of levels of antimony and phosphorus compounds in infants; and if he will make a statement. [5844]
The expert group on cot death theories has the following terms of reference:
The group is expected to publish its final report in December 1997. It has given detailed consideration to all aspects of the theory and have recommended a considerable amount of research work, which has been funded by the Department. Any need for further action will be considered following publication of the report."To review the findings of the report on "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome" (the "Turner report", 1991) and any subsequent data on hypotheses linking antimony with unexplained deaths in infants; and to advise the CMO on what further studies should be undertaken to investigate postulated causal relationships between chemicals and cot deaths."
Nhs Trusts
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what powers he has to review and terminate the appointment of members of NHS trusts, ambulance trusts and health authorities before the end of their normal appointment period; and in what circumstances he may take such action. [5825]
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has powers to terminate the appointment of chairmen or non-executive directors of national health service bodies. The circumstances in which these powers may be used are defined in regulations. Those relating to trusts, including ambulance trusts, are contained within the National Health Service Trusts (Membership and Procedure) Regulations 1990 (Statutory Instrument 1990/2024), as amended by the National Health Service Trusts (Membership and Procedure) Amendment Regulations 1996 (Statutory Instrument 1996/1755). In relation to chairmen and non-executive members of health authorities,They are contained within the Health Authorities (Membership and Procedure Regulations) 1996 (Statutory Instrument 1996/707). Copies of these regulations are available in the Library.
Euthanasia
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on his policy on (a) the legislation of euthanasia and (b) the granting of legally binding status to advance directives; [6076](2) what plans he has to introduce legislation on advance directives, euthanasia, or the treatment of mentally incapacitated adults; and if he will make a statement. [6075]
We have no plans to introduce legislation to legalise euthanasia. Advance directives, provided they contain lawful instructions, if validly made and applicable in the circumstances presenting, are already legally binding under the common law. My right hon. and noble Friend, the Lord Chancellor is considering what action to take on the Law Commission's proposals concerning mentally incapacitated adults.
Social And Health Care
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will conduct a review of the arrangements for joint working between primary health care providers and social services departments in the commission of social and health care. [5881]
The National Health Service Executive and social services inspectorate, in consultation with relevant bodies, are developing and will shortly be issuing a resource pack to assist local authorities and primary care to develop more effective collaborative arrangements. This will be followed by a series of regional dissemination events.
Tobacco
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the likely reduction in smoking resulting from a total ban on (a) tobacco advertising and (b) tobacco sponsorship; what research his Department has evaluated on this matter; and if he will place this research in the Library. [6304](2) what assessment his Department has made of the relative efficiency of
(a) banning tobacco (i) advertising and (ii)sponsorship and (b) other methods in reducing levels of smoking. [6303]
There is a significant body of research connecting tobacco advertising with children's smoking, both in predisposing children to start smoking and reinforcing the habit in those who have already started. Research, most recently that commissioned by the Health Education Authority to be published this week, indicates that the percentage of 11 to 15-year-olds who report having seen adverts for cigarettes in the last six months is as high as 96 per cent. Studies have also repeatedly shown that children who smoke choose brands which are most heavily advertised, and there is also evidence that adult consumption is affected by advertising. The 1992 Smee report on the effect of tobacco advertising on consumption found that in individual countries the balance of evidence shows that advertising does have a positive effect on consumption, copies of this report are available in the Library.Controlling tobacco consumption requires a much wider range of measures if we are to have a real impact and see a significant and lasting reduction. The Government summit on smoking on 14 July will inform the development of a range of policy measures to tackle smoking; the resulting policies will be set out in a White Paper to be published later in the year. An advertising ban is a necessary part of that package of complementary measures.
Wales
Hon Member For Blaenau Gwent
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action to be pursued with the Labour Group of Blaenau Gwent Council was discussed between his special adviser and the leader of the council to persuade the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) not to oppose Welsh devolution. [6256]
None.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales from where his special adviser phoned (a) the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent about his opposition to devolution and (b) the leader of Blaenau Gwent Council about the same subject; what discussion he had with his special adviser on the subject of the call prior to it being made; and which (i) Minister and (ii) officials were present when they were made. [6257]
My special adviser phoned the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent at my request, and without further discussion with me he then phoned the Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council. Both calls were made from the Welsh Office and neither Ministers nor officials were present.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussion (a) he and (b) his special adviser has had with the leader of Blaenau Gwent Council about the allegations made by the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent in respect of his special adviser's earlier phone call. [6258]
After recent reports in the media the leader of Blaenau Gwent Council contacted me to assure me that he did not regard the conversation he had with my special adviser as threatening or intimidating in any way. He undertook to write to me to that effect. My special adviser has since spoken to him to obtain a copy of this letter, but there was no discussion of the allegations made by the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list his engagements, with times, on the days of the phone calls which are the subject of allegations by the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent. [6259]
The precise dates of the telephone calls subject to various allegations are not known, so I cannot list my engagements.
| Number of defendants prosecuted in magistrates' courts and concvicted at all courts for offences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 by type of offence and police force area 1992–95 | ||||||||
| Sections 1 to 5 and 101 | ||||||||
| 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | |||||
| Police force area | Pros | Con | Pros | Con | Pros | Con | Pros | Con |
| Avon and Somerset | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| Cheshire | 2 | 2 | — | — | 4 | 4 | — | — |
| Cleveland | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| Cumbria | 1 | — | — | — | 5 | 3 | 1 | — |
| Derbyshire | 3 | 3 | 4 | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1 |
| Devon and Cornwall | 8 | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Dorset | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| Essex | — | — | 4 | — | — | — | 2 | 1 |
| Gloucestershire | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — |
| Greater Manchester | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Hampshire | 3 | — | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | 6 | — |
| Hertfordshire | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | — | — |
| Humberside | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | — | — | 3 | 2 |
| Kent | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — |
| Lancashire | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Leicestershire | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Lincolnshire | — | — | 4 | 4 | — | — | — | — |
| Merseyside | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| Metropolitan Police | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Norfolk | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Building Waste (Dumping)
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many incidents of the illegal dumping of waste material by building companies have been investigated by the Environment Agency in Wales in the past year; and how many have led to prosecutions. [5882]
That is a matter for the Environment Agency. I have asked the Regional General Manager to write to the hon. Member, and will place a copy of his reply in the Library of the House.
Wildlife Protection
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many (a) arrests, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions have been recorded under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 in Wales since its introduction, broken down by local authority; and if he will make a statement. [5704]
I have been asked to reply.Information on the number of people arrested for specific offences is not collected centrally.Information on court proceedings under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996, which came into force on 29 April 1996, will first become available this autumn. That information will be by police force area and not by local authority area.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many (a) arrests, (b) prosecutions and (C) convictions have been recorded under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 in Wales in each year since 1992, broken down by local authority; and if he will make a statement. [5707]
I have been asked to reply.Information on the number of people arrested for specific offences is not collected centrally.Available court proceedings data, by police force area, are given in the table below. 1996 information will be available in the autumn.
Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for offences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 by type of offence and police force area 1992–95
| ||||||||
Sections 1 to 5 and 10 1
| ||||||||
1992
| 1993
| 1994
| 1995
| |||||
Police force area
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
|
| North Yorkshire | — | — | 7 | 2 | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| Northumbria | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | 3 | 3 |
| Nottinghamshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| South Yorkshire | 2 | — | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| Staffordshire | — | — | 1 | — | 2 | — | 8 | 6 |
| Suffolk | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Surrey | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Sussex | 1 | — | 6 | 1 | 3 | 3 | — | — |
| Warwickshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| West Mercia | 9 | 7 | 2 | — | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| West Yorkshire | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 3 | — | — |
| Wiltshire | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| England | 42 | 23 | 46 | 20 | 32 | 22 | 33 | 21 |
| Dyfed Powys | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | 5 | 3 |
| Gwent | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| North Wales | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| South Wales | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Wales | 8 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 6 |
| England and Wales | 50 | 28 | 48 | 22 | 39 | 27 | 41 | 27 |
1 Offences of cruelty to badgers and special protection for badgers and their setts. | ||||||||
Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for offences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 by type of offence and police force area 1992–95
| ||||||||
Section 13 1
| ||||||||
1992
| 1993
| 1994
| 1995
| |||||
Police force area
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
|
| Avon and Somerset | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Cheshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Cleveland | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Cumbria | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Derbyshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Devon and Cornwall | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Dorset | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Essex | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Gloucestershire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Greater Manchester | 1 | 1 | — | — | 2 | 2 | — | — |
| Hampshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Hertfordshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Humberside | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Kent | — | — | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| Lancashire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Leicestershire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Lincolnshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Merseyside | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Metropolitan Police | — | — | 2 | — | 1 | — | — | — |
| Norfolk | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| North Yorkshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Northumbria | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Nottinghamshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — |
| South Yorkshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Staffordshire | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| Suffolk | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Surrey | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| Sussex | 2 | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| Warwickshire | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — |
| West Mercia | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| West Yorkshire | 4 | 2 | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wiltshire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| England | 11 | 8 | 12 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for offences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 by type of offence and police force area 1992–95
| ||||||||
Section 13 1
| ||||||||
1992
| 1993
| 1994
| 1995
| |||||
Police force area
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
| Pros
| Con
|
| Dyfed Powys | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1 |
| Gwent | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| North Wales | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| South Wales | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Wales | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1 |
| England and Wales | 12 | 9 | 12 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
1 Offence of failing to give up dog for destruction or having custody of a dog while disqualified (Powers of court where dog used or present at commission of offence under Sections 1, 2 or 3 of the Act). | ||||||||
| Pros = Prosecutions, Con = Convictions. | ||||||||
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Cattle Tags
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek agreement from the European Commission for double tagging of cattle to include at least one metal tag. [5453]
We have made the European Commission aware of the preference of many UK farmers for continued use of metal ear tags for cattle.
Bse
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the contract for research into a diagnostic test for BSE with Electrophoretic International ended; for what reasons it was not renewed; and what plans he has to place future contracts with the company. [5801]
MAFF has a collaborative agreement with Electrophoretic International (EI) which was effective from 22 December 1995 for one year. Certain clauses of the agreement continue to operate. MAFF will continue to treat the company in the same way as all other bodies in relation to research and supply of materials. There are no plans for any further contracts with EI.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis the contract between his Department for research into a diagnostic test for BSE was tendered; how many other tenders were received; and what was the role of Ministers in the decision to award the contract to Electrophoretic International. [5800]
The nature of the agreement between MAFF and Electrophoretic International (EI) was one of collaboration. The Ministry did not commission any work from EI. This was not a "contract to develop a diagnostic test" and a tendering process was not relevant.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library a copy of the contract between his Department and Electrophoretics International covering work to develop a diagnostic test for BSE and a copy of his Department's evaluation of the work. [5798]
MAFF has no contract with Electrophoretics International (EI) to develop a diagnostic test for BSE. We did, however, have an agreement with EI which was one of collaboration. As required by the terms of this agreement, we wrote to EI on 14 March requesting their agreement in writing to our placing a copy in the Library of the House. EI are currently reviewing their position in the light of their commercial position.Since no work was commissioned by MAFF from EI, no evaluation has been made.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much has been paid to Electrophoretics International by his Department for work on a diagnostic test for BSE. [5802]
No money was paid to Electrophoretics International as the Ministry had not commissioned any work from them.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings took place between his Department and representatives of Electrophoretics International (a) prior to the contract for research into a diagnostic test for BSE being let, (b) during the lifetime of the contract and (c) after the expiry date of the contract; and if he will place copies of the papers and minutes of these meetings in the Library. [5799]
The agreement was signed on 22 December 1995 and has not expired in respect of all its provisions. MAFF officials attended two meetings with Electrophoretics International (EI) representatives prior to the signing of the agreement and two meetings subsequently. This is in addition to contact between scientists from Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Weybridge and EI on research collaboration as provided for in the agreement.Under the terms of the agreement, we would need the consent of EI before papers on such meetings could be placed in the Library of the House.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which (a) companies and (b) other bodies have been commissioned by his Department to undertake research into a diagnostic test for BSE. [5797]
The following organisations have been funded by MAFF to undertake work into finding a diagnostic test for BSE:
- Veterinary Laboratory Agency
- Institute for Animal Health
- Birmingham University
- London Hospital Medical College
- Animal Health Trust
- Moredun Research Institute
- University of Edinburgh
- Institute for Grassland and Environment Research.
Hunt Kennels
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the risk to public health from hunt kennels which are assessed to be unsatisfactory under the BSE enforcement programme. [5669]
No formal assessment has been made of any possible risk to public health arising from failings identified during State Veterinary Service (SVS) audits of the controls under the Specified Bovine Material (SBM) Order 1997. Hunt kennels are required to remove SBM from the carcases of fallen stock which they take from farms and stain and dispatch it under controlled conditions for eventual rendering or incineration. Failings identified by the SVS have related to items such as inadequate staining, storage or record-keeping. These do not pose a risk to public health. Nevertheless immediate remedial action is required to be taken by the operator in all cases, and is subject to a further unannounced visit by the SVS shortly afterwards to check that it has been carried out. Hunt kennels are not permitted to sell for human consumption any of the remainder of the meat recovered from carcases. This is for feeding to the hounds only.
Cumbria Fisheries
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what powers he has in relation to appointments to Cumbria Fisheries. [5823]
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food appoints six members of the Cumbria Sea Fisheries Committee. Five fishermen representing as wide a range of interests and geographical distribution within the District as possible and one person with appropriate environmental expertise, have just been appointed for the four-year period ending on 30 June 2001.
Cattle (Payments)
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of small weight payments to cattle owners. [6082]
Cattle slaughtered under the Over 30 Months Scheme are eligible for a weight-based payment, currently worth just under 65 pence per kilogram, irrespective of their overall weight. With effect from 4 August payments will be restricted to a maximum weight of 560 kg per animal and the rate for cows will be reduced to a little under 58 pence per kilogram.
Cattle Cull (Compensation)
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the disparity in compensation for cull cattle between (a) small cattle, (b) Holsteins and (c) pedigree continental cattle. [6081]
There is no disparity. At present all cattle slaughtered under the Over 30 Months Scheme attract the same rate of compensation per kilogram. However, with effect from 4 August the payment rate for cull cows will be approximately 7 pence per kilogram lower than the rate applying to all other cattle slaughtered under the scheme and payments will be restricted to a maximum weight of 560 kg per animal.
Seed Companies
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the purchase of seed companies by transnational chemical companies. [6003]
Seed production and marketing is increasingly and international business. It is essential that companies have a sufficiently large base to service these needs. I shall continue to monitor the activities of around 1,100 seed merchants, processors and packers who are registered with the Ministry in England and Wales.
Drift Nets
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates he has made of (i) the numbers of (a) whales, (b) dolphins, (c) sharks, (d) turtles and (e) birds caught by accident in drift nets in 1996, and (ii) the percentage of those in each category caught by fishermen of each EU member country; and if he will make a statement. [6004]
The information available is from 1995 when Sea Marnmal Research Unit observers on the nine English boats in the North-east Atlantic high seas tuna drift net fishery observed 62 hauls. Reported by-catch included:
| Number | |
| (a) Whales | 0 |
| Dolphins | 46 (from which figure SMRU estimated that the total by-catch by the UK fleet was 165 dolphins) |
| (c) Turtles | 8(of which 6 were returned alive to the sea) |
| (d) Birds | 9 |
The observers also reported 1,163 sharks caught, but the majority of these were landed and sold. I do not have equivalent figures for captures by the tuna fishing vessels of other countries.
I am currently considering our policy towards high seas drift nets.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make it his policy to press for an EU-wide ban on the use of drift nets; [6006](2) what is his policy in respect of the use of drift nets and the capture of non-target species in such nets. [6008]
It is important to distinguish between the types of drift net in use. Coastal salmon drift nets and other small scale inshore drift nets are not believed to have much, if any, adverse environmental impact. The only high seas drift net fishery in which UK vessels take part is the seasonal North-East Atlantic tuna fishery. There is evidence that these drift nets do capture non-target species.I am currently considering our policy towards high seas drift nets.
| Scheme | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 (To 30 June) |
| Farms Grants2 | 1,095 | 1,655 | 1,086 | 687 | 803 | 60 |
| West Penwith ESA | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 257 |
| Cuntryside Stewardship2 | — | — | — | — | 888 | 223 |
| Objective 5b2 | — | — | — | 116 | 238 | 135 |
| 2 Includes applications and claims for both Devon and Cornwall, Since 1992 all applications and claims for Devon and Cornwall under the Integrated Administration and Control System, the Arable Area Payments Scheme, the Beef Special Premium Scheme, Cattle Passports, the Suckler Cow premium Scheme, the Sheep Annual Premium Scheme, Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances, the Dartmoor and Blackdown Hills ESAs and to her environmental schemes have been processed at the Ministry's Regional Service Centre at Exeter. | ||||||
Food Poisoning
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many incidents of food poisoning have been attributed to the sale and consumption of New York dressed poultry in each of the last five years. [5312]
I have been asked to reply.There is no record of any incident of food poisoning implicating New York dressed poultry during the last five years. Although the majority of food poisoning outbreaks are investigated the cause of infection is not always identified. For single (sporadic) cases it is not feasible to investigate the infective vehicle.
Arable Area Payments Scheme
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many payments of £1 million or more were made under the Arable Area Payments Scheme in 1996. [6300]
Four.
Maff Service Centres
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) which organisations were consulted over his decision to centralise his Department's South West Regional Service Centre's operation at Exeter; [6171](2) what has been the cost of maintaining regional service centre activity in Truro in each year since its establishment in 1992. [6172]
None. We have taken this decision to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department, Maintaining the unit at Truro has cost the taxpayer an additional £100,000 a year (at current prices) since 1992.
Grant Applications (Truro)
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many grant applications have been processed by staff at his Department's Truro office in each year since its establishment in 1992. [6170]
The following numbers of applications and claims have been processed at the Truro office since 1992:
Beaufort's Dyke
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the dumping of radioactive waste in Beaufort's Dyke. [6461]
Documents recently discovered in the Public Record Office show that small quantities of laboratory waste and luminous materials which fall within the definition of low or intermediate level radioactive waste were dumped in Beaufort's Dyke during the 1950s. The "report of the Independent Review of Disposal of Radioactive Waste in the North East Atlantic" by Professor F. G. T. Holliday, which was placed in the library of the House on its publication in 1984 and on which Ministers have relied in answering subsequent questions in this House, makes no reference to such activities.
Naturally it is regretted that the House was given inaccurate information in the past. Copies of the documents have now been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Further searches of the archive records are being undertaken as a matter of urgency and if any new information comes to light we will make it public.
Monitoring undertaken regularly since the early 1960s confirms that this dumping had no measurable effect on radioactivity levels in the area which remain well within internationally agreed safety levels. From 1963 all dumping of radioactive waste was restricted to waters at least 2000m deep and from 1982 the UK ceased all dumping of radioactive waste at sea.