§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Advisory Committee for Agricultural Training; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: This advisory committee does not provide written advice. The conclusions of the last meeting in September 1979 are being taken into account as part of the regular review of agricultural training programmes.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Youth Opportunities Programme Monitoring Committee; and what action has he taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The Youth Opportunities Programme Monitoring Committee does not directly advise the Secretary of State. It exists to advise the Department of Manpower Services for Northern Ireland on the Northern Ireland youth opportunities programme.
Written advice is not tendered by that committee, but its recommendations are recorded in the minutes of its meetings. It last met on 8 January 1980 and its views are being taken into account by the Department in the operation and development 688W of the youth opportunities programme in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Youth Committee for Northern Ireland; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237): On 6 May 1980 the committee submitted recommendations on the time-table for the establishment of the Northern Ireland youth forum. These are currently being considered.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the the Youth Careers Guidance Committee and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237): The Youth Careers Guidance Committee does not directly advise the Secretary of State. It is a statutory committee established by article 7 of the Youth Employment Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1974 to advise the Departments of Manpower Services and Education on careers guidance in schools, placement in employment of school leavers and related matters.
The two Departments are considering the committee's last written advice, about the need for craft education and workshops in grammar schools, which was tendered on 29 January 1980.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when last he received written advice from the UNESCO Committee; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The last written advice received from the Northern Ireland UNESCO Committee was a proposal in July 1979 to extend the role of the committee by the formation of a more broadly based body to promote development education in Northern Ireland in addition to furthering the aims and ideals of UNESCO. The committee has been advised that it is not possible to provide additional financial resources for this purpose.
The committee continues to play an important role in Northern Ireland in the promotion of international understanding.
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§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Therapeutic Paramedical Advisory Committee; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: This committee last met on 25 March 1980, when it provided advice to the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland on accommodation in health service facilities, which is to be incorporated in a Departmental review of the health centre design guide.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Teachers' Negotiating Machinery for Salaries and Conditions of Service; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The three negotiating committees on salaries and conditions of service of teachers in Northern Ireland communicate their decisions as appropriate to the Department of Education and the teachers' or employers' organisations for implementation. The last decision was by the Teachers Salaries Negotiating Committee (Schools) at its meeting on 7 February 1980 which agreed an increase of 7½ per cent. on the salary scales with effect from 1 January 1980. It has now been implemented.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The last written advice from the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights was contained in the commission's fifth annual report published on 6 March this year. The report was laid before Parliament on the day of publication. The commission's advice will be given careful consideration in the formulation of Government policy and, in particular, its recommendations for changes in the law relating to terrorism will be taken fully into account before 690W the forthcoming renewal of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Postgraduate Advisory Board; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The most recent advice from the Postgraduate Advisory Board was contained in the minutes of the board's meeting of 14 February 1980. That advice, which related to the allocation of postgraduate awards in 1980–81 between institutions of higher education, has been accepted in full.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Poisons Board; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The board last provided advice in January 1978 and action has been taken accordingly on several matters. Advice on amendments to poisons legislation is being incorporated in regulations now being drafted.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Northern Ireland Water Council; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The Northern Ireland Water Council does not usually offer advice in written form. It last gave oral advice in March 1980, when officials from the Department of the Environment and the Department of Agriculture discussed a number of associated matters connected with Lough Neagh. The council endorsed the objectives of both Departments, including a proposed programme aimed at reducing the amount of phosphate discharged from sewerage treatment works into the Lough.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Northern Ireland Training Council; and what action he has taken as a result.
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§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The Northern Ireland Training Council's advice on training matters is provided through discussion with the Department of Manpower Services for Northern Ireland rather than through written advice to the Secretary of State.
At its last minuted meeting on 22 January 1980, training in marketing was discussed. As a result a range of seminars on the subject is to be undertaken and the Department is to introduce a specific training scheme for marketing managers.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Northern Ireland Medical Manpower Advisory Committee; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The last meeting of this committee took place on 30 April 1980 and the Department of Health and Social Services is now considering the recommendations made at that meeting.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Northern Ireland Housing Council; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland regularly receives advice, views and comment from the Northern Ireland Housing Council on a wide range of housing matters. The most recent advice was received on 25 March 1980. The advice received influences many decisions taken by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Department of the Environment.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Council; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The council last met on 6 February 1980 when it provided advice to the Department of Health and Social Services on the allocation of 692W capital and revenue funds to health and social services boards for 1980–81. Funds have been allocated for that year on the basis of that advice.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Northern Ireland Economic Council; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: On 26 March The recommendations and suggestions contained in that report are still being considered.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Northern Ireland Drainage Council and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The business of the Northern Ireland Drainage Council is conducted at bi-annual meetings at which drainage issues raised both by the Members and the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland are discussed. Decisions or advice given are recorded in the minutes and subsequently considered by the Department. The last meeting took place in November 1979, and as a result of this, officials have, amongst other things, progressed matters in relation to further improvement schemes and maintenance of designated water courses.
Apart from giving general advice the council has been responsible for designation of some 6,000 km. of rivers which has led directly to improvement and maintenance works being carried out by the Department.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Northern Ireland Consumer Council; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The Northern Ireland Consumer Council was set up by the Government to advise on consumer matters and to represent consumer interests in Northern Ireland. Its most recent advice was on the carriage and delivery of liquid fuel by road tankers and this has been taken into account in 693W the relevant subordinate legislation made on 14th April 1980. In addition, its views on the enforcement of those regulations are currently under consideration.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Northern Ireland Construction Industry Advisory Council and what acton he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The council, of which I am the chairman, advises the Government on matters affecting the building and civil engineering industry in Northern Ireland. Advice from council members is usually given orally and recorded in agreed minutes of meetings. The council last met on 29 April 1980 when matters dealt with included the implications for the Northern Ireland construction industry of the Government White Paper on Public Expenditure and the problems of the cement industry.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Northern Ireland Business Education Liasion Committee and Technical Education Council; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: These committees provide links between Northern Ireland interests and the Technician Education Council and the Business Education Council in Great Britain. The latest advice, in letters dated 25 April from their specialist sub-committees, concerned course proposals submitted by technical colleges in Northern Ireland. This advice is now being considered.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last received written advice from the Legal Aid Advisory Committee and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The report of the Legal Aid Advisory Committee on the thirteenth report of the Incorporated Law Society of Northern Ireland on the Legal Aid Scheme (1977–78) was received by my right hon. Friend on 11 March 1980 and was laid before Parliament on 1 694W May 1980. The recommendations made by the Committee are now being studied.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Laying Test Advisory Committee; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The committee last met in September 1979 when the members discussed the running of the egg-laying test with officials. No written advice was tendered, the normal practice being for advice to be communicated orally at the meetings with officials. A recommendation by the committee on the side of eggs produced at test stations has been adopted.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last received written advice from the District Disablement Advisory Committees; and what action has he taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The Department of Manpower Services for Northern Ireland last received advice on 7 March 1980 in respect of participation in the international year of disabled persons in 1981, which the Department is currently considering.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last received written advice from the Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Committee and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: This is a statutory committee which the Department of Finance for Northern Ireland is required to consult when considering amendments to the Northern Ireland building regulations. Its advice is given orally and is recorded in agreed minutes. The committee last met on 19 February. Its advice on a wide range of topics is being considered.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received advice from the Hotel Grants Advisory Committee and what action he has taken as a result.
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§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The Hotel Grants Advisory Committee advises the Department of Commerce for Northern Ireland on applications for grant and loan towards the capital cost of developing various categories of overnight accommodation for tourists. The committee last met on 25 April, when it dealt with a total of 30 such applications. The Department is now acting on the advice given.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Distinction Awards Committee for Northern Ireland, and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: This committee advises the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland on which consultants employed in the Northern Ireland health services should receive awards. The last advice was given on 20 March and has been fully implemented.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Council for Continuing Education; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The last advice was contained in the minutes of the council's meeting of 27 March 1980. This consisted of proposals for publicising continuing education opportunities in Northern Ireland, measures to assist in the preservation of locally produced historical material and proposals for research into techniques of documenting resource material. The proposals concerning publicity have been agreed and the Department of Education is currently considering the other proposals.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Charities Advisory Committee; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The committee does not directly advise the Secretary of State. It was established by section 25(10) 696W of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 to advise the Department of Finance for Northern Ireland on the investment of the central investment fund for charities. The committee last met on 7May 1980 and its views, as on earlier occasions, will be taken into account in determining investment activities of the central investment fund for charities.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The last written advice received from the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland was on 10 June 1969 when it submitted its re porton the second general review of parliamentary constituencies. This report was laid before Parliament with the draft of an Order in Council giving effect, with out modification, to the recommendations contained in the report.
The Boundary Commission gave notice on 16 February 1976 that it intended to commence its third general review. It published its provisional recommendations on 8 January 1980 and will in due course submit a report.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last he received written advice from the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Training of Teachers; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The most recent written advice from this committee was in a letter of 30 April, which concerned possible future arrangements for the induction of newly qualified teachers in their first year of teaching and the development of programmes of in-service training for experienced teachers. Officials will discuss this advice with the committee, and it is intended that the committee's views will be taken into account in whatever arrangements may be introduced.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when last 697W he received written advice from the Advisory Committee on Health Education; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1980, c. 237]: The Advisory Committee on Health Education last provided advice in October 1979 in connection with the discouragement of tattooing. As a result the Department of Education issued a circular to education and library boards, schools and colleges commending the committee's recommendations for young people to be educated in the possible dangers and consequences of tattooing; the Department of Health and Social Services asked staff of health and social services boards to include the subject in their health education activities; and the Department of Manpower Services was alerted to the question of safety and hygiene in tattooists' premises in relation to its powers under the health and safety at work legislation.