To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what volume of waste was imported for disposal into each local authority area in the North West Region in each of the last three years. [38467]

Information relating to transnational shipments of waste into and out of England and Wales is collected on behalf of my Department and the Welsh Office by the Environment Agency; this information is no longer collected by local authorities. The Table shows the latest available statistics on the amount of waste imported into the North West region of the Environment Agency for disposal. This does not include imports relating to recovery or recycling operations.

Year	Amount imported for disposal(tonnes)
1995	7,925
1996	111,505
1Provisional figure

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the relative involvement in injury crashes of drivers (i) known in advance and (ii) discovered afterwards to have diabetes. [39167]

[holding answer 20 April 1998]: In 1983, the then Senior Medical Adviser at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency reviewed police-reported accidents, finding that insulin-treated diabetes was responsible for 17 per cent. of 1,600 reported accidents involving collapse at the wheel in which the driver survived. An analysis of 100 of those accident cases revealed that 35 per cent. of the drivers had suffered from altered consciousness and 62 per cent. had suffered from complete loss of consciousness. More recent monitoring by the DVLA of information from the police and other sources revealed on average 10 road traffic incidents involving insulin-treated diabetics per month. In neither study is information available on the proportion of drivers who are discovered to suffer from diabetes after they have been involved in an accident or incident.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the numbers of drivers with diabetes, who (a) know and (b) do not know that they have the condition. [39168]

[holding answer 20 April 1998]: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency records indicate that some 100,000 drivers have advised that they have insulin-treated diabetes. The Agency has no information on the number of drivers with diabetes who either have failed to advise DVLA of their condition or are unaware of their condition.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those member states which have obtained an exemption for insulin-dependent drivers from the EU Driving Licence Directive. [39032]

The Second EC Directive on Driving Licences (91/439/EEC) does not provide for member states to be granted exemption from its requirements in respect of insulin-dependent drivers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many insulin-dependent diabetics have been informed to date by the DVLA that they can no longer drive Group C and D vehicles; and how many the agency plans to contact before the end of 1998. [39181]

Drivers whose licences are due for renewal are advised of this in advance by the DVLA. Where such drivers are insulin-dependent, they are being advised that they are no longer eligible to drive category C1 and D1 vehicles. Some 16,500 insulin-dependent diabetic holders of such entitlements have already been so advised. A similar number will be contacted before the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what discussions he has had with the power generation and transmission industries regarding possible capital contributions by those industries towards the cost of maintaining a strategic highway network to the 45HB standard; [39041](2) what representations he has received for heavy industry regarding the ending of the system of designated routes for abnormal loads; [39045](3) for what reasons the Highways Authority has ended the system of designated routes for abnormal loads; and what assessment he has made of the current arrangements; [39044](4) what is the division of responsibility between his Department, the Highways Agency and appointed contractors for maintaining a network of road routes suitable for abnormal loads;[39043](5) what discussions he has held with the power generation and transmission industries regarding the movement of abnormal loads on public roads. [39046]

[holding answer 20 April 1998]: My officials have had a number of meetings with representatives of the power generation and transmission industries, who have made representations on the subject of maintaining a network of road routes suitable for abnormal loads. These discussions have touched on a number of subjects, including current arrangements for meeting the cost of assessment and strengthening work. A further meeting is to take place on 24 April.My Department is responsible for the policy on the carriage of abnormal loads on roads. The Highways Agency puts this into effect on the motorway and trunk road network in England, and local highway authorities do so on those parts of abnormal load routes lying on local roads. The highway authorities appoint contractors to carry out works on their behalf.Discussions to date have established that the former designated routes need to be revised because the location of relevant manufacturers, power generation and transmission sites etc. have changed. Also, in some instances, assessments of structures on the network have shown they are no longer capable of carrying the intended loads. The discussions with the industry are intended to identify what arrangements might be appropriate for their current and foreseen needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding boundary changes of the English regions. [39258]

In response to our consultation on regional development agencies in England, we received over 1,500 responses. Of the small proportion who commented on the issue of boundaries of the RDAs, the majority supported the Government's decision to base RDA boundaries on the Government Office boundaries, with one RDA covering Merseyside and the North West. Since then, we have received a large number of pro-forma representations seeking a separate regional identity for Cornwall, and a small number of other representations about regional boundaries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when planning permission was granted for the construction of the PVC spur road onto the A6 Chapel-en-le-Frith bypass; [38977](2) what

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Highways Agency used the same lane capacity calculation for the M25 in respect of the T5 spur road as it used in the proposals for widening the motorway between junctions 12 and 15; and if he will make a statement. [38750]

[holding answer 20 April 1998]: When assessing options for trunk road improvements, the Highways Agency takes into account operational requirements, economic costs and benefits and environmental effects.In the case of the M25 between J12 and J15, the widening proposals were restricted to dual 5 lanes and dual 6 lanes in order to limit the environmental impact.These road widths were then used in the computer models for assessing both the M25 widening scheme and the T5 Spur Road.Evidence on these matters has been given to the Inspector at the Terminal 5 Public Inquiry and he will be making his report to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his oral answer of 31 March 1998, Official Report, column 1029, concerning the A380, what evidence underlay his statement that Devon County Council will require at least another two years work before a contract can be signed for a PFI scheme. [38846]

Devon County Council have provided the DETR with documentation supporting their case for the A380 Kingskerswell Bypass as a PFI scheme. In that material, the programme timetable envisages contract signature no earlier than November 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the additional revenue that will be raised in (a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000, (c) 2000–01, (d) 2001–02 and (e) 2002–03 from excluding cars built after 1 January 1973 from the exemption of historic vehicles from road tax. [38717]

The additional revenue is expected to be some £3 million in each of the financial years from 1998–1999. However, the rate of scrapping of vehicles over twenty-five years old is significant and this will largely offset annual growth in the additional revenue.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the health and safety standards achieved by private contractors providing building control services. [38742]

Private contractors providing building control services are required to comply with the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. It places duties on employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees. It also places duties on employers and the self-employed to other persons who might be affected by their work activities. Health and safety legislation is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities.Building control provision is governed by the Building Act 1984 and Regulations made under that Act. Private contractors are required by Regulation 10 of the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 1985 to take such steps as are necessary, within the limits of professional skill and care, to ensure that the Building Regulations 1991 are complied with. These Regulations are primarily concerned with protecting the health and safety of those in and around buildings.As with local authority building control, the Department currently conducts no formal monitoring of private contractors providing building control services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to publicise the dangers of lead in surfaces in houses painted before 1960 to (a) pregnant women, (b) carers of young children and (c) the general public; and when they will be implemented. [39310]

We will shortly be publishing a revised leaflet on lead in paint which is intended to raise awareness of the associated dangers. The leaflet will provide accurate, readily assimilated information on the problems associated with old leaded paint and how to take effective safety measures. The intended audience will be the general public and the leaflet will be made widely available, but we will be discussing with the Department of Health appropriate means of bringing the leaflet to the attention of environmental health and health professionals, as well as providing more detailed information for these groups.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the representations he has received on the dangers of lead in painted surfaces; and place a copy of the representations in the Library. [39308]

In the six months from October 1997, the Department has received seventeen individual representations from Members of Parliament on lead in paint, of which eight were forwarded from other Government Departments. In the same period, the Department received ten private inquiries from members of the public on the same topic.It would be inappropriate to list these representations or place copies in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which organisations he has consulted about publicising and providing information for the public on the risks of lead in old paintwork; and when the consultation will be completed. [39311]

The Department's own scientific and communications experts have liaised with other Government Departments, industry representatives and technical and design consultants in the provision of information to the public on the risks associated with lead in old paintwork.The Department will continue to consult widely on risks from lead in all media, as part of the strategic overview of chemicals in the environment which it is conducting within the wider framework of the sustainable use of chemicals, as announced by the Deputy Prime Minister.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many responses were received to the HM Coastguard five-year strategy consultation document; [38668](2) how many of the responses to the HM Coastguard five-year strategy consultation document expressed opposition to the possible closure of one or more coastguard stations. [38669]

A total of 1,600 copies of the HM Coastguard five-year strategy consultation document were issued. 215 responses were received. Response to the consultation on the Strategy is currently with Ministers for consideration. It would, therefore be inappropriate to release details until Ministers' deliberations are complete. A copy of the relevant document will be placed in the House Library as soon as the way forward is decided.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 1998, Official Report column 444, if he will place in the Library a list of the unclassified papers in the Technical Memoranda series produced by the Chemical Technology Division of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, indicating the title of each paper and the date on which each paper was produced. [38962]

I am today placing a list in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Quality Management Group at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston was set up; what is the purpose of this group; how many series of technical papers or reports are currently being produced by this group; and what are the names of each series. [38992]

A quality management group, originally called the Superintendency of Inspection, has existed at the Atomic Weapons Establishment AWE since the 1960s. It is currently part of the Directorate of Quality and Safety Assurance whose function includes the stewardship of the AWE quality system. The Directorate of Quality Assurance maintains the AWE Quality Manual, and supporting documentation. It also produces quality plans, audit programmes, audit reports and quarterly analysis reports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 1998, Official Report columns 443–44, how many reports in the untitled series of papers produced by the Warhead Engineering Division of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston are currently unclassified. [38963]

There are some 140 unclassified reports in the untitled series.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in which scientific journals and other open publications staff from the defence microbiology division of the Chemical Defence Establishment (Porton Down) have published papers in 1995 and 1996; and if he will specify the titles of the papers and the date on which the papers appeared. [38605]

During 1995 and 1996, staff from the microbiology section of the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency at Porton Down have published a number of papers in scientific journals and other open literature publications, the details of which are set out.

A new improved sub-unit vaccine for plague: the basis of protection. FEMS, Immunol Med Microbiol 1995 Dec, VOL: 12(3–4), P:223–30, ISSN: 0928–8244.

Williamson E.D, Eley S.M, Griffin K.F, Green M, Russell P, Leary S.E, Oyston P.C, Easterbrook T, Reddin K.M, Robinson A, et-al.

Doxycycline or ciprofloxacin prohylaxis and therapy against experimental Yersinia pestis infection in mice.

J. Antimicrob Chemother 1996 Apr., VOL: 37 (4), P: 769–74, ISSN: 0305–7453. Russell P, Eley S.M, Bell D.L, Manchee R.J, Titball R.W.

Immunisation with DNA polynucleotides protects mice against lethal challenge with St. Louis encephalitis virus.

Arch. Virol 1996, VOL: 141 (3–4), P: 743–9, ISSN: 0304–8608. Phillpotts R.J, Venugopal K, Brooks T.

The vaccinia virus 4c and A-type inclusion proteins are specific markers for the intracellular mature virus particle.

J. Virol 1996 Jun, VOL: 70 (6) P:3372–7, ISSN: 0022–538X Ulaeto D, Grosenbach D, Hruby D.E.

A comparison of Plague vaccine, USP and EV76 vaccine induced protection against Yersinia pestis in a murine model.

Vaccine 1995 Nov, VOL: 13 (16), P:1551–6, ISSN: 0264–410X.

Russell P, Eley S.M, Hibbs S.E, Manchee R.J, Stagg A.J, Titball R.W.

Role of lipopolysaccharide and a major outer membrane protein from Francisella tularensis in the induction of immunity against tularemia.

Vaccine 1995 Sep, Vol: 13 (13), P: 1220–5, ISSN: 0264–410X. Fulop M, Manchee R, Titball R.

The construction of a reporter system and use for the investigation of Clostridium perfringens gene expression.

FEMS Microbiol Lett 1995 Aug 15, VOL: 131 (1), P: 99–105, ISSN: 0378–1097.

Bullifent H.L, Moir A, Titball R.W.

Nucleotide sequence of the NS5 gene of Banzi virus: comparison with other flaviviruses.

J.Gen Virol 1995 Sep, VOL 76 (Pt 9), P: 2317–21, ISSN: 0022–1317.

Fulop L.D, Barrett A.D, Titball R.W.

Role of two outer membrane antigens in the induction of protective immunity against Francisella tularensis strains of different virulence.

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology, 1996, Vol/Iss/Pg. 13/3 (245–247), ISSN: 0928–8244.

Fulop L, Manchee R, Titball R.

The level of expression of alpha-toxin by different stains of Clostridium perfringens is dependent on differences in promoter structure and genetic background.

Anaerobe 2 (6), 365–371. ISSN: 1075–9964.

Bullifent H.L, Moir A, Awad M.M, Scott P.T, Rood J.I, Titball R.W.

Local and systemic immune response to a microencapsulated sub-unit vaccine for plague.

Vaccine 14 (17–18). 1996.1613–1619. ISSN: 0264–410X.

Williamson E.D, Sharp G.J.E, Eley S.M, Vesey P.M, Pepper T.C, Titball R.W, Alpar HO.

Evaluation of monoclonal antibodies for generic detection of flaviviruses by ELISA.

Journal of Virological Methods 62 (2). 1996. 143–151. ISSN: 0166–0934.

Brown J.M, Coates D.M, Phillpotts R.J.

Transformation of Burkholderia pseudomallei by electroporation. Analytical Biochemistry 242 (1). 1996.73–76. ISSN: 0003–2697. Mack K, Titball R.W.

Electrospray mass spectrometry for detection and characterization of purified cricket paralysis virus (CrPV).

Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 10 (8). 1996. 937–941. ISSN: 0951–4198.

Despeyroux D, Phillpotts R, Watts P.

An aroA mutant of Yersinia pestis is attenuated in guinea-pigs, but virulent in mice.

Microbiology (Reading) 142 (7). 1996. 1847–1853. ISSN: 1350–0872.

Oyston P.C.F. Russell P, Williamson E.D, Titball R.W.

A rapid, highly sensitive method for the detection of Francisella tularensis in clinical samples using the polymerase chain reaction.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 54 (4). 1996. 364–366 ISSN: 0002–9637.

Fulop M, Leslie D, Titball R.

Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium expressing an F1-V antigen fusion protein protects mice against plague.

96th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, May 19–23, 1996. Abstracts of the General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology 96 (0). 1996. 193. ISSN: 1060–2011.

Leary S.E.C, Griffin K.F, Williamson E.D, Titball R.W.

Characterisation of monoclonal antibodies raised against various antigens of Yersinia pestis.

96th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, May 19–23, 1996. Abstracts of the General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology 96 (0). 1996. 193. ISSN: 1060–2011.

Prior J.L, Fulop M.J, Titball R.W, Wren B.W.

Immunogenicity of V antigen fragments of Yersinia pestis.

96th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, May 19–23, 1996. Abstracts of the General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology 96 (0). 1996. 193. ISSN: 1060–2011.

Hill J, Leary S.E.C, Griffin K.F, Williamson E.D, Titball R.W.

Active immunisation with recombinant V antigen from Yersinia pestis protects mice against plague.

INFECT-IMMUN, 1995, Vol/Iss/Pg. 63/8 (2854–2858), ISSN: 0019–9567.

Leary S.E.C, Williamson E.D, Griffin K.F, Russell P, Eley S.M, Titball R.W.

Expression of Yersinia pestis V antigen in attenuated Salmonella typhimurium: Development of a novel vaccine for plague.

Ravagnan, G. and C. Chiesa (Ed.). Contributions to Microbiology and Immunology, Vol. 13. Yersiniosis: Present and future; 6th International Symposium on Yersinia, Rome, Italy, September 26–28, 1994. xi+340p. S. Karger AG: Basel, Switzerland; New York, New York, USA. ISBN 3–8055–6138–5. 13 (0). 1995. 216–217. ISSN: 0301–3081.

Leary S.E.C, Eley S.M, Williamson E.D, Titball R.W.

Molecular, variation between alpha-toxins from the type strain (NCTC 8237) and clinical isolates of Clostridium perfringens associated with disease in man and animals.

Microbiology (Reading) 142 (1). 1996. 191–198. ISSN: 1350–0872.

Ginter A, Williams E.D, Dessy F, Coppe P, Bullifent H, Howells A, Titball R.W.

Stability of airborne microbes and allergens.

Cox, C.S. and C.M. Wathes (Ed.). Bioaerosols handbook. xx+623p. CRC

Press/Lewis Publishers Inc.: Boca Raton, Florida, USA; London, England, UK.

ISBN 0–87371–615–9. 0(0). 1995.77–99.

Cox C.S.

Physical aspects of bioaerosol particles.

Cox, C.S. and C.M. Wathes (Ed.). Bioaerosols handbook. xx+623p.CRC

Press/Lewis Publishers Inc.: Boca Raton, Florida, USA; London. England, UK.

ISBN 0–87371–615–9. 0 (0). 1995. 15–25.

Cox C.S.

Bioaerosols in the environment.

Cox, C.S. and C.M. Wathes (Ed.). Bioaerosols handbook. xx+623p CRC

Press/Lewis Publishers Inc.: Boca Raton, Florida, USA; London, England, UK.

ISBN 0–87371–615–9. 0 (0). 1995. 11–14.

Cox C.S, Wathes C.M.

Bioaerosols handbook.

Cox, C.S. and C.M. Wathes (Ed.). Bioaerosols handbook xx+623p. CRC

Press/Lewis Publishers Inc.: Boca Raton, Florida, USA; London, England, UK.

ISBN 0–87371–615.9 0 (0). 1995 XX+623P.

Cox C.S, Wathes C.M.

Evaluation of the Biolog system for the identification of Bacillus anthracis.

Letters-in-Applied-Microbiology 20 (4). 1995. 209–211. ISSN: 0266–8254.

Baillie L.W.J, Jones M.N, Turnbull P.C.B, Manchee R.J.

Immunisation with live recombinant Salmonella typhimurium aroA producing F1 antigen protects against plague.

Infection and Immunity 63 (2). 1995. 563–568. ISSN: 0019–9567 Oyston P.C.F, Williamson E.D, Leary S.E.C, Eley S.M, Griffin K.F, Titball R.W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the (a) Ministers and (b) civil servants who attended the Asian Aerospace 98 air show in Singapore, giving the costs of their attendance along with any other costs incurred by his Department in connection with the air show. [39246]

I attended Asian Aerospace 98 as a guest of the Singaporean Government, who paid all costs associated with my attendance. A further thirty one MOD personnel have been identified as attending. The cost incurred by the Ministry of Defence was some £217,500. This includes costs associated with travel, accommodation, construction of a small stand, general participation and a Royal Navy Lynx participating in the flying display.It should be noted that overseas orders, which result from the activities of the Defence Export Services Organisation, DESO, including UK participation at such exhibitions, help to reduce the unit cost of equipment procured for the British Armed Forces-conservatively estimated at some £350 million saving per annum. DESO also helps to secure Commercial Exploitation Levies, forecast to be £56 million during the next financial year. The total benefits generated by DESO for the MOD therefore more than cover the total cost of all its operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the export orders obtained for the Challenger II tank to date, indicating the value of (i) each order, (ii) offset commitments entered into as part of each order and (iii) export credits extended to support these orders. [39271]

The value of contracts is a matter for Vickers Defence Systems and its customers. Vickers Defence Systems has, however, publicly stated that it has concluded two export contracts with the Royal Army of Oman for Challenger II in a number of variants; Main Battle Tank, Driver Training Tank and Repair and Recovery Vehicles. The contracts, which included logistics support packages, were valued at £130 million and £100 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support his Department has provided to Vickers in marketing the Challenger II abroad. [39270]

As part of its normal activities, MOD's Defence Export Services Organisation has supported the sale of Challenger 2 in co-ordination with Vickers. The support has included appropriate provision of advice on the Government's foreign, defence and export control policies, facilitation of, and participation in, discussions with the Omani authorities, including visits and the provision of military, marketing and diplomatic advice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) What estimate his Department has made of the relative economic benefits of purchasing (a) Challenger II and (b) the alternative proposed by each of the overseas contenders for the contract taking into account their offset proposals; [39253](2) if he will list the final offset proposals indicating the value of offsets proposed (i) in absolute terms and (ii) as a percentage of the contract made by the overseas suppliers who tendered for the contract to replace the Chieftain tank. [39252]

I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies have been undertaken by his Department on the cost and benefits of offset obligations incurred by UK defence companies as part of export defence agreements. [39251]

The Ministry of Defence holds no comprehensive record of offset agreements entered into by UK defence companies. While general support and advice is provided, no studies on the cost and benefits of offset obligations incurred by UK defence companies have been undertaken by the MOD.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the offset obligations incurred under the Al Yamamah (a) I and (b) II agreement with Saudi Arabia, (i) as a percentage of the sales agreed and (ii) in absolute terms. [39248]

The UK Government, in conjunction with British Aerospace, the Al Yamamah Prime Contractor, agreed to establish and develop a non-contractual Economic Offset Programme to promote commercial ventures between British and Saudi investors. The present target for the non-Saudi investment in ventures taken forward under the Al Yamamah Economic Offset Programme is to generate value of at least £ 1 billion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the value of the offset obligations which have been met to date under the Al Yamamah (a) I and (b) II agreement, the individual offset projects agreed and the value of the offsets credited to each project. [39249]

The projects which have been implemented to date under Al Yamamah Offset Programme, and the UK technology partner involved are as follows:

• Glaxo Pharmaceutical Factory
• Tate & Lyle Sugar Refinery
• BP/UOP Cyclar Aromatics Chemical Plants
• BAe Training Company
• Harco Dispersion Products
• Flover Instrument Repair Company.

Offset credits have not yet been negotiated with the Saudi authorities, but the UK estimate of the anticipated total value of the above projects is in the region of £450 million. Work continues to develop and promote further viable projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what offset targets are included in the Omani-British Offset Programme. [39250]

A Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, was signed in 1990 between the Government of Oman and HMG on co-operation in the field of defence equipment and related services. Under the MOU, both parties agreed to work to encourage and identify viable opportunities for Offset for designated defence contracts. Offset in this context covers any form of new industrial or economic activity introduced for the benefit of Oman through the direct or indirect involvement of designated UK contractors.A Joint Oman/Uk Offset Steering Group, JOSG, oversees the programme. It has identified 'priority areas' for investment, procedures, and pro-active roles to be taken by both the British and Omani Offset Secretariats. All proposed projects are considered by the JOSG and, if agreed, registered under the Offset Programme. Specific details of the projects registered are confidential between the Governments of the UK and Oman under Exemptions 1 and 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the total number of football-related arrests in each of the past five football seasons, broken down according to (a) Premier League, (b) League Division One, (c) League Division Two and (d) League Division Three football matches; [39009](2) if he will list the total number of people arrested in connection with a football match who were subsequently convicted of a violent crime in each of the last five football seasons. [39010]

The following figures, provided by the Football Intelligence Unit of the National Criminal Intelligence Service, summarise the statistics on numbers of arrests for football-related offences and attendances at Premier and League matches for each of the relevant seasons.

	Arrests	Attendance(millions)
Season 1992–93
Premier league	1,647	9.8
Division one	1,347	5.9
Division two	1,081	3.5
Division three	513	1.5
Total	4,588	20.7
Season 1993–94
Premier league	1,630	10.6
Division one	1,359	6.5
Division two	782	3.0
Division three	456	1.6
Total	4,227	21.7
Season 1994–95
Premier league	1,713	11.2
Division one	1,227	6.0
Division two	674	3.0
Division three	226	1.6
Total	3,840	21.8
Season 1995–96
Premier league	1,697	10.5
Division one	945	6.6
Division two	506	2.8
Division three	289	2.00
Total	3,437	21.9
Season 1996–97
Premier league	1,759	10.8
Division one	891	6.9
Division two	626	3.2
Division three	301	1.9
Total	3,577	22.8

These figures do not include cup competitions and play-off matches. Records are not kept centrally of how many of those arrested were subsequently convicted of specific offences.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assistance his Department gives to witness support schemes at court centres. [37654]

The latest available information is for 1996–97. In that year, some £1.6 million of the total Home Office grant of £11.7 million to Victim Support was used by them to run a witness support service at every Crown Court centre in England and Wales. There are 86 such services, including satellite courts. In 1996–97, the grant enabled 92 paid staff and 1,100 volunteers to provide help to 97,618 people.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received from interested parties and individuals about the need to establish a Royal Commission on the use of animals for experimental purposes. [38630]

We have received a large number of cyclo-styled letters from supporters of Naturewatch. A petition was also handed in at Downing Street by representatives of this organisation. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State has written to Naturewatch and will meet the organisation's Director shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a Royal Commission on the use of animals for experimental purposes. [38631]

We have not yet decided whether a Royal Commission is necessary.The Animal Procedures Committee is carrying out a review of all aspects of the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. We will be in a better position to decide on the need for and the remit of any Royal Commission once this review has been completed.A Royal Commission would be extremely expensive, both in terms of money and human resources, and we estimate could take over two years to complete. We would rather use the resources that are currently available to make immediate improvements to the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986-for example by implementing the 13 recommendations made in the Animal Procedures Committee's interim report on the review of the Act and the policies I announced on 6 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the current licensing arrangements to protect animals used in scientific experiments; [38632](2) if he will review the present provisions governing authorisation of experiments on animals for scientific research; and if he will make a statement. [38633]

The Animal Procedures Committee is reviewing the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. One of the specific areas it is looking at is the arrangements for personal and project licences and, in particular, the application of the cost/benefit assessment required by section 5(4) of the Act and the accessibility of information on alternatives to animal experiments.The licensing arrangements under the 1986 Act are most rigorous in requiring certificates of designation, personal licences and project licences.Certificates of designation ensure that establishments where animals are used in scientific procedures (or bred or supplied for such use) have high standards of care and accommodation and suitable veterinary and animal welfare personnel.The project and personal licences ensure that those carrying out regulated procedures are qualified and suitable; that alternatives to animals are used wherever possible; and that any suffering or other harmful effects experienced by the animals have been weighed against the potential benefits (to humans or animals). Project licences also contain detailed arrangements for the control and minimisation of any pain or suffering, and ensure that the number of animals used is minimised.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to address the informal industrial action by the Prison Officers' Association. [38933]

[holding answer 20 April 1998]: We have made clear on a number of occasions that there can be no place for disruptive industrial action in our prisons. In order to help create a positive industrial relations framework, my right hon. Friend and I have instructed the Prison Service to draw up plans for new pay determination and dispute resolution procedures.In the handful of establishments where the local branch of the Prison Officers' Association has held an unofficial meeting during work time, pay has been stopped for the period of the meeting.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the methodology of the calculation by the Italian Government of gross domestic product as published by the International Monetary Fund. [38215]

[holding answer 7 April 1998]: All EU Member States make available gross domestic product figures compiled according to the System of National Accounts (1968 of the United Nations) and published by the IMF in "International Financial Statistics".

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much ABN Amro Rothschild was paid for handling the sale of the Government's stake in the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. [38554]

[holding answer 20 April 1998]: ABN AMR() Rothschild (AAR) acted as financial adviser and bookrunner to the Treasury for the sale in March 1998 of its remaining 12.4 million shares in the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. The total fee due to AAR for these services is £175,734, representing 0.25 per cent. of the gross proceeds of £70,126,647.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the median age of the population at five-yearly intervals from 1971 to 2031. [38722]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to ensure that the freedom of the Post Office to enter into domestic joint ventures does not give rise to unfair competition with other service providers. [38988]

[holding answer 20 April 1998]: The Post Office is subject to national and European competition rules. In addition, the guidelines for Post Office domestic joint ventures, set by the Government annexed to the response to the Trade and Industry Select Committee and published by the Committee as its fifth special report, are intended to safeguard against the possibility of unfair competition. The guidelines require, inter alia, that any proposed venture should satisfy normal commercial criteria, that its prices should at least fully meet long-term marginal costs (including a full contribution to overheads), that it should treat the element of the price which represents the charge for access to the monopoly infrastructure in a transparent way, and comply with state aids rules.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will enter into discussions with the Home Office on the provision of a scheme for retailers to hand in fireworks which have become illegal to sell, to be operated by the fire brigades. [38721]

Although the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 prohibit the supply of certain fireworks to the general public, they may continue to be supplied to persons who are exempt from the prohibition. As far as we are aware, industry efforts to date have been to attempt to find alternative legal markets for the prohibited fireworks. If there are signs that a significant number of retailers want to explore a system of simply disposing of the fireworks, we would be prepared to look at this possibility with the fire service authorities and anyone else who may be in a position to offer practical assistance.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many Treasury ex-gratia payments in relation to claims under the provisions of the Employment Rights Act 1996 have been made. [38927]

Since the Employment Rights Act became effective on 22 August 1996, eighteen ex gratia payments have been made.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list for each nuclear power station in the United Kingdom her estimate of (a) the current life expectancy and (b) the costs of decommissioning. [32063]

Investment by region/country in £ millions (current prices), 1987/88–1996/97
	1987–88	1988–89	1989–90	1990–91	1991–92	1992–93	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97
English regions:
North East	303	113	632	219	248	228	158	1,972	3,257	629
North West	258	448	1,045	429	488	198	257	364	151	348
Yorkshire and Humberside	44	61	136	497	181	135	944	137	35	658
East Midlands	22	50	737	166	30	3	910	1,928	752	120
West Midlands	322	288	493	584	275	250	459	951	850	2,655
South West	40	21	62	28	340	45	31	51	73	216
West of England	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	3	457
East	2	15	1	48	222	206	59	18	84	58
South East	369	281	23	1,212	112	105	255	731	480	101
London	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1n/a	97	123
Countries:
England	1,359	1,268	3,131	3,183	1,896	1,169	3,073	6,151	5,783	5,364
Wales	453	894	552	255	969	710	304	730	869	2,063
Scotland	318	490	1,603	266	336	413	625	1,111	1,059	3,028
Northern Ireland	72	240	135	173	41	229	346	352	374	476
Not attributable to any one region	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	50	-
UK Total (£ millions)	2,203	2,891	5,421	3,877	3,241	2,520	4,348	8,344	8,135	10,931
1Not applicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Director General of the BBC concerning the Corporation's proposals to fund the converting of BBC Services into digital form by BSkyB. [39056]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had no such discussions with the BBC. However, the Government support the BBC's stated aim of making its licence fee funded digital television services available on all digital delivery platforms, including digital satellite.

Decommissioning of a nuclear power station is a matter for the operator, taking into account the requirements of the regulatory authorities. This includes details of timing and finance.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the total amount of inward investment by region in the United Kingdom for each of the past 10 years. [38380]

The available data are shown in the table. These are based on administrative information provided to the Department's Invest in Britain Bureau (IBB) by companies. There is no requirement to notify the Department of investment decisions, therefore the data are probably underestimates of actual investment.Although investment will usually be spread over a number of years, the total amount of the investment is recorded only in the year the announcement to invest was made.The regions shown are Regional Development Organisations (RDOs).

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Director General of the BBC concerning the corporation's commercial relationships with private companies. [39057]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's discussions with the Director General and others at the BBC frequently touch on the Corporation's commercial relationships. It is, however, primarily for the BBC Governors to ensure that such relationships are conducted on a basis which maximises the return to the licence fee payer while respecting fair trading and competition rules and promoting the overall interest of the BBC as a public service broadcaster.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what policies his Department has to stimulate the development of public service digital terrestrial broadcasting. [39011]

The offers of guaranteed places on digital terrestrial television multiplexes, which have been accepted by all the existing terrestrial television broadcasters, will safeguard public service broadcasting and will enable those broadcasters to increase greatly the amount of programming they can deliver. The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and S4C have all stated their intention to offer new services, some of which will be free to air.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what support, indicating separately financial assistance for (a) travel, (b) equipment and (c) training, is given to individuals who represent England and Wales in kickboxing; what plans there are to increase such support, with particular reference to the National Lottery; and if he will make a statement. [38415]

The United Kingdom and Home Country Sports Councils, through whom Government support for sport is primarily channelled, do not provide financial support to kickboxing, and have no current plans to do so.As independent bodies, established by Royal Charter, it is for the Sports Councils to decide which activities and organisations should be eligible for support, including funding from the National Lottery

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the National Heritage Lottery Fund on changes to the eligibility of canal restoration projects for funding; and if he will make a statement. [38591]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had no such discussions. The criteria for Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awards are determined by the Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the body responsible for the HLF, in accordance with their statutory powers and the policy directions issued by the Secretary of State. The HLF plans to issue revised guidance on canal projects later this year, which will take account of the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council's review of Inland waterway restoration priorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps are taken by (a) the Millennium Commission and (b) the Heritage Lottery Fund to obtain the opinion of local people in areas where applications are made for grants to support major tourism projects. [38564]

So far as the Millennium Commission is concerned, I will write to the hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House. The Heritage Lottery Fund takes into account evidence of community support and involvement in a project, including details of public consultation, in considering applications for funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the outcome of discussions concerning the proposed international Millennium Greenwich Declaration. [38299]

My Department, the Millennium Commission and the New Millennium Experience Company have not received a formal proposal for an international Greenwich Millennium Declaration. However, were such a proposal to be forthcoming, it would be considered on its merits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from women's boxing groups; and if he will make a statement. [37916]

Since May 1997, this Department has received one representation from the Women's Boxing Commission at the Amateur Boxing Association.I appreciate the interest this issue creates, but I should explain that the Government do not control women's boxing—or indeed any other sport in this country. We are, of course, keen to see that the proper medical safeguards and regulations are in place for all sports, especially those which may carry a higher level of physical contact, and believe that the sport's governing bodies are well equipped to keep these in place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those companies awarded contracts by his Department for the supply of computer hardware and software in each year since 1992 indicating the value of each contract. [37976]

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has outsourced the provision of IT support and services to Sema Group who are responsible for the bulk of computer hardware and software procurement. Through Sema, the Department spent £385,000 on software and £189,000 on hardware in 1997–1998, £223,000 on software and £540,000 on hardware in 1996–1997, and £213,000 on software and £145,000 on hardware in 1995–1996. Figures for previous years are not available.The only contract for software and hardware let by the Department in this period was with CSL, the software cost was £88,000 and the hardware cost was £39,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many tourist information centres are currently operating in the United Kingdom; how many operate (a) all year round and (b) seasonally; and what plans there are to open new tourist information centres. [37981]

There are 792 tourist information centres currently operating in the United Kingdom of which 564 open all year round and 228 are open seasonally. We are not aware of any plans at present to open new tourist information centres.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what efficiency savings he expects the Court Service to achieve in the years (a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01. [37645]

The Court Service is planning initiatives to save £4.25 million in 1998–99; £9.95 million in 1999–2000; and £12.05 million in 2000–01. The savings will come from computerisation of administrative tasks in both the Crown and county courts, improved energy efficiency and the better use of resources.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of a legal expenses insurance system; and if he will make a statement. [37652]

The Government are keen to encourage the widespread use by individuals of legal expenses insurance, which provides a means for people to pay for legal actions. In the recently published consultation paper Access to Justice with Conditional Fees we invited suggestions as to whether changes to the law, practice and procedure might be needed to encourage the expansion of legal expenses insurance.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent representations he has received on proposals for the reform of family law. [37656]

I have received a number of representations on a variety of issues concerning the reform of family law.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the availability of public records relating to the security services. [37657]

In 1992, the then Lord Chancellor, following consultation with the Ministers concerned, renewed the approval to retain the records of the security and intelligence agencies and the retention of related departmental records until the end of 2011.This approval to retain the records is not mandatory, it is permissive. All the agencies have programmes in place to review related records held by other government departments and these are released to the Public Record

Office wherever possible. In addition, the Security Service and GCHQ are reviewing their own older records and releasing them to the PRO whenever such release is possible without compromising operational effectiveness. In the case of the Secret Intelligence Service, I refer the hon. Member to the answer he received from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 12 February 1998,

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent discussions he has had with trades unions regarding legal aid. [37653]

I met representatives of the trades unions and the TUC on 9 December last year, and 27 January and 24 February this year to discuss a number of matters including our proposals for legal aid reform. As I told my hon. Friend in an oral answer on 4 March 1998, Official Report, column 1067, we discussed with the trades unions their excellent schemes, which provide legal advice and representation to trade union members. We also discussed the possibility of opening up these arrangements to a wider category of people.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to improve access to justice for those with learning difficulties. [37655]

I am committed to improving access to justice for everyone. Those with learning difficulties will benefit from a number of existing initiatives. Magistrates' Courts Committees have recently been issued with a Good Practice Guide for Disabled Court Users, which sets specific performance standards for the courts. Each Crown and county court has appointed a Customer Service Officer whose role includes helping those with special needs. In the civil courts, there are provisions for the appointment of a next friend or guardian ad litem for those who are under a disability. Members of the judiciary, including the magistracy, are trained in equal opportunity matters, including those relating to disability. In addition, the report of the Interdepartmental Review of Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses has recently been completed and is being actively considered by Home Office Ministers.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many staff are currently working in the Weymouth Land Registry; and if he will make a statement on trends in their work load. [37648]

At 1 April 1998, there were 429 people working at the Weymouth District Land Registry. The volume of work at Weymouth is continuing to increase reflecting increased activity in the property market. The 1997–98 financial year showed an increase of 4½ per cent. over the previous year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what plans he has to extend the Charter Mark Awards Scheme to those organisations not currently eligible for consideration under the scheme; [38744]

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what criteria organisations have to meet to be considered for inclusion in the Charter Mark Awards Scheme. [38743]

The scheme is currently open to all public sector services that provide a service directly to members of the public. We have extended the scheme to cover other areas that receive a significant element of public funding, such as careers services, training and enterprise councils and registered housing associations.Each year, we carry out a review of the current eligibility criteria for Charter Marks and I have recently considered whether eligibility should be extended to voluntary organisations and charities (and indeed private sector organisations). As a result, the 1998 scheme was extended to include independent schools, hospitals and hospices which are registered charities and receive at least 75 per cent. public funding. I have decided that, for the time being, our priority must be for the resources of the scheme to be focused on improving the quality of public sector organisations. However, I will continue to evaluate the comments of interested organisations as the scheme continues to develop and expand.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his draft Statutory Instrument on the retail sale of vitamin B6 supplement has been passed for comment to (a) the European Commission and (b) other member states of the European Union. [38887]

A copy of the draft regulations required to implement the proposed controls on dietary supplements containing vitamin B6 was sent to the European Commission on 3 April. It is the responsibility of the Commission to inform other member states of the European Union of the notification.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the United States Government concerning freedom of trade as regards his proposed restrictions on the retail sale of vitamin B6 supplements. [38883]

Officials in the Department of Trade and Industry have received one letter from the Office of the United States Trade Representative which, among other things, notes that the Government's proposed controls on dietary supplements containing vitamin B6 would have implications for US trade in this product. The Government have also received a representation on this subject from two United States senators.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with (a) the American National Academy of Science and (b) representatives of the United States Government about the Academy's current investigation into the safety of vitamin B6. [38886]

I am aware that the United States National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has been undertaking a review of dietary reference intakes for B vitamins, including vitamin B6, but I have not had any discussions on this matter with either the NAS or with representatives of the United States Government. However, officials in the Department of Trade and Industry have confirmed in correspondence with the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington that if further data on the safety of vitamin B6 were to become available during the current consultation exercise on the draft regulations required to implement the proposed controls on dietary supplements containing vitamin B6, it will be taken into account by the Government.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current cost of (a) research into the cause of bovine TB related to badgers and (b) the experimental culling programme for badgers. [38882]

The estimated cost of the MAFF TB research programme in the financial year 1997–98 was more than £1.7 million. Of this, about £1.2 million was concerned with understanding the relationship between TB in badgers and TB in cattle, and developing control methods to prevent transmission of TB to cattle. The research programme for 1998–99 is currently being finalised. I am not able to estimate the cost of the culling experiment until we have received the advice of the Expert Group looking at the design of the experiment, and decided how to proceed.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many responses he received to the consultation on the White Paper, "A Food Standards Agency: a Force for Change"; and of those how many were (i) broadly in favour of the proposals, (ii) broadly opposed to the proposals, (iii) in favour of including nutrition within the Agency's remit and (iv) in favour of the proposed funding arrangements. [39013]

As of 17 April, 1,011 responses have been received. We are analysing these in detail and will make a statement in the near future.All but a handful broadly welcomed our proposals, but crude analysis of numbers does not do justice to either the complexity of the issues or the subtlety of respondents' arguments.Many major interest groups including consumer, public health, local authority, medical and other academic bodies favour including nutrition within the remit of the Agency, but others, including representatives of the food industry, remain opposed to the Agency having responsibility for nutrition.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take to ensure that the composition of the Food Standards Agency reflects all sectors of the food industry. [39016]

Our proposals on the composition of the Agency's Commission are set out in the White Paper "The Food Standards Agency: A Force for Change" (Cm3830) which was published for consultation on 14 January.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that the remit of the Foods Standards Agency is limited to matters of food safety and does not include general public health issues. [39017]

Our proposals on the remit of the Food Standards Agency were set out in the White Paper "The Food Standards Agency: A Force for Change" (Cm3830) which was published for consultation on 14 January. The Bill establishing the Agency will specify the scope of its remit on food standards and safety.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements will be made within the Food Standards Agency to ensure the protection of commercially confidential material. [39015]

Within the parameters which will be set out in the Bill to establish the Agency, and subject to the requirements of the forthcoming freedom of information legislation, the Agency will be expected to establish and make public its own procedures for protecting legitimate commercial confidentiality. However, as our White Paper "The Food Standards Agency: A Force for Change" (Cm3830) explains, it will publish information where there is a clear need for this to be in the public domain.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the review of the Home Grown Cereals Authority to be completed. [38803]

Ministers expect to receive the recommendations of this review shortly.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the review of the hill livestock compensatory allowance scheme to be completed. [38799]

The review of the hill livestock compensatory allowance scheme is being taken forward as part of this Department's Comprehensive Spending Review.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out the extent by which the Central Science Laboratory failed in 1996–97 to achieve its formal financial target of complying with PES budgetary controls and the supply estimates; and if he will set out the reasons for this failure. [37963]

[holding answer 6 April 1998]: The cash financial position for the Central Science Laboratory changed considerably during the year compared to the original plan. The extended and phased move to the York site, combined with the implications of the closure of the other sites, created a £467,000 shortfall compared to the PES target.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on how the Working Time Directive will affect the Scottish fishing industry; and when industry representatives will receive full details on these matters; [39233](2) if he will make a statement on how the Working Time Directive will affect each category of shore fishermen. [39234]

I have been asked to reply.The sea fishing industry is currently excluded from the provisions of the Working Time Directive. The Commission has recently published its second consultation document on the excluded sectors. We shall be examining the Commission's proposals on their merits and in the light of the current arrangements and specific needs of each sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many education units for children have been established in Welsh hospitals. [38449]

There are no hospital schools in Wales. Local education authorities have a responsibility under section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to provide suitable education for children of compulsory school age who are not in school. Where a hospital school is not involved, the arrangements which they make for children in hospital are a matter for them and for the health authority concerned. Information on this provision is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to ensure the provision of facilities for young athletes in the north of Wales. [38437]

Through SPORTLOT—the Lottery Sports Fund for Wales—we are seeing a substantial growth in facilities to serve the local, regional and national needs of sport. Since it began operating in 1995, SPORTLOT has made 76 awards totalling £11.7 million towards the provision of new or improved sports facilities throughout North Wales. This includes an award of over £0.5 million to help with the construction of an all-weather athletics track and stadium at Deeside College.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much money from grants for which he is responsible has been paid to date to developers working on the Island Green and Wrexham Central Station site. [38534]

The Welsh Development Agency (WDA), acting as the Secretary of State's agent, is now responsible for the Urban Investment Grant (UIG) scheme. The Island Green redevelopment, of which the Wrexham Central Railway Station area is part, is the subject of a legal agreement for the provision of an UIG of £3.5 million. Payment of UIG is in arrears of expenditure on site and is proportionate to progress of the works. Whilst details of the payments made to developers are commercially confidential, the WDA has confirmed that, in this case, the first claim for payment of UIG has not yet been received.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the cost to the NHS of (a) providing the contraceptive pill free, (b) providing abortions and (c) births in the last year for which figures are available. [37835]

(a) The total estimated cost of free contraceptive pills in 1997 to the NHS in Wales was £2.55 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact of shortages of blood in the blood donation service in Wales on hospital waiting lists for operations in the last 12 months. [37672]

There has been only one occasion in the last 12 months, for a period of 48 hours, when a shortage of blood led to NHS Trusts in the Welsh Blood Service's area being advised to postpone elective surgery. It is difficult to assess accurately the impact on hospital waiting lists but it is likely to represent less than 1 per cent. of the NHS Wales activity and I expect NHS Trusts to rectify this as soon as possible. There have been no similar occurrences in North Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the National School Standards Task Force to report. [38800]

The Standards Task Force was established by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment to advise him on education matters in England. Its terms of reference do not require it to report. In Wales, the Secretary of State consults widely on all measures proposed under his BEST programme to raise education standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the differences in priorities in respect of the implementation of the New Deal in Wales relative to other parts of the United Kingdom. [38732]

In Wales, we have our own New Deal Advisory Task Force, comprising representatives of private and public sector employers, the voluntary and environmental sectors and training and education providers. Since its establishment last summer, the Wales Task Force has actively pursued its remit of ensuring that the New Deal is tailored to meet the needs of Wales.The Employment Service Strategic Plan for Wales highlights a range of issues that need to be considered in the delivery of the New Deal in Wales. Copies of this document have been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the importance to local communities of a bilingual postmark. [37881]

I have been asked to reply.Decisions relating to postmarks are the operational responsibility of Post Office management. I understand from Royal Mail that it is their policy to use bilingual postmarks for mail originating in Wales wherever possible. I also understand that mail from North Wales to be processed at the planned new mail centre in Chester will have a bilingual postmark.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those hospitals which used the 3M Capital Hip system. [31979]

The information requested has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the co-operation he has received from the suppliers of the 3M Capital Hip system. [31981]

We welcome the clear statement that 3M Health Care has made about their responsibilities and particularly their commitment to provide funding for the assessment, treatment and long term follow-up of patients who were given the capital hip implant. The company is cooperating closely with the Department and the Medical Devices Agency to establish the reasons for the early failure of this implant to see whether there are wider lessons to be learned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken by his Department to alert (a) GPs and (b) other health professionals to symptoms of lead poisoning and the risks associated with contact with lead in older paintwork in houses for (i) children and (ii) adults engaged in DIY. [39309]

An item on lead poisoning from paint and other sources will be included in the issue of "CMO's Update" to be published on 5 May. "CMO's Update" is a communication from the Chief Medical Officer to all doctors in England. Copies will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to improve the coordination of surgeons, speech therapists and psychologists in the delivery of cleft lip and palate services; [31984](2) what plans he has to extend local access to cleft lip and palate services; [31985](3) what plans he has to improve the delivery of cleft lip and palate services in the United Kingdom. [31983]

Deaths associated with the abuse of butane gas products UK: 1986 to 1995
	Ages
	10–141	15–19	20–24	25–29	30 and over	Total
North	3	22	1	1	1	28
North West	6	33	13	3	1	56
Yorkshire/Humberside	7	30	8	3	3	51
East Midlands	4	22	3	4	0	33
West Midlands	4	35	8	2	1	50
East Anglia	0	10	1	0	2	13
South East	18	61	23	12	7	121
South West	1	19	7	1	2	30
England total	43	232	64	26	17	382
Wales	0	8	4	0	2	14
Scotland	5	39	10	3	4	61
Northern Ireland	0	7	1	0	0	8
United Kingdom total	48	286	79	29	23	465
1Includes one aged nine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the indicators so far from the tests of the Tamoxifen drug in Britain. [38945]

The International Breast Cancer Intervention Study is co-ordinated by the United Kingdom Co-ordinating Committee on Cancer Research (UKCCCR) with Dr. Trevor Powles as the principal investigator in the UK. The study is investigating the use of Tamoxifen for the prevention of breast cancer in otherwise healthy women who are at increased risk of breast cancer because of a family history. The UKCCCR

The Clinical Services Advisory Committee's report on cleft lip and/or palate, and the Government's response, were published on 23 February. Copies are available in the Library. We are committed to implementing the Committee's recommendations relating to raising quality standards and improving clinical outcomes by concentrating cleft lip and palate services in a fewer number of centres in the United Kingdom. We will establish an implementation group to progress this work, taking account of access, delivery and the coordination of services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list figures for the survival rates of (a) men and (b) women after their first heart attack. [37869]

Figures in the form requested are not available centrally. Figures held by the Office for National Statistics show that in 1996, 37,717 men and 30,639 women in England and Wales died from heart attacks, making a total of 68,356.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths have occurred by age and region in each of the last 10 years due to the volatile substance misuse of butane gas products. [38146]

The available figures are set out in the table. Tables for deaths cannot be broken down on a more detailed basis without rendering individual cases identifiable.established a data and safety monitoring committee for the study which has met at six-monthly intervals in the light of recently announced findings from a similar study in the United States of America and Canada. It will shortly be issuing a report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the NHS element of health expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product for the years 1968–69 to 1998–99. [38723]

The information requested is set out in the table.

United Kingdom National Health Service expenditure as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product
Year	UK NHS gross expenditure as a percentage of GDP1
1968	3.9
1969	3.8
1970	3.9
1971	3.9
1972	4.0
1973	4.1
1974–75	4.8
1975–76	5.1
1976–77	5.0
1977–78	4.8
1978–79	4.7
1979–80	4.7
1980–81	5.3
1981–82	5.5
1982–83	5.5
1983–84	5.3
1984–85	5.4
1985–86	5.2
1986–87	5.1
1987–88	5.1
1988–89	5.1
1989–90	5.1
1990–91	5.2
1991–92	5.7
1992–93	6.0
1993–94	5.9
1994–95	5.8
1995–96	5.8
1996–97	5.7
1997–982	5.6
1998–992	5.6
1Using GDP deflator of 17 March 1998.
2Estimated outturn position.
3Planned expenditure on the NHS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the setting up of a national council on health care priorities; and if he will make a statement. [38716]

A range of suggestions to improve priority setting in the National Health Service has been made, including setting up a national council on health care priorities. We have set out our plans for the NHS in The New NHS White Paper. It sets out measures to improve national consistency while allowing local flexibility to ensure services are responsive to local needs and wishes. We do not see a place for a national council within these arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review the merit award system for hospital consultants. [38754]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Mr. Pickthall) on 7 April 1998, Official Report, column 197.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) ECG technicians, (b) orthotists, (c) prosthetists, (d) neuro-physiologists, (e) audiologists, (f) clinical biochemists, (g) clinical psychologists, (h) pharmacists and (i) physiotherapists are employed by the NHS in each grade; and for each grade how many of these are women. [39029]

The information is not available in precisely the format requested, as the Department's non-medical workforce census no longer collects information about grade, and does not separately identify all of the staff groups requested. The table gives the information that is available.

National Health Service hospital and community health services scientific, therapeutic and technical staff by sex working in specific areas of work in England as at 30 September 1996.
	Whole-time equivalents
	Male	Female	Total
All scientific, therapeutic and technical staff	25,480	73,550	99,030
All physiotherapy staff	1,340	12,520	13,860
Manager	20	140	160
Therapist	1,070	9,780	10,860
Tutor		30	30
Student/trainee	50	270	330
Helper/assistant	190	2,300	2,490
All clinical psychology staff	1,000	2,340	3,340
Manager	50	30	80
Scientist	810	1,720	2,530
Scientific officer	90	380	470
Technician	10	20	30
Student/trainee	50	180	230
All pharmacy staff	1,900	6,620	8,530
Manager	90	70	160
Scientist	970	2,260	3,230
Scientific officer	130	260	390
Technician	470	3,240	3,710
Student/trainee	20	1,401	70
Helper/assistant	220	660	880
1five or less