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House
Session
Year
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Answering member
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How he proposes to increase the use of the private finance initiative on the London Underground. (Failed OPQ).
How he proposes to increase the use of the private finance initiative on the London Underground. (Failed OPQ).
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Glenda Jackson
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
29 July 1997
Answered on
29 July 1997
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how he proposes to increase the use of
the private finance initiative on the London Underground. [9383]
Ms Glenda Jackson: We support use of private finance to improve the underground through projects like the proposed power PFI deal.
We are determined to attract more private finance to tackle the investment backlog in the underground's key assets, such as track,
signalling and civil engineering structures. That is why we are reviewing public-private partnership options for the underground as
a matter of urgency.
Subjects
Joint ventures; Private sector; Public sector; Private finance initiative; London Underground
Date
29 July 1997
Reference
9383; 299 c194W
House
House of Commons
What estimate he has made of the costs of establishing and running a strategic authority for London. (Failed OPQ).
What estimate he has made of the costs of establishing and running a strategic authority for London. (Failed OPQ).
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Nick Raynsford
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
29 July 1997
Answered on
29 July 1997
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the costs of
establishing and running a strategic authority for London. [9363]
Mr. Raynsford: Our Green Paper, published today, sets out proposals and seeks views on a range of options for the nature and
functions of the new strategic authority for London. It is not possible to make firm estimates of the cost of establishing and
running the authority until we are clearer, following this consultation, on the final form that the new arrangements will take. Our
overriding objective is that the new strategic authority should improve the efficiency with which pan-London activities are carried
out. We intend that any additional spending on setting up the new authority will be offset by longer-term savings.
Subjects
Greater London Authority
Date
29 July 1997
Reference
9363; 299 c191-2W;299 c191W
House
House of Commons
1st supplementary on future of family credit.
1st supplementary on future of family credit.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Social Security
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
30 June 1997
Subjects
Family credit; Social security; Reform
Date
30 June 1997
Reference
297 c10
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What plans she has to review social security income related benefits.
What plans she has to review social security income related benefits.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Field of Birkenhead
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Social Security
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
30 June 1997
Answered on
30 June 1997
Subjects
Family credit; Social security; Reform
Date
30 June 1997
Reference
297 c10; 4342
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Waste Prevention Bill. Presentation and first reading (Bill 22 1997/98). To be read second time on 12 December.
Waste Prevention Bill. Presentation and first reading (Bill 22 1997/98). To be read second time on 12 December.
Lead member
Piers Merchant
Type
Legislative formal proceedings
Legislative stage
First reading
Procedure
Private members' bills proceedings
Legislation
Waste Prevention Bill 1997/98
Date
18 June 1997
Reference
296 c348
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Statement on the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 17th to 19th March.
Statement on the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 17th to 19th March.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Viscount Hailsham
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 March 1997
Answered on
20 March 1997
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in
Brussels on 17 to 19 March; and if he will make a statement. [21564]
Mr. Douglas Hogg: I represented the United Kingdom for part of the Agriculture Council in Brussels on 17-19 March and for the
remainder of the period the UK was represented by my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and officials.
The Council reached unanimous agreement on important proposals on cattle identification and beef labelling on a basis of article 43
of the treaty. The identification proposal requires the establishment of computerised systems for tracing cattle movements
throughout their lives, improving cattle tagging, and a system of cattle passports similar to the one introduced in Great Britain
last summer. Adoption of this proposal will facilitate the implementation of plans to develop a fully computerised database of
cattle movements in Great Britain. The arrangements agreed on labelling provide for member states to decide whether or not to
require the compulsory labelling of beef from the year 2000; and for the details of what information should be provided on labels
under a compulsory system to be decided by the Council in the light of member states' experience between now and 1999. The labelling
proposal as adopted met UK concerns to have a flexible, informative and less bureaucratic system than that originally put forward by
the Commission, and this was secured in the final outcome.
The Council also agreed unanimously a proposal from the Commission determining measures and compensation relating to appreciable
currency revaluations affecting farm incomes. The United Kingdom had strongly opposed the original proposal on the grounds that it
discriminated against United Kingdom farmers faced with significant revaluations of the agricultural conversion rate for sterling.
As a result, the proposal was substantially modified in the course of negotiation and the discriminatory elements removed on terms
which fully met United Kingdom requirements.
On BSE, my noble Friend reported to the Council on progress in the United Kingdom on fulfilling the terms of the Florence agreement,
and the recent submission to the Commission of a proposal for excluding meat from certified UK herds from the EU export ban. He
urged the early submission of this proposal to the appropriate scientific committees, as provided for in the Florence agreement.
The Council had a first discussion of the Commission's proposals on agricultural prices for 1997-98, which include a long-standing
proposal to reduce arable aid and set-aside payments. The United Kingdom endorsed the Commission's intention to achieve budgetary
savings, but regretted the absence of moves to reduce agricultural support prices generally, or of proposals for the early reform of
sectors such as milk, beef and cereals.
In a third structured dialogue with the countries of central and eastern Europe, the Council considered with those countries how to
assist in the implementations of the EU's veterinary and phytosanitary regulations. There was agreement on the need for a better
exchange of information on EU policy and legislation in this area, and for help from the PHARE programme to establish the required
control and inspection facilities.
The Council discussed, at the request of France, the need for changes in the operation of the early marketing scheme for veal and
the calf processing scheme. It was agreed that the beef management committee would address these issues as a matter of urgency on 21
March, and would consider inter alia a possible reduction in the rate of calf processing premium in response to a long-standing UK
request.
The Council agreed some changes to the mandate of the European Commission in its negotiations with the USA on a veterinary
equivalence agreement; and adopted by qualified majority--Spain, Portugal and Italy voting against--a proposal to open a malting
barley quota for the USA in order to fulfil the EU's obligations under the World Trade Organisation.
The United Kingdom raised in the Council the need for an urgent report and proposals from the Commission on the welfare of battery
hens, on which the Commissioner promised early action. The UK also backed a German request for the rapid submission to the Council
of proposals on the transport of animals.
Subjects
Compensation; Animals; Agriculture; Cattle; Diseases; Disease control; Food; Labelling; EU action; Transport; Subsidies; Veterinary services; BSE; Beef; EC Agriculture Council
Date
20 March 1997
Reference
21564; 292 c722-3W;292 c723-5W
House
House of Commons
When the document defining standards for clean livestock is to be published. - Inc ref to 292 c372-4 and fact that have placed in Library copies of the amendment to the operations manual and draft publicity material sent to interested parties (Dep/3 4851).
When the document defining standards for clean livestock is to be published. - Inc ref to 292 c372-4 and fact that have placed in Library copies of the amendment to the operations manual and draft publicity material sent to interested parties (Dep/3 4851).
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Browning
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 March 1997
Answered on
20 March 1997
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the document defining standards for clean livestock is to
be published. [21565]
Mrs. Browning: As foreshadowed in the statement which my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food made on 12 March 1997, Official Report, columns 372-74, the existing guidance in the Meat Hygiene Service operations manual has
been enhanced today to provide a pictorial guide on dirty animals and the appropriate action to take when such animals are presented
for slaughter. This will reinforce to all those involved in slaughtering, as well as other sectors of farming and associated
industries, what is expected of them and the controls which will apply if they do not meet the appropriate standards. This issue was
included in the interim report of the expert group on E. coli being chaired by Professor Pennington.
Proposals for publicising the potential sources of contamination and how to ensure that contaminated animals do not enter the food
chain are being sent to interested organisations today for comment. Once comments have been considered, the Meat Hygiene Service
proposes to launch a publicity campaign.
I have placed in the Library of the House copies of the amendment to the operations manual and draft publicity material sent to
interested parties.
Subjects
Contamination; Inspections; Hygiene; Food; Slaughterhouses; Meat Hygiene Service
Date
20 March 1997
Reference
21565; 292 c723-4W;292 c725W
House
House of Commons
Statement on details of the 1997-98 charging scheme for local air pollution control under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. - Includes figures and fact that scheme for variable payment arrangements laid. Copy in Library.
Statement on details of the 1997-98 charging scheme for local air pollution control under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. - Includes figures and fact that scheme for variable payment arrangements laid. Copy in Library.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
James Clappison
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of the Environment
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
5 March 1997
Answered on
5 March 1997
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give details of the 1997-98 charging scheme for local air
pollution control under part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. [18920]
Mr. Clappison: Charges to cover the costs of local enforcing authorities in regulating processes which are subject to part I of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 were introduced in April 1991.
With the approval of the Treasury, and following consultation with local authority associations and industry, my right hon. Friends
the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Wales have made a revised scheme specifying the scale of fees and charges to
take effect from 1 April 1997.
The main changes are that the standard application fee is increased by £25 to £1,040, the substantial charge fee is increased by £15
to £665, and the annual subsistence charge is increased by £15 to £640.
In addition, an adjustment has been made to the scheme this year to introduce variable payment arrangements for operators of mobile
crushing and screening plant allowing for reduced payments for multiple plant.
The scheme has been laid before both Houses and a copy placed in the Libraries.
Legislation
Environmental Protection Act 1990
Subjects
Air pollution; Fees and charges; Local government; Powers; Pollution control
Date
5 March 1997
Reference
18920; 291 c634-5W
House
House of Commons
Statement on what has been the result of the Government's consultation on the draft Hedgerows Regulations. - Govt yesterday laid regulations, revised in light of responses to public consultation. Copies in Library.
Statement on what has been the result of the Government's consultation on the draft Hedgerows Regulations. - Govt yesterday laid regulations, revised in light of responses to public consultation. Copies in Library.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
James Clappison
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of the Environment
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
4 March 1997
Answered on
4 March 1997
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the result of the Government's consultation on the
draft hedgerows regulations. [18921]
Mr. Clappison: The Government yesterday laid in both Houses draft hedgerows regulations, revised in the light of responses to the
public consultation.
Copies of the report on the analysis of the responses to the consultation have been placed in the Library of the House.
Subjects
Environment protection; Hedges and ditches; Nature conservation; Statutory instruments
Date
4 March 1997
Reference
18921; 291 c602W
House
House of Commons
Parking Penalty Charge Bill. Second reading debate. Adjourned.
Parking Penalty Charge Bill. Second reading debate. Adjourned.
Lead member
Piers Merchant
Type
Debates on bills
Legislative stage
Second reading
Subjects
Parking; Parking offences
Date
14 February 1997
Reference
290 c589-90
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Statement on assessment he has made of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in its report on Volatile Substance Abuse. - Including fact that copy of Government's response has been placed in Library (Dep/3 4552).
Statement on assessment he has made of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in its report on Volatile Substance Abuse. - Including fact that copy of Government's response has been placed in Library (Dep/3 4552).
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Simon Burns
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
31 January 1997
Answered on
31 January 1997
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State Health what assessment he has made of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in its
report on volatile substance abuse. [14208]
Mr. Burns: The Government welcome this thoughtful and thorough report and its recommendations. A copy of the Government's response
has been placed in the Library.
The Government share the advisory council's view that although volatile substance abuse has characteristics in common with other
types of drug misuse, it has particular problems of its own which merit specific attention.
While the number of deaths associated with VSA has fallen from 151 in 1990 to 57 in 1994, the government are committed to continuing
the pressure to reduce and ultimately eliminate such deaths. Since the advisory council's report was presented to ministers, a wide
range of action which broadly reflects the ACMD's recommendations has been taken, including:
the Department of Health has agreed a contract with St. George's hospital medical school to produce an annual report on the number
of VSA-associated deaths;
the Department funded the Health Education authority 1995 national drugs campaign survey which brought to light new information on
the prevalence of VSA. The HEA has extended the 1996 survey to include items about prevalence and behaviour patterns associated with
VSA;
the Department has funded the National Children's Bureau solvent misuse project to become a national resource for the collection and
dissemination of information on VSA, including details of education and training materials;
the National Children's bureau has surveyed drug action teams to establish the extent of their involvement in VSA work at local
level;
the Department for Education and Employment has issued guidance to schools on VSA. The Department of health and the British
Manufacturers Association have jointly funded the Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Education-- TACADE--to produce a resource
pack to facilitate VSA education in primary schools;
the Department also funded an HEA advertising campaign in autumn 1996, targeted at parents to raise awareness of the dangers of VSA;
a VSA Industry Forum has been established to examine the advisory council's recommendations specific to industry. The Department of
Trade and Industry has sponsored research on behalf of the forum into the effectiveness of product labelling. The forum is
considering the introduction of voluntary product labelling;
manufacturers and retailers of cigarette lighter gas refills have voluntarily introduced 25 ml refill cans and emphasis has shifted
from larger cans.
Subjects
Curriculum; Death; Health; Publications; Publicity; Misuse; Solvents; Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs; Health Education Authority; Information services
Date
31 January 1997
Reference
14208; 289 c400-1W
House
House of Commons
What changes will be made to the cash limits of his Department in 1996-97. - Including figures.
What changes will be made to the cash limits of his Department in 1996-97. - Including figures.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Stephen Dorrell
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
31 January 1997
Answered on
31 January 1997
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes will be made to the cash limits of his Department in 1996-97.
[14207]
Mr. Dorrell: Subject to the approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, the cash limit for class XI, vote 1--hospital,
community health, family health and related services, England--will be reduced by £16,641,000, from £27,807,821,000 to
£27,791,180,000. This reduction allows for a transfer of £124,896,000 following a reappraisal of drugs budget requirements and a
transfer of £8,000 to Department of Health and Social Services Northern Ireland for the National Poisons Information Service. The
reduction is partially offset by increases of £81,121,000 in respect of the take up of entitlement under the end year flexibility
scheme; £25,000,000 for a claim on the reserve to support priority services, and by a transfer of £2,142,000 from class XVIII, vote
4--Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner and Health Service Commissioners--as an offset for previously funded activity not now
required.
The cash limit for class XI, vote 2--Department of Health, administration, miscellaneous health and personal social services,
England--will be reduced by £169,000, from £1,208,599,000 to £1,208,430,000. This reduction allows for transfers of £494,000 to
class XII, vote 3-- Department of Social Security: administration--made up of £366,000 (£329,000 running costs) for accommodation
charges, £68,000 running costs for telecommunications and £60,000 for services provided by staff at Richmond house and a transfer of
£117,000 to DHSS, Northern Ireland to obtain advice and information about medical devices. The reduction is partially offset by a
transfer of £442,000 from class XII, vote 3--Department of Social Security, administration and miscellaneous services-- made up of
£352,000 running costs for the production of milk tokens, £70,000 running costs for the provision of petty cash services at Richmond
house and £20,000 towards the administrative costs of Age Concern.
The Department's gross running cost limit will be reduced by £5,099,000 from £280,057,000 to £274,958,000. This reflects a reduction
of £5,124,000 mainly to meet shortfalls on receipts, partially offset by the transfers listed.
All increases will either be offset by savings, increased receipts or transfers to or from other votes or charged to the reserve and
will not, therefore, add to the planned total of public expenditure.
Subjects
Government departments; Department of Health; Cash limits; Operating costs
Date
31 January 1997
Reference
14207; 289 c400W
House
House of Commons
What is his estimate of the numbers of police officers released for operational duties in England and Wales in 1996-97 following civilianisation. - Figures given.
What is his estimate of the numbers of police officers released for operational duties in England and Wales in 1996-97 following civilianisation. - Figures given.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Blencathra
(Conservative)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
22 January 1997
Answered on
22 January 1997
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the numbers of police officers released
for operational duties in England and Wales in 1996-97 following civilianisation. [12585]
Mr. Maclean: Chief constables have estimated that between 1 April 1996 and 31 March 1997 an additional 1,151 police officer posts
will have been civilianised, enabling those officers to be released for operational duties.
Subjects
Civilians; Police
Date
22 January 1997
Reference
12585; 288 c599W
House
House of Commons
What discussions he has had on progress on Eurofighter with his German counterpart. (Failed OPQ)
What discussions he has had on progress on Eurofighter with his German counterpart. (Failed OPQ)
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
14 January 1997
Answered on
14 January 1997
Subjects
Military aircraft; Typhoon aircraft
Date
14 January 1997
Reference
8988; 288 c222W
House
House of Commons
What plans she has to take forward the work of the Make a Difference initiative and for the promotion of volunteering. - Ref to 287 c602-3.
What plans she has to take forward the work of the Make a Difference initiative and for the promotion of volunteering. - Ref to 287 c602-3.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Bottomley of Nettlestone
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of National Heritage
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
16 December 1996
Answered on
16 December 1996
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to take forward the work of the "Make a
Difference" initiative and for the promotion of volunteering. [9682]
Mrs. Virginia Bottomley: I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Clywd, North-West
(Mr. Richards) earlier today.
Subjects
Voluntary organisations; Voluntary work; Make a Difference
Date
16 December 1996
Reference
9682; 287 c442W
House
House of Commons
What recent representations she has received about changes in clinical academic salary levels.
What recent representations she has received about changes in clinical academic salary levels.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Eric Forth
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Education and Employment
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
11 December 1996
Answered on
11 December 1996
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent representations she has received about changes
in clinical academic salary levels. [8246]
Mr. Forth: Mr. right hon. Friend has received numerous representations on this matter. She announced at the time of the Budget
statement that she has placed a new condition of grant on the Higher Education Funding Council for England from 1997-98 requiring
the council to enable universities and colleges to meet any additional costs for medical schools arising from any pay increase
awarded by the Government to NHS clinicians.
Subjects
Staff; Health services; Higher education; Medicine; Universities; Teachers; Pay settlements; Pay comparability
Date
11 December 1996
Reference
287 c242W; 8246
House
House of Commons
How many criminals who took a gun to a crime have been given a life sentence since 1989.
How many criminals who took a gun to a crime have been given a life sentence since 1989.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Howard of Lympne
(Conservative)
Answering body
Home Office
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
5 December 1996
Answered on
5 December 1996
Subjects
Crimes of violence; Handguns; Life imprisonment
Date
5 December 1996
Reference
286 c1191-2; 6153
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
1st supplementary on same.
1st supplementary on same.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answering body
Home Office
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
5 December 1996
Subjects
Crimes of violence; Handguns; Life imprisonment
Date
5 December 1996
Reference
286 c1191-2
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What plans he has to enable local social services authorities to meet the costs of the adult asylum seekers they are supporting following the High Court judgement on 8th October making them liable to provide such support.
What plans he has to enable local social services authorities to meet the costs of the adult asylum seekers they are supporting following the High Court judgement on 8th October making them liable to provide such support.
Asked by
Piers Merchant
(Conservative)
Answered by
Stephen Dorrell
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
26 November 1996
Answered on
26 November 1996
Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to enable local social services authorities to meet the
costs of the adult asylum seekers whom they are supporting following the High Court judgment on 8 October making them liable to
provide such support. [6586]
Mr. Dorrell: I intend to appeal against the judgement, as do the social services authorities who were party to the case.
In the meantime I intend, subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary special grant report, to make funds available to meet
the reasonable costs incurred by authorities supporting asylum seekers who show entitlement to such support under that judgment. My
Department will discuss the detailed arrangements with local authorities. I will lay the special grant report when that has been
done.
Subjects
Expenditure; Judgements; Local government; Social security benefits; Refugees; Social services
Date
26 November 1996
Reference
6586; 286 c225W
House
House of Commons
Parking Penalty Charge Bill. Presentation and first reading (Bill 42 1996/97). To be read second time on 14 February 1997.
Parking Penalty Charge Bill. Presentation and first reading (Bill 42 1996/97). To be read second time on 14 February 1997.
Lead member
Piers Merchant
Type
Legislative formal proceedings
Legislative stage
First reading
Procedure
Private members' bills proceedings
Legislation
Parking Penalty Charge Bill 1996/97
Date
25 November 1996
Reference
286 c61
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons