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Statement on what progress has been made by the pilot scheme for research masters, announced by the Government in October 1994. - Inc fact figs and fact that the Director-General of Research Councils is today writing to universities and colleges and other interested parties, including the National Committee of Inquiry...
Statement on what progress has been made by the pilot scheme for research masters, announced by the Government in October 1994. - Inc fact figs and fact that the Director-General of Research Councils is today writing to universities and colleges and other interested parties, including the National Committee of Inquiry...
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ian Taylor
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
12 March 1997
Answered on
12 March 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made by the pilot scheme for research masters,
announced by the Government in October 1994; and if he will make a statement. [20305]
Mr. Ian Taylor: Four of the Research Councils have been supporting some 250 students a year on the research Master's, or "MRes",
courses on a pilot basis since autumn 1995. The Councils involved are the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council,
the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Medical Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council.
The first year has been completed, and the second is now well into its stride.
It is still too early to draw firm conclusions about the success of the MRes in preparing students directly for employment or for a
PhD. Experience with the pilot also varies, to some extent, between the Councils. However, there are encouraging signs. Students
appear very satisfied. The courses are offering them an opportunity to broaden their horizons--including the attractions and
possibilities of a career in industry--whilst also acquiring a greater degree of research expertise and experience. There is strong
interest and involvement from employers.
Overall, the "MRes" continues to show much promise as a contributor to the diversity and quality of higher education provision in
the UK. I am grateful to all those in academia, industry, and elsewhere who are working to make it a success.
The Director-General of Research Councils is today writing to universities and colleges and other interested parties, including the
National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education, with further details of experience to date. I am placing a copy of that letter
and a related press release in the Library of the House. Further reports on the pilot will be published as data and experience
accumulate.
Subjects
Degrees; Further education; Pilot schemes; Research; Students; Student numbers; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council; Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; Medical Research Council; Natural Environment Research Council; Postgraduate education; Research councils
Date
12 March 1997
Reference
20305; 292 c258-9W
House
House of Commons
If the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser has reviewed the Inter-Agency Committee on Global Environmental Change. - (Conclusions of review of inter-agency committee on climate change in Library as Dep/3 4795).
If the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser has reviewed the Inter-Agency Committee on Global Environmental Change. - (Conclusions of review of inter-agency committee on climate change in Library as Dep/3 4795).
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ian Taylor
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
12 March 1997
Answered on
12 March 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Government's chief scientific adviser has reviewed the inter-agency
Committee on Global Environmental Change; and if he will make a statement. [20307]
Mr. Ian Taylor: The review concluded that the Inter-agency Committee on Global Environmental Change had been an effective mechanism
in the past and that it should continue to provide UK agencies funding Global Environmental Change research with a senior-level
forum for discussion of relevant science and policy developments.
I am pleased to announce that Sir Richard Southwood has been appointed chairman for the next three years.
A broader membership structure has been introduced. For the first time this has directly involved my Department's Environment
Directorate, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Scottish Office, and the Overseas Development Administration.
I have arranged for copies of a note of the conclusions from the review to be placed in the Library of the House.
Subjects
Department of Trade and Industry; Environment protection; Environment; International cooperation; Public appointments; Policy; Technology; Research; Science; Overseas Development Administration; Scottish Office; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Date
12 March 1997
Reference
20307; 292 c259W
House
House of Commons
Statement about the accreditation of ISO 9000 certification bodies.
Statement about the accreditation of ISO 9000 certification bodies.
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ian Taylor
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
12 March 1997
Answered on
12 March 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the accreditation of ISO 9000 certification
bodies. [20306]
Mr. Ian Taylor: In the context of ISO 9000, accreditation is the recognition by an authoritative body that certification bodies are
competent to carry out specified tasks. In the UK the Government have granted that authority solely to UKAS (the United Kingdom
Accreditation Service). A memorandum of understanding between my Department and UKAS sets out those activities for which UKAS is
recognised by Government and gives UKAS certain rights and obligations. A separate licensing agreement gives UKAS the right to use
and confer the DTI's National Accreditation Mark (the "Tick and Crown") which signifies Government recognition.
Accreditation by UKAS ensures that certification bodies have been independently assessed to agreed international standards of
competence and impartiality by a body which is itself subject to regular assessment and to oversight by Government. The Government
therefore encourage certification bodies to become accredited by UKAS. We also encourage companies and other organisations seeking
certification to ISO 9000 to use the services of UKAS accredited certification bodies where these are an option. Only certification
by a UKAS accredited body allows companies to be entered into the United Kingdom Register of Quality Assessed Companies and to
display the National Accreditation Mark as an internationally acknowledged symbol of Government recognition.
As in most other commercial matters, it is for each certification body to decide whether to become accredited by UKAS. It is also
for individual companies to decide whether to use the services of UKAS accredited certification bodies. This freedom of choice does
not imply Government recognition of or support for the activities of certification bodies not accredited by UKAS. Equally, it does
not imply any Government authority, recognition or support for the activities of any other UK organisation which may claim to act as
an accreditation body in the context of ISO 9000.
Where UKAS accredited certification is available as an option, some purchasers will not accept certificates issued by bodies which
are not accredited by UKAS because they have no assurance of the competence of those bodies. This can lead to additional cost for
companies as purchasers ask for other evidence of compliance with ISO 9000. UKAS accreditation can, therefore, help to minimise
industry's costs. It also helps to remove technical barriers to international trade because the Government have granted UKAS the
sole right to negotiate mutual recognition agreements with other national accreditation bodies on behalf of the United Kingdom.
Accordingly, the Government advises all companies to look for the National Accreditation Mark when selecting a certification body.
In the absence of the Mark, companies should make detailed enquiries about the relationship between the certification body and UKAS
before entering into any commitment.
Subjects
Certification; Standards specifications; United Kingdom Accreditation Service; International Organization for Standardization
Date
12 March 1997
Reference
292 c257-8W; 20306
House
House of Commons
How many people Suffolk County Council had placed under community care in its own residential homes at the most recent date for which figures are available. - Figures given.
How many people Suffolk County Council had placed under community care in its own residential homes at the most recent date for which figures are available. - Figures given.
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Simon Burns
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
4 March 1997
Answered on
4 March 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people Suffolk county council had placed under community care in its
own residential homes at the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [18292]
Mr. Burns: At 31 March 1996, Suffolk county council was supporting a total of 1,059 adult and elderly residents in its own
residential homes.
Subjects
Care homes; Expenditure; Local government; Older people; Suffolk; Per capita costs
Date
4 March 1997
Reference
18292; 291 c568W
House
House of Commons
What is the cost to Suffolk County Council per week of a community care place in a residential home run (a) by the County Council and (b) by the private sector. - Includes figures.
What is the cost to Suffolk County Council per week of a community care place in a residential home run (a) by the County Council and (b) by the private sector. - Includes figures.
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Simon Burns
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
4 March 1997
Answered on
4 March 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the cost to Suffolk county council per week of a community care place
in a residential home run (a) by the county council and (b) by the private sector; and if he will make a statement. [18293]
Mr. Burns: As published in "Key Indicators of local authority social services 1996", copies of which are available in the Library,
the latest available figures, for 1994-95, show gross expenditure per week by Suffolk county council on residential care per
supported resident in staffed homes for older people was £268 for local authority homes and £178 for independent sector homes.
Subjects
Care homes; Expenditure; Local government; Private sector; Older people; Suffolk; Per capita costs
Date
4 March 1997
Reference
18293; 291 c568W;291 c568-9W
House
House of Commons
Statement on the impact of Government tourism policy on (a) Suffolk and (b) Norfolk since 1987. - Inc figs. (Holding answer 28 January 1997).
Statement on the impact of Government tourism policy on (a) Suffolk and (b) Norfolk since 1987. - Inc figs. (Holding answer 28 January 1997).
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Iain Sproat
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of National Heritage
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
12 February 1997
Answered on
12 February 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the impact of Government tourism
policy on (a) Suffolk and (b) Norfolk since 1987. [12722]
Mr. Sproat: [holding answer 28 January 1997]:
Norfolk and Suffolk have benefited from significant growth in tourism in the UK over recent years. The number of employees in the
British tourism industry grew by approximately 24 per cent. between March 1986 and March 1996. In 1995, earnings from tourism were
£38 billion--a record in real terms--and signs are that 1996 will be even better. The UK is now fifth in the world in terms of
tourism earnings. The UK's domestic tourism earnings were £22.7 billion in 1995. Figures for tourism spend in individual counties
are not available. However, domestic tourism spend in the east of England region increased from £490 million in 1987 to £960 million
in 1995 and overseas visitor income increased from £183 million in 1987 to £566 million in 1995. International passenger survey
figures show that the number of visits by overseas visitors to Norfolk increased from 164,000 in 1994 to 176,000 in 1995, and those
to Suffolk from 129,000 in 1994 to 142,000 in 1995. Government support for the industry is channelled through the British Tourist
Authority and the English Tourist Board.
I am pleased to note that over £10.5 million of lottery funding has been awarded to Suffolk and Norfolk to date for projects to
promote culture, heritage and the arts. Other Government programmes include a seven-year regeneration initiative launched last April
in Lowestoft, which aims to improve and develop the local area, and also, to develop the tourism potential.
London is one of this country's main draws for overseas visitors, and one of the main aims of the Focus London campaign, which has
received £7 million of public funding over three years, has been to promote London as a gateway to the rest of the country. The
Government are committed to encouraging overseas visitors to travel to all parts of the country. In 1995, the British Tourist
Authority's British travel centre in London gave help and advice on travelling outside the capital to almost half a million overseas
visitors. These initiatives will boost tourism in the regions and greatly benefit the employment prospects and wealth of those
living locally.
Subjects
Expenditure; Industry; Foreign nationals; National Lottery; Norfolk; Tourism; Suffolk; Tourists; British Tourist Authority; VisitEngland
Date
12 February 1997
Reference
12722; 290 c189-90W
House
House of Commons
What is his policy in respect of building a top-security unit at Woodhill Prison, Milton Keynes; how much has been budgeted for the prison unit and for fixtures and fittings. - Text of letter from Richard Tilt of the Prison Service. (Holding answer 21 January 1997).
What is his policy in respect of building a top-security unit at Woodhill Prison, Milton Keynes; how much has been budgeted for the prison unit and for fixtures and fittings. - Text of letter from Richard Tilt of the Prison Service. (Holding answer 21 January 1997).
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ann Widdecombe
(Conservative)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
27 January 1997
Answered on
27 January 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy in respect of building a top-security unit at
Woodhill prison, Milton Keynes; how much has been budgeted for the prison unit and for fixtures and fittings; and if he will make a
statement. [11187]
Miss Widdecombe: [holding answer 21 January 1997]:
Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a
reply to be given.
Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. David Porter, dated 27 January 1997:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the building of a top security unit at Woodhill prison.
On 15 January I announced that category A prisoners would be held in a smaller number of more secure prisons to meet the
recommendations of Sir John Woodcock and General Sir John Learmont. Woodhill is one of these prisons and will in the future hold a
larger number of category A prisoners.
The Prison Service also has examined the options for improving the management of disruptive prisoners. We have concluded that this
can be accomplished most effectively by the establishment of a co-ordinated series of five close supervision units (CSUs) each
holding small numbers of prisoners with varying regimes ranging from the strict through to the more structured regimes. The three
CSUs at Woodhill will be part of this co-ordianted series.
The latest estimate of the capital cost of the programme of work for the CSUs at Woodhill is £3.2m. The fixtures and fittings will
be standard Prison Service issue and association areas will also have standard furnishing and equipment.
Subjects
Prisons; HMP Woodhill
Date
27 January 1997
Reference
11187; 289 c8W
House
House of Commons
If he will list the goods and services to be subject to a VAT rate above 0 per cent. after 2005; what exemptions from VAT will be abolished; when he agreed such changes with his EU counterparts. - (Holding answer 21 January 1997).
If he will list the goods and services to be subject to a VAT rate above 0 per cent. after 2005; what exemptions from VAT will be abolished; when he agreed such changes with his EU counterparts. - (Holding answer 21 January 1997).
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phillip Oppenheim
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
24 January 1997
Answered on
24 January 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the goods and services to be subject to a VAT rate above 0 per
cent. after 2005; what exemptions from VAT will be abolished; when he agreed such changes with his EU counterparts; and if he will
make a statement. [11104]
Mr. Oppenheim: [holding answer 21 January 1997]:
I have agreed no such changes. The current EC VAT regime--including its provisions for the United Kingdom's zero rates, and those in
respect of exemptions--cannot be changed without the unanimous agreement of member states, and so will automatically continue to
apply in the absence of any agreement to amend it.
Subjects
EU action; Taxation; VAT; Standardisation
Date
24 January 1997
Reference
11104; 288 c791-2W;288 c791W
House
House of Commons
What are the EU Commission's plans for VAT after 2005; what decisions have been made about the United Kingdom's transitional system of VAT after 2005; what is the definitive system to which the Government has already agreed. - (Holding answer 21 January 1997).
What are the EU Commission's plans for VAT after 2005; what decisions have been made about the United Kingdom's transitional system of VAT after 2005; what is the definitive system to which the Government has already agreed. - (Holding answer 21 January 1997).
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phillip Oppenheim
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
24 January 1997
Answered on
24 January 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the EU Commission's plans for VAT after 2005; what decisions have been
made about the United Kingdom's transitional system of VAT after 2005; what is the definitive system to which the Government have
already agreed; and if he will make a statement. [11188]
Mr. Oppenheim: [holding answer 21 January 1997]:
In July 1996 the European Commission produced a suggested programme for a common system of VAT, or "definitive system", to apply
throughout the European Community. This programme contains no specific legislative proposals, but outlines a series of steps which
the Commission proposes should be taken toward the creation of a common system. An explanatory memorandum on the Commission's
proposals was submitted to Parliament last September.
Any change to the EC VAT system requires the unanimous agreement of member states, and the current transitional regime continues
automatically in the absence of an agreement upon a definitive regime. Discussion of the programme within the EC has so far been
very limited, and no decisions have been made about the programme itself or about the future shape of the VAT system. Contrary to
recent assertions in the press, the Government have agreed no changes, whether from 2005 or any other date.
Subjects
EU action; Taxation; VAT; Standardisation
Date
24 January 1997
Reference
11188; 288 c791W;288 c789-91W
House
House of Commons
What estimate he has made of the increase in the costs of (a) housing, (b) travel, (c) books and newspapers, (d) children's clothes and (e) food after 2005 when the definitive system of VAT is introduced in the EU. - No figs given. (Holding answer 21 January 1997).
What estimate he has made of the increase in the costs of (a) housing, (b) travel, (c) books and newspapers, (d) children's clothes and (e) food after 2005 when the definitive system of VAT is introduced in the EU. - No figs given. (Holding answer 21 January 1997).
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phillip Oppenheim
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
24 January 1997
Answered on
24 January 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the increase in the costs of (a) housing, (b)
travel, (c) books and newspapers, (d) children's clothes and (e) food after 2005 when the definitive system of VAT is introduced in
the EU; and if he will make a statement. [11103]
Mr. Oppenheim: [holding answer 21 January 1997]:
No such estimate has been made. No agreement has been reached to introduce a definitive system of VAT in the European Community from
2005 or any other future date.
Subjects
Costs; EU action; Taxation; VAT; Standardisation
Date
24 January 1997
Reference
11103; 288 c791W;288 c789W
House
House of Commons
If he will make it his policy to reduce the amount provided for facilities, fixtures and fittings in the budget plans for the top security unit at Woodhill Prison, Milton Keynes and implement a regime of minimal facilities. - Text of letter from Richard Tilt of Prison Service (holding answer...
If he will make it his policy to reduce the amount provided for facilities, fixtures and fittings in the budget plans for the top security unit at Woodhill Prison, Milton Keynes and implement a regime of minimal facilities. - Text of letter from Richard Tilt of Prison Service (holding answer...
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ann Widdecombe
(Conservative)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
23 January 1997
Answered on
23 January 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to reduce the amount provided for
facilities, fixtures and fittings in the budget plans for the top security unit at Woodhill prison, Milton Keynes and implement a
regime of minimal facilities; and if he will make a statement. [11189]
Miss Widdecombe: [holding answer 21 January 1997]:
Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a
reply to be given.
Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. David Porter, dated 23 January 1997:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about facilities at Woodhill prison.
The costs identified to refurbish the high security unit at Woodhill have been properly quantified to meet the needs of security,
the regime and safety of the public, staff and prisoners. The costing exercise has not identified any areas where savings could be
made without compromising security and safety.
The cells in the high security units at Woodhill prison will have integral sanitation, as does every other cell at Woodhill. The
rules on volumetric control will apply as elsewhere and there will be no in-cell television or video. Furniture in the cells will be
standard prison issue and association areas will have standard furnishing and equipment. Meals will be provided from the kitchen and
there will be no facility for prisoners to cook their own meals.
The high security units at Woodhill will form part of a co-ordinated series of close supervision units each holding a small number
of prisoners with varying regimes ranging from the strict through to more structured regimes. When they are ready for use they will
provide:
a structured regime unit with limited association where the behaviour of prisoners can be assessed
a restricted regime unit with a strict, no association regime for prisoners who continue to be disruptive or dangerous
a programme intervention unit offering structured therapy programmes and full association for those who would benefit from such an
approach.
It is anticipated that the high security unit at Woodhill will be ready for use at the end of this year.
Subjects
Expenditure; Prison accommodation; HMP Woodhill
Date
23 January 1997
Reference
11189; 288 c737W
House
House of Commons
If he will list an inventory of internal fixtures and fittings together with building costs, in sterling, of the new European Union Parliament in Brussels; what has been the cost to United Kingdom public funds.
If he will list an inventory of internal fixtures and fittings together with building costs, in sterling, of the new European Union Parliament in Brussels; what has been the cost to United Kingdom public funds.
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
David Davis
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
21 January 1997
Answered on
21 January 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list an inventory of internal fixtures and
fittings and building costs, in sterling, of the new European Union Parliament in Brussels; what has been the cost to United Kingdom
public funds; and if he will make a statement. [11106]
Mr. Davis: Title 2 of section 1 of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 1996--Official Journal, volume 39
of 29 January 1996--gives details of the
"buildings, equipment and miscellaneous operating expenditure"
of the European Parliament.
The United Kingdom's contribution to the 1996 EU budget represented 15 per cent. of the budget.
Subjects
Costs; Buildings; European Parliament; Legislatures; Furniture
Date
21 January 1997
Reference
11106; 288 c535W
House
House of Commons
What representations his officials have made to other EU governments about the necessity of a new EU parliamentary building in (a) Brussels and (b) Strasbourg; and what representations FCO and officials made to monitor spending of UK public funds on new European Union Parlt building in Brussels.
What representations his officials have made to other EU governments about the necessity of a new EU parliamentary building in (a) Brussels and (b) Strasbourg; and what representations FCO and officials made to monitor spending of UK public funds on new European Union Parlt building in Brussels.
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
David Davis
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
21 January 1997
Answered on
21 January 1997
Subjects
Costs; Buildings; European Parliament; Legislatures
Date
21 January 1997
Reference
288 c535W; 11105;11107
House
House of Commons
What is (a) the total cost and (b) the cost to British public funds of building the new European Union Parliament building in Brussels.
What is (a) the total cost and (b) the cost to British public funds of building the new European Union Parliament building in Brussels.
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
David Davis
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
21 January 1997
Answered on
21 January 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is (a) the total cost and (b) the cost to
British public funds of building the new European Union Parliament building in Brussels; and if he will make a statement. [11108]
Mr. Davis: The total cost of the new European Parliament building in Brussels was estimated to be 831 million ecu, or £612.7
million, by the European Commission on 29 October 1996.
The UK's contribution to the 1996 EU budget represented 15 per cent. of the budget.
Subjects
Costs; Buildings; European Parliament; Legislatures
Date
21 January 1997
Reference
11108; 288 c535W
House
House of Commons
What plans he has for the future constitutional relationship between Her Majesty's Government and the five remaining Caribbean Dependent Territories. - Ref to 287 c676-77W. statement.
What plans he has for the future constitutional relationship between Her Majesty's Government and the five remaining Caribbean Dependent Territories. - Ref to 287 c676-77W. statement.
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Nicholas Bonsor
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
17 January 1997
Answered on
17 January 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for the future constitutional
relationship between Her Majesty's Government and the five remaining Caribbean dependent territories; and if he will make a
statement. [9906]
Sir Nicholas Bonsor: I refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Harborough (Mr. Garnier) on 18
December, columns 676-77.
Subjects
British overseas territories; Caribbean
Date
17 January 1997
Reference
288 c424W; 9906
House
House of Commons
What was the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 19th and 20th December.
What was the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 19th and 20th December.
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Tony Baldry
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
14 January 1997
Answered on
14 January 1997
Mr. Porter: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Brussels on
19 and 20 December. [11025]
Mr. Baldry: I represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the Fisheries Council in Brussels on 19 and 20 December, together
with my hon Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The Council agreed by qualified majority, with Belgium and Sweden voting against, the total allowable catches and quotas to apply in
1997 in Community waters.The agreement fulfilled the Government's objective of securing the best possible deal for British fishermen
consistent with the scientific advice and the conservation of stocks for the future. In the final package the total UK quotas agreed
for the stocks of most importance to our fishermen were some 23,000 tonnes higher in cod equivalent terms than the quotas being
discussed at the start of the negotiations. This increase is worth approximately £16 million to the industry and leaves our total
quotas in cod equivalent terms for these stocks just one half of one percent below the 1996 level.
I invoked the Hague preference on all the stocks where it was necessary to do so. Quota swaps were agreed immediately after the
Council to mitigate the impact arising from use of Hague preference by the Republic of Ireland, in particular on stocks of
importance to the Northern Ireland industry.
The Council agreed unanimously to access and quota arrangements for 1997 with neighbouring non-member states. The United Kingdom has
large cod and haddock quotas at north Norway and these were increased by 16 per cent. and 13 per cent. respectively. We have
retained our quotas in Faroese, Greenland and Iceland waters at the same levels as in 1996. The Council also agreed unanimously to
the allocation of the Community's 1997 quotas in the waters covered by the North-West Atlantic Fisheries Organisation, together with
technical conservation and control measures applicable to those waters, and to the allocation of the Community's 1979 redfish quota
in the waters covered by the North Atlantic Fisheries Commission, together with management measures for those waters.
The Council continued its discussion of objectives for the next series of multi-annual guidance programmes-- MAGP IV. I reiterated
the need for the quota hopper problem to be resolved before I could contemplate any further reductions in the capacity or effort of
the UK fleet. Other member states continued to have substantive concerns on various aspects of the proposals, though there was a
broad consensus that the Presidency compromise tabled in November remained the most promising basis for progress. The Council
concluded that further work should be pursued as a matter of urgency with a view to reaching decisions by 30 April 1997.
The Council agreed by qualified majority, with Denmark, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden voting against, a presidency compromise on the
introduction of satellite monitoring arrangements. These will apply from 30 June 1998 for particularly sensitive fisheries, for
example industrial fisheries, and from 1 January 2000 for other vessels of over 24 m overall length. All vessels which operate
exclusively within 12 miles of the coast and those which never spend more than 24 hours at sea will be exempt. Where there is a
reciprocal access agreement with third countries, satellite monitoring will only apply to Community vessels fishing in those third
country waters if the third countries' vessels carry satellite monitoring equipment in Community waters. There was also agreement
that concerns about skippers' liability in the event of genuine equipment failures will be addressed in the detailed implementing
rules and that the Council and Commission will explore ways of reducing the regulatory burden on the fishing industry, with a
Commission report to be submitted by 31 March 1997. The compromise met all the UK's main negotiating objectives and will usefully
reinforce existing control measures to ensure compliance with rules intended to conserve fish stocks.
The Council welcomed the progress that had been made in removing many of the problems from the Commission's proposal for new
technical conservation measures but noted that further detailed work was necessary before the proposal would be ready for agreement.
So far as industrial fisheries are concerned, I called for the introduction of a precautionary TAC for sandeels in the North sea and
I proposed that a new research programme into the effects of the sandeel fishery off the east coast of Scotland be used to monitor
the effects of the fishery on sandeels and other fauna so that any necessary remedial action can be considered urgently.
The Commission introduced its report on the operation of the CFP over the last three years and issues to be addressed for the
future. The Council welcomed the report as contributing to the debate leading up to the review of the Common fisheries policy in
2002.
The Council agreed by qualified majority, with Denmark voting against, a 10,000 tonne increase in the 1996 autonomous tariff quota
for cod imported for salting and drying.
My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland reminded the Council of the problems of the salmon market, including the
extended period of low prices, the prospects for continuing weakness in the early months of 1997 and the loss of jobs now being
experienced. He pressed the Commissioner to reconsider her earlier decision not to introduce a further set of minimum import prices
for salmon. The Commissioner, however, said that she still saw no case for minimum import prices, on the basis that the continental
market showed no sign of instability, that minimum import prices had proved effective earlier in 1996 and that she was unwilling to
intervene while investigations were proceeding into the industry's complaints about dumping and unfair subsidies.
Subjects
Common fisheries policy; Fisheries; Fish; Protection; Quotas; EC Fisheries Council
Date
14 January 1997
Reference
11025; 288 c194-6W
House
House of Commons
Pursuant to his Answer of 3rd December, Official Report, column 625W, on buying and selling fishing quotas and licences, when his Department first authorised the sale of fish quotas; and what rights of ownership over a fish quota are transferred when that quota is exchanged between fishermen's groups.
Pursuant to his Answer of 3rd December, Official Report, column 625W, on buying and selling fishing quotas and licences, when his Department first authorised the sale of fish quotas; and what rights of ownership over a fish quota are transferred when that quota is exchanged between fishermen's groups.
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Tony Baldry
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
16 December 1996
Answered on
16 December 1996
Subjects
Common fisheries policy; Licensing; Fish; Quotas
Date
16 December 1996
Reference
287 c437-8W; 8954;8955
House
House of Commons
When the decision was made, and by what process, to make it legal under fishing regulations for individuals and companies to buy and sell fishing quotas and licences.
When the decision was made, and by what process, to make it legal under fishing regulations for individuals and companies to buy and sell fishing quotas and licences.
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Tony Baldry
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
3 December 1996
Answered on
3 December 1996
Mr. Porter: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the decision was made, and by what process, to make it legal
under fishing regulations for individuals and companies to buy and sell fishing quotas and licences; and if he will make a
statement. [6771]
Mr. Baldry: Fishing vessel licences are granted at the discretion of Fisheries Ministers under the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967,
as amended. No new licences are issued so that the owner of a new vessel entering the UK fleet may fish only by obtaining a licence
from a previously licensed vessel.
For vessels over 10m quotas are allocated to fishermen's groups, primarily producer organisations, in proportion to the catches made
over the previous three years by the vessels in membership of each group. Those catches, which are attached to licences for quota
management purposes, are usually referred to as track records. No charges are currently made by the Fisheries Departments for either
the issue of licences or the allocation of quota.
Subject to the agreement of the Fisheries Departments, Fishermen's groups may exchange quota with each other and vessel owners are
permitted to transfer entitlements to apply for licences to other people. Any commercial considerations that occur are matters for
the fishermen or vessel owners involved.
Subjects
Conservation; Fees and charges; Licensing; Fishing catches; Fishing vessels; Fish; Quotas
Date
3 December 1996
Reference
6771; 286 c625W;286 c623W
House
House of Commons
How many escapes by convicted prisoners took place in transit (i) between prisons and (ii) between courts and prisons, in the last year for which figures are available and for the year before contractorisation of the prisoner transport system (a) in total prison numbers and (b) as a proportion of...
How many escapes by convicted prisoners took place in transit (i) between prisons and (ii) between courts and prisons, in the last year for which figures are available and for the year before contractorisation of the prisoner transport system (a) in total prison numbers and (b) as a proportion of...
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ann Widdecombe
(Conservative)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
25 November 1996
Answered on
25 November 1996
Mr. Porter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many escapes by convicted prisoners took place in transit (i)
between prisons and (ii) between courts and prisons, in the last year for which figures are available and for the year before
contractorisation of the prisoner transport system (a) in total prison numbers and (b) as a proportion of the prison population
moved in each year. [3391]
Miss Widdecombe: [holding answer 12 November 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the
Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. David Porter, dated 25 November 1996:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many escapes by convicted prisoners took place in
transit between prisons and between courts and prisons, in the last year for which figures are available and for the year before
contractorisation of the prisoner transport system in total prison numbers and as a proportion of the prison population moved in
each year.
The information you requested is not available in the form that you require. Information on the total numbers of prisoners moved
annually is not collected centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost. We do keep central records of escapes, but
before this year did not always record whether the escort was between prisons or between courts and prisons. The attached table
shows escapes by convicted prisoners which took place in transit between prisons and between courts and prisons. But in 1992-93
there were two escapes from escorts where central records do not show the destination.
Contracting out of escorts has been phased in over a number of years. There are eight contract areas, the first was contracted out
on 5 April 1993 and the final and only remaining area will start on 1 April 1997. These contractors, however, deal mainly with
unconvicted prisoners.
Category A escorts, inter-prison escorts, funeral escorts, hospital escorts and home visits are currently still carried out by the
public sector.
KPI escapes by convicted prisoners
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Year Between prisons Between prison court
1992-93{1} 12 3
1995-96{2} 2 2
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
{1} The last full financial year prior to the privatisation of escorts in Area 7 (East Midlands and Humberside) in 1993-94, the
start of a rolling programme of contracting out.
{2} The last complete financial year.
Subjects
Prisoner escapes; Prisoner escorts; Security
Date
25 November 1996
Reference
3391; 286 c3-4W
House
House of Commons
How convicted prisoners escaped from a private coach on 5th November in London while being transferred from HM Prison, Blundeston; for what reasons a secure vehicle was not used; what changes he expects to make to the system for transporting prisoners. - Text of letter from Richard Tilt of Prison...
How convicted prisoners escaped from a private coach on 5th November in London while being transferred from HM Prison, Blundeston; for what reasons a secure vehicle was not used; what changes he expects to make to the system for transporting prisoners. - Text of letter from Richard Tilt of Prison...
Asked by
David Porter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ann Widdecombe
(Conservative)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
13 November 1996
Answered on
13 November 1996
Mr. Porter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how convicted prisoners escaped from a private coach on 5 November
in London while being transferred from Her Majesty's prison, Blundeston; for what reasons a secure vehicle was not used; what
changes he expects to make to the system for transporting prisoners; and if he will make a statement. [3392]
Miss Widdecombe: [holding answer 12 November 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the
Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. David Porter, dated 13 November 1996:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about how convicted prisoners escaped from a private coach on 5
November in London while being transferred from Blundeston prison; for what reasons a secure vehicle was not used, and what changes
are excepted to be made to the system of transporting prisoners.
The prisoners who escaped were category B prisoners. Our policy on the transporting of category B prisoners is that they should be
transported in as secure a vehicle as possible, based on a thorough risk assessment of the likelihood of escape. In this particular
case it was decided that a secure vehicle was not required.
A senior director in the Prison Service has completed an enquiry into the incident. He has put forward nine recommendations, which I
have accepted. He has recommended that we should aim to use secure cellular vehicles for all multiple escorts of category B
prisoners, as soon as the necessary equipment can be acquired. The Director of Security has been asked to examine the implementation
of this recommendation.
Subjects
Prisoners' transfers; Prisoner escapes; Transport; HMP Blundeston
Date
13 November 1996
Reference
3392; 285 c244W
House
House of Commons