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Column 165
Health Authority Accounts
Mr. Hayes : To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to publish the 1989-90 financial accounts special cost forms of individual health authorities ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Dorrell [holding answer 5 June 1990] : The annual accounts of health authorities are regarded as documents within the public domain which are normally laid before authorities' members meeting in public session. The Department consolidates submitted annual accounts into an England summary which is presented to the National Audit Office by 30 November each year. It is the responsibility of the National Audit Office to publish the summarised accounts, following their audit, in an annual series of House of Commons papers.
Financial returns of health authorities which provide information on the costs of health authorities' services, are submitted to the Department which, after processing
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them, compiles salient data into national tables in an annual series of booklets. The publication covering the returns for 1989-90 is planned for early in the new year.Publications
Mr. Michael Morris : To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much public money has been spent in each of the last five years on distributing (a) the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, (b) the Prescribers Journal,(c) Health Trends, (d) the British National Formulary,(e) the Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin and (f) prescribing analyses and costs data, to doctors in the NHS.
Mrs. Virginia Bottomley [holding answer 26 June 1990] : The cost of printing and distributing the publications to professionals and other bodies throughout the National Health Service (in England) in each of the years requested was :
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|1985-86 |1986-87 |1987-88 |1988-89 |1989-90
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. Drugs and Therapeutic Bulletin and Adverse Drug reaction Bulletin |581,300 |728,500 |452,000 |660,600 |723,500
b. Prescribers Journal |- |- |122,900 |129,900 |127,100
c. Health Trends |- |- |105,400 |116,200 |106,500
d. British National Formulary |736,400 |835,300 |924,400 |987,500 |1,054,900
e. PACT Data |- |- |- |833,700 |901,000
Footnotes
1. The Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin and Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin are funded jointly. Records are not held of
disaggregated costs. Figures given are for printing and distribution costs invoiced in each of the years.
2. Details of costs for Prescriber's Journal and Health Trends are not available for 1985-86 and 1986-87 as they cannot be
disaggregated from other Departmental printing and publishing costs. The costs provided for 1988-89 and 1989-90 are estimated as
final costs are not yet available. Editions of both publications due for issue in February 1990 have been postponed to June/July
1990. Postage costs were paid in advance in 1989-90 but printing costs will be incurred in 1990-91.
3. The PACT system came into operation in August 1988-hence there are no costs attributable to PACT data in 1985-86, 1986-87 and
1987-88. The figures given are for the full cost of production and distribution including staff costs and systems support,
maintenance and operation.
Mr. Michael Morris : To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much public money is likely to be spent in each of the next five years on (a) employing independent medical advisers within the NHS, (b) the cost of running the medicines resource centre and the distribution of its monthly bulletin, (c) the provision of PACT data, (d) the distribution of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, (e) the Prescribers Journal (f) Health Trends, (g) the British National Formulary (h) the Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin and (i) the NHS management executive guide to self-audit and research, abridged and unabridged versions.
Mrs. Virginia Bottomley [holding answer 26 June 1990] : The information requested is not yet available for the next five years. The estimated costs in England for 1990-91 are supplied in the table. We expect costs of the same order for the following four years.
|1990-91
|£
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) |Independent Medical Advisers
(including support staff and training)
(b) |Medicines Resource Centre
(including distribution of monthly bul-
letins)
(c) |PACT Data<1>
(d) |Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin<2> |}
and |} |770,000
Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin<2> |}
(e) |Prescribers' Journal
(f) |Health Trends
(g) |British National Formulary
(h) |The Analysis of Prescribing in General
Practice A Guide to Audit and Research
(abridged and unabridged)<3>
SOCIAL SECURITY
Funeral Grant
Mr. Paice : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much he estimates it would cost his Department to provide a statutory payment of £600 to all pensioners and dependants of pensioners as a funeral grant.
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Mrs. Gillian Shephard [holding answer 5 June 1990] : The cost of supplying a statutory payment of £600 as a funeral grant to all people over state pension age is around £300 million per year.Benefit Values
Mr. Meacher : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the value of supplementary benefits/income support received each year since 1979 by a unemployed husband aged 30 years, wife aged 29 years, and children aged five and 11 years, excluding benefit in respect of housing costs, assuming they were in good health and did not require any special diet, did not need extra baths and did not wear out their clothing unusually quickly, did not require extra laundry facilities, and had accommodation of average size and condition for such a family, assuming they were not in receipt of any other social security benefits other than unemployment benefit ; and if he will give the figures both at current prices and at constant 1990 prices.
Mrs. Gillian Shephard [holding answer 28 June 1990] : The information requested is shown in the tables, with two separate measures of the real value of the benefit. In table A the benefit rates at each uprating date are revalued to April 1990. In table B the real value of benefit has been averaged over the whole period during which the relevant benefit rates applied.
Table B
Period |Actual rates |Actual rates in
|1990 prices<1>
|£ |£
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 1978 to October 1979 |37.10 |77.12
November 1979 to October 1980 |43.65 |76.61
November 1980 to October 1981 |52.80 |82.40
November 1981 to October 1982 |57.55 |81.85
November 1982 to October 1983 |63.60 |86.43
November 1983 to October 1984 |66.35 |86.27
November 1984 to October 1985 |69.50 |86.31
November 1985 to June 1986 |73.05 |88.13
July 1986 to March 1987 |73.90 |87.45
April 1987 to March 1988 |75.35 |86.54
April 1988 to March 1989 |84.45 |92.70
April 1989 to March 1990 |90.40 |94.08
<1> Average of constant April 1990 prices in the periods shown.
Note:
The figures reflect that the retail prices index is the appropriate index
until 1983 and thereafter retail prices index less housing costs is
appropriate (from November 1983 onwards).
Table B
Period |Actual rates |Actual rates in
|1990 prices<1>
|£ |£
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 1978 to October 1979 |37.10 |77.12
November 1979 to October 1980 |43.65 |76.61
November 1980 to October 1981 |52.80 |82.40
November 1981 to October 1982 |57.55 |81.85
November 1982 to October 1983 |63.60 |86.43
November 1983 to October 1984 |66.35 |86.27
November 1984 to October 1985 |69.50 |86.31
November 1985 to June 1986 |73.05 |88.13
July 1986 to March 1987 |73.90 |87.45
April 1987 to March 1988 |75.35 |86.54
April 1988 to March 1989 |84.45 |92.70
April 1989 to March 1990 |90.40 |94.08
<1> Average of constant April 1990 prices in the periods shown.
Note:
The figures reflect that the retail prices index is the appropriate index
until 1983 and thereafter retail prices index less housing costs is
appropriate (from November 1983 onwards).
Income Support
Mr. Meacher : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out the level of the supplementary benefit/income support for each year since 1979 scale rates and for (a) a single person aged 20 years and (b) a non-pensioner couple aged over 25 years both at current prices and at 1990 constant prices ; and what was the percentage change each year.
Mrs. Gillian Shephard [holding answer 28 June 1990] : As the question does not specify the exact circumstances, household status, or length of time spent on benefit for either client group, the tables provide information to cover each possible circumstance. The information requested is shown in the tables with two separate measures of the real value of the benefit. In table A the benefit rates at each uprating date are revalued to April 1990. In table B the real value of benefit has been averaged over the whole period during which the relevant benefit rates applied. In each case the percentage change since the previous year is shown.
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Table B
Scale |Actual rates|Actual rates|Percentage |Actual rates|Actual rates|Percentage |Actual rates|Actual rates|Percentage
Rate |single |in April |change |single non- |in April |change |couple aged |in April |change
|householder |1990 |householder |prices |over 25<1> |1990
|aged 20<1> |prices<2> |aged 20<1> |prices<2> |prices<2>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 1978-October 1979
Basic |15.55 |32.32 |- |12.45 |25.88 |- |25.25 |52.48 |-
Long term |19.90 |41.36 |- |15.95 |33.15 |- |31.55 |65.58 |-
November 1979-October 1980
Basic |18.30 |32.12 |-0.6 |14.65 |25.71 |-0.7 |29.70 |52.13 |-0.7
Long Term |23.70 |41.60 |0.6 |18.95 |33.26 |0.3 |37.65 |66.08 |0.8
November 1980-October 1981
Basic |21.30 |33.24 |3.5 |17.05 |26.61 |3.5 |34.60 |54.00 |3.6
Long Term |27.15 |42.37 |1.9 |21.70 |33.86 |1.8 |43.45 |67.81 |2.6
November 1981-October 1982
Basic |23.25 |33.07 |-0.5 |18.60 |26.46 |-0.6 |37.75 |53.69 |-0.6
Long Term |29.60 |42.10 |-0.6 |23.65 |33.64 |-0.7 |47.35 |67.35 |-0.7
November 1982-October 1983
Basic |25.70 |34.93 |5.6 |20.55 |27.93 |5.6 |41.70 |56.67 |5.6
Long Term |32.70 |44.44 |5.6 |26.15 |35.54 |5.7 |52.30 |71.08 |5.5
November 1983-October 1984
Basic |26.80 |34.85 |-0.2 |21.45 |27.89 |-0.1 |43.50 |56.56 |-0.2
Long Term |34.10 |44.34 |-0.2 |27.25 |35.43 |-0.3 |54.55 |70.93 |-0.2
November 1984-October 1985
Basic |28.05 |34.83 |-0.1 |22.45 |27.88 |-0.1 |45.55 |56.57 |0.1
Long Term |35.70 |44.33 |-0.1 |28.55 |35.45 |0.1 |57.10 |70.91 |-0.1
November 1985-June 1986
Basic |29.50 |35.59 |2.2 |23.60 |28.47 |2.1 |47.85 |57.73 |2.1
Long Term |37.50 |45.24 |2.1 |30.00 |36.19 |2.1 |60.00 |72.38 |2.1
July 1986-March 1987
Basic |29.80 |35.26 |-0.9 |23.85 |28.22 |-0.9 |48.40 |57.27 |-0.8
Long Term |37.90 |44.85 |-0.9 |30.35 |35.91 |-0.8 |60.65 |71.77 |-0.8
April 1987-March 1988
Basic |30.40 |34.91 |-1.0 |24.35 |27.97 |-0.9 |49.35 |56.68 |-1.0
Long Term |38.65 |44.39 |-1.0 |30.95 |35.55 |-1.0 |61.85 |71.03 |-1.0
April 1988-March 1989
- |26.05 |28.59 |<3>- |26.05 |28.59 |<3>- |51.45 |56.48 |<3>-
April 1989-March 1990
- |27.40 |28.52 |-0.2 |27.40 |28.52 |-0.2 |54.80 |57.03 |-1.0
Notes:
1. Actual scale rate appropriate to each group, excluding any housing costs and with no additional requirements.
2. Average of constant April 1990 prices in the periods shown.
3. As the introduction of Income Support ended the distinctions between householders/non householders and basic or long term rates of benefit
it is not possible to provide relevant year on year comparisons between 1987 and 1988.
4. The figures reflect the fact that the RPI is the appropriate index until 1983 and thereafter the RPI less housing costs is appropriate (
from November 1983 onwards).
Table B
Scale |Actual rates|Actual rates|Percentage |Actual rates|Actual rates|Percentage |Actual rates|Actual rates|Percentage
Rate |single |in April |change |single non- |in April |change |couple aged |in April |change
|householder |1990 |householder |prices |over 25<1> |1990
|aged 20<1> |prices<2> |aged 20<1> |prices<2> |prices<2>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 1978-October 1979
Basic |15.55 |32.32 |- |12.45 |25.88 |- |25.25 |52.48 |-
Long term |19.90 |41.36 |- |15.95 |33.15 |- |31.55 |65.58 |-
November 1979-October 1980
Basic |18.30 |32.12 |-0.6 |14.65 |25.71 |-0.7 |29.70 |52.13 |-0.7
Long Term |23.70 |41.60 |0.6 |18.95 |33.26 |0.3 |37.65 |66.08 |0.8
November 1980-October 1981
Basic |21.30 |33.24 |3.5 |17.05 |26.61 |3.5 |34.60 |54.00 |3.6
Long Term |27.15 |42.37 |1.9 |21.70 |33.86 |1.8 |43.45 |67.81 |2.6
November 1981-October 1982
Basic |23.25 |33.07 |-0.5 |18.60 |26.46 |-0.6 |37.75 |53.69 |-0.6
Long Term |29.60 |42.10 |-0.6 |23.65 |33.64 |-0.7 |47.35 |67.35 |-0.7
November 1982-October 1983
Basic |25.70 |34.93 |5.6 |20.55 |27.93 |5.6 |41.70 |56.67 |5.6
Long Term |32.70 |44.44 |5.6 |26.15 |35.54 |5.7 |52.30 |71.08 |5.5
November 1983-October 1984
Basic |26.80 |34.85 |-0.2 |21.45 |27.89 |-0.1 |43.50 |56.56 |-0.2
Long Term |34.10 |44.34 |-0.2 |27.25 |35.43 |-0.3 |54.55 |70.93 |-0.2
November 1984-October 1985
Basic |28.05 |34.83 |-0.1 |22.45 |27.88 |-0.1 |45.55 |56.57 |0.1
Long Term |35.70 |44.33 |-0.1 |28.55 |35.45 |0.1 |57.10 |70.91 |-0.1
November 1985-June 1986
Basic |29.50 |35.59 |2.2 |23.60 |28.47 |2.1 |47.85 |57.73 |2.1
Long Term |37.50 |45.24 |2.1 |30.00 |36.19 |2.1 |60.00 |72.38 |2.1
July 1986-March 1987
Basic |29.80 |35.26 |-0.9 |23.85 |28.22 |-0.9 |48.40 |57.27 |-0.8
Long Term |37.90 |44.85 |-0.9 |30.35 |35.91 |-0.8 |60.65 |71.77 |-0.8
April 1987-March 1988
Basic |30.40 |34.91 |-1.0 |24.35 |27.97 |-0.9 |49.35 |56.68 |-1.0
Long Term |38.65 |44.39 |-1.0 |30.95 |35.55 |-1.0 |61.85 |71.03 |-1.0
April 1988-March 1989
- |26.05 |28.59 |<3>- |26.05 |28.59 |<3>- |51.45 |56.48 |<3>-
April 1989-March 1990
- |27.40 |28.52 |-0.2 |27.40 |28.52 |-0.2 |54.80 |57.03 |-1.0
Notes:
1. Actual scale rate appropriate to each group, excluding any housing costs and with no additional requirements.
2. Average of constant April 1990 prices in the periods shown.
3. As the introduction of Income Support ended the distinctions between householders/non householders and basic or long term rates of benefit
it is not possible to provide relevant year on year comparisons between 1987 and 1988.
4. The figures reflect the fact that the RPI is the appropriate index until 1983 and thereafter the RPI less housing costs is appropriate (
from November 1983 onwards).
Mr. Meacher : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security pursuant to his answer of 5 June, Official Report, column 559, if he will set out the real terms value of supplementary benefit income support for (a) a young person aged 20 years who is unemployed and : (i) a householder and (ii) a non-householder and (b) a married couple aged over 25 years where the husband is unemployed, the wife not working, and with children aged five and 10 years, each year since 1979, on an index basis taking 1979 as 100.
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Mrs. Gillian Shephard : The information requested is shown in the tables, with two separate measures of the real value of benefit. Table A gives the benefit rates at each uprating date in real terms indexed to November 1979=100. Table B gives the real value of benefit averaged over the whole period during which the relevant benefit rates applied, indexed to 100 for the average for the period November 1978 to October 1979.
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Table B
Single houseSingle non-hMarried couple
aged 20 unemaged 20 unemunemployed with
two children aged
------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) |(2) |(1) |(2) |(1) |(2)
|£ |£ |£
November 1978 to October 1979 |15.55|100.0|13.90|100.0|35.85|100.0
November 1979 to October 1980 |18.30|99.4 |16.35|99.3 |42.20|99.4
November 1980 to October 1981 |21.30|102.8|19.20|103.7|49.20|103.0
November 1981 to October 1982 |23.25|102.3|21.15|104.1|53.55|102.2
November 1982 to October 1983 |25.70|108.1|23.65|111.2|59.20|108.0
November 1983 to October 1984 |26.80|107.8|24.55|110.5|61.80|107.8
November 1984 to October 1985 |28.05|107.8|25.75|110.7|64.75|107.9
November 1985 to June 1986 |29.50|110.1|27.50|114.8|68.05|110.2
July 1986 to March 1987 |29.80|109.1|23.85|97.7 |68.80|109.3
April 1987 to March 1988 |30.40|108.0|24.35|96.8 |70.15|108.1
April 1988 to March 1989 |26.05|88.5 |26.05|99.0 |79.10|116.5
April 1989 to March 1990 |27.40|88.2 |27.40|98.7 |84.80|118.4
Notes:
<1> Column (1) shows actual benefit rates for the periods shown
excluding housing costs, which were paid through supplementary benefit
until 1982-83 then met via housing benefit, and any additional
requirements for example extra heating, laundry, special diets.
<2> Column (2) shows the average real value of column (1) between the
dates shown, on an index basis taking the period November 1978 to
October 1979=100.
<3> The figures reflect the fact that the RPI is the appropriate index
until 1983 and thereafter the RPI less housing costs is appropriate (
from November 1983 onwards).
Table B
Single houseSingle non-hMarried couple
aged 20 unemaged 20 unemunemployed with
two children aged
------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) |(2) |(1) |(2) |(1) |(2)
|£ |£ |£
November 1978 to October 1979 |15.55|100.0|13.90|100.0|35.85|100.0
November 1979 to October 1980 |18.30|99.4 |16.35|99.3 |42.20|99.4
November 1980 to October 1981 |21.30|102.8|19.20|103.7|49.20|103.0
November 1981 to October 1982 |23.25|102.3|21.15|104.1|53.55|102.2
November 1982 to October 1983 |25.70|108.1|23.65|111.2|59.20|108.0
November 1983 to October 1984 |26.80|107.8|24.55|110.5|61.80|107.8
November 1984 to October 1985 |28.05|107.8|25.75|110.7|64.75|107.9
November 1985 to June 1986 |29.50|110.1|27.50|114.8|68.05|110.2
July 1986 to March 1987 |29.80|109.1|23.85|97.7 |68.80|109.3
April 1987 to March 1988 |30.40|108.0|24.35|96.8 |70.15|108.1
April 1988 to March 1989 |26.05|88.5 |26.05|99.0 |79.10|116.5
April 1989 to March 1990 |27.40|88.2 |27.40|98.7 |84.80|118.4
Notes:
<1> Column (1) shows actual benefit rates for the periods shown
excluding housing costs, which were paid through supplementary benefit
until 1982-83 then met via housing benefit, and any additional
requirements for example extra heating, laundry, special diets.
<2> Column (2) shows the average real value of column (1) between the
dates shown, on an index basis taking the period November 1978 to
October 1979=100.
<3> The figures reflect the fact that the RPI is the appropriate index
until 1983 and thereafter the RPI less housing costs is appropriate (
from November 1983 onwards).
SCOTLAND
Capercaillie
Mr. Colvin : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what sum he intends to spend on research on the capercaillie.
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton : Most of the responses to my consultation letter of 23 March on whether to introduce a statutory ban on shooting capercaillie have commented on the need for research. I shall announce my views on the consultation soon.
Low Pay Unit
Mr. Dunnachie : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish low pay unit on overtime, and the pay of Scotland's adult work force ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Lang : During the past year my right hon. and learned Friend has received no representations from the Scottish low pay unit. Since 1979 earnings at all levels have increased significantly in real terms with the lower paid sharing in the prosperity created by a vigorous free enterprise economy.
Road Accidents
Mr. Dunnachie : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of children under 14 years of age who were killed or injured as pedestrians involved in road accidents during the last 12 months in Scotland ; and if he will make a statement.
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton : The latest information available centrally is for 1989 for children aged 14 years and under. The provisional figures are :--
Fatal |Per |Serious|Per |Slight |Per |Total
|cent. |cent. |cent.
----------------------------------------------------------------
26 |(-26) |728 |(-2) |1,570 |(+6) |2,324
These figures would appear to show an improvement over the previous years for fatal and serious injuries, but a small increase in the number of slight injuries involved in road accidents. However, I would stress that these figures are provisional, final figures will be published later in the year in "Road Accidents Scotland 1989".
GPs' Budgets
Mrs. Margaret Ewing : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report those practices in Grampian and Tayside regions who are taking part in the shadow fundholding project for general practitioners.
Column 174
Mr. Michael Forsyth : The information requested is as follows : Forfar
Dr. G. Peterkin and Partners
Dr. A. F. Catto and Partners
Dr. S. M. Birse and Partner
Grampian
Dr. G. H. McIntosh and Partners
Dr. A. F. Maclean and Partners
Dr. J. M. Taylor and Partners
Dr. G. A. Taylor and Partners
Dr. R. J. Stewart and Partners and Dr. D. J. Murray and Partners
Historic Buildings
Mr. Dunnachie : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of Scotland's historic buildings are being eroded as a result of acid rain ; and if he will make a statement.
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 9 July 1990] : There is no accurate information available upon which to determine how many of Scotland's historic buildings are being eroded as a result of acid rain. The issues involved are complex and further detailed research is required to clarify and assess all the factors involved. Officials of the Scottish Development Department participated in the Department of the Environment's building effects review group on acid deposition which reported in 1989. A current national materials exposure programme arising from the group's recommendations includes five sites in Scotland. There will be continued co -operation in future research programmes with a view to answering many of the outstanding questions which were raised following the publication of the group's first report.
Skye Bridge
Mr. Kennedy : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the impact of the changes in design to the proposed bridge to Skye upon (a) the likely construction costs involved, (b) the proposed timetable for the submission of plans and (c) the level of toll charge to be levied ; and if he will make a statement.
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 9 July 1990] : In my announcement on 3 July I said that the welcome reduction of 6 m in the required navigational clearance for a bridge to Skye removed the need for either major embankments or a viaduct over Eilean Ban or Eilean Dubh, which previously caused concern regarding visual impact.
The exact changes in construction costs have not been assessed ; but it is expected that they will be reduced. The timetable is unlikely to be affected. The levels of toll charges will form part of each tenderer's bid and the exact
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amounts are therefore unknown as yet ; however, the toll charges will be no greater than current ferry fares in real terms and must allow for existing concessions to users.Mental Welfare Commission
Mr. Nigel Griffiths : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the qualifications and reasons for appointment of Mrs. Iris Isbister to the Mental Welfare Commission ; and if he will review the appointment.
Mr. Michael Forsyth [holding answer 9 July 1990] : I am well satisfied that Mr. Isbister is well qualified on grounds of her experience and her interest in the field to be a member of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland. Prior to becoming chairman of Forth Valley health board she was an active member of a number of organisations involved with mental health, including the Stirling Association for Mental Health.
EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
Schools (Local Management)
9. Mr. Rowe : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress of local management in schools.
33. Mr. Bradley : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he is taking to ensure the smooth implementation of local management of schools.
45. Mrs. Heal : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he is taking to ensure the smooth implementation of local management of schools.
67. Mr. Caborn : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he is taking to ensure the smooth implementation of local management of schools.
68. Mr. Steinberg : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the current implementation of local management of schools.
Mr. Tredinnick : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent responses he has had to local management of schools ; whether he has any further proposals relating to local management of schools ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. MacGregor : Eighty-seven local education authorities introduced local management schemes in April 1990. Most headteachers and governors welcome the prospect of greater autonomy in the running of their schools. I have recently announced an increase in the programme of education support grants to help implement this important reform. Supported expenditure will increase from £36 million to £61 million in 1991-92.
Mr. Riddick : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of Kirklees council's total schools' budget has been passed on to individual schools with the introduction of local management schemes ; and what was the comparable figure for Government targets and guidelines.
Mrs. Rumbold : The budget statement provided by Kirklees local education authority under section 42 of the
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Education Reform Act, indicates that 65 per cent. of the general schools budget--GSB--is being passed down to individual schools. The discretionary exceptions, subject to the Government's limit of 10 per cent. of the GSB, account for 9.2 per cent. of the GSB. The discretionary exceptions not subject to any Government limit account for 14 per cent. of the GSB.37. Mr. Amos : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress of local management in schools in Northumberland county council.
Mrs. Rumbold : Northumberland local education authority's scheme for local management of schools was approved on 15 March 1990 for introduction on 1 April 1990. The LEA appears to be making a most satisfactory start to local management. The Government are supporting the introduction of LMS in Northumberland through £402,400 of specific grant in this financial year alone.
Grant-maintained Schools
15. Mr. Pawsey : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many applications for grant-maintained status he has received ; and how many he has approved.
Mr. Win Griffiths : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools have obtained grant-maintained status ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. MacGregor : I refer my hon. Friend and the hon. Member to the reply that I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Pembroke (Mr. Bennett).
Rural Schools
16. Mr. Key : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the impact of the national curriculum on small schools in rural areas.
Mr. Alan Howarth : Evidence from Her Majesty's inspectorate shows that most schools are making satisfactory or good progress with introducing the national curriculum. HMI has reported no overall difference in standards of implementation between small schools and others.
Student Loans
17. Mr. Andrew Welsh : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has received any recent representations regarding the implementation of the student loans scheme ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Jackson : I refer the hon. Gentleman to my earlier reply to the hon. Member for Moray (Mrs. Ewing).
34. Mr. Kennedy : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on progress towards the introduction of student loans.
47. Mr. Douglas : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress being made on setting up the Students Loans Company Ltd.
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Mr. Jackson : The Student Loans Company is making good progress, completing its computer systems and recruiting clerical staff needed for the autumn. It is also holding constructive discussions with the higher education institutions about the certification of students' eligibility. This bodes well for the introduction of the scheme this autumn.Teachers' Duties
18. Mr. Madel : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is planning any changes in the timing of the implementation of the national curriculum as it relates to teachers' duties ; and if he will make a statement.
Speech Therapists
19. Mr. Bellingham : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from special schools in Norfolk about the availability of speech therapists.
Mr. Alan Howarth : My right hon. Friend has received no representations on the subject from special schools in Norfolk.
Sixth-form Students
20. Mrs. Maureen Hicks : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assessment he has made of the needs for a broader curriculum for sixth-form students.
Mrs. Rumbold : My right hon. Friend has this under active consideration. Advanced supplementary examinations supply one means of adding breadth to advanced-level studies. Wider availability in schools of vocational courses would also deliver greater breadth. In addition, my right hon. Friend expects shortly to receive from the School Examinations and Assessment Council advice on the scope for embodying in the programmes of all advanced-level students a range of core skills needed for adult working life.
Secondary Education, Sheffield
21. Mr. Duffy : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received concerning budgetary provision for secondary education in Sheffield ; and if he will make a statement.
Mrs. Rumbold : The Department has received only three such representations since 1 April, when Sheffield's local management of schools scheme was introduced.
Further Education
22. Mr. Harry Barnes : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to increase the number of 16-year-olds entering full-time further education.
32. Mr. Flannery : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to increase the number of 16-year-olds entering full-time further education.
52. Mr. Turner : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to increase the number of 16-year-olds entering full-time further education.
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Mr. Jackson : I refer the hon. Members to the reply that I gave to the hon. Members for Carlisle (Mr. Martlew) and for Redcar (Ms. Mowlam) on 12 June 1990, Official Report, column 169.
51. Mr. Morley : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement regarding education and training for 16 to 19-year-olds.
54. Mr. Boyes : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement regarding education and training for 16 to 19-year-olds.
57. Mr. John P. Smith : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement regarding education and training for 16 to 19-year-olds.
Mr. Jackson : The Government believe that many more young people should be participating in education and training, both full time and part time. Participation in full-time post-compulsory education has increased very substantially in recent years.
The Government are doing much to encourage the development of education and training beyond 16. We are committed to maintaining the standards of A- levels and advanced supplementary examinations, and to improving their effectiveness in meeting both the needs of students and the requirements of higher education and employment. The National Council for Vocational Qualifications has been established to put in place a coherent framework of relevant vocational qualifications. Steps are being taken more generally to make the range of courses and qualifications available to this age group more attractive, notably by the development of core skills which all young people and adults will need in future in all walks of life.
Training credits for 16 and 17-year-olds who have left full-time education are to be piloted from next year. They will make clear to young people their entitlement to training. They have the potential to increase significantly the number of young people in jobs who receive worthwhile education and training.
Community Charge Capping
23. Mrs. Mahon : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has made an assessment of the effects of charge capping upon the delivery of the education service.
46. Mr. Illsley : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has made an assessment of the effects of charge capping upon the delivery of the education service.
Mrs. Rumbold : My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has considered all the representations made to him by the capped authorities, including those about service delivery, together with all other information he considers relevant, and he is satisfied that the final caps he is proposing will permit them to maintain their services at a reasonable level.
Businesses
24. Mr. Rathbone : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps the Government are taking to encourage business men to take greater interest in education and to value good education more highly.
Mr. Alan Howarth : The business community is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of
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education in helping to meet the challenges of the 1990s, both nationally and internationally. The constructive involvement of the business community at all levels in education continues to be a major plank of this Government's policies. We have made statutory provision to encourage this in the governing of institutions, and have encouraged training to make this effective. We have also taken a range of other initiatives, both alone and in conjunction with other Departments and outside organisations to promote continuing links between education and industry, building on the substantial progress of the last decade.Pre-school Education
25. Ms. Mowlam : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any plans to increase the number of pre-school education places.
44. Mr. Michael : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any plans to increase the number of pre-school education places.
Mrs. Rumbold : I refer the hon. Members to the reply that I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike).
59. Mr. McCartney : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received regarding pre-school education ; and if he will make a statement.
64. Ms. Primarolo : To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations he has received regarding pre-school education ; and if he will make a statement.
Mrs. Rumbold : I refer the hon. Members to the reply that I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Haynes).
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