| Previous Section | Home Page |
Column 734
(iii) 1995 96Scottish Prison Service--Maintenance and minor works at Castle Huntly, Dumfries, Penninghame, Noranside, Friarton, Greenock, Inverness, Low Moss and Dungavel establishments.
Registers of Scotland--Pre-application reports.
Departmental Performance
Ms Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what performance indicators and performance targets there are for measuring the performance of his Department in (a) answering letters from members of the public and (b) answering telephone calls from members of the public; how performance is monitored; and what are the latest figures for performance measured against the target set. [26232]
Mr. Lang: Where members of the public write to Ministers and the reply is made on their behalf by departmental officials, there is a target of 20 days for doing so. In 1994, 14,846 such replies were issued--76 per cent. within the target of 20 days.
Where members of the public write direct to departmental officials, the setting of targets for the issue of replies is a matter for individual divisions and units. There is no centrally laid down target and no central collection of performance figures by individual divisions and units.
The target for answering telephone calls to the Scottish Office central inquiry unit is an average of 10 seconds. Weekly performance is monitored electronically. During a recent 10-day period, 14,208 calls were handled. The average response time was 11 seconds.
Complaints
Ms Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what policy and procedure exist for dealing with complaints against his Department by members of the public; when his Department last updated its policy; what time limit and target for dealing with such complaints his Department has; and what follow-up procedure exists where complainants are not satisfied with his Department's response to a complaint. [26216]
Mr. Lang: My Department provides a wide range of services to the public. A single department-wide complaints procedure would not be appropriate. Our complaints procedures are tailored to the particular circumstances of the service provided and the needs of the users. A comprehensive review of our complaints procedures was carried out in 1992. Time limits for dealing with complaints were introduced. They vary from service to service. Most of our complaints procedures provide for complainants to refer their complaint to a more senior level if they are dissatisfied. If the matter is not resolved to the complainant's satisfaction he or she can ask a Member of Parliament to refer the matter to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.
Belvidere Hospital
Mr. David Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the names of all the bodies which have any responsibility for all or part of the services provided at Belvidere hospital, Parkhead, Glasgow; and to which organisation the hospital belongs. [26186]
Column 735
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: The Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS trust, The Southern General Hospital NHS trust and the West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS trust have responsibility for the services provided at Belvidere hospital.
Greater Glasgow health board is in discussion with the Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS trust over the transfer of the assets of the hospital to that trust.
Glasgow City Council
Mr. David Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the electorate for each of the new unitary authority wards in the Glasgow city council area as at 6 April. [26187]
Mr. Kynoch: The electorate for each of the new unitary authority wards for the city of Glasgow council at the latest available date, 15 February 1995, are given in the table:
Electoral ward |Total electorate
---------------------------------------------------------
1. Drumry |5,997
2. Summerhill |5,821
3. Blairdardie |5,309
4. Knightswood Park |6,502
5. Knightswood South |5,556
6. Yoker |6,048
7. Anniesland |6,081
8. Jordanhill |5,813
9. Kelvindale |6,326
10. Scotstoun |5,812
11. Victoria Park |5,898
12. Broomhill |6,348
13. Hyndland |7,272
14. Hillhead |6,197
15. Partick |7,064
16. Kelvin |7,242
17. Firhill |5,916
18. Woodlands |6,532
19. Kelvingrove |5,699
20. Anderston |5,232
21. Merchant City |6,044
22. Milton |5,680
23. Possil |5,258
24. Keppochhill |5,643
25. Summerston |5,797
26. Maryhill |5,493
27. Wyndford |5,521
28. Robroyston |4,989
29. Gartcraig |6,211
30. Carntyne |5,870
31. Royston |6,299
32. Milnbank |6,350
33. Dennistoun |5,626
34. Springburn |6,038
35. Cowlairs |6,099
36. Wallacewell |6,027
37. Calton |4,780
38. Bridgeton |5,610
39. Dalmarnock |5,112
40. Queenslie |5,367
41. Greenfield |6,029
42. Barlanark |5,851
43. Tollcross Park |5,198
44. Braidfauld |5,176
45. Shettleston |6,132
46. Mount Vernon |6,606
47. Garrowhill |5,988
48. Baillieston |6,494
49. Garthamlock |4,694
50. Wellhouse |5,579
51. Easterhouse |5,466
52. Drumoyne |5,804
53. Govan |5,121
54. Ibrox |5,755
55. Kingston |5,109
56. Pollokshields East |5,784
57. Maxwell park |5,506
58. Penilee |6,034
59. Craigton |6,972
60. Cardonald |5,376
61. Pollok |5,145
62. Mosspark |6,693
63. Crookston |5,563
64. South Pollok |5,034
65. Arden |4,217
66. Levernholm |5,582
67. Carnwadric |5,964
68. Newlands |6,211
69. Cathcart |5,957
70. Pollokshaws |5,633
71. Strathbungo |6,153
72. Langside |5,355
73. Hutchesontown |4,418
74. Oatlands |5,807
75. Govanhill |6,415
76. Battlefield |6,832
77. Mount Florida |5,274
78. Aitkenhead |5,642
79. Carmunock |5,007
80. Castlemilk |5,393
81. Glenwood |4,203
82. Toryglen |4,689
83. King's Park |3,650
|474,990
NHS Numbers
Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an undertaking that the new NHS number will be used only with respect to the provision of health-related services; and if he will make a statement. [26399]
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: There are no proposals to reissue the NHS number in Scotland where a community health index number has been in use for many years. We have no plans to use the community health index number for anything other than health-related purposes.
Local Government Finance
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when his Department will issue the new Scottish unitary authorities with their indicative budgets for 1995 96. [25332]
Mr. Kynoch [holding answer 23 May 1995]: My right hon. Friend intends to lay a report before the House, in accordance with section 24 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994, in the autumn specifying the amounts which he will use as the baseline for considering capping action in 1996 97. However, in recognition of the shadow councils' need to have early knowledge of the amounts for the purpose of beginning to prepare budgets for 1996 97, my right hon. Friend hopes to be able to issue his proposed figures by about the end of June.
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities is being fully consulted about the preparation of the figures and those existing local authorities which are being disaggregated have agreed to have discussions with
Column 737
relevant shadow councils about the appointment of their 1995 96 budgets to the new council areas.NHS Trusts
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of (a) applications for trust status which have been turned down by the Scottish Office, (b) applicants involved and (c) amounts of money spent by the national health service management executive in supporting these unsuccessful applicants for each year since 1991 92. [25329]
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 23 May 1995]: Four applications for trust status have been rejected. These were as follows:
Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital
Lothian College of Nursing and Midwifery
Forth Valley Healthcare
Western Isles Health Unit
The costs incurred by the NHS in supporting these applications amounted to:
1991 92: £50,000
1992 93: £69,730
1993 94: £195,000
The application made by Forth Valley Healthcare was subsequently re- submitted and accepted as a conjoint application with the Royal Scottish National Hospital and Community NHS trust to form Central Scotland Healthcare NHS trust.
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the correspondence addresses and the names of the executive and non- executive directors of the NHS trusts established in April. [25345]
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 23 May 1995]: The executive and non-executive directors of the NHS trusts established in April are as follows:
Argyll and Bute NHS Trust (Aros, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31)
Non-executive |Executive directors
directors
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mrs. Hester Gardiner |Chief Executive: Mr. Jonathan R. Best
Dr. J. Stewart Moffat |Medical Director: Dr. Angus MacKay
Mr. John Wilson |Nursing Director: Mr. Rob Brown
Miss Catherine Pollock |Finance Director: Mr. Graeme Oram
Mr. Ian Smyth |Human Resources Director: Mr. John McCormick
|Business and Operations Director: Mr. Steven Gallagher
Borders Community Health Services NHS Trust
(Dingleton Hospital, Melrose, TD6 9HN)
Non-Executive |Executive Directors
Directors
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Daniel Jones |Chief Executive:
Mrs. Marie Mackie |Mr. John Turner
Dr. Andrew Simpson |Medical Director:
Mrs. Marni Lamb |Dr. Bruce Low
Mr. Angus Davidson |Nursing Director:
|Mr. Paul Martin
|Finance Director:
|Mr. Robert Kemp
|Human Resources Director:
|Miss Janet Kyle
|Mental Health Director:
|Mr. Hector Christie
|Clinical Services Director: Mrs. Irene Morris
|Estate Director: Mr. Bill Wilkie
Borders General Hospital NHS Trust (Borders General Hospital, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6 9BS) Non-Executive |Executive Directors Directors --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs. Ann Bryce |Acting Chief Executive: Mr. Allistair Matheson Professor Kenneth Fowler |Medical Director: Dr. Peter Buchan Mr. George Finlay |Nursing Director: Vacant Mrs. Elspeth Bruce |Finance Director: Mr. Allistair Matheson Mr. Graham Watt |Human Resources Director: Mr. Simon Crouch
Dumfries and Galloway Community Services NHS Trust (Crichton Hall, Crichton Royal Hospital, Glencapple Road, Dumfries DG1 4TF) Non-Executive |Executive Directors Directors --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Robert Grieve |Chief Executive: Dr. Tom Shearer Mr. Alexander Scott |Medical Director: Dr. John Waterhouse Mr. Ronald Percy |Nursing Director: Mr. Richard Swift Mr. William Alexander |Finance Director: Mr. Keith Stephenson Mrs. Janette Richardson |Human Resources Director: Miss Dorothy Elsey
Glasgow Dental Hospital and School NHS Trust
(378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JZ)
Non-executive |Executive directors
directors
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rev. Malcolm Cuthbertson |Chief Executive: Dr. Doreen Steele
Mrs. Elspeth Farmer |Dental Director: Vacant
Sir David Mason |Nursing Director: Ms Teresa Kemp
Mr. John Bannon |Finance Director: Mr. Colin Brown
Mrs. Joy Travers |Human Resources Director: Dr. Doreen Steele
|Research Director: Vacant
Lanarkshire Healthcare NHS Trust
(Strathclyde Hospital, Airbles Road, Motherwell ML1 3BW)
Non-executive |Executive directors
directors
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mrs. Peggy Murphy |Chief Executive: Mr. David Parr
Mrs. Winifred Sherry |Medical Director: Dr. Allan Sinclair
Ver Rev. Dr. Hugh Wyllie |Nursing Director: Mrs. Helen Scott
Mrs. Mary Smith |Finance Director: Miss Elaine Ramage
Mr. Robert Thomson |Human Resources Director: Mr. Kenny Small
|Planning and Contracts Director: Mr. Kenny Small
|Director of Estates: Mr. Leslie Lambert
Lomond Healthcare NHS Trust (Vale of Leven District General Hospital, Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, G83 OUA) Non-executive |Executive directors directors --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs. Eileen Gorie |Chief Executive: Mr. Stephen Hayes Rev. Ian Miller |Medical Director: Mr. Eric W. Taylor Mrs. Elizabeth McHard |Nursing Director: Vacant Mr. Archibald Mackenzie |Finance Director: Mr. Ross Arbuckle Mr. David Morrell |Human Resources Director: Mrs. Francine G. Ewen
" Scottish Ambulance Service NHS Trust (National Headquarters, Tipperlinn Road, Edinburgh EH10 5UU) Non-Executive |Executive Directors Directors ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mr. William Campbell |Chief Executive: Mr. Andrew Freemantle Mr Greer Johnston |Medical Director: Mr. Andrew Marsden Mr. Neil Menzies |Finance Director: Mr. Brian J. Roy Dr. David Cormack |Human Resources Director: Mr. John Bateman Miss Ann Foster |Logistics Director: Mr. Clive Wooller
Dental Services
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many dental patients were registered at 31 March in each health board area in Scotland. [25350]
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 23 May 1995]: The number of patients registered with a dentist at 31 March in each health board area in Scotland is shown in the table.
Dental patients registered at 31 March 1995-by Health Board
area in Scotland
Health board |Patients registered
--------------------------------------------------------------
Scotland |2,473,758
Argyll and Clyde |204,708
Ayrshire and Arran |192,382
Borders |55,105
Dumfries and Galloway |65,869
Fife |170,247
Forth Valley |132,150
Grampian |256,628
Greater Glasgow |458,436
Highland |82,613
Lanarkshire |241,947
Lothian |375,991
Orkney |4,766
Shetland |6,822
Tayside |217,007
Western Isles |9,087
Non-domestic Rates
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much the Scottish Office estimates will be raised through the imposition of non- domestic rates charges on empty properties during the financial year 1995 96. [25338]
Mr. Kynoch [holding answer 23 May 1995]: It is estiamted that the additional rates income due to changes in unoccupied property relief will be £23.5 million in 1995 96. This was taken fully into account in determining the level of the unified business rate for 1995 96, so there is no additional burden on business ratepayers in aggregate as a result of this measure.
Official Visits
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many official visits on ministerial business each Minister in his Department undertook during the last 12 months to each parliamentary constituency in Scotland. [25339]
Mr. Lang [holding answer 23 May 1995]: To list visits made to each Scottish constituency in the last 12 months would involve disproportionate costs. However, since 20 May 1994, Scottish Office Ministers have made a total of 313 visits to Scottish constituencies.
Planning Applications
Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was (a) the number of planning application refusals considered by the Scottish Office and (b) the number of planning application refusals which were overturned by the Scottish Office for each year since 1979 80 and for each planning authority. [25342]
Mr. Kynoch [holding answer 23 May 1995]: This information is available only by calendar year. The answer to part (a) of the question is as set out. The answer to part (b) regarding the number of planning applications which were overturned by the Scottish Office for each year since 1979 is also set out, but it is not possible to break this down for each planning authority.
Calendar year |Planning appeals|Planning appeals
|decided |allowed
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1979 |319 |68
1980 |320 |75
1981 |415 |117
1982 |409 |136
1983 |445 |144
1984 |396 |149
1985 |508 |166
1986 |542 |193
1987 |589 |223
1988 |636 |233
1989 |702 |247
1990 |960 |348
1991 |923 |313
1992 |886 |294
1993 |765 |267
1994 |643 |177
Residential Homes
Mr. Foulkes: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total income in 1993 94 of each
Column 741
local authority and in total from placements of old people in (a) registered and (b) unregistered independent residential care and nursing homes, inside and outside the local authority area and from placements in local authority homes for older people; and if he will break down by income from (i) government grants, inside aggregate external finance and outside aggregate external finance, (ii) sales, (iii) fees and charges, (iv) other income and(v) joint arrangements. [25394]Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 23 May 1995]: The available information is shown in the following table:
Column 741
Local Authority Income relating to fully staffed residential homes for older people: 1993-94 (Provisional)
£ thousands
Income source |Borders |Central |Dumfries and |Fife |Grampian |Highland
|Galloway
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Government grants |- |- |- |- |- |-
(ii) Sales |- |- |- |59 |- |42
(iii) Rents, fees and charges |1,522 |1,701 |1,013 |1,453 |3,525 |1,337
(iv) Other accounts and authorities<1> |- |257 |5 |- |- |6
(v) Other incomes |- |- |- |6 |280 |-
|-------- |-------- |-------- |-------- |-------- |--------
Total income |1,522 |1,958 |1,018 |1,518 |3,805 |1,385
Notes:
<(1)> Includes income for other accounts in the same local authority and from other local authorities.
Source:
Local financial returns made by local authorities to Scottish Office.
£ thousands
Income source |Lothian |Strathclyde |Tayside |Orkney |Shetland |W Isles |Scotland
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Government grants |- |- |- |- |- |45 |45
(ii) Sales |20 |47 |- |- |76 |- |244
(iii) Rents, fees and charges |4,482 |10,230 |2,689 |242 |296 |399 |28,889
(iv) Other accounts and authorities<1> |2 |173 |- |- |- |- |443
(v) Other income |- |1 |10 |5 |4 |- |306
|-------- |-------- |-------- |-------- |-------- |-------- |--------
Total income |4,504 |10,451 |2,699 |247 |376 |444 |29,927
Note:
<1> Includes income for other accounts in the same local authority and from other local authorities.
Source:
Local financial returns made by local authorities to Scottish Office.
Nursing Homes
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the procedures that operate in the Lanarkshire health board area for inspecting nursing homes; and if he will make a statement. [25484]
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 22 May 1995]: The Nursing Homes Registration (Scotland) Act 1938, as amended, places the responsibility for the registration and inspection of nursing homes on the local health board. The Scottish Office Home and Health Department has issued model guidelines for the registration and inspection of nursing homes for elderly people, for people with dementia, for people with a learning disability and for homes providing acute services. All health boards are expected to follow this national guidance.
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will visit Orchard house nursing home to assess the quality of care provided for the elderly residents at that home. [25486]
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 22 May 1995]: My right hon. Friend understands that an inquiry by Lanarkshire health board into the standards of care at Orchard house nursing home has been under way for some months, and is expected to report to the board in early June.
Column 742
Lanarkshire Health Board
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details as to the length of service, salary and qualifications of the Lanarkshire health board's senior nursing officer. [25483]
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton [holding answer 22 May 1995]: Such information is not held centrally. The hon. Member may therefore wish to pursue his query with Lanarkshire health board.
Forestry Commission
Mr. Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by English county and Scottish region Forestry Commission woodland currently offered for sale, under offer or proposed for sale within the next six months; and if he will state for each piece of woodland its size and the steps which have been taken to ensure that public access on foot is permitted after any sale takes place. [24619]
Sir Hector Monro [holding answer 18 May 1995]: The information is as follows:
County/Region |Name of property |Area (hectares) |Continued public
|access
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WOODLAND CURRENTLY FOR SALE ON THE OPEN MARKET
England
Cambridgeshire |Langley High Wood |49 |d
Cornwall |Hay Wood |54 |d
|Port Elliot, Pathada, Perdredda|95 |d
|Treworgey Wood |17 |d
Cumbria |Black Knors |25 |b
Derbyshire |Moorhall Wood |8 |d
Devon |Bedpark |8 |d
|Hawkmoor |22 |b
Durham |Campville |30 |b
|Stanley Wood Cottages |31 |c
Essex |Audley End Estate |57 |d
Humberside |Greenwickdale Wood |37 |d
Leicestershire |Bolt Wood |27 |d
Lincolnshire |Hurn Wood |9 |d
Shropshire |Coed Detton |14 |b
Somerset |Higher Bitcombe |30 |d
South Yorkshire |Greensprings Wood |12 |a
|Old Park Wood |41 |c
|Owston and Duck Holt Woods |66 |d
Scotland
Borders |Edgarhope |143 |d
|Spottiswoode |191 |b
Dumfries and Galloway |Glaik |62 |b
Grampian |Aquharney |128 |a
|Auchinroath |62 |b
|Glenbuchat |539 |d
|Greenness |115 |d
|Longhill (part) |120 |b
|New Pitsligo |42 |e
Highland |Abriachan |865 |b
|Achrugan |559 |a
|Ardelve |26 |b
|Cuidrach |58 |b
|Duisky |89 |d
|Garvan, North |112 |d
|Garvan, South |183 |d
|Loch Ashie |437 |d
|Lundavra |148 |a
|New Kelso |43 |d
|Tote |421 |b
|Uig |40 |b
Strathclyde |Daljarrock |51 |b
|Docherneil |83 |b
|Glenmard |56 |b
Tayside |Camusericht |295 |d
|Upper Glenprosen |230 |d
WOODLANDS CURRENTLY UNDER OFFER
England
Berkshire |Lot Wood (part) |6 |d
Cambridgeshire |West Wood |30 |d
Cornwall |Branchecombe |2 |d
|Coldgear |4 |d
|Cutmere and Bara |4 |d
|Moor/Scullop |3 |d
Cumbria |Foulshaw Big Belt |13 |b
|Warriners Wood |4 |b
Isle of Wight |Timber Copse |8 |a
Kent |Post Wood |26 |a
Lancashire |Long Ellers Wood |2 |d
Lincolnshire |Halstead Wood |26 |d
Somerset |Frys Wood |25 |e
South Yorkshire |Walkers Wood |6 |b
Suffolk |Wrights Wood |5 |d
Scotland
Borders |Fruid, land at |62 |b
|Gala Blocks |153 |a
Central |Stronvar |2 |b
Fife |Kirkton Barns |26 |d
Grampian |Lenabo |332 |a
|Moreseat of Hatton |38 |d
|Oldtown Belt |3 |c
|White Cow Wood |448 |a
|Wood of Wrae |50 |a
Highland |Clava and Craggie |34 |d
|Craskie Woods |49 |b
|Eilean Darach and Dundonnel |110 |b
|Faichem Wood |7 |b
|Garbole Forest |699 |b
|Glencannich Wood |70 |b
|Lochlait Wood |90 |a
|Muchrachd Wood |29 |b
|Rebeg |77 |b
Strathclyde |Kirnan Wood |222 |d
Tayside |Claysykes |17 |b
a. Access agreement has been concluded.
b. Local authority declined to enter an access agreement.
c. Local authority is considering whether to enter an access agreement.
d. A third party with an interest has declined to enter an access agreement or restrictions in the Commission's title prevented the offer of an access
agreement.
e. Sale commenced before the introduction of the arrangements for access agreements.
Advance notification of areas being considered for sale is given in the "Estates Gazette" in respect of all woodlands of more than five hectares, together with any other land having a known conservation, recreation or amenity interest. Copies of the "Estates Gazette" are held in the Library of the House.
Entrepreneurship
Mr. Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy for the encouragement of entrepreneurship in Scotland; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of this policy. [22651]
Mr. Lang [holding answer 9 May 1995]: Entrepreneurship is essential to the continued competitiveness of the Scottish economy. The Government have in place a range of initiatives aimed at encouraging young people to consider a career in business, supporting such careers with an appropriate training infrastructure and providing assistance and advice on the creation and development of small businesses. Specific initiatives include the recent publication of a new framework for action for the development of improved education/industry links; the business birth rate strategy operated by Scottish Enterprise, which is aimed at increasing the number of business start-ups in Scotland; and the promotion by Scottish Enterprise of 1995 as "The Year of the Entrepreneur"--a concept which acts as a framework for a series of events and presentations aimed specifically at encouraging entrepreneurship. More generally, all local enterprise companies are pursuing policies aimed at promoting business activity and entrepreneurship throughout Scotland. The effectiveness of this policy is evidenced by the continuing success of the Scottish economy, both domestically and in terms of its export performance.
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Roger Levitt
Mr. John Marshall: To ask the Attorney-General (1) what discussions he has had about the Roger Levitt case since 21 May; [26281]
(2) when plea bargaining began in the case of Roger Levitt. [26246]
Column 745
The Attorney-General: Since 21 May, I have discussed the case with officials simply for the purpose of preparing answers to parliamentary questions. I refer my hon. Friend to my earlier written answers on the 9 December 1993, and 17 December 1993 at columns 332 33 and 1045 46 respectively, which explained the events that led up to Mr. Levitt's plea.
Butte Mining
Mr. Morgan: To ask the Attorney-General what consultations he has had with the director of the Serious Fraud Office concerning the investigation into the company affairs of Butte Mining. [26592]
The Attorney-General: I frequently meet the director of the Serious Fraud Office for discussions about matters of departmental interest, including casework. It is my policy not to divulge the subject matter of such meetings or operational details of current investigations.
Tomorrow's Job" Investigation
Mr. Madden: To ask the Attorney-General how many reports have been referred by the Metropolitan police to the Crown Prosecution Service from the "Tomorrow's Job" investigation; how many have been referred to him by the Crown Prosecution Service; and what action he has taken. [25986]
The Attorney-General: The police have forwarded one interim report to the Crown Prosecution Service which specifically arises out of their inquiries concerning "Tomorrow's Job". The Crown Prosecution Service is considering this report and will submit it to me if it concludes that proceedings may be justified against any person for an offence requiring my consent.
Crown Prosecution Service Report
Mr. Madden: To ask Mr. Attorney General on what date the Crown Prosecution Service referred to him a report, concerning a printer, received by the Crown Prosecution Service last August from the Metropolitan police; and what action he is taking in this matter. [25988]
The Attorney-General: Papers relating to the case to which the hon. Member refers were submitted to me by the Crown Prosecution Service on 13 April 1995. I requested and am awaiting a more detailed analysis of the relevant material.
Red Watch"
Mr. Madden: To ask Mr. Attorney General when the Crown Prosecution Service received from the Metropolitan Police the third issue of "Red Watch"; and what action has been taken by the Crown Prosecution Service. [25989]
The Attorney-General: The publication "Red Watch" is a part of the "Combat 18" magazine issue No. 3. The Metropolitan police supplied the Crown Prosecution Service with a copy of that magazine on 20 January 1995, for information only. A police report and the evidence gathered in the investigation into the publication of "Combat 18" magazine issue No. 3 has been delivered to the Crown Prosecution Service on 6 April 1995 and a prosecution is under consideration.
Column 746
Disciplinary Proceedings
Mr. Straw: To ask the Attorney-General how many solicitors employed by the Crown Prosecution Service since 1987 have been the subject of disciplinary proceedings by the Law Society (a) before their employment with the Crown Prosecution Service commenced and (b) during their employment with the Crown Prosecution Service. [25994]
The Attorney-General: The information sought by the hon. Member could be definitively obtained only by a trawl of the personal files relating to all solicitors currently employed, as well as those previously employed. That exercise would involve disproportionate costs.
A review by the Department, with the assistance of the Law Society had identified (a) three solicitors who were the subject of disciplinary proceedings before their employment commenced with the Crown Prosecution Service, whom one remains in the employment of the Crown Prosecution Service, with the agreement of the Law Society. The other two ceased to be employed in 1989. The answer to (b) is that two solicitors have been the subject of disciplinary proceedings during their employment with the Crown Prosecution Service, but neither has had their practising certificate withdrawn. Both are still employed by the Crown Prosecution Service.
OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
Global Environment Facility
Mr. Dafis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who is Her Majesty's Government's representative on the council of the global environment facility; and what arrangements have been made for his or her accountability to Parliament. [24724]
Mr. Baldry: The executive director for the United Kingdom's constituency in the council of the Global Environment Facility is Mr. David Turner, head of environment policy department in the Overseas Development Administration. The Government are accountable to Parliament for expenditures under the global environmental assistance programme through the Minister for Overseas Development.
Countdown 2000
Sir David Steel: To ask the Secretary of Statefor Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plansthe Overseas Development Administration has toassist the Leprosy Mission for the Countdown 2000 campaign. [25876]
Mr. Baldry: The Overseas Development Administration is not directly involved in the Countdown 2000 campaign, but has supported the Leprosy Mission's work in developing countries for some years and will continue to do so. Current funding involves programmes in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Chad.
Family Planning
Mr. Alton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the amounts spent by the Overseas Development Administration in the overall sum spent on family planning on (a) advertising and information, (b) abortion and abortifacients,
Column 747
(c) barrier methods of contraception, (d) chemical methods of contraception and (e) sterilisation. [25310]Mr. Baldry [holding answer 22 May 1995]: The table lists the relevant bilateral commitments in 1994:
million Family planning |1994 Commitment component ------------------------------------------------------------ Abortion and abortifacients |nil Barrier methods (condoms) |3.339 Chemical (hormonal) methods |7.12 Notes: 1. Support for voluntary surgical contraception, as one of a variety of methods of contraception available, has been an element of commitments for projects in previous years. There were no such commitments in 1994. 2. All the projects in question provide information about family planning and the range of contraceptive methods available. Such information is provided as part of an overall service to clients and is not separately costed.
Mr. David Alton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what records his Department keeps of instances or reports of coercive family planning overseas. [25304]
Mr. Baldry [holding answer 22 May 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 23 May at column 514 .
NORTHERN IRELAND
Waste Disposal
11. Mr. William O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the future provision for waste disposal in Northern Ireland. [24631]
Sir John Wheeler: Arrangements for the disposal of waste will be determined by district councils, taking into account the specific needs of their areas, the costs to the community and the requirement for proper environmental safeguards.
Bodies (Information)
12. Mr. Barnes: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he raised with the Sinn Fein delegation in his bilateral talks the question of the fate of those killed by the Provisional IRA who are still unburied; and if he will make a statement. [24632]
Mr. Acnram: Yes. During yesterday's meeting in exploratory dialogue with Sinn Fein I raised this important issue and called upon it to use its influence to ensure that the families of the bereaved were given such information as the IRA had about their fate and the whereabouts of their bodies.
Peace Process
13. Mr. McFall: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made by the Secretary of State in his discussions with the Dublin Government on the peace process. [24633]
Mr. Ancram: My right hon. and learned Friend last met the Tanaiste at the intergovernmental conference in
Column 748
Dublin on 28 April; the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach met in the margins of the VE ceremonies in Moscow. On both occasions, the progress of the peace process and the right ways of advancing it were discussed.17. Mr. Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a further statement on the progress of the exploratory dialogue and substantive talks which he is conducting with political parties in Northern Ireland. [24637]
Mr. Ancram: Exploratory dialogue with the loyalists and Sinn Fein continue on the basis set out in the reply I gave the hon. Members for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) and for Falkirk, West (Mr. Canavan) earlier today.
As for substantive talks, my right hon. and learned Friend has invited the four main parties to discuss with him bilaterally the issues on which there would need to be agreement if there is to be a comprehensive settlement. So far, a meeting has been held with the Ulster Unionist party, and meetings with the alliance and SDLP are currently being arranged. The DUP has regrettably not responded formally to my right hon. and learned Friend's invitation--at least not at this stage.
19. Mr. Hain: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about latest progress in the peace negotiations. [24639]
Mr. Ancram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Members for Walsall, North, (Mr. Winnick) for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) and for Falkirk, West (Mr. Canavan) earlier today.
Irish Medium Schools
15. Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what new proposals he has to improve the work of Irish medium schools. [24635]
Mr. Ancram: Improvements in the work of Irish medium schools are primarily a matter for their boards of governors. All grant-aided Irish medium schools can avail themselves of the extensive curriculum advisory and support services provided by the education and library boards.
Northern Ireland-Scotland Co-operation
16. Mr. John D. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met the Secretary of State for Scotland to promote trade, tourism and greater co-operation between Northern Ireland and Scotland. [24636]
Sir John Wheeler: My right hon. and learned Friend meets the Secretary of State for Scotland frequently to discuss matters of common interest.
Private Lee Clegg
18. Sir Michael Neubert: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received
| Next Section
| Home Page |