---

Elderly People

Mr. John D. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many elderly persons have been recipients of care in the community in each of the last three years. [6110]

Mr. Moss: The table shows the total number of elderly people with complex care needs who were in receipt of a package of care in the community in Northern Ireland at 31 March in each of the past three years:

At 31 March	Total
1994	3,654
1995	6,849
1996	9,146

Mr. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many elderly persons receiving state assistance with care costs have been cared for in (a) residential homes and (b) their own homes, in each of the last five years in Northern Ireland. [6115]

Mr. Moss: Precise data for all the years requested are not available. However, the following table shows the breakdown of the number of packages of care being provided in the community by health and social services trusts at 31 March in each of the last three years for elderly people with complex care needs:

At 31 March	Residential care	Nursing home care	Domiciliary care
1994	618	1,292	1,744
1995	1,294	2,291	3,264
1996	1,858	3,153	4,135

Mr. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the annual cost of caring for the elderly in the community in Northern Ireland. [6111]

Mr. Moss: The information is not available in the exact form requested.

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 506

The table discloses the 1994-95 figure for expenditure on elderly care in the community.

This information has been extracted from supplementary financial returns produced by HSS trusts and HPSS boards to provide further analysis of the expenditure disclosed in their annual accounts.

There is additional expenditure on elderly care in the community in personal social services expenditure on elderly care, particularly expenditure on residential accommodation and aids and adaptations. However, this element has not been included in the total reported as it could be identified only at disproportionate cost.

Expenditure on elderly care in the community 1994-95

Board area	Expenditure £
Northern board area	12,867,369
Southern board area	13,126,878
Eastern board area	30,722,946
Western board area	12,246,083
Northern Ireland total	68,963,276

This information has been extracted from the analysis of expenditure under programme of care 4, elderly care, reported in the FR22 financial returns of each HSS trust and directly managed unit for 1994-95.

Driving Licences

Mr. John D. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to make driving licences issued in Northern Ireland valid for the purposes of paying fixed penalty motoring fines in England and Wales. [6112]

Mr. Moss: The Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 provides that any driver committing a fixed penalty offence may be given a fixed penalty notice unless the offence involves obligatory endorsement--the award of penalty points. In such a case, a driver must produce a driving licence. In Great Britain, a driving licence is defined as a document issued using the powers granted under part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988. A Northern Ireland driving licence is not a licence under that enactment. Accordingly, Northern Ireland driving licence holders can receive fixed penalties in Great Britain but only for non-endorsable offences. Northern Ireland legislation has similar provisions. When the provisions of the Road Traffic Offender (NI) Order 1996 relating to the introduction of a penalty point scheme comes into operation, probably late in 1997, the Department of the Environment (NI) proposes to seek changes to legislation, both in Northern Ireland and in Great Britain, to permit the mutual recognition of endorsements.

HIV-AIDS

Mr. John D. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of HIV infection have been reported in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; how many persons have died of AIDS; and by what means they contracted the infection. [6114]

Mr. Moss: The number of cases of HIV infection and the number of persons who died from AIDS in each of the last five years are shown in the table. Information about the means by which the infection was contracted is

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 507

also shown for the period 1991-95 inclusive. However, this information cannot be released in disaggregated form as it might undermine the commitment to preserve the anonymity of those who come forward for examination or treatment and discourage contributors to the voluntary reporting system.

Cases of HIV infection by year in Northern Ireland 1991-1995

Year	Number of cases
1991	18
1992	14
1993	12
1994	10
1995	11
Total	65

AIDS deaths by year in Northern Ireland 1991-1995

Year	Number of deaths
1991	5
1992	4
1993	3
1994	(5)6
1995	5
Total	23

(5) One death occurred in 1994 reported in 1996.

Means by which HIV infection contracted Cases of HIV infection 1991 to 1995 by exposure category

Exposure category	Number of cases
Sexual intercourse:
between men	46
between men and women	14
Blood/blood factor	3
Other/undermined	2
Total	65

AIDS deaths 1991-1995 by exposure category

Exposure category	Number of deaths
Sexual intercourse:
between men	12
between men and women	4
Blood/Blood factor	6
Injecting drug use	1
Total	23

EU Peace and Reconciliation Fund

Mr. John D. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many grants have been paid by the European Union peace and reconciliation fund towards economic development in Northern Ireland. [6116]

Mr. Ancram: Five of the seven sub-programmes under the European Union special support programme for peace and reconciliation directly promote economic development in Northern Ireland. To date, a total of 544 grants have been awarded under these sub-programmes.

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 508

In addition, there are other measures within the sub-programmes which indirectly promote economic development in Northern Ireland.

Police Officers (Secretive Organisations)

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on national guidance issued by the Associated of Chief Police Officers about the membership of secretive organisations; and what representations he has received from the Police Authority about its implications and implementation in Northern Ireland. [5321]

Sir John Wheeler: The RUC is aware of the guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers, and the implications of the proposals are being considered within the context of Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State has not received any representations from the Police Authority about the implications and implementation of the guidance in Northern Ireland.

Police Authority for Northern Ireland

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what representations the Police Authority for Northern Ireland has made to him following publication of its community consultation report about reviewing the list of days and occasions when the Union flag is flown over police stations; [5323]

(2) what representations the Police Authority for Northern Ireland has made to him since publication of its community consultation report about ensuring a neutral working environment in all RUC and authority establishments in line with established fair employment obligations and legislation; [5322]

(3) what follow-up activity the Police Authority is undertaking to implement the range of recommendations, ideas and suggestions contained in the report of its 1995 community consultation; [5313]

(4) what representations he has received from the Police Authority with regard to implementing ideas and suggestions in its report of the 1995 community consultation. [5314]

Sir John Wheeler: Following the publication of its report, the authority identified a number of priority issues to take forward. It has, for example, established two working parties on "Young People and Minorities and the Police" and "Authority Policy on Openness and Accountability". It also raised a number of points with the police, including on drugs misuse and crime prevention as well as on recruitment, equal opportunities and fair employment issues. Authority members have also held meetings with a number of organisations and further meetings have been arranged.

In addition, I have corresponded with and met the authority chairman on issues that include the flying of the Union flag over RUC stations. Indeed, I met him and his deputy as recently as 27 November, when we discussed several issues arising from the report. Furthermore, I shall meet members on 16 December to continue the dialogue.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the suspension of a senior official of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland; how many other officials are suspended

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 509

or under investigation and when he expects the investigation into alleged irregularities to be concluded.[5325]

Sir John Wheeler: Two officials, one of them senior in rank, have been suspended as a precautionary measure while an investigation is conducted. It would not be appropriate to comment further until the investigation is complete. I expect the investigation to be concluded in the next few months.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what steps he will take to ensure that the Police Authority for Northern Ireland holds annually a series of open meetings throughout Northern Ireland;[5329]

(2) when the Police Authority for Northern Ireland will publish an annual report for the year to June 1996; [5328]

(3) what steps the Police Authority for Northern Ireland is taking to provide more public information about the way it operates; [5306]

(4) what steps the Police Authority for Northern Ireland is taking to prepare and plan for its meetings to be held in public. [5307]

Sir John Wheeler: The Police Authority for Northern Ireland is currently taking forward work in this area. The authority established a working group on openness and accountability in the early summer of 1996 and will publish a report in the new year. Ultimately, codes of practice on openness and accountability will also be published. The working party is considering a number of aspects of improving public awareness of its work, and the report will recommend the way in which the authority and members will conduct authority business in public in the future. The authority has also appointed a full-time information officer to assist in improving communication of its work to the public, and will publish an annual report covering its work for the year up to June 1996 in January 1997.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings the Minister of State has had with the Police Authority for Northern Ireland in the last five years; and on what dates. [5319]

Sir John Wheeler: In the last five years, I have met the full authority on four occasions: 9 February 1994, 14 June 1994, 9 May 1995 and 12 October 1995.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what alleged financial and other irregularities have been uncovered in the operations of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland; what investigations are taking place by (a) authority staff, (b) auditors and (c) the police. [5324]

Sir John Wheeler: Following an audit of the authority's procurement function, certain irregularities were uncovered which required further investigation. Authority staff are investigating whether procedures were adhered to. The Northern Ireland Audit Office has been informed, and I understand that it is looking into the matter. The RUC is investigating whether the criminal law has been breached.

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 510

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he proposes to advertise seeking applications and nominations to serve on the Police Authority for Northern Ireland from July 1997; and how many appointments he expects to make. [5326]

Sir John Wheeler: The advertisement seeking applications and nominations for appointment to the Police Authority for Northern Ireland will appear in the local press on Wednesday 4 December 1996.

The Police Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 provides for the appointment of a maximum of 22 persons, including the chairman and vice-chairman. The present authority numbers 21, and I expect to make no fewer appointments than that to serve on the authority from 29 June 1997.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce legislation to ensure that the Police Authority for Northern Ireland holds annually a series of open meetings throughout Northern Ireland. [5330]

Sir John Wheeler: No. The police authority is already empowered to make appropriate arrangements for ascertaining the views of the community, under article 82 of the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) when he hopes to bring forward draft legislation to reflect the contents of the "Foundations for Policing" White Paper; [5304]

(2) what is the timetable for the transfer for responsibility for financial management and the provision of supplies and services for the RUC from the Police Authority for Northern Ireland to the Chief Constable.[5305]

Sir John Wheeler: Work is continuing on draft legislation based on the White Paper proposals. No timetable has yet been set for the introduction of such legislation to Parliament.

The timetable for the transfer of responsibilities to the Chief Constable is dependent upon the legislation being passed.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many times the Police Authority for Northern Ireland's working group on the relationship between young people, minorities and the police has met; when its work will be complete; and if its findings will be published; [5308]

(2) if he will list the organisations and individuals who have been consulted for views and opinions by the Police Authority for Northern Ireland's working group on the relationship between young people, minorities and the police. [5309]

Sir John Wheeler: There have been three meetings of the Police Authority's joint working party on young people and minorities to date. At its first meeting, it was agreed that two sub-groups should be formed, one to deal with minorities, the other to deal with young people. The sub-group on minorities has met on four occasions and the sub-group on young people has met on three occasions. Meetings have been held with representatives of the youth and ethnic minority organisations including the Youth Forum and the Multi-Cultural Resource Centre. Further

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 511

meetings have been arranged with other organisations and members have attended a number of youth-related conferences. The joint working party will complete its task shortly and the authority will publish a report in the new year.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many times the Police Authority for Northern Ireland's working group to consider what actions would be necessary to increase our public accountability, explain the work of the authority better to the community and bring policing issues to the attention of the public, has met; when its work will be complete; and whether its findings will be published; [5310]

(2) if he will list the organisations and individuals who have been consulted for views and opinions by the Police Authority for Northern Ireland's working group to consider what actions would be necessary to increase our

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 512

public accountability, explain the work of the authority better to the community and bring policing issues to the attention of the public. [5311]

Sir John Wheeler: The Police Authority working party on openness and accountability has held four formal meetings. In addition, members of the authority have met police authorities in Greater Manchester, Northumbria and Humberside. Further meetings are planned with other authorities to examine how they open business to the public. The working party will complete its work shortly and the authority will publish a report in the new year.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Irleand what has been the attendance record of every member of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland from July 1994 at (a) regular monthly authority meetings, (b) special authority meetings, (c) meetings of each sub-committee and (d) visits to authority and RUC establishments. [5315]

Sir John Wheeler: The information is as follows:

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 511

Attendance at PANI meetings--July 1994 to October 1996

	(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)
	Regular monthly	Special meetings	Committee meetings	Visits
Mr. P. J. Armstrong	25	24	34	26
Ms S Chamberlain	15	10	48	5
Mrs. S. Davidson	18	14	24	0
Councillor R. Empey	22	12	64	6
Mr. B. R. Johnston	20	16	59	5
Mr. T. A. Kerrigan	19	23	49	25
Alderman S. J. McCammick	23	17	59	13
Mrs. R. A. McCormick	22	21	82	7
Mr. J. O. McDonald	22	16	71	7
Mr. W. R. Martin	21	20	75	2
Alderman J. L. Neeson	22	12	58	8
Mrs. E. A. Rea	20	19	37	4
Mr. F. P. Rocks	22	20	61	9
Mr. R. A. J. Spence	25	19	69	3
Professor H. Wallace	22	20	46	8
Mr. T. J. Wilson	20	12	23	5
Member(6)	22	20	75	13
Member(6)	20	13	46	1
Ms S. R. Cherry(7)	2	0	0	0
Mrs. K. F. Hargan(7)	0	1	0	0
Mrs. R. I. Peters-Gallagher(7)	2	1	0	0
Mr. D. S. Cooke(8)	15	14	17	0
Mr. C. Ryder	17	17	49	10

(c) Committee meetings are meetings of the authority's policy co-ordinating committee; community relations committee; finance and personnel committee; general purposes committee; support services committee and audit committee.

(6) Two members of the authority have declined to make public their identity due to reasons of personal security.

(7) Newly appointed member.

(8) During the period July 1994 to March 1996.

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 511

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is his policy on the recommendation in the community consultation report of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland in respect of the form of oath of office for police officers of the RUC;[5316]

(2) what representations he has received from the Police Authority with regard to amending or changing the oath of police sworn by members of the RUC; and what plans he has to change it. [5317]

Sir John Wheeler: With regard to representations the Secretary of State has received from the police authority, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him earlier today on that subject.

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 512

The authority raised two points about the RUC oath, whether the oath should be affirmed in the form of a declaration and, secondly, on revision of the wording of the oath. On the former point, my officials have written to the Chief Constable raising the question of whether the oath should, in law, be affirmed as a declaration. Changes of substance to the oath would require primary legislation. The Government's position is that any such changes should be on the basis of widespread support. I do not believe we could achieve such support at present.

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings he has held with the Police Authority for Northern Ireland since July 1994; and on what dates. [5318]

2 Dec 1996 : Column: 513

Sir John Wheeler: Since July 1994, my right hon. and learned Friend has met the full authority on one occasion; 9 May 1995.

---