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Statement on the Transport Council held in Brussels on 11th March.
Statement on the Transport Council held in Brussels on 11th March.
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Young of Cookham
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 March 1997
Answered on
20 March 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the Transport Council held in
Brussels on 11 March. [21639]
Sir George Young: The Transport Council met in Brussels on 11 March. My noble Friend the Minister for Aviation and Shipping
represented the United Kingdom.
The Council agreed a common position on a draft directive to continue for another four years the present arrangements harmonising
the start and end dates of summer time throughout the Community. The UK asked for a statement to be entered in the Council minutes
recording our preference for a recommendation. The Council and Commission agreed a joint declaration on the need for a study of the
effects of summer time.
The Council reached political agreement, by qualified majority, on a draft regulation to continue Community funding for combined
transport projects aimed at encouraging the transfer of traffic from road to more environmentally friendly modes of transport. The
UK said that it would vote against the text when formally adopted, on the basis that the regulation was not an effective way of
achieving this aim. Germany also opposed the measure. This was the only item on which the question of a vote arose.
The Council also reached political agreement on an amendment to directive 92/14 on aircraft noise. Its main effect is to update the
list of aircraft from developing nations exempted until 2002 from the phase-out of some noisier aircraft. A provision allowing
noisier aircraft to be banned from two of the three Berlin airports--Tempelhof and Tegel--was agreed.
The Council agreed terms of reference for a high-level group of officials to consider possible Community involvement in the European
Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation--EUROCONTROL--and in a European aviation safety authority. The group will make a
progress report to the June Transport Council.
The Council held an orientation debate on proposals for the introduction of a new digital tachograph. The issue was remitted to the
Committee of Permanent Representatives--COREPER--for further consideration.
The Council held a further orientation debate on a draft directive on taxation and road user charges for heavy goods vehicles, and
received a report from the Commission on proposals aimed at taking forward the Community's negotiations with Switzerland on
transport issues. Conclusions were agreed instructing COREPER to pursue discussions on the draft directive, noting that agreement
should be reached in conjunction with the conclusion of land transport negotiations with Switzerland.
The Council agreed a resolution calling on member states introducing new electronic fee collection systems for road pricing to use
the technical standards developed by CEN--the European standardisation body.
The Council was invited to comment on a draft resolution, to be considered further by the ECOFIN Council, calling on the Commission
to study the effects on the transport sector of levying a duty on aviation fuel.
The Commission gave progress reports on transport research, public-private partnerships for trans-European network projects and
trans-European rail freight freeways.
Subjects
Aviation; Aircraft; Environment protection; Freight; Fuels; EU action; Noise; Transport; Taxation; Summertime; Vehicles; Trans-European networks; Eurocontrol; EC Transport Council; Committee of Permanent Representatives
Date
20 March 1997
Reference
21639; 292 c756-7W;292 c755-6W
House
House of Commons
Statement on his Department's management plans for the coming financial year. - Includes fact that have today published Depts departmental plan 1997 and copies of this document are available in LIbrary. Also the transport report 1997, presented to Parlt today is in Library.
Statement on his Department's management plans for the coming financial year. - Includes fact that have today published Depts departmental plan 1997 and copies of this document are available in LIbrary. Also the transport report 1997, presented to Parlt today is in Library.
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Young of Cookham
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 March 1997
Answered on
20 March 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out his Department's management plans for the
coming financial year. [21641]
Sir George Young: I have today published my Department's departmental plan 1997. This outlines how my Department will use its
administrative and other resources in 1997-98 and the following two years. Copies of this document are available in the Library. It
will be supplemented by the business plans to be published by each of my Department's executive agencies.
The transport report 1997, presented to Parliament today, sets out expenditure plans for the Department of Transport, the Office of
Passenger Rail Franchising and the Office of the Rail Regulator, for the period 1997-98 to 1999-2000. Copies are available in the
Library.
Subjects
Administration; Costs; Expenditure; Government departments; Management; Publications; Office of Passenger Rail Franchising; Department of Transport; Office of the Rail Regulator
Date
20 March 1997
Reference
21641; 292 c755-6W;292 c754W
House
House of Commons
What targets he has set for the executive agencies in his Department. - Includes fact that copies of the business plans are placed in Library. (DEP/3 5222).
What targets he has set for the executive agencies in his Department. - Includes fact that copies of the business plans are placed in Library. (DEP/3 5222).
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Young of Cookham
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 March 1997
Answered on
20 March 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what targets he has set for the executive agencies in his
Department. [21640]
Sir George Young: The following key targets have been set for the Department of Transport's executive agencies. The targets are set
out in the agencies' business plans, which include management objectives, performance indicators and key tasks, where appropriate to
the agencies' business. Copies of the business plans are placed in the Library.
The key targets for the Coastguard agency are to:
discharge the Secretary of State's responsibility for maritime search and rescue, through its own or dedicated assets by:
maintaining a 24 hours SAR co-ordinating capability within, and including the coasts and shoreline of the UK search and rescue
region; arriving on the scene of coastal incidents with 30 minutes of the call, 95 per cent. of the time; and by getting helicopters
airborne within 15 minutes of a notification to "scramble" during the daytime and 45 minutes at night; maintaining a comprehensive
radio reception and transmission coverage of the UKSRR which enables SAR co-ordination action for the duration of incidents without
interruption or equipment malfunction; testing contingency plans for major maritime SAR incidents, particularly those involving
passenger carrying vessels and merchant shipping and the offshore oil and gas industry by undertaking at least five live exercises,
and additionally as required by the shipping industry to exercise passenger vessel emergency plans with SAR services; and by
conducting 34 SAR awareness seminars;
maintain a fully operational 24-hours channel navigation information service covering the Dover strait traffic separation scheme, in
concert with the appropriate French authorities;
discharge the Secretary of State's responsibility for dealing with marine pollution by the maintenance of a national contingency
plan and in particular: activate the plan within 30 minutes of notification of an incident; commence action at sea to deal with a
spill of dispersible oil within four hours of notification of an incident; undertake one national and six local exercises in
conjunction with local authorities, oil companies and harbour authorities; and review the national contingency plan by 31 March
1998;
increase the number of prosecutions undertaken for marine pollution offences in conjunction with the Marine Safety Agency;
complete the installation of a computerised SAR incident recording system by 31 July and to report to the Department by the end of
October 1997 on suitable targets for effecting a reduction in the number of incidents.
To implement phase 2 of the proposed reorganisation of the HM Coastguard operational structure "Focus for Change" by 31 March 1988.
The key targets for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency are to:
make an efficiency gain (on the basis of an overall efficiency index) of 2.5 per cent.;
complete successfully 495,000 vehicle excise duty enforcement cases by imposition of penalties and to recover, through penalties and
duty from licensing, at least £2.85 for every £1.00 full cost spent by DVLA on vehicle excise duty enforcement;
deliver 95 per cent. of ordinary driving licences to customers within 10 workings days, 95 per cent. of vocational driving licences
within nine working days, and 95 per cent. of first provisional driving licences within nine working days.
deliver 95 per cent. of registration documents for new vehicles within 12 days, and 95 per cent. of changes to vehicle registration
documents within 13 days;
deliver answers to 96 per cent. of written inquiries within eight working days, and to answer 90 per cent. of telephone inquiries
within 30 seconds;
ensure that at least 98 per cent. of driving licences, 98 per cent. of registration documents for new vehicles, and 97 per cent. of
changes to registration documents are issued without a DVLA induced error.
The key targets for the Driving Standards Agency are to:
achieve an average annual return on capital employed on statutory activities of 6 per cent. of net assets, over the period 1 April
1997 to 31 March 2002;
increase the weighted average of fees by no more than the increase in prices as measured by the retail price index over the period 1
April 1997 to 31 March 2000, and by no more than the retail price index minus 1 per cent. in both 2000-01 and 2001-02;
achieve a national average waiting time for car and practical tests of six weeks and make appointments available within 10 weeks at
99 per cent. of permanent test centres;
aim to keep 99.5 per cent. of all practical test appointments which are in place two days prior to the appointment date;
answer practical test booking office telephones so that: four of five calls will be answered on their first dialling attempt; 90 per
cent. of calls which have been answered by an automatic system will then be answered by a human voice within 30 seconds; and an
average of no more than 4 per cent. of calls in the queue will be abandoned before being answered;
achieve a national average waiting time for theory tests of two weeks;
ensure theory test booking office telephones are answered so that: incoming lines will not be engaged for more than 30 seconds in
any week; and 95 per cent. of all calls which have been answered by an automatic system will be answered within 10 seconds by a
human voice.
The key targets for the Highways Agency are to:
improve performance against the road user's charter targets set out in annexe C of the agency's business plan where achievement
levels were below target in 1996-97 and improve systems for monitoring performance;
implement the six Whitehall standards set out in the citizen's charter fifth anniversary White Paper (As set out in annexe C of the
business plan);
achieve 80 per cent. of the milestones relating to national schemes, design build finance and operate projects and other private
finance initiatives listed in annex D of the business plan, or other milestones as may be substituted or added by Ministers;
complete 85 per cent. of the network enhancement and network control projects listed in annex E of the business plan;
complete 1,400 lane kilometres of surface renewal, including reconstruction, overlays, resurfacing, inlays and surface dressing
(including resin-based surface treatments and retexturing);
assess the structural capacity of all remaining structures by March 1998 to ensure that from 1 January 1999, all vehicles up to and
including the new 40-tonne maximum gross weight standard can use all structures supporting trunk roads and other important routes
over trunk roads; and complete 4,400 general inspections and 2,150 principal inspections;
safeguard 126 structures for use by 40-tonne vehicles;
contribute to the Government's target of reducing road casualties by one third by 2000 (compared to the annual average for 1981-85)
by ensuring that accident rates between 1996 and 1998 on the motorway and all-purpose trunk road network do not exceed 21 accidents
involving personal injury for every 100 million vehicle kilometres of travel and by completing 180 local safety schemes;
publish congestion monitoring information, including national road network assessment system maps and TrafficMaster data;
publish, as part of the agency's annual report, information about and activities covered by the agency's environmental strategy, for
new schemes and network management and maintenance activities, demonstrating that the agency has given full weight to environmental
issues. The information will quantify specific environmental effects and will detail measures taken to reduce the impact of roads on
the environment, as indicated in annex F of the business plan;
develop revised efficiency indicator(s) by 30 June 1997;
ensure applications to the national roads scheme committee in 1997-98 to increase the cost of schemes are not to exceed 2 per cent.
of the total programme value;
complete a risk analysis, and obtain client agreement to the risk estimate and referral points for those national schemes listed
under the preferred route announcement;
Order publication, public inquiry and award of contract milestones in Annex D of the business plan.
The key targets for the Marine Safety Agency are to:
reduce the accident rate of UK merchant ships on a three-year rolling average;
reduce the number of deaths of crew and passengers on UK merchant ships on a three-year rolling average;
reduce the accident rate of UK registered fishing vessels on a three-year rolling average;
reduce the number of deaths on UK registered fishing vessels on a three-year rolling average;
ensure that the rate of merchant ship losses in the Red Ensign fleet remains below the world fleet rate on a three-year rolling
average;
reduce the number of Red Ensign registered vessels detailed by other flag states as a percentage of the number inspected under port
state control arrangements on a three-year rolling average;
undertake port state control inspections of 25 to 30 per cent. of foreign-registered ships visiting UK ports;
increase the number of prosecutions undertaken for Marine Pollution Convention offences, in conjunction with the Coastguard Agency;
ensure that at least 60 per cent. of available time is spent on core activities.
The key targets for the Vehicle Certification Agency are to: achieve a net unit cost target of £74.96;
have at least 98 per cent. of approval certificates issued error free;
ensure that where errors do occur in certificates, corrected documents are issued within three working days in 95 per cent. of
cases;
have at least 98 per cent. of invoices issued error free;
ensure that where errors do occur in invoices, corrected documents are issued within three working days in 95 per cent. of cases;
audit at least 50 per cent. of VCA's approved quality procedures.
receive a satisfactory appraisal report on the agency's technical performance from the Department of Transport's chief mechanical
engineer.
The key targets for the Vehicle Inspectorate are to:
meet the requirements on levels and types of activity laid down in the memorandum of agreement on each road enforcement transport
scheme;
develop a target for the 1998-99 financial year that will reflect effective provision of a statutory testing service to the
industry, taking account of customer survey feedback; for 1997-98, to continue to achieve current test measures, as specified in the
business plan;
meet the quality and general effectiveness levels as specified in the business plan measures;
devise a comprehensive and qualitative system for assessing customer satisfaction against which the performance of the agency can be
judged;
make an efficiency gain (on the basis on an aggregated cost efficiency index) of 2 per cent;
break even while achieving an average 6 per cent. rate of return on capital, over the period 1 April 1991 to 31 March 1998;
improve staff awareness and satisfaction as measured through the annual survey;
secure the long-term development of the organisation through working for the investors in people award, implementation of an
information systems strategy, and commencement of the MOT computerisation project.
Subjects
Executive agencies; Driving Standards Agency; Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency; Highways Agency; Standards; Coastguard Agency; Vehicle Inspectorate; Department of Transport; Marine Safety Agency; Vehicle Certification Agency
Date
20 March 1997
Reference
21640; 292 c757-61W;292 c757-60W
House
House of Commons
If he will list his official engagements for Thursday 13th March.
If he will list his official engagements for Thursday 13th March.
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Major
(Conservative)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
13 March 1997
Answered on
13 March 1997
Subjects
Disclosure of information; Select committees
Date
13 March 1997
Reference
18555; 292 c496-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Statement on aid and trade provision. - Inc figs.
Statement on aid and trade provision. - Inc figs.
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Liam Fox
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
3 March 1997
Answered on
3 March 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on aid and
trade provision. [18277]
Dr. Liam Fox: Given the success of British companies in winning business with ATP support, the ATP budget in Asia is under severe
pressure. This is why companies were advised of a hold on new offers of ATP support in Asia last November.
I have now finalised the future allocation of aid resources following the Budget. The allocations for ATP in the next two years have
been increased by 45 per cent. and 37 per cent. respectively, to £77.7 million in 1997-98 and £70.7 million in 1998-99. The
1999-2000 allocation is £49 million.
In Asia, these enhanced levels will allow ODA to meet contractual commitments; to support those projects on which offers of
assistance have been made; and to proceed, subject to satisfactory appraisal, with identified projects for which appraisals are
nearly complete or are close to approval. Further ahead, we shall fulfill our obligations under the concessionary finance
arrangements signed with overseas Governments as aid programme resources allow. In practice, with the exception of the small number
of projects mentioned above where appraisal is well advanced, no further offers of ATP in Asia are likely to be made for some time.
However, ATP remains a significant element in the ODA aid effort, and the position will be reviewed again during this year's public
expenditure round.
In Africa where demands are fewer, business can continue as usual within the resources allocated.
Companies seeking further information on ATP in either Asia or Africa should consult the ODA or Department of Trade and Industry.
Subjects
Development aid; Africa; Finance; Overseas trade; Asia; Aid financed trade
Date
3 March 1997
Reference
18277; 291 c467-8W
House
House of Commons
Statement on plans to amend the Highways Agency's 1996-97 key Business Plan Targets. - Includes fact that some targets are deferred and should be deleted from annex D of the plan: "Roads Programme Completion, Starts and Other Milestones".
Statement on plans to amend the Highways Agency's 1996-97 key Business Plan Targets. - Includes fact that some targets are deferred and should be deleted from annex D of the plan: "Roads Programme Completion, Starts and Other Milestones".
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Watts
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
27 February 1997
Answered on
27 February 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he plans to amend the Highways Agency's 1996-97 key business
plan targets. [18334]
Mr. Watts: I have reviewed the Highways Agency's key targets and decided that the business plan should be amended to reflect
decisions taken during the year.
The following 1996-97 targets are deferred, reflecting the new timing or priority of these schemes. They should be deleted from
annex D of the plan: "Roads Programme Completion, Starts and Other Milestones":
A650 Hard Ings Road Improvement: (Public Inquiry)
A40 Gypsy Corner Improvement: (Award of Contract)
A40 Western Circus Junction Improvement: (Award of Contract)
London Primary Route Signing Project: (Award of Contract)
A30/A36/A46/A303: (DBFO Tender Invitation).
Milestones which are added to annex D are:
A1 Tempsford Junction Improvement: (Publication of Orders).
A copy of the Highways Agency business plan 1996-97 is in the Library.
Subjects
Construction; Executive agencies; Highways Agency; Standards; Roads
Date
27 February 1997
Reference
18334; 291 c297W
House
House of Commons
What measures she is taking to enforce discipline in schools. -
What measures she is taking to enforce discipline in schools. -
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Eric Forth
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Education and Employment
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
26 February 1997
Answered on
26 February 1997
Subjects
Discipline; Schools; Teachers; Training; Teaching methods
Date
26 February 1997
Reference
291 c325-6; 16057
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What plans he has to introduce a guaranteed minimum income for pensioners above the current income support levels. (Failed OPQ).
What plans he has to introduce a guaranteed minimum income for pensioners above the current income support levels. (Failed OPQ).
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Oliver Heald
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Social Security
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
25 February 1997
Answered on
25 February 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce a guaranteed minimum income
for pensioners above current income support levels; and if he will makes a statement. [15759]
Mr. Heald: We have no plans to introduce a guaranteed minimum income for pensioners which, if set at 5 per cent. above current
income support levels, would cost an estimated £2 billion per year.
Subjects
Income support; Guaranteed minimum pensions; Personal income; Pensioners
Date
25 February 1997
Reference
15759; 291 c200W;291 c201W
House
House of Commons
Statement on the restructuring of the Defence Medical Services
Statement on the restructuring of the Defence Medical Services
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Soames of Fletching
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
25 February 1997
Answered on
25 February 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the restructuring of the Defence
Medical Services organisation. [17904]
Mr. Soames: The Defence Medical Services Organisation is established primarily to provide care for service personnel deployed on
operations. This is a vital task. To provide this capability, the DMSO must comprise peacetime structures and a recognised training
base which can produce uniformed medical personnel with the right skills and in sufficient numbers to meet forecast operational
demands. That peacetime structure can also make a significant contribution to the provision of secondary medical care for all
service personnel and, in certain circumstances, for their dependants, to facilitate effective training, it works closely with the
NHS.
Since 1984, there has been a series of separate studies into the Defence Medical Services Organisation, aimed at rationalising an
area which was consuming over 2 per cent. of the Defence budget and adapting them to the changing strategic environment. This work
culminated in the Defence Costs Study in 1994, which recommended major restructuring of the DMSO to enable it to provide sufficient
rapidly deployable units, primarily manned by regular personnel, to support forces deployed on operations, and a more efficient and
cost-effective support structure, including establishing a number of agencies to provide secondary medical care and recognised
training for medical personnel.
These necessary changes have meant major upheavals for the DMSO which, naturally, not all those involved have welcomed. The DMSO was
suffering from some shortages of personnel--particularly anaesthetists, orthopaedic surgeons and intensive care nurses, mirroring
shortages in the NHS--and we are striving to improve this situation. We have established all of the key elements of the new
organisations and we are now focusing on achieving the right balance in their relationships with the NHS and their function as
military units in the light of experience with the operation of the new structure.
Three regular field hospitals of 200 beds have now been established with permanent command and administrative staff. The clinical
staff to support the field hospitals will be drawn from the Defence Secondary Care Agency. There are currently gaps in some
specialities which we look to fill, as we did in the Gulf and in Bosnia in other specialisations, by volunteer reservists under the
provisions of the Reserve Forces Act 1996. We have provided the proper level of medical support to British troops on operational
deployment in the Gulf, Bosnia and elsewhere.
Defence planning to reflect the changing strategic circumstances has already evolved further since 1994. We have therefore set up a
study team to examine whether these new circumstances, together with recent changes in medical practice, require further changes to
our detailed assumptions for the provision of medical support to the front line. This should report by the middle of the year.
We continue to improve our holdings of medical equipment and supplies. Two sets of containerised modular operating theatres are now
in use in Bosnia. We intend to purchase more of those in the future; the next will be delivered later this year. We also plan to
improve medical facilities in RFA Argus for its role as a hospital ship.
At the time of the restructuring of the DMSO--which involved the closure of three service hospitals and the concentration of medical
facilities at the Royal hospital Haslar and in three Ministry of Defence hospital units at Derriford, Frimley Park and
Peterborough--waiting lists increased. They have now been substantially reduced through robust management action by the new Defence
Secondary Care Agency. There is also a programme of improvements at the Royal hospital Haslar. Most of the enhancements to the
clinical facilities should be completed by June 1997, with the remaining programme of capital works--for health and
safety--completed over the next two years.
Work to align terms of service for medical personnel in each of the three services and so produce a more cohesive DMSO is well in
hand. The first measures will be implemented in April. Naval and Army medical and dental officers will be allowed to extend their
short-service commissions in line with current RAF policy to enable them to complete their clinical training in uniform, and there
will be a common return of service for that training.
Young officers are being attracted into the DMSO on cadet schemes, and there are early and encouraging signs that an increasing
number of them are prolonging their service to take advantage of the improved facilities and opportunities offered by the new
structure. We are determined to build on this, and to provide the armed forces with the medical support appropriate to their needs.
Subjects
Staff; Armed forces; Hospitals; Health services; Royal Hospital Haslar; Defence Secondary Care Agency; Training; Defence Medical Services; Medical equipment; RFA Argus
Date
25 February 1997
Reference
291 c186-8W; 17904
House
House of Commons
Statement on what progress has been made on the financial, management and policy review of English Nature. (Copy of review in Library as Dep/3 4661)
Statement on what progress has been made on the financial, management and policy review of English Nature. (Copy of review in Library as Dep/3 4661)
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
James Clappison
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of the Environment
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 February 1997
Answered on
20 February 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made on the financial, management and
policy review of English Nature. [17265]
Mr. Clappison: The financial management and policy review of English Nature has been completed. The intention of the review was to
see whether English Nature's system of internal control over both administrative and programme expenditure were reliable and
effective. Today the report was presented to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and to the chairman of
English Nature, and I have arranged for copies of the report to be placed in the Library of the House.
The review by my Department has made more than 50 recommendations. As a result of the review, there will be a major change in the
relationship between the Department and English Nature, which will include the introduction of single running cost control, a
revised financial memorandum, and a management statement.
Single running cost control is an annual cash limit for a non-departmental public body running costs which replaces more detailed
item scrutiny. It enables a non-departmental public body to manage its own administration expenditure within that limit, subject to
such overall constraints as Government policy on pay. The establishment of single running costs control emphasises that primary
responsibility for both financial control and value for money rests with the non-departmental public body's own management.
For a non-departmental public body to be able to follow such an approach requires the support, encouragement and co-operation of its
sponsoring Department. English Nature and the Department will work together to achieve this aim.
I consider all the recommendations important. Together, they constitute a package which will enable English Nature to continue to
ensure that it is operating in an efficient and effective manner.
Subjects
Finance; Management; Non-departmental public bodies; English Nature; Standards; Cash limits
Date
20 February 1997
Reference
17265; 290 c675W
House
House of Commons
What plans he has for grants to homelessness voluntary organisations under section 180 of the Housing Act 1996. - Inc fig.
What plans he has for grants to homelessness voluntary organisations under section 180 of the Housing Act 1996. - Inc fig.
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
James Clappison
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of the Environment
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 February 1997
Answered on
20 February 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for grants to homelessness voluntary
organisations under section 180 of the Housing Act 1996. [17264]
Mr. Clappison: The successful grant programme established under section 73 of the Housing Act 1985 will be continued under section
180 of the 1996 Act. The grant programme has been particularly successful in helping single, homeless people to find and keep
accommodation, and it continues to represent good value for money.
For 1997-98 the Government have made available £7.9 million to assist voluntary sector organisations to meet the running costs of
practical projects which help single people in housing need. In addition to continuing to fund all eligible existing projects, we
shall be inviting bids from voluntary organisations to set up new projects in 1997-98.
Legislation
Housing Act 1996
Subjects
Central government; Housing; Grants; Homelessness; Voluntary organisations; Single people
Date
20 February 1997
Reference
17264; 290 c674-5W
House
House of Commons
To comment on Business Links in Norfolk. (Failed OPQ).
To comment on Business Links in Norfolk. (Failed OPQ).
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Richard Page
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
19 February 1997
Answered on
19 February 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on business links in Norfolk. [15045]
Mr. Page: Business Link Norfolk and Waveney opened in November 1995 with a hub in Norwich and satellites in King's Lynn and
Lowestoft and it has made significant progress in serving the local community. Since November 1995, the BL has handled nearly 20,000
inquiries and its personal business advisers are helping nearly 300 businesses.
Subjects
Norfolk; Business links
Date
19 February 1997
Reference
15045; 290 c591-2W
House
House of Commons
If he will comment on the Protocol on Animal Welfare which he has tabled at the IGC. (Failed OPQ).
If he will comment on the Protocol on Animal Welfare which he has tabled at the IGC. (Failed OPQ).
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Browning
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
6 February 1997
Answered on
6 February 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the protocol on animal
welfare which he has tabled at the intergovernmental conference. [13116]
Mrs. Browning: Discussions continue on our proposal for a protocol on animal welfare which would place a legally binding obligation
on Community institutions. I am pleased to report an encouraging response.
Subjects
Animal welfare; Intergovernmental Conference 1996
Date
6 February 1997
Reference
13116; 289 c714W
House
House of Commons
How many British citizens are currently resident in other European Union countries. - On 31 December 1995, there were 960,000.
How many British citizens are currently resident in other European Union countries. - On 31 December 1995, there were 960,000.
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Liam Fox
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
28 January 1997
Answered on
28 January 1997
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens are currently
resident in other European Union countries. [13165]
Dr. Liam Fox: According to our latest estimates, on 31 December 1995, there were 960,000 British citizens resident in other European
Union countries.
Subjects
British nationality; EU countries; Overseas residence
Date
28 January 1997
Reference
13165; 289 c141W
House
House of Commons
What plans he has to provide assistance to local authorities in respect of anti-social tenants. -
What plans he has to provide assistance to local authorities in respect of anti-social tenants. -
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
James Clappison
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of the Environment
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
17 December 1996
Answered on
17 December 1996
Subjects
Council housing; Social problems
Date
17 December 1996
Reference
7856; 287 c743-4
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Statement about the introduction in Great Britain of a central computerised system to record cattle movements.
Statement about the introduction in Great Britain of a central computerised system to record cattle movements.
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Viscount Hailsham
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
10 December 1996
Answered on
10 December 1996
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the introduction in
Great Britain of a central computerised system to record cattle movements. [8818]
Mr. Douglas Hogg: The Government commissioned a feasibility study on establishing a computerised cattle traceability system in Great
Britain in July 1996. The study has been completed, and its findings considered. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for
Scotland and for Wales and I are putting forward proposals for implementation of the system.
The Government consider that improved cattle traceability would have considerable benefit in underpinning consumer confidence in the
beef market. All cattle born or imported to Great Britain since 1 July 1996 have had to have a cattle passport. This records details
of the animal's identity and its movements. Holding the details of movements on a computer database would improve tracing of animals
still further. There are already similar databases in Northern Ireland and in some other European countries.
Under our proposals, details of the cattle movements would be entered on to the computer database by a new private sector
organisation, known as the "British cattle movement service". Farmers and others in the livestock industry would send in details of
cattle movements using a simple form and a "freepost" system. Businesses reporting large volumes of movements, such as livestock
markets and abattoirs, would be able to use electronic data transfer, instead of a form. Access to the movement information on the
database would be permitted, probably on payment of a charge.
The livestock industry will be the main beneficiary of the computerised cattle traceability system, which will be essential to help
re-establish confidence in beef and beef products at home and abroad. Thus, the Government are proposing that the running costs of
the system should be borne by the industry. Including the costs of postage, these are likely to be some £20 million to £25 million a
year. The Government propose to meet the start-up costs of the system, estimated at some £5 million.
I recognise that this project is of great significance to the livestock industry. In order for the computerised system to be
effective, it will be essential to have the industry's support. Thus during implementation of the system, the Government will
continue the close liaison they have had with the industry during and since the feasibility study commissioned in July. We look
forward to a constructive dialogue with the industry on the proposals in our consultation document, a copy of which has been placed
in the Libraries of both Houses. The deadline for responses is 31 January 1997.
Subjects
Databases; Computers; Cattle; Diseases; BSE; Beef; Operating costs
Date
10 December 1996
Reference
8818; 287 c104-5W
House
House of Commons
If he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 26th November.
If he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 26th November.
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Major
(Conservative)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
26 November 1996
Answered on
26 November 1996
Subjects
Manufacturing industries; Exhibitions; Upper Waiting Hall
Date
26 November 1996
Reference
286 c150; 4344
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What discussions (i) he and (ii) his officials have had with trustees of the John Innes Foundation about the future of the John Innes Centre. - (Holding answer 19 November 1996).
What discussions (i) he and (ii) his officials have had with trustees of the John Innes Foundation about the future of the John Innes Centre. - (Holding answer 19 November 1996).
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ian Taylor
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
25 November 1996
Answered on
25 November 1996
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions (i) he and (ii) his officials have had with
trustees of the John Innes Foundation about the future of the John Innes centre. [4796]
Mr. Ian Taylor: [holding answer 19 November 1996]:
No discussions, so far as I am aware, have taken place with trustees of the foundation, but I cannot rule out the possibility that
the subject may have arisen coincidentally in conversation. The trustees have made no formal representations to the Department.
Subjects
Plants; Government research establishments; John Innes Centre
Date
25 November 1996
Reference
4796; 286 c31W
House
House of Commons
When he proposes to issue a consolidation of the 1990 local authority capital finance regulations.
When he proposes to issue a consolidation of the 1990 local authority capital finance regulations.
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
David Curry
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of the Environment
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
30 October 1996
Answered on
30 October 1996
Mr. Patrick Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to issue a consolidation of the 1990 local
authority capital finance regulations. [1737]
Mr. Curry: A draft consolidation of these regulations is being issued this week to local authorities and other interested parties. A
copy is being placed in the House Library. I am inviting comments on the draft by the end of January. The new regulations will come
into effect next April and will supersede the 1990 regulations.
Subjects
Expenditure; Local government; Local government finance
Date
30 October 1996
Reference
1737; 284 c122W
House
House of Commons
What changes are proposed to the farm woodland premium scheme. - Inc fact that report setting out changes proposed has been laid before House today; consultation paper to be issued shortly.
What changes are proposed to the farm woodland premium scheme. - Inc fact that report setting out changes proposed has been laid before House today; consultation paper to be issued shortly.
Asked by
Patrick Thompson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Tony Baldry
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
24 July 1996
Answered on
24 July 1996
Subjects
Farm woodland premium scheme
Date
24 July 1996
Reference
40043; 282 c624W;282 c625W
House
House of Commons