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Mr. Forth : Estimated expenditure on press and public relations in 1988-89 is £1,426,000. The detailed budget for 1989-90 has not yet been agreed but is expected to be broadly the same in real terms.
Care Homes (UK) plc and Anglo Dutch Ltd.
Mr. David Shaw : To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what action he proposes to take in respect of the failure of Care Homes (UK) plc and against the original directors of the company ; (2) what information he has given the professional bodies of which the shareholder trustee accountants, auditors, lawyers and certain directors of Care Homes (UK) plc and Anglo Dutch Limited are members about the circumstances concerning the collapse of those two companies ; and whether he has requested those professional bodies to take any action ;
(3) if he will examine a copy of the prospectus of Care Homes (UK) plc, dated 6 March 1986 ;
(4) if his Department is aware of any misleading or untrue statement made in the prospectus issued by Care Homes (UK) plc ; (5) whether he proposes to take any action with regard to the prospectus issued by Care Homes (UK) plc, on 6 March 1986.
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Mr. Maude : I am aware of the proposal to place Care Homes (UK) plc in liquidation. It is not my right hon. Friend's practice to comment on the affairs of individual companies.
Mr. David Shaw : To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what basis his Department decided to grant a licence to Anglo Dutch Ltd in 1983 ; and whether his Department received the information required to renew the licence in subsequent years.
Mr. Maude : A principal's licence issued under section 3 of the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act 1958 was granted to Anglo Dutch Limited (then known as Hay Hill Securities Limited) in 1983 following the submission by the company of the information required at that time from applicants for such licences and the carrying out of the checks then made to establish whether the applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a licence. Further applications were submitted in 1984 and 1985. In both cases these were submitted late, but the relevant forms and supporting documents were properly completed and licences were issued on both occasions. The company's licence lapsed in September 1986.
Mr. David Shaw : To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action his Department is to take in respect of the failure of the licensed dealer in securities, Anglo Dutch Ltd.
Mr. Maude : Anglo Dutch Limited was wound up by the High Court of Justice on 8 December 1986. Accordingly, the Official Receiver has a statutory duty to investigate its affairs and his inquiries are nearing completion.
Mr. David Shaw : To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the country in which the shareholders of Anglo Dutch Ltd resided ; and who were the ultimate beneficial shareholders in the company during the period of the licence to deal in securities.
Mr. Maude : Anglo Dutch Limited is a subsidiary of Anglo Dutch Holdings Limited which is also in liquidation in this country. The shareholders of the holding company appear to be resident in the Channel Islands, although information as to the identities of the ultimate beneficial shareholders is not available.
Mr. David Shaw : To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many of the directors of Care Homes (UK) plc, at the time the prospectus was issued, are still engaged in business activities in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Maude : This information is not available.
Companies (Investigations)
Mr. David Shaw : To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he intends to take to improve the speed, efficiency and effectiveness of investigations into companies where there are allegations of wrongdoing.
Mr. Maude : The present Companies Bill contains proposals to amend and strengthen the investigation powers contained in the Companies Act and related legislation. The subjet is kept under constant review within my Department.
Scientific Collaboration (Japan)
Mr. Bermingham : To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will outline the results of talks between
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his Department and the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry on scientific collaboration ; and if he will make a statement.Mr. Alan Clark : My Department and Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry regularly exchange information on science and technology matters. The most recent opportunity for such exchanges was the latest round of annual DTI/MITI talks held in Tokyo on 28 February and 1 March 1989. Both sides reviewed the growing number of opportunities for exchange of scientists and engineers between the United Kingdom and Japan and reaffirmed the value they attach to such exchanges. The opportunity was also taken to hold an exchange of views between experts in the fields of biotechnology, ocean technology, superconductivity and software engineering.
JESSI
Mr. Bermingham : To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has any plans to support the joint European submicron silicon intitiative following the project's adoption by the Eureka programme of applied science ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Forth : A definition phase for JESSI (the joint European submicron silicon initiative) has been carried out in the EUREKA initiative. United Kingdom companies have been associated with this work and are considering their further involvement. JESSI needs clarification by its proposers before any decision can be made on the provision of suport from public funds.
Turkey (Association Agreement)
Mr. Cryer : To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what recent discussions have taken place between his Department and the European Economic Community Committee to discuss breaches of the association agreement with Turkey ; what progress has been made in reducing Turkish breaches of the agreement ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Alan Clark [holding answer 9 March 1989] : A group of experts drawn from the Commission and Turkey has met twice since last November to discuss problems impeding the achievement of free trade as laid down in the EC-Turkey Association agreement. The Department of Trade and Industry submitted a note of the United Kingdom's concerns about import taxation and state aids to the Commission in preparation for these meetings and we shall continue to give full support to the work of this group.
TRANSPORT
North-West Region
7. Mr. Bradley : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on recent plans to invest in the rail network in and to the north west region in order to maximise the benefits to this region.
Mr. Portillo : BR is spending a total of nearly £50 million on new locomotives and driving van trailers on the west coast main line, and another £35 million on the Windsor link and the resignalling and remodelling of Piccadilly station in Manchester. The area is also benefiting from BR's substantial rolling stock investment.
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Fast Trains (Continental Travel)
13. Mr. Wray : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies his Department is (a) carrying out and (b) sponsoring on potential demand for fast trains for passengers and freight to the continent after 1992.
Mr. Portillo : Forecasts of potential demand have been produced for BR, SNCF and Eurotunnel. BR is taking account of them in preparing the plan required by the Channel Tunnel Act, setting out its proposals for Channel tunnel rail services.
Channel Tunnel
15. Mr. Henderson : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many letters he has received (a) in support of and (b) in opposition to the proposed high-speed Channel tunnel rail link.
Mr. Portillo : We have received a large number of letters, mainly from people who were opposed to British Rail's original proposals. BR has announced a revised route proposal which takes account of the comments received.
17. Mr. John Evans : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest information on the proposed level of investment in the north-west region by British Rail intended to maximise the benefits to that region of the Channel tunnel.
Mr. Portillo : British Rail is still working on its proposals for Channel tunnel passenger and freight services and any associated investment. It is required by the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 to publish a plan by the end of this year.
22. Mr. Parry : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to meet the north-west regional managers of British Rail to discuss the implications of the Channel tunnel for the north-west.
Mr. Portillo : I meet regional managers from time to time on regional visits. I look forward to the plans for freight and passenger services from the north-west to the Channel tunnel which British Rail is obliged to publish by the end of the year.
23. Mr. Sims : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what extent his Department has been consulted to date by British Rail in reaching their decision as to the route of the proposed Channel tunnel high -speed rail link.
Mr. Portillo : British Rail has kept us in touch with the progress of its work on the rail link proposal.
24. Mr. Cox : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussion he is having with those London borough councils whose areas would be affected by the high-speed train services connected to the Channel tunnel development ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Portillo : British Rail consulted all those boroughs which would have been affected by its original proposals. It will now enter detailed consultations with those affected by the revised proposal even though its impact would be much less.
27. Mr. Sean Hughes : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will undertake a research programme into
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the investment needed by British Rail and other transport operators if the port of Liverpool and the north-west region are to take full advantage of the Channel tunnel.29. Miss Lestor : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will undertake an urgent research programme into the needs of the north- west region with respect to the Channel tunnel.
42. Mr. George Howarth : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) the port of Liverpool and (b) the north-west region are able to take advantage of the Channel tunnel.
34. Mr. Loyden : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further assessment he has made of the transportation advantages of the development of the port of Liverpool to coincide with the opening of the Channel tunnel.
Mr. Portillo : A partnership of public and private sector interests in the north-west, led by chambers of commerce there, is already carrying out a study into the region's requirements arising from the single European market and the Channel tunnel. Government Departments will assist with information and advice as necessary.
The plan that British Rail is required to prepare under section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 on international passenger and freight "Services" will cover all regions.
The impact of the Channel tunnel is one of the many factors taken into account in planning the national trunk road programme. There is already a number of schemes in the programme that will improve north-south links. A review of the trunk road programme is in progress, and we expect to make an announcement in the spring.
31. Mr. McAllion : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the regional impact of the Channel tunnel.
36. Mr. McFall : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the regional impact of the Channel tunnel.
56. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the effects of the Channel tunnel on the north-west.
Mr. Portillo : There have been some representations from right hon. and hon. Members, local authorities and other organisations, mainly about improvements to road and rail links between the regions and the Channel tunnel.
On rail, these points are best made to the British Rail working groups which have been set up in each region as part of its planning services.
32. Mr. Macdonald : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received any proposals to improve existing railway lines from Kent, around London, and through the north-west of England, to Glasgow, to create a high-speed rail link from the Channel tunnel to Scotland.
Mr. Portillo : British Rail's proposal for a new rail link between the Channel tunnel and London will make possible improved links from the tunnel to the north of England and Scotland. BR will be setting out its proposals for Channel tunnel rail services to the north of London in the plan which it will publish later this year, in compliance with section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987.
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40. Mr. Stott : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will seek a meeting with the chairman of British Rail to discuss investment plans for the north-west in the years prior to the opening of the Channel tunnel.
Mr. Portillo : My right hon. Friend and I will want first to see the plan that BR is due to publish later this year, in compliance with section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987.
41. Mr. Simon Hughes : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on plans to protect the environment along the Channel tunnel high-speed rail link route.
Mr. Portillo : The revised proposal which British Rail has now announced includes a number of very significant changes designed to protect the environment.
45. Mr. Eastham : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with British Rail about the Channel tunnel and related investment in the north-west.
Mr. Portillo : The importance of direct freight links from the regions to the Channel tunnel is raised in our discussions from time to time. British Rail is still working on the plan which it will present to Ministers later this year, in compliance with section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987.
48. Mr. Litherland : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what level of investment is currently planned to be spent by British Rail in the north-west region to coincide with the opening of the Channel tunnel.
50. Mr. Terry Lewis : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that British Rail's investment plans will maximise the benefits to the north-west region of the Channel tunnel.
Mr. Portillo : British Rail is still working on the plan which it will be publishing later this year, in compliance with section 40 or the Channel Tunnel Act 1987.
53. Ms. Harman : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussion he has had with his French counterpart regarding transport links to the Channel tunnel.
Mr. Portillo : My right hon. Friend and I regularly meet French transport ministers and discuss transport links to the Channel tunnel when necessary.
54. Ms. Ruddock : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the implications for the environment of the proposed rail link for the Channel tunnel.
Mr. Portillo : The revised proposal which British Rail has now announced includes a number of very significant changes designed to protect the environment.
P and O
18. Mr. Skinner : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times he has met representatives of P and O since 1979 ; and what matters were discussed.
Mr. Channon : I meet representatives of P and O and other shipping companies from time to time.
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British Rail
12. Ms. Armstrong : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to meet the chair of British Rail ; and what matters will be discussed.
25. Mrs. Mahon : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to meet the chair of British Rail ; and what matters will be discussed.
Mr. Channon : I shall be meeting the chairman of British Rail on Thursday, to discuss a variety of railway matters.
19. Mr. Chris Smith : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to meet the chairman of British Rail ; and what matters will be discussed.
Mr. Channon : I shall be meeting the chairman of British Rail this Thursday, 16 March, to discuss a variety of railway matters.
Highway Maintenance
20. Mr. Shepherd : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will next meet the Association of District Councils to discuss highway maintenance.
Mr. Peter Bottomley : My right hon. Friend met representatives of the Association of District Councils last week. Highway maintenance was among the issues they discussed.
Light Rail Proposals
21. Mr. Brandon-Bravo : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what light rail proposals he has received in the last 18 months.
Mr. Channon : Promoters of light rail schemes for Manchester, Avon, South Yorkshire, west midlands, Leeds and an extension of the Tyne and Wear metro have had discussions with us. Light rail schemes are also being considered in the east London rail study, as well as for Croydon, Nottingham and Southampton.
Bus Industry
26. Mr. Butler : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the bus industry to be fully privatised.
Mr. Portillo : Once the Scottish Bus Group subsidiaries have been privatised, only London Buses Limited and the local authority-owned bus companies will remain in public ownership. Four of the latter have already been sold and I hope that others will follow shortly.
Airline Punctuality
Mr. Amos : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority to discuss the timing of the publication of a league table of airline punctuality ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Peter Bottomley : Such a meeting would not be helpful at present. The authority will be collecting information on airline punctuality from 1 April, but has yet to devise the form of publication of punctuality statistics, or to decide the timetable for publication. The Department is being kept informed as the proposal is developed.
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British Rail (Privatisation)
30. Mrs. Dunwoody : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a further statement on his plans with regard to the eventual privatisation of British Rail.
Mr. Portillo : Privatisation is being considered. It will be some time before we are ready to reach any conclusions.
London Underground (Policing)
33. Mr. Hary Greenway : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many police are stationed on Underground trains and stations at any one time ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Portillo : The numbers of police officers on Underground trains and stations varies according to the time of day, but at 6 o'clock in the evening, on an average day, there would be about 80 British Transport police officers and 45 officers of the Metropolitan and City police forces on duty on the Underground.
British Rail (Investment)
35. Miss Widdecombe : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent investment he has recently approved for British Rail.
Mr. Portillo : Since 1 January my right hon. Friend has approved investment for 138 class 158 Sprinter express DMU vehicles for the provincial sector, 77 class 165 networker DMU vehicles and the electrification of the Cambridge-King's Lynn line, at a total cost of some £113 million.
M40
37. Mr. Andrew Smith : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make an announcement on the completion of the M40.
Mr. Peter Bottomley : I refer to my answer earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry).
Motorways (Business Traffic)
38. Mr. Cran : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the estimated increase in the flow of business traffic on Britain's motorways over the past five years.
Mr. Peter Bottomley : There are no direct estimates of the amount of business traffic on roads in Britain. The flow of traffic by vehicle type can be a guide to business use, and the data are summarised in the following table.
|c|Percentage increase from 1983 to 1988 in kilometres travelled on|c| |c|motorways in Great Britain by type of vehicle|c| Type of vehicle |Percentage ---------------------------------------------------- Heavy goods vehicle |58 Light goods vehicle |106 Buses and coaches |42 Notes: For cars and taxis as a whole the growth has been 70 per cent. 1.Light goods vehicles covers goods vehicles up to 30 cwt unladen weight. 2.Heavy goods vehicles are goods vehicles with an unladen weight greater than 30 cwt. 3.Buses and coaches covers vehicles with nine or more seats.
For all cars and taxis growth has been 55 per cent. A proportion of this traffic will be for business purposes, but such traffic cannot be separately identified in the traffic census.
During this period, the length of motorways open to traffic has risen by 9.5 per cent. This means that the total
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number of kilometres travelled on motorways has risen more quickly than the flow per kilometre. The details of total traffic are :|c|Percentage increase from 1983 to 1988 in kilometres travelled on|c| |c|motorways in Great Britain by type of vehicle|c| Type of vehicle |Percentage ---------------------------------------------------- Heavy goods vehicle |58 Light goods vehicle |106 Buses and coaches |42 Notes: For cars and taxis as a whole the growth has been 70 per cent. 1.Light goods vehicles covers goods vehicles up to 30 cwt unladen weight. 2.Heavy goods vehicles are goods vehicles with an unladen weight greater than 30 cwt. 3.Buses and coaches covers vehicles with nine or more seats.
Drawbar Trailers
39. Mr. Tredinnick : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to increase the weight restrictions for drawbar trailers from the present 32.520 tonnes gross to 38 tonnes ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Peter Bottomley : We have no plans to increase drawbar weights to 38 tonnes.
In discussing these vehicle weights in Brussels we would expect to argue to have a drawbar limit in the United Kingdom at no higher than 35 tonnes, together with a derogation for the 10.5 tonne axle loading.
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