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OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
Former Yugoslavia
Mr. Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance is provided to help people who have fled from the former Yugoslavia to return to their country of origin; what discussions have taken place within (a) the EU and (b) the UN on developing a repatriation programme; and if he will make it his policy to give priority to the repatriation of skilled workers and smallholders. [21495]
Mr. Hanley: Following the Dayton agreement, the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, is collaborating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, in regular consultation with the EC and member states, on a comprehensive return, repatriation and re-development programme. It has been agreed that the emphasis should now be on the return of individuals with the necessary skills to assist in the general rehabilitation and reconstruction of the region. The UK is currently considering contributing a further grant towards this return of talent. The return of nationals for the former Yugoslavia who came to the UK under Government auspices will be assisted financially through the IOM.
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TRADE AND INDUSTRY
Oil and Gas Exploration
Mrs. Ray Michie: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to evaluate the advantages of laying a submarine pipeline to the new Atlantic oil fields; whom he plans to consult in the near future on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [21200]
Mr. Page: My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy has encouraged and continues to encourage, the oil and gas industry to consider this issue. At present, it is clear that recoverable reserves in the area are insufficient to justify the laying of a submarine pipeline. The position is under constant review.
Genetic Information
Mr. Alton: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to legislate for total genetic privacy; what studies he has made of American statutes to safeguard genetic read-outs and their applicability in the United Kingdom; what measures he proposes in respect of the insurance implications of genetic testing; and if he will make a statement. [21649]
Mr. Ian Taylor: Government policy on genetic privacy and the insurance implications of genetic testing were set out in Cm 3061, published on 10 January 1996. This responded to the Select Committee on Science and Technology's report on "Human Genetics: the Science and its Consequences", Session 1994-95, No. 41. Copies of both documents are available in the Library of the House.
The Government's response took account of developments overseas. As a result of differences in its basic health care system, however, direct parallels with the United States are difficult to draw.
In the light of further discussions with the Select Committee, the Government have said that they will consider whether there is a need for an additional trans-departmental mechanism to look at broader issues raised by human genetics. I have also met representatives of the Association of British Insurers to urge that their dialogue with geneticists and other interested parties continues in as open a manner as possible.
Mr. Malcolm Bruce:
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the present level of expenditure on research and development into nuclear power; and what are the planned levels for 1996-97 and 1997-98. [21254]
Mr. Eggar:
The DIT's provision for funding nuclear research and development is set out in the annual Supply estimates published each March by HM Treasury. The estimates give details for the present and coming financial years only. Drawimg on the details given in the Supply estimates published in March 1995, the total provision for DTI funded nuclear research and development for 1994-95 was £26,313,000 and for 1995-96 is £25,556,000. This includes provision for research and development work on safety and health, fusion, safeguards and also for research and development into decommissioning and radioactive waste management, which is listed separately in the estimates. Full details of nuclear research and
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development funding provision for 1996-97 will be published very shortly in the March 1996 Supply estimates. A similar level of funding for nuclear research and development is planned for 1997-98. These future plans were set out in "Trade and Industry 1995: the Government's expenditure plans for 1995-96 to 1997-98", which was published in March 1995, Cm 2804.
The majority of UK nuclear research and development into nuclear safety is carried out within a programme funded by the nuclear industry and co-ordinated by the Health and Safety Executive on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission. In 1995-96, the budget for this programme is £26,300,000. The budget for 1996-97 is expected to be at a similar level.
Mrs. Lait:
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consideration he is giving to a code of practice for grant consultants; and if he will make a statement. [20327]
Mr. Page:
I support the idea of a code of practice for grant consultants, and welcome any private sector initiative that provides a commitment to raising standards and makes it easier for businesses to identify bona fide consultants. One small business organisation has approached me on the subject already.
Many information brokers in the UK have now adopted a European code of conduct known as EIRENE--European information researchers network--which lays down the basic principles of responsible research and information provision.
Mr. Andrew Smith:
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial assistance was provided by the Government for exports to Iraq during 1990-91. [21153]
Mr. Nelson
[holding answer 18 March 1996]: Prior to the invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the Export Credits Guarantee Department provided cover in 1990-91 for £112 million of UK exports to Iraq.
Executive Action
Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those areas of executive action where he has discretion to act in respect of an individual without giving reasons for his decision. [20536]
Sir John Wheeler: In the absence of express statutory requirement within the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments, there is no general duty to give reasons for administrative decisions. However, as a matter of good administrative practice, including compliance with the code of practice on access to Government information, coupled with the fact that a failure to give reasons may provide grounds on which a decision may be challenged by judicial review, reasons are given where it is appropriate to do so.
Independent Tribunal Service
Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the annual financial cost of the
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provision of appellant medical records for disability appeal tribunals run by the independent tribunal service, Northern Ireland. [20514]
Mr. Moss: The costs for the provision of appellant medical records for disability appeal tribunals are subsumed in the overall financial cost of the independent tribunal service and no separate records are maintained.
Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current financial cost of the
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independent tribunal service, Northern Ireland; what was the cost in each financial year between 1990 and 1995; and if he will provide a breakdown of costs. [20515]
Mr. Moss: A breakdown of costs which are directly attributable to the independent tribunal service is included in the accompanying table. It does not include certain centrally borne costs such as those for finance and personnel or printing and stationery.
Figures for 1990-91 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
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| 1995-96 estimate | 1994-95 actual | 1993-94 actual | 1992-93 actual | 1991-92 actual | 1990-91 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Salaries | 1,489,350 | 1,052,325 | 901,056 | 691,021 | 548,304 | -- |
| Adjudication | 1,345,350 | 834,444 | 557,732 | 408,800 | 394,509 | -- |
| Accommodation | 380,663 | 390,056 | 291,833 | 179,937 | 171,583 | -- |
| Other costs | 115,300 | 100,563 | 87,505 | 80,849 | 51,002 | -- |
| Total | 3,330,663 | 2,377,388 | 1,838,126 | 1,360,607 | 1,165,398 | -- |
| Capital | 53,792 | 148,698 | 235,951 | 0 | 0 | -- |
| Grand total | 3,384,455 | 2,526,086 | 2,074,077 | 1,360,607 | 1,165,398 | -- |
Other costs include travel, postage, telecom, training etc. Capital includes costs for fitting out 2nd floor of Cleaver house and the Omagh extension.
(1) Figures for 1990-91 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
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