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Mrs. Virginia Bottomley [holding answer 6 July 1989] : St. John's lodge with its associated buildings and private gardens occupy approximately 2 acres and are owned by the Crown Estate. That position has not changed since 1979. The Government have agreed with the Crown Estate that the present access route from the Inner Circle to the gardens behind the lodge will be closed to the public and a new public access route provided further to the east. This will not affect the area of Regent's park to which the public are admitted.
Mr. Dobson : To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total land acreage of Regent's park to which the public have free access and what was the equivalent figure in 1979.
Mrs. Virginia Bottomley [holding answer 6 July 1989] : The public have free access to approximately 253 of the 358 acres of Regent's park.
The figures have not changed since 1979.
Mr. Dobson : To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what was the total income from Regent's park in the way of leases, concessions, franchises and charges, respectively in 1978-79 and each successive year ;
(2) what was the total spending by his Department on Regent's park in 1978- 79 and each succeeding year.
Mrs. Virginia Bottomley [holding answer 6 July 1989] : Detailed income and expenditure figures for individual Royal parks are available only from 1987-88. The figures for Regent's park are as follows :
|1987-88 |1988-89 (provisional)
|£ |£
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Expenditure |1,884,902 |2,027,222
Total Income |137,485 |144,631
These figures exclude some items of income and expenditure, such as the costs of policing the Royal parks, which are recorded centrally.
Mr. Dobson : To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when London zoo first asked to be allowed to take over a further 10 acres of Regent's park ;
(2) whether any users of Regent's park have been consulted about the use of an extra 10 acres of the park by London zoo ;
(3) what considerations his Department will use in assessing which 10 acres of Regent's park can be taken over by London zoo.
Mrs. Virginia Bottomley [holding answer 6 July 1989] : The suggestion that the Zoological Society of London should take over an extra ten acres of land under the terms of the Crown Estate Act 1961, arose in considering the consultant's report on the scope for improving the zoo's financial performance and led to my right hon. Friend's announcement on 11 May 1988. In agreeing the location of
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the ten acres we shall be concerned to minimise the impact on the park and to protect the historic landscape as far as possible. The Zoological Society of London has consulted local residents and amenity groups on the principle of the 10 acres. As soon as further plans have been developed, the Society will ensure that the views of local individuals and groups are sought again.Mr. Dobson : To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any request has been received by his Department to take over part of Regent's park besides the request by London zoo.
Mrs. Virginia Bottomley [holding answer 6 July 1989] : The Crown Estate has asked to take over a piece of parkland of approximately 50 square metres on the edge of the Outer Circle near Hanover Gate Lodge. This will allow access to six villas being built by the Crown Estate on land that it owns. In exchange, the Crown Estate is making available for park use a small section of garden of similar size next to Chalbert Gate footbridge. This will improve the presentation of that area. There will be no loss of public amenity.
Mr. Dobson : To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any request has been received to block any path, entrance or route within the outer circle of Regent's park.
Mrs. Virginia Bottomley [holding answer, 6 July 1989] : No such request has been received. London zoo's proposals to use an additional ten acres of Regent's park currently include an extension of the southern boundary of the zoo. This would require the rerouting of the existing footpath outside that boundary along the new perimeter line.
Mr. Dobson : To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his Department has any plans to charge for access to any part of Regent's park to which the public have free access at present.
Mrs. Virginia Bottomley [holding answer 6 July 1989] : No.
Severe Mental Impairment
Mr. Blunkett : To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the joint Department of Health/Department of the Environment working party to consider development in the assessment of severe mental impairment.
Mr. Gummer [holding answer 7 July 1989] : There is, and will continue to be, close liaison between my Department and the Department of Health on this matter.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Electricity Privatisation
Ms. Mowlam : To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the cost to date of advertising by his Department on the privatisation of the electricity supply industry ; and what is the estimated total cost.
Mr. Viggers : Nothing to date--as expenditure on advertising is not likely to be incurred until well into the privatisation process, no estimate of the cost has yet been made.
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Ms. Mowlam : To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated cost of the privatisation of the electricity supply industry in Northern Ireland.
Mr. Viggers : It is not possible to say at this stage since advisers have not yet been appointed.
Ms. Mowlam : To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the predicted number of consultants who will be required to assist in the development of proposals for the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.
Mr. Viggers : It is expected that consultants will be required to advise on financial, legal, technical and accounting matters.
Ms. Mowlam : To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the salary for the position of the financial adviser to assist in the development of proposals for the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.
Mr. Viggers : The fees will be negotiated at the time of appointment.
Students
Ms. Mowlam : To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current number of (a) full-time and (b) part-time students in Northern Ireland ; and what are the projections for these figures for the next 10 years.
Dr. Mawhinney [holding answer 6 July 1989] : Figures for enrolment on higher education undergraduate and postgraduate, and vocational further education courses in 1988-89 are as follows :
Full-time |Part-time ------------------------------ 32,734 |48,239
In addition, there are an estimated 80,000 part-time enrolments on continuing education and non-vocational further education courses. Projections for these figures for the next 10 years are not available.
Ms. Mowlam : To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of people who applied for educational maintenance allowances in each of the last seven years.
Dr. Mawhinney [holding answer 6 July 1989] : The figures for 1982-83 are not readily available, but the applications for educational maintenance allowances in Northern Ireland for the succeeding six years are as follows :
|Number
----------------------
1983-84 |5,973
1984-85 |5,219
1985-86 |4,420
1986-87 |3,599
1987-88 |3,206
1988-89 |2,446
Ms. Mowlam : To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received
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from the Fair Employment Agency regarding the White Paper, "Top-up Loans for Students" ; and if he will make a statement.Dr. Mawhinney [holding answer 6 July 1989] : The agency wrote to me on 13 March expressing concern that the partial substitution of loans for grants could discourage poorer people from entering university, and could therefore have the effect of diminishing Catholic participation in higher education. In noting the agency's view, I remain convinced that its fears are misplaced. In any event, as already indicated in the White Paper, the Government intends to monitor the introduction of the new funding arrangements, so as to measure their effects on such matters as participation by social class or gender.
Ms. Mowlam : To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what would be the cost at 1988-89 prices of introducing educational maintenance allowances for 16 and 17-year-olds in full-time education in schools and colleges at (a) the same rates as income support for young people and (b) the same rate as training allowances paid to 16 and 17-year-olds on YTP schemes.
Dr. Mawhinney [holding answer 6 July 1989] : The estimated costs would be (a) £22 million and (b) £31 million.
Veterinary Services
Ms. Mowlam : To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he estimates that officials from the Department of Agriculture (Northern Ireland) will complete their considerations regarding the future needs on veterinary manpower and training in the light of the Riley report of 1989.
Mr. Viggers [holding answer 6 July 1989] : The Government announced on 7 June 1989 a review of veterinary manpower needs in both the public and private sectors. The review will be conducted by a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. E. S. Page. The Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland will be contributing as required to the committee's work, which it is hoped will be completed by the end of the year.
HOUSE OF COMMONS
Short Money
67. Mr. Simon Coombs : To ask the Lord President of the Council what representations he has received about the amount paid in assistance to Opposition parties.
Mr. Wakeham : Since 21 June 1988, when the House approved the existing arrangements for payment of financial assistance to Opposition parties, I have corresponded with a right hon. Member and an hon. Member from the party opposite on two separate matters and answered two parliamentary questions.
69. Mr. Carrington : To ask the Lord President of the Council by what percentage assistance to Opposition parties increased in the last year for which figures are available ; and to what amount.
Mr. Wakeham : In accordance with the Resolution of the House of 21 June 1988, the amount of Short money
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paid to Opposition parties in 1988 was £1,203,322.97p, which includes arrears of £319,000 due in 1987. The amount paid in 1987, in accordance with the previous Resolution, was £597,741.27p. This represents a percentage increase of 101.3 per cent. between the calendar years 1987 and 1988. However, because of the change in basis of calculation of Short money, this comparison is of limited value.71. Mr. Devlin : To ask the Lord President of the Council by how much assistance to Opposition parties increased in the last year for which figures are available.
Mr. Wakeham : I refer my hon. Friend to my answer earlier today to the hon. Member for Fulham (Mr. Carrington). The amount paid increased by £605,581.70.
Questions
70. Mr. Winnick To ask the Lord President of the Council whether he proposes to make any changes in the question rota for the next Session of Parliament.
Mr. Wakeham : I have no such plans at present.
European Legislation
Mr. Teddy Taylor : To ask the Lord President of the Council what progress he has made in his review of the consideration of European legislation ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Wakeham : I am still considering the issues involved, taking account of the views of the Procedure and European Legislation Committees.
TRANSPORT
Disabled People (Mobility)
10. Miss Widdecombe : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures his Department has taken to increase mobility for people with disabilities.
Mr. Peter Bottomley : The many measures that we have taken and our plans for the future are set out in "Transport and Disability, a Statement of Aims and Priorities" recently published by the Department. Copies have been placed in the Library. Drawing on the expert advice of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, Britain is a world leader in improving mobility for disabled people.
British Rail (Privatisation)
13. Mr. Favell : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has now formulated a timetable for the privatisation of British Rail.
Mr. Portillo : No decision has been taken on privatisation. My right hon. Friend has made it clear that privatisation could not take place during the current Parliament, although the necessary studies are already in hand.
21. Mr. Snape : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about proposals to privatise British Rail.
51. Mr. Henderson : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about proposals to privatise British Rail.
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Mr. Portillo : A small number from interested organisations and from individuals.
44. Mr. Tredinnick : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had concerning the possible privatisation of British Rail.
Mr. Portillo : The work which is currently being undertaken on the possible privatisation of British Rail has been discussed fully with British Rail. In addition a small number of representations has so far been received from interested organisations. My right hon. Friend expects to consult widely in due course if a decision is made to privatise.
Rail Services
16. Mr. David Marshall : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has had from the Better Rail Campaign for improved services ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Portillo : My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, met representatives of NUR, ASLEF and TSSA after the NERA report was published last year. Since then we have received about 700 representations from hon. Members and members of the public.
Road Traffic
17. Mr. Morley : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he plans to take steps to slow the increase of motor traffic on roads.
Mr. Peter Bottomley : No. It would be neither proper nor popular to try to stifle economic growth or to deny more ordinary people the freedom that car use brings.
We encourage the movement of freight by rail where there are clear environmental reasons. Investment in public transport is rising to record levels.
We do much to promote measures to reduce vehicle speeds and improve the environment in residential areas.
Better driving, management and maintenance could save some 20 per cent. of fuel and significantly reduce pollution.
With a 20 per cent. reduction in fuel usage, pollution levels would be no more than they were 10 years ago.
Automatic Ticket Barriers
18. Mr. Livsey : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many personal and property injuries have been reported from automatic ticket barriers in the past six months ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Portillo : No major injuries were sustained by passengers using automatic ticket barriers, though 31 minor personal injuries were reported. I understand that there were 99 cases of damage to property.
29. Mr. Wallace : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on automatic ticket barriers ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Portillo : In addition to five early-day motions, just over 100 representations have been received from Members of Parliament and members of the public since 1 January 1989.
32. Mr. Alex Carlile : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any proposals to ensure the
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travelling public have a choice between using an automatic ticket barrier or presenting their ticket to a member of staff.Mr. Portillo : It is a matter for the operator concerned. London Underground stations with automatic gates have a separate manually-operated gate, under the control of uniformed staff, for use by passengers with physical disabilities or who are laden with bulky shopping or with pushchairs or small children.
Air Fares
19. Mr. Dykes : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next expects to meet the EEC counterparts to discuss European air fares ; and if he will make a statement on competition between European airlines.
Mr. Channon : I understand that the French Presidency plans to hold a meeting of EC Transport Ministers on aviation issues in the autumn.
We shall be pressing for further liberalisation, which by increasing competition will lead to lower fares.
National Bus Company
20. Mr. Campbell-Savours : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what clawback provisions in relation to which assets at which locations were set out in contracts for the sale of National Bus Company subsidiaries to successful bidders.
Mr. Portillo : Mortgage charges were placed on 18 properties as part of the sale of 14 National Bus Company subsidiaries, so that the National Bus Company receives a share in any development profit if these properties are sold within 10 years.
Air Traffic
22. Mr. French : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the Civil Aviation Authority's policy on air traffic congestion.
Mr. Channon : I have received numerous representations on a variety of air traffic control policy issues.
East London Rail Study
23. Ms. Ruddock : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the report on the east London rail study to be published.
Mr. Portillo : I expect to announce the outcome of the ELRS shortly.
45. Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the report on the east London rail study to be published.
Luton Airport
24. Mr. Bright : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what rate of aircraft movements per hour from Luton international airport has been assumed in the study of airspace management in the London area currently being conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority.
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Mr. Channon : In paragraph 3.47 of its consultation document "Civil Aviation Policy 548" the Civil Aviation Authority said that it had assumed a peak rate of about 16 aircraft movements per hour for Luton airport.
British Rail (Electrification)
25. Mr. Squire : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many British Rail electrification projects the Government have approved since 1979.
Mr. Channon : Since 1979 the Government have approved nine electrification schemes, worth over £600 million in current prices. In addition the Government have approved a package of Channel tunnel-related investment including some £35 million of electrification work. British Rail has itself approved a further 14 smaller schemes.
Pedestrians (Casualties)
26. Mr. Robert G. Hughes : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he proposes to tackle pedestrian road casualties.
Mr. Channon : In 1988 there were at least 1,750 pedestrian deaths on our roads, and 57,000 other injuries. Tackling these unnecessary accidents is one of my top priorities.
I announced a series of proposals in the document "Pedestrian Safety : New Proposals for Making Walking Safer" on 19 April. Copies have been placed in the Library.
Channel Tunnel
Mr. Gerald Bowden : To ask the Secretary of Transport what representation he has had from British Rail regarding private sector involvement in the construction of the Channel tunnel rail links ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Portillo : The British Railways Board will report to me on its progress in securing private sector involvement in the rail link schemes.
31. Mr. Hind : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss direct passenger services from the north, north-west, midlands, south-west and Scotland to European destinations using the Channel tunnel ; and if he will make a statement.
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