Friday 26 January 2001
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the level of expenditure by the Industrial Development Board (IDB), Local Economic Development Unit (LEDU) and Industrial Research and Technology Unit (IRTU) by electoral ward and parliamentary constituency during each of the last three years.

(AQW 1216/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The IDB’s expenditure in each of the last three years on selective financial assistance —grants, loans and shares — and on property capital works is set out in the attached tables at annexes A and B. Similar analysis of trade international expenditure could only be provided at disproportionate costs. Data relating to IDB expenditure is not compiled on an electoral ward basis.

An analysis of expenditure, as a result of letters of offer made to client business by LEDU is provided in the attached table at Annex C. This information is not held on an electoral ward basis.

The IRTU does not record the information requested on an electoral ward or constituency basis and the information could only be provided at a disproportionate cost. Funds committed to projects by parliamentary constituency are more readily available and for the years in question are in the attached table at Annex D.

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to list the administrative data sets held by the Department and its agencies and detail whether these data sets provide qualitative data at enumeration district, electoral ward level, district council area or by parliamentary constituency.

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Sir Reg Empey: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, like other departments, maintains a range of records on their staff for the purposes of carrying out their functions as employers. Many of the records for individual members of staff are held on computerised systems, which are managed by the Department of Finance and Personnel on behalf of departments and their respective agencies. These records include personnel, payroll, training records and applicant records for casual recruitment competitions. Such records are not managed in a way that routinely provides data sets by enumeration district, electoral ward, district council or parliamentary constituency.

The Department also holds the following databases:

The company development programme, which can provide information regarding investment support made within electoral wards, district councils, and parliamentary constituencies.

The Northern Ireland single programme, which holds details regarding total amount of grant requested and total amount eligible at the beginning and end of the funding period. This information is not held by ward or projects.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment along with other Government department’s input to the Department of Finance and Personnel EUSSPPR database, which provides information at district council level.

The jobseekers’ allowance — claimant count unemployment — database holds postcode information, which can be aggregated to provide information at ward, district council, parliamentary constituency and travel-to-work area geographies.

The trading standards service holds details by postcode of trade premises that are liable to inspection by its field officers.

The geological survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) holds mineral exploration reports, mineral licences and petroleum exploration reports — a mineral licence can cover up to 250 sq km and a petroleum licence can cover up to 350 sq km consequently either could straddle ward, district council or parliamentary constituency boundaries.

GSNI hold details of quarry locations and operators by postcode.

GSNI hold details regarding site investigations — reports by engineering companies. It contains the location and geology of boreholes, and the locations and descriptions of open shafts, which are identified by grid reference and not post code.

The health and safety executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) holds a database of workplaces for the purposes of monitoring health and safety at work standards. Details recorded include postcodes.

The registry of companies, credit unions and industrial and provident societies holds a database — accessible to the public. Details recorded include postcodes.

The main administrative data set held by the IDB is the corporate database. This contains a range of client company information, which is regularly analysed at district council and parliamentary constituency level.

A further data set contains details of the factories and land held by IDB on behalf of the Department. This provides information at district council and parliamentary constituency level.

IDB also collects information on visits to Northern Ireland by prospective inward investors. These statistics are available for each district council.

LEDU’s client database includes postcodes as part of the address details.

IRTU maintains databases, relating to research and development support programmes and scientific services, which are capable of producing aggregated information at district council and parliamentary constituency level at acceptable cost.

Data sets relating to schemes of financial assistance administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board provide qualitative information at district council level.

All of the above data sets can be aggregated to the full range of specified geographical units, subject to the requirement to respect the confidentiality of the data. However, it is likely that some requests for information could only be collated at disproportionate cost.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to confirm that EU block exemptions in the field of state aid will help small and medium sized enterprises and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 1255/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The new Regulation EC No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (L10) on 13 January 2001. The purpose of the aid exempted by this Regulation is to facilitate the development of small and medium size enterprises. Further information can be found on the EU Commission website. A copy of the Official Journal of 13 January will be placed in the Assembly library.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if, in view of the close co-operation between the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Bord Failte before the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, he will outline the benefits derived from formalising this arrangement.

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Sir Reg Empey: The arrangements for the new North/South Tourism Company which has been set up jointly by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Bord Failte ensure that Northern Ireland is well placed from a tourism marketing and promotional perspective. A specific part of the company’s remit is to take account of the need to develop tourism in Northern Ireland against the background of the problems faced by our industry over the past 30 years. Half of the recently appointed board of the company, including the chairman, are Northern Ireland nominees. With an equal voice, Northern Ireland is in a better position than ever to effectively market and promote our tourism product world-wide.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of people employed in manufacturing in Northern Ireland in each year since 1979.

(AQW 1284/00)

Sir Reg Empey: Estimates of the number of employee jobs in manufacturing in Northern Ireland are available from the quarterly employment survey.

Details of the employee jobs series for Northern Ireland from 1979 to 2000 can be found in the attached table.

¹ Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the financial assistance made available to Carpets International in Donaghadee from the IDB for the financial years 1998-99 and 1999-2000.

(AQW 1308/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The information is as follows:-

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the financial assistance made available to Killinchy Yarns at Balloo, Comber by the IDB for the financial years 1998-1999 and 1999-2000.

(AQW 1310/00)

Sir Reg Empey: There were no payments of financial assistance to Carpets International’s Killinchy factory.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the penalties imposed on EU member states for non-compliance with the sewage sludge and other environmental directives.

(AQW 1174/00)

Mr Foster: The penalties imposed on EU member states for non-compliance with directives are determined by the European Court of Justice on a case by case basis, having considered the views of the EC.

The EC makes its recommendations taking into account such matters as the seriousness of the infringement, its duration and the deterrent effect of the penalty.

My Department does not hold records of penalties imposed on other Member States.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to outline when the planning authority will process the Castlebawn application in Newtownards.

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Mr Foster: The Planning Service is currently processing two planning applications for development at Castlebawn. It has now fully assessed many of the important associated planning criteria. However, the impact on the traffic network in Newtownards, and suitable mitigation measures, remain the principle major matter yet to be resolved. This requires a satisfactory agreement between the applicants and the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service. I understand that this is being pursued.

My Department will continue to do all it can to proceed to finalise its consideration of this case.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his plans to improve road safety along the Belfast Road in Carrickfergus, considering the new developments at the Maritime Area, Fortfield Complex, Carrickfergus Industrial Centre and the Sloefield Industrial Area.

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Mr Foster: As part of the planning process, developers will generally be required to carry out any improvements necessary to the road network which arise from their proposals to enable the network to continue to operate safely and effectively. Where appropriate, developers are required to carry out transportation impact assessments (TIA) to gauge the full impact of their proposals on the surrounding road network.

As regards new developments along the Belfast Road, Carrickfergus, my Department’s Roads Service: was content that the roundabout at Irish Gate provided a satisfactory access to the Maritime development; was satisfied that additional access arrangements were not required for the relatively small Fortfield complex; is currently considering a TIA for the Carrickfergus Industrial Centre to determine whether improvements to the road network are required, and; was satisfied that access to and from the Sloefield development could be facilitated by the provision of traffic lights on Belfast Road.

Roads Service is also currently considering the possibility of an additional pedestrian crossing on Belfast Road adjacent to the Maritime Area. This is in response to a number of requests received from interested parties.

Excess speed is often a factor in accidents. Following discussions between my Department and the RUC, a number of routes have been selected for particular attention, including this section of the A2 at Carrickfergus. Speed camera signs are being erected at present. Their presence, coupled with increased prosecutions, should reduce speeds and contribute to a reduction in accidents.

Mr McFarland asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the conservation areas and areas of townscape character in North Down.

(AQW 1231/00)

Mr Foster: My Department designated Donaghadee as a conservation area on 13 January 1994. Bangor bay was designated an area of townscape character on 26 November 1999.

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister of the Environment to list administrative data sets held by the Department and its agencies and detail whether these data sets provide qualitative data at enumeration district, electoral ward level, by district council area or by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 1238/00)

Mr Foster: The following administrative data sets are held by the Department of the Environment and its agencies:

Individuals holding road freight licences
Registered vehicles
Driver Licensing system
Belfast Vehicle Test diary system
Driver Test booking system
Requests for duplicate MOT certificates
Register of approved driving instructors
Register of Listed Buildings
Applications for a Water Act consent
Water Service waste water discharges
Register of pollution incidents
Register of protected conservation sites
Register of applications for planning permission
Register of Property Certificates

All of these databases contain geographic referencing — either a postcode or a geo-reference. Therefore, data can be aggregated to all the specified geographical units subject to the requirement to respect the confidentiality of the subject.

Mr Wells asked the Minister of the Environment if he has plans to reform the legislation concerning tree preservation orders.

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Mr Foster: Plans to reform the legislation concerning tree preservation orders (TPO) include strengthening enforcement powers relating to the protection of trees. In particular, the offence of contravening a TPO may be tried on indictment and the courts, when determining the level of fine, shall have regard to any financial gain resulting, or likely to result, from the offence. It is proposed to increase maximum fines for contravention of TPOs on summary conviction from £5,000 to £20,000.

It is also proposed to make it an automatic requirement, unless considered otherwise by the Department, to replace trees removed or destroyed which are under the protection of a TPO. In addition, it is further proposed to afford the same protection to trees in a conservation area as is currently afforded to trees covered by a TPO.

The legislative proposals however are still at an early stage and there remain a number of policy areas that require further detailed consideration before they can be finalised.

Mr Wells asked the Minister of the Environment if he has plans to introduce woodland preservation orders.

(AQW 1250/00)

Mr Foster: The Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 already enables my Department to make a TPO to protect the amenity value of "trees, groups of trees or woodlands," considered worthy of protection.

The Department has made a number of TPOs over recent years to protect woodland areas such as Finnebrogue Wood in Downpatrick and at Edenaclogh Wood, in Co. Fermanagh. Consideration is currently being given to the merits of making a TPO in relation to Prehen Wood in Co. Londonderry.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Environment to confirm that the Republic of Ireland is complying with the EU Directive on sewage sludge and if she will raise the matter with her Republic of Ireland counterpart at the next North/South Ministerial Meeting.

(AQW 1254/00)

Mr Foster: Compliance with EU Directives is a matter between individual member states and the EC in the first instance.

Meetings of the North/South Ministerial Council environment sector discuss matters that have been identified as offering mutual benefits through enhanced co-operation. Sewage sludge has not been so identified.

It would not be appropriate to raise at meetings of the North/South Ministerial Council matters that lie between the Republic of Ireland and the EC and in which Northern Ireland does not have a direct interest.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the criteria and timescale for a tree preservation order to be made and acted upon.

(AQW 1311/00)

Mr Foster: The Department has powers under the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 to make a TPO to protect healthy trees, groups of trees or woodland considered worthy of protection, due to the contribution they make to the amenity of a particular locality.

There is no legislative timescale for applying a TPO. Each case is considered on its merits and the urgency involved. However, the Department endeavours to apply a TPO as quickly as possible. Relevant criteria for making a TPO include consideration of the health, condition and value of the trees, their contribution to the locality, and the financial implications of applying a TPO. This consideration involves detailed consultation with a number of other agencies.

A TPO takes effect immediately it is applied. However, any person on whom a TPO is served may make objections or representations to the TPO and request a hearing with the planning appeals commission before the TPO is formally confirmed, withdrawn or modified by the Department.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline which district councils made submissions to the UK-wide report on the transboundary movement of waste; and if he has any plans to collate the relevant information for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1313/00)

Mr Foster: The export and import of waste in the UK is controlled by the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 1994, which are enforced by district councils. The councils contribute to the UK-wide report through returns made direct to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). The DETR has informed my Department that all 26 district councils have returned their statistical information.

The DETR issued a consultation paper on amending the regulations in August 2000. One of the leading proposals was to transfer the role of competent authority from the district councils to my Department. Among other things, this will allow the collation of relevant information in Northern Ireland.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what quantities of specified risk material have been imported from the Republic of Ireland in each of the last five years for which figures are available, and which landfill sites have been used.

(AQW 1314/00)

Mr Foster: The importation of specified risk material (SRM) is governed by animal health controls, which are the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

I understand from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development that 13,002.1 tonnes of raw and processed SRM have been imported into Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland since December 1999 as follows — all figures are in tonnes rounded to the nearest tenth:-

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his policy on the importation for landfill of specified risk material.

(AQW 1315/00)

Mr Foster: The importation of specified risk material (SRM) is governed by animal health controls which are the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Where import is for direct disposal such movements are controlled by district councils under the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 1994. New EU rules came into force on 1 October 2000 detailing the requirements for handling SRM.

Commission Decision 2000/418 made it illegal to dispatch SRM to another member state for any purpose other than incineration. The onus is on the exporting country to prevent the export of this material. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development wrote to the Republic of Ireland authorities pointing out that it was their responsibility to prevent this trade.

The Republic of Ireland sought a derogation from the EC to allow the trade to continue until such time as they had the appropriate incineration facilities to dispose of the material. However, this approach was unsuccessful and they ceased the trade in December 2000.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of the extent of; (a) damage only road accidents; (b) road accidents including injury; (c) motorist fatalities; (d) pedestrian casualities, and; (e) pedestrian fatalities arising from increases in road traffic since January 1999.

(AQW 1324/00)

Mr Foster: While it is generally accepted that there is a link between traffic growth and the overall number of road casualties, it is not possible to quantify the number of road collisions or casualties directly related to an increase in road traffic.

The RUC is unable to provide details of damage only collisions since there is not a legal requirement to report these collisions in all circumstances.

In 1999, compared with the average of the 1994-1998 period, road collisions involving injury increased by 7%; driver fatalities increased by 15%; pedestrian casualties reduced by 8%; and pedestrian fatalities also reduced by 8%.

Over the same period the number of vehicles licensed, which is one indicator of traffic growth, increased by 12%.

Details for the year 2000 are not yet available.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of the effectiveness of cycle helmets.

(AQW 1339/00)

Mr Foster: Cycle helmet wearing helps reduce the severity of head injuries during a collision. This was the conclusion of research carried out by the transport research laboratory in GB in 1994. Further research carried out by the British Medical Association in 1999 produced similar results and recommended that Government and health and cycling organisations should promote helmet wearing among cyclists.

Rule 45 of the Highway Code for Northern Ireland recommends that cyclists should wear a helmet that conforms to current regulations and my Department’s road safety education officers continue to promote helmet wearing among children taking part in cycling proficiency training.

While there are no plans in Great Britain or Northern Ireland to make cycle helmet wearing compulsory, my Department will continue to review the situation in the light of any new evidence as it becomes available.