1 Dec 1997 : Column: 1
Written Answers to Questions
Monday 1 December 1997
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT
Indemnity Undertakings
Mr. Ennis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many indemnity undertakings were given by departments under section 16 of the National Heritage Act 1980 for the six month period ended 30 September; and what was the value of (a) any contingent liabilities in respect of such undertakings given at any time under that section which remain outstanding as at 30 September, (b) non-statutory government indemnities in respect of loans handled by the Government Art Collection which remain outstanding as at 30 September and (c) non-statutory undertakings to Her Majesty in respect of loans from the Royal Collection which remain outstanding at 30 September. [18872]
Mr. Chris Smith: The provision for the Government Indemnity Scheme is made by the National Heritage Act 1980. The scheme facilitates public access to loans of works of art and other objects for public display made to museums, galleries and other such institutions by private owners and non-national institutions. It does this by indemnifying lenders against loss or damage to their loan. Loans covered by the scheme must be for public benefit. The scheme also covers loans of such objects for study purposes within borrowing institutions where this would contribute materially to the public's understanding or appreciation of the loan. Examples of this are enhancing interpretation or explanation to the public of objects and bringing into the public domain the conclusions of any study.
| Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Department for Culture, Media and Sport | 579 |
| Scottish Office Education and Industry Department | 82 |
| Welsh Office Education Department | 75 |
| Department of Education for Northern Ireland | 22 |
| £ | |
|---|---|
| Department for Culture, Media and Sport | 1,504,907,510 |
| Scottish Office Education and Industry Department | 123,023,100 |
| Welsh Office Education Department | 69,000,000 |
| Department of Education for Northern Ireland | 5,460,674 |
1 Dec 1997 : Column: 2
The value of non-statutory undertakings given to Her Majesty in respect of loans from the Royal Collection and which remained outstanding as at 30 September 1997 is £202,538,452.
National Minimum Wage
Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is his policy on (a) exemptions and (b) derogations from the national minimum wage for employees in (i) the tourist industry and (ii) leisure and related industries. [17614]
Mr. Chris Smith: The Government's intention is to introduce a single national minimum rate. We will set the rate in the light of advice from the Independent Low Pay Commission appointed earlier this year, and taking account of prevailing economic circumstances. Many organisations representing the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors are invited to submit written evidence to the Commission.
Public Appointments
Mr. Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many public appointments he has made since 1 May; and how many and what percentage of these (a) receive remuneration and (b) are of (i) Afro-Caribbean and (ii) Asian origin. [16774]
Mr. Chris Smith: I have made 60 appointments and reappointments since 1 May. Of these 11 are remunerated (18 per cent.).
The information about ethnic origin cannot be provided since to do so would risk identifying individuals without their consent. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has provided information for all Departments in an aggregated form.
CABINET OFFICE
Millennium Experience
Mr. Grogan: To ask the Minister without Portfolio what steps he is taking to secure a lasting legacy from the Millennium Experience at Greenwich; and if he will make a statement. [18923]
Mr. Mandelson:
When the Government announced in June its decision to go ahead with the Millennium Experience at Greenwich, it was on the basis of 5 clear commitments. One of these was that there would be a lasting legacy. The Government remains determined to secure long-term benefits for the nation from the Millennium Experience, and has sought outside advice on how to maximise these legacies. Earlier this year the Government invited Mr. Dennis Stevenson to assess the prospects. I am extremely grateful to Mr. Stevenson for the advice which he has now provided, and am pleased to place in the Library of both Houses a copy of a letter to me summarising his conclusions. His analysis, which the Government accepts, shows first that a number of valuable legacies can already be identified. Specifically,
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the Millennium Experience is acting as the catalyst for English Partnerships' reclamation of derelict and polluted riverside land at Greenwich--a site of a size and potential unique in Western Europe; providing the platform for the pioneering Millennium Village launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in July; stimulating improvements in public transport, Thames river services, roads, and pedestrian walkways on the Peninsula; and using the Dome to promote national awareness and long-term taking-up of IT based learning, for example through the University for Industry and the National Grid for Learning.
There is a range of possible long term uses for the Millennium Experience Dome itself. These include developing the Dome as: a new arena for participation and spectator sports; a TV or film production studio and visitor centre; and using the site for a large scale international convention centre. These ideas serve to illustrate the Dome's future potential, and reflect the steps which have been taken to ensure the Dome can have a long life. Commercial interest in acquiring the Dome is, however, likely to be maximised in 2000, when it can be seen successfully in operation, and when commercial and popular awareness of the site is at its height. The Government will therefore decide on the Dome's long term future at that time. Meanwhile, I invite those with serious interest in the Dome's future use to register their ideas (which should not involve additional cost to the Exchequer) and to hold exploratory discussions with us. Proposals may either be for its use at Greenwich (where in 2000 it will occupy a 40 acre site) as a complement to English Partnerships' high quality and lasting development of the Peninsula, or for its transfer to another part of the United Kingdom.
Computers (Century Date Change)
Mr. David Atkinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what contingency planning is being made in the event of failure of (a) Government services and (b) business arising from the year 2000 computer problem. [18025]
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Mr. David Clark: (a) I have asked Ministerial colleagues to ensure that their Departments have contingency plans in place to cope with major systems failures, and that these are adequate to deal with any unforeseen Year 2000 processing problems.
(b) Mr. Don Cruickshank, Chairman of Action 2000, the new Government initiative set up to help business tackle the problem, will encourage businesses to undertake their own contingency planning.
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Congo
Mr. Corbyn:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the total level of aid paid to the Congo in the current financial year (a) directly and (b) via other agencies; what amount is planned for 1998-99; and if she will make a statement. [18072]
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Clare Short:
All donors suspended development assistance to the Government of Zaire in 1992. Since then, substantial amounts of emergency and rehabilitation assistance have been provided. This year the UK has provided almost £1 million in bilateral emergency assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, our contribution to the EU programmes in health and democratisation is estimated at £9.6 million.
We shall continue to provide emergency assistance in 1998-99 if it is needed. Future development assistance will depend on the strength of the development partnership which can be established with the new Government; its commitment to poverty alleviation; and our capacity to deliver an effective programme.
Political Donations
Mr. Amess: To ask the Prime Minister if he advised the Cabinet Secretary of the fact that Mr. Ecclestone was a donor to the Labour party before his meeting with Mr. Ecclestone on 16 October. [18269]
The Prime Minister: No. I would not expect to do so.
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