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Departmental Performance

Ms Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what performance indicators and performance targets there are for measuring the performance of her 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.

Mr. Boswell: The Department has recently completed a review of its procedures for dealing with letters from members of the public. Enhanced performance targets are being set whereby 75 per cent. of all letters from members of the public should be responded to in three weeks and 100 per cent. in four weeks. Appropriate procedures for monitoring these new targets are currently being considered. Requests for general information are handled by a dedicated public inquiry unit. This unit aims to answer all letters within one week of receipt. In 1994, over 92 per cent. of replies met this target. The Department's switchboard operators have a target of answering 80 per cent. of calls within 20 seconds and 90 per cent. within 30 seconds. Performance is monitored on a monthly basis through automated call logging software. During 1994, 90 per cent. of calls were answered within 20 seconds, with 92 per cent. being answered within 30 seconds.


Column 12

Mathematics Standards

Mr. Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations she has received about declining standards of mathematics in schools.     [23155]

Mr. Forth: My right hon. Friend receives such representations from time to time. Among the actions taken to improve mathematics standards in schools has been the introduction of the national curriculum and its assessment. The revised curriculum, which takes effect in schools from September 1995, will contribute further to raising standards by increasing the emphasis on basic arithmetic skills.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Water Main Installations

Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what water main installations have taken place in the constituency of South Down since 1 April 1990 to 31 March 1995, and of these, what road reinstatements have taken place.     [25324]

Mr. Ancram: The water main schemes completed or under way between 1 April 1990 and 31 March 1995, and the road reinstatement position are as follows:


Water Main scheme               |Road reinstatement                                           

                                |position                                                     

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rathfriland Watermain           |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Replacement                   |  complete                                                   

Attical Supply Area             |Permanent reinstatement                                      

                                |  complete                                                   

Mayobridge Area Distribution    |Permanent reinstatement                                      

                                |  complete                                                   

Deechommed Distribution         |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Improvements                  |  complete                                                   

Dromore Watermain               |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Replacement                   |  complete                                                   

Newcastle Watermain             |Permanent reinstatement                                      

   Replacement                  |  complete                                                   

St. Patrick's Road Raholp       |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement         |  complete                                                   

Oldtown Lane Annalong           |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement         |  complete                                                   

Church Road Ballynahinch        |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Duplication of Watermain      |complete                                                     

  Replacement                                                                                 

Seaforde Watermain              |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Replacement                   |  complete                                                   

Drumaroad Hill, Watermain       |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Replacement                   |  complete                                                   

Auglisnafin Road Dundrum        |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Duplication of Watermain      |  complete                                                   

Downpatrick Road Crossgar       |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermains Replacement        |  complete                                                   

Pillar Hill Ballynahinch        |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Reinforcement of Distribution |  complete                                                   

  System                                                                                      

A24 Replacement Watermain       |Permanent reinstatement                                      

                                |  complete                                                   

Pound Lane Downpatrick          |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermains Replacement        |  complete                                                   

Castleward Road Strangford      |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement         |  complete                                                   

St. Patrick's Raholp            |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Stage 2 Upgrade                                                                             

Hillhead Outlet Main            |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Replacement                   |  complete                                                   

Carnreagh Road Guiness          |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

Coilly Hill Road Killyeagh      |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

Crawfordstown Road Drumaness    |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

Stewarts Road Annalong          |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement         |  complete                                                   

Anthony's Road Ballymartin      |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Extension           |  complete                                                   

Crossgar Road, Ballynahinch     |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

Tullykin Road, Killyeagh        |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

Hamiltons Folly Area            |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

Derryboye Road, Derryboye       |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

Ardtole Road, Ardglass          |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replace and         |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

Ballykine Replacement           |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement         |  complete                                                   

Bannaghan Road, Raholp          |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement         |  complete                                                   

Guiness Road, Hamiltons Folly   |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Replacement and Upgrade       |  complete                                                   

Manse Road, Raffrey             |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Replacement and Upgrade       |  complete                                                   

Middle Road, Saintfield         |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement         |  complete                                                   

Ringhaddy Road, Watermain       |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Replacement                   |  complete                                                   

Roughal Park, Downpatrick       |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

St. Patrick's Raholp Stage 3    |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

Tullybrannigan ST Outlet Main   |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Replacement Outlet Main       |  complete                                                   

Killyleagh Road, Darragh Cross  |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Replacement and     |  complete                                                   

  Upgrade                                                                                     

Audleystown Road Watermain      |Permanent reinstatement                                      

  Replacement                   |  complete                                                   

Rathfriland to Ballyroney Trunk |Permanent reinstatement under                                

  Main                          |  way                                                        

Knock Area Distribution         |Permanent reinstatement under                                

  Improvements                  |  way                                                        

Dromore Road, High Street,      |Permanent reinstatement almost                               

  Lisburn St. Ballynahinch.     |  complete                                                   

  Replacement and Upgrade                                                                     

  (Scheme underway)                                                                           

Dromore Road, Grove Road,       |Permanent reinstatement almost                               

  Ballynahinch Watermain        |  complete                                                   

  Replacement                                                                                 

Dundrum SR Outlet Main          |Permanent reinstatement under                                

  Replacement and Upgrade       |  way                                                        

Fofanny to Rathfriland Trunk    |Temporary reinstatement                                      

  Main                          |  complete                                                   

Knock to Tullymurry Trunk       |Temporary reinstatement                                      

  Main                          |  complete                                                   

Castlewellan Town Centre        |Temporary reinstatement                                      

  Mains Replacement             |  complete                                                   

Ballymacarn Road,               |Temporary reinstatement                                      

  Ballynahinch Watermain        |  complete                                                   

  Replacement (Scheme                                                                         

  underway)                                                                                   

Ballymaglave Road,              |Temporary reinstatement                                      

  Ballynahinch Watermain        |  complete                                                   

  Replacement (Scheme                                                                         

  underway)                                                                                   

Downpatrick Road,               |Temporary reinstatement                                      

  Ballynahinch Watermain        |  complete                                                   

  Replacement (Scheme                                                                         

  underway)                                                                                   

Downpatrick Town Centre         |Temporary reinstatement                                      

  Watermain Improvements        |  complete                                                   

  (Scheme underway)                                                                           

Ballyroney to Deechommed        |Temporary reinstatement under                                

  Trunk Main (Scheme            |  way                                                        

  underway)                                                                                   

Fofanny Area Distribution       |Temporary reinstatement under                                

  Improvements (Scheme          |  way                                                        

  underway)                                                                                   

In addition, various works for repairs and small diameter mains replacements have been undertaken. Information on these is not held centrally and would be available only at disproportionate cost.

Contracting Out

Ms Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what work has been contracted out (a) by his Department and (b) by agencies for which his Department is responsible in (i) 1993 94, (ii) 1994 95 and(iii) projected for 1995 96.     [25660]

Sir John Wheeler: The information requested is as follows:


                                                                  |Work contracted out                                              

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) Departments                                                                                                                     

Environment                      |1993-94                         |Public Record Office of                                          

                                                                  |  Northern Ireland Catering                                      

                                                                  |  Services.                                                      

                                                                  |Road Surface Dressing Work                                       

                                 |1994-95                         |General Road Maintenance                                         

                                                                  |  Activities                                                     

                                                                                                                                    

Health and Social                |1993-94                         |ICL MainFrame Computer                                           

  Services                                                        |  Services                                                       

                                                                                                                                    

Northern Ireland                 |1993-94                         |Maintenance of Hillsborough                                      

  Office                                                          |  Castle Grounds                                                 

                                                                  |Courier Service, Stormont                                        

                                                                  |  Castle                                                         

                                                                  |Prison Office Catering                                           

                                                                  |  Services at four Prison                                        

                                                                  |  Establishments, young                                          

                                                                  |  Offenders Centre and the                                       

                                                                  |  Prison Service College                                         

                                                                  |Air Charter                                                      

                                                                  |Ministerial cars                                                 

                                 |1994-95                         |Hillsborough Castle Estate                                       

                                                                  |  Management                                                     

                                                                  |Hillsborough Castle Facilities                                   

                                                                  |  Management                                                     

                                                                  |Key Persons Protection                                           

                                                                  |  Scheme                                                         

                                                                  |Air Charter                                                      

                                                                  |Ministerial cars                                                 

                                                                  |Office cleaning                                                  

                                                                                                                                    

                                 |1995-96                         |Air Charter                                                      

                                                                  |Ministerial cars                                                 

                                                                  |Office cleaning                                                  

                                                                  |Security                                                         

                                                                  |Civilian search arrangements                                     

                                                                                                                                    

(b) Agencies                                                                                                                        

Child Support Agency             |1993-94                         |Facilities Management                                            

                                                                  |Catering                                                         

                                                                  |Typing                                                           

                                                                  |Telephonists                                                     

                                                                  |Receptionists                                                    

                                                                  |Cleaning                                                         

                                                                  |Security                                                         

                                                                  |Post-Opening                                                     

                                                                  |Messengerial                                                     

                                                                  |Porterage                                                        

                                                                  |Handyman                                                         

                                 |1994-95                         |In addition to the services                                      

                                                                  |  contracted out in 1993-94                                      

                                                                  |  the following services have                                    

                                                                  |  also been contracted out:                                      

                                                                  |Reprographic                                                     

                                                                  |Stationery Store                                                 

                                                                  |Off-Site File Store                                              

                                 |1995-96                         |It is proposed that the services                                 

                                                                  |  contracted out in 1993-94                                      

                                                                  |  and 1994-95 will also be                                       

                                                                  |  contracted out in 1995-96                                      

                                                                                                                                    

Compensation agency              |1994-95                         |Prior options study.                                             

In 1995 96, a number of work areas in the Northern Ireland Departments and agencies are being market tested but is not known if this will result in any work being contracted out.

Staff

Ms Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, (1) what changes there have been in the number of staff in employment by grade in (i) the Northern Ireland Office and (ii) each agency for which the Northern Ireland Office is responsible in (a) 1993 94 and (b) 1994 95; and what are the projected figures for 1995 96;     [25424]

(2) what changes there have been in the number of staff employed by (a) his office and (b) each agency for which his office is responsible in (i) 1993 94 and (ii) 1994 95; and what are the projected figures for 1995 96;     [25557]

(3) how many staff of (a) the Northern Ireland Office and (b) agencies for which the Northern Ireland Office is responsible were employed on a casual or short-term basis in (i) 1993 94 and (ii) 1994 95; and what are the projected figures for 1995 96.     [25502]

Sir John Wheeler: The numbers of permanent and casual staff employed by the Northern Ireland Office and each of its executive agencies in 1993 94, projected outturn for 1994 95 and plans for 1995 96 are published in "Northern Ireland Ependiture Plans and Priorities", copy of which is available in the Library of the House. No projections broken down by grade are available.

Abortion

Mr. Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Government expect to take a decision on the recommendations made by the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights pertaining to the abortion law in Northern Ireland.     [23571]


Column 16

Mr. Ancram: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Under- Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridgeshire, North- East (Mr. Moss) to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan) on 24 May, Official Report , column 627 .

Consultants

Ms Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the level of expenditure on consultancy by (a) his office and (b) agencies for which his office is responsible for (i) 1993 94, (ii) 1994 95 and (iii) projected for 1995 96.     [25646]

Sir John Wheeler: The information is as follows:


                         |1993-94 |1994-95 |1995-96          

                         |Outturn |Outturn |Estimate         

                         |£       |£       |£                

-------------------------------------------------------------

Compensation Agency      |2,055   |355     |1,000            

Northern Ireland Prison                                      

  Service                |n/a     |n/a     |36,000           

Rest of Northern Ireland                                     

  Office                 |164,364 |382,764 |68,000           

                                                             

Total                    |166,419 |383,119 |105,000          

Note:                                                        

The Northern Ireland Prison Service did not become an agency 

until 1 April 1995.                                          

Local Government Employees

Mr. Clifford Forsythe: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the public service offices, other than local government offices, and the number of persons employed in such offices in (a) Antrim borough council and (b) Magherafelt district council in (i) January 1992, (ii) January 1993, (iii) January 1994 and (iv) January 1995.     [25400]

Sir John Wheeler: The information requested is as follows:


                                  |January|January|January|January        

Office                            |1992   |1993   |1994   |1995           

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) Antrim Borough Council                                                

Department of the Environment                                             

Caulside, New Lodge                                                       

  Road, Antrim<1>                 |9      |9      |9      |9              

Ferrard, Railway Street,                                                  

  Antrim<1>                       |5      |5      |4      |5              

Church Street, Antrim<1>          |3      |4      |8      |nil            

Fountain Street, Antrim<1>        |2      |2      |2      |2              

Steeple Road Industrial                                                   

  Estate, Antrim<1>               |25     |26     |18     |19             

Crown Buildings, Castle                                                   

  Street, Antrim                  |nil    |nil    |nil    |8              

Roads Service, Station                                                    

  Road, Antrim                    |44     |43     |42     |37             

Water Executive,                                                          

  Steeple Road                                                            

  Industrial Estate,                                                      

  Antrim                          |44     |38     |37     |36             

Department of Economic                                                    

  Development                                                             

Training and                                                              

  Employment Agency,                                                      

  Antrim                          |15     |16     |18     |18             

Industrial Development                                                    

  Board, Regional                                                         

  Office                          |4      |5      |5      |nil            

Department of Finance                                                     

  and Personnel                                                           

Antrim Social Security                                                    

  Office                          |nil    |nil    |nil    |1              

Department of Health                                                      

  and Social Security                                                     

Antrim Social Security                                                    

  Office                          |93     |100    |94     |87             

Contribution Unit, North                                                  

  Area (based in Antrim                                                   

  SSO)                            |11     |16     |16     |17             

Child Support Agency,                                                     

  Antrim                          |-      |-      |6      |7              

Department of Agriculture                                                 

Crown Buildings, Castle                                                   

  Street, Antrim                  |5      |6      |6      |6              

Forest Office, Slemish                                                    

  Forest                          |7      |7      |7      |6              

Greenmount College of                                                     

  Agriculture and                 |106    |106    |105    |99             

  Horticulture, Antrim<1>         |51     |52     |46     |42             

                                                                          

(b) Magherafelt District Council                                          

Department of the Environment                                             

Section Office, Station                                                   

  Road, Magherafelt<1>            |7      |10     |10     |6              

Crown Buildings,                                                          

  Station Road,                                                           

  Magherafelt<1>                  |nil    |nil    |11     |10             

Queens Avenue,                                                            

  Magherafelt<1>                  |nil    |nil    |nil    |8              

Magherafelt District                                                      

  Council, Ballyronan                                                     

  Road, <>                                                                

  Magherafelt<1>                  |nil    |nil    |nil    |1              

Water Executive, Station                                                  

  Road, Magherafelt               |41     |40     |38     |34             

Roads Service, Station                                                    

  Road, Magherafelt               |41     |40     |38     |34             

Department of Economic                                                    

  Development                                                             

Training and                                                              

  Employment Agency,                                                      

  Magherafelt                     |14     |15     |15     |14             

Training Unit,                                                            

  Castledawson                    |2      |nil    |nil    |nil            

Department of Health                                                      

  and Social Services                                                     

Magherafelt, Social                                                       

  Security Office                 |77     |79     |73     |76             

Department of Agriculture                                                 

Rainey Street,                                                            

  Magherafelt                     |16     |17     |17     |18             

Forest Office,                                                            

  Derrynoyd                       |8      |9      |11     |11             

<1> Figures apply to non-industrial staff in months of April.             

Inward Investment

Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the location of the inward investment projects promoted by the Industrial Development Board between 1 April 1990 and 31 March 1995 indicating the financial amounts in respect of each project.     [25926]

Mr. Ancram: The inward investment projects secured by the IDB between 1 April 1990 and 31 March 1995 are set out. The 1994 95 figures do not include three investments for which formal announcements have still to be agreed with the companies. These investments total £16.8 million against which £5.8 million has been offered to secure 415 jobs.


Column 18


Inward Investment Projects: 1990 to 1995                                                                        

Company Name                                                                                                    

Country of Ownership                                                                                            

                                                                                                                

                            |Assistance          |Investment          |
                                        

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1990-91                                                                                                         

G C McKeown & Co (NI)       |39                  |465                 |1,152                                    

  Ltd                                                                                                           

ROI                                                                                                             

Antrim                                                                                                          

Computer Software                                                                                               

                                                                                                                

Webtech (NI) Ltd            |63                  |867                 |2,571                                    

ROI                                                                                                             

Enniskillen                                                                                                     

Flexible Packaging                                                                                              

                                                                                                                

National Inspection Council |7                   |30                  |87                                       

Quality Assurance Ltd                                                                                           

GB                                                                                                              

Ballymena                                                                                                       

Certification and                                                                                               

  Registration of Company                                                                                       

  Management Systems                                                                                            

                                                                                                                

Avery Label (Northern       |12                  |161                 |595                                      

Ireland) Ltd                                                                                                    

GB                                                                                                              

Belfast                                                                                                         

Self-Adhesive Labels                                                                                            

                                                                                                                

Delwyn Enterprises T/A      |22                  |206                 |718                                      

  Yardmaster, International                                                                                     

France                                                                                                          

Draperstown                                                                                                     

Metal Garden Sheds                                                                                              

                                                                                                                

Inland Revenue              |410                 |none                |not known                                

GB                                                                                                              

Belfast                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                

Her Majesty's Customs and   |100                 |none                |not known                                

Excise                                                                                                          

GB                                                                                                              

Newry                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                

Child Support Agency        |500                 |none                |not known                                

GB                                                                                                              

Belfast                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                

1991-92                                                                                                         

Vision Information          |32                  |90                  |317                                      

  Consulting Ltd                                                                                                

ROI                                                                                                             

Belfast                                                                                                         

Design and Development of                                                                                       

Software                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                

Audio Processing            |12                  |114                 |441                                      

  Technology Ltd                                                                                                

GB                                                                                                              

Belfast                                                                                                         

Establishment of a Facility                                                                                     

for a Music Coding System                                                                                       

                                                                                                                

The Prudential Assurance    |36                  |227                 |812                                      

  Co Ltd                                                                                                        

GB                                                                                                              

Belfast                                                                                                         

Transfer and Processing of                                                                                      

  Life Assurance Claims                                                                                         

                                                                                                                

Royal Mail                  |300                 |none                |not known                                

GB                                                                                                              

Belfast                                                                                                         

Customs and Excise          |40                  |none                |not known                                

GB                                                                                                              

Londonderry and                                                                                                 

  Enniskillen                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                

Chambernet                  |3                   |none                |not known                                

GB                                                                                                              

Belfast                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                

Mari Group                  |7                   |none                |not known                                

GB                                                                                                              

Belfast                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                

1992-93                                                                                                         

Fulcrum Communications      |60                  |821                 |2,107                                    

  Ltd                                                                                                           

GB                                                                                                              

Antrim                                                                                                          

Maintenance and Repair of                                                                                       

  Telecom Equipment                                                                                             

                                                                                                                

Fruit of the Loom           |409                 |9,895               |38,000                                   

  Manufacturing Co Ltd                                                                                          

USA                                                                                                             

Londonderry                                                                                                     

Textile Products                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

CFM Group Ltd               |150                 |3,018               |7,533                                    

GB                                                                                                              

Establishment of a Data                                                                                         

  Centre and Software                                                                                           

  Centre                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                

Daesung Circuits Ltd        |120                 |2,020               |4,954                                    

Republic of S Korea                                                                                             

Ballymena                                                                                                       

Printed Circuit Boards                                                                                          

                                                                                                                

Pan European Textiles Ltd   |500                 |14,085              |51,109                                   

Indonesia                                                                                                       

Antrim                                                                                                          

Manufacture of Micro                                                                                            

  Denier Fabrics                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

Polystar (Ireland) Ltd      |25                  |200                 |577                                      

ROI                                                                                                             

Omagh                                                                                                           

Phenolic and Polyurethane                                                                                       

  Insulation Products                                                                                           

                                                                                                                

McKechnie (UK) Ltd          |21                  |303                 |896                                      

GB                                                                                                              

Newtownard                                                                                                      

Fuel Line Components                                                                                            

                                                                                                                

AVM Telecom Ltd             |19                  |139                 |531                                      

GB                                                                                                              

Londonderry                                                                                                     

Customised Software                                                                                             

                                                                                                                

Seagate Technology          |506                 |20,003              |60,852                                   

  (Ireland)                                                                                                     

USA                                                                                                             

Londonderry                                                                                                     

Magnetic Recording                                                                                              

  Components                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                

Norfil                      |100                 |none                |not known                                

Indonesia                                                                                                       

Antrim                                                                                                          

Micro Denier Filament                                                                                           

  Yarn                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                

1993-94                                                                                                         

CCA Electronic Ltd.         |257                 |4,360               |9,460                                    

Republic of South Korea                                                                                         

Dungannon                                                                                                       

In Car Entertainment                                                                                            

  Systems                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                

The Training & Business     |29                  |150                 |312                                      

  Group (Overseas) Ltd.                                                                                         

GB                                                                                                              

Newry                                                                                                           

Training and Employment                                                                                         

  Service                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                

BCO Technologies            |347                 |6,581               |15,139                                   

  (Northern Ireland) Ltd.                                                                                       

USA                                                                                                             

West Belfast                                                                                                    

Silicon Wafer Products and                                                                                      

  Services                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                

CFM Group Ltd.              |70                  |1,198               |5,820                                    

GB                                                                                                              

Belfast and Whiteabbey                                                                                          

Data and Software                                                                                               

  Operations                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                

Charles Bell (1963) Ltd.    |10                  |130                 |425                                      

ROI                                                                                                             

Belfast                                                                                                         

Window Blinds                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                

Valence Technology BVIO     |660                 |25,625              |147,200                                  

USA                                                                                                             

Mallusk                                                                                                         

Batteries                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                

MKF (United Kingdom)        |100                 |2,815               |10,440                                   

  Ltd.                                                                                                          

Germany                                                                                                         

Newry                                                                                                           

PVC Film                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                

Seagate Technology          |46                  |1,581               |3,514                                    

  (Ireland)                                                                                                     

USA                                                                                                             

Londonderry                                                                                                     

Magnetic recording                                                                                              

  components                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                

Benelux Manufacturing       |314                 |10,440              |36,600                                   

  (NI) Ltd.                                                                                                     

Hong Kong                                                                                                       

Limavady                                                                                                        

CD jewel boxes                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                

Daewoo Electronics UK       |250                 |5,960               |17,000                                   

  Ltd.                                                                                                          

Republic of Korea                                                                                               

Antrim                                                                                                          

Deck mechanisms                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                

CIS Data Ltd.               |212                 |4,739               |12,954                                   

Taiwan                                                                                                          

Belfast                                                                                                         

Floppy Discs                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                

1994-95                                                                                                         

Transtec Foundries Ltd.     |181                 |4,518               |14,946                                   

GB                                                                                                              

Campsie                                                                                                         

Die Casting for the                                                                                             

  automotive industry                                                                                           

                                                                                                                

ABC Laboratories (Europe)   |60                  |1,085               |2,937                                    

  Ltd.                                                                                                          

USA                                                                                                             

Coleraine                                                                                                       

Contract Laboratory                                                                                             

  Services                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                

Daehwa Metal (UK) Ltd       |240                 |2,928               |7,004                                    

South Korea                                                                                                     

Antrim                                                                                                          

Metal Parts for Electronics                                                                                     

  Industry                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                

Real Software (NI) Ltd      |9                   |138                 |310                                      

Belgium                                                                                                         

Antrim                                                                                                          

Software Design and                                                                                             

  Support                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                

Daewoo Electro              |255                 |3,816               |9,218                                    

  Components UK Ltd.                                                                                            

South Korea                                                                                                     

Carrickfergus                                                                                                   

Electronic Tuners                                                                                               

                                                                                                                

Radix Telecom Ltd.          |509                 |4,676               |19,084                                   

South Korea                                                                                                     

Craigavon                                                                                                       

Satellite Video Receivers                                                                                       

                                                                                                                

Seagate Technology          |300                 |11,200              |60,026                                   

  (Ireland)                                                                                                     

USA                                                                                                             

Londonderry                                                                                                     

Magnetic Recording                                                                                              

  Components                                                                                                    

Irish Sea (Conservation)

Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the implications of the proposals in respect of the designation of special areas of conservation in the fishing grounds of the Irish sea.     [25925]

Mr. Ancram: Two sites on the Irish sea have been proposed as qualifying for designation as special areas of conservation under the EU habitats directive, at Murlough and Strangford lough.

There will be no practical implications for fishing interests arising from the designation of Murlough.

Strangford lough has been selected because of its internationally important marine life. The Department is content that the proposed designation of Strangford lough


Column 22

will not have any implications for the fishing industry apart from those imposed through the regulation of fishing and fish farming by the Department of Agriculture, and those arising from the proposed designation of the lough as a marine nature reserve.

Local Government Wards

Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the 55 electoral wards which have now been designated.     [25933]

Mr. Ancram: Northern Ireland has a total of 582 local government wards. These were last designated following a review of local government ward boundaries in 1992. It is not clear which of these designated wards comprise the 55 to which the hon. Gentleman refers.

Public Bodies

Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following the report prepared by Gray and Heenan of the University of Ulster in relation to the system of public appointments in Northern Ireland, what action he will take to make the system more open, accessible and accountable; and if he will make a statement.     [25943]

Sir John Wheeler: The system of appointments to public bodies in Northern Ireland is already open and accessible in that any member of the public can apply to have his or her name included on the central database which is maintained to assist Departments identify suitable people for appointments. The Government plan to make publicly available in the near future their guidelines to the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments on public appointments procedures.

Public bodies are accountable to Ministers, who in turn are answerable to Parliament for the degree of independence, the usefulness, effectiveness and efficiency of non-departmental public bodies. With regard to financial accountability of public bodies, the Government are accountable to the Public Accounts Committee for their expenditure on these bodies, and they for their part are required to submit to proper audit.

Sinn Fein (Benefits)

Mr. Wilshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of the representatives of Sinn Fein who are currently engaged in talks with Her Majesty's Government are currently in receipt of state financial benefits.     [26509]

Mr. Moss: Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Alec Wylie. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from Alec Wylie to Mr. David Wilshire, dated24 May 1995: I have been asked to reply to your recent question about members of Sinn Fein.

I should first explain that information on a person's entitlement to social security benefits, including whether or not they are claiming or getting benefit, is confidential. I am therefore unable to comment on individual cases. However, I can assure you that all claims to benefit are assessed and regularly reviewed by independent adjudication officers, strictly in accordance with social security law and payment is made only where there is valid entitlement.

I hope this letter sets out the position for you.


Column 23

GP Fundholders

Mr. Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what external legal advice has been received in respect of parliamentary approval for the payment of practice management expenses by GP fundholders.     [27017]

Mr. Moss: No external legal advice has been received. My Department's legal advisers are at present considering what, if any, action needs to be taken on this matter in Northern Ireland. I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as the position has been clarified.

Metal-framed Windows

Mr. John D. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much the Housing Executive's recent plan to replace metal window frames with wooden frames on a needs only basis has cost; how much it is anticipated the full replacement course will cost; and for what reasons the scheme was upgraded from needs only to a full replacement programme.     [27359]

Mr. Moss: This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I have been advised by the chief executive that the Executive adopted a policy to replace all metal-framed windows with wooden frames over a five-year period, in April 1994. Prior to this, metal-framed windows were replaced on a needs only basis, but information about how much the Housing Executive expended in this connection is not available. It is estimated that the full replacement course will cost £30 million over the five-year period. The reasons for the change in policy were the age and condition of the metal framed windows and the concerns expressed by tenants.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Mr. John D. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many sufferers of myalgic encephalomyelitis there are in Northern Ireland; and what proposals there are to provide a specialist clinic for ME patients.     [27360]

Mr. Moss: The number of people in Northern Ireland currently diagnosed as having myalgic encephalomyelitis, a condition being increasingly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome, is not known. There are no proposals at present to establish a ME clinic in Northern Ireland.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

Translation Facilities

Mr. Flynn: To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee what facilities are available for translating proceedings of the House in Committee Rooms and in the Chamber from English into other languages.

Mr. Waller: Equipment, including interpreter booths, which enable simultaneous translation from English into other languages, can be provided for use in committee rooms. The Chamber is equipped with a single-channel system which enables simultaneous translation from English to one other language to be provided for up to 24 visitors in the Galleries.


Column 24

PRIME MINISTER

VJ Day

Dr. Godman: To ask the Prime Minister if he will re-define VJ day as VP day, victory in the Pacific; and if he will make a statement.     [26157]

The Prime Minister: No.

Churchill Papers

Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister on which occasions the Churchill papers were offered for sale to the Government.     [26843]

The Prime Minister: I cannot answer for previous Administrations. A formal offer of sale was made by the current trustees in 1991.

Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will instruct the national heritage fund to put the Churchill papers up for public tender without reservation.     [26846]

The Prime Minister: No. The papers which constitute the Churchill archive are now the property of the Sir Winston Churchill archive trust, a charitable trust set up for the purpose of preserving the archive intact for the nation.

Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister what consideration he gave when deciding whether the Official Secrets Acts covered the Churchill papers in the case of Peter Wright; and if he will make a statement.     [26862]

The Prime Minister: The case to which the hon. Member refers has little or no relevance to the question of the applicability of the Official Secrets Acts to the Churchill papers.

Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister if the national heritage fund is free to sell private papers acquired from the Churchill family; and what evidence he has as to their current market value, taking into account the copyright provisions.     [26861]

The Prime Minister: The private papers sold by the Churchill family were bought on behalf of the specially constituted Sir Winston Churchill archive trust through the money allocated from the heritage lottery fund by the national heritage memorial fund. The only way the trust could dispose of the papers would be with the consent of the trustees of the national heritage memorial fund. As trustees of a charitable trust, they may not, in any case, dispose of the permanent endowment of the trust without the consent of the Charity Commissioners or of the courts. The independent advice on the value of the papers which the national heritage memorial fund received took into account the intended arrangements as to copyright ownership.

Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will take impartial professional advice as to the open market value, subject to the existing restrictions on copyright, of the private papers purchased by the national heritage fund from the Churchill family;     [26867]

(2) what account was taken of the value of the copyright when estimating the amount which might have been paid by purchasers of the Churchill memoirs.     [27340]

The Prime Minister: The independent advice on the value of the papers which the national heritage memorial fund received took into account the intended arrangements as to copyright ownership.


Column 25

Ministers's Official Broadcasts

Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister if drafts of Ministers' official broadcasts are classified as official papers.     [26844]

The Prime Minister: If such drafts are created or acquired by Ministers by virtue of their office, they would be official papers.

Living Standards

Mr. Austin-Walker: To ask the Prime Minister what is his policy in respect of the state funding improvements in individuals living standards in old age.     [26901]

The Prime Minister: Our policy on pensions remains unchanged. We will maintain the value of the basic state pension by increasing it in line with prices, encourage personal responsibility for additional pension provision through occupational and personal pensions and target extra resources on those with low incomes.

Housing Benefit

Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Prime Minister what provisions his Department has made to ensure that accommodation designed to provide care and support for vulnerable residents and those at risk, is fully covered under the proposed changes to housing benefit.     [26537]

The Prime Minister: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security has recently received the report of the Social Security Advisory Committee following its public consultation on the proposed changes to housing benefit. He will be considering carefully the position of sheltered and supported housing under the changes as part of the response to the report.

Ministerial Documents

Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister what classes of document relating directly or indirectly to the performance by Ministers and officials of their duties are still regarded as state papers which cannot be sold for personal gain by Ministers and officials.     [26532]

The Prime Minister: Papers which are created or acquired by Ministers or officials, or other Crown servants, by virtue of the office they hold under, or in their service to, the Crown, are regarded as state papers which should not be sold for personal gain. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 4 May 1995, Official Report, columns 281 82 in respect of the convention relating to papers taken away by Prime Ministers on leaving office.

Local Education Authorities

Mr. Redmond: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 25 April, Official Report, column 65, where in the current edition of "Social Trends" can be found the information that education authorities employ two administrators for every three teachers; and if he will make a statement.     [26897]

The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Mr. Fisher), on 27 April, Official Report, column 613.


Column 26

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Retirements and Redundancies

Ms Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people in (a) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and (b) agencies for which the FCO is responsible (i) took early retirement, (ii) took voluntary redundancy, (iii) took compulsory redundancy and (iv) were retired on medical grounds in (1) 1993 94 and (2) 1994 95; and what are the projected figures for 1995 96.     [25481]

Mr. Goodlad: The information is as follows:


Foreign and Commonwealth Office                                   

           |Early     |Voluntary |Compulsory|Medical              

           |retirement|redundancy|redundancy|retirement           

------------------------------------------------------------------

1993-94    |63        |30        |0         |13                   

1994-95    |134       |52        |0         |14                   

1995-96    |69        |7         |<1>40     |1                    

<1> Of these 40 redundancies it is not possible at this stage to  

state whether they will be voluntary or compulsory.               


B

Overseas Development Administration and the                       

Natural Resources Institute                                       

           |Early     |Voluntary |Compulsory|Medical              

           |retirement|redundancy|redundancy|retirement           

------------------------------------------------------------------

1993-94    |5         |0         |0         |5                    

1994-95    |2         |0         |49        |4                    

1995-96    |3         |<1>186    |0         |2                    

<1> This includes 130 targeted voluntary redundancies from the    

Natural Resources Institute.                                      

GCHQ

Mr. Campbell-Savours: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for security arising out of privatising individual services at GCHQ.     [26454]

Mr. Hurd: GCHQ has used outside contractors on sensitive work in the past and the plan to contract certain logistic and engineering services to outside companies does not introduce any new security dimension. The procedures for security vetting announced in the House by the Prime Minister on 15 December 1994, Official Report , columns 764 66 , will be applied by GCHQ as in Government generally so that we can be assured of the reliability of the personnel of the successful tendering company.

Mr. Campbell-Savours: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment Regulations) 1981 would apply to employees transferred under programmes of privatisation at GCHQ.     [26456]

Mr. Hurd: If the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment Regulations) 1981 are deemed to apply, any employees transferred to a contractor would retain their existing contracts of employment. Any subsequent change to the contracts would be a matter for negotiation between the contractor and employees concerned. If there is no transfer of undertakings in accordance with these regulations, any employees leaving GCHQ as a result of outsourcing would have their existing contracts terminated on redundancy grounds, with payment of appropriate compensation. It would be for the contractor


Column 27

to decide whether to recruit any ex-GCHQ staff and what their terms of employment should be.

Mr. Campbell-Savours: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what proposals he has for the privatisation of individual services at GCHQ;     [26453]

(2) to what extent privatisation of individual services at GCHQ will include contracts for employees providing (a) greater and (b) reduced employment rights relative to those enjoyed by existing GCHQ directly employed staff.     [26455]

Mr. Hurd: None. In accordance with Government White Papers concerning the Government sector providing value for money, on 23 March 1995 the director of GCHQ announced proposals to outsource GCHQ's logistics and engineering services. There are no plans for further outsourcing at the moment.

Government of Sudan

Mr. Worthington: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions the Government of Sudan have breached the ceasefire negotiated in that country by President Carter; and what assessment he has made of the consequences of these breaches.     [27327]

Mr. Douglas Hogg: Despite violations by all sides, the two-month ceasefire agreed on 28 March helped to reduce military activity in southern Sudan, and to facilitate the Carter Centre Guinea Worm campaign. We welcome the decision of the Sudanese Government, and at least one southern faction, to extend the ceasefire to late July.

East Timor

Mrs. Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 6 December 1994 to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr. Corbyn), Official Report , column 172, what were the reasons for the two Jakarta embassy staff visits to East Timor in May 1993; and why it was necessary to make two separate visits in that month.     [27347]

Mr. Goodlad: The visits were made to attend sessions of the trial of the fretilin leader, Xanana Gusmao.

HEALTH

NHS Staff Breaks

Mr. Alex Carlile: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to ensure that NHS staff receive statutory breaks.     [25930]

Mr. Malone: Staff management matters, such as the observance of statutory breaks in the working day, are the responsibility of employing authorities and national health service trusts as autonomous employers. Like other employers, they are expected to observe any statutory requirements.

GP Referrals

Mr. Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information her Department has on the extent of the referral of patients to accident and emergency departments by (a) fundholding practices and (b) non -fundholding practices; and what differences there are between (a) and (b) .     [26283]


Column 28

Mr. Malone: This information is not available centrally.

NHS Trusts

Mr. Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will place in the Library a list of the contracts for hospital and health services awarded so far under the competitive tendering process by each NHS trust in England.     [26071]

Mr. Sackville: A list of contracts for clinical services awarded after competitive tender by national health service trusts in England from 1 April 1993, as notified to the NHS executive's market-testing database, will be placed in the Library.

Mrs. Beckett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which national health service trusts have formed commercial companies; how many trusts have set up joint businesses with private companies; what guidelines regulate such activity; and if she will make astatement.     [25314]

Mr. Sackville: Guidance to national health service trusts on the setting up of companies limited by share or guarantee is given in TEL (93)4, copies of which are available in the Library, and in the NHS trusts finance manual. We are aware that Hillingdon NHS trust has been involved in setting up a private limited company. Guidance on joint venture arrangements is given in FDL(93)3, FDL (93)33 and FDL (93)61, copies of which are available in the Library. Information on NHS trusts which have entered into joint venture arrangements is not available centrally.

Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice she gives to NHS trusts concerning the advisability of purchasing without prior planning permission, property proposed to be used for medical purposes including out-patient treatment.     [26954]

Mr. Sackville: Guidance to national health service trusts about land and property matters was given in the Estatecode series, in a document entitled "Property Transactions-a Management Guide for NHS Trusts". This was distributed with EPL (94)36, and copies are available in the Library.

Mr. Spearing: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the notional value she has assigned to the capital assets of the Newham Healthcare NHS Trust for each year since its inception, together with the related 6 per cent., or less, payment she has received; what reduction in asset value she would expect from the sale of St. Andrews hospital, Bromley -by-Bow; and what is the likely reduction such a sale would make in the annual payments mentioned above.     [26383]


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