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European Nuclear Installations
Ms Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what risk assessment exercises have been undertaken with other European countries concerning the potential threat to the United Kingdom population from their nuclear installations over the millennium period. [84256]
Mr. Battle: I have been asked to reply.
The UK has long been aware of the potential risks from nuclear installations over the millennium period and has been co-operating for several years with countries in Europe and beyond, both on a bilateral basis and through the European Union, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), to help ensure that any risks are properly addressed. The
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UK's nuclear safety regulator--the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII)--keeps in proactive touch with the considerable activity in other countries to address safety issues and continues to follow developments closely.
In the event of any nuclear emergency, the IAEA and the European Union have established and tested international systems for early notification of any overseas nuclear accident. The UK also has bilateral arrangements for the early notification of any nuclear accident with a number of overseas governments. The Government's National Response Plan, co-ordinated by the Development of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, makes arrangements for the UK's response in dealing with any consequences of an overseas nuclear accident. This is supported by the RIMNET national radiation monitoring system, which gives the UK a second independent warning mechanism, should for any reason the early notification system fail.
European Army
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has held with President Prodi on the establishment of a European army. [84092]
The Prime Minister: There is no question of creating a European army and there have therefore been no discussions on this matter with Mr. Prodi. We have, of course, already identified a need for renewed debate on European Union common foreign and security policy and the statement of principles agreed at the British-French Summit at St. Malo was an important step forward. Our aim is clear: to enable the European Union to have a more united and influential voice in world affairs. This must be backed up, when the need arises, by effective military capability. We are taking a leading role in this debate. We have, however, made clear that the deployment of forces must remain a decision for national Governments.
Ministerial Meetings
Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to hold regular formal meetings with the first Ministers of (a) the Scottish Parliament and (b) the National Assembly for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [84629]
The Prime Minister: I will meet Ministers and Secretaries from the devolved administrations from time to time.
Iraq
Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 12 May 1999, Official Report, column 309, for what reasons the Government have made no assessment of the effect of depleted uranium on the water supply, and water-table and on the health of the civilian population in Iraq. [84579]
The Prime Minister
[holding answer 18 May 1999]: The Government have not seen any peer-reviewed epidemiological research data to support the claims that there has been an increase in ill-health in southern Iraq, attributed to the use of depleted uranium based ammunition by coalition forces during the 1990-1991 conflict.
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The Government understand however that the World Health Organisation is in discussion with the Government of Iraq about proposals to improve health care in Iraq. The proposals--which are still at the outline stage--will only be developed into more detailed documents if the Iraqi Government decide to take the proposals forward.
Mr. Peter Bottomley:
To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to answer questions on the length of Cabinet meetings. [85062]
The Prime Minister:
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) on 30 April 1999, Official Report, column 281.
Mr. Blizzard:
To ask the Prime Minister if he will assess the advantages of designating a lead department to deal with Government responsibilities in respect of the horse industry. [85209]
The Prime Minister:
The Government recognise the economic importance of the horse industry in rural areas. A number of Government Departments currently have responsibility for different aspects of the horse industry and the division of these responsibilities is kept under review.
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Dr. Gibson:
To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to co-ordinate a meeting to discuss new cancer treatment initiatives. [85077]
The Prime Minister:
I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Mr. Marsden) on 20 May 1999, Official Report, columns 401-02.
Mr. Soley:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many black and ethnic minority (a) psychiatrists and (b) community psychiatric nurses are currently registered in England and Wales. [84111]
Mr. Denham:
The information available for England is given in the tables. These figures refer to England only. The statistics for Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
The Department is reviewing the collection of ethnic statistics with a view to improving the quality and coverage of the information we collect.
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| Ethnic groups | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All staff | White | Black | Asian | Other | Not known | |
| Psychiatry Group | 6,620 | 4,300 | 310 | 950 | 620 | 450 |
| Child and adolescent psychiatry | 750 | 570 | 20 | 70 | 40 | 50 |
| Forensic psychiatry | 280 | 190 | 10 | 30 | 20 | 20 |
| General psychiatry | 4,220 | 2,640 | 220 | 650 | 410 | 290 |
| Learning disabilities | 500 | 300 | 20 | 90 | 60 | 30 |
| Psychiatry of old age | 710 | 460 | 30 | 100 | 80 | 40 |
| Psychotherapy | 180 | 140 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 20 |
Notes:
1. Figures rounded to nearest 10
2. '0' denotes 5 or less
3. Totals may not equal sum of components due to rounding
Source:
Department of Health--medical and dental workforce census
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Notes:
1. Figures rounded to nearest 10
2. '--' denotes zero
3. '0' denotes 5 or less
4. Totals may not equal sum of components due to rounding
Source:
Department of Health--medical and dental workforce census
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Notes:
1. Figures should be treated with caution as they are based upon the 68 per cent. of HCHS organisations reported 90 per cent. or more valid ethnic codes for non-medical staff.
2. Figures exclude learners and agency staff.
3. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.
4. Due to rounding totals may not equal the sum of component parts.
Source:
Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census
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