Written Answers of 22 October 1981

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Unification Church
  Sir Timothy Kitsonasked the Attorney-General if he is yet in a position to publish the correspondence between himself and the Charity Commissioners regarding the charitable status of the Unification Church in the United Kingdom.
  The Attorney-General: It is not my intention to publish this correspondence.

EMPLOYMENT

  Youth Opportunities Programme
  Mr. Waller asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons are currently participating in the youth opportunities programme in each region.
  Mr. Alison:
  I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  European Community (Job Creation)
  Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report the calculations and assumptions on which Her Majesty's Government's estimate quoted in the House by the Lord President of the Council on 19 October that the United Kingdom's membership of the European Economic Community has increased employment by 21/2 million; and if he will specify the industries and numbers concerned.
  Mr. Alison:
  I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Unemployment Statistics
  Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current level of unemployment in Liverpool; what are the percentage levels of unemployment among 16 to 20, 20 to 30, 30 to 40, 40 to 50 and 50 to 60-year-olds; how many people have been out of work for longer than one year, two years, three years, four years, five years and more; and how many of the current year's school leavers have found jobs.
  Sir Patrick Wall asked the Secretary for Employment if he will list the total number of employed persons on 1 October in each of the past 15 years.
  Mr. Peter Morrison:
  I shall reply to my hon. Friend and the hon. Member as soon as possible.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Law of the Sea Convention
  Mr. Skeet asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the status of the projected convention on the law of the sea; and whether there is any likelihood of the terms and provisions becoming generally acceptable in 1982.
  Mr. Hurd:
  The text as revised at the last session of the conference is now the official draft of the Law of the Sea convention, but is still subject to consultations and negotiations on outstanding issues. I hesitate to speculate on the likely course of the session next spring or on the propect of a successful outcome next year.

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

  Greece
  Mr. Adley asked the Lord Privy Seal what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the new Greek Government's policy of withdrawal from the European Economic Community.
  Mr. Humphrey Atkins:
  The new Greek Government have not yet announced their policy towards the European Community. The Government welcomed Greece's membership of the European Community and continue to do so.

  Foreign Ministers (Meeting)
  Mr. Grylls asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the outcome of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Ten on political co-operation on 13 October.
  Mr. Humphrey Atkins:
  At their meeting on 13 October my right hon. and noble Friend and his colleagues from the other countries of the Ten had a valuable exchange of views on the prospects for the CSCE review conference in Madrid on the Middle East and on ways of strengthening political co-operation. On the CSCE, Ministers approved the line on which their officials are currently working and instructed their negotiators at Madrid to redouble their efforts to secure a substantial and balanced concluding document by Christmas. They agreed that this should include the French proposal for a conference on disarmament in Europe as well as substantial progress in the human rights field. With regard to the Middle East, the Ministers paid personal tribute to President Sadat and expressed their determination to remain active on the Middle East question in accordance with the principles of the Venice declaration. It was agreed that my right hon. and noble Friend should visit Riyadh in his capacity as President of the Council of Ministers to discuss the eight principles recently put forward by Prince Fahd.

  Ministers approved a report on European political co-operation. This embodies a strengthened commitment to political co-operation and contains a number of improvements in the proceedings and machinery of political co-operation, including a small support staff drawn from preceding and following Presidencies for the Presidency and a new emergency procedure whereby a meeting can be convened automatically within 48 hours at

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  the request of any three member countries. The report will in due course be published as a White Paper. Meanwhile, a copy of it is being placed in the Library of the House.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  India
  Dame Judith Hartasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will give details of the aid programme to India, including disbursements in 1979 and 1980, commitments for 1981 and 1982 and the projects agreed between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of India for future expenditure.
  Mr. Luce:
  The cost of our aid programme to India was £122.5 million in financial year 1979-80 and £140 million in 1980–81. It is not the normal practice to give figures of planned future aid expenditure in particular countries. Amongst the more important projects for which we have agreed to provide finance are projects for fertiliser plants, family planning, foot and mouth disease vaccine and in the coal and power sectors. We have also agreed in principle, subject to appraisal, to contribute towards the finance for a new steel plant.

TRADE

  Press Bingo
  Mr. John Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will ask the Director General of Fair Trading to investigate and report on whether press bingo is a fair or desirable trading practice and its likely effect on the concentration in ownership of national newspapers.
  Mr. Biffen:No.

  European Community
  Mr. Dorrell asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he intends to take any new initiatives during the months of the British Presidency to improve the operation of the common market for goods and services in the European Community.
  Mr. Peter Rees:
  I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Stansted Airport
  Mr. Haselhurst
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will publish in the Official Report an up-to-date costing of the proposed development of Stansted airport, indicating the sources of the funding;

  (2) whether the reply given to the hon. Member for Saffron Walden on 17 December 1979 by his predecessor that no taxpayers' funds would be required for the first phase of the proposed development of Stansted airport in addition to the money that the British Airports Authority would generate from additional revenue arising from the new terminal still represents the position of Her Majesty's Government in the light of the latest information available to him; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sproat:
  My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and Trade have appointed an inspector to hold a public inquiry into the British Airports Authority's planning application to develop Stansted
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  airport. The issues raised in these questions are now the subject of examination at that inquiry and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on such matters at this stage.

  Manufactures (Comparative Statistics)
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Trade what surplus or deficit occurred in the United Kingdom's trade in manufactures with the EEC; and with the rest of the world, respectively, in the period from the beginning of 1981 to the most recent date for which figures are available; and what were the comparable figures, respectively, in the same period of each of the previous 16 years.
  Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to the reply, 20 October 1981]:As a result of the Civil Service dispute, detailed overseas trade statistics for the United Kingdom for 1981 have been published only for January and February. The figures requested in respect of these two months for 1981 and each of the previous 10 years are given below. The data for earlier years are not readily available.
  Following are the figures:

  United Kingdom Balance of Trade in Manufactures* with the European Community† and Rest of the World

  £million, OTS basis‡

  January February

  European Community

  Rest of the World

  1970

  +71

  +294

  1971

  +28

  +282

  1972

  +17

  +368

  1973

  -38

  +362

  1974

  -158

  +212

  1975

  -181

  +628

  1976

  -90

  +781

  1977

  -224

  +746

  1978

  -295

  +1,009

  1979

  -393

  +352

  1980

  -785

  +1,131

  1981

  -162

  +908

  Notes:
  * SITC 5 to 8.
  † Including Greece, Denmark and Ireland throughout.
  ‡Figures have been adjusted, as far as is practicable, onto a 1981 classification basis. Any remaining discontinuities are likely to be very small.

  National Coal Board (Performance)
  Mr. Mason asked the Secretary of State for Trade if a decision has been taken to refer the National Coal Board's industrial and financial performance to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for investigation; if so, what are the reasons for the reference; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Biffen [pursuant to the reply 21 October 1981]: The Government's policy is to have a systematic programme under which the efficiency and costs of nationalised industries are routinely examined from time to time by the MMC, under s. 11 of the Competition Act 1980. Investigations into aspects of the rail, electricity and water industries have already been completed and an inquiry into certain bus undertakings is in progress. I am currently considering the terms of reference under which the efficiency and costs of the National Coal Board might be investigated.

House of Commons

  Belize (Gift)
  Mr. Henderson asked the right hon. Member for Middlesborough, as representing the House of Commons Commission, whether it is proposed that a parliamentary gift should be presented to the House of Representatives of Belize to mark the attainment of independence on 21 September.
  Mr. Arthur Bottomley:
  The House of Commons Commission has noted with pleasure the recent independence of Belize. It is sure that the House will wish to offer a suitable gift to its House of Representatives to mark this occasion. An appropriate motion will be moved in due course.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Q5.Mr. Ashley asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 22 October.
  Q6.Mr. Aitken asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 22 October.
  Q8.Mr. Robert Atkins asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 22 October.
  Q9.Mr. Thomas Cox asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 22 October.
  Q10.Mr. Neubert asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 22 October.
  Q11.Mr. Stanbrook asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 22 October.
  Q12.Mr. Alan Clark asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 22 October 1981.
  Mr. Whitelaw: I have been asked to reply.
  I refer the right hon. Gentleman, my hon. Friends and the hon. Member to the reply which I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North (Mr. Eggar).

  School Leavers (Social Security)
  Q7.Mr. Andrew F. Bennett asked the Prime Minister what is the latest evidence available to her about the effect of not allowing school leavers to draw social security until September, rather than as soon as they leave school, if they fail to get a job; and if she will make a statement.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  I have been asked to reply.

  Views on the effect of the rules have been received from hon. Members; educational, careers and local authority interests; and from members of the public. The numbers of pupils who entered for and attended the summer term CSE examinations have been monitored this year. This and other relevant information about the numbers of school leavers who have registered for work each month is under consideration, but it is too early to draw conclusions from the information so far available.

  Paymaster General (Salary and Functions)
  Mr. Rooker asked the Prime Minister if she will list the ministerial functions and give the salary of the Paymaster General.
  The Prime Minister:
  The duties of the Paymaster General are to make certain payments on behalf of Government Departments. The Paymaster General also holds, ex officio, a number of trusteeships and other offices.

  The present Paymaster General has declined a ministerial salary.

  Assisted Areas (Aid)
  Mr. Booth asked the Prime Minister which aids to special development areas and development areas have been reduced or withdrawn since May 1979; and what current United Kingdom and European Economic Community aids are available to these aid-assisted areas exclusively.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  I have been asked to reply.

  Following is the information:

  On 18 July 1979 the minimum values of qualifying assets for regional development grant were raised from £100 to £500 for plant and machinery and from £1,000 to £5,000 for buildings and works.

  Since 18 July 1979 regional assistance under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972, available throughout the assisted areas, has been restricted to those projects for which it is necessary to enable them to go ahead.

  On 1 August 1980 the rate of RDG payable in development areas was reduced from 20 per cent. to 15 per cent. of eligible expenditure.

  RDG is the only form of regional assistance available in special development areas and development areas exclusively.

  Mexico Summit
  Mr. Cunliffe asked the Prime Minister whether she will be putting forward at the Mexico summit proposals to fight world poverty.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Stockport, North (Mr. Bennett) on 19 October.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Dutch Horticulture (Unfair Competition)
  23. Sir John Biggs-Davison asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken to counter forthwith unfair Dutch horticultural competition.
  Mrs. Fenner:
  I refer my hon. Friend to the statement that my right hon. Friend the Minister of State made to the House on 20 October about the meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers.

  School Milk
  Mr. Freeson asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what approaches have been made to his

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  Department by the Dairy Trade Federation concerning the payment of half the national contribution needed to obtain the European Economic Community subsidy on school milk; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Peter Walker:
  The president of the Dairy Trade Federation has recently written to me asking whether, in order to make further improvements to the provision of cheap milk in schools, payments by the dairy industry towards the cost of supplying school milk could be counted as part of the national contribution which is required in order to attract Community subsidy. In my reply I have indicated that I am very ready to explore this possibility and follow it up provided we can find a workable way of doing so which is compatible with the relevant Community legal requirements. I am having further discussion with the DTF on these points.

  Slaughtering Industry
  Mr. Ray Powell asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the serious consequences resulting from the protracted dispute with meat inspectors within the slaughtering industry, he will ensure that the facilities of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service are available to bring together all parties concerned with a view to resolving the dispute.
  Mrs. Fenner:
  The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service is a statutory body, independent of Government, which is available to provide assistance should either party to a trade dispute request it.

  Brucellosis
  Mr. Speed asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made on the eradication of brucellosis in cattle; and what plans the Government have for raising the compensation limit for reactors.
  Mr. Peter Walker:
  I am pleased to report that progress on the eradication of brucellosis in cattle is such that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have made an order that declares the whole of England and Wales to be an attested area with effect from 1 November 1981. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland declared Scotland an attested area with effect from 1 January 1980, the whole of Great Britain has now, for all practical puurposes, been freed from the disease. The eradication of brucellosis represents a great achievement that will bring lasting benefits to cattle farmers and, in public health terms, to the community as a whole. The successful outcome of the campaign is a tribute to the excellent co-operation between the livestock industry, the veterinary profession and Ministry staff.

  With my right hon. Friends, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales, I propose to introduce a new, more flexible, method of fixing the maximum compensation payable for cattle slaughtered because they are affected with brucellosis or tuberculosis or are reactors when tested for either disease. At present there is a fixed maximum fine of £425. The proposal is that this limit be adjusted monthly according to a formula based on average market prices. These new arrangements will take effect from 1 January 1982. The necessary orders have been laid before Parliament.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Capital Gains Tax
  Mr. Morgan asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether his Department has considerd the introduction of (a) indexation and (b) tapering in the computation of capital gains, with a view to ensuring that capital gains tax is levied only on real and not on nominal gains or gains on paper, which may, in real terms, reflect capital losses;
  (2) what would be the estimated additional cost to the Treasury of operating systems of (a) indexation and (b) tapering in the computation of capital gains tax liability; and on what basis the additional cost figures have been calculated.
  Mr. Ridley:
  My hon. and learned Friend will already know that we have examined thoroughly the possibility of indexing or tapering the tax. Our conclusions have been those to which my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer referred to in his Budget Statement last year. Both proposals would result in an unwelcome increase in the cost of administration—for taxpayers as well as for the Revenue—while drastically reducing the yield.

  The precise measure of these additional costs depends on the specific adjustments to be made to the computation, but these could result in the Inland Revenue employing more than 1,000 staff to collect not much more than £100 million. I can, however, assure my hon. and learned Friend that we have not forgotten our commitment to make capital taxes simpler and less oppressive.

  Member's Correspondence
  Mr. Morgan asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that some replies from his Department to correspondence from the hon. and learned Member for Denbigh on general matters requiring no investigation have taken upwards of three months, whether he will ensure that such delays are avoided in the future.
  Sir Geoffrey Howe:
  I regret the delays that do from time to time occur in replying to written inquiries. But I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that every endeavour is made to deal with correspondence as quickly as possible.

  Value Added Tax
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what steps are being taken to compensate companies and firms which were owed sums of money from value added tax as a result of the civil servants' dispute; and if he will make a statement;
  (2) what was the estimated amount of value added tax payments that were not collected due to the civil servants' dispute; and how much he estimates the Government had to pay in interest charges as a result of not collecting this revenue.
  Mr. Bruce-Gardyne:
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  Employee Share Schemes
  Mr. Waller asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many companies have received Treasury approval to introduce employee share schemes under the Finance Act 1978.
  Mr. Ridley:
  I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

  "Public Money"
  Mr. Ian Lloyd asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table giving a detailed breakdown of the item "subsidies and grants—£38.6 billion" given in table 2 of the article "Public Money" in Issue No. 137 of the Treasury Economic Progress Report, classifying individually any item over £5 million to any single recipient, under the following headings: local authorities, nationalised industries—by industry—other partly or wholly owned public authorities or organisations, private organisations or companies in which the State has less than 50 per cent. of the issued share or debenture capital, other organisations, individuals and bodies.
  Mr. Brittan:
  I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

  National Loans Fund
  Mr. Skeet asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made on a more flexible determination of the terms on which nationalised industries can borrow from the National Loans Fund.
  Mr. Bruce-Gardyne:
  Following discussions with the nationalised industries terms have been agreed that will enable them to borrow from the National Loans Fund at variable interest rates. Details of the arrangements will be placed in the Library.

  European Community Finance Council (Meetings)
  Sir Paul Bryan asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the meetings of the European Community Finance Council on 17 September and 19 October.
  Sir Geoffrey Howe:
  Both Councils took place under United Kingdom Presidency. I took the chair and the Financial Secretary represented the United Kingdom.

  The September Council which was held in Brussels, reached agreement on a revised package of proposals to be put forward by the Commission at the resumed export credit consensus negotiations in Paris at the beginning of this month.

  A common position was reached on the major outstanding issues for the renewal of the new Community instrument—the "Ortoli facility"—including a ceiling on lending of 1 billion ecus. The matter has since been referred to the European Parliament as part of the conciliation procedure.

  The Council discussed a proposal by the Italian Government not to abolish its temporary import deposit scheme as originally planned but instead to phase it out gradually over six months. As a result of the representations made at the Council the Italian Government have agreed to phase out the scheme over a five month period and to exclude certain categories of goods from the scheme altogether.
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  Other matters discussed included the draft insurance services directive and the text of my Presidency speech at the IMF annual meeting.

  The October Council, which was held in Luxembourg, also considered the draft insurance services directive. The Council held a general discussion of the 30 May mandate which allowed member States to outline their approach to the various issues involved. The Commission introduced its draft fifth medium term economic policy programme on the basis of which a preliminary exchange of views took place.

  The Council established a draft supplementary budget No. 2 for 1981 which provided for a reduction of 724 million ecus in FEOGA appropriations, an increase of 40 million ecus for special food aid to the least developed countries, and took into account changes in the revenue estimates. The Council established a letter of amendment to the 1982 draft budget which provided for a decrease of 378.7 million ecus in the FEOGA estimates, and an increase of 365 million ecus to reflect the estimated effect on expenditure of the recent exchange rate realignments under the European monetary system.

INDUSTRY

  Post Office Board (Appointments)
  Mr. Murphy asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he intends to make any new appointments to the Post Office Board to replace those members who were recently appointed to the British Telecommunications Corporation.
  Mr. Patrick Jenkin:
  I have made the following appointments, effective from 1 October 1981, to the board of the Post Office Corporation:
  Chairman: Mr. R. E. Dearing, CB. Deputy Chairman: Mr. S. Wainwright.

  I have also appointed the following new members:
  Members (full-time): Mr. R. A. Clinton, Mr. W. Cockburn, Mr. N. N. Walmsley.
  Members (part-time): Sir Clifford Cornford, KCB, Mr. P. E. Moody.

  These new appointments also will be effective from 1 October 1981, the day appointed for the transfer of the telecommunications and data processing businesses of the Post Office to the new British Telecommunications Corporation.

  In addition, I have extended the current term of office of Mr. C. E. Beauchamp, CBE, for a further two years and Mr. K. M. Young, CBE, Miss Cole and Mr. D. Gladwin, CBE, will continue to serve.

  Pursuant to my hon. Friend's reply of 28 July—[c. 415-161]—I have also appointed Mr. Deryk Vander Weyer to be a part-time member of the British Telecommunications Corporation with effect from 1 October 1981.

  "Micros in Schools" (Special Schools)
  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether the "Micros in Schools" scheme covers the supply of microcomputers to special schools.
  Mr. Kenneth Baker:
  The "Micros in Schools" scheme run by the Department of Industry offers 50 per cent. funding towards the purchase of one of two microcomputer packages to secondary schools in the State and

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  independent sectors that do not presently possess a microcomputer. Special schools in the secondary sector are included in the scheme.

  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress is being made in issuing microcomputers to special schools; and, bearing in mind the opportunities presented by computing for jobs suitable for people with a wide range of physical and intellectual abilities, what plans he has to speed up the provisions of microcomputers in special schools so that handicapped youngsters will be as well prepared to take advantage of these opportunities as their non-disabled peers in ordinary schools.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker:
  The Department of Industry "Micros in Schools" scheme is open to secondary schools, State and independent, which do not currently have a microcomputer. Applications from special schools in the secondary sector are being received and are processed promptly by the Department.

  In addition to the eligibility of secondary special schools under the present phase of the micros scheme, my right hon. Friend intends to offer additional help to special schools in obtaining peripheral and interfacing devices that will help handicapped youngsters to take advantage of the opportunities offered by interaction with microelectronics. We shall, of course, keep the House informed as this plan develops.

  British Leyland Ltd.
  Mr. Adley asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he intends to discuss with Sir Michael Edwardes the current dispute at British Leyland Ltd.; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Norman Lamont:
  My right hon. Friend meets the chairman of BL from time to time to discuss both current and strategic matters. However, as pay and industrial relations are matters for the management of BL to handle, he does not intend to make a statement.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Forensic Science Service
  9. Mr. Ashley asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if any changes have been made in the organisation of the forensic science service.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  No.

  Marches and Demonstrations
  15. Mr. Winnick asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on any proposed changes in the practice of banning of marches and demonstrations.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  The powers and procedures for banning marches, and the question of taking statutory powers to prohibit demonstrations, are included in my review of the Public Order Act 1936 and related legislation.

  Metropolitan Police (Establishment)
  17. Mr. Stanbrook asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about an increase in the establishment of the Metropolitan Police.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  The Commissioner and I keep the establishment under review. Although the force has 24,834 officers, the highest number in its history, it is still 61/2 per cent. short of its present establishment.

  Police (Control Arrangements)
  18. Mr. Alexander W. Lyon asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now reconsider his decision not to alter the arrangements for the control of the police.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  No. I am satisfied that the Police Act 1964 continues to provide an appropriate framework of responsibility for policing.

  Racism
  20. Mr. Bidwell asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is ready to report on investigations being carried out into Fascist-racist groups in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  The work of my officials is well advanced, and I shall report the findings of the study to the House as soon as possible. I can, however, tell the House now that the study—which covered 13 police areas—has found that racially motivated attacks have occurred on a significant scale, but do not appear generally to be based on an orchestrated campaign by Right-wing extremist organisations.

  Citizens Band Radio
  21. Mr. Warren asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the reasons for the selection of an FM frequency for citizens band radio in the United Kingdom which is incompatible with other users in the world.
  Mr. Raison:
  Frequency modulation was chosen to minimise the interference caused to other users of radio, and the frequency sub-band selected as being the only one which could be made available quickly. As to the compatibility of the service with those authorised by other administrations, there is no single standard for CB radio but it will be our objective in the longer term to adopt the relevant specifications recommended by the Conference of European Postal and Telecommunications Administration.

  Gaming Acts
  22. Mr. Arthur Lewis asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will cause an investigation to be made into all aspects of the operation of the Gaming Acts and in particular to examine whether the law makes adequate provision on the extent to which company directors and their employees of gaming casinos may gamble at their places of employment.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  I have no present plans to do so.

  Immigration
  Mr. O'Halloran asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons refused leave to enter the United Kingdom in 1980 were later allowed to enter after appeal to the Minister.
  Mr. Raison:
  Statistics are not kept in this form and the information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many newly arrived immigrants have been accepted for settlement since 3 May 1979 from (a) the New Commonwealth with Pakistan (NCWP) and (b) elsewhere; and how many persons living in the United Kingdom have had their time limit to stay renewed since 3 May 1979, as between immigrants from (i) the New Commonwealth with Pakistan and (ii) other countries.

  Mr. Raison:
  Statistics of those accepted for settlement are published quarterly in Home Office statistical bulletins on control of immigration statistics, the latest of which—issue No. 19/81—relates to the second quarter of 1981. In the period from 1 April 1979 to 30 June 1981, about 46,000 citizens of the New Commonwealth and Pakistan and about 30,000 citizens of other countries were accepted for settlement on arrival. Corresponding figures are not available for persons living in the United Kingdom who have had the time limit on their stay extended.

  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many overstayers and illegal immigrants have been (a) granted settlement rights, (b) repatriated and (c) had their time limit to stay in the United Kingdom extended since 3 May 1979.

  Mr. Raison:
  Statistics of those dealt with under provisions of the Immigration Act 1971 as having entered the United Kingdom illegally on or after 1 January 1973 are published quarterly in Home Office statistical bulletins on control of immigration statistics, the latest of which—issue 19/81—relates to the second quarter of 1981. In the period from 1 April 1979 to 30 June 1981, about 670 such persons were granted permission to stay indefinitely, about 1,750 were removed from the United Kingdom and 120 were allowed to stay for a limited period. Corresponding figures for overstayers are not available.

  Non-Custodial Projects
  Mr. Charles Irving asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many places in non-custodial projects are to be developed in the current year and the following year.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  More than 115,000 offenders are estimated to be under statutory supervision in the community by the probation service. A wide range of residential accommodation, supported work schemes, day centers and other projects is provided to support this supervision. There is no fixed number of places available in such projects. Within the resources that can be made available, the Government will encourage their expansion in accordance with its policy of promoting the use of alternatives to imprisonment in all proposals.

  Prisons (Overcrowding)
  Mr. Charles Irving asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will examine whether probation officers, currently unemployed after completing their training, could be employed in any way in order to facilitate the reduction of prison overcrowding; and if he will make an estimate of the cost of so doing.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  Some students sponsored by the Home Office who this summer completed courses with a probation content leading to the certificate of qualification in social work are still waiting for vacancies in the probation service; this is because of a fall in the rate at which serving probation officers leave the service. The generic nature of the courses makes the probation trainee eligible for employment in other fields of social work; and it is also open to probation committees, as employers, to consider in consultation with local authorities whether such students might be employed temporarily in an ancillary grade, possibly in ways that would support the operation of non-custodial facilities available in conjunction with probation. The cost would depend on the extent to which such employment was provided, and the grading of the posts. Salaries of probation service employees are met by local authorities in the first instance; 80 per cent. is reimbursed by way of Home Office grant.

  Mr. Barry Prosser
  Mr. Rooker asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the death of Mr. Barry Prosser in Her Majesty's prison, Winson Green, during August 1980.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  This matter is again sub judice and it would not be proper for me to comment further.

  Carfax
  Mr. Freeson asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his reply to the right hon. Member for Brent, East on 6 July, Official Report, c. 15 if he is yet able to a statement concerning the allocation of a frequency for a Carfax service.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  I am not yet in a position to make a statement. Discussions between the Government and the BBC on the question of a permanent frequency for a Carfax service are continuing, but there are particular difficulties in finding a frequency that would be both suitable for the proposed service and available under the international radio regulations on a permanent basis.

  Mentally Disordered Prisoners
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is currently given to prison hospital officers in the care of mentally disordered patients; and whether he intends to propose any improvements in training, including secondment to special hospitals.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  All prison hospital officers attend an initial training course, which includes teaching on the care of those suffering from psychiatric disorders and a two week attachment to a local psychiatric hospital or a special hospital. Hospital officers gain most of their experience by working in prison hospitals, where at first they are closely

  175
  supervised. We encourage local arrangements for hospital officers to be temporarily attached to National Health Service hospitals later in their careers. We intend to undertake a wide-ranging review of training in the prison service, which will include the training of hospital officers.

  Prison Administration and Prisoners' Rules
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on revising the standing orders covering the administration of the prison service and prisoners' rules; what changes are being made; when they will be published; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  The revision of the Prison Department standing order on prisoners' correspondence, visits and petitions is complete. The new order has been issued to staff and a copy is in the Library of the House. It will be published and an announcement of the changes will be made when it comes into force on 1 December 1981.

  Police Service Basic Pay

  Rank

  April 1979

  April 1980

  April 1981

  Minimum —

  Maximum —

  Minimum —

  Maximum —

  Minimum —

  Maximum —

  Constable

  3,189

  4,809

  4,086

  6,471

  4,956

  7,848

  Sergeant

  4,683

  5,406

  6,186

  7,095

  7,503

  8,607

  Inspector

  5,406

  6,489

  7,095

  8,445

  8,607

  10,242

  Chief Inspector

  6,198

  7,260

  8,058

  9,348

  9,774

  11,340

  Superintendent

  8, 436

  9,333

  11,124

  12,156

  13,494

  14,745

  Chief Superintendent

  9,426

  10,326

  12,258

  13,365

  14,868

  16,212

  Assistant Chief Constable

  10,478

  11,077

  14,188

  —

  17,001

  —

  Deputy Chief Constable

  11,004

  13,604

  15,072

  18,615

  17,502

  20,943

  Chief Constable

  13,603

  17,455

  18,840

  23,268

  21,195

  26,175

  Senior officers in Metropolitan Police

  Commander

  10,733

  10,949

  14,442

  —

  17,289

  —

  Deputy Assistant Commissioner

  12,642

  13,196

  17,592

  —

  19,791

  —

  Assistant Commissioner

  16,336

  —

  21,990

  —

  24,738

  —

  Deputy Commissioner

  17,984

  —

  24,192

  —

  27,216

  —

  In addition, all members of the Metropolitan and City of London Police are paid London weighting and London allowance at the following rates:

  April 1979 £

  April 1980 £

  April 1981 £

  London weighting

  351

  501

  588

  London allowance

  325

  738

  894

  Officers who are not provided with free accommodation are paid a rent allowance within the limits approved for each force. The highest and lowest annual limits are as follows:

  Rank

  April 1979

  April 1980

  April 1981

  Minimum £.

  Maximum £.

  Minimum £.

  Maximum £.

  Minimum £.

  Maximum £.

  Below Superintendent

  689

  1,503

  931

  1,814

  1,007

  2,272

  Superintendents and Chief Superintendents

  810

  1,738

  1,080

  2,105

  1,168

  2,635

  176
  Revision of the remaining standing orders, which is a very considerable task, has begun and they will be published as and when they are complete.

  Custodial Statistics
  Mr. George Cunningham asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are currently held in custody in England and Wales who had been imprisoned for more than one year pending trial.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  We shall reply as soon as possible.

  Police and Fire Services (Pay)
  Mr. William Hamilton asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the minimum and maximum pay rates for a police constable, a police sergeant, and for each higher police grade, respectively, for April of each the last three years, together with an assessment of the annual value of other allowances in each of those years; and if he will give the comparable figures for each grade of the Fire Service.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  Following is the information.
  177

  Rank

  April 1979

  April 1980

  April 1981

  Minimum £

  Maximum £

  Minimum £

  Maximum £

  Minimum £

  Maximum £

  Assistant and Deputy Chief Constables, Commanders and Deputy Assistant Commissioners

  940

  2,016

  1,253

  2,442

  1,355

  3,057

  Chief Constables, Assistant and Deputy Commissioners

  1,090

  2,273

  1,453

  2,832

  1,572

  3,091

  Officers on certain specialist duties receive additional allowances

  Fire Service Basic Pay

  Rank

  April 1979

  April 1980

  April 1981

  Minimum £

  Maximum £

  Minimum £

  Maximum £

  Minimum £

  Maximum £

  Fireman (aged over 18)

  3,683

  4,811

  4,434

  5,793

  5,268

  6,882

  Leading Fireman

  4,935

  5,943

  7,059

  Sub-Officer

  5,057

  5,252

  6,090

  6,327

  7,236

  7,515

  Station Officer

  5,862

  6,122

  7,065

  7,377

  8,394

  8,763

  Assistant Divisional Officer

  6,178

  6,557

  7,446

  7,902

  8,847

  9,387

  Divisional Officer III

  6,618

  6,892

  7,977

  8,307

  9,477

  9,870

  Divisional Officer II

  7,029

  7,589

  8,472

  9,147

  10,065

  10,866

  Divisional Officer I

  7,763

  8,117

  9,357

  9,786

  11,115

  11,625

  Senior Divisional Officer

  8,355

  8,814

  10,074

  10,626

  11,967

  12,624

  Assistant Chief Fire Officer

  Normally 75% of Chief Officer's salary

  Deputy Chief Fire Officer

  Normally 80% of Chief Officer's salary

  Chief Fire Officer

  7,704*

  13,911*

  10,752*

  19,803*

  12,366*

  22,773*

  * Minimum salaries recommended by National Joint Council for Chief Officers of local authorities' Fire Brigades.
  London weighting is paid to members of the London Fire Brigade. In April 1979, 1980 and 1981 the rates were £468, £543 and £636 a year respectively. Some other fire authorities pay fringe area allowances at varying rates which are determined locally.

  Free accommodation, fuel and light are provided to residential officers working a 78-hour week and, in some cases and on a locally determined basis, to other members of brigades who make themselves available beyond the normal working week. It is not possible to assess the annual value of this provision.

  Mr. John Hasse
  Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Mr. John Hasse, a prisoner at Her Majesty's prison, Strangeways, has been placed in category A and segregated from other prisoners; and if he will make a statement of his health following a hunger strike over the past three weeks.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  Mr. Hasse has been placed in category A on remand because of the nature and circumstances of the offences with which he has been charged. His location within the prison is determined by the needs of security but an unavoidable result is that he cannot associate freely with other remand prisoners.

  Mr. Hasse started to refuse food on 26 September. He resumed eating on 3 October and continued to eat normally until 15 October. He has been refusing food since that date, but is taking a small amount of liquid. His condition is not giving cause for alarm at present and will continue to be closely monitored by the senior medical officer at Manchester.

  Voluntary Repatriation (Baggage Limits)
  Mr. Proctor asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review and increase the baggage
  178
  limits connected with the Government's voluntary repatriation scheme administered by the International Social Services of Great Britain.
  Mr. Raison:
  The amount payable for baggage is within the discretion of the International Social Service of Great Britain. We are not aware of any difficulty that calls for review.

SCOTLAND

  Hypothermia
  Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people died of hypothermia in Scotland in the latest year for which figures are available; and how many were male over 65 years and female over 60 years.
  Mr. Allan Stewart:
  In Scotland 40 deaths were attributed to hypothermia as the underlying cause of death in 1980. Of these, 17 males were aged over 65 years and 17 females were aged over 60 years.

  New Manufacturing Units
  Mr. Myles asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which multinational companies have established new manufacturing units in Scotland over the past five years; and whether his Department has any information on the extent to which these new factories have been established with the purpose of exporting a large proportion of their products to the other European Community member States.
  Mr. Alexander Fletcher:
  The following list comprises overseas-owned companies known to my Department as having established or taken over manufacturing units in Scotland in the last five years: it includes facilities for the manufacture of new products but not straightforward expansion of existing production capacity.
  179
  Detailed information on the marketing intentions of the parent company at the time of establishment is not available to my Department, but it is evident from the export performance and statements by management of many of these companies that they look to a European market.

  Gray Tool Company (Europe) Limited

  Motorola Limited

  UIE Shipbuilding (Scotland) Limited

  General Instrument Microelectronic Limited

  Tokheim Limited

  Digital Equipment Scotland Limited

  Fischer Ultrasound Limited

  Coors Porcelain Company Encase Limited

  A & S Henry (Dundee) Limited

  Beckman Instruments Limited

  Fabri-Tek Computer Comps

  Rockwell International

  Flow Laboratories Limited

  Levi Strauss (UK) Limited

  Caberboard Limited

  Mitsubishi Electric (UK) Limited

  Polaroid (UK) Limited

  Nimslo Limited

  Scintag-Berthold Limited

  Burroughs Machines Limited

  Terasaki Europe Limited

  MEL

  Butcher Boy (UK) Limited

  Allis Chalmers GB Limited

  MCP Pharmaceuticals Limited

  Honeywell Control Systems

  GTC Gas Turbine Limited

  Playtex Limited

  Metecno (UK) Limited

  National Semi-Conductor Limited

  Stirling Mineral Water Company Limited

  Henry Valve (UK) Limited

  Dreher Automatic Systems Limited

  Hewlett-Packard Limited

  Keystone Valves

  JLG Industries

  Housing subsidies and other assistance

  £million at 1980 survey prices†

  1970–71

  1971–72

  1972–73

  1973–74

  1974–75

  *1975–76

  Government subsidies (except rent rebate and rent allowance subsidies)

  118

  119

  159

  225

  229

  231

  Rate fund contribution

  123

  108

  74

  59

  78

  60

  Mortgage interest tax relief and option mortgage subsidy

  36

  36

  39

  48

  60

  66

  Rent rebates and allowances

  —

  —

  26

  49

  32

  36

  £million at 1980 survey prices†

  *1976*–77

  *1977–78

  *1978–79

  *1979–80

  *1980–81

  Government subsidies (except rent rebate and rent allowance subsidies)

  256

  227

  240

  273

  252

  Rate fund contribution

  49

  55

  57

  48

  48

  Mortgage interest tax relief and option mortgage subsidy

  77

  62

  67

  77

  94

  Rent rebates and allowances

  26

  43

  38

  43

  51

  * The figures for 1975-76 onwards are provisional pending publication of local financial return for these years.†For explanation of 1980 survey prices, see Cmnd. 8175, part 5, paragraph 31.

  Referendum
  Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report any

  Daiwa Sports Limited

  The Crown Cork Company Limited

  Dairyland Food Laboratories Limited

  Kingston Yarn Spinners Limited

  Cummins Engine Company Limited

  Ethicon

  Tri-State Oil Tools

  Mainetti

  Devro Limited

  Silberline Limited

  Halliburton Manufacturing and Services

  A C F (GB) Limited

  Air Products

  Anaplast Limited

  Samson Ocean Systems (UK)

  Atlas Hydraulic Loaders Limited

  TMC Limited

  Andrews Antennae Systems

  TK Valve Limited

  Sunbeam Electric Limited

  Sangamo Weston Limited

  Swift Chemicals

  Baker Oil Tools (UK)

  Hyster Limited

  Veeder Root Limited

  Abbey Chemicals

  Nasbrit Limited

  Nippon Electric Company

  Heraeus Silica

  I B H (Telex)

  Volvo Trucks

  Housing Subsidies
  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report a table updating to the most recent convenient year and at the most recent convenient price base table 3B on housing subsidies contained in Cmnd. 6852.
  Mr. Rifkind:
  The information requested is as follows:
  181
  information he has on the number of countries in Europe that permit the holding of referenda on the policies of local, as opposed to federal or national, elected councils; and if he will name them.

  Mr. Rifkind:
  I have no detailed information on the position throughout Europe, but I understand that in Austria, Luxembourg, Sweden, Switzerland and West Germany at least, referendums may be held in certain circumstances at local level.

  Long-term Unemployed Persons
  Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider introducing a scheme for the long-term unemployed which would provide all of them with temporary jobs or a place on a training course.
  Mr. Alexander Fletcher:
  The Community enterprise programme, which was introduced on 1 April 1981, provides temporary employment and, where appropriate, training for long-term unemployed adults on schemes of benefit to the community. In its first year of operation the new programme aims to provide 25,000 places in Great Britain, double the number available under its predecessor, the special temporary employment programme. When resources are limited difficult decisions have to be made on priorities but the programme is making a useful contribution towards alleviating the problems of the long-term unemployed and represents a realistic response in present circumstances.

  Decisions on the programme of special employment and training measures for 1982-83, including provision for the long-term unemployed, will be announced later this autumn.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. McQuarrie asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many council houses in Scotland have not been sold to the tenant applicants due to the delay by local authorities in processing the sale; and if he will list these in the Official Report setting out the figures for each local authority, Scottish Special Housing Association and co-ownership associations.
  Mr. Rifkind:
  Council house sales in Scotland are going well and most authorities are processing applications within the statutory time limits: only in a small number of cases has default action had to be contemplated. It is not possible to determine a standard timetable for the sale of a council house; the main reason for this is that the effect of the various statutory time limits set out in the Tenants' Rights Etc. (Scotland) Act 1980 is to produce different total limits for the period between the date of application and the date of application and the date of acceptance of the offer to sell according to the circumstances of each individual case. In the absence of such a standard timetable, it is not possible to determine whether there has been delay in the completion of each sale.

  Tenants of co-ownership housing associations in Scotland do not have a statutory right to buy.

  Gas-gathering Pipeline (St. Fergus)
  Mr. McQuarrie asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what requests he has received for meetings with representatives of the Grampian regional council and the
  182
  Banff and Buchan district council concerning his approval of the gas-gathering pipeline system at St. Fergus in the Aberdeenshire, East constituency; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Alexander Fletcher:
  My right hon. Friend has had no requests from either Grampian regional council or Banff and Buchan district council to meet it to discuss the Government's decision announced in September on the gas-gathering line. Despite many months of negotiation, the necessary levels of private sector investment for the integrated pipeline project were not forthcoming. Nevertheless, I remain confident that the bulk of the gas will be landed: this will be achieved by companies developing their own plans, either individually or in concert, and the Government will give every encouragement to such developments.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Benefits
  Mr. Charles Irving asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost of Department of Health and Social Security payments for all benefits paid out to the unemployed; what is the annual cost for each of the following categories (a) man, wife plus one child, (b) man, wife plus two children, (c) single woman, and (d) single man, taking into account all benefits other than disability.
  Mrs. Chalker:
  The total sum paid to the unemployed by way of unemployment benefit and supplementary benefit is about £4 billion. It is regretted that the analysis requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. In addition, the unemployed are eligible for other social security benefits, but separate records for the claims to these benefits by unemployed people are not maintained.

  Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of average earnings for men represents unemployment benefit requirements.

  Mrs. Chalker:
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 23 July 1981.—[Vol. 9, c. 223-24.] The tables in sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the "Abstract of Statistics" compare unemployment benefit rates with average earnings; those in section 6.4 make similar comparisons using the short-term supplementary benefit rates.

  Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to amend regulation 4, paragraph 7 of the Supplementary Benefit (Resources) Regulations 1980 in order that the term "dependant" may include persons incapacitated by reason of chronic disability.

  Mrs Chalker:
  The effect of regulation 4(7) of the Supplementary Benefit (Resources) Regulations 1980, as now amended by regulations 3(4) (b) and (c) of the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements and Resources) Amendment Regulations 1981—SI 1981 No 1016—is that money held on trust for a child or a person aged 19 or under receiving relevant education is not taken into account in deciding the parent's entitlement to supplementary benefit where the money derives from a payment in consequence of a personal or criminal injury to that child. The point is that, in so far as such a payment recognises that the injury has reduced the injured person's capacity to support himself, this consideration applies only when he is of an

  183
  age to do so but for the injury, and is eligible to apply for supplementary benefit in his own right. To extend the disregard of such a payment as the hon. Member suggests would be inconsistent with this. Nevertheless, as the hon. Member will know, we are reviewing the operation of the capital rule for supplementary benefit, although I can give no commitment at this stage as to the outcome.

  Mr. Winnick asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the next proposed increase in unemployment and related benefits.

  Mrs. Chalker:
  The standard rates of unemployment and sickness benefit go up on 23 November next from £20.65 to £22.50 for a single person, and from £33.40 to £36.40 for a married couple. A further uprating of benefits will follow within 12 months of it, and we expect to bring proposals before the House next spring, in accordance with past precedents.

  Elderly Patients (Departmental Report)
  Mr. Hannam asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take as a result of his Department's report "The Respective Roles of the General Acute and Geriatric Sectors in Care of the Elderly Hospital Patient".
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:
  This study will be taken fully into account in the Department's thinking about the future development of hospital services for elderly people. It has been given a wide circulation and every opportunity is being taken to draw attention to its findings in the hope that their implications will be considered closely by all those concerned at national and local level. As a contribution to the debate, the Department will hold a conference next year on the skills of geriatric medicine, with a view to their being disseminated more widely throughout all those parts of the hospital service which are likely to be involved in the care of elderly patients.

  Liverpool Area Health Authority
  Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the reorganisation of the Liverpool area health authority.
  Dr. Vaughan:
  As announced on 25 September, there will be a single health authority for the whole of the city of Liverpool. However, in order to provide stronger and more localised management, the authority will have management support from two geographically based management teams. This arrangement will be unique in the country and is designed to meet the special needs of Liverpool.

  Blood Plasma
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member
  184
  for Wolverhampton, North-East on 6 May, if he is now able to make a statement on the sale abroad of blood plasma through the National Heart hospital in London.
  Dr. Vaughan:
  The committee of inquiry set up by the board of governors has not yet completed its work.

  Whittington Hospital
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider giving financial help to Whittington hospital in London to ensure that it will be able to continue using its laser to stop the bleeding of stomach and duodenal ulcers; and if he will make a statement.
  Dr. Vaughan:
  The laser equipment to which the hon. Member refers is being used at the Whittington hospital as part of a research project, co-ordinated with studies at other London hospitals, into the treatment of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage by lasers under fibre control and is on loan from the German manufacturers. I understand the Camden and Islington area health authority (teaching) would normally consider any requests for the purchase of this equipment once the trials have been completed.

  Cannabis
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that doctors who have Home Office permission to use cannabis for the treatment of patients or research are freely able to do so; and if he will make a statement.
  Dr. Vaughan:
  Doctors who are licensed by the Home Office to possess cannabis are free to use the drug for the purpose of treatment of individual patients in the light of their clinical judgment, or to carry out clinical research. In the latter case the provisions of the Medicines Act in respect of the normal requirements for clinical trial certificates or exemption would apply.

  Great Ormond Street Hospital
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps are being taken to ensure the reopening of the new wing at the Great Ormond Street hospital for sick children; and if he will make a statement.
  Dr. Vaughan:
  As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Newham, North West (Mr. Lewis) on 18 June 1981—[Vol. 6, c. 427.]—an independent firm of structural engineers has, for the past 13 months, been investigating structural faults in the new cardiac unit that have prevented its occupation and use.

  A final report has not yet been received but the board is continuing to pursue the matter vigorously with a view to implementing remedial work and the occupation of the building as soon as possible.

  I shall make a statement when the full facts are known.

  Vaccine Damage Payments
  Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people who have been awarded damages under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act have subsequently had supplementary benefits withdrawn under Supplementary Benefit (Resources) Regulations 1980, regulation 7.
  Mrs. Chalker:
  We know of 16 cases where a person who was awarded damages under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act has had his supplementary benefit withdrawn since November 1980 because his capital resources, including the vaccine damage payment held on trust for him, exceeded £2,000. In one case benefit was subsequently reinstated; in all the cases benefit would have ceased if the previous rule of applying a notional income to a claimant's capital had continued and had been applied.

  As the hon. Member will know, the Supplementary Benefit Policy Inspectorate is inquiring into the operation of the capital rule and will be looking particularly at the treatment of vaccine damage payments. I shall write to the hon. Member if its report brings forward any further information.

  Kevin Capper
  Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the withdrawal of supplementary benefits from Kevin Capper of Liverpool.
  Mrs. Chalker:
  Decisions on claims for supplementary benefit are the responsibility of the independent adjudicating authorities, the supplementary benefit officer in the first instance. I am aware of the circumstances of Kevin Capper's case and will be writing to the hon. Member.

  New Commonwealth Citizens (Population Statistics)
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the natural increase in the New Commonwealth with Pakistan—NCWP—ethnic population since 3 May 1979.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:
  Estimates of changes in the size of the population of New Commonwealth and Pakistan ethnic origin resident in Great Britain relate to mid-years only. Estimates will shortly be published for the 12 months from mid-1979 to mid-1980; they show some 60,000 births, including births of mixed origin, and 6,000 deaths.

DEFENCE

  Sea Dart
  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to decide whether or not to place orders for the 805 SD modified version of Sea Dart area air defence guided weapon system.
  Mr. Pattie:
  There are no plans at present to purchase such a system. It is possible, however, that the Navy may see a requirement for this type of weapon in the future.

  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to decide whether or not to
  186
  cancel the order for five 909 (GWS 30) Sea Dart area air defence guided weapon systems to be fitted on Type 42 destroyers.

  Mr. Pattie:
  The possible options are being examined, and it is hoped that an early decision will be made.

  STIR Equipment
  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to decide where to place orders for a derivative of STIR, to be fitted on Type 23 frigates, to replace the Type 965 long range surveillance and the Type 992 target indication which were to be fitted on modernised Type 42 destroyers.
  Mr. Pattie:
  Future plans for surveillance radars will not be settled before next year.

  Sea Wolf
  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make a decision regarding the placement of orders for the proposed 805 SW Sea Wolf point defence guided weapon system, to be fitted on Type 22 and Type 23 frigates.
  Mr. Pattie:
  I expect a decision on the way ahead for an improved Sea Wolf tracker to be made in the next few months.

  HMS "Edinburgh"
  Mr. Hicks asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will establish an inquiry to investigate whether HMS "Edinburgh" war grave was disturbed during recent diving operations to recover gold bullion; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Wiggin:
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 21 October to my hon. Friend the Member for Brighouse and Spenborough (Mr. Waller).

ENVIRONMENT

  Rate Support Grant
  Mr. Freeson asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) pursuant to his reply to the right hon. Member for Brent, East on Friday 31 July, Official Report, c. 593, if he will publish in the Official Report the correspondence and tables concerning the rate support grant provision for each of the inner city programme authorities in 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981 at constant prices;
  (2) pursuant to his reply to the right hon. Member for Brent, East on Friday 31 July, Official Report, c. 593, if he will publish in the Official Report the correspondence and tables concerning the rate support grant provision for each district council and London borough in the inner city partnership areas in 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981 at constant prices.
  Mr. King:
  The correspondence and the corrected table are attached; I draw the right hon. Member's attention in particular to paragraph 3 of my letter of 11 September, which emphasises why the figures for the different years are not comparable.
  187

  £000's (1981–82 estimated outturn prices)

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  Partnership Authorities

  Birmingham

  211,134

  204,571

  193,550

  164,128

  Gateshead

  47,156

  46,485

  46,141

  41,469

  Liverpool

  138,035

  135,376

  134,581

  116,701

  Manchester

  140,483

  135,722

  130,515

  109,800

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  61,022

  59,503

  57,974

  44,160

  Salford

  64,550

  62,999

  60,747

  53,603

  Greenwich

  37,891

  40,747

  39,213

  34,552

  Hackney

  53,130

  53,354

  49,089

  43,463

  Islington

  50,319

  49,488

  46,095

  30,970

  Lambeth

  66,316

  67,658

  60,539

  56,974

  Lewisham

  54,214

  55,877

  53,457

  48,968

  Southwark

  62,852

  62,488

  58,306

  46,801

  Tower Hamlets

  41,931

  41,230

  36,763

  30,417

  Newham

  66,091

  62,746

  60,216

  60,237

  Programme Authorities

  Kingston-upon-Hull

  5,557

  8,774

  9,519

  10,642

  Leicester

  3,415

  6,863

  6,606

  9,696

  Middlesbrough

  4,309

  6,875

  7,480

  8,131

  Nottingham

  3,020

  8,374

  8,098

  7,614

  Bolton

  53,847

  54,093

  52,345

  50,254

  Bradford

  110,923

  109,142

  106,538

  97,029

  Leeds

  130,549

  128,613

  126,701

  115,241

  North Tyneside

  44,619

  44,724

  42,902

  38,369

  Oldham

  51,796

  51,253

  48,504

  48,579

  Sheffield

  111,446

  104,280

  103,896

  94,417

  South Tyneside

  44,502

  43,824

  41,838

  39,039

  Sunderland

  71,158

  70,204

  66,826

  62,421

  Wirral

  67,798

  65,212

  62,324

  54,604

  Wolverhampton

  49,647

  47,274

  47,157

  38,929

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  41,250

  41,690

  39,041

  35,057

  Following is the corespondence:

  Dear Reg,

  I promised to write in response to the two Questions you asked shortly before the Recess about the rate support grant entitlements of Programme and Partnership authorities since 1978-79. I enclose a copy of the relevant extract from the Official Record.

  I attach a table giving the information. Although the figures are at constant 1981-82 outturn prices, I should emphasise that they are not fully comparable; it is impossible to provide consistent figures at district level because of changes that have been made in the way grant is split between tiers.

  The four Programme Authorities which are non-metropolitan districts received Needs Element for the first time in 1979-80; at the same time the grant paid to the counties was correspondingly reduced, so the change had no net effect at ratepayer level. This year, the introduction of block grant had a similar but opposite effect on London and metropolitan areas. Grant is now being paid to metropolitan counties for the first time, but the entitlements of the districts have been proportionately reduced. In London, under the old system, Needs Element was paid only to boroughs. Both Needs Element and Resources Element have now been replaced by block grant, which is calculated separately for the boroughs, the Greater London Council, ILEA and the Metropolitan Police. The apparent effect has been to reduce the grant entitlement of the boroughs. The figures must therefore be used with great caution, for unless the impossibility of making straight comparisons is spelt out, they can be highly misleading.

  For the first three years, the tables show Needs Element entitlement, the Resources Element that remained in the district or borough after precepts had been taken, and London Rate Equalisation payments.

  Final entitlements are shown for 1978-79, and entitlements at second Increase Order for 1979-80 and at first Increase Order for 1980-81. The 1981-82 figures take account of the change in grant percentage in that year, and show London Rate Equalisation payments and block grant entitlements as they are
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  currently being paid in accordance with the main Rate Support Grant Order, but not taking account of the proposals for grant reduction which Michael Heseltine made on 3 September. Domestic Element and Domestic Rate Relief Grant have been excluded from all the figures.

  I am placing a copy of this reply in the Library.

  Tom King

  Minister for Local Government and Environmental Services

  25 September 1981

  Dear Mr. Freeson,

  Mr. King wrote to you on 11 September in reply to your two Questions about the Rate Support Grant entitlements of Partnership and Programme authorities sine 1978-79.

  I regret to say that the table enclosed with his letter contained a small mistake—you may have noticed the inconsistency with the text of the letter itself. The figures quoted are in £000's (1981-82 estimated outturn prices), not £ million outturn prices.

  I attach a revised table with the correct heading. We are also placing a copy of this letter in the House commons Library.

  Yours sincerely

  Martin Brasher,

  Private Secretary

  Disabled Persons (Rate Rebates)
  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list for each authority, separately for both 1979-80 and 1980-81, the grants they have received under the provisons of section 69 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 in respect of rebates under the Rating (Disabled Persons) Act 1978 that have been paid to (a) private households and (b) institutions.
  Mr. King:
  Figures are not available in the detail requested but, to date, payments to local authorities against final claims in respect of rebates under the Rating (Disabled Persons) Act 1978 are:—

  £

  1979–80 (360 authorities)

  8,385,247

  1980–81 (317 authorities)

  15,563,997

  Trafalgar Square
  Mr. Ian Lloyd asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the weight restrictions which are currently applied to all forms of structure erected in Trafalgar Square, or to vehicles allowed access to the surface of the square for whatever reason.
  Mr. Macfarlane:
  There are no specific weight restrictions on structures erected in the square. In view of the possibility of damage to the stone paving slabs, vehicles are confined to an area in the south-west corner of the square. They are restricted in weight to a maximum of 30 cwt. when laden and in number to a total of six at any one time.

  Mr. Ian Lloyd asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has received for the cost of erecting the Christmas tree which is presented by the Norwegian Government in Trafalgar Square.

  Mr. Macfarlane:
  Estimates are not yet available for the current year. The actual costs involved last year in connection with the erection of the tree totalled £4,457.85 inclusive of VAT. The costs are borne by Westminster city council.

  Mersey Estuary (Bird Deaths)
  Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many mortalities have been recorded among birds in the Mersey estuary over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the causes.
  Mr. Giles Shaw:
  Such information is not collected centrally as it is a matter for the North-West water authority to deal with in collaboration with local wildlife organisations. I understand that despite extensive searches fewer than 20 dead birds have been recovered from the estuary this season. Most have been gulls and the likely cause of death is suspected to be a form of botulism which occurs only in birds.

  Shorthold Rents
  Mr. David Atkinson asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to amend the shorthold tenancy provisions in the Housing Act 1980 to allow the rent to be freely agreed between landlord and tenant.
  Mr. Stanley:
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Protected Shorthold Tenancies (Rent Registration) Order 1981 which has been laid in draft before Parliament under section 52(4) of the Housing Act 1980.

  Reservoirs
  Mr. Moate asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the level of safety of sizeable reservoirs in Great Britain.
  Mr. Giles Shaw:
  Most problems of reservoir safety, including those recently highlighted in the media, can be dealt with by proper application of the Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act 1930. I am satisfied that public bodies such as water authorities and the British Waterways Board will act to ensure the safety of the reservoirs for which they are responsible. As to privately owned or ownerless reservoirs, I shall be reminding local authorities and others concerned of their powers and responsibilities under that Act and will be asking them to identify, and advise me on such reservoirs within their areas. I will then be in a better position to assess any safety problems that such reservoirs may present, with a view to further action.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Schools Council
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North East on 4 June, if the review of the functions, constitution and methods of work of the Schools Council has yet been completed; and if he will make a statement.
  Dr. Boyson:
  Mrs. Nancy Trenaman presented her report on the Schools Council to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and Science and for Wales, and to the local authority associations, at the beginning of this month. It is now being printed and will be published very shortly. My right hon. Friends are considering its recommendations with a view to reaching an early decision, in consultation with the other addresses, on the future of the council.

  Open University
  Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will consider introducing legislation to provide financial assistance to students undertaking Open University courses.
  Mr. Waldegrave:
  My right hon. Friend has concluded that he is unable to do so in present economic circumstances.

  Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the average percentage increase in the grant given by his Department in support of (a) the Open University and (b) other maintained universities in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Waldegrave:
  The year on year percentage changes in the grants for recurrent expenditure to the Open University and to universities supported via the University Grants Committee are as follows:

  Percentage increase on previous year

  Year

  Open University

  Universities funded via UGC

  1976–77

  43.9

  16.3

  1977–78

  2.5

  -8.1

  1978–79

  24.1

  11.6

  1979–80

  22.5

  21.0

  1980–81

  28.4

  29.4

  The overall higher increase for the Open University reflects the progressive build-up in student numbers since admissions began in 1971. The figures for 1977-78 reflect increases in tuition fee income and reductions in public expenditure in that year.
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  Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to be able to announce the level of financial support to be given to the Open University in the coming financial year.

  Mr. Waldegrave:
  My right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement soon.

  Schools (Liverpool)
  Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the proposed reorganisation of inner city schools in Liverpool.
  Dr. Boyson:
  My right hon. Friend is studying these proposals in the light of the authority's reply of 30 July to the Department's letter of 20 July. He will announce his decision as soon as he has completed his consideration of the issues involved.

  Schoolchildren (Cambridgeshire)
  Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list in the Official Report his latest estimate of the number of children in Cambridgeshire expected to enter (a) primary and (b) secondary education in each of the next four years.
  Dr. Boyson:
  My Department does not prepare projections of the number of children likely to enter school in individual local authorities.

TRANSPORT

  Radioactive Materials (Transportation)
  24. Mr. Parker asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will hold a public inquiry into the safety of the transport of radioactive materials through urban areas.
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke:
  No. I am satisfied that public safety is fully protected by the present arrangements. An inquiry would serve no useful purpose.

  Road Programmes (Bypasses)
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the British Road Federation on the need for bypasses as part of the trunk or local road programmes.
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke:
  We receive frequent representations from the Federation urging the need for new roads including bypasses and the speedier provision of those already planned.

  Since coming into office I believe we have been reasonably successful in responding to these pleas within
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  the limits of what has been practicable in legal and engineering terms and within the resources that have been available for road building.

  Vehicle Registration Numbers
  Dr. Edmund Marshall asked the Secretary of State for Transport what will happen when the sequence of letters at the end of motor vehicle registration numbers which indicate year of registration reaches the end of the alphabet.
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke:
  A new registration format will be required in 1983. Last year my Department issued a consultation paper setting out the issues that would need to be taken into account and inviting suggestions from the public. A copy of the consultation paper is in the Library. We hope to complete consideration of the many responses received and to announce our decisions later this year.

  British Railways (Chairman)
  Mr. Morgan asked the Secretary of State for Transport what other offices of profit under the Crown, if any, are currently held by the chairman of British Railways; and what annual remuneration is received by him in respect of each such office.
  Mr. David Howell:
  Sir Peter Parker is also a member of the board of British Airways. The salary of £3,670 a year pertaining to that appointment is paid to British Rail and not to Sir Peter Parker.

  Motorways (Statistics)
  Mr. Knox asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of motorway there are in the United Kingdom; and how this figure compares with those for 1975 and 1970.
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke:
  The length of motorway in the United Kingdom for the 3 years selected were

  1 April 1970-1132 kilometres (703 miles)

  1 April 1975-2122 kilometres (1319 miles)

  1 April 1980-2682 kilometres (1667 miles)

  Further details will be available in "Transport Statistics Great Britain" 1970-1980, to be published in November.

  Personal Car Imports
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to alter the law regarding people buying new cars on the Continent and personally importing them into the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. David Howell:
  I shall answer this question shortly.

  COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONS
  COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONS
  TRANSPORT OF FARM ANIMALS: EEC DIRECTIVE
  TRANSPORT OF FARM ANIMALS: EEC DIRECTIVE
  AIR INDIA v. WIGGINS—JUDGMENT
  AIR INDIA v. WIGGINS—JUDGMENT
  PERSONAL CAR IMPORTS
  PERSONAL CAR IMPORTS
  LONG LARTIN: TRANSFER OF PRISONERS
  LONG LARTIN: TRANSFER OF PRISONERS
  SEABED MINING AND NAVAL ASSISTANCE
  SEABED MINING AND NAVAL ASSISTANCE