To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to share information on immigration matters with other EU states. [9835]

The participation of member states of the European Union in the work on immigration and asylum policy taken forward under the third pillar provides a framework for the sharing of information on immigration matters. The clearing houses, CIREA and CIREFI, have been established for this purpose. The United Kingdom participates fully in these arrangements. Additionally, we exchange information bilaterally with other European Union countries where there is a particular reason to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to announce his decision as to whether or not to implement the provisions of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 relating to minimum sentences for persistent burglars and drug dealers. [10369]

An announcement will be made as soon as we have completed our consideration of the relevant provisions of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will undertake consultations with interested parties with regard to the prohibition of the sale and supply of cigarette lighter fuel products to persons under the age of 16 years. [10222]

Under the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985 it is an offence to supply a substance to a person under 18 knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the substance is, or its fumes are, likely to be inhaled for the purpose of causing intoxication. We agree with the view of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs that amendment of this legislation would be unlikely to increase the level of protection of children, although work with the industry continues in order to reduce the extent to which lighter fuel refills can be abused.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to replace compulsory competitive tendering with a duty on police authorities to obtain best value. [10867]

The Government are keen to involve the police service in the development of best value, and it will be open to police authorities to bid to be included in the pilot scheme to run best value projects announced today by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Local Government.As part of our proposals to drive forward best value in the police service, we will encourage all police authorities, whether or not they are selected for pilot status, to co-operate in the development of best value by building on work already under way to promote value for money initiatives.At the same time, my hon. Friend's proposals to modify the current compulsory competitive tendering regulations and guidance, also announced today, will form the basis of discussions between my officials and representatives of the police service and police authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken in response to the allegations against Huntingdon Life Sciences broadcast on television on 26 March. [10874]

We were extremely concerned about the events shown in the Channel 4 programme "Countryside Undercover: It's A Dog's Life", and we know that these concerns are shared by members of the public, and by scientists and animal technicians, the vast majority of whom are responsible and caring towards animals.The Home Office took prompt and firm action. On the morning after the programme was broadcast, the Home Office asked the police to investigate possible offences under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and, as a result, two individuals have been charged with such offences. In replying to this question, we cannot therefore comment, at this time, about these two individuals or their actions as this might prejudice the prosecutions.The chief inspector, who heads the animals (scientific procedures) inspectorate, has also carried out a comprehensive and detailed investigation into the allegations arising from the programme and into the management and control of animal work at the establishment. We understand that in excess of 250 man-hours of time were spent in viewing more than 20 hours of unbroadcast video material, studying journals and company records, visiting the establishment and interviewing staff (both present and ex-employees). A report detailing his findings and recommendations was submitted to the Home Office last week and we commend the chief inspector for the speed and thoroughness of his investigation.The investigation has shown breaches of two of the standard conditions which apply to all certificates of designation. Shortcomings relating to the care, treatment and handling of animals, and delegation of health checking to new staff of undetermined competence demonstrate that the establishment was not appropriately staffed and that animals were not at all times provided with adequate care.My right hon. Friend therefore proposes to revoke the certificate of designation for this establishment, subject to the consideration of any representations made under section 12 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. However, if the proposed revocation took immediate effect, we estimate that up to 1,000 dogs; 10 baboons; 200 marmosets; 450 macaques; 13,000 mice; 35,000 rats; 2,000 rabbits; 4,000 guinea pigs; 3,000 birds; 4,000 fish; and smaller numbers of various other species undergoing scientific procedures would have to be destroyed. In addition, any ongoing work might need to be repeated; this would require the use of more laboratory animals. It is therefore proposed that the revocation will take effect on 30 November 1997.Revocation would shut down the company with the consequent loss of 1,400 jobs. Whilst the failures and omissions at the establishment are extremely serious, this outcome would not necessarily be warranted. An application for a replacement certificate could, therefore, be considered if my right hon. Friend can be assured that measures have been put in place to prevent any recurrence of the events shown in the television programme. Sixteen stringent conditions have been set which must be met before any new application can be considered.In addition to the two individuals facing prosecution, my right hon. Friend proposes to revoke the personal licence of a third animal technician—again, subject to the right to make representations—and it has been decided that letters of admonition should be sent to two other technicians.The Home Office, and specifically the animals (scientific procedures) inspectorate, was criticised for having missed alleged mistreatment, for failure to implement the requirements of the "Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Used in Scientific Procedures", and for having conducted inspections during which no checks were made on the animals being cared for by the undercover investigator.We are satisfied that any alleged mistreatment of animals would not have taken place in front of inspectors; that there was compliance with the code of practice; and that an appropriate proportion of inspectorate resources was directed at the establishment concerned. On each of the visits of inspection witnessed by the investigator, animals in other parts of the dog unit were checked and the performance of regulated procedures observed. The current inspection policy will, however, be reviewed and we have already announced that we will be considering ways of strengthening the inspectorate.Whilst no breaches of the "Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Used in Scientific Procedures" were identified, we are aware of public concern about the conditions in which the dogs were kept. We have, therefore, decided that the inspectorate will audit all commercial dog facilities to identify best practice and innovations with respect to the housing and care of animals, and that this information will be used to inform national standards.It has also been deduced that the need for a code of conduct for the control of dogs and other species in all establishments should be considered.The Animal Procedures Committee is keen to consider and promulgate to establishments any other general lessons which can be learned in order to help prevent similar occurrences in the future. We welcome this.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the resources available to the Prison Service. [10940]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his plans for budgetary adjustments within the Prison Service to reflect the forecast rise in the prison population in each of the next three years. [10098]

In order to ensure that the Prison Service can accommodate the projected numbers safely, it will be able to spend up to an extra £43 million during this year and next. This will create 290 new places on top of the existing building programme, and provide additional staffing and funding for regime activities to support the placing of an additional 1,830 prisoners in existing accommodation, 630 of whom are already being detained.I will tomorrow place in the Library a report of the findings of the audit of Prison Service resources which has been carried out in accordance with our manifesto.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what period the contract for Operation Quantum will be awarded. [10091]

It is anticipated that any contract will be awarded for a period of up to 10 years from completion of implementation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of posts remaining within the Prison Service at administrative and executive grades after the completion of Operation Quantum. [10096]

I am not in a position to make an estimate of the number of posts which will remain within the Prison Service at this stage. Final decisions have not yet been made on the scope of the project, nor on whether the services in question should be contracted-out or remain in-house.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which companies have been invited to tender for Operation Quantum. [10089]

The Prison Service has not yet issued invitations to tender for Quantum. Three suppliers have taken part in a study of the Prison Service's requirements. These are:

• PRISM—a special vehicle company comprising Sema Group, Bull, Deloitte & Touche Consulting, Serco, Premier Prison Services Ltd. and CSL.
• EDS—with A. T. Kearney, Lockheed Martin and Securicor Custodial Services.
• Team Novus—Comprising ICL, Group 4 (Securitas), Perot Systems and Capita.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the Prison Service inquiry into the death of Geoffrey Thomas; [10094](2) if an offer of compensation to Mrs. Marina Davis, the mother of Geoffrey Thomas whose death was the subject of the Prison Service inquiry has been made; and what negotiations regarding the matter are in progress; [10093](3) for what reasons the disciplinary proceedings against five members of the staff of Cardiff prison arising out of the use of physical restraints upon Geoffrey Thomas whilst a patient in the University Hospital of Wales at Cardiff have commenced and been adjourned; and on what date the proceedings will re-commence. [10095]

At present, the Prison Service does not publish investigation reports into the deaths of prisoners. The policy on the disclosure of such reports is currently being reviewed.The Prison Service has not made an offer of compensation to Mrs. Marina Davis in respect of her son, Geoffrey Thomas, and no approach has been made to the service by her, or her representatives regarding compensation.Disciplinary proceedings were instituted against five members of staff at Cardiff prison following the death of Geoffrey Thomas. The first hearing took place on 19 May. Three of the cases have been concluded: one case was proven and two were not.The Prison Governor's Association has questioned the legality of the actions of the governor in the investigation of the cases. The disciplinary proceedings against the other two members of staff were suspended on 22 May, pending the resolution of these legal issues.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many barristers were paid (a) £100,000 to £249,999 and (b) £250,000 or over out of public funds in the last available year. [9191]

The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reason

Grade	Civil Service equivalent	Asian origin		Afro-caribbean origin
		Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage
Senior Civil Service	—	1	5.56	0	—
Senior Registration Assistant 1	Grade 6	0	—	0	—
Senior Registration Assistant 2	Grade 2	0	—	0	—
Senior Registration Assistant (Lawyer)	Grade 6 or 7	2	1.83	0	—
Registration Executive 1	SEO	3	1.10	1	0.37
Registration Executive 2	HEO	6	1.20	1	0.20

The percentage figures are expressed as a percentage of staff within each grade who responded to the ethnic survey. The overall response rate is 94.4 per cent. within the Land Registry.

The work forms part of the preparation of the Government's White Paper on freedom of information, which will be published later in the year.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many and what percentage of civil servants in each of grades 1 to 7, SEO and HEO in his Department are of (a) Asian origin and (b) Afro-Caribbean origin. [9566]

For the Lord Chancellor's Department, including the Court Service and the Public Trust Office, the information, as at 18 July 1997, is set out in the table. Figures and percentages are based upon a 91 per cent. response to a voluntary staff survey of ethnic origin. There is no legislative requirement to monitor the ethnic origin of Northern Ireland Court Service employees and no figures are available. I have asked the chief executives of the Land Registry and the Public Record Office to reply separately.

	Respondents of Asian origin	Percentage	Respondents of Black African and Black Caribbean origin	Percentage
Grade 1	—	—	—	—
Grade 2	—	—	—	—
Grade 3	—	—	—	—
Grade 4	—	—	—	—
Grade 5	—	—	—	—
Grade 6	1—	1.63	—	—
Grade 7	1—	1	1—	0.5
SEO	1—	0.38	1—	0.38
HEO	11	1.18	12	1.28
1In order to preserve the anonymity of individuals, figures of five or less are not specified.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how often since 1992 his Department has been responsible for employment advertisements which contained age restrictions upon those who could apply. [9501]

This reply is given on behalf of the Court Service, the Land Registry, the Northern Ireland Court Service, the Public Record Office, Lord Chancellor's Department headquarters and its associated offices, and the Public Trust Office.The Land Registry and the Public Record Office do not include age restrictions in their recruitment advertisements.An advertisement for a combined recruitment scheme for direct entrant executive officers in the Court Service, Public Trust Office and LCD HQ in 1992 contained age restrictions; but there have been no instances since then when either the Public Trust Office or LCD HQ have included upper or lower age limits in their advertisements.As regards the Court Service, all advertisements for usher and bailiff posts until July last year specified a lower age limit. As such advertisements were placed locally by the courts concerned, it would not be possible to identify how often they have appeared between 1992 and July 1996 without incurring disproportionate cost.The Northern Ireland Court Service has included age restrictions in 18 advertisements placed since the beginning of 1992.In addition, there have been around 25 occasions on which advertisements for judicial appointments have been placed since October 1994, all of which will have included upper and lower age limits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to ensure that those statistics on

The Scottish Office, the Office for National Statistics and other Government Departments work closely together to publish a wide range of official statistics for Scotland and for the UK. Working across government, the Government statistical service has recently initiated several related development tasks aimed at improving the range, value and accessibility of official statistics. Scottish Office GSS staff are closely involved in that work. They are reviewing what statistical information is published about Scotland and how it is made available, consulting closely with local authorities, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other key customers.Wherever possible, key statistical information is published at both Scotland and UK level. Where data are based on surveys, however, the sample size may be too small to allow statistically reliable data to be produced. In other cases, strict comparisons between Scotland and the rest of the UK may not be possible, or must be treated with caution, because of differences between the systems, such as in education.The latest edition of "Regional Trends", published by ONS on Thursday 10 July, gives key social and economic statistics for both Scotland and the UK. Information at UK level on those with low incomes is available in "Households Below Average Income", published annually by the Department of Social Security and the latest edition, for 1993–94 data, included some information for Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in each local authority area currently (a) receive residential care allowance and (b) do not receive residential care allowance because they are in local authority homes. [9611]

(a) The payment of residential care allowances is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. Figures for each local authority area are not available. Current data published by the Department of Social Security for August 1996 indicate, on the basis of a sample survey, that the estimated number of people in Scotland receiving residential care allowance was 13,000. This figure includes people in residential care homes and nursing homes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hospital patients are currently occupying beds in each health board area because of local authorities' inability to provide placements in nursing homes. [9699]

In March 1997, health boards reported that around 750 patients throughout Scotland were ready for discharge from hospital but were awaiting appropriate accommodation and packages of care in the community, including in nursing homes. There are many reasons why such patients may need to remain in hospital. Information on the number of patients ready for discharge to the community is not collected routinely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to provide additional funding for nursery places in 1998 to match the current year's provision. [9615]

Some £67 million has been set aside for provision of pre-school education in Scotland in 1998–99 compared with £47.3 million in 1997–98. This will enable Government funding of part-time education on the current basis for all children in the pre-school year. Local authorities also use their discretion to spend additional sums on pre-school education, funded from other resources. Since we are constrained by existing funding, I have no plans to make additional finance available at present.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to arrange for school bus drivers to be (a) trained and (b) given powers to control any misbehaviour by passengers. [9612]

The training of school bus drivers is a matter for the operator and the relevant education authority. The Public Service Vehicle (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990 enable a bus driver to remove any passenger who puts at risk, or unreasonably impedes, or causes discomfort to, any other passenger or to operating staff and to request a police constable to remove such a person. If the vehicle is operating under contract to an education authority, any additional grounds on which drivers may refuse the right of carriage are a matter for the operator under the terms of the contract. It is for each education authority to decide whether to provide supervisors on buses hired by them. In doing so, they will take into account that education authorities' common law duty of care for pupils is supplemented by a statutory duty under the Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulations 1990 to take reasonable care for the safety of pupils when under their care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to enhance the role of the General Teaching Council to provide quality control of Scottish teachers during their career. [10168]

I shall give very careful consideration to how any extension of the GTC's current remit would best contribute to our objectives of increasing standards in education and making every teacher an effective teacher. I intend to consult fully on this and to bring forward proposals thereafter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set out the age profile of primary and secondary teachers in Scotland. [10169]

The latest available information is given in the table.

Age profile of teachers in publicly funded primary and secondary schools in Scotland at September 1994
	Number of teachers (full-time equivalent)
Age1	Primary	Secondary
Under 25	1,074.9	614.2
25 to 29	1,872.0	1,585.5
30 to 34	1,578.1	2,299.9
35 to 39	3,291.6	4,050.5
40 to 44	5,425.2	5,849.5
45 to 59	4,583.5	5,289.2
50 to 54	2,604.2	2,893.8
55 to 59	1,511.0	1,467.5
60 and over	276.0	347.5
Total	22,216.5	24,397.6
1 Age as at September 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of journeys each year made by people travelling from Scotland to meet Ministers, civil servants or hon. Members in London. [10170]

I know there is a large volume of such journeys but the Scottish Office does not quantify them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list (a) the methods of artificial fertilisation available in Scotland indicating those methods funded by each health board and (b) the number of patients treated by each method (i) broken down by health board and (ii) in total for each of the last five years. [10011]

Infertility services are divided into three levels. Level 1 services are provided by a general practitioner or general gynaecologist while level 2 services, involving more advanced investigation and treatment, are normally provided by a specialist. Level 3 infertility services are high technology procedures and are available at four centres in Scotland. The range of level 3 treatments provided in Scotland are:

• Invitro fertilisation—IVF
• Intra-cytoplasmic sperm insemination
• Cryopreservation of embryos and replacement cycles
• Oocyte donation
• Super ovulation with intra-uterine insemination
• Donor insemination
• Embryo and sperm freezing and storage
• Tubal microsurgery and ovulation induction.

Levels 1 and 2 infertility services are provided by all health boards. Individual health boards determine the provision of level 3 infertility services. I understand that all health boards provide level 3 IVF services for patients who meet specific criteria.Information on other level 3 methods funded by health boards and the number of patients treated by each method under each level is not routinely collected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to revise the Education (Fees and Awards) (Scotland) Regulations. [10870]

I confirm that an amendment to the Education (Fees and Awards) (Scotland) Regulations 1997 will be laid before Parliament to introduce a requirement of being settled in the United Kingdom under the immigration laws. The amendment will add this requirement to the existing residency criteria for establishing a "relevant connection" for the purpose of student fee classifications by institutions and the rules of candidate eligibility for certain awards which may be adopted under the regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the targets he expects Registers of Scotland to achieve in the three-year period 1997 to 2000. [10871]

I have set Registers of Scotland the following key targets for 1997–2000:

for the trading fund to achieve a return of 6 per cent. on net capital employed over the three-year period ending 31 march 1999 and on a rolling basis thereafter;

to continue the land register's extension programme and achieve the transfer of the counties of Perth, Angus and Kinross on 1 April 1999; Berwick, East Lothian, Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles on 1 October 1999; and Argyll and Bute on 1 April 2000;

to maintain and enhance customer service through the retention of charter mark and by improving customer satisfaction on first registration turnround times to 75 per cent. by 31 March 2000;

to reduce progressively the turnround time for sasine writs to 25 days by 31 March 1999 and 23 days by 31 March 2000;

to reduce progressively the turnround time for dealings with whole on the land register to 25 days by 31 March 1999 and to remain at 25 days during 1999–00;

to reduce unit costs by 5 per cent. in real terms for sasine writs by 31 March 2000 from the base of £33.07 at 31 March 1997;

to reduce unit costs by 2.4 per cent. in real terms for dealings with whole by 31 March 2000 from the base of £56.05 at 31 March 1997;

to launch a direct access service to existing pilot customers by 30 April 1997; and

to complete the conversion of the existing land register counties to a digitised map and computer-based text system by 31 October 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in extending registration of title under the Land Register (Scotland) Act 1979 to further areas of Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [10872]

The original programme to extend the land register was announced in 1992. At that time, the counties of Renfrew, Dunbarton, Lanark and the barony and regality of Glasgow were already on the land register. Since 1992, the counties of Clackmannan, Stirling, West Lothian, Fife, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Ayr, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright and Wigtown have been made operational. The areas where the land register currently operates over 60 per cent. of total housing stock.Following the 1994 report of the Committee of Public Accounts, "Registers of Scotland: Service to the Public" Cmd 2739, the keeper of the registers considered whether the programme should be amended. A revised programme was adopted in 1996.Registers of Scotland is now operating as a trading fund. Because it has been experiencing unexpected difficulties in assimilating its new computer systems, and in order that it can meet its objectives in its first three years of its trading fund status, I have now approved a revised programme for the remaining counties as shown below. The main change is simply that no new counties will be taken into the land register in 1998, but the year 2003 remains the target date for completion of the extension programme.Land Register Extension Programme: 1997

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has made a decision for the award of subsidy for the operation of passenger ferry services to Orkney and Shetland; and if he will make a statement. [10873]

I intend to lay before the House as soon as practicable a draft undertaking to secure the continuation of these ferry services. The draft undertaking will propose the payment of a block grant subsidy for the operation of the northern isles passenger ferry services to P and O Scottish Ferries. The duration of this agreement will be from 1997 to 2002. The Government have taken this decision following an evaluation of the bids received in response to an open competitive tendering exercise. I propose to commence a new open tendering exercise next year for the award of a longer—term subsidy agreement commencing in 2002. The Government expect that, by 2002, new vessels will be needed for these services and an early decision will allow sufficient time for the successful operator to build new ships. Prior to initiating a new competition, the Scottish office will, as part of the Government-wide comprehensive spending review, be re-evaluating northern isles services. The future service specification will be based on this review.The Government have examined the option of allowing a bid from Caledonian MacBrayne for the immediate block contract. It is clear that CalMac does not have vessels in its fleet capable of taking over the northern isles services in the short-term, nor does the current second hand vessel market currently offer suitable tonnage. However, the Government have decided to invite CalMac to consider whether it can identify a basis for entering the open tendering exercise for the new subsidy agreement commencing in 2002 which would be consistent with the overall level of public expenditure affordable for shipping services.The previous Government initiated the open competitive tendering exercise in June 1995. Three bids were received and, after thorough consideration, the Government now conclude that P and O Scottish Ferries offers the best value for money.The Government's agreement with P and O Scottish Ferries will safeguard the existing pattern of services for the next five years and includes guarantees for the export of livestock and the carriage of hazardous goods. Under the agreement, P and O Scottish Ferries will be paid a basic annual block grant of £11.018 million subject to clawback arrangements should profits exceed current forecasts.The profitability of northern isles passenger ferry services has been declining over a number of years due to fierce competition from freight-only operators. This competition has resulted in a sharp fall in tariffs which, whilst good news for businesses and consumers in the northern isles, reduces the income from passenger ferry services which carry a substantial amount of freight.Passenger ferry operators are also required to adhere to much stricter safety regulations than freight operators. The latest regulations, the Stockholm agreement—introduced following the Estonia tragedy—will require either expensive modifications or the withdrawal of non-compliant vessels by 2002. By that date, P and O Scottish Ferries' three passenger ships will be some 30 years old. Costly upgrades to ships this old are not judged worthwhile. Instead, the Government have agreed to cover the increased depreciation charges required to write down the vessels to a realistic market value by 2002. If any modifications to P and O Scottish Ferries' three passenger ferries are required to meet safety of life at sea—SOLAS—95 regulations in the period before 2002, the Government will fund these by capital grant.Declining freight profits and the additional cost of depreciation require an addition to subsidy costs compared with previous years, even although P and O Scottish Ferries' bid was lower than any other. The alternative would be to impose significantly increased fares on islanders or visitors, which the Government have rejected. This subsidy agreement represents a substantial financial commitment by the Government to safeguarding the passenger ferry services to Orkney and Shetland and to keeping fares down.

To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to transfer powers between the Department of Trade and Industry and/or the Home Office and/or the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, in respect of the convergence of digital communication systems. [10339]

None.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the accounts for the Duchy of Lancaster will be laid in the Library. [11003]

I am pleased to inform my hon. Friend that the accounts of the Duchy of Lancaster for the year ended 31 March 1997 have been laid in the Libraries of the House today.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to extend the democratic accountability of quangos in England. [11002]

As part of its programme to clean up politics, the Government are determined that all unelected public bodies should be fully answerable for what they do. They should conduct their business so that they are both efficient, effective and economical in providing their expert advice and services to the public and to Government, and accessible, responsive and transparent to the public whom they ultimately serve. The White Papers on Scotland and Wales show that this democratic approach is central to the Government's plans for devolution. Our purpose is the same for public bodies which operate on a United Kingdom or Great Britain basis, those covering England alone and those serving England and Wales.I propose in the autumn to issue a discussion paper considering how democratic oversight of those bodies might best be enhanced, not least through the full implementation of the recommendations of the Nolan committee. In the light of consultation, I shall bring forward proposals in the forthcoming White Paper on better Government.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 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 Members under categories 1, 2, 3, 4(b), 8 and 9 in the Register of Members' Interests. [8066]

[pursuant to his reply 17 July 1997, 332]: 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.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how often since 1992 his Department or its predecessor departments have been responsible for employment advertisements which contained age restrictions upon those who could apply. [9511]

The recruitment and employment of staff is the responsibility of each individual body—quango—which seek to attract applicants from diverse backgrounds. The Department, for its part, is keen, wherever possible, to encourage equality of opportunity within non-departmental public bodies. The information requested is not held by my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the impact on air quality standards of increased traffic flows arising from the proposed extension of Brent Cross shopping centre; and if he will make a statement. [9186]

Estimating the impacts of individual new developments on air quality is primarily a local matter, in which the Secretary of State is not involved.The effects of air pollution are, in appropriate cases, capable of being taken into account by a planning authority as a material consideration in relation to a planning application. The weight to be given to such considerations is for the judgment of the decision maker.I understand that in this case an environmental appraisal, covering air quality, was carried out by those applying for planning permission. I also understand that the local authority is currently considering the conclusions of that appraisal and monitoring air quality in the area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what are the total capital receipts for each local authority in Hampshire arising from the sale of council houses since 1979; [9316](2) how much of the capital receipts from council houses sales since 1979 has been used to avert borrowing; and how much remains in local authority accounts for each local authority in Hampshire, [9401]

Figures for (a) total capital receipts arising from the sale of council houses and flats between 1980–81 and 1996–97 and (b) housing capital receipts set aside between 1990–91 and 1995–96 are set out for each local authority in Hampshire in the table.The first column includes all receipts from the sales of council dwellings, including—since 1990–91—those which could be used to finance capital expenditure as well as those which had to be set aside. The distinction between usable and set-aside receipts is not relevant before 1990–91.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much of the capital receipts from council house sales since 1979 has been used to avert borrowing; and how much remains in local authority bank accounts in each local authority in the United Kingdom. [9771]

A table showing (a) the total capital receipts arising from the sale of council houses and flats between 1979–80 and 1995–96, and (b) housing capital receipts set-aside between 1990–91 and 1995–96 for each English local authority has been placed in the Library of the House. The totals for authorities in England are respectively (a) £24.6 billion, and (b) £5.3 billion.The first figure includes all receipts from the sales of council dwellings, including—since 1990–91—those which could be used to finance capital expenditure as well as those which had to be set aside. The distinction between usable and set-aside receipts is not relevant before 1990–91.No figures are available for receipts from the sale of council houses prior to 1 April 1980. Figures for set-aside receipts in 1996–97 are not yet available.Information is not available on the amount of set-aside housing receipts that authorities have used to avert borrowing, nor on the amount remaining in local authority accounts.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals his Department has for the development of foyer schemes; and if he will make a statement. [9177]

Foyer schemes are one of a range of solutions to help homeless and unemployed young people. There are already a large number of such schemes in operation with more in development or being planned. Large sums of public money have already been invested in foyer schemes through, for example, capital and revenue grants payable by the Housing Corporation. Further schemes may qualify for support and for additional resources released under the capital receipts initiative. It will be for prospective foyer developers and individual local authorities to identify local needs and priorities when considering the case for a foyer scheme.In addition, my Department and the Department for Education and Employment have jointly commissioned research from the Institute for Employment Studies and London Research Centre to look at the number and distribution of foyer and foyer type schemes and their effectiveness in meeting the accommodation and training needs of young people.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what reports he has received from his French counterpart concerning the basis of the ban on fishing and swimming near the La Hague nuclear reprocessing plant; and what guidance on environmental protection has been sought from his Department by the Channel Islands state's authorities as a result of this announcement; [9944](2) pursuant to the answer of 27 June,

A copy of the monitoring study commissioned by the French Government from the Office de Protection des Rayonnements Ionisants in the vicinity of the La Hague reprocessing plant is being obtained and will be placed in the Library of the House. A small section of beach, approximately 100m long, surrounding a plant discharge pipe, was closed as a precautionary measure while this monitoring was being undertaken and evaluated. My Department has received no request for guidance from the Channel Islands states' authorities concerning these developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those councils which have approached his Department since 1 May in relation to the compulsory competitive tendering of local services, indicating those which Ministers have agreed to meet. [9853]

There have been a very large number of local authority contacts with Ministers and officials in my Department on a range of compulsory competitive tendering issues. These include possible changes to the existing statutory framework for CCT, the development of a best value framework and pilot projects, advice on the technical requirements of existing CCT regulations, requests for exemptions from CCT requirements and casework concerned with anti-competitive behaviour and financial failure.Ministers in this Department have had no meetings with particular authorities on CCT issues. We have, however, met the Local Government Association on several occasions at which CCT was discussed. My officials have also held meetings with the Local Government Association and have visited a number of local authorities in connection with best value pilot work.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 2 June, Official Report, columns 49–50, on compulsory competitive tendering, what further progress has been made in replacing CCT with a duty of best value; and if he will make a statement. [10603]

Local authorities responded enthusiastically to our 2 June announcement, which confirmed our intention to replace compulsory competitive tendering with a duty to obtain best value, a duty which will require local authorities to deliver the quality of service that local people expect at a price they are willing to pay.Many authorities have begun work in line with the best value principles published at that time. I now want to build on this work, setting out the proposed framework for best value in England and encouraging local authorities to work towards it consistent with the current legislation. We are therefore writing to all English local authorities inviting them to come forward with proposals to run pilot best value projects and the Home Office will be writing on a similar basis to police authorities. The letter will include the criteria which will be used to evaluate proposals, including the procedures and timetable, and will set the pilot scheme in the context of the framework of best value that we are developing. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House tomorrow morning. In considering bids, we shall be looking to test a wide range of different approaches and services within the best value framework, and to encompass different types of authorities.Bids will be invited by 1 October, with decisions announced in December, so that local authorities have the maximum amount of time to develop their ideas ahead of a latest start date of 1 April 1998. In coming to a decision on the pilot projects, I expect to draw on advice from a panel made up of representatives from central Government Departments, the Local Government Association, the Audit Commission, the trade unions and the private sector. I shall be writing to each shortly to invite nominations.We are also to consult local authorities and other interested parties on proposals to modify the current CCT regulations and guidance. This follows a short review carried out by a working group comprised of representatives from my Department, the Welsh Office and the Local Government Association.Our proposals are designed to enable authorities to adopt best value practices consistent with the current primary legislation. They provide a real incentive for authorities to take the voluntary route to competitive tendering, and significantly reduce many of the prescriptive elements of CCT that have so frustrated authorities and the private sector alike. Full details of our proposals are contained in a consultation paper which I am placing in the Library tomorrow morning. At the same time we shall be consulting on revised guidance on good tendering practice which will promote fairness and transparency in procurement decisions, and a draft will also be available in the Library tomorrow.Taken together, these changes will build on the renewed interest of both local authorities and the private sector in the provision of quality cost-effective local services. They will release both public and private sectors from the sterile exchanges that have bedevilled CCT in recent years, and encourage innovation and best value to the benefit of those who use and pay for local services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many monitoring experiments concerning the release of genetically modified organisms and bacteria the Health and Safety Executive has carried out on discharges from laboratories licensed to undertake activity under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992; and if he will list the dates and places of such monitoring; [10213](2) how the need for monitoring concerning the release and survival of genetically modified bacteria has been taken into account in the proposal for certificates of exemption for discharges of certain live GMOs in liquid wastes under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992. [10214]

The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992 require that effluent from higher risk GMOs be inactivated prior to discharge. Users have to monitor the effectiveness of this inactivation. So far as low risk GMOs are concerned, the regulations require that suitable control measures are used to limit their contact with the general population and the environment. The effectiveness of these control measures has to be tested and monitored by those undertaking the activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria he will use in the exercise of his powers under the Allotments Act 1925 in respect of the disposal of allotment land or its use for other purposes. [10291]

The Secretary of State's consent, under section 8 of the Allotment Act 1925, for the disposal of statutory allotment land will not be given unless he is satisfied that adequate alternative provision is made for any displaced allotment holders, or that such provision is not necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list his (a) consents and (b) refusals of consent since 2 May under the Allotments Act 1925 for the disposal of allotment land or its use for other purposes. [10317]

The Secretary of State has given his consent, under section 8 of the Allotment Act 1925, for disposal of the following statutory allotment sites since 2 May 1997:

• 7 May: Peel Street, Carlisle
• 9 May: Wolverhampton Metropolitan Borough Council Training Centre, Wolverhampton
• 19 May: Firtree Lane, Bristol
• 19 May: Troopers Hill Bristol
• 19 May: 32 Nicholas Lane, Bristol
• 23 May: Burton Road, Overseal, Derbyshire
• 28 May: Washbrook Allotments, Leicester
• 3 June: Roundwood Glen, Greengates, Bradford
• 9 June: Langham Allotments, Rutland
• 11 June: Bridge Street, Loddon, South Norfolk
• 24 June: Lee Lane, Langley, Amber Valley, Derbyshire
• 24 June: Ridgeway Allotments and Manor Hall Allotments, Southwick, West Sussex
• 25 June: Broadwater Gardens Allotments, Harefield, Middlesex
• 25 June: The Bartons, Much Marcle, Ledbury, Herefordshire
• 26 June: Harewood Allotments, Cornfield Road, Thornaby
• 26 June: Harewood Allotments, Thornaby Road, Thornaby
• 26 June: Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey
• 10 July: Cannock Road, Cannock
• 11 July: Barnsfield Place Allotment, Uxbridge, Middlesex
• 14 July: Primrose Hill, Stockton-on-Tees
• 15 July: Dodmire Allotments, Darlington
• 17 July: Britten Road, Reddith
• 22 July: Scotchman Road, Bradford.

There have been no refusals of consent under section 8 of the 1925 Act since 2 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will establish a review, involving hon. Members, of the future of allotments. [10318]

There are no current plans to undertake a review of allotments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance the Government (a) have given and (b) plan to give local authorities concerning the release of more land for allotments. [10319]

Local authorities are required, where they are satisfied that there is sufficient demand, to provide an appropriate number of allotment sites to residents within their areas. There are no plans to provide any more specific guidance to local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage local authorities and large landowners to release more land for allotments. [10320]

The provision of allotment sites is a matter for local authorities, taking into account the demand for sites within their area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to limit the periods during which allotment plots can be left vacant. [10343]

Management of allotment sites is a matter for the relevant local authority or parish council, taking into account the demand within the area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what was the total amount of money made available to Wales for the home energy efficiency scheme in each of the last two years; how much will be available in the next year; and if he will make a statement. [10243](2) what was the average home insulation grant provided to eligible households in Wales in each of the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [10244]

In 1995–96 a total of £5.2 million was spent under the home energy efficiency scheme in Wales on grants with an average individual value of £167. The figures for 1996–97 were £3.4 million and £184. This year, I estimate that £3.8 million will be invested through this scheme in improving the energy efficiency of Welsh homes occupied by the most vulnerable families. The 1998–99 allocation for the scheme, which I intend to review to make sure that it meets the needs of its customers, will be decided after completion of the Government's comprehensive expenditure review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to revise circular 13/96: "Planning and Affordable Housing". [10866]

Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 "Housing" (PPG3) states that local planning authorities may seek to negotiate an element of affordable housing in respect of new housing developments on a substantial scale. The intention behind this policy was that a site should be large enough to accommodate a range and mix of types of housing. The site thresholds were introduced in circular 13/96 as a way of defining what the Department considered to be a substantial site for the purposes of the policy.Since the circular was issued, the Department has been hearing from many local authorities and registered social landlords who argue that the threshold has had the effect of restricting the amount of affordable housing they are able to secure via the policy. I have given careful consideration to the views that have been expressed and, although I accept the principle of the use of thresholds, I have come to the conclusion that there is a case for looking again at the levels at which they were set.I can announce today that my Department has issued for consultation proposed revisions to circular 13/96. In particular, we are proposing to lower the thresholds below which local authorities should not seek an element of affordable housing, and to clarify the way in which financial or other contributions should be secured through planning obligations where the parties consider that such contributions towards the provision of affordable housing on a different site are preferable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is on allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes in inner-city areas; and what consultations he has held with local authorities on pilot projects. [9303]

Nothing in law prevents local traffic authorities from permitting motorcycles to use bus lanes, although the necessary traffic signs require departmental approval. The Government are interested in experimental projects such as those which have been implemented in Bristol and Reading but are aware that they have generated concerns from cyclists on safety grounds. We will study the evidence from such schemes carefully to assess advantages and disadvantages for motor cyclists and other vulnerable road users, as well as their implications for balanced transport planning.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the safety of seat belts designed for car application being fitted to coaches; and what estimate he has made of the prevalence of such practices in the United Kingdom. [10238]

Provided that seat belts are approved to recognised standards and installed correctly, those approved for use on cars may be safely used on other types of vehicle. No information is available on how many coach owners or operators have chosen to fit car seat belts in their vehicles.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessments he has made of the safety aspects of loop-around seat belts not requiring fixed anchorage to seating. [10237]

Loop type seat belts can offer the same level of protection as a seat belt bolted to a fixed anchorage if they are approved to a recognised standard and properly fitted. Such belts should be secured to a part of a seat or the vehicle structure which is strong enough to take a high accident loading, has no sharp edges and positions the belt so that it can be worn properly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the major maintenance scheme to be undertaken on the trunk road and motorway network during the financial year 1997–98, indicating the likely cost, start and completion dates for each scheme. [10130]

I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure adequate standards of railway inspection, maintenance and investment to take account of the findings of Railtrack's inquiry into the derailment at Sidcup station in February. [10233]

Railtrack plc is responsible for inspecting and maintaining its railway infrastructure. It has prepared and had accepted by the Health and Safety Executive a railway safety case, in accordance with the Railways (Safety Case) Regulations 1994. As part of its commitment to its RSC, Railtrack plc has undertaken to comply with Railway Industry Group standards which include standards for inspection and maintenance. HSE'S railway inspectorate monitors Railtrack plc's compliance with Its accepted RSC and enforces health and safety legislation.The HSE is aware of Railtrack plc's internal inquiry into the derailment near Bexley station in February. HSE'S own independent technical investigation into the cause of the incident is continuing and its findings will be made public by the HSE in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 June, Official Report, columns 276–77, if he will publish the sensitivity analyses which were made for each of the alternatives for the third Dartford crossing with regard to variations in the base assumptions for the capital cost of the facility and the whether public sector cost of capital; the overrun in capital costs in (a) actual and (b) percentage terms for each of the alternative options would have eliminated the difference between the privately and publicly financed options for each alternative; and what increase in the public sector cost of capital would have eliminated the difference between the privately and publicly financed options for each alternative. [9764]

In 1986 the assessment of the Dartford bids was essentially concerned with establishing the extent to which they offered value for money on specified assumptions. The economic costs of the various options were established so as to compare the net benefits of publicly financed and privately financed schemes. So far as can be established sensitivity tests of the kind postulated in the question were not carried out.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the conclusions of the Denver summit in respect of the control of communicable diseases; and if he will make a statement. [9641]

The Denver summit agreed to promote more effective co-ordination of international responses to outbreaks of infectious diseases and to develop a global surveillance network working through organisations such as the World Health Organisation. There was also a commitment to accelerate AIDS vaccine research, to enhance international scientific co-operation and collaboration, and to ensure that the United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) fulfils its mandate.We welcome the commitment to improve international collaboration on the surveillance, monitoring, and research of communicable diseases. The UK has a strong record in combating communicable diseases, both internationally and at home, and this work will continue in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the total costs of European Union legations in (a) European Union countries, on a country by country basis, and (b) non-European Union countries for 1996. [10014]

[holding answer 22 July 1997]: There are no EU delegations. The Commission has representations in EU member states and delegations in third countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to increase the transparency and accountability of decisions on defence export licences. [10364]

We are committed to increase transparency and introduce more stringent controls over defence exports, including publishing an annual report on UK strategic exports. We will also press for a European register of arms exports to make information on arms exports available at a European level, and work to strengthen the UN Register of Conventional Arms.We are considering how best to take forward these commitments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times the European Committee of the Regions has met in the last two years; if he will list the attendance record of each of the United Kingdom's representatives on the committee; and if he will make a statement. [9833]

There are usually five plenary sessions of the European Union Committee of the Regions each year.The United Kingdom has 24 full and 24 alternate members of the CoR. When a full member is unable to attend, an alternate member may do so. The UK is rarely represented by less than 24 full or alternate members.We do not hold up-to-date attendance records for UK members. However, figures provided by the Local Government International Bureau show that for the 10 plenary sessions held up to September 1996 UK members attended as follows:

Full members
	Attendance
Dame Elizabeth Anson	9
David Bellotti	9
Albert Bore	10
Lord Bowness	9
Simon Day	8
Lady Josie Farrington	8
Robert Eccles	11
George Gill	10
Toby Harris	6(5)
Christopher Penn	10
Dennis Pettitt	8
Janet Sillett	7
Lord Tope	9
Colin Warbrick	10
Daniel Coffey	7
Charles Gray	9
Rosemary McKenna	9

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to announce a United Kingdom nomination for the board of the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia; and when he estimates the Centre will commence its work. [9923]

We are considering possible candidates and hope to make an announcement as soon as possible. We hope the centre will start work early in 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out a three-year timetable for fulfilling United Kingdom reporting obligations under United Nations treaties for the protection of human rights, indicating target completion dates for periodic reports and expected dates for public hearings of the relevant committees. [9924]

The timetable for reporting is determined by the treaty itself or by the respective treaty monitoring committee. The UK's next reports are due on the following dates: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights—ICCPR—June 1999; International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights—ICESCR—June 1999; International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination—ICERD—April 1998; Convention Against Torture—CAT—January 1998; Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women—CEDAW—January 1999; Convention on the Rights of the Child— January 1999. We aim to submit these reports as closely as possible to the due dates except in the case of ICERD where it is proposed to hold submission back until April 1999 so that the report can take account of possible developments in this field that are currently under consideration: the secretariat of the committee is being informed.The relevant monitoring committees have not yet given dates for public examinations of these reports, except for the CEDAW committee which has set January 1999 as the date for the examination of the previous and next reports. The ICESCR committee will examine the UK in November 1997, in respect of its latest report submitted in 1996.The UK also submits reports in respect of those dependent territories to which particular treaties apply. The due dates are not the same in all cases, but we aim to submit reports under ICERD and CAT together with those of the UK itself. The initial dependent territories' reports under CRC and the latest dependent territories' reports under ICCPR, ICESCR and CEDAW are now overdue but steps are being taken to ensure that these are completed and submitted as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what list he maintains of international and national non-governmental organisation for the purposes of consultation; and which NGOs are included. [9925]

This Department does not keep a comprehensive list of non-governmental organisations for such a purpose. Each policy department within this Department is, however, aware of and maintains contacts with the non-governmental organisations in its area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will describe the oath of allegiance or equivalent declaration taken by UK members of the European Parliament. [10158]

Members of the European Parliament are not required to take an oath of allegiance. Their conduct is in certain respects bound by the European Community 1976 Act concerning the election of the representatives of the European Parliament. On taking up office they are required to sign a declaration that they do not hold an office incompatible with being a Member of the European Parliament, as et out in article 6 of the 1976 Act. They are also required to make a declaration of their financial interests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the evidence he has received on the use of Hawk aircraft in East Timor since 1983. [10340]

We are currently studying all the information available to us in relation to allegations about the use of Hawk in East Timor. No firm conclusions have yet been drawn. Nor have we yet considered whether we could publish the information itself.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what will be the basis for continued United Kingdom jurisdiction over the six and 12 mile maritime limit after 2002. [9640]

I have been asked to reply.The current restrictions on foreign fishing vessels within our six and 12-mile fisheries limits will continue to apply under Council Regulation 3760/92 until 31 December 2002. The Government are committed to securing their renewal after 2002 under a further regulation. The Prime Minister has received assurances from the President of the Commission that there is unlikely to be any desire to modify present restrictions after 2002.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received regarding the cost of removal of offal from abattoirs and knackers' yards; and if he will make a statement. [9597]

I have received representations from across the meat supply/disposal chain, from representatives of producers to those of renderers, about the costs of disposal of animal by-products. These generally supported the continuation of Government financial support to the rendering industry.I and my agricultural ministerial colleagues have considered the representations put to us very carefully. Having taken into account the impact on the meat industry of withdrawing support, the original purpose of the support and the considerable additional cost of extending it, for which we have no provision in our public expenditure plans, we have concluded that the support should be phased out, as already provided for, by the end of 1997–98 within the existing spending limit of £59 million.I am today writing to the president of the NFU and to other industry organisations informing them of our conclusions.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make representations to other EU countries to end the payment of export refunds on the export of live cattle from the EU to the middle east and north Africa; and if he will make a statement. [10296]

The Government have no plans to seek an end to the payment of export refunds on live cattle. However, we welcome the fact that the ratio between refunds for live bovines and those for carcase meat has been moving towards favouring meat exports.In the longer term, GATT Uruguay round commitments setting progressively decreasing limits on the volume and value of export subsidies are likely to bring further pressure to bear on refund levels. We also wholeheartedly support the current Commission proposal to link the payment of export refunds to the observance of animal welfare conditions.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the penalties applicable for contravening the Sheep and Goats (Recording Identification and Movement) Order 1996, indicating the number of farmers who have been prosecuted for failing to adhere to the order. [10348]

Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee
	Commercial interests		Non-commercial interests
Member	Name of organisation	Nature of interests	Name of organisation	Nature of interests
Professor J. R. Pattison (Chairman)	None	None	Medical Research Council	Senior Medical Adviser to the Chief Executive
Dr. R. G. Will (Deputy Chairman)	None	None	Department of Health	Grant Holder
			Scottish Home and Health Department	Grant Holder
			Medical Research Council	Grant Holder
			European Commission BIOMED	Programme Grant Holder
			Office International des Epizooties Expert Group on Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in Related Diseases (1990-present)	Adviser
			European Union	Member of the Multi-disciplinary Scientific Committee
Professor J. W. Almond	Aplin and Barrat Ltd.	One-off Consultancy	Society for General Microbiology (company limited by guarantee and registered charity).	Director
	Stanger Science	One-off Consultancy
	Food and Drink Federation	One-off Consultancy
			Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council	Chairman of the Working Group of the Biology of the spongiform Encephalopathic Programme
			MAFF	Member of scientific review panels
Mr. R. Bradley	Beacon Research	Adviser	Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food	Adviser
	Taylor By-Products	Adviser
	Nordima International Trading	Adviser	Veterinary Laboratories Agency	Adviser
	European Natural Sausage Casings Association	Adviser
			World Health Organisation	Adviser
	Meat and Livestock Commission	Adviser	Office International des Epizooties	Adviser
	National Dairy Council	Adviser	European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products	Adviser
	Jackson & Walker (Attorneys, Counsellors)	Adviser
	Kraft Jacobs Suchard	Adviser	Committee on Proprietary Medicinal Products	Adviser
	National Renderers Association Inc.	Adviser
			Medicines Control Agency	Adviser
	Fats and Proteins Research Foundation Inc.	Adviser	Public Health Laboratory Service	Adviser
	Meat Industry Forum of South Africa	Adviser	Infarmed (Portugal)	Adviser
			Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN)	Adviser
			Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens	Adviser
			National Institute for Biological Standards	Adviser

The penalty for contravening the Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 1996, is a fine not exceeding £5,000, or, if the offence is committed with respect to more than 10 animals, a fine not exceeding £1,000 for each animal.No prosecutions have been made under the order.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the commercial and non-commercial interests of the members of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee. [10809]

Members of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee are not required to declare their commercial and non-commercial interests as this is a scientific advisory committee with no trading or financial objectives. However, in the interests of open government, the members of SEAC have been asked for this information and the interests declared are listed in the following table.