To ask the President of the Council if she will list the names of those who have resigned from the Privy Council since 1967, indicating the reasons they have given. [6481]

Since 1967, Mr. John Stonehouse and Mr. Jonathan Aitken have asked for their names to be removed from the list of Privy Counsellors. In both cases, the reasons given were personal.

To ask the President of the Council if she will arrange for the yellow Demand Form for European Printed Papers to include reports, recommendations, resolutions and orders adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. [7105]

The yellow Demand Form lists only titles which are held in stock in the Vote Office. Stocks of publications from the Council of Europe are not held but copies may be ordered through the Vote Office by use of the green Demand Form. Reference copies of many such publications are held in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what was the cost of the alterations to the division lobbies. [6948]

The total cost of the alterations to the division lobbies was sonic £2,500.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints (a) his Department and (b) electoral registration offices received from those whose names did not appear on registration lists for the last General Election; and if he will make a statement. [6020]

[holding answer 1 July 1997]:(a) We have received around 400 complaints about non-registration for the last General Election. (b) Information on the number of complaints received by electoral registration officers is not compiled centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of homeless people who fail to qualify for electoral registration because of the residence requirement; and if he will make a statement. [6013]

[holding answer 1 July 1997]: Information on the number of homeless people who are not included on the electoral register is not available. The guidance issued to electoral registration officers makes it clear that no one should be denied the right to register simply because they are homeless. Although an elector must be registered at an address at which he or she is resident, that address need not be a conventional one.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if category A prisoners will be housed in Altcourse Prison. [7046]

It is planned that Altcourse prison, Liverpool, will house up to 25 category A prisoners.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persistent young offenders in Bolton, West he estimates will be affected by the Government's plans for fast-track punishment. [6474]

It is not possible to give an estimate of how many persistent young offenders in Bolton, West will be affected by the Government's commitment to halving the time between arrest and sentence for persistent young offenders. We are taking early action to encourage all youth agencies to deal with cases more speedily and will be monitoring progress in achieving this aim.We also believe that certainty and speed of outcome will send a clear message which will help deter some youngsters from offending. We are also encouraging the police and local authorities together to assess accurately the level of crime and disorder affecting the public in their area as a basis for a strategic partnership. It is hoped that this will provide a more accurate assessment of youth crime than basing a local estimate on an extrapolation from national averages.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to expand the number of non-custodial schemes to divert convicted youths from further crime. [5544]

[holding answer 7 July 1997]: It is the Government's policy to "nip things in the bud" with young offenders. For example, we have signalled an intention that offenders will be punished by ending the practice of repeat police cautions, introducing a new Final Warning which will trigger effective intervention by the new locally based Youth Offender Teams.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to implement Part III of the Police Act 1997. [6926]

We will implement these provisions as quickly as possible, but a number of issues need to be addressed first. In particular, Part III cannot be implemented until a code of practice has been approved by Parliament. I hope to announce shortly the start of a consultation exercise on a draft of the code.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has evaluated of the illegal use of the drug Rohypnol; and what plans he has to warn people of the dangers of this drug. [6920]

Rohypnol (which is the proprietary name for the benzodiazepine drug flunitrazepam) is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a Class C drug. Statistical data on seizures and offenders and on those presenting for treatment do not separately identify Class C drugs, but there is anecdotal evidence of the misuse of flunitrazepam in Scotland and in the London area. There were three police seizures of the drug reported to the Forensic Science Service in 1996 which implies that there is little flunitrazepam misuse in the United Kingdom.In accordance with a decision by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs to control flunitrazepam more tightly under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971, we intend bringing forward later this year amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985 to increase the controls on the drug in the United Kingdom.Government funded publicity campaigns about the risks of drug misuse warn of the dangers associated with the benzodiazepines, such as valium and temazepam, generally. There are no current plans to highlight this particular drug within these campaigns.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve the facilities in attendance centres. [6921]

Attendance centres are operated from accommodation rented from local authorities, usually schools, with the centre making use of the facilities available at the location. The Officer in Charge of the centre can apply to the Home Office for funds to purchase additional equipment to ensure that the centre is able to offer a constructive and challenging regime.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the guidance given to the police on the use of CS gas. [6923]

We will review guidance to chief officers on the use of CS for dealing with public disorder in the light of any proposals resulting from current consideration of the subject by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). Guidance to chief police officers on the use of CS spray for self-defence is issued by ACPO, which keep it under continuous review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many serious youth-led urban disturbances have occurred in the United Kingdom in the past 10 years; and when and where each such disturbance occurred. [7049]

The information is not available in the form requested. The available information indicates that serious disturbances have occurred at:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend SI 1975/1023 relating to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. [6925]

I expect to lay a new Exceptions Order before the House by the end of this year. This will replace SI 1975/1023, rationalise the present categories of exceptions and include those new ones that meet the criteria of:

national security;

the protection of particularly vulnerable members of society, such as the handicapped, elderly, young or sick;

maintaining confidence in the administration of the law and in certain licensing systems; and

ensuring probity in the areas of banking and financial services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment his Department has made of the advantages of a trial use of large print ballot papers and braille templates for elections; and what meetings officials from his Department have held with organisations representing blind and partially sighted people to discuss this issue. [6454]

Officials from this Department last met representatives of the Royal National Institute for the blind (RNIB) on 20 March 1997 to discuss proposals to help blind and partially sighted voters to vote in person. RNIB's clear print guidelines, which include advice on the use of large print and the typeface for ballot papers, were circulated by the Home Office to Acting Returning Officers in February. There is no provision in legislation for the use of templates carrying the details of candidates in braille and large print, to be used in conjunction with the ballot paper available to all other voters at the polling station. Further research would be required to test the practical and timetabling implications of such templates and to ensure that they could be used without becoming subject to error or abuse.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will assess the advantages of introducing legislation to increase the penalties for drunken driving and related offences; [6619](2) if he will increase the penalties for drivers exceeding the permissible limits for alcohol in the blood. [6620]

The offence of driving when unfit through drink attracts a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment or a fine of £5,000 or both, obligatory disqualification and endorsement of the offender's driving licence. Driving with excess alcohol in the blood attracts the same maximum penalty. We have no plans to increase these penalties or the maximum penalties for related offences.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to ensure that (a) his officials and (b) police forces provide detailed information to firearms certificate holders about the levels of compensation they are entitled to receive for handguns and handgun accessories surrendered in accordance with the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. [7126]

By now, all firearm certificate holders and registered dealers should have received from their local police force copies of an information pack, including the full text and annexes to the Compensation Scheme as debated and approved by Parliament on 9 June. The levels of compensation are clearly set out in these documents. The pack also includes the claim form, a leaflet on how to complete the form and advice on where and when to surrender their weapons. In addition, the Home Office has written to clubs about the arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) pursuant to his answer of 26 June, Official Report, column 574, how many convictions for perjury since 1979 resulted in (a) a custodial sentence, (b) a fine and (c) a conditional discharge; [6426](2) pursuant to his answer of 26 June,

The table below shows a breakdown of the number of convictions for perjury offences by type of sentence given.Court data held centrally by the Home Office do not separately identify actions for defamation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans his Department has to introduce voting points in residential homes, sheltered housing and hospitals at elections on a trial basis. [6455]

We have no plans to do so at this time.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will define the roles of (a) the Royal Fine Art Commission and (b) English Heritage in commenting on major proposals for new buildings in historically and environmentally sensitive areas. [6634]

Local planning authorities were advised in a DoE letter of 17 March 1997 to seek the advice of the Royal Fine Art Commission (RFAC) on development schemes of national or major regional importance. The Royal Fine Art Commission is able to examine about 140 such schemes each year, not all of which have an impact on historic environments. The Royal Fine Art Commission will examine the design quality of a building itself and its impact on its surroundings. Its recommendations have no statutory force but there is a good record of their being adopted.English Heritage is the Government's statutory adviser on the management of the historic environment in England. Local Authorities are advised in PPG 15 to consult English heritage on all planning applications for developments affecting the setting of grade I and II

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage for which seaside piers national lottery funding has been applied for; which have been successful; and what amounts have been allocated to those successful applicants. [7182]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 4 July 1997, Official Report, column 292.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by his Department which has not been passed on to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [7209]

[holding answer 8 July 1997]: The oldest document, dated 1895/6, comprises loose correspondence and drawings relating to the erection of a memorial in Windsor Castle. These were recently found in my Department and will shortly be transferred to the Public Record Office or the Royal Archivist. There is only one other registered record of papers over 30 years old retained by this Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on the absence of terrestrial television coverage of the British Lions tour of South Africa; and if this represents a breakdown of the unbundling agreement between the satellite and terrestrial television broadcasters. [7153]

I understand that the South African Rugby Union own the television rights to the British Lions tour of South Africa. Consequently those rights were not covered by the voluntary code of conduct for the broadcasting of sports events which a number of UK sports organisations have adopted. However, rights to show highlights of the matches were acquired by S4C. The review of listed events will need to assess the effectiveness of the voluntary arrangements for unbundling the various types of broadcasting rights as a substitute form of access to some events.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will publish his Department's submissions relating to freedom of information legislation. [6033]

[holding answer 2 July 1997]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 4 July 1997, Official Report, columns 293–94.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to discuss with English Heritage ways in which greater regional input can be achieved in respect of its grant-making procedures. [6575]

None at present. Though English Heritage's Conservation staff are based in London, they are organised in regional teams, spend much time in those regions, and liaise closely with local authorities and Government Offices for the Regions.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the response by local authorities to the new arrangements for the funding of dance and drama students; and if he will make a statement. [6927]

On 6 March the Arts Council of England announced the terms of its interim scheme for assisting the funding of professional training for dance and drama students. The scheme is administered by the Arts Council which is monitoring the level of response by local authorities to the new arrangements. As at 2 July the Council had received responses from 44 local education authorities, of which 30 had confirmed that they intended to participate in the scheme or had agreed to provide awards, and a further four were still considering their position.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals he has for additional public funding for the Royal Parks. [5888]

My Department is reviewing all its expenditure within the overall spending plans set by the previous Government for 1997–98 and 1998–99. Spending on the Royal Parks will be considered alongside the Department's other responsibilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on his Department's timetable for dealing with the Year 2000 Computer Problem; who is in charge of the project; how many staff are working on it; what is the projected cost of resolving the problem; and whether the project is on schedule. [7134]

The Department of National Heritage is currently auditing all computer systems that it uses for Year 2000 compliance. This audit should be complete by the autumn and it is intended to complete any remedial work by the summer of 1998. The project is being managed by the Department's Information Systems Branch with one member of staff co-ordinating the work which is being carried out by Sema Group, the Department's outsourced service provider. The Department is making use of the recent guidance from CCTA "Tackling the Year 2000". The cost of resolving the problem will be known by the autumn. The project is currently on schedule.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will take steps to cancel the debt of poor countries. [7233]

The Government is pushing for full and rapid implementation of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. We believe that debt relief should accompany a wider commitment by debtors to create the conditions necessary for sustainable economic growth and lasting poverty reduction. The Government has already forgiven over £1.2 billion of old loans to many of the poorest countries. We will be prepared to consider cancelling aid loans to other low-income countries where necessary, on a case-by-case basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the role of the UN Industrial Development Organisation. [7188]

During the last four years UNIDO has undertaken a comprehensive and impressive reform programme. Fundamental change has been made, substantial staff reductions achieved and new management procedures introduced. I greatly welcome these changes and it is because of these changes that I announced on 3 July our decision to remain a member of UNIDO.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what are her future plans in respect of support for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. [7189]

We will continue to support the process of narrowing and refocusing UNIDO'S activities into high priority areas which meet the changing needs of developing countries.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons aged under 25 years in the constituency of Stoke-on-Trent, North and nationally (a) are registered unemployed and (b) have never been employed. [6863]

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.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list by department the total amount allocated to tackling problems relating to drugs for the five most recent years for which figures are available. [4798]

The Treasury does not yet hold this data centrally and information on total Government and individual departments' expenditure on tackling drug misuse is not recorded on an annual basis. The Government recognises the importance of greater clarity of information relating to drugs related issues and will therefore be appointing a "drug czar" to co-ordinate action against drugs. The drug czar will he working to the President of the Council as Chair of the Cabinet's co-ordinating committee on drug misuse. One of his or her first tasks will be to review urgently the existing drugs strategy, and put forward proposals for tackling the problem with renewed vigour. This review will include evaluating current Government expenditure.The most recently available estimates we currently hold were published in the White Paper "Tackling Drugs Together" in May 1995. They show that at least £526 million of expenditure in 1993–94 could be directly attributable to drug programmes and activities across the UK.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his Department's policy on equalising the treatment of sexes in respect of the bereavement allowance; and if he will make a statement. [6320]

[holding answer 1 July 1997]: There are no plans to extend the widows bereavement allowance to widowers.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the rates of insurance premium tax charged on travel insurance sold by (a) travel agents and (b) other outlets. [7184]

As is usual with new tax measures, the impact of the higher rate of insurance premium tax of 17.5 per cent. which front 1 April 1997 has been applied to certain specified insurance sales, including travel insurance sold by travel agents and tour operators, will be kept under review.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will establish a review of the imposition of VAT charged on tourist rates for hotel accommodation. [7257]

VAT is payable under EC legislation on hotel accommodation, and this is accurately reflected in United Kingdom law.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual loss of revenue to the British Exchequer from the requirement under the UK/Danish Double Taxation Convention and Protocol that retired Danish citizens permanently resident in the United Kingdom pay only Danish tax upon their Danish pensions. [6449]

[holding answer 8 July 1997]: The Double Taxation Convention and Protocol permit Denmark to charge its normal tax regime on pensions paid to persons in the UK who formerly lived in Denmark. The UK will allow credit for that Danish tax when assessing the pension to UK tax. The cost to the UK exchequer will be negligible, because of the small number of pensioners who will be affected.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the Commission of the European Union that double taxation conventions between member states be harmonised.[6447]

[holding answer 8 July 1997]: I have received no such representations.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the harmonising of double taxation conventions between the United Kingdom and other EU nations. [6448]

[holding answer 8 July 1997]: Bilateral double taxation agreements are a matter for the member states concerned. There is no process of harmonisation of double taxation conventions between the United Kingdom and other EU nations under way, nor is there a need for any such harmonisation.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of public expenditure per head of population in each of the constituent nations of the United Kingdom in the most recent year for which figures are available. [6655]

[holding answer 8 July 1997]: The latest breakdown of expenditure per head of population for countries of the UK was published in table 7.1 of the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 1997–98, Cm 3601.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the Ministers who (a) gave interviews to (b) made statements to and (c) answered questions from journalists or representatives of the Financial Times in the period of 48 hours before the Budget Statement. [7265]

[holding answer 8 July 1997]: No Treasury Minister gave interviews to, made statements to or answered questions from journalists or representatives of the Financial Times in the 48 hours before the Budget Statement.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Inland Revenue staff will be required to administer and collect the windfall tax. [7387]

[holding answer 8 July 1997]: The additional staffing requirement will be negligible.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the latest list of major signed PFI/Public Private Partnerships deals; and if he will update that list at regular intervals. [7903]

I will arrange for the list to be placed in the Library, and for it to be updated every six months.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made towards providing redress for the victims of misselling of personal pensions. [7904]

In my earlier reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Ham (Mr. Timms) on 24 June, Official Report, columns 454–55 I undertook to publish information each month about the cases handled by the 24 firms which have most cases to review. These are the firms for which the regulators (the Securities and Investments Board and the Personal Investment Authority) have published targets for completion of case reviews. Below is a table containing the information provided to me by these firms about progress with their casework to end June.The figures in the table, which are those submitted by the 24 firms themselves, provide a benchmark from which future progress can be measured.The volume of cases cleared is extremely disappointing. All the firms in the table have a great deal more work to do. Some appear hardly to have begun.It is now imperative that all firms—not just these 24—which have sold personal pensions should make serious efforts to improve their performance in completing their caseloads. This is not only in the interests of their customers but also of their own reputations with the general public. The regulators will continue to monitor the firms' performance against the targets they have been set.I will decide once I have seen some further figures to measure progress what further action may be called for.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will review the operation of the small claims procedure in respect of the requirement for cases to be heard in the place of residence of the person against whom a claim is being pursued. [6579]

There is, in fact, no such requirement. In the county courts, liquidated claims are transferred to the defendant's home court on receipt of a defence. However, the plaintiff may apply for the claim to be returned to a court more convenient to him or her. The Lord Chancellor's Department is undertaking consultation on judicial case management, of which choice of venue is one element. Comments are sought by 26 September 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the costs and benefits of extending the relaxation of the 16 hour rule to all adults unemployed for (a) more than six months, (b) more than 12 months and (c) more than 18 months. [7111]

No such assessment has been made. The New Deal announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 3 July will provide a range of quality options for unemployed people to help them make the transition back into work, with a strong emphasis on the importance of education and training.The New Deal for people aged 25 and over, who have been unemployed for two years or more will include opportunities for full-time study while receiving JSA.In addition, and subject to Parliamentary approval, we will be expanding Workskill Pilots to four more areas of Britain so that those unemployed for six months or more will be able to take up education or training and remain on Jobseeker's Allowance. The pilots will provide us with valuable information on the extent to which allowing people to study on benefit affects their chances of gaining and remaining in employment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that primary school teachers are fully able to teach technology to five to eight-year-olds; and if he will make a statement. [7055]

The Government has announced that proceeds from the National Lottery will be made available to support in-service training for teachers in information technology. On 26 June I announced new requirements for initial teacher training, which will require all newly qualified teachers to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of information technology, and asked the Teacher Training Agency to develop a curriculum for information technology in initial teacher training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he has been able to determine the public notice issued by the Governors of the Deal Parochial CE Voluntary Aided Primary School (Kent) on 20 June 1996 to reduce the standard number from 40 to 27. [7262]

The application is still under consideration, but a decision is expected shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by local education authority the (a) numbers and (b) percentages of pupils according to the January 1997 Form 7 for (i) key stage 1 and (ii) key stage 2 in classes of (1) 31 or more, (2) 35 or more and (3) 40 or more; and if he will list the corresponding figures for 1996. [6559]

The available information is shown in a table, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children throughout England and Wales with severe learning disabilities have been excluded from schools on (a) a temporary and (b) a permanent basis (i) at present and (ii) in the last 12 months. [6621]

In 1994–95 some 1,800 pupils with statements of special educational need were permanently excluded from schools in England. Details of exclusions in 1995–96 are currently being collated and will be available later in the year. Information of fixed period exclusions is not collected centrally.Data on exclusions from schools in Wales are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [5310]

Membership of the European Round Table of Industrialists, the Competitiveness Advisory Group and the Transatlantic Business Dialogue is on a personal basis. No advisers to this Department have reported membership of these bodies.Membership of the European Centre for Infrastructure Studies, the Association for the Monetary Union of Europe, the Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe, Europa Bio and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development is on a corporate basis. Representatives from companies and organisations involved with these groups may advise Departments from time to time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement of British relations with Bermuda. [6937]

Britain has an excellent relationship with Bermuda—its oldest and now its most populous Dependent Territory. Although Bermuda is self-governing, Britain has retained responsibility for its external affairs and security. Independence, which was rejected in a referendum held in 1995, remains a matter for the Bermudian people to decide.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response the Government have made to the international plutonium disposition initiatives undertaken by President Clinton's administration; and if he will make a statement. [7317]

International expert discussions on the disposal of surplus US and Russian military plutonium have concluded that the two most promising options are the conversion of plutonium into MOX (mixed oxide of both plutonium and uranium) fuel and its subsequent consumption in nuclear power reactors, and the immobilisation of plutonium through vitrification. The UK was involved in these discussions and supports these conclusions. Future discussions are likely to focus on the most effective means of implementing these disposal options in the US and Russia. The UK will continue to participate fully in international consideration of this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which words (a) are in the Social Agreement attached to Protocol 14 of the treaty on Economic Union signed at Maastricht and have not been transposed into the social chapter of the draft Treaty of Amsterdam and (b) have been added to draft articles in that draft treaty and do not appear in the current Social Agreement; and what are the reasons for the changes specified in (a) and (b) above. [7378]

A copy of the draft Treaty of Amsterdam has been placed in the libraries of the House. The Social provisions, which incorporate the Social Agreement, are on pages 59–66 (Articles 117–120). The changes that have been made to the Social Agreement text are intended to: incorporate elements of the existing Articles 117–120 TEC; replace co-operation with co-decision as the mechanism for consulting the European Parliament when legislation is adopted by QMV; allow the adoption by QMV of measures to encourage co-operation between Member States on combatting social exclusion; slightly broaden the provisions on the equality of men and women.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the outstanding issues delaying the setting up of a permanent joint council between NATO and Russia; and when the inaugural meeting will take place. [7258]

The NATO/Russia Founding Act which was signed on 27 May provided for the establishment of a NATO/Russia Joint Permanent Council as a forum for members of the Alliance and Russia to discuss matters of European security. The Act provides for the Council to meet within four months of signature. We expect the inaugural meeting to take place before the end of September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the consequence for the excluded European countries of US and British decisions to support a limited enlargement of NATO. [7259]

Decisions on the membership of NATO are taken collectively by The Alliance. NATO's door will remain open to the applicant countries not invited to begin accession negotiations in Madrid. We are determined that NATO enlargement will not mean a reduction in security for others or the creation of new dividing lines in Europe.NATO's 27 Partner countries will also benefit from the new opportunities for cooperation provided by the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the enhanced Partnership for Peace Programme. These encourage Partner countries to draw closer to the Alliance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he has made with his review of the mechanics and detailed criteria used in the issuing of licences for exports of conventional arms; and when he expects to reach conclusions on individual countries. [7240]

The review of detailed criteria used in considering licence applications to export conventional arms, which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 22 May, Official Report, column 135, is being taken forward as a matter of urgency. The new criteria will be made available to the House when the review is complete. The aim of the review is not to focus on individual countries but to draw up criteria applicable to all destinations.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on his Department's timetable for dealing with the Year 2000 Computer problem; who is in charge of the project; how many staff are working on it; what is the projected cost of resolving the problem; and whether the project is on schedule. [7139]

Whilst the Year 2000 Computer problem effect on computer systems generally may be significant, within the Cabinet Office and its Agencies, it is likely to be minimal. It has therefore not been necessary to establish a project team to deal with the issue.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she has taken to review the existing criteria in determining eligibility for European Union regional aid; and if he will make a statement. [5376]

[holding answer 26 June 1997]: The regulations setting out the criteria for eligibility for the European Structural and Cohesion Funds are due to be re-examined before the end of 1999 by the Council of Ministers, acting on proposals from the Commission. The Commission are likely to give an initial indication of their ideas for the future of the Funds in a communication in July, with detailed proposals for amending the regulations coming at a later date. The Government is looking for a package which is affordable, simple and more efficient, and fair.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade in which departments the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe has private offices; how many officials are employed in those private offices; and if she will list his special advisers. [5998]

[holding answer 30 June 1997]: The Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe, Lord Simon, has one private office which serves him in both the DTI and in the Treasury. The private office consists of a Private Secretary, and Assistant Private Secretary, a Diary Secretary, a Correspondence Manager and a Personal Secretary. Lord Simon has office facilities in both departments. He has no political advisers.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what part her Department will play in the Strategic Defence Review, with particular reference to representing the interests of manufacturing industry. [5630]

[holding answer 1 July 1997]: Several departments and other interested bodies will be involved in the Government's Strategic Defence Review. My Department will participate fully in aspects where the competitiveness of UK industry, and its contribution to the wider economy, arc being considered.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will take steps to ensure that Euratom does nto impede the work of the IAEA in carrying out its verification inspections. [6402]

My Department will continue to work closely with the IAEA and Euratom in order that nuclear safeguards inspections are undertaken in an effective and cost efficient manner which enables each inspectorate to draw its own independent conclusions.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the minimum quantity of fissile material that would be required for a criticality in an underground nuclear waste repository. [6403]

The minimum quantity of fissile material required for criticality in an underground nuclear repository would be the same as that in any other nuclear facility. This quantity is dependent on a number of factors including the geometry of the fissile material, the presence of moderating materials which reduce the velocity of neutrons, the presence of reflecting materials retaining neutrons within the system, and the presence of materials such as uranium-238, iron, and calcium, which absorb neutrons.Limits and conditions of authorisation for any repository being developed in the UK would be based on "Guidance on Requirements for Authorisation" which has been issued by the Environment Agencies. This states that a developer would "need to demonstrate that the possibility of a local accumulation of fissile material such as to produce a neutron chain reaction is not a significant concern." This would be achieved by e.g. the establishment of fissile material limits on waste packages, constraints on packaging, provision of backfill and the maintenance of a high pH to suppress the solubility of plutonium.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received in support of the licensing of car boot sales. [6444]

My Department has received one representation about car boot sales since the election. ITSA and LACOTS have also made me aware of concerns about certain practices. I am of course willing to consider any further representations that are made. Car boot sales can raise a number of different issues, some of which would come within the responsibility of other Government Departments.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what reports she has received from the British Antarctic Survey on the rate of temperature rises and the effect on ice melting. [6345]

holding answer 3 July 1997]: All of the climatically sensitive ice shelves on the Antarctic Peninsula have suffered major disintegration, which is significant and unique within recorded history and results from the fact that summer temperatures now regularly exceed 0°C. Given a continued warming, the ice shelves are predicted to disintegrate further in the coming decades.The British Antarctic Survey has continuous records which begin in the 1940s and show a warming of 0.5°C per decade in the Antarctic Peninsula. This is interpreted to be a regional effect, and has not been observed to the same extent elsewhere in Antarctica. It will he some time before it can he established whether these observed trends are part of a wider manifestation of global warming.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals she has to consult industrialists over the proposals contained in the EU green paper on a European patent system based on a single patent application; and if she will make a statement. [7048]

The European Commission's Green Paper is in the form of a questionnaire seeking views from European industry, including that of the United Kingdom, on a wide range of issues concerning the development of the patent system in Europe. We are taking steps to ensure that UK industry is aware of the Commission's initiative so that it can make its views known to the Commission and at the same time advise the Department of its position. The Green Paper will be discussed by the Standing Advisory Committee on Industrial Property which was established so that not only industrialists, representing large to small industries, but also consumer representatives and legal and professional bodies can advise the Government on all aspects of industrial property policy.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of a recent report, a copy of which has been sent to her, in respect of the imposition of margins by newspaper publishers and the reduction in the amount of space available for minority titles; and if she will make a statement. [6945]

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has recently received copies of reports from the Committee for Diversity and Pluralism and the National Federation of Retail Newsagents. All those with concerns about the distribution of magazines and newspapers must make them known to the Director General of Fair Trading. It is for the Director General to consider whether action under the competition legislation is appropriate.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many set off cases she has approved in the liquidation of BCCI; what is the total amount outstanding in respect of such cases; and what representations she has received on this subject. [7051]

The application of the rules as regards mutual credits and set off, set out in Rule 4.90 of The Insolvency Rules 1986 is mandatory in any liquidation and is not subject to any form of official approval. Once an account has been taken of what is due to and from the liquidating company as a result of mutual dealings the process of set off is automatic.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans the Government have to support the solar energy industry in the United Kingdom. [7345]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke on Trent, North (Ms Walley) on 10 June 1997. Official Report, column 417.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by her Department which has not been passed on to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [7207]

[holding answer 8 July 1997]: The earliest known file, selected for the Public Record Office, but still retained in the Department under the provisions of the Public Records Act 1958 for the retention of records on grounds of continuing sensitivity, is dated 1952, title: Atomic Energy Board: minutes and papers.The general arrangements for retaining public records are set out in Chapter 9 of the White Paper Open Government of July 1993 (Cm 2290).

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Government intends to publish its plans for the future of the Post Office; and if she will make a statement. [7651]

It is too early yet to say when the review of the Post Office will he completed or when we will he in a position to announce our future plans.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what decisions were taken at the EU Ministerial Council on the Internal Market on 21 May; and what matters were voted upon. [7983]

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe represented the UK at the Internal Market Council in Brussels on 21 May.The Council reached political agreement by qualified majority voting on proposals on the free movement of lawyers and in vitro diagnostic medical devices. A Common Position was agreed by qualified majority on a proposal on foodstuffs treated with ionising radiation.The Council discussed the Single Market Action Plan, Legislative Simplification, Reform of Customs Transit Regime, European Company Statute, Electronic Commerce, the Green Paper on Public Procurement and, in Any Other Business, attacks on Spanish produce in France, anti-dumping duties on cotton fabric and medical device safety.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the outcome of the EC Telecommunications Council on 27 June. [7982]

I represented the UK at the Telecommunications Council held in Luxembourg on 27 June.The Council agreed a resolution on the further development of a policy for numbering in the European Community. Following European Commission presentations, the Council adopted conclusions on three Commission communications: on the further development of mobile and wireless communications in Europe (universal mobile telecommunications systems); a Commission action plan for satellite communications; and on implementation by Member States of Community legislation in the telecommunications sector. There were also lunchtime presentations by the Commission on its communication on the World Radiocommunications Conference 1997, and on its interim report on Member States' initiatives concerning illegal and harmful content on the internet.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she intends to allocate ministerial responsibility for trade associations. [2870]

The Minister for science, energy and industry, John Battle MP, is responsible for policy towards trade associations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the Defence Review will cover the Defence Postal and Courier Services of the Royal Logistic Corps; how many commissioned ranks there are in the Defence Postal and Courier Services; what is the number in each rank; and what are the corresponding figures for an average line regiment; [6768](2) how many disciplinary cases within the Defence Postal and Courier Services have been initiated by military line management against civilian Defence couriers in each of the past 10 years; [6769](3) for what reason civilian staff in the Defence Postal and Courier Services have been replaced by serving military personnel; and how many posts which fell vacant in the past two years were filled by serving military personnel instead of civilian (service retired) personnel. [6767]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Postal and Courier Services. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals the Government have to improve co-operation with the United Kingdom defence industry. [6463]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 June to the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness (Mr. Hutton) (Official Report, column 78).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Challenger 2 tanks have been (a) ordered from the manufacturer, (b) delivered and (c) accepted for service. [6667]

Three hundred and eighty-six Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks have been ordered from Vickers plc. To date 36 have been delivered and these have been accepted for service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the number of low-flying sorties over Scotland. [6984]

As reported to the House on 20 March (Official Report, column 860), Scotland has received less military low flying than most other parts of the United Kingdom. The geographic distribution of this activity is reviewed annually.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many operational low-flying sorties were authorised in (a) the Highlands, (b) Argyll and Bute and (c) Scotland in each of the last 12 months. [6985]

Operational low flying is only permitted in three specially designated Tactical Training Areas (TTAs) located in the Borders (which covers southern Scotland and part of northern England and is called Low Flying Area 20T), northern Scotland (called Low Flying Area 14T) and central Wales (Low Flying Area 7T). Argyll and Bute is not located within a TTA and does not see operational low flying. The numbers of operational low flying movements, which equate to sorties in this context, authorised in each of the last 12 months are detailed below. Figures for the movements flown within the part of LFA 20T in Scotland are not recorded separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to reduce the need for low-flying sorties through the use of flight simulators. [6986]

Flight simulators are extensively used in training but at present they can only complement, not replace, actual experience of low flying. We do, however, continue to monitor closely all developments in simulator technology.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next expects to meet German Ministers to discuss the Eurofighter project. [6684]

I can assure the hon. Member that very close and frequent contact at ministerial level has been and will be maintained with German Defence Ministers on Eurofighter. The Government is determined to secure a four nation commitment to move to the production phase of the Eurofighter programme as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the pensions of Ghurka soldiers who have served in the British Army. [7348]

Pensions paid to ex-British Army Gurkhas are regularly reviewed. Each year both new and existing pensions are increased in line with the rate of inflation in Nepal. This review, which is currently being undertaken, is effective from April each year. In addition to this, and in accordance with our responsibilities under the Tri-Partite Agreement 1947 which links the pensions paid to ex-British Army Gurkhas to pensions paid in the Indian Army, pensions paid to our Gurkhas are reviewed in the light of any changes that the Indian Army may make to ensure that equity of treatment is maintained. The results of the latest 10 year review undertaken by the Indian Government are expected to be announced later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many executive positions there are in each Scottish health trust; and what the salary is for each post. [2670]

[holding answer 11 June 1997]: Information relating to current salary of Executive Directors at Board level is shown in the table below, starting with the Chief Executive. Full information is already given in many Trust Annual Reports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Coal Authority will transfer the cleared Monktonhall Colliery Site to the ownership of Midlothian Council. [6774]