To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many people will be involved in running his proposed computerised cattle passport scheme; and if he will publish a breakdown of the grades involved, together with their salary bandings. [18830]

The British Cattle Movement Service will operate the Cattle Tracing System, providing a register of all cattle in Great Britain, their location and their movement history. Once it is fully operational, it will comprise an estimated 261 staff. The anticipated breakdown by grade and the salary bands are given in the following table.

Grade	Estimated number	Salary band (£)
6	1	32,100–51,256
7	1	26,100–41,718
SEO	1	20,700–32,812
HEO	6	16,300–22,147
EO	24	10,093–17,715
AO	153	8,285–10,695
AA	61	6,612–8,050
SGB2	14	6,612–8,050
Total	261

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under his proposed computerised cattle passport scheme (a) how many passports are estimated to be issued annually and (b) how many passports he estimates will be issued in each of the scheme's first three years. [18828]

It is estimated that between 2.5 million and 3 million passports will be issued annually.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his proposals for the cattle passport scheme. [18939]

On 30 July I announced that the Government was setting up a computerised cattle tracing system (CTS) which would be fully operational in 1998. The system will be administered by a new public sector organisation, the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS), which will manage cattle movements and respond to database queries. On 7 October I also announced that the Government had decided to centralise the issue of cattle passports at the BCMS. The new scheme will give the UK one of the most advanced cattle tracing systems in Europe.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of his decision to restrict the general retail sale of higher dose vitamin B6 supplements on (a) consumers, (b) manufacturers and (c) retailers. [18969]

The Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy has advised that 1.4 mg of vitamin B6 per day is enough to meet the needs of almost all individuals, even those with high needs. The proposed maximum limit of 10 mg per daily dose on the level of vitamin B6 in dietary supplements sold under food law is more than seven times greater than this amount. Those who need higher doses for the treatment of medical conditions will continue to be able to obtain them from pharmacies and on prescription.Information on the impact of the proposed controls on manufacturers and retailers has been requested from relevant trade associations. This will be included in the regulatory assessment which will accompany the draft regulations that will give effect to the controls.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take to further regulate farming; and if he will make a statement. [19259]

Farming will continue to be regulated where necessary for the implementation of national and EU policies. All regulations introduced will be carefully examined in line with the Government's policy for better regulation to ensure that they are simple, helpful and fair, taking account of the needs of businesses, the citizen and the environment.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the (a) agencies and (b) committees which report to his Department on food safety. [19358]

The agencies of the Department which undertake work concerned with food safety are:

• The Pesticides Safety Directorate
• The Veterinary Medicines Directorate
• The Meat Hygiene Service
• The Central Science Laboratory Agency
• The Veterinary Laboratories Agency

The committees that report to the Department on issues relevant to food safety are listed below. Most of these committees also report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much has been spent by his Department on food safety in the last year for which figures are available. [19354]

In 1996–97 expenditure on food safety matters totalled £28.13 million. A detailed breakdown of expenditure and receipts is shown under the entries for programmes PP1:01, 1:02, 1:03, 1:07 in Chapter 3 and in Table 33 in Chapter 8, of the MAFF/IB Departmental Report 1997, a copy of which may be found in the Library of the House.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the advantages of replacing the current HLCA with an area-based instrument for farmers in less-favoured areas. [19357]

Under current EC rules, compensatory allowances provided to livestock farmers in the less-favoured areas may be paid only per head of eligible livestock. The Commission's proposals in Agenda 2000 indicate that they are considering transforming compensatory allowances into a basic instrument to maintain and promote low-input farming systems. However, replacing HLCAs with an area-based instrument would not, on its own, necessarily fulfil this objective.The pros and cons of an area-based instrument are one of the issues being addressed in an evaluation of the HLCA scheme in England, being undertaken by Drew Associates and Exeter University on behalf of the Ministry. That report will be published shortly. Other similar studies are in hand in respect of the other constituent parts of the UK. The Government is also considering HLCAs as part of its Comprehensive Spending Review and will further consider the options in the light of the Commission's detailed proposals following Agenda 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers from (a) the Czech Republic and (b) the Slovak Republic have arrived (i) in the United Kingdom and (ii) at the port of Dover in each month since 1 May. [17137]

The information requested is given in the table. Overall data for the month of November are not yet available, but provisional figures indicate that only five Czechs/Slovaks applied for asylum on arrival at Dover during November.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contribution county-based organisations will be expected to make to district-based community safety organisations and partnerships. [18937]

The Crime and Disorder Bill will place a joint obligation on local authorities and the police service to develop strategies for reducing crime and disorder in each district, borough and unitary local authority area in England and Wales. Where the two tier structure of local Government still exists, county councils will have an obligation to participate in this process on an equal basis.The Bill will also give the Home Secretary power to designate by Order other key local agencies which must be involved. At county level or wider, these are likely to include police authorities, probation committees and health authorities.Nothing in the Bill will prevent the developments (or continuation) of county-based co-ordination of the district strategies if that is what the partners locally want. The legal obligation, however, will be to produce strategies based on district, borough and unitary authority areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what future role the Crime Prevention Panel has, with particular reference to community safety. [18938]

Crime Prevention Panels and their equivalent for young people, known as Youth Action Groups, have done some enormously valuable work over the years. I am determined that the knowledge and experience which they have amassed should not be lost as we move towards the creation of new statutory crime prevention partnerships. Some Crime Prevention Panels may merge into the new partnerships; that will be a matter for local decision. But where they do not, we intend to require the local authorities and the police, in discharging their new obligations, to invite them—along with a wide variety of other agencies—to participate in the process.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he intends to implement Part V of the Police Act 1997; [18998](2) what plans he has to give voluntary organisations working with children and vulnerable adults access to the criminal records of prospective staff and volunteers. [18999]

We are reviewing the provisions of Part V of the Police Act 1997 in the light of our top priority in this area which is the protection of children and vulnerable adults. As we promised when the provisions of Part V of the Act were debated in the House, we will consult voluntary organisations before reaching a decision.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the four-year limit for claiming criminal injury compensation. [19342]

The time limit for submitting claims to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, which administers the new, tariff-based compensation scheme introduced on 1 April 1996, is two years. The operation of the scheme as a whole is monitored on a continuing basis, but there are no plans to make any changes until the findings of the current comprehensive spending review have been considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 14 November 1997, Official Report, column 693, concerning compensation claims arising from disturbances during July, what is the time scale for the completion and payment of the outstanding (a) criminal injury and (b) criminal damage claims. [18197]

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Compensation Agency under its chief executive, Mr. D. A. Stanley. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the perceived religious denomination of employees of Down District Council. [18711]

In common with all other specified Public Authorities, Down District Council is required to monitor the religious composition of its work force on an annual basis. The latest available monitoring information is contained in the FEC's Seventh Annual Monitoring Report which was published in March 1997. That document shows that the composition in 1996 was:

	Number	Per cent
Protestant	70	28
Roman Catholic	180	72
Other	7	—
Total	257

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the financial settlement given to Mr. Andy Wood following his removal as head of the Northern Ireland Information Service. [18665]

Mr. Wood remains a Civil Servant. The financial arrangements between the Department and Mr. Wood are a private matter for them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what duties Mr. Andy Wood, former head of the Northern Ireland Information Service, is carrying out on behalf of (a) the Northern Ireland Office; and (b) the Home Office; what is the nature of the work; and how long he is expected to be employed. [18664]

Mr. Wood is conducting a joint Home Office/Northern Ireland Office project concerning the handling of the media during major incidents. It is expected that he will conclude the project during the first half of 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many (a) special advisers, (b) task force members and (c) review body members her Department employs; what is the total salary and benefits of (a) to (c); and what was the equivalent cost prior to 1 May. [19315]

My Department has employed two special advisers since 1 May 1997. Their combined annual salary totals £53,592. They have claimed no other benefits. Prior to I May, DFID was not a Cabinet Department and had no special advisers.No task force members or review body members have been employed since 1 May 1997, or in the period immediately before that, other than staff carrying out policy and management review functions as part of their continuing work. Members of the business community and other figures in public life have contributed to the work of my Department without charge.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade which Minister in her Department is responsible for liaising with the Department for International Development on WTO matters. [18946]

I refer the right hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr. Paterson) on 27 November 1997,Official Report, columns 646–47. Responsibility for WTO matters falls to my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many ministerial announcements have not been made in the first instance to the House; and of those how many were (a) speeches to outside bodies, (b) press releases, (c) press briefings and (d) made by other means, since 1 May; and if she will make a statement about her Department's policy in respect of making public ministerial announcements. [18901]

[holding answer 3 December 1997]: Since 1 May, my Department has made 455 announcements by press release, including a number relating to public speeches. All major announcements are made to Parliament first when it is sitting, excluding certain market-sensitive decisions. Recent announcements include the extension of the fossil fuel levy to imported electricity, the review to modernise partnership law and the Bill to introduce the National Minimum Wage. Press briefings are usually held to give further explanation to announcements, after they have been made public.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sums he is seeking from the European Union to finance information campaigns about the euro; and what plans he has for expenditure of such sums. [19205]

[holding answer 4 December 1997]: The Government has applied to the European Commission for financial assistance towards the cost of producing and

Percentage of workers suffering from low literacy and low numeracy (1996 figures)
	Managerial and professional		Skilled craft workers		Machinery and assembly line		Sales and service
	Low literacy	Low numeracy	Low literacy	Low numeracy	Low literacy	Low numeracy	Low literacy	Low numeracy
Britain	6	6	24	21	22	20	17	21
Germany	1	2	7	3	12	11	6	5
USA	5	4	30	29	35	30	27	25

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Government's estimate of the number of additional (a) accountants and (b) other staff who will need to be employed by central government as a result of the switch to resource accounting and budgeting. [19157]

The move to resource accounting and budgeting will mean that there is a greater need for skills in finance and accountancy throughout government departments, and at all levels. It is for individual departments to decide on how best to meet this need, whether through development, training or recruitment. There are no central estimates of the amount of additional staff, if any, who will be employed as part of this process.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his oral statement of 25 November 1997,Official Report, column 773, what was the source document of his statement that United Kingdom's productivity today is 20 per cent. less than that of the United Kingdom's main competitors. [18543]

The Chancellor's statement that UK productivity is some 20 per cent. below our main competitors was based on OECD sources. Figures on productivity levels can be found in "Labour productivity comparisons in selected OECD countries", published by the OECD, June 1996. Further information can be derived from OECD Economic Outlook, June 1997 and OECD Employment Outlook, July 1997.

To ask the Chancellor for the Exchequer, pursuant to his pre-Budget report, paragraph 4.19, what was the percentage of (a) skilled and (b) semi-skilled manual workers suffering from (i) low literacy and (ii) low numeracy in (A) France, (B) Germany, (C) Japan and (D) the USA in 1996. [19159]

The Government is committed to raising literacy and numeracy levels to ensure that Britain has a flexible labour force capable of competing effectively in the global economy. The table compares literacy and numeracy levels in Britain, Germany and the USA. Figures for France and Japan are not available on a consistent basis.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the Chernobyl Children Lifeline in respect of the waiving of airport tax for charitable purposes; and what response he has made. [18855]

The Government has received numerous written representations from the Chernobyl Children Lifeline requesting that the children they help be exempt from air passenger duty when they leave the United Kingdom.UK registered charities already benefit from a range of tax reliefs such as gift aid and the payroll scheme. These encourage charitable donation by focusing on what people give rather than what charities spend. Additionally, in his last Budget the Chancellor announced a review of the taxation of charities and invited contributions from interested parties. Although the main focus of the review will be the current VAT arrangements, all aspects of the tax system will be taken into consideration.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many husbands currently receive a tax allowance for incapacitated wives, and a what costs; [18823](2) what is his estimate of the number of women who would be entitled to a tax allowance for an incapacitated husband if the present provision for men with incapacitated wives were to be extended to women with incapacitated husbands; and what is his estimate of the cost. [18822]

It is estimated that in 1997–98 around 10,000 husbands with children and a totally incapacitated wife receive the additional personal allowance. This costs about £5 million.It is not possible to provide a reliable cost of extending this allowance to wives with incapacitated husbands and children.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the impact of the windfall tax. [18796]

Since the Budget announcement on 2 July, representations have been received from some 16 companies and organisations, 25 members of the public and from one hon. Member. The contents of these representations are treated as confidential, although it is open to those involved to make their views public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the total expenditure on all forms of publicity and advertising by (a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies for (i) 1993–94, (ii) 1994–95, (iii) 1995–96, (iv) 1996–97, (v) the 1997–98, year to date, (vi) the 1997–98, full year estimate and (vii) the 1988–99 planned expenditure. [15249]

Expenditure on publicity and advertising for the years requested is shown in the tables:

The Scottish Office
	£
1993–94	1,366,000
1994–95	2,256,000
1995–96	1,770,000
1996–97	3,564,000
1997–98 (year to date)	1,842,000
The only figures currently available for 1997–98 are spends to date.

Agencies
	£
1993–94	508,000
1994–95	869,000
1995–96	1,008,000
1996–97	1,026,000
1997–98 (year to date)	643,000
The only figures currently available for 1997–98 are spends to date.

Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies
	£
1993–94	9,433,000
1994–95	12,161,000
1995–96	13,987,000
1996–97	14,631,000

Figures for 1997–98 spend to date and full year estimate are not currently available

The greater part of the expenditure by the 38 Scottish NDPBs is incurred by the Scottish Tourist Board (promoting Scotland as a tourist destination), Scottish Enterprise (promoting economic development in Scotland and publicising Local Enterprise Companies), and Scottish Natural Heritage (promoting and raising awareness of Scotland's natural heritage). In 1996–97 spend by these organisations was £8.7 million, £2.5 million and £1 million respectively.

Detailed budgets for 1998–99 have yet to be agreed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions he has attempted to increase the length of a sentence applied for manslaughter; and in what proportion of cases he has been successful in each year since 1990. [19258]

The Lord Advocate has, since 1993, had the power to appeal against sentences which appear to him to be unduly lenient, or in the case of certain disposals, inappropriate.He has exercised the power on three occasions in respect of sentences or other disposals imposed following convictions for culpable homicide.The first such appeal, taken in 1995, was refused. The second appeal, taken in 1996 was allowed by the High Court of Justiciary, as was the third, taken in 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of the applications for entry clearance to the UK received at the embassy in New Delhi were from people living in the Punjab in the last year for which figures are available. [18655]

It is not possible to provide an accurate figure for the percentage of entry clearance applications received in the High Commission in New Delhi from people living in the Punjab. The High Commission's computer system does not hold this information and to conduct a manual sift would incur disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he will take to ensure that any information material on Economic and Monetary Union funded by the Government will be impartial as to the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal. [19128]

As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has made clear, our intention is to provide information on EMU to help business and the public prepare for the single currency. We have no intention of funding propaganda on the euro's advantages or disadvantages.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government has any plans to fund information material on Economic and Monetary Union. [19131]

Yes. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has made clear, some public money will be spent on providing information to help business and the wider public prepare for the euro.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he will take to ensure that any information campaign on Economic and Monetary Union funded by the European Commission will be impartial as to the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal. [19129]

The conditions attached to the PRINCE budget line, which includes the information programme on the euro, stipulate that the money should not be used for measures which could be regarded as propaganda.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in obtaining funding from the European Commission for information material on Economic and Monetary Union. [19133]

We have applied to the Commission for financial assistance towards the cost of producing and distributing the Treasury booklet "EMU: Practical Information for Business". The Commission has approved this request in principle. We are currently engaged in a dialogue with the Commission about future financial assistance to help inform business and the wider public about EMU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the recent remarks by Sir David Hannay on the Turkish population in Northern Cyprus. [19022]

Nothing in Sir David Hannay's remarks in his interview with the Greek Cypriot newspaper Phileleftheros on 14 November implied, or was intended to imply, a shift in our policy over non-recognition of the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", which remains unchanged.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what circumstances, and by whom, staff employed by the BBC World Service are subject to vetting. [18913]

[holding answer 4 December 1997]: A limited number of BBC World Service staff are security checked by the World Service to enable them to have limited and authorised access to some official documents and to facilitate discussion with Government Departments. Several employees at BBC Monitoring are security cleared for the same reasons.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has taken to persuade the Turkish authorities to release imprisoned Kurdish members of parliament. [18744]

We have made a number of representations to the Turkish government about the imprisonment of the four Kurdish former DEP (Democracy Party) Members of Parliament. We have repeatedly stressed that the conviction of elected politicians for the non-violent expression of their opinions can only damage Turkey's international standing.We have been encouraged by recent reports, from Turkey that imply that one of the MP's, Ms Leyla Zana, may soon be released on health grounds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the internal report into the theft of gold from victims of the Holocaust was first made available to ministers in his Department. [19260]

This department published two reports containing information from the British archives on Nazi gold in September 1996 and May 1997. Both reports contain details of the theft of gold by the Nazi regime from governments and individuals. Separately, a draft joint DTI/FCO report about the treatment of enemy property held in the UK during and after World War II was delivered to the office of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 1 December. It will be published as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he is having with London borough councils on their role in Millennium projects. [18575]

My Department has established a Millennium Co-ordination Group and a number of sub-groups to ensure that interested bodies are involved at all stages of the millennium planning process. The London sub-group includes representatives from the Association of London Government, (who represent the Greater London Boroughs).I recently had the honour of addressing a conference organised by the Association of London Government which brought together representatives of the London Boroughs and the private and voluntary sector to discuss "London: the Millennium City".My Department also liaises on a regular basis with the Association of London Government Millennium Festival Steering Group, which brings together public, private and voluntary sector organisations, to discuss how best to facilitate the organisation of events.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has made of the number of applications to the National Lottery distributing bodies made to date from organisations in the Romford constituency; and if he will make a statement; [18357](2) how many bodies in the Romford constituency have had applications to the National Lottery distributing bodies turned down. [18356]

	1994–95 £	1995–96 £	1996–97 £	1997–98 £
Liverpool Everyman
Regional Arts Board/Arts Council	233,780	170,000	227,000	250,000
Local authority funds	60,810	47,158	100,000	82,800
City Challenge funds	1,350	38,151	—	—
Lottery capital	—	99,000	—	—
Liverpool Playhouse
Regional Arts Board/Arts Council	430,000	430,000	430,000	530,000
Local authority funds	270,562	266,272	375,000	205,000
Lottery capital	—	—	—	—
Manchester Royal Exchange
Regional Arts Board/Arts Council	1,333,250	1,333,250	1,863,250	1,333,250
Local authority funds	199,400	199,400	229,400	199,400
Lottery capital	—	—	3,200,000	17,110,250
Birmingham Repertory
Regional Arts Board/Arts Council	796,000	900,000	900,000	870,000
Local authority funds	887,137	1,022,500	982,589	955,000
Lottery capital	—	—	—	—
Lottery stabilisation1	—	—	—	1,500,000
1 Birmingham Repertory Theatre have received a lottery award under the Arts Council's Stabilisation scheme of £5,700,000 spread over four years.

To date organisations in the Romford constituency have made 83 applications to the Lottery distributing bodies. Of these, applications 7 were successful, 75 were unsuccessful and 1 is still being considered. Details are set out in the following table. The seven successful applications have a total value of £322,032. Decisions on applications are a matter for the distributing bodies.

Distributing body	All applications	Awarded	Rejected	In progress
Sports Council	3	1	2	0
Arts Council	6	3	3	0
Heritage Lottery Fund	0	0	0	0
Millennium Commission	1	0	1	0
Charities Board	73	3	69	1
Totals	83	7	75	1

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) how much public funding has been made available to the (a) Liverpool Everyman, (b) Liverpool Playhouse, (c) Manchester Royal Exchange, and (d) Birmingham Repertory theatres in each year since 1994–95; and from what sources; [18401](2) what discussions his Department has held with the Arts Council, North West Arts and other public bodies concerning funding for

The Department's funding for the arts is channelled through the Arts Council and the Regional Arts Boards. Ministers do not intervene in the decisions they take. The following table details the information requested:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received on the management by the BBC of its archive collection; and if he will make a statement. [19143]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received representations from the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) and from three members of the public, and as a result made inquiries of the BBC. The management and organisation of the BBC's Information and Archives Department are matters for the Corporation itself, but it is obliged under the Royal Charter and Agreement 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 has assured the Department that it is continuing to meet its archival responsibilities under the Charter and Agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what provision has been made in the current year by library authorities for training in information and communication technology skills for serving and other librarians. [19104]

Expenditure on training is not separately identified in the CIPFA Public Library Statistics, which are the main source of financial information on public libraries. However, a recent report by the Library and Information Commission indicates that the sums involved are likely to be relatively small.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to extend the lifespan of the Millennium Commission. [19166]

On 1 October 1997 I announced that the Millennium Commission would receive approximately £2 billion over its lifetime, including £449 million for the Millennium Experience. This is to ensure that the Millennium Commission will have sufficient resources to meet its commitments to the New Millennium Experience Company. On current forecasts of lottery income it will be necessary to continue the funding life of the Millennium Commission until sometime in 2002 to meet this commitment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 19 November 1997, Official Report column 180, if he will make a statement on progress with his review of the issue of live radio rights; and if the will make a statement. [18853]

On 25 November 1997, Official Report, columns 455–56, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced an advisory group to assist him in his review of the listed events under Part IV of the Broadcasting Act 1996. The group will consider questions such as the availability of rights to live radio rights to major sporting events before making its recommendations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 19 November 1997, Official Report column 180, what assessment he has made of the arrangements for news access to major sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the practice of local radio stations making exclusive deals with more than one local football club in respect of (a) the public interest and (b) the coverage of simultaneous matches. [18852]

The news access code was signed by a number of broadcasters in 1996. Breaches have been rare and the only difficulties of which we are aware have involved events shown on pay-per-view terms. On 25 November 1997, Official Report columns 455–56, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced an advisory group to assist him in his review of the listed events under Part IV of the Broadcasting Act 1996. If interested parties believe that the news access code is not functioning satisfactorily, they will no doubt bring this to the attention of the group.The advisory group will have an opportunity to consider the question of radio access to listed events before making its recommendations, but there is no statutory provision providing for restrictions on the broadcasting of events or the disposition of radio broadcasting rights beyond the normal operation of competition law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Minister for Public Health was involved in the recent decision to limit the general retail sale of vitamin B6 supplements; and what representations she received on this matter from representatives of Glaxo-Wellcome. [18971]

My hon. Friend the Minister for Public Health was involved in the decision to limit the general retail sale of vitamin B6 supplements after studying advice from the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) and the Food Advisory Committee (FAC); there were no representations on this matter from representatives of Glaxo-Wellcome.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those members of the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment who participated in the formulation of the recent advice which he received on the safety of vitamin B6 supplements; which were specifically experienced in the field of nutrition; and if he will list in the case of each of those individuals any links which they have with the pharmaceutical industry. [18970]

All members of the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment participated in the formulation of the recent advice on the safety of vitamin B6 supplements. Details of the members' expertise and a list of their financial interests have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the introduction of the Government's proposed long-term care charter will be accompanied by additional resources; and what consultation about the charter the Government plans with private and voluntary sector service providers. [14299]

Work on the Charter, which is at an early stage, will set out what people can expect from health, housing and social services. We intend to consult widely—including with voluntary and independent sector organisations—as it is developed. When finalised, the Charter should inform the decisions that local authorities make about the use of the resources allocated to them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the NHS Capital Prioritisation Advisory Group and prioritisation of major capital schemes. [19800]

I am today announcing the establishment of the National Health Service Capital Prioritisation Advisory Group (CPAG). The Capital Prioritisation Advisory Group will assist Ministers to prioritise on a national basis all future major NHS capital projects worth over £25 million. The terms of reference and membership of the group have been placed in the Library.In future, major capital projects will take place where they are most needed. The development of major schemes will be determined on a national basis, in response to patients' needs, as it should be, not, as it has been, on the basis of market forces, regardless of the wider interests of patients or the NHS.The Capital Prioritisation Advisory Group's first exercise will be to prioritise those projects wishing to go forward in the next wave of the Private Finance Initiative, following on from the 15 major PFI hospital projects already given the go-ahead. Guidance is being issued today to the NHS Executive regional offices on this process, and all NHS regional offices will examine, with their local NHS trusts and health authorities, the major proposals in their region, to determine which meet the greatest health service need. Each regional office will then be responsible for submitting two schemes to the Capital Prioritisation Advisory Group for national prioritisation and recommendation to Ministers. I plan to announce the next wave of major PFI schemes next spring.The prioritisation process will be as open and fair as possible. Details of the criteria for assessing health service need that will be used by the regional offices and CPAG have been placed in the Library.Projects which meet a clear need but are not suitable for PFI will be considered alongside other proposals, in a separate prioritisation exercise next summer for the limited amount of public capital available.The establishment of the NHS Capital Prioritisation Advisory Group and the launch of the second tranche of major capital schemes clearly demonstrate our commitment to modernising the NHS, and to creating a genuinely national heath service, with new hospitals built where they are needed most and where they will deliver the greatest benefit to patients.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funds his Department makes available to assist people who wish to stop smoking. [19355]

In 1997–98, the Government are funding a Health Education Authority run adult smoking education campaign costing £5.5 million. As part of the campaign, £700,000 is being given to Quit to operate the Quitlinetelephone helpline—which offers smoking cessation advice, counselling and support.In addition, a wide range of health professionals, notably general practitioners, routinely offer cessation advice and support. These costs cannot be separately identified.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many ECT treatments were carried out in England and Wales in the last year; and what proportion of these were given to people compulsorily under the Mental Health Act 1983. [19293]

Reliable information on the number of people receiving Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT) in England is not available centrally. During 1996–97 2,378 second opinions were given for ECT under Section 58 of the Mental Health Act 1983 by doctors appointed by the Mental Health Act Commission. This figure does not include patients who gave their consent for this treatment. Questions relating to Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his estimate of the expenditure by (a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its non-departmental public bodies on official hospitality for (i) 1980–81, (ii) 1987–88, (iii) 1990–91, (iv) 1991–92, (v) 1992–93, (vi) 1993–94, (vii) 1994–95, (viii) 1995–96, (ix) 1996–97 and (x) 1 May to 30 September 1997. [15242]

Expenditure on official hospitality for the Cabinet Office (including expenditure for the Prime Minister's Office and the Office of Public Service), its agencies and non-departmental public bodies every year since 1992 is shown in the table:

Period	Cabinet Office £	Agencies £	COI £
1997–98(1)	18,789	8,901	8,168
1996–97	69,401	12,248	21,792
1995–96	73,250	10,578	15,789
1994–95	43,477	16,626	9,200
1993–94	49,285	6,843	5,905
1992–93	55,034	241	4,640
1 Figures for 1997–98 cover the period 1 May—30 September 1997.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his estimate of the expenditure by (a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its non-departmental public bodies on overseas travel for (i) 1980–81, (ii) 1987–88, (iii) 1990–91, (iv) 1991–92, (v) 1992–93, (vi) 1993–94, (vii) 1994–95, (viii) 1995–96, (ix) 1996–97 and (x) 1 May to 30 September 1997; and if he will provide a breakdown to show (1) air fares and (2) other expenditure relating to overseas travel. [15243]

Expenditure on overseas travel by Cabinet Office (including the Prime Minister's Office and the Office of Public Service), its agencies and non-departmental public bodies every year since 1992 is shown in the table:

Period	Cabinet Office	Agencies	COI
	£	£	£
1997–981	385,622	278,440	3,043
1996–97	1,500,244	224,709	67,213
1995–96	1,805,089	424,128	134,261
1994–95	1,257,026	314,415	65,078
1993–94	1,500,705	288,976	60,009
1992–932	824,204	n/a	n/a
1 Figures for 1997–98 cover the period 1 May-30 September 1997.
2 Agencies and COI figures are not available.

The details on expenditure on overseas travel in earlier years and on the breakdown between air fares and other expenditure is unavailable.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his estimate of the total expenditure on all forms of publicity and advertising by (a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies for (i) 1993–94, (ii) 1994–95, (iii) 1995–96, (iv) 1996–97, (v) the 1997–98, year to date, (vi) the 1997–98, full year estimate and (vii) the 1998–99 planned expenditure. [15245]

Expenditure on all forms of publicity and advertising by the Cabinet Office (including the Prime Minister's Office and the Office of the Public Service), its agencies and non-departmental public bodies every year since 1993 is shown in the table:

Period	Cabinet Office	Agencies	COI
	£	£	£
1997–98(1)	1,383,967	108,000	21,000
1997–98(2)	331,588	47,313	16,000
1996–97	1,404,481	98,309	35,000
1995–96	559,578	186,843	0
1994–95	596,437	156,428	0
1993–94	475,908	23,191	0
1 Figures cover Full Year Estimate for 1997–98.
2 Figures cover 1997–98, year to date.

Planned expenditure for 1998–99 is not held at this detailed level.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what funding has been made available by the Lord Chancellor's Department to family mediation services other than National Family Mediation since June 1996; and for what purpose. [18339]

The UK College of Family Mediators has received £49,500 to date towards the production of a directory of mediators, judicial seminars and publicity projects. The Family Mediators Association will shortly receive £50,000 to enable it to help its members meet the Legal Aid Board's franchise specification.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what arrangements are (a) in place and (b) being arranged by the Legal Aid Board for publicising the family mediation pilot project under Part III of the Family Law Act 1996. [18340]

Each pilot mediation service has been provided with initial funding for publicity. In addition, the Legal Aid Board has distributed leaflets and posters to the public and all key referral agencies in each of the pilot areas and is supporting the development of local publicity initiatives.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Legal Aid Board's publicity material for the pilot projects under Part III of the Family Law Act 1996 will be issued; and what is the budget for the provision of the publicity. [18341]

The Legal Aid Board has already issued publicity material for Phase I and continues to do so. Between £50,000 and £60,000 has been spent by the Legal Aid Board on publicity to date.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the total budget for the family mediation pilot projects currently being run by the Legal Aid Board under Part III of the Family Law Act 1996; and if he will make a statement. [18345]

The Legal Aid Board's expenditure on developing, administering and researching Phase I and on the development of Phase II of the family mediation pilot project is estimated to be in the region of £500,000 for 1997–98.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what funding has been made available to National Family Mediation by the Lord Chancellor's Department since June 1996; what was its purpose; and if he will make a statement. [18338]

National Family Mediation has received £99,400, made available by this Department, to finance various projects aimed at the training of mediators and the development of mediation services. These contracts are managed by the Legal Aid Board.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much funding has been provided by the Lord Chancellor's Department to the UK College of Family Mediators for the production of a commercial directory of the college's membership; and if he will make a statement. [18337]

£10,000 was provided by this Department to enable the UK College to complete publication of the directory of mediators. This contract is managed by the Legal Aid Board.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proportion of the budget for the family mediation pilot projects being conducted by the Legal Aid Board under Part III of the Family Law Act 1996 is being paid direct to mediation organisations and individual mediators for the provision of mediation services. [18336]

On the basis of current volume estimates, approximately £2 million will be paid directly to mediation services for the provision of mediation in 1997–98.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the total cost of the Legal Aid Board's research into the family mediation pilot project under Part III of the Family Law Act 1996. [18335]

The estimated cost of the family mediation pilot research project in 1997–98 is £300,000.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the publicity material issued by the Legal Aid Board in connection with the pilot projects under Part III of the Family Law Act 1996 will be available in the Welsh language. [18342]

The Legal Aid Board's leaflets publicising Phase I of the family mediation pilot project are available in Welsh.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what advice his Department has sought of the Welsh Language Board as to compliance with current Welsh language legislation in preparing publicity material under Part III of the Family Law Act 1996 with particular reference to the activities of the Legal Aid Board; and if he will make a statement. [18343]

The Legal Aid Board's publicity leaflet has been translated into Welsh by translators recommended by the Welsh Language Board.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total cost of processing appeals under the habitual residence test in each year since its introduction; what is the average cost incurred in considering the case of an applicant who exhausts the appeals processing; and if he will make a statement. [14606]

The Independent Tribunal Service does not routinely maintain statistics relating to categories of appeals such as habitual residence test appeals. Information regarding the total cost of processing habitual residence test appeals could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Information regarding the average cost incurred in exhausting the appeals process is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to change the habitual residence test in respect of British residents returning to the United Kingdom after (a) short-term and (b) long-term employment or unemployment within the European Union. [17936]

The Government is evaluating the operation of the habitual residence test as part of its wide-ranging review of the major components of the social security system. The impact of the test upon UK nationals returning to this country forms part of this work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on Government policy relating to the consideration of student loans as income in assessment for benefits. [16849]

The primary source of funding for students is the student support system, not Social Security benefits. Most full-time students are not eligible for benefits.It is a condition of the income-related benefits that a person should take up any available income, including a student loan, before having recourse to benefits. Student loan income is subject to a weekly £10 disregard. To ignore completely the availability of a student loan in calculating benefit entitlement would operate unfairly against the majority of students who are not entitled to these benefits, as well as being contrary to the general principles governing income-related benefits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the actual expenditure on (a) unemployment benefit, (b) family credit and (c) other benefits to the unemployed for financial years (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and 1997–98. [16920]

The information is set out in the table.

	1995–96	1996–97	1997–98
Unemployment Benefit/Jobseeker's Allowance (contributory based)1	1,102	999	619
Family Credit	1,441	1,739	2,047
Other benefits to the unemployed	7,541	7,272	6,541
1 The figures underly and are consistent with those published for unemployed people in Table 5 of the March 1997 Departmental Report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the predicted levels of unemployment that were used to set the budget for (a) unemployment benefit, (b) family credit and (c) other benefits to the unemployed for the financial years (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98. [16954]

The predicted levels of unemployment used to set the budget for all benefits in Great Britain averaged 2.4 million in 1995–96; 2.1 million in 1996–97 and 1.8 million in 1997–98.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the current average net incomes for (a) two and one-parent families with dependent children,(b) childless non-pensioner couples and (c) single non-pensioners in each decile of income; and how these have changed in real terms in each five-year period over the past 30 years. [16697]

Income before housing costs (£ per week equivalised)
	Decile group medians
	Decile 1	Decile 2	Decile 3	Decile 4	Decile 5	Decile 6	Decile 7	Decile 8	Decile 9	Decile 10	Total population (mean)
Two and one parent families with dependent children 1994–95 (£ per week)	99	131	157	183	215	243	275	320	383	547	267
Change 1998–89 to 1994–95 (per cent.)	5	6	5	2	5	5	6	8	7	8	6
Change 1979 to 1988–89 (per cent.)	0	0	6	14	19	22	26	30	37	47	28
Childless non-pensioner couples 1994–95(£ per week)	124	188	237	279	314	352	396	455	550	780	384
Change 1988–89 to 1994–95 (per cent.)	12	7	7	8	6	6	6	7	9	15	9
Change 1979 to 1988–89 (per cent.)	-4	8	11	11	16	20	25	31	39	47	30
Single non-pensioners 1994–95 (£ per week)	99	144	179	214	253	293	334	384	466	653	313
Change 1988–89 to 1994–95 (per cent.)	1	3	0	-2	1	5	6	5	8	12	6
Change 1979 to 1988–89 (per cent.)	-3	-2	5	14	16	18	21	28	32	43	24

Income after housing costs (£ per week equivalised)
	Decile group medians
	Decile 1	Decile 2	Decile 3	Decile 4	Decile 5	Decile 6	Decile 7	Decile 8	Decile 9	Decile 10	Total population (mean)
Two and one parent families with dependent children 1994–95 (£ per week)	69	97	119	149	178	206	236	273	332	481	226
Change 1988–89 to 1994–95 (per cent.)	-3	-1	-4	1	4	6	7	7	8	10	6
Change 1979 to 1988–89 (per cent.)	-9	-5	4	10	14	18	19	23	26	32	21
Childless non-pensioner couples 1994–95 (£ per week)	90	156	206	244	281	313	350	404	491	699	340
Change 1988–89 to 1994–95 (per cent.)	3	3	5	7	7	6	6	7	10	15	9
Change 1979 to 1988–89 (per cent.)	-10	8	12	13	17	19	22	25	29	33	24
Single non-pensioners 1994–95 (£ per week)	52	102	142	184	222	259	302	348	421	605	275
Change 1988–89 to 1994–95 (per cent.)	-29	-9	-8	-5	0	3	5	6	9	12	5
Change 1979 to 1988–89 (per cent.)	-19	-9	3	13	14	17	19	22	24	31	20

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security is she will assess the advantages of restoring the entitlement to state benefits to asylum seekers. [17526]

An interdepartmental review led by the Home Office is currently considering all aspects of arrangements for asylum seekers, including the provision of accommodation and support throughout the entire asylum process. The aim is to identify more effective

Our objective is to improve living standards for the many, not just the few, and we aim to offer educational and employment opportunities for all.The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables. These show the average net equivalised household incomes and changes over time for individuals by family type. The income distribution is disaggregated into deciles separately for each family type. Income is as defined and measured in the Department's Households Below Average Income (HBAI) series, based on household income adjusted for household size; HBAI data are not available for years before 1979 or for every year since then.arrangements for the handling of claims and the provision of support, consistent with the Government's commitment to ensure swift and fair decisions on asylum cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to review the operation of the Benefits Agency Medical Services (a) generally and (b) in respect of sufferers of ME. [18315]

A project is currently being undertaken to consider transferring the work of the Benefits Agency Medical Services to the private sector. Contractorisation could provide an opportunity to modernise working practices and provide a better value to the taxpayer and better service to people claiming benefits. This supports our commitment to modernise the delivery of Social Security to make it better, simpler and more efficient.We are looking at all aspects of provision for sick and disabled people as part of our comprehensive spending review. We recognise that people with fluctuating conditions, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, have particular needs and will be considering what changes are necessary to current procedures to ensure they are treated sensitively and fairly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much extra in NICs he estimates will be raised from employers as a result of the decision not to index the earnings brackets for the three lower rates of employers' NICs. [19362]

No employer will pay more.If the earnings brackets for the three lower rates of employers' secondary Class 1 National Insurance contributions were increased by £5 from April 1998, the total amount of contributions paid by employers in respect of 1998–99 would be reduced by an estimated £125 million in a full year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Eurofighter programme will be subject to the Strategic Defence Review. [18860]

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the right hon. Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) on 28 November 1997, Official Report, column 694.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Department for International Development concerning the West Indies guardship. [19361]

I have nothing to add to the oral answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for International Development on 12 November 1997,Official Report, column 896.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Minister in his Department is responsible for liaising with the Department for International Development on the proposals affecting his Department in the White Paper "Eliminating World Poverty". [18942]

Issues of relevance to the Ministry of Defence in the International Development White Paper do not fall solely within the responsibilities of any one Minister.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the (a) terms of reference and (b) objectives of the Greenwich Foundation. [19017]

The Greenwich Foundation is a registered charitable company limited by guarantee whose objectives are

"to preserve for the benefit of the nation the Royal Naval College site, buildings and monuments as being of historical, architectural, and artistic importance (including to their immediate environment), and to educate the public thereon".

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the estimated costs of (a) repairing dilapidations and (b) the removal of Crown immunity at the Royal Naval College. [19018]

Detailed negotiations are continuing between the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Greenwich Foundation and Greenwich Hospital on the quantum of a dilapidation settlement. No final figure has yet been agreed.The detailed effect of the removal of Crown exemption and resulting costs are still being assessed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the state of readiness of the Royal Naval College in the year 2000. [19021]

Defence use of the site will cease in mid-1999. Planning for the Royal Naval College thereafter will be a matter for the Greenwich Foundation, on the assumption that it has assumed responsibility for the site. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will continue to be required to approve occupation, as required by section 30 of the Armed Forces Act 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Royal Naval College. [19019]

The Greenwich Foundation for the Royal Naval College is working closely with Government and Greenwich Hospital to conclude arrangements which will allow it to take responsibility for the Royal Naval College as Defence use ceases. The Foundation is negotiating with the University of Greenwich and others on the future occupation of the buildings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the new occupant for the Royal Naval College. [19020]

The Greenwich Foundation is in discussion with potential occupants, including the University of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music. Once the Foundation is satisfied that it can assume responsibility for the site and is content to sub-let to particular occupants, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will need to approve these under the terms of section 30 of the Armed Forces Act 1996. Announcements on occupation would be likely to be made by the Foundation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to meet the Chairman and trustees of the Greenwich Foundation for the Royal Naval College. [19016]

No meetings are currently scheduled. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has made it clear that he is ready to meet with representatives of the Foundation as necessary, as he and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and their respective officials have previously done on many occasions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the running cost for the Royal Yacht Britannia (a) in total and (b) excluding engine maintenance costs in the last year. [18927]

Total outturn running costs for the Royal Yacht Britannia for the last financial year (1996–97) were £10.446 million, of which the cost excluding engine maintenance costs was £10.028 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which hunts were issued licences to hunt on his Department's land for the (a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97 hunting sessions; and if he will make a statement. [14440]

[pursuant to his reply, 6 November 1997,c.329]: Unfortunately, an error has been identified and the reply should be amended accordingly:

• 1995–96
• Delete:
• Glyn and Celyn Hunt.
• 1996–97
• Delete:
• Glyn and Celyn Hunt.
• Add:
• Essex and Suffolk Hunt.
• Taunton Vale Hunt.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the licences granted to hunt on his Department's land in the hunting sessions (a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97 broken down into local authority area; and if he will make a statement. [14445]

[pursuant to his reply, 6 November 1997, c. 327–28]: Unfortunately, an error has been identified and the reply should be amended accordingly.

• 1995–96
• Delete:
• Glyn and Celyn Hunt.
• 1996–97
• Add:
• Essex and Suffolk Hunt—Colchester Borough Council.
• Taunton Vale Hunt—South Somerset District.
• Delete:
• Glyn and Celyn Hunt.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which hunts currently have a licence to hunt on his Department's land; to which areas of land licences apply; and if he will make a statement. [14441]

[pursuant to his reply, 6 November 1997 c. 326]: Unfortunately, an error has been identified and the reply should be amended accordingly.

Avon Vale Hunt—Delete Sennybridge Training Area. Insert Salisbury Plain Training Area.

Royal Artillery Hunt—Delete Sennybridge Training Area. Insert Salisbury Plain Training Area.

South and West Wiltshire Hunt—Delete Sennybridge Training Area. Insert Salisbury Plain Training Area.

Add Essex and Suffolk Hunt—Colchester Training Area.

Add Taunton Vale Hunt-Insert Merryfield Airfield.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those areas designated as sites of special scientific interest where his Department has issued a licence to hunt; and if he will make a statement. [14443]