Friday 18 May 2001
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to list the hotels in the County Antrim area used by the IDB in the last 18 months for (a) functions (b) business meetings and (c) overnight stays and detail the total cost to the Department.

(AQW 2760/00)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The information requested is provided within the table attached.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what financial help is being made available to hauliers in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2762/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has no initiatives or programmes that offer financial help to hauliers in Northern Ireland.

I understand that while the Department of Environment has no powers to provide direct financial assistance, the UK Government’s Powershift Programme, which provides financial assistance towards the additional costs of purchase or conversion of vehicles using cleaner fuels, extends to Northern Ireland.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the change in average incomes among (a) men and (b) women in Northern Ireland since 1997.

(AQW 2820/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The average gross weekly earnings of full–time adult employees whose pay was unaffected by absence for each year since 1997 are as follows:

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications referred to the management board in relation to applications adjacent to the A2 between Seapark and Silverstream Banks in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 2849/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): There are no figures available for 1991, 1992 and 1993. In the subsequent years, the figures are as follows:-

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications submitted for land adjacent to the A2 between Seapark and Silverstream Banks in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 2850/00)

Mr Foster: The number of applications submitted is as follows:-

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the number of planning applications approved and (b) the number of planning applications refused in respect of land adjacent to the A2 between Seapark and Silverstream Banks in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 2851/00)

Mr Foster: The number of applications approved and refused is as follows:-

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the cost of planning application referrals in respect of land adjacent to the A2 between Seapark and Silverstream Banks in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 2852/00)

Mr Foster: Details relating to costs of Planning Board Referrals are not held by my Department.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the reasons why the Environment and Heritage Service does not contribute financially to enable the Antrim Causeway Coast and Glens Tourist Consortium to promote Carrick Castle in their literature.

(AQW 2853/00)

Mr Foster: While the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department has in the past allowed images of its properties, including Carrickfergus Castle, to be used in the promotional literature of regional tourism organisations, it has not been felt appropriate to contribute financially, through membership, to their promotional activities.

However, EHS is currently preparing a marketing strategy which will be completed during this financial year.

EHS will be considering the opportunities for using the literature of the Antrim Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism Consortium to promote Carrickfergus Castle in developing the marketing strategy.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the action he intends to take to reduce the number of public bodies or quangos under the control of his Department.

(AQW 2867/00)

Mr Foster: The future of the NI Review Body (Driver, Operator and Vehicle Licensing) is currently being assessed and no conclusion has yet been reached on whether or not it should be retained.

Other than that there are no plans to abolish any of the public bodies under the sponsorship of my Department, although their responsibilities and functions could feature, along with those of other public service authorities, in any major review of public administration in Northern Ireland. This is a commitment in the Programme for Government and the remit of such a review has still to be determined by the NI Executive.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his plans to establish a Northern Ireland Coastal Forum, similar to the Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Advisory Committees, and in partnership with interested organisations.

(AQW 2870/00)

Mr Foster: I refer the Member to my reply to Written Question 2666/00, as set out in the Official Report for 4 May 2001.

It remains my intention to keep the benefits of a Coastal Forum in mind for future budget rounds, subject to the agreement of other Ministers with responsibilities for the coastal area.

Mr Fee asked the Minister of the Environment to detail on how many occasions (a) a listed building has been de-listed pending development (b) a listed monument has been de-listed pending development and (c) listed buildings or monuments have been demolished without permission in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available.

(AQW 2880/00)

Mr Foster: No listed buildings have been de-listed in order to permit development to take place. The Department does not, however, hold information on whether de-listing has in practice been followed by development.

Historic monuments are scheduled, rather than listed, under the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995. No monument has been de-scheduled pending development.

Information on listed buildings demolished without approval is available only from 1995/96. Thirteen listed buildings have been demolished since then, as follows:

Mr Berry asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm when the proposed Draft Amendment Bill for the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 will be published.

(AQO 1445/00)

Mr Foster: While the precise timetable has yet to be finalised, I expect the Bill to be introduced during the next Session of the Assembly, but not before Spring 2002.

The precise timetable will depend on the scope and complexity of the draft Bill and on the resources which my Department is able to allocate to work on it in light of other existing and emerging priorities. I have recently allocated some extra resource to this.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of the Environment to indicate the timescale within which he plans to introduce legislation following the consultation on Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs).

(AQO 1450/00)

Mr Foster: In March this year I published a consultation paper entitled ‘Partners in Protection’. This seeks views on possible changes to the existing legislation for the protection and management of Areas of Special Scientific Interest.

In the light of the current foot and mouth outbreak, I have extended the deadline for comments on the document from 31 May until 30 June 2001. I hope that this will be helpful to groups who wish to respond but have been finding it difficult to arrange meetings.

When I have considered the comments arising from that consultation, I will decide what changes, if any, should be made to the legislation. Depending on the comments received, I would hope to be in a position to come to conclusions by the Autumn.

Thereafter, the timing of the introduction of any amending legislation will depend on the nature and extent of the changes proposed; on approval of the policy proposals by the Executive Committee; on securing a place in the Executive Committee’s legislative programme; and on any further public consultation that may be required.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to consider amending planning legislation to give equality to both applicant and objector.

(AQO 1456/00)

Mr Foster: There are well-established procedures within the planning process through which third party objectors can submit representations and objections. All submissions received are fully examined by the Department in its consideration of planning applications and all decisions reached are taken purely on the planning merits of each case. The Department believes that this process is fair and equitable to both applicants and third parties. However, my Department will continue to monitor and review its procedures in this area.

Mr Poots asked the Minister of the Environment if the Planning Service is considering a review of policy in responding to detailed correspondence from objectors.

(AQO 1432/00)

Mr Foster: In light of the increase in correspondence received from objectors, and the limited resources available within the Planning Service, it is not possible to provide a detailed reply in all cases.

It is, however, my Department’s policy to acknowledge all objections raised in respect of planning applications. We also try to provide responses to specific questions raised as part of an objection.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of road accident fatalities in each of the last five years.

(AQO 1473/00)

Mr Foster: During the period 1996 to 2000 the number of deaths as a result of road traffic collisions was as follows:

This represents a substantial reduction on the numbers killed compared with 25 years ago. In the 1970s on average more than 300 people were killed on our roads annually. Despite this welcome reduction, I remain committed to reducing further the still unacceptable number of casualties on our roads. Earlier this month I launched a consultation document on a new Road Safety Strategy for the next decade. A key issue in this is the level at which a challenging but realistic long-term target for reducing road deaths and serious injuries should be set.

Mr McHugh asked the Minister of the Environment whether he has any plans to improve road safety by encouraging road users to drive with headlights on during low light conditions or heavy rain.

(AQO 1484/00)

Mr Foster: As set out in Rule 201 of the Highway Code for Northern Ireland, it is a legal requirement for drivers and riders to use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced - generally when one cannot see for more than 100 metres.

Rule 69 of the Highway Code also advises motorcyclists that using dipped headlights, even in good daylight, may make them more conspicuous.

I would urge drivers and riders to pay heed to these provisions of the Highway Code, which I believe embody the necessary practical advice and guidance.

Enforcement of road traffic law, including the legal requirements on the use of headlights, is, of course, a matter for the RUC.

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of the Environment to detail his policy on the disposal of classified documentation.

(AQO 1470/00)

Mr Foster: My Department adheres to the general policy as set out in the Public Record Office’s Guide to Records Management. This requires a first review to be carried out when records are ten years old. PRONI monitors the process to ensure that nothing of potential long-term historical or research value is destroyed. Unless a Disposal Schedule specifically sanctions destruction, no records can be destroyed without such monitoring taking place.

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm that, in respect of the foot-and- mouth outbreak, all incineration and burial sites do not contravene environmental guidelines.

(AQO 1490/00)

Mr Foster: I have provided advice to the Executive Committee on the environmental impacts associated with the various options available for the disposal of animal carcasses. The Executive Committee has taken this advice into account in determining its policy for the management of the Foot and Mouth crisis.

The Environment and Heritage Service of my Department has also provided guidance to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on the siting of pyres and burial sites in order to protect surface and groundwaters in the vicinity of sites.

Statutory responsibility for controlling air pollution arising from the burning of animal carcasses in pyres rests with District Councils. My officials have, however, been fully consulted about guidance issued recently by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to District Councils on minimising risks to public health from carcass disposal. They are content that the guidance is consistent with the need to protect the environment.

I will continue to ensure that environmental considerations are highlighted as policy on the management of the outbreak develops.

Ms Armitage asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to change the law regarding retrospective planning applications.

(AQO 1442/00)

Mr Foster: Article 29 of The Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 makes provision for the submission of planning applications for the purpose of retaining development already carried out.

This power to submit retrospective planning applications exists to enable the regularising of development commenced without planning permission, providing it is acceptable in planning terms.

While Planning Service does not encourage unauthorised development, the commencement of development before obtaining planning consent is not an offence.

Where unauthorised development is acceptable from a planning viewpoint, it is in both the public and private interest to have appropriate procedures to enable it to be brought within planning control.

I have no plans to change the legislation at present.

Ms Lewsley asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he intends to take to deal with the problem of rubbish tipping in the Hannahstown area.

(AQO 1465/00)

Mr Foster: Unauthorised landfill is an ongoing problem in this general area. In the case of 51 Glenside Road it has been established that unauthorised materials are being dumped and the approved landfill area has been exceeded. Warning letters issued on 11 April 2001 to the operator and the landowners on whose land the unauthorised infilling is taking place, indicating that the site should be tidied and restored within 56 days.

A site inspection will be carried out at the end of this period to establish if the required work has been carried out and to determine if the planning condition requiring the provision of a wheelwash on site has been implemented.

My Department will continue to monitor the situation and take whatever further action is necessary to ensure restoration of the site.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what action he proposes to take to identify alternative sources of funding to meet the needs of the public sector.

(AQW 2769/00)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): As I announced on 15 March 2001, a new high-level Working Group is to be established to look into alternative sources of funding from the private sector to address the shortfall of investment in the public sector infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

The Working Group will oversee the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review, by March 2002, the opportunities for the use of Public Private Partnerships in all major public service areas.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm the incidence of suicide per 100,000 of the population in each of the last three years.

(AQW 2774/00)

Mr Durkan: I can confirm that the incidence of suicide per 100,000 of the population in each of the last 3 years is: 7.5 (1998), 7.2 (1999) and 9.6. I have used the projected population for last year, as the 2000 mid-year estimate will not be available until July 2001.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline what discussions he has undertaken with the Executive on the impact of foot-and-mouth disease on the Northern Ireland economy.

(AQW 2819/00)

Mr Durkan: The Executive recognises the adverse impact which foot and mouth disease has had on certain businesses in Northern Ireland and has discussed the issue on a number of occasions.

An OFMDFM led taskforce is monitoring the wider economic consequences of Foot and Mouth Disease and is considering what practical measures might be feasible and appropriate to support those sectors affected by the outbreak, taking account of local circumstances. This group links into the Rural Taskforce set up in Great Britain and will ensure that Northern Ireland benefits from any national initiatives.

The Executive has remitted the Department of Finance and Personnel, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to make proposals for a scheme of a similar nature as the GB Hardship Scheme and with a similar effect.

All these facts have been reflected in Executive Information Service press releases, Answers to Assembly Questions and my contribution to the Assembly debate on 1 May.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail when he last met representatives of business and trade unions to discuss the implications of the Budget for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2822/00)

Mr Durkan: I have met representatives of business and Trade Unions on a number of occasions by request but these have not included a meeting dedicated specifically to the implications of the Budget for Northern Ireland. Business and Trade Union representatives are on DFP’s consultation list and were of course invited to the Equality Conference on the Budget held 22/23 November.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the action he intends to take to reduce the number of public bodies or quangos under the control of his Department.

(AQW 2827/00)

Mr Durkan: The Department of Finance and Personnel does not have responsibility for any executive non- departmental public bodies but does sponsor the following two advisory bodies:-

• the Law Reform Advisory Committee
• the NI Buildings Regulations Advisory Committee

The appointment of the Lay Observer is also the responsibility of the Department.

I do not plan to reduce the number of DFP public bodies at this time.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) the Northern Ireland Gross Domestic Product for the last ten financial years and (b) the comparative figures for the rest of the UK.

(AQW 2847/00)

Mr Durkan: National and regional estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are produced on a calendar year basis. The following tables detail the estimates for Northern Ireland and the other regions of the UK for each of the calendar years 1989 to 1999. Tables 1 and 1a show total GDP estimates while tables 2 and 2a detail GDP per head estimates and tables 3 and 3a express GDP per head as an index (UK=100).

<< Prev / Next >>