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Written Answers

Volume 298: debated on Tuesday 15 July 1997

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Written Answers To Questions

Tuesday 15 July 1997

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Israel

Mr. Garnier

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed the case of Mordechai Vanunu with the Foreign Minister of Israel; when he next plans to discuss this case with the Foreign Minister of Israel; and if he will make a statement on the Government's policy with regard to the conviction and imprisonment of Mordechai Vanunu. [6311]

Mr. Fatchett

[holding answer 1 July 1997]: I have not yet had the opportunity to meet the Foreign Minister of Israel, and there is no meeting planned in the immediate future.We have no formal standing to intervene in this case as there is no evidence of any illegality prior to Mr. Vanunu's departure from the United Kingdom. However, we do take opportunities to raise with the Israeli authorities the matter of Vanunu's solitary confinement: this was done most recently on 1 July, with the Israeli Ambassador.

Amsterdam Treaty

Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 7 July, Official Report, column 330, what rules of procedure governed the (a) Amsterdam summit and (b) preceding IGCs in the last five years; what rules of procedure govern other international Heads of Government meetings attended by the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [8536]

Mr. Doug Henderson

Intergovernmental Conferences to consider amendments to the treaties are governed by Article N of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and are conducted by consensus. Beyond this, there are no formal rules of procedure for European Council meetings. It is for the incumbent Presidency to decide how to conduct summits.Other international heads of government meetings, such as meetings of NATO and the Commonwealth, are similarly not governed by formal rules of procedure.

Gibraltar

Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 7 July, Official Report, column 1331, on briefing the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, if he will make it his policy to consult the Gibraltar Government before matters of interest to Gibraltar are considered in any European Council. [8754]

Mr. Doug Henderson

It is already the policy of Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar on issues of interest to Gibraltar in the EU.

Prime Minister

Budget

Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Prime Minister if a Minister authorised confirmation of any details of the Budget to the media in advance of the Chancellor's Budget statement. [8871]

The Prime Minister

I have nothing further to add to the replies that I gave to the right hon. Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague) on 2 July, Official Report, columns 288–89.

Lord Chancellor's Department

"Mental Incapacity"

Mr. Berry

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has for further consultation on the recommendations of the Law Commission's report "Mental Incapacity" (Law Com. No. 231); and over what period. [8696]

Mr. Hoon

The Government recognises the importance of clarifying the law in this area to provide a clear framework for those involved in making decisions on behalf of incapacitated adults and to ensure that the welfare and interests of the incapacitated person are adequately protected. It is hoped that progress will be made on the subject at an early opportunity.

Asylum Seekers

Mr. Baker

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what changes he plans to make to the qualifying criteria for legal aid as it affects asylum seekers. [8706]

Mr. Hoon

Sir Peter Middleton is currently reviewing all aspects of the provision of legal aid. He will produce a preliminary report in September. It would be premature to comment further. The Legal Aid Board is reviewing how the existing test is applied in practice, to make sure that legal aid reaches those, but only those, whose cases merit it.

Home Department

Hendon Police Station

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the closure of Hendon police station; and if he will make a statement. [7546]

Mr. Michael

I have received no representations concerning the closure of Hendon police station. I understand that as long ago as 1992, the Metropolitan Police's building strategy identified the need for a new police station in the London Borough of Barnet and a new Area Headquarters for 2 Area. The investment of an £8.8 million new building was based on relinquishment of other now redundant police buildings, leading to a review of policing strategy and tactics in the Borough. The findings were published as "Policing Barnet 2000", which included recommendations to amalgamate the Golders Green and West Hendon Divisions and to close Hendon police station due to its age, running costs and usage.I understand that the closure of Hendon police station has been set for 15 October. Colindale police station, which replaces Hendon and is a charging station as well as being the new 2 Area Headquarters, opened on 10 March.

Members' Interests

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what occasions (a) Ministers and (b) officials have refused to (i) arrange and (ii) attend meetings with hon. Members to discuss matters relating to interests registered by those hon. Members under categories 1, 2, 3, 4(b), 8 and 9 in the Register of Members' Interests. [8089]

Mr. Straw

The First Report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm 2850) made it clear that, when hon. Members are meeting Ministers or others on topics in which they have an interest, the onus is on the hon. Member to declare that interest not the Minister to know (paragraph 63 of Cm 2850). It is not practicable for Ministers and officials, amongst their other duties, to vet requests for meetings against the Register of Members' Interests. Should evidence of non-declaration emerge, or contravention of the Resolution of the House relating to delegations to Ministers, the matter would be brought to the attention of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department refuse requests from hon. Members to (i) arrange and (ii) attend meetings relating to interests held by those hon. Members under categories 1, 2, 3, 4(b), 8 and 9 in the Register of Members' Interests. [8086]

Mr. Straw

The First Report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm 2850) recognised the value of enabling hon. Members to retain interests outside the House, provided these were properly declared, both in the Register of Members' Interests and on other occasions. Subject to these requirements, and to the rules of the House relating to delegations to Ministers, hon. Members are free to seek meetings with Ministers and officials, who will consider such requests alongside the many other approaches from individuals and organisations concerned to press their own interests or those of others.

Commercial Lobbyists

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what dates since 1 May (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have met commercial lobbyists to discuss matters relating to the business of his Department; and if he will introduce a register of such meetings; [8087]

(2) on what dates since 1 May (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have attended meetings with organisations representing (i) commercial and (ii) non-commercial interests organised by commercial lobbying firms; and if he will introduce a register of such meetings. [8088]

Mr. Straw

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister explained in response to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn), on 2 June, Official Report, column 99, Ministers and officials in the Department receive deputations from many groups who are concerned to press their own interests or those of their clients, which Ministers and officials take due care to consider within the wider public interest and Government policy. It is not practicable to distinguish particular groups as lobbyists, not least because some reputable and representative bodies themselves use the services of commercial lobbyists to advise them on government relations. Ministers are however always ready to provide information on meetings held with outside bodies.

Closed Circuit Television

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the local authorities who applied for but failed to receive assistance for the installation of CCTV in (a) 1994–95, (b) 1995–96 and (c) 1996–97; [7914](2) if he will list the local authorities who received assistance for the installation of CCTV in

(a) 1994–95, (b) 1995–96 and (c) 1996–97. [7915]

Mr. Michael

Closed circuit television (CCTV) Challenge Competitions have been held in 1994–95, 1996–97 and 1997–98. There was no competition in 1995–96 so I have given figures for the three years for which there have been competitions. In all three rounds, bids were invited from local partnerships. Bidding partnerships did not necessarily have local authority involvement. We are not able to identify bids which have local authority involvement but which have not been led by a local authority. There are some 760 bids which have not named a local authority as the lead partner. Numbers of successful and unsuccessful bids where a local authority was specified as the lead organisation are detailed in tables, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

Emergency Services (Identity Cards)

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for those providing emergency services to carry identity cards in (a) Braille, and (b) large print; and if he will make a statement. [7909]

Mr. George Howarth

None. Whether and in what form members of the emergency services should carry identity cards are matters determined locally by the service concerned.

Raphael Rowe

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date the C3 department concluded its examination of the case of Raphael Rowe; what recommendation was made to the Home Secretary; what action he took; and if he will make a statement. [7858]

Mr. Michael

In accordance with the normal conventions, we do not have access to the papers of the previous Administration. The papers have now been transferred to the Criminal Cases Review Commission. It is being treated as a priority case, and we understand that the Commission are working towards taking a decision on it as soon as possible.

Smoke Detectors

Mr. Kidney

To ask to the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will promote the adoption of schemes along the lines of the partnership in Stafford, between fire-rescue services, local councils and health visitors to fit and check smoke detectors in the homes of new-born babies. [7866]

Mr. George Howarth

We welcome the use of multi-agency projects to promote fire safety messages and will consider how far such schemes should be promoted nationally in the light of the pilot's success and the recommendations of the Community Fire Safety Task Force, which is due to report in the autumn.

Victim Support (Review)

Mr. Forth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give for the Interdepartmental Review of Victim Support (a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of conducting the review. [8231]

Mr. Michael

I assume that the Question is referring to the Interdepartmental Working Group on Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses. The Group aims to report to Ministers by the end of the year. The Group is chaired by the Home Office and includes officials from various Government Departments and agencies as well as representatives from the Association of Chief Police Officers, Victim Support and the Local Government Association, who will participate as part of their normal duties. The costs of the review will therefore be met from the running costs of the individual Departments and agencies involved. It is not possible to predict the costs of the review in advance.

Ticket Touts

Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what Government proposals exist to outlaw ticket touts for sporting events; and if he will make a statement. [7994]

Mr. Michael

Ticket touting for designated football matches is already outlawed. We are considering in consultation with the Department for National Heritage and the police whether there is a need to outlaw ticket touting for any other sporting events.

Immigration Rules

Mr. Stunell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to alter the concessions for overseas domestic workers under the 1979 Immigration Rules; and if he will make a statement. [8526]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

I am examining in detail the operation of the concession for overseas domestic workers who accompany their employers to the United Kingdom.

Strip Searching

Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to introduce measures to record and monitor the incidence of strip searching in prisons other than for Category A prisoners; [8543](2) what assessment he has made of psychiatric research in respect of the trauma suffered by victims of strip searching; and what changes he plans to make to the Government's policy on strip searching as a result; [8545](3) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of

(a) rub-down searches, (b) metal detectors and (c) strip searches in the detection of drugs and explosives; [8544]

(4) what guidelines govern the strip searching of women (a) during pregnancy, (b) soon after giving birth, (c) during menstruation, and (d) after operations. [8542]

Ms Joyce Quin

Detailed guidance on searching is set out in the Prison Service Security Manual, although there are currently no specific guidelines on the searching of women during menstruation, pregnancy, after birth or after operations. A copy of the Manual is in the Library.I have asked the Prison Service to review searching policy, with particular regard to strip searching. The review will consider the legal and policy framework and the need for revised procedures. The review team will take into account the usefulness of the current procedures; monitoring and statistical issues; relevant research; and whether the procedures should be different for women prisoners. I will announce the report's conclusions once it has been completed.

Handguns (Compensation)

Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what provision he has made for compensation in respect of handguns under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 and the present Firearms (Amendment) Bill; and under which headings such sums appear in his estimates; [8727](2) what provision he has made in his estimates for compensation payable under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 and the present Firearms (Amendment) Bill; and under which headings the sums appear. [8576]

Mr. Michael

The estimate for implementing the 1997 Act is about £135 million. This is made up of £50 million for the large calibre handguns that are surrendered, and £80 million for ancillary equipment. There will be administrative costs of up to £5 million.The estimate for implementing the Firearms (Amendment) Bill is £31 million, of which £12 million will be for small-calibre pistols and £19 million for the cost of the ancillary equipment used with those pistols.

Blind And Partially Sighted Voters

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 9 July, Official Report, column 469, on blind and partially sighted voters, what plans he has to hold further meetings with the (a) Royal National Institute for the Blind and (b) other organisations representing blind and partially sighted people to discuss proposals to help blind and partially sighted voters to vote in person. [8573]

Mr. George Howarth

No further meetings have yet been scheduled, but my officials are always ready to meet the Royal National Institute for the Blind or any other organisation representing blind and partially sighted people to consider proposals to help them to vote in person.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department will undertake research to test the practical timetabling implications of Braille templates and large print ballot papers. [8574]

Mr. Howarth

This Department is ready to discuss any proposals from organisations representing blind and partially sighted voters and to consider the practical and timetabling implications for the use of braille and large print templates. As to large print ballot papers, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 9 July, Official Report, column 469.

Police Discipline

Mr. Corbett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the powers of chief constables to discipline members of the police force. [8588]

Mr. Michael

Work has been going on for some time to revise procedures for dealing with misconduct by police officers and to introduce for the first time procedures to deal with unsatisfactory performance. All the police staff associations have co-operated in the development of new procedures and we hope to complete work on outstanding issues shortly.

Channel Tunnel

Mr. Gale

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many French nationals holding French passports have been arrested by British police stationed at the French terminus of the Channel Tunnel Shuttle within the bi-national zone and returned to the United Kingdom, without extradition procedures, for questioning or charging. [8884]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Since the opening of the Channel Tunnel system, Kent police advise that they have not arrested in Coquelles and escorted through the Tunnel to Cheriton any French national.

Mr. Gale

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what review he has conducted, following the arrest by French police of Henry Tuson in June, of the procedures under the agreements permitting the French police to operate within the Channel Tunnel terminus at Cheriton and permitting British police to operate within the Channel Tunnel terminus at Sangatte; and what changes in procedures he is proposing. [8883]

Mr. O'Brien

We are not reviewing, nor do we propose to seek, changes to the bi-national Treaty and protocol arrangements by which French and United Kingdom police officers exercise their national police powers within the Channel Tunnel system. These arrangements are contained in the Treaty of Canterbury in force since 1987 and the Sangatte protocol in force since 1993. Similar arrangements apply to United Kingdom frontier controls in Coquelles.

Mr. Gale

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many United Kingdom nationals holding United Kingdom passports have been arrested by French police stationed at the English terminus of the Channel Tunnel Shuttle within the bi-national zone and returned to France, without extradition procedures, for questioning or charging. [8885]

Mr. O'Brien

In the time available, we have not been able to obtain a detailed response from the French authorities. We have written to them and will forward their reply.

International Development

Iraq (Sanctions)

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her oral statement of 1 July, Official Report, column 119, what proposals she has to refine the sanctions instrument against Iraq; and what account she takes of the impact of sanctions against the people of the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates in determining her sanctions policy. [8549]

Clare Short

[holding answer 14 July 1997]: The UK co-sponsored SCR 986 (now renewed as SCR 1111) to help alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people by allowing the Iraqi Government to export oil worth $2 billion mainly for the purchase of humanitarian supplies. The impact of sanctions was a major consideration for the UN when setting the level of Iraqi oil exports permitted under SCRs 986 and 1111.More generally, I have asked my officials to consider the impact of sanctions regimes on poor people.

Indonesia

Mr. Goodlad

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she expects her Department to complete its review on the provision of aid to Indonesia. [7871]

Clare Short

I expect the review of the Aid and Trade Provision to be completed within a few months. In the meantime I shall not approve any new ATP projects in Indonesia.Our existing support for sustainable forestry in Indonesia is likely to continue, with increased emphasis on benefits to poor people living in forest areas. We shall be looking for opportunities to support local non-government organisations in East Timor and if possible projects supporting Trade Unions in Indonesia. Other proposals will be considered on their merits.

Duchy Of Lancaster

Security Facilities Executive

Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what targets he has set for the Security Facilities Executive. [9068]

Mr. Kilfoyle

I have set the following targets for SAFE for 1997–98:

  • (a) to achieve 100 per cent. cost recovery in accruals terms, excluding 0.5 per cent. restructuring costs;
  • (b) to achieve a Vote surplus of £0.2 million, excluding restructuring costs;
  • (c) to achieve sales of £20 million;
  • (d) to achieve a reduction in the unit costs of outputs of no less than 4 per cent. in real terms;
  • (e) to achieve a customer satisfaction rating of 92 per cent.;
  • (f) to reassess the timetable and produce a revised action plan for attaining Investors in People accreditation in 1999;
  • (g) to maintain accreditation to quality standard ISO 9000, and extend it to cover Common Services.

    • Treasury

    Youth Unemployment

    Mr. Brady

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much youth unemployment levels have changed in each of the last four years; and by how much he expects them to change in each of the next four years. [7253]

    Mrs. Liddell

    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. Graham Brady, dated 15 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 how much youth unemployment levels have changed in each of the last four years, and by how much these are expected to change in each of the next four years.

    Legal abortions performed with (a) antiprogesterone, (b) without overnight stay, by type of purchaser, on women resident in England and Wales, health regions and health authorities, 1995

    With antiprogesterone

    Without overnight stay

    Place of usual residence

    Total

    NHS

    NHS agency

    Non-NHS

    Total

    NHS

    NHS agency

    Non-NHS

    England and Wales7,6686,649203816127,55871,68320,32035,555
    England6,9835,979202802122,87968,60719,96634,306
    Wales6856701144,6793,0763541,249
    Northern and Yorkshire1,8011,766112411,2759,3286771,270
    Northumberland27627600290270317
    Sunderland133133005875401037
    North Durham3735024864381137
    South Durham5757005034671026
    Tees55455202544510826
    South of Tyne1313006265781038
    North Cumbria27927900355341014
    Newcastle and North Tyneside2018021,0571,0101730
    East Riding140139011,10693427145
    Grimsby and Scunthorpe242400629558764
    North Yorkshire3836111,158892106160
    Bradford25221285765557145
    West Yorkshire3027211,115709187219
    Leeds158145581,5271,197126204
    Wakefield17102543522998108
    Trent9138882239,2337,6131151,505
    North Derbyshire1881880057345217104
    Southern Derbyshire116051,10893611161
    Leicestershire3834042,1661,73428404
    Nottingham41031,3481,1728168

    The data you have requested for those under 25 years are shown in the attached table. ONS does not make forecasts of any of the labour market estimates data it produces.

    Great Britain, not seasonally adjusted, thousands figures are shown for winter of each year (December to February)

    Level

    Change on year

    1992–93867—
    1993–94785-82
    1994–95695-90
    1995–96656-39
    1996–97633-23

    Source:

    Labour Force Survey.

    Abortion

    Mr. Gerrard

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many legal abortions were performed in 1995 (a) with Antiprogesterone and (b) without overnight stay on women resident in (i) each health region and (ii) each district health authority; and how many of these abortions involved NHS hospitals, NHS agency arrangements and other purchasers. [7402]

    Mrs. Liddell

    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. Neil Gerrard, dated 15 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 abortions.
    The attached tables provide the information you requested.

    Legal abortions performed with (a) antiprogesterone, (b) without overnight stay, by type of purchaser, on women resident in England and Wales, health regions and health authorities, 1995

    With antiprogesterone

    Without overnight stay

    Place of usual residence

    Total

    NHS

    NHS agency

    Non-NHS

    Total

    NHS

    NHS agency

    Non-NHS

    Trent (Cont.)Barnsley28270134922720102
    Doncaster10802664579580
    Rotherham444301512417689
    Sheffield4204161397178314174
    North Nottinghamshire3027036735452126
    Lincolnshire14013811869768497
    Anglia and Oxford1,4431,35897610,5547,0121,2382,304
    Cambridge797702610564046
    North-west Anglia830566353521107
    Huntingdon6303280250129
    Suffolk43011,1841,082795
    East Norfolk00001,0681,013451
    Bedfordshire1441272151,300950120230
    Berkshire3993740251,7184622411,015
    Buckinghamshire9479691,568421771376
    Northamptonshire239229191,17185267252
    Oxfordshire470463079928836103
    North Thames9615903933229,64015,7783,58810,274
    North-west Hertfordshire1250762535111263
    South-west Hertfordshire210164337014259
    Barnet1821151,33276955508
    Hillingdon9405767353151263
    East and North Hertfordshire28140141,0856766403
    Brent and Harrow3889212,799511,765983
    Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow66149433,5251,1649661,395
    Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster2862411442,5081,50342963
    North Essex2290131,7811,2663512
    South Essex1821681131,5971,0615531
    Barking and Havering1531111,1618279325
    Redbridge and Waltham Forest38110271,984881311,072
    East London and The City112721394,0943,08125988
    New River56214402,9451,708286951
    Camden and Islington77362392,7941,717219858
    South Thames4011109219922,0989,8994,3527,847
    Bromley291811069038726277
    East Sussex37101261,871872123876
    East Kent6764121,038633108297
    West Kent2143142,2265421,022662
    Bexley and Greenwich1532101,35280886458
    South-east London142279615,6252,4601,5641,601
    Croydon101091,419350548521
    Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth3750322,8531,796531,004
    Kingston and Richmond510493853611391
    Western Surrey131481,547278601668
    Eastern Surrey810797056436370
    West Sussex1701161,569673174722
    South and West33828405412,6198,4581,6292,532
    Dorset169071,330628161541
    Portsmouth and South-east Hampshire80081,3251,16826131
    Southampton and South-west Hampshire34210131,018403416199
    North and Mid Hampshire2390141,075230304541
    Wiltshire and Bath2012081,342290530522
    Isle of Wight10011791122740
    Bristol122122001,4641,19347224
    Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly2101858774678
    Exeter and North Devon222200789759030
    Plymouth and Torbay11001,2121,155651
    Gloucestershire3937021,2591,04099120
    Somerset505000768706755
    West Midlands14651494613,3322,5816,5074,244
    Hertfordshire4202262198460
    Worcester3102573106269198
    Shropshire6105851168384299
    North Staffordshire11008776458224
    Coventry2712421,12971,07844
    Dudley20026846382296

    Legal abortions performed with (a) antiprogesterone, (b) without overnight stay, by type of purchaser, on women resident in England and Wales, health regions and health authorities, 1995

    With antiprogesterone

    Without overnight stay

    Place of usual residence

    Total

    NHS

    NHS agency

    Non-NHS

    Total

    NHS

    NHS agency

    Non-NHS

    West Midlands (Cont.)Sandwell200292413654257
    Solihull850347551141283
    Walsall210165843810210
    Wolverhampton220081619353444
    South Birmingham91081,25017757476
    North Worcestershire510452123745239
    South Staffordshire2220021,22160565551
    Warwickshire2311841,293291,18282
    North Birmingham3014791,798421,175581
    North West98093204814,1287,9381,8604,330
    North Cheshire510484010698132
    South Cheshire179081,388434708246
    Liverpool161155061,4171,09112314
    St. Helens and Knowsley53530073351331189
    Sefton6563025664143149
    Wirral1090185266537150
    Stockport420270638975242
    North West Lancashire110085059158633
    East Lancashire181177049548172135
    South Lanshire1513025443341209
    Wigan and Bolton188186021,03762116400
    Bury and Rochdale5147046944532239
    West Pennine25210488.384248.3354
    Manchester163159041,27484215417
    Salford and Trafford39340591646828420
    Morecambe220047434528101
    Wales6856701144,6793,0763541,249
    Clwyd756915803227243333
    Gwent46440259421355326
    Gwynedd1616003692529108
    Mid Glamorgan96930378455127206
    Powys19930378455127206
    South Glamorgan1991950469446912213
    West Glamorgan1541540064763629
    Dyfed808000616587128

    Source:

    Abortion Statistics, England and Wales, AB Series.

    Unemployment (Gloucestershire)

    Mr. Webb

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people aged 25 years or over have been unemployed for two years or more in (a) Northavon constituency and (b) South Gloucestershire unitary authority; and if he will make a statement; [7770](2) how many people aged 18 to 24 years have been unemployed for more than six months in

    (a) Northavon constituency and (b) South Gloucestershire unitary authority. [7769]

    Mrs. Liddell

    [holding answer 10 July 1997]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange a reply to be given.

    Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Steven Webb, dated 15 July 1997:

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to reply to your recent questions (7769 and 7700) on unemployment in the Northavon parliamentary constituency and South Gloucestershire unitary authority.
    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 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.
    The data you have requested can only be derived from the claimant count, as the labour force survey does not give details on duration of unemployment below county level.
    The figures in the attached table are for April 1997, the latest date for which figures are available.

    Numbers of claimants by age and duration, April 1997

    18 to 24-year-olds1

    25-year-olds and over2

    Northavon PCA106163
    South Gloucestershire UA272554

    1 Unemployed for six months or more.

    2 Unemployed for two years or more.

    Members' Interests

    Mr. Campbell-Savours

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what occasions (a) Ministers and (b) officials have refused to (i) arrange and (ii) attend meetings with hon. Members to discuss matters relating to interests registered by those hon. Members under categories 1, 2, 3, 4(b), 8 and 9 in the Register of Members' Interests. [8117]

    Mrs. Liddell

    The First Report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm 2850) made it clear that, when Members are meeting Ministers or others on topics in which they have an interest, the onus is on the Member to declare that interest not the Minister to know—para 63 of Cm 2850. It is not practicable for Ministers and officials, amongst their other duties, to vet requests for meetings against the Register of Members' Interests.

    Mr. Campbell-Savours

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department refuse requests from hon. Members to (i) arrange and (ii) attend meetings relating to interests held by those hon. Members under categories 1, 2, 3, 4(b), 8 and 9 in the Register of Members' Interests. [8114]

    Mrs. Liddell

    The First Report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm 2850) recognised the value of enabling Members to retain interests outside the House, provided these were properly declared, both in the Register of Members' Interests and on other occasions. Subject to these requirements, and to the rules of the House relating to delegations to Ministers, Members are free to seek meetings with Ministers and officials, who will consider such requests alongside the many other approaches from individuals and organisations concerned to press their own interests or those of others.

    Mission Statement (Mod)

    Mr. Keith Simpson

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence over the Ministry of Defence's mission statement. [8189]

    Mr. Darling

    It has been the practice of successive governments not to discuss consultations between ministers on policy matters.

    Bank Of England

    Mr. Forth

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give for the review of the Bank of England's financial arrangements (a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of conducting the review. [8242]

    Mrs. Liddell

    The review is under way and will be completed as soon as possible. The Treasury's costs will be met from within running costs provision.

    Commercial Lobbyists

    Mr. Campbell-Savours

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) on what dates since 1 May (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have met commercial lobbyists to discuss matters relating to the business of his Department; and if he will introduce a register of such meetings; [8115](2) on what dates since 1 May

    (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have attended meetings with organisations representing (i) commercial and (ii) non-commercial interests organised by commercial lobbying firms; and if he will introduce a register of such meetings. [8116]

    Mrs. Liddell

    As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister explained in response to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) on 2 June, column 99, Ministers and officials in the Treasury and the Chancellor's other Departments receive deputations from many groups who are concerned to press their own interests or those of their clients, which Ministers and officials take due care to consider within the wider public interest and Government policy. As it is not practicable to distinguish particular groups as lobbyists, a register of such meetings is not kept.

    Unemployment (Warrington)

    Helen Jones

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people in the Warrington, North constituency who are unemployed but not claiming benefit. [6662]

    Mrs. Liddell

    [holding answer 10 July 1997]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

    Letter from Tim Holt to Helen Jones, dated 15 July 1997:

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on unemployment in the Warrington North parliamentary constituency.
    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 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.
    Information about those ILO unemployed who are not claiming unemployment related benefits is collected for the LFS. However, no such information is available below county level.

    Life Expectancy

    Mr. Blunt

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average life expectancy of a United Kingdom citizen on (a) 1 May 1979 and (b) 1 May 1997. [7677]

    Mrs. Liddell

    [holding answer 10 July 1997]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange a reply to be given.

    Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Crispin Blunt, dated 15 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 average life expectancy in the UK.
    The expectation of life at birth in the United Kingdom, according to the mortality rates experienced in the year in question, are:

    1979

    11995

    Males70.074.0
    Females76.279.3

    1 Latest year for which data are available. Figures supplied by the Government Actuary's Department.

    Ecofin

    Ms Lawrence

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the recent council meeting of the Economic and Finance Ministers of the European Union. [8408]

    Mr. Gordon Brown

    I represented the UK at the Economic and Finance Council—ECOFIN—of the European Union in Brussels on 7 July.Most of the formal session was taken up by an open debate on Luxembourg's plans for work in ECOFIN during their Presidency of the EU. Key areas in the next six months include preparation for the Special Employment Summit, taking forward preparations for stage three of EMU and work on all financial aspects of enlargement of the Union and the Agenda 2000 dossier.The series of "structured dialogues" with Ministers of the Central and Eastern European countries continued with a discussion of capital liberalisation and reform of the financial sector, both in formal session and over lunch. Ministers from the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Poland outlined the progress their countries had made in these sectors. It was noted that, while progress had clearly been made, weaknesses remained and needed to be addressed. Hungary will host a seminar later this year to discuss further work.The Council carried out an examination of Italy's convergence programme for the period 1998 to 2000. It acknowledged the progress made by Italy on inflation, interest rates and currency stability. It welcomed the commitment to reducing the fiscal deficit, while stressing the need to implement structural reforms so a low deficit could be sustained in the longer term. The Council also noted the need to reduce the high level of accumulated government debt.The Council discussed informally a draft regulation on the technical specification for euro coins. No member state indicated disagreement with the substance of the regulation. I noted that the text had not yet cleared Parliamentary scrutiny.The Council discussed informally the EC Budget for 1998. Formal discussions will take place at the Budget Council meeting on 24 July.In further informal discussions, the Council agreed that ECOFIN should examine all issues related to Agenda 2000 and that the Presidency would propose that the meeting between Asian and EU Finance Ministers in September should include consideration of money laundering.The Presidency informed the Council that a meeting between EU and EFTA Finance Ministers would take place over dinner on the eve of the 13 October ECOFIN.

    Unemployment

    Mrs. Gorman

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the annual change in unemployment for the under 25s for the past four years. [8213]

    Mrs. Liddell

    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 Mrs. Teresa Gorman, dated 15 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 how much youth unemployment levels have changed in each of the last four years.
    The data you have requested for those under 25 years are shown in the attached table.

    Great Britain, not seasonally adjusted, thousands figures are shown for winter of each year (December to February)

    Level

    Change on year

    1992–93867
    1993–94785-82
    1994–95695-90
    1995–96656-39
    1996–97633-23

    Source:

    Labour Force Survey.

    General Government Consumption

    Mr. Willetts

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those years since 1974 when general Government consumption has fallen by 1 per cent. or more. [7890]

    Mrs. Liddell

    [holding answer 11 July 1997]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

    Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. David Willetts, dated 15 July 1997:

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on general government consumption.
    General government consumption, at constant prices has fallen by more than one per cent only in one year since 1974. This occurred in 1977.

    Earnings

    Mr. Fallon

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the number of employees earning (a) less than £3.50 an hour, (b) less than £4 an hour and (c) less than £4.50 an hour; [8287](2) what estimate he has made of the number of self-employed people earning

    (a) less than £3.50 an hour, (b) less than £4 an hour and (c) less than £4.50 an hour; [8288]

    (3) what estimate he has made of the number of people employed in the agricultural, fishing and food industries earning (a) less than £3.50 an hour, (b) less than £4 an hour and (c) less than £4.50 an hour; [8283]

    (4) what estimate he has made of the number of people employed by local authorities earning (a) less than £3.50 an hour, (b) less than £4 an hour and (c) less than £4.50 an hour; [8278]

    (5) what estimate he has made of the number of people employed in the transport industries earning (a) less than £3.50 an hour, (b) less than £4 an hour and (c) less than £4.50 an hour; [8279]

    (6) what estimate he has made of the number of people employed by charitable organisations earning less than (a) £3.50 an hour, (b) £4 an hour and (c) £4.50 an hour; [8280]

    (7) what estimate he has made of the number of people employed in the retail sector earning less than (a) £3.50 an hour, (b) £4 an hour and (c) £4.50 an hour; [8282]

    (8) what estimate he has made of the number of people employed in (a) manufacturing and (b) services, earning (i) less than £3.50 an hour, (ii) less than £4 an hour and (iii) less than £4.50 an hour. [8281]

    Mrs. Liddell

    [holding answer 11 July 1997]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

    Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Michael Fallon, dated 15 July 1997:

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent questions (8288, 8279, 8280, 8281, 8282, 8283, 8287 and 8288) regarding earnings.
    The latest information, from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), is given in the attached table. Data for the self-employed are not available.

    Employees of all rates including those whose pay
    for the survey pay-period was affected by absence,
    LFS (winter/December 1996February 1997), Great Britain

    £3.50

    £4.00

    £4.50

    All

    Whole economy (SIC 92 Sectors A-Q)3,1744,7866,557
    Agriculture (SIC 92 sectors A-B)5176101
    Manufacturing (SIC 92 sector D)400680972
    Retail (SIC 92 division 52)7031,0941,427
    Services (SIC 92 sectors G-Q)2,6123,8805,269
    Transport (SIC 92 divisions 60–63)116155200
    Charity, voluntary organisation or trust6091130
    Local Government1192371585

    Full-time

    Whole economy (SIC 92 sectors A-Q)1,4542,3193,383
    Agriculture (SIC 92 A-B)456084
    Manufacturing (SIC 92 sector D)292524779
    Retail (SIC 92 division 52)191326454
    Services (SIC 92 sectors G-Q)1,0261,6182,350
    Transport (SIC 92 divisions 60–63)86119155
    Charity, Voluntary organisation or trust193144
    Local Government14780163

    Part-time

    Whole economy (SIC 92 Sectors A-Q)1,7202,4673,174
    Agriculture (SIC 92 A-B)

    2—

    		1618
    Manufacturing (SIC 92 sector D)108155192
    Retail (SIC 92 division 52)512768973
    Services (SIC 92 sectors G-Q)1,5852,2622,918
    Transport (SIC 92 divisions 60–63)293545
    Charity, voluntary organisation or trust416186
    Local Government1145291422

    1 Including police, fire services and locally controlled schools and colleges.

    2 Sample size too small to give a reliable estimate.

    SIC 92—denotes Standard Industrial Classification of economic activities 1992.

    Social Chapter

    Mr. Timms

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the financial impact on the United Kingdom of expenditure under the social chapter. [8921]

    Mr. Gordon Brown

    Article 2 of the Social Protocol says that financial consequences, other than administrative costs, of the Social Chapter shall not be applicable to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This exemption could be achieved by means of a rebate on the UK's contribution to the EU budget. The Government has decided, however, that pursuing such a rebate in future would be inconsistent with the agreement reached at the Amsterdam Council enabling the UK to participate in Council discussions under the Social Chapter. It has also decided not to seek reimbursement of its contribution to past budget years. The total claim which will be written off as a result of this decision—initially estimated at £1 million for budget years 1995 and 1996—will be reported in a note to the Consolidated Fund account.

    Culture, Media And Sport

    Departmental Name Change

    Mrs. Ballard

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to rename the Department for National Heritage to reflect its role in supporting culture and sport. [7346]

    Mr. Chris Smith

    I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 14 July 1997, columns 43–44.

    Guide To Safety At Sports Grounds

    Mr. Burstow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport—what organisations of and representing disabled people were consulted by his Department before the publication of the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds. [6978]

    Mr. Banks

    [holding answer 9 July 1997]: My Department consulted the Centre for Accessible Environments on the revised Guide, along with many other organisations who have an interest in this area. These included the Departments for the Environment and Social Security, the sports governing bodies, and the local authority associations.

    Football Stadia (Wheelchairs)

    Mr. Burstow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport—for what reasons his Department has not implemented the Football Stadia Advisory Design Committee's recommendations concerning wheelchair spaces by (a) providing a definition of large stadia and (b) prescribing a formula in respect of the proportion of wheelchair spaces. [6967]

    Mr. Banks

    [holding answer 9 July 1997]: The Football Stadia Advisory Design Committee's advice on wheelchair spaces was set out in their document "Designing for Spectators with Disabilities" which was published in 1992. The advice in the new Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds represents current good practice within sports ground safety but now defines what constitutes a large stadium and provides guidance on how many wheelchair spaces should be provided at sports grounds. This followed many lengthy arguments over the number of wheelchair places to be provided at major new developments. The guidance should help ensure that adequate wheelchair access is provided at new stadia, and my Department will continue to monitor the situation.

    Historic Ruins (Thefts)

    Mr. Gordon Prentice

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to prevent the theft of carved stone masonry and other architectural features from historic ruins with particular reference to monasteries. [7475]

    Mr. Banks

    It is a criminal offence to execute, or cause to be executed, works to a listed building without first obtaining listed building consent. This includes the theft of architectural features. The current penalty for conviction in a Magistrates' court is a fine of up to £20,000 or imprisonment for up to six months (or both), whilst on conviction in the Crown Court an unlimited fine or a prison sentence of up to two years (or both) may be imposed. In determining the amount of any fine, a magistrates' court or the Crown Court must have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or may accrue from the offence.Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment recommends that owners of listed buildings take precautions to safeguard architectural and other valuable features, especially when historic buildings are vacant or being refurbished. This may include removal for safe and secure storage, and the keeping of adequate records and photographs to help police in the recovery of stolen items.In the case of scheduled monuments, the prior written consent of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is required in respect of any works involving the removal of a scheduled monument or any part of it. Failure to obtain consent, or to comply with any conditions imposed when granting consent, can result in a statutory maximum fine in the Magistrates' court of £5,000.

    Bbc (Archives)

    Mr. Godsiff

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions he has had with the BBC concerning changes in the financial resources available for the maintenance of the BBC archives; and if he will make a statement; [8120](2) if he will make a statement about the BBC's responsibilities under its Charter for the maintenance of its archives; and what arrangements he has for monitoring the BBC's fulfilment of those responsibilities. [8121]

    Mr. Fisher

    The obligations placed on the BBC in respect of its archives are set out in its Royal Charter and its Agreement with the Secretary of State. These include broad obligations to establish and maintain archives containing material relevant to the objects of the Corporation, and to make the archives available to the public with or without charge. The BBC's Information and Archives Department provides a full range of library and information services. Changes in arrangements for the delivery of these services within the BBC will not affect the BBC's archives or public access to them. While we have had no discussions with the BBC on this point, we are confident that it is continuing to maintain its archival responsibilities under the Royal Charter and Agreement.

    Lottery Funding

    Mr. Blizzard

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much Lottery funding has been awarded to (a) opera music related projects and (b) jazz music related projects. [7855]

    Mr. Fisher

    To date, the following sums have been awarded:

  • (a) In the Arts Council of England's National Lottery Capital programme, 23 opera projects have been awarded in principle funds totalling £80,064,341.48 opera projects applying to the A4E Express programme have been awarded £208,000.
  • (b) In the Arts Council of England's National Lottery Capital programme, 12 jazz projects have been awarded in principle £824,351.115 jazz projects applying to the A4E Express programme have been awarded £509,000.

    • Shooting Competitions

    Mr. Nigel Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what consultation has taken place with sports governing bodies regarding banning of shooting competitions; and if he will make a statement. [7992]

    Mr. Banks

    The Home Office has lead responsibility for firearms legislation and has been in regular contact with the British Shooting Sports Council and other organisations. I understand there has been no formal consultation exercise with specific sports bodies. Under the Firearms (Amendment) Bill, small calibre pistols would become prohibited but special arrangements may be made by the relevant Secretary of State to permit shooting events using these pistols to take place in any future Commonwealth and Olympic Games held in Great Britain.

    Sports Councils

    Mr. Nigel Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals are in hand for the review of the sports councils; and if he will make a statement. [7993]

    Mr. Banks

    Further to my right hon. Friend's speech during the "Sport for All" debate on 27 June 1997, column 1061, I can confirm that he is currently considering a number of possible changes to the way in which the present sports council structures are working. A further announcement will be made in due course.

    Museums And Galleries (Charges)

    Mr. Forth

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will list for the Review of Charges for National Museums and Galleries (a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of conducting the review. [8239]

    Mr. Fisher

    We hope to be able to announce the proposals by the end of September.We estimate that the costs incurred by the Department in carrying out the review of admission charges will be in the order of £13,000. This estimate does not include the costs of the research by Glasgow Caledonian University on the impact of admission charges, which has been commissioned by the Museums and Galleries Commission.

    Arts Council Awards

    Mr. Rowe

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when he expects the Arts Council of England to announce its grant decisions under the Arts for Everyone main programme; how many applications for awards under this scheme have been received; what is the total amount requested; and what estimate he has made of the size of the awards which will be issued under this programme. [7875]

    Mr. Fisher

    The Arts for Everyone main scheme invites applications from established organisations for between £500 and £500,000 for new arts activities. There have been two rounds this year. 1,000 applications were received for the first round (closing date 31 March 1997), totalling some £150 million. Funding decisions will be made by the Arts Council of England in August 1997, with a planned public announcement of awards in the middle of September.The second round (closing date 30 June 1997) received 700 applications seeking some £70 million. Funding decisions will be made by the Arts Council of England in November 1997.I understand that the Arts Council consider there to have been good quality applications across the whole spectrum of artforms and types of organisation, and that the Council anticipates that grants will range in size from £1,000 to £500,000. Given the level of applications received however, the Council does not anticipate being able to meet all applications in this round.

    Millennium Commission

    Ms Roseanna Cunningham

    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the names, designations and salaries of the Members of the Board of the Millennium Commission. [6127]

    Mr. Chris Smith

    [pursuant to his reply, 3 July 1997, c. 228]: The table of Millennium Commissioners contained an error, the correct information is as follows:

    Millennium Commission
    RoleNameStart date of present termExpiry date of present term
    ChairmanRt. hon. Chris Smith MP19 May 199731 December 2000
    MemberRt. hon. Michael Heseltine MP23 May 199731 December 2000
    MemberRt. hon. David Clark MP19 May 199731 December 2000
    MemberDr. Heather Couper17 February 199431 December 2000
    MemberThe Earl of Dalkeith, DL17 February 199431 December 2000
    MemberSir John Hall, Bt17 February 199431 December 2000
    MemberMr. Simon Jenkins17 February 199431 December 2000
    MemberMs Patricia Scotland17 February 199431 December 2000
    MemberThe Lord Glentoran, CBE DL17 February 199431 December 2000

    Education And Employment

    Secondary Schools (East Sussex)

    Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the average number of children in secondary school classes in East Sussex. [6983]

    Mr. Byers

    In January 1997 (provisional estimate), the average class size was 21.4 in one teacher classes in maintained secondary schools in the East Sussex Local Education Authority area.

    Grant-Maintained Schools

    Mr. Laurence Robertson

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans to change the status of grant-maintained schools; and when he expects to implement such plans. [7479]

    Mr. Byers

    The White Paper "Excellence in Schools" sets out our plans for introducing a new framework of community, aided and foundation schools. The new framework will incorporate all LEA and grant-maintained schools. We intend to introduce legislation to implement these plans in the Autumn.

    Child Care

    Mr. Fitzpatrick

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for the long-term funding of the trained child-carers taken on under the new deal for the unemployed. [8035]

    Mr. Andrew Smith

    We are committed to the production of a national childcare strategy, which will plan provision to match the requirements of the modern labour market and help parents, especially women, to balance family and working life. We are currently considering the content of such a strategy, and will make an announcement in due course.Young unemployed people will be offered the opportunity to obtain training and work experience in childcare as part of the New Deal programme. We hope this will create a larger skilled workforce in childcare, which will help to improve the overall position on childcare provision.

    New Deal

    Mrs. Gorman

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of the New Deal's first year budget has been allocated to the provision of roadshows and regional conferences. [8204]

    Mr. Andrew Smith

    Some preliminary work has been undertaken to organise and deliver regional events.It is not possible yet to say what proportion of the first year's budget is to be allocated to these events as the total budget for the delivery of the New Deal is still to be allocated.

    Mrs. Gorman

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the total in direct payments each person will receive over their six month period on the New Deal under each of the options. [8211]

    Mr. Smith

    Under the option of a job with an employer, young people will be paid the wage offered by their employers for the jobs they are doing. Young people who take up a job with a voluntary sector employer or in our Environment Taskforce will receive an allowance equivalent to benefit and will remain entitled to passported benefits: in addition, they will receive a grant of up to £400 paid in instalments. Those young people who take up the option of full-time education and training for up to twelve months will also receive an allowance equivalent to benefit and remain entitled to passported benefits: they will also have access to a discretionary grant to help with travel and other costs.

    Mrs. Gorman

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the estimated annual budget of the Advisory Task Force in the New Deal. [8206]

    Mr. Smith

    Members of the New Deal Advisory Task Force will be unpaid and will be supported by a small secretariat. The Task Force will be given the resources it needs to carry out the important role assigned to it in the Government's proposals for young and long-term unemployed people. It is not yet possible to estimate the annual budget.

    Mr. Fitzpatrick

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) when the Government plans to extend the welfare to work assistance offered to the young and long-term unemployed and lone parents to those on incapacity benefit; [8034](2) what assistance whilst training and working will be given to those on incapacity benefit under the Government's New Deal proposals for the unemployed. [8036]

    Mr. Smith

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his budget speech on 2 July that the Government was to set aside an additional £195 million to help those who are disabled or on Incapacity Benefit who want training or work and for other measures.As on Welfare to Work and the New Deal generally, the Departments for Education and Employment and Social Security will work closely together, to ensure this money is used effectively to encourage and enable disadvantaged disabled people to access new training and work opportunities.We will make an announcement about the type of assistance to be provided as soon as possible.

    Pupils (Bus Safety)

    Mr. Oaten

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which laws govern the transporting of school pupils in a hired bus or coach. [7850]

    Ms Estelle Morris

    The main legislation in England governing the transport of school pupils in a hired bus or coach is:

    Transport

    the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 (as amended by the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994), the Transport Act 1985, the Road Traffic Act 1988, and regulations made under those Acts;

    Health and Safety

    the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992;

    Home to School Transport

    the Education Act 1996 (section 509).

    Mr. Oaten

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment who is legally responsible for the safety of pupils carried on a bus or coach hired by a school. [8037]

    Ms Morris

    Schools and LEAs in England are responsible for ensuring that they use an appropriate bus or coach company. Operators of public service vehicles are legally responsible for ensuring passenger safety.

    Departmental Budgets

    Mr. Malcolm Bruce

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what new plans he has to introduce cuts and savings in his Department as a result of the effect on his Department as a result of the effect on his Department's budgets for 1997–98 and 1988–99 of the upward revisions to the GDP deflators in the Budget on 2 July; and if he will make a statement. [8294]

    Mr. Blunkett

    [holding answer 14 July 1997]: Along with all other Departments, my Department is reallocating spending within the Departmental ceiling as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

    Mr. Bruce

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if, following the recent Budget, he will give his estimate of the total real level of his Department's budget, in 1995–96 prices, in (a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; if he will estimate what such figures were for (1) 1997–98 and (2) 1998–99 following the November 1996 Budget on the basis of the estimates of the GDP deflator contained in that Budget; and if he will make a statement. [8293]

    Mr. Blunkett

    [holding answer 14 July 1997]: The figures requested for my Department's spending plans within the Control Total are as follows: £13,141 million, £12,854 million, £13,343 million and £13,141 million.In addition my Department will benefit from part of the Welfare to Work expenditure and the New Deal for Schools, which are outside the Control Total, and which were announced in the Budget.

    Dearing Review

    Mr. Bercow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to issue the Government's response to the Dearing review of higher education. [8704]

    Dr. Howells

    My right hon. Friend expects to make an initial statement when the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education under Sir Ron Dearing reports very shortly. This will be followed by a fuller policy statement later in the year.

    Students

    Ms Hodge

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students there are in each institution funded by the Higher Education Funding Council on courses designated as (a) fee band 1, (b) fee band 2 and (c) fee band 3. [8594]

    Student numbers by fee band 1996–97

    Institution

    Band 1

    Band 2

    Band 3

    England total274,638364,08010,816
    Anglia Polytechnic University4,0133,6420
    Aston University1,8661,5180
    University of Bath1,5582,3260
    Bath College of HE6648980
    University of Birmingham4,9575,669658
    Birkbeck College1650
    Bishop Grosseteste College66500
    Bolton Institute of HE1,4801,9030
    Bournemouth University2,2293,8120
    University of Bradford2,0313,2390
    Bretton Hall871,3220
    University of Brighton2,0793,7020
    University of Bristol3,2363,965698
    Brunel University2,5103,9980
    Buckinghamshire College of HE2,2122,3560
    University of Cambridge4,7234,445478
    University of Central England2,5004,3550
    University of Central Lancashire4,2865,2510
    Central School of Speech and Drama04310
    Canterbury Christ Church College8551,3300
    Cheltenham and Gloucester CHE1,9442,2280
    Chester College of HE2021,3200
    Chichester Institute of HE7598670
    City University1,0391,6290
    Coventry University2,6535,4130
    Cranfield University422880
    Cumbria College of Art and Design815410
    Dartington College of Arts04400
    De Montfort University4,3598,4510
    University of Derby3,3453,7230
    University of Durham3,5633,5560
    University of East Anglia3,2641,5440
    University of East London3,5672,9760
    Edge Hill College of Higher Education8561,1770
    Institute of Education000
    University of Essex2,3701,0540
    University of Exeter2,9382,6070
    Falmouth College of Arts1147890
    Goldsmiths College1,0961,3750
    University of Greenwich2,7624,0990
    The College of Guidance Studies000
    Harper Adams Agricultural College821,3290
    University of Hertfordshire2,8595,3800
    Homerton College, Cambridge770
    University of Huddersfield2,6823,9590
    University of Hull3,5522,0990
    Imperial College6082,809322
    Keele University3,0235330
    University of Kent at Canterbury3,4951,5310
    Kent Institute of Art and Design01,3590
    King Alfred's College, Winchester1,0757360
    King's College London2,2833,136434
    Kingston University3,0674,5190
    Lancaster University3,3972,3380
    La Sainte Union College of Higher Education6544370
    University of Leeds6,2356,696567
    Leeds Metropolitan University2,3445,1440
    University of Leicester3,2942,167371
    University of Lincolnshire and Humberside3,7294,0770
    University of Liverpool3,7294,568803
    Liverpool Hope College7231,5740
    Liverpool John Moores University3,3146,0790
    University of London-Senate42300
    Institute of Cancer Research000
    Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School0287401
    Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine0170314
    United Medical and Dental Schools0510750
    London Business School000

    Student numbers by fee band 1996–97

    Institution

    Band 1

    Band 2

    Band 3

    London School of Economics and Political Science1,682530
    London Guildhall University3,7752,1120
    London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine000
    The London Institute755,2600
    Loughborough University2,0014,3250
    Loughborough College of Art and Design06930
    University of Luton3,1684,0665
    University of Manchester6,1885,572905
    UMIST8672,6370
    Manchester Metropolitan University5,7508,2490
    Middlesex University5,9475,1830
    Nene College2,6563,2490
    University of Newcastle upon Tyne3,5674,506576
    Newman College1141740
    University of North London3,7223,3290
    North Riding College4895740
    Northern School of Contemporary Dance01590
    University of Northumbria at Newcastle3,5475,4410
    Norwich School of Art and Design06240
    University of Nottingham3,4164,673382
    Nottingham Trent University5,2368,3000
    Open University000
    School of Oriental and African Studies1,10050
    University of Oxford6,1943,387294
    Oxford Brookes University1,5523,3920
    School of Pharmacy02810
    University of Plymouth3,6587,8920
    University of Portsmouth3,1506,0190
    Queen Mary and Westfield College2,0842,330698
    Ravensbourne College05320
    RCN Institute0660
    University of Reading2,6813,2540
    College of Ripon and York St. John9861,0840
    Roehampton Institute1,5861,8720
    Rose Bruford College04330
    Royal Academy of Music02760
    Royal College of Art000
    Royal College of Music03280
    Royal Holloway, University of London2,1201,7380
    Royal Northern College of Music04010
    Royal Postgraduate Medical School000
    Royal Veterinary College0189228
    St. George's Hospital Medical School0296465
    College of St. Mark and St. John4675730
    St. Martin's College6217760
    St. Mary's College6077630
    University of Salford2,4326,7230
    University of Sheffield4,2735,632532
    Sheffield Hallam University3,9286,5860
    University of Southampton3,1854,578383
    Southampton Institute3,5745,2150
    South Bank University2,2514,2780
    Staffordshire University3,7835,6830
    University of Sunderland2,8445,2570
    Surrey Institute of Art and Design1022,0770
    University of Surrey3633,1000
    University of Sussex2,9752,6100
    University of Teesside3,1233,0230
    Thames Valley University3,9881,7730
    Trinity and All Saints4947180
    Trinity College of Music03120
    University College London2,7503,769552
    UCL—Eastman Dental Institute000
    UCL—Institute of Neurology000
    University of Warwick4,1892,0150
    Westhill College3291710
    University of Westminster2,8614,0130
    Westminster College, Oxford25700

    Student numbers by fee band 1996–97

    Institution

    Band 1

    Band 2

    Band 3

    University of West of England, Bristol3,9496,3890
    Wimbledon School of Art03440
    University of Wolverhampton4,2625,4180
    Worcester College of HE1,0379840
    Writtle College07560
    Wye College, University of London713830
    University of York2,2841,9840
    Askham Bryan College541210
    Berkshire College of Art and Design02460
    Bedford College0350
    Birmingham College5611,3370
    Blackburn College4581540
    Blackpool and Fylde College1279590
    Bournemouth and Poole College of AD05660
    Bracknell and Wokingham College020
    Bradford and Ilkley Community College1,0751,0370
    Brooklands Technical College54380
    Carlisle College9900
    Chesterfield College of Technology76130
    Chichester College of Art, Science and Technology0270
    City of Liverpool Community College491840
    City College, Manchester713240
    Cleveland College of Art and Design03560
    Coalville Technical College700
    Cordwainers College01220
    Coventry Technical College0930
    Crawley College of Technology37210
    Croydon College3643170
    Dewsbury College502280
    Doncaster College4102650
    Farnborough College of Technology4757710
    Gloucester College of Art and Technology01090
    Guildford College of FHE1321130
    Halton College of FE461500
    Hammersmith and West London College145220
    Harlow College000
    Havering College of FHE01320
    Henley College4400
    Herefordshire College of Art and Design01530
    Herefordshire College of Technology15300
    Highbury College, Portsmouth14500
    Lackham College0250
    Leeds College of Art and Design02560
    Loughborough College160420
    Mid-Kent College of HFE2143090
    NE Worcestershire College402420
    New College Durham4232260
    Newcastle College2291,1940
    Newham College of FE01140
    North East Surrey College of Technology1635000
    North Lincolnshire College0120
    Northbrook College, Sussex864050
    Northumberland College0400
    The College of North West London17170
    Oldham College of Technology11200
    Peterborough Regional College58410
    Rycotewood College01020
    Salisbury College01580
    Sandwell College of FHE491250
    The Sheffield College271160
    Solihull College432380
    South Tyneside College of FE0150
    Southport College0390
    Sparsholt College, Hampshire02120
    St. Helens College2232350

    Student numbers by fee band 1996–97

    Institution

    Band 1

    Band 2

    Band 3

    Stockport College of FHE3824060
    Suffolk College of FHE9979150
    Swindon College782350
    Thurrock College000
    Trowbridge College0170
    Wakefield College66330
    Walsall College of Technology0240
    Warrington Collegiate Institute3505480
    West Thames College11200
    Westminster College, London20800
    Wigan and Leigh College2943530
    Wirral Metropolitan College2601670
    Worcester College of Technology1261160
    York College of FHE851170

    Student numbers are full time undergraduates only receiving mandatory awards. Band 1 = classroom-based courses; Band 2 = laboratory and workshop-based courses; Band 3 = clinical elements of medical, dental and veterinary courses.

    Student Governors

    Mr. Don Foster

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to change the arrangements concerning the numbers of student governors in institutions of further and higher education. [8792]

    Dr. Howells

    In respect of further education, governing bodies may include a student governor and we have no plans to end that arrangement.We shall be considering what the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education has to say about student membership of institutions' governing bodies in its report which is expected shortly.

    Education Funding

    Ms Hodge

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much is currently spent by his Department (a) by proportion of national income, (b) by proportion of total education spending, (c) by proportion of Government spending and (d) in cash terms on (1) higher education, (2) pre-school education and (3) primary education. [8700]

    Mr. Byers

    The figures requested are as follows and are estimated outturn for 1996–97, the latest year for which such figures are available:

    • (a) 2.0 per cent. (Source: FSBR 97 and PESA 97)
    • (b) 30.0 per cent. (Source: PESA 97)
    • (c) 5.0 per cent. (Source: PESA 97)
    • (d) (1) Expenditure on HE and student support: £6,343 million. (Source: DfEE Departmental Report 1997)
    (2) Pre-school education expenditure in 1996–97 was £25.5 million which covered expenditure on the pilot schemes for nursery vouchers. (Source: DfEE Departmental Report 1997).(3) It is not possible to separate central Government expenditure between primary and secondary schools. However, in addition to central Government expenditure local education authorities spent some £18.4 billion on recurrent education expenditure in 1996–97, of which expenditure on under 5s accounted for £1.4 billion and expenditure on primary schools accounted for £5.7 billion. (Source: DfEE Departmental Report 1997).

    Disabilities

    Ms Shipley

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what decision he has made on the future of the National Advisory Council on Employment of People with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement. [9138]

    Mr. Alan Howarth

    The Government is committed to introducing comprehensive and enforceable civil rights for disabled people against discrimination. Employment and training issues will form an important part of this. The National Advisory Council on Employment of People with Disabilities (NACEPD) has provided advice on matters concerning the employment and training of disabled people for a number of years and I want it to continue to do so whilst the Government develops its proposals for the future. I have, therefore, extended to 31 March 1998 NACEPD's term of office and am pleased that most members have been able to accept the extension of their appointments.

    Environment, Transport And The Regions

    Water Companies

    Mr. Bayley

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what actions are being taken by the water companies and by the Government on the 10-point plan he announced at the recent water summit. [7543]

    Mr. Prescott

    Each water company has now responded in a generally positive and constructive way to our proposals for action. I have today placed copies of each company's response in the Libraries of the House, together with a short analysis of them prepared by my Department.All water companies will now provide free supply pipe leakage detection and repair services to their household customers. Eight of the smaller companies have told me that they will limit the number of free repairs to any one service pipe. Two other of the smaller companies have decided to replace leaking supply pipes free of charge.All companies are taking action to promote water efficiency. All tell me that they are making significant efforts in the provision of water saving devices. Most are actively distributing devices to reduce toilet flush volumes or else are making them available free on request. A very few companies have decided to conduct trials before committing themselves to widespread promotion; they should take very careful note of what the majority of companies have done and are doing. Most water companies already offer free water efficiency audits to household customers. The remainder are developing or evaluating the service they intend to offer and I want them to go firm very soon. All water companies confirmed that they have in place a wide variety of measures to encourage water efficient gardening. All companies see clear roles for the Environmental Task Force in promoting water efficiency.In addition to the 14 companies which had already done so, eight companies have indicated to me that they are now prepared to conclude formal arrangements with the Director General of Water Services in respect of their compensation schemes for drought-related supply interruptions. I want to see these eight licence amendments made by October. I also want the six other companies which indicated that they are minded to accept licence amendments to resolve their reservations with the Director General and to have the amendment process agreed by the same time. That also applies to the one company which still declares itself unable to accept licence amendment. All companies have expressed a willingness to consider compensation payments if they have to issue advice to boil or refrain from using mains water for reasons within their control.Those companies which have not already done so are now moving to agree with the Environment Agency a publicly-available drought contingency plan. I am pleased that the industry is united in taking this action in advance of our bringing forward legislation to make it a statutory requirement when Parliamentary time allows.We asked companies to do more to explain to their customers their water supply performance targets and how well they are being met. Altogether, I believ`e that companies are taking appropriate action. But none should rest contented with their efforts.I shall be looking for sustained commitment to all of these actions. So I shall be writing to all companies again in November, asking for an update on the various activities and initiatives they have described to me.We have kept to our part of the plan. At its head was tough action by the Director General of Water Services on leakage. He wrote to all water companies on 22 May, setting out the process by which he will establish mandatory targets.We said that we would make new water regulations which would include significantly tighter requirements for water efficiency. The proposed recommendations of the Government's Water Regulations Advisory Committee were published for consultation on 19 June. We also announced that we would be conducting two reviews. My right hon. Friend Michael Meacher announced on 25 June the launch of a review of the water charging system in England and Wales.Today, we are launching the review of the water abstraction licensing system in England and Wales. A key aim will be to ensure that abstraction licensing and related processes provide full protection for the environment while enabling fair and flexible arrangements for meeting properly-managed demand for water resources. This review will be conducted jointly by my Department and the Welsh Office, in consultation with the Environment Agency and the Office of Water Services. My Department will be writing today to interested organisations, inviting their representations on a wide range of issues associated with water abstraction. A copy of this letter has also been placed in the Libraries of the House.

    City Diesel

    Mr. Chidgey

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential environmental benefits of City Diesel. [7444]

    Angela Eagle

    The Government is very interested in the opportunities offered by cleaner fuels, including ultra low sulphur diesels such as "City Diesel", particularly their potential to play a part in the improvement of urban air quality. My Department is currently sponsoring comparative trials of both cleaner conventional fuels and alternative fuels, including natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and bio-diesel. "City Diesel" is included in the trials, which will provide an indication of both the emissions reduction potential of the fuels and of the practicability, reliability and driveability of vehicles which use them. The results of the trials will be published later this year.

    Members' Interests

    Mr. Campbell-Savours

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what occasions, (a) Ministers and (b) officials have refused to (i) arrange and (ii) attend meetings with hon. Members to discuss matters relating to interests registered by those hon. Members under categories 1, 2, 3, 4(b), 8 and 9 in the Register of Members' Interests. [8101]

    Angela Eagle

    The First Report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm 2850) made it clear that, when Members are meeting Ministers or others on topics in which they have an interest, the onus is on the Member to declare that interest and not the Minister to know.

    Mr. Campbell-Savours

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department refuse requests from hon. Members to (i) arrange and(ii) attend meetings relating to interests held by those hon. Members under categories 1, 2, 3, 4(b), 8 and 9 in the Register of Members' Interests. [8098]

    Angela Eagle

    The First Report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm 2850) restated the requirement to declare any interests, both in the Register of Members' Interests and on other appropriate occasions. Subject to these requirements, and to the rules of the House relating to delegations to Ministers, Members are free to seek meetings with Ministers and officials, who will consider such requests alongside the many other approaches from individuals and organisations concerned to press their own interests or those of others. Their representations are viewed with their declared interests in mind.

    Voluntary Sports Clubs

    Mr. Nigel Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what Government proposals exist to harmonise rate relief for voluntary sports clubs in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [7990]

    Mr. Raynsford

    There is no disparity between the rate relief regimes in England and Wales. Non-profit making sports clubs in both countries are eligible for relief at the discretion of their billing authority. If relief is granted, 75 per cent. of the cost is borne by the Exchequer.

    Single Regeneration Budget

    Mr. Coaker

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the timetable for SRB 4 bids; if he will make a statement on the criteria which will be used; and when the accompanying guidelines will be issued. [7923]

    Angela Eagle

    My hon. Friend the Minister for the Regions, Regeneration and Planning, in answer to a question from the Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr. Quinn) on 7 July 1997 Official Report, column 338, announced the publication of supplementary guidance for Round 4 of the Single Regeneration Budget Challenge Fund. This guidance contains details of both the criteria which will be used to assess proposals and the revised timetable for submitting proposals. Copies of the guidance have been placed in the Library of the House. I have also arranged for my hon. Friend to be sent a copy of this guidance.

    Commercial Lobbyists

    Mr. Campbell-Savours

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) on what dates since 1 May (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have attended meetings with organisations representing (i) commercial and (ii) non-commercial interests organised by commercial lobbying firms; and if he will introduce a register of such meetings; [8100](2) on what dates since 1 May

    (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have met commercial lobbyists to discuss matters relating to the business of his Department; and if he will introduce a register of such meetings. [8099]

    Angela Eagle

    As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister explained in response to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) on 2 June 1997, Official Report, column 99, Ministers and officials in the Department receive deputations from many groups who are concerned to press their own interests or those of their clients, which Ministers and officials take due care to consider within the wider public interest and Government policy. As it is not practicable to distinguish particular groups such as lobbyists, the Department cannot keep a register of such meetings.

    Earth Summit

    Mr. Maclean

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Government supports the 1992 Rio Declaration; and if he will make a statement. [8128]

    Angela Eagle

    At the recent Special Session of the UN General Assembly, which reviewed progress since the Rio Earth Summit, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to all the agreements reached at Rio, including the Rio Declaration.

    Judicial Reviews

    Ms Hodge

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions since 1994–95 legislation has been introduced by the Department (a) to remove the effects of judicial review decisions and (b) to implement them. [7846]

    Angela Eagle

    No legislation has been introduced for either of those purposes since 1994–95 by my Department or by its predecessor Departments.

    London Docklands Development Corporation

    Mr. Fitzpatrick

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the total expenditure by the LDDC from public funds on the preparation of derelict sites to build-ready standard for the private residential developer in the Isle of Dogs area. [8020]

    Angela Eagle

    Of the sites owned by the London Docklands Development Corporation in the Isle of Dogs area which have a residential use, the Corporation have spent £8.773 million since 1981 on a range of preparation works. Repairs and enhancements to River walls, River walkways and a pier account for just over half of that expenditure. These works have fed through into land values. Actual and forecast receipts from the subsequent sale of the sites to private developers total £19.916 million with the excess of income over expenditure invested by LDDC in regeneration programmes. Additionally, in two instances (Arnhem Wharf and Masthouse Terrace) where LDDC undertook preparation works, 62 per cent. and 49 per cent. respectively of the subsequent residential development has been for social housing; in a third instance (Maconochies Wharf) the development has been a self-build project.

    Housing (Urban Sites)

    Mr. Hunter

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of new houses he proposes should be built on redeveloped urban sites. [8123]

    Mr. Raynsford

    The current target is to build half of all new homes on reused sites. The Green Paper on Household Growth last year sought views on an aspirational target of 60 per cent. We are considering all the responses received in helping us decide how the issues surrounding household growth, including this one, should be taken forward.

    Policy Planning Guidance

    Mr. Nigel Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to review the Policy Planning Guidance Note 17 Sport and Recreation; and if he will make a statement. [7989]

    Mr. Raynsford

    My officials have received the final report of the research project on The Effectiveness of Planning Policy Guidance on Sport and Recreation last week. My department will now be considering the implications of the report's findings for the future of Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 on Sport and Recreation.

    Contaminated Land

    Mr. Nigel Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assistance is available to local authorities to clean up contaminated land; and if he will make a statement. [7997]

    Angela Eagle

    I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Ms Ellman) on 12 June 1997, Official Report, columns, 519-20.

    Hedgerow Protection

    Mr. Forth

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for the review of the new system of hedgerow protection (a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of conducting the review. [8233]

    Angela Eagle

    The group, which has been set up to review how the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 might be strengthened, is expected to report its recommendations to Government by the end of December 1997. The cost of providing the secretariat to the group is estimated to be of the order of £10,000. It will be met from within existing Departmental resources.

    Safer Cities Programme

    Mr. Gunnell

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for the future of the safer cities programme. [7984]

    Angela Eagle

    Government funding for the remaining Safer Cities projects will end, as planned, by March 1998. The Safer Cities programme is part of the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) and new crime prevention and community safety schemes can be included in bids for round 4 of the SRB Challenge Fund. Over 50 per cent. of the schemes successful in the first three rounds of the Challenge. Fund have had crime prevention as an objective. The Government regards crime prevention as a vital issue directly affecting quality of life.

    Regional Development Agencies

    Mr. Forth

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give for the review in respect of implementing plans for regional development agencies in England (a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of conducting the review. [8256]

    Angela Eagle

    We have announced that legislation will be introduced in the Autumn to establish regional development agencies in England. On 11 June we began a consultation on the functions and organisation of regional development agencies. The closing date for responses is 5 September 1997. The consultation is being managed by staff in my Department and by the Government Officers in the Regions; the costs are being met from existing budgets.

    Incineration Plants

    Mr. Baker

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on his policy on the use of incineration plants to change waste into energy; [7614](2) if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the importation of waste for incineration in United Kingdom waste to energy incineration plants. [7615]

    Angela Eagle

    [holding answer 14 July 1997]: The Government believes that the recovery of energy from waste, for example through incineration, can play an important part in sustainable waste management practices, as part of a general effort to move up the hierarchy of waste management options. It should, however, play its part within a wider context in which reduction, re-use and recycling of waste are favoured. It is also essential that both new and existing incinerators meet stringent emissions standards to protect public health and the environment.On the specific issue of the transfrontier shipment of waste, policy is set out in the United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste. Under the Plan, which is legally binding throughout the United Kingdom, imports of waste for genuine recovery operations are allowed, as long as they comply with the technical criteria set out in the Plan, and subject to the controls set out in Council Regulation (EEC) No.259/93 on the supervision and control of shipments of waste within, into and out of the European Community.In the case of imports to a waste-to-energy incineration plant, the tests set out in the Plan which will be applied by the competent authority in coming to a decision as to whether the import is for genuine recovery or not are as follows:

  • (a) that the primary purpose of the facility is for the dual function of incinerating waste and generating energy, rather than the disposal of waste;
  • (b) that the calorific value of the waste input should be at least 11,000kJ/kg, calculated by reference to a representative sample of the waste; and
  • (c) that the heat generated/energy recovered must be used either by the operator himself or by third parties.

    • Competent authorities should also have regard to the nature of any contamination of the waste in the light of the guidance in the Plan.

    These criteria are intended to limit opportunities for incorporating wastes into fuels without benefit to the calorific value or the burning characteristics of the waste, simply to avoid the costs of disposing of those wastes in the country where they are produced.

    Sprinklers

    Mr. Bercow

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to make compulsory the installation of sprinklers in factories, shops and warehouses; and if he will make a statement. [8510]

    Mr. Raynsford

    The relevant Statutory Building Regulation Requirement B3(3) states:To inhibit the spread of fire within the building, it shall be sub-divided with fire resisting construction to an extent appropriate to the size and intended use of the building.The Department gives guidance on how to comply with the requirement and in multi-storey retail and industrial buildings the guidance suggests that the floor area can be doubled if a sprinkler system is installed. In the case of multi-storey storage buildings the guidance suggests that the cubic capacity of the building can be doubled if a sprinkler system is installed. The Department is considering giving revised guidance on the use of sprinklers in relation to compartment size in single storey buildings.

    M3

    Mr. Oaten

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the road accident rate for the M3 between junctions 10 and 11 since it was opened. [7822]

    Ms Glenda Jackson

    Junction 10 to 11 is a relatively new junction on the M3 and only 2 years of accident data are available 1995–1996 with 1 and 6 accidents respectively). For small areas or short road lengths, longer time periods are required to ensure a robust estimate. Personal injury road accident data are published in 'Road Accidents Great Britain—The Casualty Report'. Data for 1996 are due to be published in August 1997 and a copy will be placed in the House of Commons Library.Traffic estimates (the other component of accident rates) have not yet been robustly estimated for this j unction.

    Roads (Pfi)

    Mr. Nicholls

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the use of the Private Finance Initiative to build public roads. [7876]

    Ms Glenda Jackson

    The Government has conducted a review of PFI and we are taking measures to reinvigorate it. Private financing has been shown to offer value for money in the procurement of DBFO projects. Value for money would be critical to our consideration of any future projects taken forward under private financing arrangements.

    Roads Programme

    Mr. Forth

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will give for the strategic review of the trunk roads programme (a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of conducting the review; [8253](2) if he will give for the review of roads

    (a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of conducting the review. [8254]

    Ms. Glenda Jackson

    We have said that we will announce decisions on the accelerated part of the review this month and the conclusions of the main review next Spring. The review is being conducted by officials within their normal duties. We intend to meet costs from planned Departmental Running Costs.

    Franchising Director

    Mr. Colvin

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish his Department's review into the Rail Franchising Director's Objectives, Instructions and Guidance; and if he will make a statement. [8538]

    Ms. Glenda Jackson

    The Government is currently reviewing the Franchising Director's Objectives, Instructions and Guidance and will make an announcement in due course.

    British Railways Board

    Mrs. Dunwoody

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list (a) the current acreage of land owned by the British Railways Board and (b) its current value. [8519]

    Ms Glenda Jackson

    At the beginning of this financial year the Board held some 906,000 square feet of freehold office accommodation. Total acreage of land is not readily available. The book value of the freehold properties held by the Board at that date was £155.62 million.

    Mrs. Dunwoody

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each of the last three years the land disposed of by the British Railways Board, indicating the acreage involved and its value. [8520]

    Ms Jackson

    Several hundred freehold properties have been sold by the British Railways Board each year over the past three years. Total acreage and square footage is not readily available. Gross sales proceeds have been:

    • 1994–95: £37.92 million
    • 1995–96: £50.80 million
    • 1996–97: £65.60 million

    Rail Safety (Educational Visits)

    Mrs. Dunwoody

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to ensure the continuation of the scheme operated by the British Railways Board for train drivers to visit schools to alert children to the dangers of trespassing on railway lines. [8521]

    Ms Glenda Jackson

    Railtrack are continuing this scheme in conjunction with train operating companies and the British Transport Police.Trespass and vandalism remain a serious problem on the railway. The Health and Safety Commission's Railway Industry Advisory Committee is setting up a Working Group to help develop a national strategy and action plan for this area.

    Air Traffic Control Centre, Prestwick

    Mrs. Osborne

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects building work to begin on the new Scottish air traffic control centre at Prestwick. [7089]

    Ms Glenda Jackson

    Sky Solutions consortium has been named by National Air Traffic Services Ltd. (NATS) as the preferred bidder for this contract, and negotiations are expected to continue for several months before a contract is signed. NATS will then be in a position to draw up a detailed timetable for the project.

    Shadow Tolling

    Mr. Chidgey

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of shadow tolling as a way of funding road-building; [8222](2) what assessment he has made of shadow tolling as part of an integrated transport strategy; [8223]

    (3) what assessment he has made of the potential consequences for local demand management and improvements in public transport of shadow tolling; and if he will make a statement; [8224]

    (4) what assessment he has made of the potential environmental consequences of shadow tolling. [8225]

    Ms Glenda Jackson

    DBFO projects show that private financing with remuneration under shadow tolling arrangements can offer value for money. There is development work in hand to see whether it is possible to refine the shadow toll payment mechanism so that it is less dependent upon traffic related payments, placing greater emphasis on the safety of the road and the availability of lanes for traffic use. Other aspects of shadow tolling as a funding mechanism for road schemes will be considered further in the context of our comprehensive spending review and in the work to develop an integrated transport strategy.

    London Bus Services

    Dr. Marek

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what information is available to London bus passengers in relation to standards of service requirements set out in contracts with operating companies. [8753]

    Ms Glenda Jackson

    London Transport Buses' commitment to its passengers is contained in "The London Bus Passenger's Charter" which is freely available to members of the public. Private bus operators are required to take steps to comply with the Charter.

    Trade And Industry

    Export Licences

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the (a) number and (b) export licence categories of open individual export licences granted to Procurement Services International which are currently valid indicating how long each licence will be in operation. [3689]

    Mrs. Roche

    Procurement Services International has no current Open Individual Export Licences.

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if she will list the (a) amounts, (b) export licence category, (c) countries and (d) security forces of destination since 1988 of (i) general purpose machine guns, (ii) sub-machine guns and (iii) other automatic weapons; [3696](2) if she will list the number and categories of export licences granted to British companies since 1988 for the export of

    (a) general purpose machine guns, (b) sub-machine guns and (c) other automatic weapons. [3437]

    Mrs. Roche

    General purpose machine guns, sub-machine guns and other automatic weapons are controlled under categories ML1, ML2 or PL5018 of the Export of Goods (Control) Order. An initial search of records shows around 8.000 licences issued under these categories by the previous Government. Details could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost.

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the (a) number and (b) export licence categories of open general export licences granted to (i) Greys Defence Systems and (ii) Procurement Services International which are currently valid, indicating how long each licence will be in operation. [3694]

    Mrs. Roche

    Open General Export Licences, (OGELs) are not issued to specific exporters. They can be used by any exporter provided, in most cases, they register with my Department. There are currently 21 OGELs in force, for which registration is required for 14. Neither Greys Defence Systems nor Procurement Services International are registered to use any OGEL. OGELs remain in force until they are revoked.

    Indonesia (Exports)

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list (a) the number and (b) the categories of export licences granted for the export of military, security, police surveillance systems to Indonesia since 1988, indicating the (i) type of equipment or systems, (ii) companies to whom the licences were granted and (iii) destination agency. [3620]

    Mrs. Roche

    To identify equipment in these broad categories would entail a significant computer and paper record search which could be done only at disproportionate cost.

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the (a) number and (b) categories of export licences granted to Arte Systems Ltd. for the transfer of surveillance or communication systems and equipment to Indonesia since 1988. [3636]

    Mrs. Roche

    Readily available records, since 1991, show that no export licences for this equipment to Indonesia have been granted to Arte Systems Ltd. To search records for earlier years would involve disproportionate costs. Moreover the Grays Group Limited have confirmed in writing that no export licence applications have been made or licences granted to the company.

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the licences granted for the export of 40mm grenade launchers to Indonesia since 1988. [3383]

    Mrs. Roche

    The export of 40mm grenade launchers are controlled under entry ML2 of the Export of Goods (Control) Order. To identify licences covering these specific goods, all licences assessed as coming under ML2 would need to be searched and this can be done only at disproportionate cost.

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the (a) number and (b) categories of open (1) individual and (2) general export licences granted to (i) Procurement Services International and (ii) Greys Defence Systems since 1988 for the export of military security and police equipment or services to Indonesia indicating the equipment and services provided. [3692]

    Mrs. Roche

    Neither Procurement Services International nor Greys Defence Systems hold current Open Individual Export Licences, nor have we any record of these companies ever holding such licences.

    Open General Export Licences (OGELs) are not issued to specific exporters. They can be used by any exporter provided, in most cases, they register as an OGEL user. There are four OGELs, which allow the export of certain goods controlled under the Military List (Schedule 1 of Part III of the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, as amended) to a wide range of destinations including Indonesia. Three of these OGELs require exporters to register if they are using them. Neither Greys Defence Systems or Procurement Services International are registered. The fourth OGEL allows licensable goods to be exported after prior importation into the UK for exhibition purposes. It could not therefore be used for UK origin exports.

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the companies which are current applicants for export licences covering command, control, communication and information systems to Indonesia. [3434]

    Mrs. Roche

    There are no current export licence applications for command, control, communication and information systems to Indonesia.

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list (a) the licences granted for the export of System X to Indonesia, (b) which agency it was destined for and (c) the year in which it was exported. [3525]

    Mrs. Roche

    Although some advanced optional features of the System X telephone exchange remain licensable, the majority of System X systems were removed from export control in 1992. From readily available records, which date from 1991, no export licences have been granted for this equipment to Indonesia.

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she is minded to grant current export licence applications for the command, control, communication and information systems to Indonesia. [3435]

    Mrs. Roche

    There are currently no such applications. Should any applications for such goods be received in the future they would be considered in light of the outcome of the Government review of the criteria used in considering licence applications for the export of conventional weapons announced on 22 May.

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what control she has over the transfer of (a) armoured vehicles and (b) armoured personnel carriers to (i) Indonesia and (ii) other countries from the GKN Defiance licensed production facility in the Phillippines. [3639]

    Mrs. Roche

    The control of exports from the Phillippines is a matter for the Phillippine Government. Any export of licensable goods from the UK to the Phillippines would be subject to UK export controls.

    Mrs. Clwyd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the (i) number of (ii) categories of open general export licences granted to (a) Greys Defence Systems and (b) Procurement Services International since 1988 for the export of military, security and police equipment or services to Indonesia; and if she will make a statement on the equipment and services provided. [3687]

    Mrs. Roche

    Open General Export Licences (OGELs) are not issued to specific exporters. They can be used by any exporter provided, in most cases, they register as an OGEL user. There are four OGELs, which allow the export of certain goods controlled under the Military List (Schedule 1 of Part III of the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, as amended) to a wide range of destinations including Indonesia. Three of these OGELs require exporters to register if they are using them. Neither Greys Defence Systems nor Procurement Services International are registered for any of these. The fourth OGEL allows licensable goods to be exported after prior importation into the UK for exhibition purposes. It could not therefore be used for UK origin exports.

    Computers (Millennium Compliance)

    Mr. Cotter

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to assist small businesses which are adversely affected by (a) Government departments and (b) others failing ensure that their computer systems are millennium compliant. [5165]

    Mrs. Roche

    Within Government itself, Departments and Agencies are responsible for their own systems. The Central IT Unit, through its agency the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) is supporting the public sector with a range of specific activities, including the publication of extensive guidance by CCTA. As part of that support, CITU and CCTA have identified a programme of action to ensure that Government's response to the year 2000 problem is co-ordinated and coherent. This involves each department is producing a detailed and costed plan by October to ensure that all their systems are modified and tested by January 1999.Each private sector organisation is responsible for its own systems. The DTI is working closely with Taskforce 2000 to alert all businesses to the problem and encourage action.If, despite these efforts, a computer failure in one organisation adversely affects another party, the normal legal remedies will be available.

    Phthalates

    Mr. Flynn

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what representations she has received concerning the health risks posed by the release of phthalate from babies' teething rings; and if she will make a statement; [4487](2) what assessment she has made of the health risks posed by the release of phthalates from babies' teething rings; and if she will make a statement; [4488](3) what plans she has to introduce a ban on toys containing phthalates; and if she will make a statement; [4489](4) if she will list the EU countries which currently operate cautionary bans on certain plastic toys releasing phthalates when chewed; and is she will make a statement. [4490]

    Mr. Griffiths

    [holding answers 24 June 1997): I have received no representations concerning the health risks posed by the release of phthalates from either toys or teething rings. The Department of Health has advised that there are unlikely to be any health risks to children from phthalates in such products provided that exposure does not exceed the relevant Tolerable Daily Intakes (TDIs) for phthalates set by the EC Scientific Committee for Food. This advice takes account of all available information on the possible effects of phthalates, including recent studies concerning oestrogenic activity.There is no ban on plastic toys containing phthalates applying in any of the European Union member states. I am aware, however, of some media reports about teething rings, containing phthalate plasticiser, which were removed from sales in Denmark, Spain, Greece and Italy. I am advised they were never on sale here. Trading standards departments in this country have been provided with full details of the products identified. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysed 11 PVC products sold by a variety of companies in Denmark. Three of these products produced higher levels of a specific phthalate than expected on extraction by a test apparently developed by the Danish EPA. The remaining eight items examined released no, or very small, amounts of any phthalate and were considered to be acceptable by the Danish authorities. PVC teething rings as such have not been banned.In view of this, I have no plan to introduce a ban on toys or teething rings containing phthalate chemicals. A note reviewing the background to this issue, prepared by officials in my Department and Department of Health together with scientists at the Laboratory of the Government Chemists, has been placed in the Library of the House.

    Internet

    Rev. Martin Smyth

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions she has had with other Government and law enforcement agencies on the need to regulate illegal and harmful matter on the Internet; and if she will make a statement. [5868]

    Mrs. Roche

    My Department has worked in close co-operation with the Home Office, the Metropolitan Police, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), to facilitate the development of a system for dealing with illegal content on the Internet, using existing law and the existing penalties. This framework is known as Internet Watch.As a general rule, existing law applies to the Internet exactly as it does in the "physical" world. This means that ISPs have a clear liability for any illegal content which they host on their servers, but only once they have been made aware of it, and if they have then failed to take reasonable steps to remove it. Internet Watch offers ISPs a service, facilitating their compliance with existing law. An ISP who chose not to co-operate within the framework would risk prosecution and the full force of the criminal law. Internet Watch has already proved successful in bringing about the removal of illegal material, and in passing details to the police.

    Vat (Fuel)

    Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will estimate the effect on domestic energy consumption of a reduction in VAT on domestic fuel and power to 5 per cent. [6262]

    Mr. Battle

    [holding answer 1 July 1997): Since the announcement of this cut in the budget we have had the opportunity to fine tune the modelling of this VAT reduction. As a result, it is estimated that reducing VAT on domestic fuel will increase domestic sector energy consumption by around 0.7 per cent.

    Gas-Fired Power Generation

    Mr. Todd

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will review the process of granting permission for new gas-fired power generation; and if she will make a statement. [7215]

    Mr. Battle

    We are currently considering a number of applications for consent for new power stations and will examine these on a case by case basis.

    Bananas

    Mr. Healey

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action Her Majesty's Government have taken in support of the European Commission's appeal against the World Trade Organisation's ruling on the EU banana import regime; what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the import of bananas from the West Indies to Europe; what assessment he has made of the impact of United Kingdom policy on the Caribbean banana industry; and if he will make a statement. [7476]

    Mrs. Roche

    The UK has supported the European Commission's robust defence of the EU banana regime in the World Trade Organisation. We are continuing that support during the appeal to the Appellate Body. The EU policy of offering preferential access for bananas from the West Indies and other traditional ACP suppliers is one that the UK supports. The Government is well aware of the importance to the West Indies of continuing access, given the dependence of their economies on banana exports.

    Eu Low Voltage Directive

    Fiona Mactaggart

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what instructions she plans to give to the United Kingdom representatives at the European Commission meeting on 8 July to discuss guidelines for implementation of the low voltage directive; and if she will make a statement; [7163](2) what consultations she plans to have with industry about changing the scope of the low voltage directive; [7164](3) what factors underlay her Department's decision in 1995 that cable management products should not remain within the scope of the low voltage directive; and if she has plans to review this decision. [7165]

    Mr. Battle

    My officials sought to establish a clear understanding of the position on the guidance on issues such as the application of the Directive to cable management products, components and the CE marking requirements.The scope of the Directive has not changed since its adoption in 1973 and I have no plans to consult on this particular issue. However, the Department's Standards and Technical Regulations Directorate recently consulted with interested parties and met with industry representatives, on a draft European Commission guidance document about the Low Voltage Directive.The Department also plans a further meeting with industry representatives to discuss the proposed Commission guidance at the earliest mutually convenient time.Although the Directive was adopted in 1973, it was only after the adoption of the CE Marking Directive in 1993, that an approach was first made to the Department by a manufacturer of plastic conduit, for an opinion as to whether the Directive covered such items.Cable management products, such as plastic conduit, will fall within the scope of the Low Voltage Directive only if they are items of electrical equipment as described within the meaning of Article 2 of the Directive. In order to answer the enquiry a detailed analysis was undertaken by my Department to clarify the meaning of electrical equipment. As the Directive does not define what is meant by electrical equipment it is necessary to base this on the ordinary English language usage of the term in the context in which it appears in the Directive. The natural meaning of these words and hence the scope of the Directive, implies a product which operates between the voltage limits set, is not an electrically passive product and has the potential to generate electrical, mechanical, thermal or other hazards, all arising from its electrical, nature which must be protected against, as required by Article 2 of the Directive.At a meeting of member States on 8 and 9 July to discuss a proposed European Commission guidance document on the Directive, the European Commission requested that the Department review its position. My officials are presently carrying out a further review and I hope that a mutually acceptable form of wording can be found for inclusion in the guidance.

    Trade Fair Support

    Mrs. Gillan

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will place in the Library copies of her letter to potential sponsors of trade fair seminar support programmes. [7679]

    Mrs. Roche

    [holding answer 10 July 1997): Officials wrote to potential sponsors and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

    Mrs. Gillan

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the sample companies exhibiting overseas with a DTI supported group in the last two years who have been sent the Support for Overseas Trade Fairs and Seminars consultation document. [8145]

    Mrs. Roche

    [holding answer 11 July 1997]: A list of the sample of companies exhibiting overseas with a DTI supported group in the last two years, which have been sent a copy of the DTI's consultation paper "Support for Overseas Trade Fairs and Seminars—The Way Forward" is being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.To enable the paper to reach as many exporters as possible it has also been sent to a wide range of business intermediary organisations and has been publicised so that as many organisations, firms, or individuals wishing to participate in the consultation can do so.

    International Nuclear Safety Convention

    Mr. Forth

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will give for the review of international obligations under the International Nuclear Safety convention (a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of conducting the review. [8248]

    Mr. Battle

    The United Kingdom's report on its implementation of obligations under the Convention on Nuclear Safety will be submitted to the Convention's Secretariat by 29 September 1998, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for the Convention. This report and those of all other Contracting Parties to the Convention will be reviewed at a meeting at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) starting in Vienna on 12 April 1999 and expected to last two to three weeks. At this early stage, costs of conducting the review are unclear.

    Royal Greenwich Observatory

    Mr. Lansley

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will provide a detailed breakdown of the savings expected to be made as a result of the closure of the Royal Greenwich Observatory. [7588]

    Mr. Battle

    [holding answer 10 July 1997]: The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council's proposals to restructure and co-locate its operations will lead to savings of at least £3 million per annum in salary costs full details are set out in Annex E of PPARC's report "The Future Management of the Royal Observatories", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. In addition, approximately £1 million per annum savings will be made in overhead costs.

    Mr. Lansley

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will estimate the market value of the Royal Greenwich Observatory at Cambridge. [7589]

    Mr. Battle

    [holding answer 10 July 1997]: The value of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council's assets is routinely recorded for accounting purposes but because of the uncertain effect of restrictions in the lease, a true market value for the RGO could be established only by a full market test.

    Renewable Energy

    Mr. Hunter

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the Government's policy for renewable energy; and what measures she proposes to take to increase the use of renewable energy. [8539]

    Mr. Battle

    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.

    Life Patent Directive

    Mr. Mitchell

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the draft Life Patent directive under consideration in the European Parliament was (a) published for consideration by the Council of Ministers and (b) considered by them; what recommendation they made on the directive, what consultations Her Majesty's Government have entered into with interested bodies in the United Kingdom; if the Government have signed the requisite Explanatory Memorandum; and what parliamentary scrutiny this directive will receive. [8505]

    Mr. Battle

    The Commission's proposal for a Directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions was published on 13 December 1995, and formally sent to the Council of Ministers on 25 January 1996. The Opinion of the European Parliament on the Commission's proposal is still awaited and to date consideration by the Council has taken place only at official level. No recommendation have emerged.The Commission's proposal was circulated for comment in February 1996 to some 50 interest groups representing the professions, industry, consumers, trades unions, the research community, groups concerned with social and environmental impact of biotechnology, and including member organisations of the Standing Advisory Committee on Industrial Property, a body set up to advise Ministers on all aspects of industrial property.An Explanatory Memorandum was submitted by this Department on 4 March 1996, and further Memoranda will be submitted as matters proceed before the Council.

    Carbon Dioxide Emissions

    Mr. Paice

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the calculation and forecasts for CO2 emissions contained in European Union document 8468/97 from the Secretary-General. [8160]

    Mr. Battle

    [holding answer 14 July 1997]: I submitted an Explanatory Memorandum to Parliament on 9 July 1997 on the European Union document 8468/97, a copy of which is in the Library of both Houses. My officials have discussed the scenario for future carbon emissions with the European Commission and believe it fairly describes likely broad trends at European Union level.

    Nuclear Power (Documents)

    Mr. Baker

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer of 9 July 1997, Official Report, column 485, what matters are dealt with in the 1952 Atomic Energy Board (minutes and papers); and if she will now transfer those documents to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [8708]

    Mr. Battle

    The 1952 Atomic Energy Board (minutes and papers) dealt with a variety of issues pertinent to the UK nuclear industry. As my hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs stated in his answer of 9 July, many of these records contained material of a sensitive nature and therefore, both IKAEA and MOD agreed at the last review of this file in 1996, that these papers should not be released at this time.

    Mr. Baker

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to increase accessibility to information held by (a) her Department and (b) the Atomic Energy Authority relating to nuclear power generation. [8709]

    Mr. Battle

    I attach considerable importance to freedom of information and am concerned to improve the level of information made available to the public. The Department of Trade and Industry already makes a significant amount of information about nuclear power generation available through publications such as the Energy Report and the Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics. It will continue to explore ways of increasing access to this information both proactively and in response to specific requests. This is being reflected, for example, in the more forthcoming answers to Parliamentary Questions, on a range of nuclear issues, in the last two months.The UK Atomic Energy Authority is publicly committed to a policy of frank and open communication of information wherever possible.

    Mr. Baker

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what papers relating to the Windscale fire in 1957 are still held by her Department; and if she will now pass those to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [8707]

    Mr. Battle

    All known files relating to the Windscale fire are already in the Public Record Office. I am not aware of any other files held by the Department. The official UKAEA historian, Lorna Arnold has also written a book on the Windscale fire, "Windscale 1957—Anatomy of a Nuclear Accident" published 1992, which includes an exhaustive reference list.

    Bt (Special Share)

    Ms Dari Taylor

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Government have clarified for British Telecom its position on the Special Share in advance of the company's annual general meeting of 16 July. [9069]

    Mrs. Beckett

    I have written to British Telecom stating that the Government is willing to redeem its Share. This decision was taken after careful consideration of the specific issues involved; it has no implications for other Special Shares where any decisions would have to take account of the different circumstances in each case.

    Solar Power

    Mr. Dafis

    To ask the President of the Board of Trade and Industry how many homes in Britain are solar powered currently; and if he will set targets to increase this number. [7098]

    Mr. Battle

    There are currently four solar powered (photovoltaic) domestic housing schemes in the UK, comprising a total of 14 homes in the private sector. However, there are over 40,000 homes with active solar heating and many more with passive solar design features. The current cost of installing photovoltaic (PV) panels (1.5–3.0kWp) onto a domestic house is typically between £10,000 and £15,000 per property. PV electricity costs typically around 5–10 times more than conventionally generated electricity, depending on specific circumstances. However, the technology is developing rapidly, and with continually falling costs due to economies of scale, PV may become a strategically important electricity generating technology in the future.I recently announced a review of policy on new and renewable energy, and the Government's support for the solar energy industry will be considered in that context.

    Social Security

    Hospital Admissions (Waiting Costs)

    Mr. Wicks

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the annual social security cost among those waiting for hospital admissions (a) in total and (b) broken down by benefit category in the last year for which figures are available. [8705]

    Mr. Keith Bradley

    No information is recorded about whether or not benefit recipients are waiting for hospital admission.

    Serps

    Mr. Gale

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his oral statement of 9 July, Official Report, column 1037, if SERPS will continue and expand in line with demand from all those that wish to remain members of the scheme; and if he will make a statement. [8590]

    Mr. Denham

    The forthcoming Pensions Review will look at all aspects of pensions provision. We will retain SERPS for those who wish to remain members of it.

    Mr. Gale

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his oral statement of 9 July, Official Report, column 1037, what firm proposals he has to enable pensioners to belong to a pension scheme that is flexible, secure, gives value for money and does not reduce people's savings if they become unemployed; what price formula he intends to use when increasing the basic state pension in line with prices; how long he expects his Department's wide ranging review of pensions to take; and if he will list the organisations that will be consulted. [8591]

    Mr. Denham

    The Government is committed to the development of stakeholder pensions, which will be good quality second pension schemes. They will allow those without access to occupational schemes to invest their contributions in a secure, flexible and value for money pension. A framework for stakeholder pensions will be developed in close consultation with potential pension providers and representatives of employers, employees and the self-employed. We will also build on the good quality second pensions that many employees enjoy by supporting the existing framework of occupational pensions.My right hon. friend the Secretary of States, will shortly announce details of the Pensions Review, including when it will report.As part of the review, we will engage in a process of wide ranging consultation. We will involve all key players, including employers, employees, the pensions industry, and pensioners' organisations. The Government will ensure that the views of pensioners are heard.My right hon. Friend is required to review annually the value of Basic Retirement Pension to determine whether it has retained its value in relation to the general level of prices. The results of that review will be announced in due course. We will retain the Basic State Retirement Pension as the foundation of pension provision, increasing it as least in line with prices.

    Defence

    Pay Deductions

    Mr. Gordon Marsden

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors underlie the length of delay between the deduction of maintenance money from serving personnel's wages and its subsequent payment to separated partners. [7714]

    Dr. Reid

    This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

    Letter from C. G. Winsland to Mr. Gordon Marsden, dated 15 July 1997:

    I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the factors which may delay maintenance payments made by Service personnel as this matter falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of the Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency (AFPAA).
    There are 3 general processes employed by the Agency to make maintenance payments from Servicemen's pay:
  • (a) Automatic credit transfer through the Bankers Automated Clearing System (BACS).
  • (b) Payable Orders in the form of a cheque, which are sent by post and are drawn against HMPMG account.
  • (c) Allotment or payment books which are pre-funded and against which credits are drawn on the due date.
    • In each case, the method of payment is dictated by the Child Support Agency (CSA), the Court, or the dependant. The 3 systems have proven to be effective and payments are rarely delayed, other than through exceptional circumstances such as postal delays, technical failure in the BACS system or the production of the payable orders. In the vast majority of cases, payments deducted from pay due on the last working day of each month are credited to the separated partner's account or paid by cheque on the same day.
    Usually, AFPAA is directed to make payment to the CSA or Magistrates Court for them in turn to issue funds to the individual. From past experience, this can be the most significant factor in any delay between the deduction of maintenance from a Serviceman's pay and subsequent payment to a separated partner. If your question relates to a specific case, I would be happy to initiate a review if you can provide the necessary detail.

    Army Individual Training Organisation

    Mr. Forth

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give for the review of the Royal Navy's approach to efficiency in the Army's Individual Training Organisation (a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of conducting the review. [8261]

    Dr. Reid

    There is no such review. I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, North (Mr. Rapson) on 24 June, Official Report, columns 421-22.

    Executive Agencies

    Mr. Keith Simpson

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those areas of his departmental responsibility currently under consideration for defence agency status. [8132]

    Dr. Reid

    There are three areas within my Department currently under consideration for Defence Agency status. These are the Defence Communications Service, Army Equipment Support and the RAF Support Management Group.

    Trident

    Professor Webb

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to include the Trident missile programme within his Strategic Defence Review; and if he will make a statement. [7985]

    Dr. Reid

    The Government's commitment to retain Trident is one of the policy principles on which the Strategic Defence Review is founded. Within this framework the review will examine all aspects of our deterrence requirements.

    Plastic Baton Rounds

    Mr. Sedgemore

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 June, Official Report, column 372, when Ministers were made aware that the plastic baton rounds being used in Northern Ireland were firing too fast. [8266]

    Dr. Reid

    [holding answer 11 July 1997]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and I were informed on 14 May 1997 that tests had indicated that some of the baton rounds manufactured in 1994 exceeded the specified velocity. We decided to make an announcement as soon as we knew the results of further tests, and we did so on 10 June.

    Northern Ireland

    Housing Benefit Fraud

    Mr. Forsythe

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many tenants of private landlords received housing benefit between 1 April 1996 and 1 April 1997; and how many of those were subsequently found to have committed housing benefit fraud. [7186]

    Mr. Worthington

    The information required to answer the question fully is not readily available at present but I will write to the hon. gentleman shortly and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

    Mr. Forsythe

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) housing executive and (b) DSS fraud inspectors were in situ between 1 April 1996 and 1 April 1997. [7185]

    Mr. Worthington

    Between 1 April 1996 and 1 April 1997, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive did not employ its staff as fraud inspectors. During this period, fraud investigations and prosecutions were carried out on behalf of the Housing Executive by staff of the Social Security Agency's Fraud and Prosecutions Branch and by the Royal Ulster Constabulary under the Theft Act.During 1996–97, the Housing Executive appointed five staff to commence work on the development of a Security Strategy for Housing Benefit. Procedures operated by Housing Executive staff administering Housing Benefit include fraud prevention measures, as a result of which it is estimated that, for the six month period ended 31 March 1997, some £1.5 million was saved.

    On 1 April 1996 the Social Security Agency had in place 61 staff involved in fraud prevention and detection. On 1 April 1997 the number had risen to 88, 70 of whom include the investigation of referrals from the Housing Executive in their duties.

    Mr. Forsythe

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many tenants of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive received housing benefit between 1 April 1996 and 1 April 1997; and how many of those were subsequently found to have committed housing benefit fraud. [7187]

    Mr. Worthington

    The information required to answer the question fully is not readily available at present but I will write to the hon. gentleman shortly and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

    Gearóid O'dochartaigh

    Mr. McNamara

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the grounds for arrest of Gearóid O'Dochartaigh on 14 June. [7369]

    Mr. Ingram

    [holding answer 14 July 1997]: Following a stone-throwing incident in Londonderry on 14 June 1997 Gearóid O'Dochartaigh was stopped and questioned by police as to his identity, under the provisions of section 25 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996. On failing to satisfy police in this regard, O'Dochartaigh was arrested under the provisions of section 18 of the Act and taken to Strand Road RUC Station where he subsequently provided satisfactory details of his identity. He was subsequently released into the custody of his mother, who attended the station.

    Irish Language

    Mr. McNamara

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she has taken to ensure that the rights of Irish language speakers in Northern Ireland under the law are protected with particular reference to the use of their given name. [7368]

    Mr. Worthington

    [holding answer 14 July 1997]: Current administrative guidelines on the use of Irish in official business in Northern Ireland recommend that officials should respect the wishes of any individual who has indicated a desire to be known by a personal name in the Irish language. Unless it appears that he or she is not generally known by that name, a personal name in Irish should be accepted for all official purposes, including correspondence and official documents.

    Plastic Baton Rounds

    Mr. Sedgemore

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) pursuant to her answer of 19 June, Official Report, columns 275–76, what assessment she has made of Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary's opinion of the need to review RUC guidelines on the use of baton guns more accurately to reflect the Association of Chief Police Officers' manual of guidance; [8529](2) pursuant to her answer of 30 June,

    Official Report, column 63, what assessment she has made of Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary's opinion on the risks involved in the routine use of baton rounds; [8530]

    (3) pursuant to her answer of 19 June, Official Report, columns 275–76, what assessment she has made of Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary's concern in respect of the application of the existing guidelines on baton rounds to the protection of property and detection of crime. [8528]

    Mr. Ingram

    [holding answer 14 July 1997]: HMIC's report contains eight main recommendations relating directly to the handling of public order situations and the use of PBRs. These recommendations have been accepted by the Chief Constable. They will be taken into consideration in the current review of baton gun guidelines, which ACPO is conducting and in which the RUC is participating.

    Holding Centres

    Mr. McNamara

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the 4th Annual Report of the Independent Commissioner for the Holding Centres; and if she will make a statement. [7411]

    Mr. Ingram

    A consultation exercise on the recommendations made in the 4th Annual Report of the Independent Commissioner for the Holding Centres is at present being conducted. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will consider making a statement when the consultation exercise has been completed.

    Mr. McNamara

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will publish the code of practice for video-recording interviews with suspects detained in the holding centres. [7412]

    Mr. Ingram

    The code of practice for the silent video-recording of interviews with suspects detained in the Holding Centres is at an advanced stage of preparation. It will be published as soon as possible.

    Mr. McNamara

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will review guidelines for the holding centres to enable detainees to be provided with writing materials. [7413]

    Mr. Ingram

    The provision of writing materials for detainees is being considered as part of the consultation exercise.

    Mr. McNamara

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the police have a right of veto over the decision of the Independent Commissioner for the Holding Centres or his Deputy to attend a detainee interview. [7414]

    Mr. Ingram

    The question as to whether or not the Independent Commissioner or his Deputy attends a detainee interview is in the first place a matter for the detained person. Additionally though, in exceptional circumstances, the police have a right of veto over the Commissioner's decision to attend. This is reflected in the Commissioners' Terms of Reference.

    Mr. McNamara

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will place a copy of the RUC document, "Notice to Detained Persons," in the Library. [7415]

    Mr. Ingram

    The Codes of Practice for the Detention, Treatment, Questioning and Identification of detained persons set out very clearly and in some detail the requirements in terms of informing detained persons of their rights while in custody.A copy of the Codes of Practice is available in the Library.

    Mr. McNamara

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list (a) the functions carried out in each of the three holding centres and (b) the allocation of space accorded to each. [7416]

    Mr. Ingram

    The function of each of the Holding Centres is to provide for the detention and interview of persons detained under Section 14 of the Prevention of Terrorism (TP) Act 1989, in accordance with the Codes of Practice issued under Section 61 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1991.The allocation of space accorded to each function varies between Holding Centres and indeed variation exists within each Holding Centre.

    Mr. McNamara

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is (a) the estimated cost of building works proposed by the Police Authority to replace Castlereagh Holding Centre and (b) the estimated duration of such works from commencement to completion. [7417]

    Mr. Ingram

    It has been estimated in the absence of a statement of feasibility and cost range, that a replacement build for Castlereagh Holding Centre would currently:

  • (a) cost in the region of £6 million; and
  • (b) would take a period of approximately 18 months to complete.

    • Perinatal Mortality

    Rev. Martin Smyth

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the perinatal mortality rate in the Royal Maternity Hospital during the past five years; and what has been the average rate for maternity hospitals in the United Kingdom in the same period. [8585]

    Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

    Channel Tunnel (Electrified Grids)

    Mrs. Browning

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the electrified grids in the channel tunnel are turned on. [7705]

    Mr. Rooker

    Eurotunnel has told us that the grids are now operating, but not to their full specifications. MAFF officials will shortly be carrying out an inspection following a recent visit I made to the tunnel areas in England and France.

    Mink Farming

    Mr. Steinberg

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to prohibit the farming of mink for fur; and if he will make a statement. [7655]

    Mr. Morley

    I am currently exploring all possible ways forward on how to implement the Government's pre-election pledge to end fur farming as soon as practicable.

    Radioactive Waste

    Mr. Bennett

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all areas of United Kingdom seas in which it is known radioactive waste has been dumped; what records he holds on which companies produced radioactive waste during the second half of this century, where the place where they disposed of their waste is unknown or was at sea; and if he will make a statement about the danger of this waste. [8230]

    Mr. Rooker

    Dumping of radioactive waste in United Kingdom waters was carried out in the Hurd Deep from 1950 to 1963 and, as reported in my written reply to my hon. Friend, the member for Kirkcaldy (Dr. Moonie) on 1 July 1997, Official Report, columns 158–60, in Beaufort's Dyke in the 1950s.The Department does not hold records on the production by companies of radioactive waste except in relation to the authorised disposal of such waste at sea, and in relation to the Ministry's previous responsibilities with regard to authorising radioactive waste disposal from licensed nuclear sites. We have already undertaken to publish any new information which may be found in the search of archive material referred to in my written answer of 1 July.Monitoring has shown that levels of man-made radioactivity in UK waters remain well within internationally agreed safety levels and give no cause for concern. Results of this monitoring are compiled and published annually and copies are placed in the Library of the House.

    Livestock Support Schemes

    Mr. Collins

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many payments under the force majeure provisions of (a) the sheep annual premium scheme and (b) the hill livestock compensatory allowances scheme were made in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [7461]

    Mr. Rooker

    The following table shows the information requested in respect of England for the two years 1994 and 1995. Information for earlier years is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Information on the number of cases in 1996 is currently being gathered.

    Force majeure cases accepted in England under the sheep annual

    premium scheme and the hill livestock compensatory allowances

    scheme
    Scheme19941995
    SAPS307
    HLCAS34

    Drift Nets

    Mr. Martyn Jones

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the (a) extent of use and (b) effectiveness of drift nets with Dolphin doors relative to drift nets without such doors; and if he will make a statement. [8485]

    Mr. Morley

    In 1996, five of the eight United Kingdom vessels participating in the high seas drift net fishery for tuna used dolphin doors. The industry's estimate of dolphin casualties caused by the UK fleet in this fishery was approximately 90. It is not clear how far the use of dolphin doors affected the level of casualties or effectiveness of the drift nets in catching other species.I am currently considering our policy towards high seas drift nets.

    Minestone Tipping (Northumberland)

    Mr. Beith

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 3 July, Official Report, column 260, if he will publish the report on the environmental effects of minestone tipping at Lynemouth, Northumberland, which he is currently considering. [8512]

    Mr. Morley

    [holding answer 14 July 1997): I have arranged for copies of the Report to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

    Cattle Transportation

    Mr. Kidney

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidance he will be giving to Staffordshire farmers for the transportation of cattle to slaughterhouses outside the county. [8589]

    Mrs. Dean

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the recent decision of the Intervention Board in respect of the lack of an abattoir registered to take over 30 months cattle and casualty cattle within Staffordshire. [8697]

    Mr. Rooker

    Following a competitive tender, 26 abattoirs in Great Britain have been contracted by the Intervention Board to slaughter cattle under the Over Thirty Month Scheme. Selection was made on the basis of criteria which included quality and volume of service, suitability of premises, price and geographical location to ensure reasonable access for producers. Proportionally greater capacity has been provided to the traditional dairy areas, including the North West of England, and the number of liveweight markets acting as collection centres for entry to the scheme has not changed.Inevitably, with the number of abattoirs being reduced from about 50 to 26 to reflect the much lower throughputs in the scheme, some producers will have to travel greater distances. But those in Staffordshire are relatively well served under the new arrangements, despite there being no scheme abattoirs in the county. In fact, distances for them will be less than those for a great many producers elsewhere in the country.

    Beef (Illegal Exports)

    Mr. Hill

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken over allegations of illegal exports of United Kingdom beef; and if he will make a statement.[9120]

    Dr. Jack Cunningham

    My officials, in conjunction with officials from other member states, the Commission's Anti-Fraud unit and DGXXIV, are pursuing investigations in this country and elsewhere into allegations of the illegal export of UK beef. It will be some time before those investigations are complete. Criminal proceedings will be instigated if sufficient evidence of illegal activity is found. All allegations of illegal exports of beef are urgently and rigorously investigated.As a result of serious hygiene concerns arising out of our investigations, however, my Department yesterday issued Notices preventing two meat plants in the UK from trading in beef.In the light of recent events I have undertaken a thorough review of the measures currently in place to implement the ban on the export of UK beef imposed by EC Decision 96/239 as amended by EC Decision 96/362 and have concluded that those measures should be enhanced and extended. I have today informed the European Commission that I intend to:

    introduce new secondary legislation both to clarify and strengthen the powers available to UK officials where illegal exports are suspected;
    to enhance the checks that are carried out at ports of despatch.

    I am also giving urgent consideration to enhancing veterinary checks at beef plants.

    The UK is under an obligation to implement and enforce the export ban firmly and effectively for as long as it is in place. Only in this way will we regain the trust of our European partners, which is an essential pre-requisite to an early lifting of the export ban.

    President Of The Council

    Cabinet Committees

    37.

    Mr. Mackinlay

    To ask the President of the Council if she will make it her policy to issue statements following meetings of the Cabinet Committees that she chairs. [6728]

    Mrs. Ann Taylor

    No. Details relating to proceedings of Cabinet Comittees are not published.

    House Of Commons

    Cycle Allowance

    35.

    Mrs. Anne Campbell

    To ask the President of the Council if she will assess the advantages of introducing a cycle allowance for right hon. and hon. Members. [6726]

    Mrs. Ann Taylor

    If hon. Members, instead of using a car, want to use cycles for Parliamentary business then it makes sense to consider this. I shall look at ways of taking this further.

    Visitor Facilities

    36.

    Mr. Gapes

    To ask the hon Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans the Commission has to improve facilities for visitors and families of hon. Members. [6727]

    41.

    Mr. Mitchell

    To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will increase the financial provision for resources and facilities available to visitors to the House. [6733]

    Mr. Kirkwood

    Following a Recommendation of the Catering Committee in the last Parliament, the House agreed on 12 July 1994 that the area currently occupied by the Westminster Hall Cafeteria should be converted to a Visitor Centre, but this should only take place once a suitable alternative has been found for the present lunchtime users. No doubt this is a matter a new Catering Committee will wish to take up at an early date.Provision of facilities for families of hon. Members is a matter for the Administration Committee.

    Constitutional Bills

    38.

    Mr. Clifton-Brown

    To ask the President of the Council what is her policy on taking major constitutional Bills in a Committee of the whole House. [6729]

    Mrs. Ann Taylor

    I refer the hon. Member to the Government's Memorandum to the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons.

    Palace Of Westminster

    39.

    Mr. Stunell

    To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans the Commission has (a) to make the Palace of Westminster more accessible to the public and (b) to provide clearer information on the operation of the House; and if he will make a statement. [6730]

    Mr. Kirkwood

    The Commission appreciates the importance of ensuring that access to the Palace of Westminster is available to the thousands of members of the Public who visit it each week and information is provided through the Public Information Office so that they can understand the House of Commons and its activities. A number of initiatives are in progress and I will arrange for a list of these to be published in the Official Report.The following is the information:The Public Information Office of the Library takes the lead in providing information to the public and it has been making every effort to deal with the increased public interest in Parliament which has become evident in the last few months.Plans by the Education Unit of the Public Information Office to provide more information for young people were agreed by the Administration Committee in March 1997. These are in addition to the current Autumn Visits Programme, and include greater use of the public gallery for schools visits from November 1997, from 1998 the use of Committee Room 10 to be made available for the holding of six or seven "Pupil Parliaments" per year and from autumn 1997 the holding of four teacher seminars per year. The Administration Committee has also agreed that, following the opening of Portcullis House, a Committee or Conference Room in that building be set aside each Monday and Friday when the House is sitting to enable whole-days seminars for schoolchildren on the work of Parliament to take place.

    The Line of Route is available to parties of visitors sponsored by Members and the Administration Committee regularly reviews the arrangements to ensure the greatest possible access. In addition, the general public will be admitted to Westminster Hall from 4 August to 26 September to visit an exhibition being held by the House of Lords Record Office.

    Electronic means are also being used to increase accessibility. The Parliamentary public Internet web-site is proving popular and greatly increases the accessibility of the papers and proceedings. New arrangements were instituted for overseas visitors from 1 May 1997. In addition an interactive CD-ROM about Parliament and its activities is currently being produced on a commercial basis with the co-operation of the House authorities and an interactive education web-site is in the planning stage.

    It is planned to redevelop the area currently occupied by Westminster Hall Cafeteria to include a visitors' centre after the new Portcullis House is occupied.

    An exhibition video and hard disk ROM is on view in the historic Jewel Tower, almost opposite St. Stephen's Entrance.

    Privy Counsellors

    40.

    Mr. Pickthall

    To ask the President of the Council if she will bring forward proposals to put Privy Counsellors on an equal footing with other hon. Members in parliamentary debates. [6732]

    Mrs. Ann Taylor

    I have no plans to do so. The Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons may wish to consider this in due course, but for the present I think this should be left to the discretion of Madam Speaker.

    Staff Pensions

    Mr. Peter Atkinson

    To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the final value of the pensions of employees of the House will be protected following the Budget; and what estimate he has made of the cost of this protection to the Government. [8352]

    Mr. Kirkwood

    The pensions of employees of the House who are members of the House of Commons Staff Pensions Scheme (HOCSPS) should not be affected by the budget proposals. The HOCSPS is analogous to the Principal Civil Service Scheme and is operated on a pay as you go basis. Since it is not a funded scheme and consequently has no investments the abolition of tax credits should have no effect on the value of pensions payable.

    Mr. Atkinson

    To ask the President of the Council if the final value of the pensions of hon. Members' staff will be protected following the Budget; and what estimate she has made of the cost of this protection to the Government. [8353]

    Mrs. Ann Taylor

    The final value of the pension in respect of any individual on any honourable Member's staff will depend on a wide range of factors, including the level of contributions paid to the individual's pension arrangements, the choice of investment vehicle selected from time to time by the individual, and the level of annuity rates prevailing at the time when the individual elects to draw pension. Whether or not the Budget will affect the final value of the pension will depend on all of these factors, as well as on economic variables such as the future progress of the investment markets. The ultimate pension levels are not guaranteed, either before or after the Budget.

    Chamber (Structural Changes)

    Mr. Hinchliffe

    To ask the President of the Council what proposals she has to make structural changes to the Chamber of the House. [6731]

    Scotland

    Enterprise Companies

    13.

    Mr. Swinney

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the strategy of (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) the local enterprise companies. [6704]

    Mr. Wilson

    My right hon. Friend announced on 6 June that he had asked Scottish Enterprise to bring forward their planned review of strategy. Local enterprise companies will be covered by that review. The review will be carried out by Scottish Enterprise in close co-operation with officials from The Scottish Office.

    Local Government Finance

    14.

    Mr. Forth

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about central Government funding of Scottish local authorities. [6705]

    Mr. Chisholm

    Central government is providing Scottish local authorities with almost £6 billion in the current year.

    A96 And A92

    15.

    Mr. Malcolm Bruce

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on future plans for upgrading the A96 and the A92. [6706]

    Mr. Chisholm

    As I made clear to the hon. Gentleman at the Scottish Grand Committee last week, the current construction work on the Blackburn and Kintore Bypasses on the A96 will provide a further 10km of new dual carriageway by autumn 1998.Work on minor improvement schemes, and on measures to promote safety on the A90, formerly the A92, will continue. No further procedural work will be carried out on the major scheme to dual the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty until the conclusions of the strategic roads review are known.

    National Health Service Expenditure

    16.

    Mr. Jack

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he is considering to increase expenditure on the NHS in Scotland 1997–98. [6707]

    Mr. Galbraith

    None, by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland, has instructed Health Boards to use £10 million of savings being realised in 1997–98 from reducing bureaucracy, to reduce waiting times and relieve winter pressures.

    Skye Bridge

    17.

    Mr. Brook

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the Skye bridge. [6708]

    Mr. Dewar

    As I announced to the House on Friday 4 July, columns 288–89, I intend to introduce measures to alleviate the impact of the Skye Bridge tolls on frequent users.

    Alcopops

    18.

    Mr. Jim Murphy

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he will introduce to stop retailers selling alcopops and designer drinks to young people. [6709]

    Mr. Galbraith

    The Ministerial Group on Alcopops is considering a range of possible industry and Government measures to tackle underage drinking. These include how alcohol is promoted to appeal to young people and how it reaches them. We will be making a statement shortly.

    Fishing Industry

    19.

    Mr. Bercow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what meetings he has had with representatives of Scottish fishermen concerning the conclusions of the Amsterdam conference. [6710]

    Mr. Chisholm

    Representatives of Scottish fishermen were invited to participate in high-level talks on the industry's future, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 19 June. The meeting took place this morning and was attended by my noble Friend, the Minister for Agriculture, the Environment and Fisheries at The Scottish Office.

    Acute Care

    20.

    Mrs. McGuire

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to review strategies for acute care in Scotland. [6711]

    Mr. Galbraith

    We are undertaking a strategic review of Health Services in Scotland. It will set the principles on which Health Boards will continue to develop the acute services in their area.

    Public Appointments

    21.

    Mr. Canavan

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many public appointments he is responsible for making. [6712]

    Mr. Dewar

    I am responsible for 3,652 appointments to public bodies in Scotland of which 2,014 are to children's panels.

    Government Of Scotland White Paper

    22.

    Mr. Robathan

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Government's White Paper on the future government of Scotland. [6713]

    Mr. McLeish

    The White Paper will be published on 24 July. This will allow both Houses proper opportunity to debate the White Paper before the summer recess.

    Small Towns Initiative

    23.

    Mr. Kirkwood

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what new resources are to be made available in the current year under the small towns initiative being mounted by Scottish Enterprise; and if he will make a statement. [6714]

    Mr. Wilson

    The allocation of resources within the budget adopted by Scottish Enterprise is an operational matter for that organisation. I shall ask the Acting Chairman of Scottish Enterprise to write to the hon. Member.

    Milk Quotas

    24.

    Mr. Alasdair Morgan

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to reform the system of milk quotas. [6715]

    Mr. Chisholm

    The Government's policy on milk quotas and other elements of the dairy regime will be assessed in the light of the European Commission's proposals for reforming the CAP which are expected to be announced shortly.

    Agriculture

    25.

    Mr. Paice

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will next attend an EC Council of Ministers meeting to discuss Scottish agriculture. [6716]

    Mr. Chisholm

    My noble Friend, the Minister for Agriculture, the Environment and Fisheries attended the May meeting of the Agriculture Council and will attend subsequent meetings as appropriate.

    Private Finance Initiative

    26.

    Mr. Maclean

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with private sector institutions regarding PFI for new hospitals in Scotland. [6717]

    Mr. Galbraith

    The Secretary of State has had no discussions with private sector institutions regarding PH for new hospitals in Scotland. I had my first discussions with private sector institutions regarding PFI when I met the preferred bidder for two PFI projects last week and Officials have frequent contact with the private sector bodies involved in PFI hospital projects.

    Scottish Assembly

    27.

    Mr. Brady

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to take account of public opinion in England in drawing up his proposals for a Scottish Assembly. [6718]

    Mr. McLeish

    The Government's proposals for the establishment of a Scottish Parliament were included in our UK manifesto, and were endorsed by the electorate throughout the United Kingdom. We will continue to take account of public opinion in all parts of the UK in working up the detail of the proposals.

    Prison Population

    28.

    Mr. Grieve

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the prison population in Scotland. [6719]

    Mr. McLeish

    The average daily prisoner population in Scotland in 1996–97 was 5,992 compared with 5,632 in 1995–96 and 5,395 in 1992–93. During 1996–97, the average daily remand population increased by 3 per cent. to 1,021, the highest number recorded in the past five years. The number of adult prisoners and young offenders sentenced increased by 6 per cent. and 10 per cent. respectively. The rise in the number of adult prisoners in 1996–97 can be attributed to the increase in the number of short-term prisoners from 2,022 in 1995–96 to 2,183 in 1996–97.The projected average daily prisoner population for 1997–98 to 1999–2000 are 6,400; 6,600 and 6,750, excluding the potential effects of the early release provisions in the Crime and Punishment (Scotland) Act 1997.

    Voluntary Sports Clubs

    Mr. Nigel Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his assessment of the cost of granting mandatory rate relief to voluntary sports clubs in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [8006]

    Mr. Chisholm

    Rate relief provided to qualifying sports clubs in Scotland is entirely at the discretion of local authorities. Although detailed information on reliefs provided by local authorities to sports clubs is not held centrally, total discretionary relief provided in 1995–96 amounted to £4.4 million.

    Mr. Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what Government proposals exist to harmonise rate relief for voluntary sports clubs in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [8005]

    Mr. Chisholm

    Rate relief provided to qualifying sports clubs in Scotland is already harmonised. Non-profit-making sports clubs in Scotland are eligible for mandatory relief. If relief is granted 100 per cent. of the cost is borne by the Exchequer.

    Judicial Reviews

    Ms Hodge

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many decisions by his Department were challenged by way of judicial review in each Parliamentary session since 1994–95; and if he will list in how many cases (a) the Department's decision was upheld, (b) the court found for the applicant, (c) the Department submitted to the judgment and (d) the Department appealed successfully against the judicial review decision. [7845]

    Mr. McLeish

    During Session 1994–95. 10 decisions were challenged by judicial review in the Court of Session; and (a) four decisions were upheld by the Court;(b) and (c) the Court did not find for the applicant in any case; and (d) none were appealed by the Department. Of the remaining six cases, four judicial review petitions were withdrawn and two are yet to be decided by the Court.During Session 1995–96, 10 decisions were challenged by judicial review in the Court of Session; and

    (a) five decisions were upheld by the Court; (b) and (c) one decision was not defended by the Secretary of State and accordingly the judicial review petition was successful;

    and (d) none were appealed by the Department. Of the remaining four cases, three judicial review petitions were withdrawn and one has yet to be decided by the Court.

    During Session 1996–97, four decisions were challenged by judicial review in the Court of Session; and (a) one decision was upheld by the Court; (b) and (c) one decision was settled in such a way that the judicial review petition was successful; and (d) none were appealed by the Department. Of the remaining two cases, two are yet to be decided by the Court.

    Ms Hodge

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions since 1994–95 legislation has been introduced by the Department (a) to remove effects of judicial review decisions and (b) to implement them. [7844]

    Mr. McLeish

    On no occasion since 1994–95 has legislation been introduced by the Scottish Office (a) to remove the effects of judicial review decisions and (b) to implement them.

    Murder And Manslaughter (Convictions)

    Mr. Matthew Taylor

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people were convicted of (a) murder and (b) manslaughter in each year since 1967; and in each case what proportion this represented of the population. [8126]

    Mr. McLeish

    The following table sets out the number of persons with a charge proved for a main charge of murder and common law culpable homicide in Scotland in each of the years 1967 to 1995. Convictions for statutory culpable homicide (causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs) are excluded from the table.

    Persons with a charge proved for a main charge of murder and common law culpable homicide in Scotland, 1967–1995
    Number Main chargePer 1,000,000 population1 Main charge
    Year of convictionMurderCulpable homicide (common law)MurderCulpable homicide (common law)
    196726235.95.2
    196825215.64.7
    196922274.96.0
    197026295.86.5
    1971491010.92.2
    197236278.06.0
    197333307.36.6
    197436287.96.1
    197538208.34.4
    197645419.78.9
    1977523011.26.5
    197841308.86.4
    197935307.56.4
    1980494110.58.8
    198127435.89.2
    198242369.07.7
    198337458.09.7
    198437318.06.7
    198526505.610.8
    198629276.35.9
    198726465.710.0
    198842389.28.3
    198926505.710.9
    199021434.69.4
    199121434.69.4
    199238538.311.5
    199340478.710.2

    Persons with a charge proved for a main charge of murder and common law culpable homicide in Scotland, 1967–1995

    Number Main charge

    Per 1,000,000 population1 Main charge

    Year of conviction

    Murder

    Culpable homicide (common law)

    Murder

    Culpable homicide (common law)

    199438408.28.7
    199541448.99.5

    1 Persons aged 8 and over.

    Catholics (Education)

    Mr. Dalyell

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on what guarantees have been given to the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland in relation to the devolution proposals on the right of Catholics to a separate education enshrined in the 1918 Act. [8135]

    Mr. McLeish

    [holding answer 11 July 1997]: The Government's detailed proposals, including those for education, will be set out in the forthcoming White Paper.

    Departmental Budgets

    Mr. Malcolm Bruce

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if, following the recent Budget, he will give his estimate of the total real level of his Department's budget, in 1995–96 prices, in (a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; if he will estimate what such figures were for (1) 1997–98 and (2) 1998–99 following the November 1996 Budget on the basis of the estimates of the GDP deflator contained in that Budget; and if he will make a statement. [8299]

    Mr. Dewar

    [holding answer 14 July 1997]: The figures requested for my Department's spending plans within the Control Total are as follows: (a) £13,578 million (b) £13,475 million (1) £13,707 million (2) £13,523 million.In addition Scotland will benefit from part of the expenditure outside the Control Total which was announced in the Budget, for Welfare to Work and spending under the Capital Receipts Initiative.

    Mr. Bruce

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what new plans he has to introduce cuts and savings in his Department as a result of the effect on his Department's budgets for 1997–98 and 1998–99 of the upward revisions to the GDP deflators in the Budget on 2 July; and if he will make a statement. [8300]

    Mr. Dewar

    [holding answer 14 July 1997]: All Departments are reallocating spending within their Departmental ceilings as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

    Crime And Disorder Bill

    Mr. Connarty

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with Home Office ministers regarding the contents of the planned bill relating to crime and disorder. [6698]

    Mr. McLeish

    There is regular contact between the two Departments, at both Ministerial and official level, on this and other matters of mutual interest.

    In Scotland we have announced our commitment to introducing Community Safety Orders, after proper consultation with the relevant agencies, and to consulting on the introduction of new offences of racial harassment and racially motivated violence.

    Wales

    Welsh Assembly

    Mr. Evans

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to review the Barnett formula in the event of a Welsh Assembly being created. [8493]

    Mr. Ron Davies

    The Government believes that the Barnett formula has played a very important part in the allocation of public expenditure. I shall set out the financial arrangements for the proposed Welsh Assembly fully in the White Paper.

    Mr. Llew Smith

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales by what mechanisms other than the White Paper and its summary information relating to the Welsh Assembly will be disseminated prior to the Referendum; and if he will make a statement. [8587]

    Mr. Davies

    A telephone helpline will be established to answer queries from the public about the Government's proposals. In addition, I am considering making available summary information on particular aspects of the Government's proposals.

    Welsh Sport

    Mr. Öpik

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his Department's funding for Welsh sport in (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [8431]

    Mr. Ron Davies

    Central Government funding for Welsh sport is channelled through the Sports Council for Wales. Welsh Office grant in aid to the Council over the three years has been as follows:

    • 1995–96: £6.624 million
    • 1996–97: £6.624 million
    • 1997–98: £6.596 million.
    The Sports Council also receives income from the National Lottery as the body responsible for distributing Lottery proceeds to sport in Wales. Since the Council started distributing Lottery grants in April 1995 almost £24 million has been awarded to support 246 projects throughout Wales.

    Obesity

    Mr. Martyn Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new initiatives his Department is planning in respect of obesity; and if he will make a statement. [8743]

    Win Griffiths

    Action in pursuit of the new Health Gain Targets for Wales published on 11 June 1997 is likely to include programmes to reduce the incidence of obesity.In addition, the Health Promotion Authority for Wales' current strategic framework provides specifically for work to be undertaken to combat obesity by increasing physical activity in both adults and children and encouraging healthy eating in the population.

    Youth Unemployment

    Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each county council, and for Wales, the latest estimates of youth unemployment, and comparable figures for the United Kingdom. [8219]

    Mr. Win Griffiths

    At April 1997 there were 23,000 persons in Wales and 421,700 persons in the UK aged 18–24 on the claimant unemployment count. These figures are not seasonally adjusted. The comparable date at county council level are available from the NOMIS database which can be accessed by the staff of the Library of the House.

    Poor Housing Conditions

    Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each county council, and for Wales, the latest indicators of poor housing conditions, and comparable figures for the United Kingdom. [8220]

    Mr. Win Griffiths

    The latest Welsh House Condition Survey was conducted in 1993. From this, it is estimated that 151,200 occupied first homes, 13.4 per cent. of the total, in Wales were unfit. Information on individual local authority areas is not available from this survey. A further house condition survey, which will provide results for local authority areas, is underway. Information from this survey will be available in 1998. Comparable figures for the United Kingdom are not available because of differences in the timing and detail of the surveys. However, the 1991 English House Condition Survey identified 7.6 per cent. of all dwellings in England as being unfit. The Northern Ireland 1991 survey identified 8.8 per cent. of dwellings as unfit. In Scotland in 1991, 4.7 per cent. of the stock was assessed as being Below Tolerable Standard.

    Sickness

    Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each county council, and for Wales, the latest indicators of relative incidence of sickness, and comparable figures for the United Kingdom. [8221]

    Mr. Win Griffiths

    Information, by unitary authority area, on various indicators of health in Wales is published by the Welsh Office in "Health Statistics Wales 1996" and "The Welsh Health Survey 1995". Information on the health of people in the countries and regions of the United Kingdom is published by the Office for National Statistics in "Regional Trends 32". Copies of these publications are in the Library of the House.

    Relative Poverty

    Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each county council, and for Wales, the latest indicators of relative poverty, and comparable figures for the United Kingdom. [8226]

    Mr. Win Griffiths

    I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) on 5 June 1996, Official Report, column 251.

    Exports And Imports

    Mr. Denzil Davies

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 24 June, Official Report, column 495, when the Under-Secretary, the hon. Member for Neath, (Mr. Hain) intends to write to the right hon. Member with an explanation and to place a copy of his letter in the Library. [8791]

    Mr. Hain

    I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 10 July. A copy of my reply has been placed in the Library of the House.

    Taff-Ely Sssi

    Sir Teddy Taylor

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when the Government intends to designate the Taff-Ely site of special scientific interest as part of the Lower Severn Estuary Special Protection Area. [8774]

    Mr. Win Griffiths

    A decision as to the boundaries of the Lower Severn Estuary Special Protection Area was taken in 1991 and my right hon. Friend has no plans to reconsider the extent of that area.

    Health

    Black Report

    Mrs. Brinton

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the Black report of 1980 on inequalities in health. [7820]

    Ms Jowell

    The Black report was published in 1980. We have asked Sir Donald Acheson to chair an independent review into health inequalities in England in the 1990s. He will assist the Department of Health and the Office for National Statistics to carry out a review of the latest available information on inequalities in health and expectation of life in England. He will then conduct an independent review to identify priority areas for future policy development which will contribute to the development of a new health strategy. The Terms of Reference for the review have been placed in the Library.

    Health Status Indicators

    Ms Walley

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what indicators his Department uses to monitor the health status of (a) infants and children, (b) adults and (c) pensioners; and if he will make a statement. [8875]

    Ms Jowell

    The Department makes use of a wide range of information on births and deaths registrations, population surveys and health service information to gain an understanding of the health status of different groups in the population.Sources available in the Library include:

    the Chief Medical Officer's Annual Report, a key element of which is a review of the health status of the general population;
    the Public Health Common Data Set, which includes a wide variety of indicators;
    Health of the Nation Briefing Packs, which include information on progress towards a limited range of targets.

    I announced on 7 July our intention to develop a new strategy for a healthier nation. It will take account of population groups—children, the working age population and elderly people—and priorities will be chosen where there is clear scope for measurable progress.

    Nhs Estates

    Mrs. Anne Campbell

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the annual report and accounts 1996–97 of the NHS Estates Executive Agency. [9001]

    Mr. Milburn

    I have received the report and copies have today been laid in accordance with section 5 of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921. Copies are also available in the Library.

    Dementia

    Mr. Burstow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department will introduce a national protocol on (a) diagnostic tests and (b) new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. [7748]

    Mr. Boateng

    We have no plans to introduce a national protocol for diagnostic tests; however, we are considering whether to issue guidance to the National Health Service on new medicines for Alzheimer's disease.

    Mr. Burstow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue new guidance to health authorities on how they should assess the needs for people with dementia and their carers in their area. [7749]

    Mr. Boateng

    In March this year guidance was issued to assist managers in purchasing authorities in their responsibilities for meeting the needs of older people, including those with dementia, and their carers. It is entitled "A Handbook on Mental Health for Older People" and copies are available in the Library.

    Mr. Burstow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has provided to health authorities on the prescribing of donepezil for people with Alzheimer's disease. [7750]

    Mr. Milburn

    We are considering whether it would be useful to health authorities to issue guidance on the introduction of donepezil for patients with mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer's disease.

    Mr. Burstow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue guidance to health authorities for the establishment of dementia care management units to assume organisational responsibility for the planning and provision of services for people with dementia. [7753]

    Mr. Boateng

    Old Age Psychiatry Services are the core National Health Service service for assessing and managing dementia as well as other health problems in older people. Purchasing authorities have been given guidance on the provision of services for people with dementia in the "Handbook on the Mental Health of Older People" which was published in March this year and copies are available in the Library.

    Long-Stay Facilities

    Mr. Burstow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the extra costs to local authorities caused by the closure of NHS long-stay facilities. [7751]

    Mr. Boateng

    No such estimate has been made. Where substantial changes in service provision, including the closure of part or all of a hospital, are proposed they are always the subject of public consultation. Proposals would not be agreed unless acceptable alternative services were available. There is no direct link between a reduction in the number of long-stay hospital beds and costs to local authorities.The Department monitors the average daily number of available beds in the three main service areas where long-stay provision is concentrated. The latest figures on the number of beds available are set out in the table.

    Average daily number of beds available
    Speciality1992–931993–941994–951995–96
    Geriatric40,00037,00037,00034,000
    Mental Health47,00044,00042,00039,000
    Learning Disability19,00017,00014,00013,000
    Total106,00098,00093,00086,000
    Year-on-year change—-8,000-5,000-7,000

    Nhs Finance

    Mr. Burstow

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will require health authorities separately to identify expenditure on specific clinical needs. [7752]

    Mr. Milburn

    Health authorities already identify and report expenditure on a range of broad areas of activity as part of regular performance monitoring. Expenditure on specific clinical needs is not identified.

    Private Finance Initiative

    Mr. Jack

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each of his approved PFI hospital projects the outstanding contractual issues which have to be resolved. [7789]

    Mr. Milburn

    [holding answer 10 July 1997]: Two Private Finance Initiative schemes, at Dartford and Gravesham National Health Service Trust and Norfolk and Norwich Health Care NHS Trust, have reached agreement to proceed to financial close. Although both trusts have signed commercial contracts with their partners, the consortia have yet to agree final terms with their respective financiers. To disclose this information at this stage may affect the negotiating positions of the trusts.