To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee if he will take steps to discourage sales of House of Commons branded cigarettes. [18613]

It would be very unusual if a Chairman of the Catering Committee sought to discourage the sale and consumption of items sold as gifts and souvenirs from the Refreshment Department outlets. However, I accept fully that the situation with cigarettes is unique. In the previous Parliament I understand that the view of the Committee was that for as long as the smoking of tobacco products was legal, it was acceptable for the Department's outlets to sell cigarettes. My Committee will consider this subject in due course, and no doubt hon. Members will make representations about it.

To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee if he will allow participants of guided tours to use Westminster Hall Cafeteria; and if he make a statement. [18719]

On 12 July 1994, the House approved the First Report of Session 1992–93 from the previous Catering Committee, "Refreshment provision for line of route visitors". One recommendation was that the area currently occupied by the Westminster Hall Cafeteria should be converted to a visitor centre, which would provide light refreshments and toilet facilities for the public, but that this should take place only once a suitable alternative has been found for the present lunchtime users.Initial discussions between Officials have been held regarding the proposed nature of a visitor centre, and their proposals will be put before my Committee by Easter 1998. However, I do have to advise my hon. Friend that in excess of 500 people, mainly staff, have lunch daily in the Westminster Hall Cafeteria; the other outlets currently available to staff would not be able to accommodate the extra customers if the Westminster Hall Cafeteria was closed before the opening of the new Cafeteria in Portcullis House, which I understand, will not be until 2001. Therefore, it will not be possible to open a visitor centre before then.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if she will arrange for regular blood donor sessions to be held within the Palace of Westminster. [18720]

The North London Blood Transfusion Service operates a two day clinic very near the House in HM Treasury or the Cabinet Office once every six months, when arrangements are made for hon. Members, their staff and staff of the House who wish to do so to give blood.Both a lack of space and an insufficient donor base preclude holding a dedicated clinic on the Parliamentary Estate.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee how many car parking spaces are provided for (a) ministers, (b) hon. Members, (c) employees and (d) visitors in the House of Commons car parks. [19458]

Details of the number of car park spaces, and who is entitled to use them, are given in the Serjeant at Arms leaflet "Car Parking" dated Spring 1997. I have asked for a copy to be sent to the hon. Gentleman.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee (1) what the procedures are by which a deaf member of the public can be provided with sign language interpretation of the proceedings of the House within the Strangers Gallery; [18955](2) what the procedures are by which a member may be provided with

Portable induction loops can be provided on request to the Serjeant at Arms Office. Forty eight hours notice should be given whenever possible. The House does not provide sign language interpreters; however, arrangements are made for interpreters accompanying deaf members of the public to operate from a suitable place in the Gallery.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if he will list those publicly accessible rooms within the Palace of Westminster and associated buildings which are fitted with an induction loop to assist persons who wear hearing aids. [18957]

The Accommodation and Works Committee has responsibility only for those areas of the parliamentary estate administered by the House of Commons. There are no publicly accessible rooms in outbuildings administered by the House of Commons which are fitted with induction loops. Induction loops are installed in the following places within the Palace of Westminster administered by the House of Commons:

The House of Commons Chamber—the floor and galleries;

All Committee Rooms administered by the House of Commons, with the exception of Nos. 7, 13 and 16;

The Grand Committee Room.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for visitors' visas to the United Kingdom were received between January and October at the posts in (a) Bombay and (b) Islamabad; and how many of these applications were refused. [18667]

Between January and October there were 53,059 applications in Bombay to visit the UK, of which 3,742 were refused; and 22,645 applications in Islamabad, of which 4,044 were refused.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons he has not replied to the letter from the right hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell of 1 July concerning his constituent Mr. Ramik Shah. [18884]

The right hon. Member's letter of 1 July was passed to the Home Office for reply since the question of special vouchers falls within its remit. I understand that a Home Office Minister will be replying shortly under file reference IMG/97 366/1205/1.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to raise the conditions of the Tibetan people with the Chinese Government; and if he will make a statement. [19014]

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of China concerning human rights in Tibet. [19341]

We are deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Tibet. We take every opportunity to raise the issue of human rights with the Chinese authorities, both nationally and with our European Union partners. Both my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I did so most recently when we met the Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister in London between 3 November and 6 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will promote talks between the Chinese authorities and the Tibetan Government-in-exile during the United Kingdom EU Presidency, and encourage the European Union to host such talks. [18743]

[holding answer 5 December 1997]: In our dialogues with China, both bilateral and at EU level, we have sought to encourage talks between the Chinese Government and the Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama. We will continue to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the Vision 2010 project in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement. [19348]

We are in regular contact with several members of the Vision 2010 Committee. Our High Commission in Nigeria attended the launch of the Vision 2010 report on 27 November. The Report sets out a blueprint for economic reform in Nigeria. We will be following closely the implementation of its recommendations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will promote talks during the United Kingdom Presidency of the EU between the French and Algerian Governments and other European Union member states on abuses of human rights in Algeria. [18745]

[holding answer 5 December 1997]: The EU already raises with the Algerian Government its concerns about allegations of human rights abuses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely during our Presidency of the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his statement in Jakarta on 29 August, what proposals he (a) has made and (b) plans to make to the Indonesian Government to provide assistance with police training. [19296]

[holding answer 5 December 1997]: Detailed proposals are still being worked out; we shall make an announcement in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the lecture on modern policing methods by British police experts in Indonesia, announced in his statement in Jakarta on 29 August, took place; and where. [19297]

[holding answer 5 December 1997]: We have not yet finalised arrangements for the proposed lectures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those resolutions Her Majesty's Government has (a) tabled and (b) supported in the United Nations General Assembly concerning the Government of Sudan between January 1992 and November 1997. [19597]

The United Kingdom has supported the following United Nations General Assembly resolutions about Sudan:

• GA RES 47/167 (18 December 1992)
• GA RES 48/201 (21 December 1993)
• GA RES 49/21 (20 December 1994)
• GA RES 50/58 (22 December 1995)

Emergency assistance to Sudan.

• GA RES 47/147 (18 December 1992)
• GA RES 48/147 (20 December 1993)
• GA RES 49/198 (23 December 1994)
• GA RES 50/197 (22 December 1995)
• GA RES 51/112 (12 December 1996)

The situation of human rights in Sudan.

The United Kingdom co-sponsored all the human rights resolutions, but not those on emergency assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions since the ending of the war in the Gulf the Iraqi regime has been offered the opportunity of selling oil to buy food and medicines; and if he will make a statement. [19706]

Iraq refused the benefits of SCRs 706 and 712. Because Iraq at first would not co-operate in implementing SCR 986 the implementation of the resolution was delayed until December 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government in Zimbabwe on their policy towards private farmland; and if he will make a statement. [19119]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Westbury (Mr. Faber) on 4 December 1997,official Report, column 303.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many car park spaces are provided for his Department's (a) ministers, (b) employees and (c) visitors in (i) London and (ii) the United Kingdom. [19364]

The following is the information:

	Ministers	Employees	Visitors
London	5	96	15
Elsewhere in the United Kingdom	—	900	30

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much funding of European Union projects for 1996 operated through the actions ponctuelles. [17263]

I have been asked to reply. A very small amount of the European Community Budget—less than 1 per cent. of the total—was spent on non-significant actions (including "actions ponctuelles") in 1996.

To ask the Prime Minister what initiatives Her Majesty's Government propose to take following the visit to Edinburgh of the delegation of the United Nations Legal Affairs Office to make inquiries on behalf of the United Nations about the Scottish legal system with a view to discussing a Lockerbie trial with Libya, the Arab League and the Organisation of African States. [19674]

We took the initiative to invite the United Nations to send legal experts to visit Scotland to witness at first hand the fairness and impartiality of Scottish justice, and to discuss the modalities of attendance at a trial in Scotland by international observers.It remains the Government's view that Libya should comply with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions by surrendering the two accused for trial in Scotland or the United. States, since any other solution will reflect quite wrongly on the quality and standards of justice in either jurisdiction.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the role of the Lord Chancellor and his responsibilities as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee responsible for the future constitutional arrangements for the United Kingdom following the creation of a Scottish Parliament. [18018]

The proceedings of Cabinet Committees necessarily remain private but it will be clear that my right hon. and noble Friend, the Lord Chancellor and his Committees are doing an excellent job in delivering the Government's constitutional reform programme. That will be an on-going task until we have completed the modernisation of the political system in this country.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the terms of reference and work programme of the Social Exclusion Unit. [20004]

I today launched the Social Exclusion Unit at Stockwell Park School Lambeth. Social exclusion is a shorthand label for what can happen when individuals or areas suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime environments, bad health and family breakdown. The Government have policies that are targeted at reducing all of these individually, but Government programmes have been less good at tackling the interaction between these problems or preventing them from arising in the first place.The purpose of the unit is to help break this vicious circle and co-ordinate and improve Government action to reduce social exclusion by first improving understanding of the key characteristics of social exclusion, and the impact on it of Government policies; and, secondly, by promoting solutions, encouraging co-operation, disseminating best practice and, where necessary, making recommendations for changes in policies and machinery or delivery mechanisms. The unit will not cover issues which are of interest to one Department only, or duplicate work done elsewhere. It will focus on areas where it can add value and address the long-term causes of exclusion.I have asked the Unit to focus on the following priorities in its first phase to July 1998:

To ask the Prime Minister if hon. Members holding the office of PPS have been requested not to sign early-day Motions critical of the Government; and if he will make a statement. [18909]

[holding answer 4 December 1997]: The principles which govern the behaviour of Parliamentary Private Secretaries in the House are set out in paragraph 46 of the Ministerial Code, a copy of which was placed in the Library of the House in July 1997.

To ask the Prime Minister what account he took of the publishing opinions of Mr. Keith Taylor, Chairman of ESSO, in appointing him to his task force on cleaner vehicles; what assessment he made of their consistency with the Government's policy on global warming; and what consultations he had with the Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions prior to the appointment. [19152]

[holding answer 4 December 1997]: The Government have a clear commitment to addressing climate change. The Cleaner Vehicles Task Force aims to create a new partnership between Government and the private sector to promote environmentally friendly vehicles that people actually want to drive and buy. It will draw on a cross-section of industry, including the oil industry, and I welcome the participation of a wide range of interests. The members of the Task Force's steering group were nominated by the Minister for Transport, in close consultation with the Science, Energy and Industry Minister and officials from the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Department of Trade and Industry.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will establish a ministerial committee to consider the future of the coal industry, with public membership and terms of reference. [19221]

[holding answer 4 December 1997]: No.

To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 10 November 1997, from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster,Official Report, column 441, if he will list his e-mail address along with those of (a) his senior officials and (b) his political advisers. [15863]

[holding answer 13 November 1997]: No.10 Downing Street has a website on the Internet.It is not the current practice to publish the e-mail addresses of my staff.

To ask the Prime Minister 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. [15275]

[holding answer 11 November 1997]: For this purpose, my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 5 December 1997, Official Report, column 377.

To ask the Prime Minister 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. [15274]

[holding answer 11 November 1997]: For this purpose, my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 5 December 1997, Official Report, column 376–77.

Table A1.26: Proceedings instituted by HSE by result and by industrial sector 1992–93—1996–971
Standard Industrial Classification (Sic 92)	Section year	Agriculture, hunting forestry and fishing A, B	Extractive and utility supply industries C, E	Manufacturing industries D	Construction F	Service industries G-Q	Unclassified—	All industries—
Informations laid	1992–93	284	46	850	702	268	7	2,157
	1993–94	276	50	664	531	253	19	1,793
	1994–95	227	48	663	630	222	13	1,803
	1995–96	162	24	645	598	287	51	1,767
	1,21996–97	85	40	483	414	234	—	1,256

To ask the Prime Minister 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. [15277]

[holding answer 11 November 1997]: For this purpose, my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 5 December 1997, Official Report, column 377.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prosecutions have taken place against employers for unsafe and dangerous working practices in the construction industry so far in 1997; and if he will make a statement. [18571]

I regret that this question cannot be answered accurately in the form in which it has been asked. Between 1 January 1997 and 31 October 1997, there were 376 convictions obtained in proceedings instituted by HSE in the construction industry. These figures, which are only provisional, include all those prosecuted. Some offences may have been committed by the self-employed who by their actions put other workers, or members of the public, at risk. In addition, offences by those such as clients and designers, who may have had no direct control of working practices, but who may have failed to play their part in overall risk management and control, are included. To eliminate these cases from the figures and revise the reporting period would involve disproportionate cost.The best guide to the pattern of recent prosecutions in the construction industry is provided by Table A1.26 of Health and Safety Statistics 1996–97, which was published recently. A copy of Page 170 of the publication is attached for information.The protection of the health and safety of all those working in, or affected by, the construction industry is a high priority. The prosecution of those who breach health and safety law and the penalties the courts impose are important aspects of achieving this protection.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the United Nations International Maritime Organisation's conclusion on the safety of ro-ro vessels for the transport of radioactive materials; and if he will make a statement. [18849]

The statement attributed to the IMO in a recent press article that ro-ro vessels are

"exceptionally vulnerable to human error"

is taken from a 33 page IMO background information paper entitled "IMO and ro-ro safety" The paper deals with ro-ro safety in general and makes no reference to the transport of radioactive materials in particular. However, in 1993 the IMO Assembly adopted, and has recently amended, the Code for the Safe Carriage of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Waste in Flasks on board Ships (INF Code). UK companies involved in the transport of materials covered by the INF Code use ships complying with the Code.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures are being taken to ensure than shipments of radioactive material comply with safety and security regulations; and if he will make a statement. [18850]

Officials of my Department's Radioactive Materials Transport Division are responsible for the safety assessment of package designs for the safe transport of radioactive material, requiring competent authority approval, by all modes. Their compliance assurance branch monitors the design, manufacture and operation of all packages and is responsible for enforcement of the radioactive material road transport regulations. Enforcement during carriage by rail, air and sea, is carried out respectively by HM Railways Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department's Marine Safety Agency.Matters of physical security are for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on (a) the public safety implications and (b) the security issues involved in the use of roll-on roll-off ferries to transport plutonium around the United Kingdom; and what action he is taking to monitor this activity. [18848]

Public safety is ensured by enforcing the Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulations 1990 monitored by the Department's Marine Safety Agency. These regulations require such material to be carried in packages which are resistant to severe accident conditions and which have been approved by my Department. UK companies involved in the transport of plutonium by sea use ships meeting the International Maritime Organisation's "Code for the Safe Carriage of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes in Flasks on board Ships" (INF Code).The UK applies the requirements of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. Matters of physical security are for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimates of the levels of cohabitation were included in the latest household projections; and to what extent these differ from previous projections. [18604]

The most recent, 1992-based household projections were the first to use co-habiting couples as a separate household category for estimation purposes. This followed the inclusion of "living together as a couple" for the first time as a recognised relationship in the 1991 Census. It is not possible, therefore, to make comparisons with previous projections about assumed levels of cohabitation.The levels of co-habitation assumed for the latest households projections were the 1992-based projections of marital status made by the Government Actuary's Department. A detailed description of the methodology and statistical assumptions underlying the latest household projections is set out in the annexes of "Projections in

Thousands
	Housebuilding	Household projections—increase in households 1991–96
	1991–96	1981-based	1983-based	1985-based	1989-based	1992-based
Cleveland	8.1	2	4	2	3	7
Durham	7.8	3	2	3	4	8
Northumberland	4.7	2	3	4	4	5
Tyne and Wear	13.0	-2	-4	0	6	17
Cheshire	15.7	14	15	17	22	20
Cumbria	7.4	3	3	6	10	8
Greater Manchester	36.0	2	6	11	25	35
Lancashire	20.3	11	10	12	23	22
Merseyside	20.0	-4	-2	-4	0	14
Humberside	16.0	7	6	6	15	17
North Yorkshire	14.2	9	10	14	21	16
South Yorkshire	14.4	9	6	5	15	18
West Yorkshire	27.0	11	11	15	28	38
Derbyshire	17.0	8	11	12	18	19
Leicestershire	15.4	14	13	15	22	23
Lincolnshire	16.3	5	12	15	17	17
Northamptonshire	14.3	14	13	16	20	14
Nottinghamshire	14.9	11	12	17	22	21
Hereford and Worcester	15.6	15	14	15	18	18
Shropshire	9.9	8	8	11	12	10
Stafforshire	17.3	14	13	15	21	18
Warwickshire	8.8	8	8	9	9	10
West Midlands	26.0	11	6	13	22	29
Bedford	11.2	10	10	12	13	14
Cambridgeshire	15.1	14	15	23	28	25
Essex	29.4	27	25	30	34	34
Hertfordshire	17.8	20	19	22	18	22
Morfolk	19.7	11	11	16	19	19
Suffolk	13.6	11	13	16	14	12
Greater London	75.5	12	37	80	74	144

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many homes were built in each English county between 1991 and 1996; and what change in the number of households was previously projected over those years. [18598]

The information requested is provided below. The total number of new dwellings built, by county, covers the period from July 1991 to June 1996. The figures for successive sets of household projections are the differences between the published projected figures for mid-year 1996 and mid-year 1991. These are subject to rounding error as the published figures are only readily available to the nearest thousand.It is not appropriate to make a direct comparison between the number of dwellings built between 1991 and 1996 and the projected number of households forming over that period, for two reasons. First, the household projections are not an estimate of the number of additional houses which have to be built in any period. Rather, they represent one of the factors to be taken into account by local planning authorities when arriving at figures for housing provision to be included in regional guidance and development plans. Secondly, the housebuilding figures do not include other sources of new dwellings such as conversions. Furthermore, the 1992-based household projections were not published until March 1995 and most county structure plans prepared since 1991 have used earlier household projections as the basis for planning housing provision.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which county councils have been written to by Ministers in respect of the housing numbers being proposed in structure plans. [18607]

Since the responsibility for adopting structure plans passed to local authorities, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has written to the following county councils in respect of proposed housing numbers in their plans:

• Bedfordshire
• Berkshire
• Cheshire
• Devon
• Dorset
• Hampshire
• Hertfordshire
• Kent
• Oxfordshire
• Somerset
• West Sussex
• Wiltshire.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which county structure plans have been adopted with housing requirements lower than those set out in regional planning guidance. [18606]

Of the counties that have adopted their structure plans after the publication of the Regional Planning Guidance for the region concerned, two have adopted housing figures lower than those in the RPG. In both cases the differences were marginal. The counties concerned were Buckinghamshire (64,000 compared to an RPG figure of 65,340) and Surrey (35,600 compared to an RPG figure of 36,000).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the effect on local authority costs of inflation at 2.75 per cent. per annum during the period 1997–98 to 1999–2000. [18803]

The impact of inflation on local authority costs would depend on the rate of increase in prices for the particular services and goods purchased by authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for 1998–99 the annual (a) SSA and (b) capping limit for Harrogate Borough Council for each year between 1990–91 and 1998–99. [19474]

The Standard Spending Assessment and capping limit for Harrogate Borough Council for each year between 1990–91 and 1998–99 is as follows:

£ million
	SSA	Capping limit
1990–911	8.679	—
1991–922	11.119	15.000
1992–93	11.663	15.000
1993–94	11.718	15.234
1994–95	12.841	15234
1995–96	12.594	15.234
1996–97	11.867	14.936
1997–98	11.853	14.942
1998–993	12.925	14.942
1 Harrogate Borough Council was not given a capping limit.
2 Harrogate Borough Council had a budget less than £15 million and under the capping regime of 1991–92 the cap limit was effectively 15 million.
3 The 1998–99 SSA and capping limit are provisional.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for 1998–99 the proposed (a) revenue support grants and (b) standard spending assessments for (i) district councils and (ii) shire councils as a sum per head of their populations ranked and numbered in descending order. [19526]

As the tables showing the figures for shire districts and shire countries are lengthy, I have placed them in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the percentage changes in (a) standard spending assessments and (b) revenue support grants for (i) shire counties and (ii) district councils between the settlement for 1997–98 and the proposals for 1998–99, ranked and numbered in descending order. [19525]

The figures for shire counties and shire districts are shown in tables which I have placed in the Library. The 1997–98 figures for Revenue Support Grant and Standard Spending Assessments are not comparable with the provisional figures for 1998–99 because of changes in local authority functions (e.g. in relation to under-fives) and local government reorganisation (for 1998–99 this affects the county areas of Berkshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Devon, Essex, Hereford and Worcester/Worcestershire, Kent Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Shropshire).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many council properties in each of the London boroughs are empty; and how many have been empty for (a) up to six months, (b) up to one year and (c) over one year. [18581]

Local authorities in England report the numbers of their vacant dwellings at 1 April each year, together with the length of time they have been vacant, in their annual Housing Investment Programme (HIP1) returns. The latest available figures for the London boroughs relate to the position on 1 April 1996 and are given in the 1996 "HIP 1 All Items Print", a copy of which is in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for changes in the operation of, and what assessment he has made of future employment levels at, the air-sea rescue service from HMS Daedalus. [18881]

HMS Daedalus was a former naval base and is where the Coastguard Agency leases accommodation for Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter facilities from the Ministry of Defence. Following the announcement of HM Coastguard' s five-year strategy, there will be no change to the Coastguard helicopter provision at Portland and Lee-on-Solent. New five-year contracts have been let recently to Bristows Helicopters Ltd. for the provision of Coastguard (SAR) helicopters at both locations thus ensuring their continuing presence until at least 2002. There are no plans to relocate these major SAR resources. The crewing of these helicopters is a matter for the contractor.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will (a) obtain from BAA plc and (b) publish details of those flights which landed at or departed from Heathrow Airport between midnight and 7 am on Christmas morning 1996, indicating airline, aircraft, origin or destination and schedules and actual times of arrival and departure. [18995]

The information from Heathrow Airport Ltd. is as follows:

Arrivals
Airline	Aircraft	Origin	Actual time of arrival	Due
British Airways	B747	Hong Kong	0417	0425
Virgin Atlantic	A340	Hong Kong	0421	0445
British Airways	B747	Hong Kong	0432	0430
British Airways	B777	Jeddah	0503	0520
British Airways	B777	Boston	0509	0520
British Airways	B747	Kuala Lumpur	0512	0520
Singapore Airlines	B747	Singapore	0516	0530
Lufthansa	B737	Bonn	0520	0520
British Airways	B747	Singapore	0526	0535
British Airways	B747	Delhi	0533	0510
Cathay Pacific	B747	Hong Kong	0536	0515
Qantas	B747	Singapore	0538	0530
British Airways	B747	Bangkok	0541	0540
British Airways	B747	Johannesburg	0556	0525
British Airways	B767	Kuwait	0603	0620
Malaysian Airlines	B747	Kuala Lumpur	0606	0555
American Airlines	B767	New York	0608	0625
United Airlines	B777	Newark	0610	0640
United Airlines	B777	Washington DC	0613	0630
American Airlines	MD11	Chicago	0615	0630
Qantas	B747	Bangkok	0617	0625
Royal Brunei Airlines	B767	Dubai	0620	0630
Thai Airways	B747	Bangkok	0621	0620
British Airways	B747	Buenos Aires	0622	0625
Japan Airlines	B747	Anchorage	0624	0605
Virgin Atlantic	A340	Washington DC	0626	0645
British Airways	B747	Singapore	0627	0620
British Airways	B747	New York	0629	0655
British Airways	B767	Bahrain	0631	0640
Canadian	B767	Toronto	0633	0625
United Airlines	B767	New York	0635	0655
Air Canada	B767	Montreal	0637	0645
British Airways	B747	Bombay	0639	0650
United Airlines	B767	Delhi	0642	0650
American Airlines	B767	New York	0643	0650
United Airlines	B767	Chicago	0645	0710
Virgin Atlantic	B747	New York	0648	0710
Pakistan International Airlines	B747	Lahore	0650	0625
Air Canada	B747	Toronto	0656	0650
Kenya Airways	A310	Rome	0700	0640

Of these landings, all those between midnight and 0600 counted against the movements limit and against the noise quota, in accordance with the night flying restrictions. There were no departures between midnight and 7 am.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he will take to ensure that the Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority has sufficient funds to meet (a) its statutory duties and (b) its minimum recommended standard of service in 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [18989]

Statutory responsibility rests with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority to set a budget which will allow it to meet its statutory duties and maintain the national standards of fire cover. As part of the provisional local government finance settlement, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on 2 December, the Authority will be able to increase its budget requirement for 1998–99 by up to £1.736 million (4.5 per cent.)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects work on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (a) to begin and (b) to be completed; and if he will make a statement on negotiations concerning the construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. [19236]

Under the Development Agreement with the Government, London and Continental Railways (LCR) are contracted to complete the Channel Tunnel Rail Link within five and a half years of raising finance for the project. LCR say that this is planned for around mid-1998, that they are currently discussing related proposals with a number of parties and that main construction should begin next April.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he last met the Chief Executive of Railtrack; and how often he (a) has met the Chief Executive and (b) officials in his Department have met officials of Railtrack. [19223]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has met the Chief Executive of Railtrack once, on 30 October. Officials from the Department meet Railtrack officials frequently to discuss various railways issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to prohibit the use of mobile phones by drivers in charge of their vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [19465]

The police can and do prosecute motorists using mobile phones for failing to have proper control of a vehicle, careless and inconsiderate driving or other more serious offences where appropriate. The Association of Chief Police Officers considers that existing road traffic legislation is sufficient to deal with cases arising from the use of a mobile phone while driving.Our aim is to persuade motorists not to use phones while driving. One of the principal changes proposed in the recent consultation on the new edition of the Highway Code was a strengthening of the advice on this issue. We are drawing up good practice guidelines for drivers and for employers; and are considering what other measures may be necessary to reinforce the advice in the Highway Code.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many discharges to water in excess of permitted limits were identified by the Environment Agency in 1996; how many prosecutions resulted; how many were successful; and what penalties were applied. [18683]

[holding answer 4 December 1997]: The number of discharges which exceeded their consented limits in 1996 was 3,448. Inevitably, this headline figure disguises a considerable range of cases from marginal exceedances to substantial failures. The Agency brought 18 prosecutions under section 85(6) of the Water Resources Act 1991 for breaches of consent in 1996. All were successful and the fines imposed ranged from £450 to £10,000. However, the majority of prosecutions brought by the Agency are for the general offence of causing water pollution under section 85(1) of the 1991 Act. Some of these cases may also be attributable to a consented discharge. One of the reasons for the low number of prosecutions in relation to breaches of consent is that, on being notified of a failed sample, most dischargers take prompt action to remedy matters. In other cases, the Environment Agency may issue a formal caution.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many car park spaces are provided for his Department's (a) Ministers, (b) employees and (c) visitors in (i) London and (ii) the United Kingdom. [19366]

My Department provides the following car parking spaces:

	London	United Kingdom
(a) Ministers	9	0
(b) Employees	405	5,406
(c) Visitors	204	1.242

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy on the requirement for a site investigation covering the hydraulic properties of soil, subsoil and bedrock as a prerequisite to the granting of permission for slurry lagoons in areas of high groundwater vulnerability. [19120]

Any person having custody or control of slurry must store it in accordance with the requirements of the Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations 1991. Slurry storage systems covered by the regulations include lagoons. The regulations require the base and walls of any effluent tank, channels and reception pit and the walls of any pipes to be impermeable. The regulations do not require a site investigation to be undertaken. However, no part of the storage tank, any effluent tank, channels, pipes or reception pit is to be situated within 10 metres of any inland freshwater which slurry could enter if it were to escape unless this has been agreed by the Environment Agency on the basis of suitable precautions to avoid any significant risk of pollution of controlled waters. The Department has issued general guidance to farmers on the regulations. The Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the protection of water issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food also contains advice to farmers in respect of slurry storage.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Government's target for a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010 is contingent upon the carbon dioxide emission targets of other countries; and if he will make a statement. [19264]

Our domestic aim is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 20 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. After Kyoto we will be launching a national debate on how we might move over time towards this level of reduction. However, this is not an offer to take on a legally binding target of 20 per cent. regardless of the commitments other countries are prepared to make. In Kyoto we are supporting the EU proposal that all developed countries should reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases to 15 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the Government is awaiting the outcome of the Kyoto environment conference before setting out the measures which will be taken to achieve its 20 per cent. carbon dioxide reduction target; and if he will make a statement. [19263]

As a first stage, we will consult next year on a programme of measures which will largely focus on delivering our legally binding commitment from Kyoto. We will also launch a national debate on how we might move over time towards our 20 per cent. aim. Our programme must take account of decisions reached at Kyoto, including those on targets, policies and measures, and the scope for using instruments such as emissions trading and joint implementation. It must also reflect the outcome of a number of policy reviews in progress, such as on renewable energy and development of an integrated transport policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the depreciation associated with the average use of an average bicycle. [18791]

I have been asked to reply.Tax relief for depreciation on the cost of a bicycle used for the purposes of a business or employment is available through capital allowances at 25 per cent. per year. The allowance is adjusted for any private use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the total public expenditure in each district council area in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years. [18933]

The information requested is not available. Public expenditure allocations are generally not recorded by District Council area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with regard to the application for planning permission for land to the south of No. 68 Mahon Road, Portadown, made on 28 July 1996 (N/96/0564), what were the original observations of the Roads Service when consulted by the Planning Service; what previous applications were made in respect of that land; what was the outcome of such applications; and what were the reasons for refusal. [18958]

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Planning Service under its chief executive, Mr. T. W. Stewart. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the lowest hourly rate paid by her Department to (a) full-time employees, (b) part-time employees, (c) persons employed under personal contract and (d) persons employed by firms undertaking contracted-out services for central government offices, defining the job title in each case. [18106]

[holding answer 2 December 1997]: For the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments, the information is as follows:

	Hourly rate (£)	Job title
(a)	3.27	Administrative Assistant
(b)	3.27	Part-time Administrative Assistant
(c)	3.42	Typist
(d)	1—	—
1 Information is not readily available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer of 25 July 1997, Official Report, column 773, on the Irish Government's territorial claim to Northern Ireland, what steps her Department has taken subsequently to establish confidence-building measures in respect of the Irish constitutional claim to Northern Ireland. [18934]

Constitutional issues have been discussed by the two Governments in meetings as part of the talks process. The Government have always made clear their view that there is a need for amendments to relevant constitutional legislation, reflecting the widespread support which exists for the consent principle in all its aspects.The Government remain of the view, expressed by the Prime Minister in his speech in Northern Ireland on 16 May, that changes to the Irish constitution to reflect the principle of consent would be a helpful confidence-building step in advance of any settlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make it her policy to permit Miss Mildred McIlveen to purchase her Housing Executive flat at 24c Ardgeehan Gardens, Bangor; and if she will make a statement on long term residency and purchase rules. [18935]

The House Sales Scheme operated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive broadly mirrors the Right to Buy scheme operated by housing authorities in England and Wales. Its operation is a matter for the Executive's Chief Executive and it would be improper for me to intervene. The Chief Executive informs me that the period of residency in Executive or other social housing determines the percentage discount that a tenant may qualify for, against the valuation price of the house. The basic rules for purchase are that, with certain exceptions, tenants may purchase the dwelling they are living in. The exceptions are sheltered dwellings and those dwellings considered suitable for the elderly, the rationale being that there is constant demand for these properties and it is likely to increase. In the case of dwellings considered suitable for the elderly, such dwellings are single storey properties and ground floor accommodation with no more than two bedrooms and which have been let to, or are for, someone over age 60. Where a dwelling was let to someone over 60 at the time

Company name	Divisional Planning Office
	Belfast	Craigavon	Ballymena	Downpatrick	Omagh	Londonderry
Cabletel	1(0)	0	0	0	0	0
Vodafone	0	1(1)	0	0	1(1)	0
Orange PCS	0	4(0)	11(7)	7(0)	9(4)	12(5)
Millennium Communications	0	1(1)	1(1)	0	2	0
Telecom Securior Radio	0	0	0	0	2(1)	0
Castle Transmission	0	0	0	0	2(1)	3(2)
Teleport (NI) Ltd.	0	0	2(1)	0	0	0
Others	5(2)	1(1)	2(2)	3(3)	1(1)	1(1)
Total	6(2)	7(3)	16(11)	10(3)	17(8)	16(8)
Figures refer to planning applications for all types of telecommunications equipment.
( ) Refer to numbers approved.

I do hope this is helpful.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if she will list the telecommunications masts which have been erected without the benefit of planning permission due to permitted development rights; [18129](2) on how many occasions the Department of the Environment Planning Service has withdrawn permitted development rights in respect of the erection of telecommunications masts; and what were the locations of these masts; [18130](3) how many applications for planning permission for telecommunications masts have been made to each of the divisional planning offices since 1 April; what applications were approved; what are the locations of these masts; and how many have been erected. [18196]

Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Planning Service under its Chief Executive, Mr. T. W. Stewart. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list each of the functions relating to payment for goods or services supplied for which her Department is responsible indicating the management systems purchased, all sub-contractors involved in the work, co-operative arrangements with other Departments; and the costs of the systems and processes in the last year for which figures are available. [12555]

The Departments of Agriculture, of Economic Development, of Environment and Health and of Social Services use accounts systems based on Oracle Financials software. All these Departments use ICL CFM as sub-contractors and have a basic overall maintenance contract costing around £830,000. The Department of Health and Social Services in addition employed Deloitte Touche and the Helm Corporation in the implementation of the system.The Department of Education use McDonnell Douglas "Reality" system operating CAFIS software with an annual maintenance cost of £14,000.The Department of Finance and Personnel use IFMIS Financial System maintained by McDonnell Douglas at a cost of £11,000.The Northern Ireland Office use the Integra Accounting Package, Sage Sovereign Accruals Package from Microcare (NI) Ltd, a Selima Purchase Ledger from Sanderson and a package where payments are made via payable order, BACS or occasionally a tele-banking facility.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what relief from taxation was allowed to teachers in 1995–96 in respect of claims for (a) books and (b) computer software. [18558]

[holding answer 1 December 1997]: Teachers may claim a deduction for income tax purposes for books and computer software if these expenses are incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the performance of the duties of their employment. Although Tax Offices establish what deductions are valid in relation to the individual's employment, information on the numbers and amounts claimed for particular types of employment is not routinely collected. The amount of deductions claimed for particular items by teachers is not, therefore, available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of tax relief was claimed by teachers in 1995–96 for professional association fees. [18557]

[holding answer 1 December 1997]: Teachers may claim a deduction for income tax purposes for annual subscriptions paid to certain approved professional bodies or learned societies, where the body's activities are relevant to the duties of their employment. Although the Tax Offices establish that any deductions are valid in relation to the individual's employment, information on the numbers and amounts claimed for particular types of employment is not routinely collected. The amount of deductions claimed by teachers is, therefore, not available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the annual cost to (a) the NHS and (b) social services of the Value Added Tax (Drugs, Medicines and Aids for the Handicapped) Order 1997. [18641]

[holding answer 3 December 1997]: The NHS and Local Authorities are funded to take account of VAT. The Order seeks to close tax avoidance arrangements.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes he is planning to the VAT status and business rate status of charity shops; and if he will make a statement. [18996]

A Review of Charities' Taxation was announced in the July Budget. Since then charities have been giving their views and proposals to Customs and Excise, who are now analysing them. We expect to publish a consultation document in Spring 1998.The Department of the Environment, Transport, and the Regions is also considering the issue of business rates reliefs for charity shops as part of their Review of Local Authority Finance. A consultation document is due to be published shortly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reform insurance premium tax; and if he will make a statement. [18997]

As with all taxes, insurance premium tax is kept under review and changes will be made if and when appropriate.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he is taking to eliminate the smuggling into the United Kingdom of goods which are subject to substantially lower rates of duty and taxation in other parts of the European Union; and what representations he has received from proprietors of convenience stores on those measures. [19204]

The number of front-line Customs staff to deal with Single Market Excise smuggling has been significantly increased in the last 15 months. An extra 70 have been allocated throughout the country under the Spend to Save initiative. In addition, a further 30, backed up by specialist investigation officers, are currently being deployed at Dover to intensify the drive against illegal trade. Customs announced new measures on 26 September 1997 to crack down on hired vehicles used for smuggling.My right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced in his Budget a review of the effects on the Exchequer and the industry of alcohol and tobacco fraud, smuggling and cross-border shopping. The review, which is being conducted in partnership with all the trade sectors concerned and with key Government Departments, will be completed by the end of the year.I have received a number of representations on this subject from businesses and members of the public; the records do not separately distinguish those from proprietors of convenience stores.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the proposed working family tax credit will (a) be available only to families with dependent children and (b) only benefit those who currently have zero tax liabilities. [19031]

[holding answer 4 December 1997]: The Government are considering all options.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the proposed working family tax credit will be withdrawn as income rises. [19032]

[holding answer 4 December 1997]: The working families tax credit could provide a highly effective way of targeting help at low-income families. The Government are considering all the options for its potential design and delivery.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much time the young people who are to be trained as child carers under his proposals will spend on that training in hours per week and over what period of time; and to what level they will be trained. [18824]

I have been asked to reply. Under the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds, young people undertaking training as child carers through the Full Time Education and Training option will spend up to 12 months in full-time study towards approved qualifications at NVQ Level 2 or, exceptionally, NVQ Level 3. Those undertaking training through the Employment or Voluntary Sector options will study for a minimum of the equivalent of one day per week, for up to 6 months, towards approved qualifications at NVQ Level 2 or, if appropriate, Level 3.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to encourage young people to enter higher education and to complete their courses. [18798]

The Government's approach to raising school standards, exemplified by our School Standards and Framework Bill, is designed to raise educational achievement. While there are other factors influencing the participation of young people in higher education, achievement of the required entry qualifications is by far the most significant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the estimated cost of preparing, printing and publishing his Department's communications which have been sent to educational institutions explaining the Government's policies on higher education. [19506]

The cost, since 1 May 1997, of preparing, printing and publishing communications explaining the Government's policies on higher education is £64,500.UK universities and colleges have traditionally achieved high retention rates and we see no reason for this changing. Research evidence suggests there are several reasons why students drop out of higher education and it is primarily for universities and colleges, through appropriate support, counselling and advice both before and after admission, to address these.We expect our plans to introduce a fairer system of financial support for students will help encourage young people to participate, and subsequently complete their courses, in higher education.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment his Department has made of the effect of this year's summer literacy schools on the reading standards of the pupils who participated. [19505]

The Department published its assessment of the effect of this year's Summer Literacy Schools scheme in a summary report published on 20 November. A copy is in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if students attending further education colleges as part of the New Deal programme will continue to receive social security benefits. [19524]

Participants on the Full-Time Education and Training Option of the New Deal for young people aged 18 to 24 will receive an allowance equivalent to their usual Jobseeker's Allowance payments, and will retain entitlement to any passported benefits.Young people in the other three New Deal options may attend a further education college part-time, under the education and training element of those options. Participants in the Employment option will be paid a wage. Those in the Environment Task Force and Voluntary Sector Options will receive either a wage or an allowance equivalent to their usual benefits plus a grant amounting to £15.38 per week, plus any passported benefits to which they are entitled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many car park spaces are provided for his Department's (a) Ministers, (b) employees and (c) visitors in (i) London and (ii) the United Kingdom. [19367]

Car park spaces used by the Department for Education and Employment are detailed in the table.

	Ministers	Employees	Visitors	Total
DfEE London HQ	6	40	7	53
DfEE HQ Outside London	Nil	703	109	812
Employment Service (ES)	Nil	7,200		7,200
Total	6	743	116	8,065
ES figure includes 200 spaces in central London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his Department's policy on compulsory retirement ages for its employees. [19507]

The normal retirement age for all staff in this Department is 60. Some staff may be retained past age 60, but only if they are fit and efficient and there is a need for their service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his decision to compel St. Andrew's GM Church of England Primary School, Weeley, Essex, to take an extra pupil into their year I class; and what is his policy in circumstances when such enrolments result in class sizes of over 30. [19490]

The Government have pledged to reduce class sizes for all five, six or seven-year-olds to 30 or below. We will achieve this by the end of the Parliament. The School Standards and Framework Bill will impose a duty on LEAs and schools to comply with class size limits prescribed by the Secretary of State. Until such limits come into force, there may continue to be circumstances in which infant class sizes exceed 30. This may, very occasionally, follow a direction under section 431 of the Education Act 1996. In the case of St. Andrew's School in Weeley, the Secretary of State decided that the LEA's direction should stand.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what target date he has set for every child aged between five and seven years to be taught in a class of 30 pupils or fewer. [19182]

We shall honour our pledge to reduce class sizes to 30 or below for every five, six and seven year-old by the end of this Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people aged between 18 and 24 years, unemployed for over six months, will benefit from the new deal in the first year of operation. [19134]