Written Answers of 23 October 1981

INDUSTRY

  British Leyland
  Mr. Chris Patten asked the Secretary of State for Industry how much financial assistance has been provided to British Leyland in each year since its nationalisation; and how much assistance is expected to be provided in the current year .
  Mr. Norman Lamont:
  The Government acquired the majority of the shares of British Leyland—now BL—Ltd. held by private and other investors under a scheme of arrangement which came into effect 11 August 1975 .

  Government funding since then has been as follows:

  1975–76

  £200 million

  Equity (under British Leyland Act 1975)

  1976–77

  £100 million

  Loans (converted to equity 31 March 1980)

  1977–78

  £50 million

  Loan (converted to equity 31 March 1980)

  1978–79

  £450 million

  Equity

  1979–80

  £150 million

  Equity

  1980–81

  £300 million

  Equity

  The then Secretary of State's statement of 26 January 1981 explained that the Government had approved BL's 1981 corporate plan and had agreed to provide the associated funding requirement of £620 million in 1981–82 and £370 million in 1982–83. Of this, £450 million has been advanced to date.

  BL companies have also received regional development grants and two interest relief grants under the Industry Act 1972—as amended—The following figures have been taken from information published quarterly in the British Business magazine:

  *Regional Development Grants £ million

  Interest Grants £ million

  1975–76

  †1.159

  —

  1976–77

  0.799

  0.099

  1977–78

  2.369

  0.571

  1978–79

  4.293

  0.590

  1979–80

  1.646

  0.127

  1980–81

  2.086

  0.019

  1981–82

  ‡2.160

  ‡0.116

  * Information about payments of regional development grant over £25,000 has, since 1 October 1974, been published each quarter in British Business. This is the source for these figures. The totals of regional development grants individually worth less than £25,000 cannot be provided without disproportionate effort.
  † From 1 July 1975
  ‡To 30 June 1981

  Assistance provided for research and development work is commercially confidential, and details are not published.

  Waste Management
  Mr. Dalyell asked the Secretary of State for Industry

  whether, following the abolition of the Waste
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  Management Advisory Council, he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the War on Waste Campaign;

  whether he is taking steps to promote a policy of reclamation of resources at a national level;

  who, or which organisation, is responsible for waste management following the abolition of the Waste Management Advisory Council.

  Mr. MacGregor:
  The Department of Industry and the Department of the Environment work closely together through their respective units with responsibility for reclamation and recycling, but the Government look principally to industry to take steps to ensure that waste materials are recycled where it is economic to do so. The Government remain committed to the objective of encouraging reclamation activities to develop to their optimum level, and there is direct and informal cooperation between central and local Government, industry and other interests concerned. For example, I was pleased to attend the recent launch of extended recycling activities by the metal can manufacturers.

  Upper Waiting Hall (Exhibition)
  Mr. Pawsey asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will arrange for an exhibition relating to Warwickshire county council to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October.
  Mr. Norman Lamont:
  Yes. Arrangements have been made for such an exhibition in the Upper Waiting Hall to take place from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 1981.

  Loan Guarantee Scheme
  Mr. Grylls asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will ensure that the Government's small firms loan guarantee scheme introduced on 1 June 1981 is not curtailed or halted when the initial limit set of £50 million is reached in the next few weeks.
  Mr. MacGregor:
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on Wednesday 21 October to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-West (Mr. Colvin). At the end of September guarantees had been issued for loans totalling £28.5 million .

  Public Services (Costs and Charges)
  Mr. Arthur Lewis asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, in support of the Government's policy of a 4 per cent. wage ceiling, he will also apply this limit to the costs and charges made by the public services to the public.
  Mr. Brittan:
  I have been asked to reply.

  No: the financial and economic considerations involved are different. In any event, the 4 per cent. pay factor announced on 15 Septemer is a broad measure of what the Government think reasonable and can be afforded as a general allowance for increases in public service pay at the present stage of planning public expenditure: it does not imply that all public service pay increases will or should be 4 per cent.—some may be less and some may be more.

SCOTLAND

  Hypothermia
  Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures are being taken to reduce the number of cases of hypothermia in the coming winter; and what part he expects health boards, local authorities and the fuel boards to play .
  Mr. Allan Stewart:
  The authorities concerned are well aware of the dangers of hypothermia, especially among the elderly in very cold weather, and work closely together to minimise the risks .

  This year, in addition to the usual distribution of a leaflet for the elderly, the Scottish Health Education Group has produced a resource pack of helpful information for organisations in touch with elderly people to distribute as appropriate. A set of this material is being placed in the Library.

  Unemployed persons
  Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the average annual number of those unemployed for one year or more in Scotland in each year since 1970 .
  Mr. Alexander Fletcher:
  The following table shows annual averages of those unemployed for more than one year in each year since 1970. Due to changes in the method of compiling statistics and because some figures are not available the totals for each year are not directly comparable.

  Year

  Annual average

  1970

  16,059

  1971

  20,122

  1972

  28,203

  1973

  29,447

  1974

  21,153

  1975

  21,507

  1976

  25,850

  1977

  36,639

  1978

  43,040

  1979

  45,864

  1980

  49,187

  Notes:1970–73 and 1976–77 figures are based on returns made in January and July of those years.1974–75 totals relate to July returns only. January figures not available.1978 total based on returns made in January, July and October. April figures not available.

  Dundee Skillcenter
  Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in light of the fact that 15,659 people are unemployed in Dundee, he will now authorise an expansion in the number of places available for re-training at the Dundee skillcenter .
  Mr. Alexander Fletcher:
  I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that training capacity at Dundee skillcenter has been increased by 32 places over the past year. Two additional skill classes have been introduced as have facilities for vocational assessment designed to meet the needs of the longer term unemployed. These new courses will allow the skillcenter to cater for around 160 additional trainees annually .
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  The Dundee skillcenter represents only a small proportion of the commission's overall training provision in Tayside which will provide opportunities for some 1,000 adults in 1981–82 .

  Agricultural Land Sales
  Mr. McQuarrie asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to establish a record of all agricultural land which has been sold in Scotland to institutions and pension funds in the years 1979, 1980 and the first six months of 1981, with the names of the purchasers.
  Mr. Younger:
  The Northfield committee, which reported in 1979, recommended that these acquisitions should be closely monitored and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland has maintained records of such acquisitions, including those by pension funds, since 1980.

ENVIRONMENT

  "New Uses for Special Development Orders"
  Mr. O'Halloran asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations have been made to him by the Highgate Society concerning the consultation letter "New Uses for Special Development Orders", by which planning permission could be automatically assumed for certain categories of development; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Giles Shaw:
  The Highgate Society wrote to my right hon. Friend on 14 September expressing opposition to any new use of special development orders. The Department acknowledged its letter on 24 September and assured the society that its views would be taken into account. Decisions have yet to be taken on the extent to which the SDO procedure might be used .

  Reservoirs
  Mr. Moate asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what action is taken to ensure that all reservoir undertakings comply with the Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act 1930 particularly with regard to the keeping of weekly records of water levels, leakage, repairs and so on; which authorities are responsible for appointing inspecting engineers; and how many prosecutions there have been for non-compliance with the Act;

  what would be the cost of implementing the Reservoirs Act 1975; and what extra manpower would need to be employed;

  if he is satisfied with the level of observance and enforcement of the Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act 1930; and, if not, what steps are being taken in this connection;

  if it is his intention ever to introduce orders under the Reservoirs Act 1975 in order to bring the provisions of the Act into force.

  Mr. Giles Shaw:
  As I explained in my letter of 20 March 1981 to my hon. Friend and in my answer to him on 22 October, steps are already well in hand to secure better application of the 1930 Act by the local authorities and others concerned. When I can judge the results of this initiative, I intend to review the whole question of

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  legislative control of reservoir safety in the light of any remaining problems. Meanwhile I have no reason to change my view that bringing in the 1975 Act now would make no significant difference to the effectiveness of statutory controls but would lead to considerable expenditure of money and manpower for new administrative arrangements.

  Inspecting engineers under the 1930 Act are appointed by the undertakers responsible for each reservoir, but appointments can be made only from those enrolled on the appropriate panel, maintained by the Secretary of State with the advice of the Institution of Civil Engineers. The same arrangements would apply under the 1975 Act.

  No central records are kept of enforcement action taken in the courts under the 1930 Act; I believe that few, if any, such cases have arisen.

  Mr. Moate asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if there is a register of all sizeable reservoirs and dams in Great Britain: and what is the precise total number of reservoirs of over 5 million gallons capacity.

  Mr. Giles Shaw:
  The best available information is contained in my answer of 20 May 1981 to my hon. Friend the Member for Essex, South-East (Sir B. Braine).—[Vol. 5, c. 118]—My hon. Friend may also be interested in the answer I gave on 30 March 1981 to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Hooley).—[Vol. 2, c. 45–6.]

  Looe Plaidy Coastal Protection Scheme
  Mr. Hicks asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the result of the application by the Caradon district council for grant aid for the Looe Plaidy coastal protection scheme; and if he will give the details of his decision.
  Mr. Giles Shaw:
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has determined this application and a grant undertaking of £109,880, being 43 per cent. of the grant eligible cost of the Looe Plaidy scheme, is being sent to the Caradon district council.

  NORTHERN IRELAND
  Milk Bottles
  Mr. Speller asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, in view of the frequent use of milk bottles for explosive devices, he will estimate the cost of converting the supply of milk in Northern Ireland from bottle to cartons and make the necessary financial provision.
  Mr. Adam Butler:
  The cost of replacing milk bottling facilities with the additional cartoning equipment which would be necessary would be about £3¼ million. Cartons are more expensive to use than bottles and the additional cost of using cartons for all milk sold in Northern Ireland would be approximately £3 million per annum. Bearing in mind that glass containers other than milk bottles can be used for petrol bombs, I do not believe that this expenditure could be justified.

  De Lorean Research Limited Partnership
  Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who is the major partner in the De Lorean research limited partnership.
  Mr. Adam Butler:
  I understand that under the Michigan Limited Partnership Act a partnership of this type has one general partner and a number of limited partners. The De Lorean Motor Company is the general partner in the De Lorean Research Limited Partnership and there are approximately 125 limited partnership interests. The profits drawing from the royalties paid to the partnership are allocated on the basis of 99 per cent. to the limited partners and 1 per cent. to the general partner.

  De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd.
  Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether any further application for financial assistance has been received from De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd.; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Adam Butler:
  No application for selective assistance additional to that already notified to the House has been made by De Lorean Motor Cars Limited. The company has lodged a number of grant claims under the Industrial Investment (General Assistance) (Northern Ireland) Act 1966—as amended—under which standard grants are payable in respect of eligible capital expenditure. These are under consideration.

  Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place copies in the Library of the agreement between his Department and De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd. and the agreement between De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd. and Lotus Cars Ltd., stating the value of the contract; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Adam Butler:
  No. The agreement between the Department of Commerce, the Northern Ireland Development Agency, De Lorean Motor Cars Limited, De Lorean Motor Company and Mr. De Lorean was concluded on a basis of commercial confidentiality. The agreement entered into with Lotus Cars Ltd. is a matter for the company and the De Lorean Research Limited Partnership.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Tax Threshold
  Mr. Field asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of raising the tax threshold to (a) the supplementary benefit level and (b) the family income supplement eligibility level.
  Mr. Ridley:
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. McQuarrie asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now reconsider his decision not to grant relief from the payment of value added tax to the Spastics Society.
  Mr. Bruce-Gardyne [pursuant to his reply, 21 October 1981]: No. Singling out the Spastics Society for relief from the payment of value added tax would not be justified.

  Civil Servants' Dispute (Value Added Tax)
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken to compensate

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  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.
  Mr. Bruce-Gardyne [pursuant to his reply, 22 October 1981]: None. The backlog of repayments of value added tax outstanding at the end of the civil servants' industrial action has now been cleared and subsequent claims for repayment are being dealt with promptly. Special arrangements were made during the industrial action to allow income tax, and other debts due to the Crown, to be offset against delayed repayments of VAT.
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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 [pursuant to his reply, 22 October, 1981]: It is estimated that at the end of September the amount of VAT payments not collected owing to the dispute was about £3,500 million. During the dispute repayments of VAT to traders who normally receive them could not be made. It is estimated that interest on borrowing the net deficiency has been about £30 million.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Institute of Hearing Research
  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress of the work of the Institute of Hearing Research.
  Mr. William Shelton:
  The wide programme of research being undertaken by the Medical Research Council's Institute of Hearing Research continues to develop well. The institute's report for 1980, a copy of which is available in the Library, summarises the work in progress both at Nottingham and in the institute's outstations.

DEFENCE

  HMS "Pembroke"
  Mr. Peter Griffiths asked the Secretary of State for Defence where he intends to relocate the activities at present carried on at HMS "Pembroke"; and if he will take full account of the capacity of the naval base at Portsmouth in making any decision.
  Mr. Wiggin:
  Following on from Cmnd.8288 part of the comprehensive review being carried out to determine the most appropriate and cost effective Royal Navy shore organisation will be concerned with the future location of work presently being done at HMS "Pembroke". That review takes full account of the facilities at Portsmouth naval base.

  Royal Marines School of Music
  Mr. Peter Griffiths asked the Secretary of State for Defence if it is still his intention that the Royal Marines School of Music should move to Portsmouth.
  Mr. Blaker:
  I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the announcement several years ago of a plan to move
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  the Royal Marines School of Music from Deal to Eastney. However, earlier this year it was decided to institute a review of the long-term location of the school of music with a view to securing maximum economy, as was explained at the time in a letter sent by my hon. Friend the Member for Ashford (Mr. Speed), then Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy, to my hon. Friend. That review, which is taking into account new circumstances following the changes in the defence programme announced in Cmnd. 8288, is not yet complete.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Milk Production (Binder-Hamlyn Report)
  Mr. Morgan asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to take any action on the recommendations of the Binder-Hamlyn report on milk production.
  Mr. Peter Walker:
  Yes. Since my announcement of 16 April in reply to the hon. Member for Dorset, North (Mr. Baker), discussions have been continuing with the Dairy Trade Federation and other interested parties regarding the detailed applications of Binder Hamlyn's recommendations.—[Vol. 3, c. 224–5.] I intend to make a further statement about this shortly.

  Beef Sales
  Mr. Morgan asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent, in percentage terms, United Kingdom domestic beef sales fell in 1980 compared with 1979.
  Mr. Buchanan-Smith:
  Supplies of beef moving into consumption in the United Kingdom fell by 4 9 per cent. in 1980 compared with 1979.

  Unfit Meat and Knacker Meat
  Mr. Farr asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has received the report of the Institution of Environmental Health Officers relating to the illegal trade in unfit meat; and whether he intends to reintroduce the habit of staining unfit meat and knacker meat.
  Mrs. Fenner:
  I have received a copy of this report. Ideas for amending the law, including the possibility of reintroducing staining in certain circumstances, will be put shortly to the main organisations concerned with a view to arriving at improved safeguards which take account of all the interests involved.

  Certification of Meat (Qualifications)
  Mr Dickens asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when environmental health officers will be recognised as qualified to certify meat in accordance with the Fresh Meat Export (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1981.
  Mrs Fenner:
  The Government's objective is to secure recognition in Brussels that environmental health officers, as well as veterinary surgeons, are qualified in the United Kingdom to carry out supervision and provide public health certification of meat products under the Community

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  directive on intra-Community trade in meat products. They are also aiming to secure similar recognition for EHOs in relation to poultry cutting premises and cold stores separate from poultry slaughterhouses, but not for similar duties under the Fresh Meat Export (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1981. Discussions on the recognition EHOs for work in meat products plants and poultry cutting and storage premises have recently begun in a Council working group.

  Land Loss (Stansted Airport)
  Sir John Biggs-Davison asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much agricultural land, and of what quality, would be lost if Stansted airport were to be developed as desired by the British Airports Authority.
  Mrs Fenner:
  My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Trade and for the Environment have appointed an inspector to consider the British Airports Authority's planning proposals to develop Stansted airport. The issues, which are raised by these proposals, are now the subject of examination at the public inquiry and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on such matters at this stage.

  Timber Felling (Licences)

  Mr Bob Cryer asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is undertaking any review of the criteria used when granting felling licences for timber; what representations have been made regarding timber felling; and if he will make a statement.

  Table one: Families not receiving supplementary benefit

  December 1977 Thousands

  Employment category

  Below supplementary benefit level

  Above supplementary benefit level but within 10 per cent. of it

  Above supplementary benefit level but within 20 per cent. of it

  Above supplementary benefit level but within 40 per cent. of it

  Families

  Children

  Families

  Children

  Families

  Children

  Families

  Children

  In full time work or self employed

  One parent families

  (10)

  (30)

  (10*)

  (10*)

  (10)

  (40)

  (30)

  70

  Two parent families

  110

  250

  100

  230

  300

  690

  790

  1,750

  Sick or disabled for more than 3 months

  One and two parent families

  (20)

  (30)

  (10*)

  (30)

  (40)

  110

  70

  160

  Unemployed for more than three months

  One and two parent families

  (40)

  90

  (10)

  (20)

  (20)

  (40)

  (30)

  (50)

  Other one and two parent families

  (20)

  (20)

  (10*)

  (20)

  (30)

  60

  (40)

  110

  Total number of families and children

  200

  420

  140

  310

  410

  930

  970

  2,140

  Note: * indicates that the number in the group is below 10,000.

  Table Two: Families Receiving Supplementary Benefit

  December 1977 Thousands

  Employment category

  One parent families

  Two parent families

  Families

  Children

  Families

  Children

  Sick or disabled for more than three months

  [10*]

  [10*]

  [10]

  [30]

  Unemployed for more than three months

  [10*]

  [10*]

  140

  360

  Others

  310

  570

  [10*]

  [10*]

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  330

  590

  160

  400

  Note *indicates that the number in the group is below 10,000.
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  Mr Peter Walker:
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 31 July 1981.—[Vol 955, c. 1405–6.] No representations have been received regarding the criteria taken into account by the Forestry Commission when considering applications for felling licences in terms of the Forestry Act 1967.

  SOCIAL SERVICES

  Family Incomes

  Mr. Ashley asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, at the latest time for which the information is available, how many children were living in families below the supplementary benefit level, on supplementary benefit and with incomes up to 10 per cent. 20 per cent., and 40 per cent. above supplementary benefit level, classified by the employment status of the head of the family; and whether there were one or two parents.

  Mrs Chalker:
  The information is shown in the following tables. For families not receiving supplementary benefit, it is not possible to break down the estimates in table one between one and two parent families, other than for those who are in full-time work or self-employed, because the samples are too small. For families receiving supplementary benefit, there is a full breakdown in table two but the right hon. Gentleman will note that the sample sizes in some of these groups are very small. I hope that figures for 1979 will be available around the turn of the year.

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  Notes on the Tables
  Table One—Families not receiving supplementary benefit.

  All figures are rounded to the nearest 10,000. Consequently the sum of the component parts may not equal the total.

  The estimates are based on a Department of Health and Social Security analysis of incomes and other information recorded by respondents to the Family Expenditure Survey. They are subject to statistical error. Those figures in square brackets are subject to very considerable proportionate statistical error.

  The estimates relate only to the population living in private households. Families and persons in institutions are not sampled in the Family Expenditure Survey.

  The supplementary benefit level is taken as being the supplementary benefit scale rate(s) appropriate to the family using the long term rates for pensioners only.

  Income refers to net income including all benefits, less housing costs, travel-to-work expenses, income tax and national insurance contributions as appropriate.

  The comparison is based on the family's normal income in the normal employment of the family head. For example, where the head of the family had been off work due to sickness or unemployment for less than three months at the time of the survey, the family's normal income when the head was at work was used in determining their level of income.

  The estimates of numbers of families with income below the supplementary benefit level do not indicate unclaimed entitlement to supplementary benefit. For example, those who are in full time work or undertaking full time further education would not normally have entitlement to supplementary benefit. For others not precluded from claiming, no regard is had in these estimates to factors such as disregarded income, treatment of capital or exceptional circumstances additions, each of which can affect payment of supplementary benefit.

  Table Two—Families Receiving Supplementary Benefit.
  Estimates of those receiving supplementary benefit are derived from the Annual Statistical Enquiry of Supplementary Benefit Claimants.

  New Cross School

  Mr. Peter Griffiths asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has for the future of dental therapist training and courses in dental therapy at the New Cross school.

  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:
  The recent report of the dental strategy review group recommended that the School for Dental Therapists at New Cross should be closed. No decisions have yet been taken. We are consulting widely on this and the group's other recommendations, and the views of interested bodies and individuals will be taken carefully into account before any decisions are made.

  Health Services (Public Spending)
  Mr. Ashley asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will introduce legislation to place upon health authorities a duty to provide a particular service in a particular place for long-term mental patients and psychogeriatrics even when constraints are placed on public expenditure;

  if he will take steps to improve the position of longterm mental patients and psychogeriatrics who lack adequate medical facilities;

  what is his estimate of the number of long-term mental patients who have experienced reduced services as a result of public expenditure constraints;

  how many hospitals in the United Kingdom have stopped admission of long-term mental patients and psychogeriatrics; and if he will list the health authorities and hospitals concerned.

  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:
  I set out in my reply of 21 October to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones)
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  a number of steps which we have already taken to improve the position of elderly psychiatric patients. We are concerned about their needs and will keep this matter under careful review, but there are no plans to alter the duties placed on health authorities by the National Health Service Act 1977. The services provided by health authorities depend on the resources available to them. Current expenditure by health authorities in 1981–82 is planned to be 4 per cent. above the level for 1978–79. I regret that information about any districts where there have been reductions in the beds available for this group of patients, resulting in a reduction in admissions, is not available centrally.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Field asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list those organisations he contacted to ask their views in the change to the monthly payments of child benefit.
  Mrs. Chalker:
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Barking (Miss Richardson) on 19 December 1980—[Vol. 996, c. 528.]

  Mr. Field asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the number of organisations which gave evidence to his Department on the changes in the method of paying child benefit; and what was the number in favour and the number against the change to monthly payments.

  Mrs. Chalker:
  The proposal for changing the frequency of paying child benefit was set out in the Government's reply to the "First Report of the Social Services Committee on Arrangements for Paying Social Security Benefits"—Cmnd 8106—published in December 1980. About 100 organisations submitted views to the Department on that proposal. Most of them objected to the proposal to pay child benefit every four weeks to most mothers. Criticisms varied, but the general theme running through many of the responses was that mothers should be able to make a voluntary choice between weekly or four-weekly payment.

  Mr. Field asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will detail what arrangements he is making to advertise the rights of those parents who are ineligible to continue claiming child benefit weekly.

  Mrs. Chalker:
  All mothers whose entitlement to child benefit begins before 15 March 1982 can choose to continue with weekly payment; mothers whose entitlement to child benefit begins on or after 15 March 1982 will normally be paid child benefit every four weeks in arrears. But if they are lone parents, or if the family is in receipt of supplementary benefit or family income supplement, or if they establish hardship arising out of four-weekly payment they can choose to be paid weekly. These rights will be explained in the child benefit leaflet, on the claim form, and in order book notes. In addition, a poster will be displayed in post offices during the change-over period informing mothers of the switch to four-weekly payment and setting out when child benefit can be paid weekly.

  National Radiological Protection Board
  Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the proposal to

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  close the northern center of the National Radiological Protection Board, giving he number of jobs lost and the alternative means envisaged of carrying out the work.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:
  This is primarily a matter for the National Radiological Protection Board. I understand that the board has decided against closure of the northern center for the present and will be considering longer term arrangements there and elsewhere for the organisation of the services it provides.

WALES

  Milk Producers
  Mr. Morgan asked the Secretary of State for Wales to what extent the number of milk producers in Wales has decreased since 1971 (a) in actual numerical and (b) percentage terms.
  Mr. Nicholas Edwards:
  Between December 1971 and June 1981, the number of registered milk producers in Wales decreased by 6,934, or by 47.5 per cent.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Middle East
  Mr. Moyle asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will list the steps taken to advance the European initiative on the Middle East and the Venice declaration by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs since he assumed Chairmanship of the EEC Council of Foreign Ministers in July.
  Mr. Hurd:
  The Ten have, under the British Presidency, maintained and renewed their commitment to an active role in the search for Middle East peace on the basis of the principles set out on the Venice declaration. My right hon. and noble Friend and other Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers and officials, have maintained close and constant contact to this end with all the parties concerned, including the United States. My right hon. and noble Friend is visiting Saudi Arabia in early November on behalf of the Ten to discuss with the Saudi Government the principles for a settlement set out by Crown Prince Fahd in August, which we have welcomed as a constructive contribution to the search for Middle East peace.

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

  European University Institute, Florence
  Mr. Pavitt asked the Lord Privy Seal what has been the total of funds granted by the United Kingdom to sustain the Common Market European University Institute in Florence since its inception; and how many British students there have been at the institute.
  Mr. Humphrey Atkins:
  A total of £2.6 million has been granted by the United Kingdom to the European University Institute in Florence. Forty-two British postgraduate research students have studied there since students were first accepted in 1976.

PRIME MINISTER

  Gifts to Ministers
  Mr. Cryer asked the Prime Minister whether the rules governing gifts to Ministers still provide for the maximum value of a gift; what the maximum is now set at; and if the rules apply to spouses.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  I have been asked to reply.

  Yes. The rule allows a Minister in appropriate cases to retain a gift of a value not exceeding £50. This rule also applies to spouses.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Sex Shops
  Mr. Skeet asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation in the new Session to control the opening of sex shops in England and Wales.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  My right hon. Friend has expressed his support for the inclusion of provisions in a Greater London Councils (General Powers) Bill to enable borough councils in Greater London to introduce licensing arrangements for such establishments. He has no plans to introduce Government legislation in the coming Session, but is keeping the matter under close review in the light of the considerable degree of public concern, of which he is well aware.

  Immigrants (Repatriation)
  Sir John Biggs-Davison asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advantage has been taken by immigrants of the facilities and financial assistance provided by his Department for repatriation.
  Mr. Raison:
  Over the last 10 years arrangements made under section 29 of the Immigration Act 1971 have helped 1,619 people to leave the United Kingdom.

  Offences Against the Person Act 1861
  Mr. Warren asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report from the Law Commission following its review of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861; and what action he anticipates taking for its reform.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  The law relating to offences against the person was reviewed by the Criminal Law Revision Committee, which published its report—Cmnd. 7844—in March 1980. I have since consulted a large number of interested bodies about the committee's recommendations, and am considering the report in the light of the comments I have received.

TRANSPORT
  Transport Policies and Programme

    (Greater Manchester)
    Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to the Greater

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    Manchester council's submission to his Department for 1982–83 on transport policies and programme; and if he will make a statement.
    Mr. David Howell:
    I am giving careful consideration to the transport policies and programmes of all county councils, including that of Greater Manchester. My decisions will be announced in the normal way in the transport supplementary grant settlement for 1982–83.

  Airedale Trunk Road
  Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received the inspector's report into the proposed Airedale trunk road; when he expects to make a decision on the proposal; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke:
  We have now received the inspector's report and are considering it. I expect to be able to announce a decision by next spring.

  M1 (Repairs and Maintenance)
  Mr. Hardy asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will reduce the lengths of carriageways on the M1 motorway currently closed for repair and maintenance in the light of the fact that a large proportion of such lengths are not occupied by contractors.
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke:
  No. We seek to ensure that lengths of motorway are not coned off without good reason, although I realise that motorists often cannot see any apparent activity justifying closure. In particular, it has to be remembered that newly laid concrete and asphalt takes time to cure and that motorways cannot be used safely until the last small items of debris are removed. The lengths currently under repair will be reopened progressively during the next six weeks as contracts are completed.

  British Rail Hovercraft (Merger)
  Mr. Neale asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has approved the merger between British Rail Hovercraft and Hoverlloyd Ltd.
  Mr. David Howell:
  I have today given my consent under section 14(4) of the Transport Act 1962 to the acquisition by the British Railways Board of shares and securities in Hoverspeed, the company which is being formed by the merger of British Rail Hovercraft Ltd. and Hoverlloyd Ltd. The new company will begin operating on 25 October.

  Though jointly owned by subsidiaries of the British Railways Board and Brostroms Rederi A B, Hoverspeed will be controlled and managed by an independent board of directors. It is not the railways board's intention to exercise direct control, or to provide further finance; and on this basis the new company will be outside the public sector.

  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 [pursuant to his reply, 22 October 1981]: My concern is that the required safety and
  208
  environmental standards are met by cars coming into Great Britain. These standards are normally checked by our national type approval system from which some personal imports are exempted. I am reviewing the present arrangements for these imports to ensure they give adequate cover. No decisions have been taken and there would be full consultation before any changes were made.

TRADE

  Textiles (Imports)
  Mr. Chris Patten asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the percentage of the total sale of textiles represented by imports in each year since 1945.
  Mr. Peter Rees:
  The available information is as follows:

  Imports of Textiles as a percentage of total sales* (in terms of value)

  per cent.

  1963

  12.7

  1968

  14.6

  1970

  14.3

  1971

  16.8

  1972

  18.6

  1973

  21.0

  1974

  24.5

  1975

  23.9

  1976

  26.4

  1977

  28.3

  1978

  31.3

  1979

  33.1

  1980

  34.9

  * Total sales are calculated as sales by United Kingdom manufacturers of products principally produced by the textile industry, defined as Order XIII of the Standard Industrial Classification (Revised 1968), plus imports less exports. The activities of the textile finishing industry, Minimum List Heading 423, are not appropriate to the calculation and have been excluded from the figures.

  Energy Imports
  Mr. Skeet asked the Secretary of State for Trade what percentage of exports in each European Economic Community country is required to pay for the imports of energy comparing the position in 1972 with the latest date for which figures are available.
  Mr. Peter Rees:
  The available information is as follows:

  Imports of energy* as a percentage of total exports

  ots basis†

  1972

  1980

  Belgium/Luxembourg

  10

  19

  Denmark

  13

  26

  France

  14

  32

  Federal Republic of Germany

  8

  22

  Greece

  27

  48

  Irish Republic

  10

  19

  Italy

  16

  35

  Netherlands

  13

  25

  United Kingdom

  13

  15

  Notes: * Taken as SITC(Rev 2) Section 3
  † Exports valued fob and imports valued cif
  209

  Energy Imports

    Trade Descriptions Act
    Mr. Kilfedder asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will seek to amend the Trade Descriptions Act so as to require car bulbs to be marked with their country of origin.
    Mr. Eyre:
    As was made clear in the debate in Standing Committee on 1 April, we see no case at present for extending the scope of the new origin marking requirements.

    Companies (Formations and Liquidations)
    Mr. Wickenden asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the number of new company formations during 1981 to the latest practicable date; and what has been the number of company liquidations during the same period.
    Mr. Eyre:
    The number of new company registrations in England and Wales in the first nine months of 1981 was 51,282; the number of company liquidations in the same period was 9,150, of which 6,245 were due to insolvency.

    Video Tapes and Films
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will introduce legislation to ensure that video tapes and packaged films offered for sale or hire to the public display accurate details of footage and screen time as appropriate; and if he will make a statement.
    Mr. Biffen:
    I shall of course consider carefully any representations made to me on the marking of video tapes and films, but I am not aware of any need for new legal requirements in this area.

    Norwest Hoist Ltd.
    Mr. George Gardiner asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he intends to publish the report from his Department's inquiry into Norwest Hoist Ltd.; and, if so, when.
    Mr. Eyre:
    I am awaiting legal advice on follow-up action on the report, but I hope that a decision can soon be made about publication.

    Arab Boycott
    Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, in view of the decision of the industrial tribunal in the case of Anthony Simmons, where it was shown that Mr. Simmons was dismissed on the grounds of his race or ethnic origin, in order to meet the requirements of the Arab boycott, he will now seek to introduce legislation to counter the Arab boycott.
    Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to the reply, 21 October 1981]: The Government have consistently taken the view that as far as the United Kingdom is concerned legislation would not be an appropriate means of dealing with the problems created by the Arab boycott and would place further obstacles in the way of exporters. This was the recommendation of the report by a Select Committee in another place, which concluded that legislation carried with it economic risks with only uncertain benefits. This remains the Government's position.
    There is so far no reason to believe that the formal operation of the Arab boycott has been extended to involve
    210
    discrimination within the United Kingdom on the grounds of race or ethnic origin. It does not seem that at the recent industrial tribunal hearing any evidence was given that such pressure had been applied. We shall, however, continue to maintain a close watch on the operation of the Arab boycott regulations.

    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 [pursuant to the reply, 22 October 1981]: The Government are already supporting the objective of making a reality of a single European Community market for goods and services by commitment of political will and sustained technical effort over a wide range of Community activity. In particular, my Department is continuing to work for the early adoption of the insurance services directive, for progress towards more liberal arrangements for air transport and for a satisfactory solution to the problems connected with Community legislation on technical barriers to trade.

  EMPLOYMENT

    Job Creation Schemes (Take-up)
    Mr. Nicholas Baker asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the take-up for the last period for which figures are available under the job search scheme and the employment transfer scheme.
    Mr. Peter Morrison:
    The latest available figures for people assisted under the job search scheme and employment transfer scheme are

    April 1980-March 1981

    April 1981-June 1981

    (12 months)

    3 months

    Job Search Scheme

    Speculative Temporary Transfer

    103

    14

    Fares for Interview

    5,974

    1,564

    Employment Transfer Scheme

    5,669

    1,388

    Merseyside
    Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the latest unemployment figures for Merseyside.
    Mr. Peter Morrison:
    At 8 October 1981 the provisional number registered as unemployed in the Merseyside special development area was 130,460. This includes school leavers and is not adjusted for seasonal variation.

    The Government remain committed to doing all they can to help with the problems of Merseyside. The hon. Member will be aware that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has been asked by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to bring together and concentrate the activities of Government Departments in Merseyside, and to work with local government and the private sector to find ways of strengthening its economy and improving its environment.
    211
    In addition, a special development area Merseyside will continue to benefit from the full range of regional incentives at the highest levels available in Great Britain. These, together with Liverpool's designation as an inner city partnership area, an enterprise zone at Speke, an urban development corporation based on the docks and our programme of special employment and training measures are proof of our determination to do all we can in the short term to help the area. However, in the longer term a lasting reduction in unemployment on Merseyside, as elsewhere in the country, will be attained only by the creation of a sound and competitive economy, which the Government's policies are designed to achieve.

    Craft Apprentices
    Mr. Knox asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many craft apprentices who have completed training courses at technical college are still seeking employment.
    Mr. Peter Morrison:
    There are no comprehensive figures of the number of such apprentices still seeking employment. The vast majority of apprentices are in employment from the outset of their training and continue in the same employment after completion of any technical college course. Grants are made available through appropriate training bodies for apprentices failing to find a job on completion of sponsored training, or on becoming redundant during training, to enable training to continue until employers are found.

    £000

    1975–76

    1976–77

    1977–78

    1978–79

    1979–80

    1980–81

    ITB Operating costs

    108.7

    108.2

    140.1

    145.1

    136.7

    159.0

    Training Grants

    12.4

    24.2

    27.8

    34.0

    20.2

    15.1

    ——

    ——

    ——

    ——

    ——

    ——

    Total

    12.1

    132.4

    167.9

    179.1

    156.9

    174.1

    Support to individual firms has been given under various special employment measures. However, the details requested could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

    Nuclear Installations Inspectorate
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many posts are still unfilled in the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate; and if he will make a statement.
    Mr. Waddington:
    There are currently 95 inspectors in post and two more are due to join the inspectorate in the near future. A vigorous recruitment campaign continues and the HSE hopes to recruit up to a level of 106 posts if suitable candidates can be found.

    Health and Safety Inspectors (Administrative Posts)
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of qualified Health and

    Retail Prices
    Mr. Knox asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the percentage increases in retail prices in 1980, and what the comparable figures were for 1971, 1972 and 1973.
    Mr. Waddington:
    The percentage increase in retail prices in 1980 was 13. The increases in 1971, 1972 and 1973 were 8, 8 and 12 respectively.

    Short-time Working (Calderdale)
    Dr. Summerskill asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many employees in the Calderdale metropolitan district were being supported by the temporary short-time working compensation scheme in July, August and September 1981.
    Mr. Peter Morrison:
    The number of potentially redundant employees covered by applications current in July 1981 in the Calderdale metropolitan district was 3,935. The figure for August 1981 was 2,049 and for September 1981 the figure was 1,776.

    Carpet Industry
    Mr. Bulmer asked the Secretary of State for Employment how much money has been given by his Department in financial support to the carpet industry since 1 January 1975; under which schemes; and if he will divide the amounts to show how much has been spent in (a) the North of England, (b) the South of England, (c) the West Midlands and (d) Wales.
    Mr. Peter Morrison:
    The following payments have been made by the Manpower Services Commission to the Carpet Industry Training Board.

    Safety Inspectors who are occupying administrative posts in the Health and Safety Executive headquarters; what is the additional cost of this; and if he will make a statement.

    Mr. Waddington:
    I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

    Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what criteria were employed by the Health and Safety Commission in selecting the bodies to he consulted on the proposed Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations; if he will list those consulted and indicate the nature of the objections received; and if he will make a statement;
    (2) why the Civil Aviation Authority was excluded from consultations on the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.
    Mr. Waddington:
    As required by section 50(3)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, the Health and Safety Commission directly consulted on the proposed

    213
    first aid regulations those bodies which appeared to it to be appropriate. Direct consultation, mainly carried out through representative bodies, was thus restricted to those bodies which would be principally affected by the proposals and professional bodies which could make a specialist contribution. These are listed below.

    The Health and Safety Commission did not consider it appropriate to consult directly the Civil Aviation Authority on the proposed regulations. It was not possible to consult directly every body with an interest because of the wide application of the proposed regulations but a public consultative document was issued and received wide publicity, and any organisation or individual was free to comment. 13,000 copies of the document were sold and over 200 comments received. The main objections received on the proposed regulations concerned the scope of first aid treatment, the responsibility of employers for persons on their premises who were not their own employees and the application of the regulations to certain industries and activities.

    List of organisations consulted

    Confederation of British Industry

    Trades Union Congress

    Government Departments

    Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries

    Cabinet Office

    Civil Service Department

    Ministry of Defence

    Department of Education and Science

    Department of Employment

    Department of Energy

    Department of the Environment

    Department of Health and Social Security

    Home Office

    Department of Industry

    Lord Chancellor's Office

    Scottish Office

    Department of Trade

    Department of Transport

    Her Majesty's Treasury

    Welsh Office

    Northern Ireland Health and Safety Agency

    Local Authority Associations

    Association of County Councils

    Association of District Councils

    Association of Metropolitan Authorities

    Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

    Nationalised Industries

    British National Oil Corporation

    National Coal Board

    Employers and Trade Associations (not members of CBI)

    Conference of Medical and Surgical Adhesive Plaster Manufacturers

    Federation of Small Mines of Great Britain

    Scottish Pharmaceutical Federation

    Trade Unions and other work people's organisations (not affiliated to the TUC)

    Federation of Ambulance Personnel

    General Federation of Trade Unions

    Other bodies

    Birmingham Accident Hospitals

    Birmingham University

    British Medical Association

    British Red Cross Society

    British Safety Council

    Central Middlesex Industrial Health Service Ltd.

    Faculty of Occupational Medicine

    Greater London Council

    Harlow Industrial Health Service Ltd.

    Inner London Education Authority

    Institute of Personnel Management

    Institution of Industrial Safety Officers

    Leeds University

    National Pharmaceutical Union

    Royal College of Nursing

    Royal Life Saving Society

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    Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

    St. Andrew's Ambulance Association

    St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade

    Society of Occupational Medicine

    University of Newcastle upon Tyne

    West Midlands Industrial Health Service Ltd.

    Civil Aviation Industry
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons are employed in the civil aviation industry, excluding aircraft manufacture.
    Mr. Waddington:
    At March 1981, the latest date for which information is available, the provisional number of employees in employment in Great Britain in the air transport industry—Minimum List Heading 707 of the Standard Industrial Classification—was 84,300.

    Health and Safety Executive (First Aid)
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the members of the advisory committee to the Health and Safety Executive on first aid matters, together with their occupations, remuneration, functions, and tenure of office; and if he will make a statement.
    Mr. Waddington:
    The members of the sub-committee of the Health and Safety Commission's medical advisory committee, which has been established to advise the Health and Safety Executive on first aid training, are listed below:

    Mrs. Dorothy Radwanski (Chairman)—Chief Employment Nursing Adviser, Health and Safety Executive.

    Dr. P. A. B. Raffle—Chief Medical Officer, St. John Ambulance Association.

    Dr. H. R. F. MacDonald—Chairman of Council, St. Andrew's Ambulance Association.

    Miss. M. E. Baker—Director of Training, British Red Cross Society.

    Mrs. Dorothy D'Ardenne—Senior Nursing Officer, Esso.

    Dr. C. White—Chief Medical Officer, Cadbury Schweppes Ltd.

    Dr. P. Elliott—Medical Director, Harlow Industrial Health Service.

    Mrs. J. Reynolds—Assistant Director (Training), Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

    Mr. J. Tye—Director General, British Safety Council.

    Mr. P. S. London—Consultant Surgeon, Birmingham Accident Hospital.

    Representatives of the Confederation of British Industry, the Trades Union Congress and ambulance services have yet to be nominated.

    No remuneration is provided by HSE, apart from travelling and subsistence expenses not covered by a member's employer. Appointments are made to the sub-committee for a period of three years. The functions of the sub-committee are:
    to consider and advise on application from organisations and individual employers seeking approval for their training and qualifications in first aid or occupational first aid;
    to review training being carried out by organisations and individual employers whose training and qualifications have been approved;
    to advise on standards in regard to the qualifications of first aiders, occupational first aiders and lay first aid instructors.

    At a later stage the sub-committee might consider and advise on developments in first aid equipment and training syllabi.

    Machinery and Material (Weight Markings)
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation requiring all items of machinery or material used in employment and subject to being manually lifted, carried or moved to be marked with their gross weight.
    Mr. Waddington:
    This is one of the issues that the Health and Safety Commission will consider in the light of advice from its working party on manual handling. Once I have been informed of the commission's views, I shall consider whether it would be appropriate to introduce legislation requiring a load marking on all machinery, or material, for use at work.

    Load Handling
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment when the working party on the manual handling of loads established by the Health and Safety Commission is expected to report; and if he will publish the three reports so far circulated by the working party.
    Mr. Waddington:
    The working party on manual handling has not yet prepared or circulated any reports but expects to complete its work shortly and to report to the Health and Safety Commission before the end of the year.

    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment why the Health and Safety Commission has decided not to go ahead with the proposal to recommend regulations on manual handling of loads; what consultations have been held on the matter; and if he will make a statement.

    Mr. Waddington:
    No decision has yet been taken not to introduce regulations on the manual handling of loads. The Health and Safety Commission has deferred consideration of this question until it has received the report of its working party on manual handling, which is expected shortly. If the Commission then concludes that regulations are necessary, these will be the subject of consultation in the normal way.

    Health and Safety Inspectors (Overseas Secondment)
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many Health and Safety inspectors are seconded abroad; under what terms; to which countries; for how long; and if he will make a statement.
    Mr. Waddington:
    I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

    Travel Aid Scheme
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to provide an enlarged travel aid scheme for those seeking employment.
    Mr. Peter Morrison:
    Travel assistance for unemployed job seekers is currently available under the job search scheme administered by the Manpower Services Commission. It is kept under review and its rules are amended from time to time to meet changing circumstances. Neither I nor the Commission has any plans at present to extend it.

    Health and Safety Inspectors
    Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many Health and Safety inspectors are currently employed; how many were employed in 1978, 1979 and 1980; and how many are expected to be in post in 1982.
    Mr. Waddington:
    The number of inspectors employed by the Health and Safety Executive at 1 July 1981 was 1,378. The numbers of inspectors employed in 1978, 1979 and 1980 were:

    1 April 1978

    1,390

    1 April 1979

    1,424

    1 April 1980

    1,444

    The number of inspectors expected to be employed at 1 April 1982 is about 1,380.

    Careers Staff (Wolverhampton)
    Mrs. RenéeM Short asked the Secretary of State for Employment why no special careers staff funded by his Department were allocated to Wolverhampton
    Mr. Peter Morrison [pursuant to his reply, 21 October 1981]: Under my Department's scheme to strengthen the local education authority careers service to help deal with high unemployment, 12 posts, each of which attracts an allowance for clerical support, are currently allocated to Wolverhampton. Three of these posts were allocated under the increase in the scheme provided nationally as from April this year.
    When a further increase was provided nationally from October, it was judged that on this occasion the limited additional help which could be made available should be allocated to other authorities. The Wolverhampton authority recognised the difficulties in deciding upon the recent allocation and requested that in the event of additional resources becoming available their needs would be considered again. We have, in fact, undertaken to review the position nationally for 1982–83 and this will, of course, include Wolverhampton.

    Unemployment Statistics
    Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current level 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.
    Mr. Peter Morrison [pursuant to his reply, 22 October 1981]: At 8 October, the provisional number of people registered as unemployed in the Liverpool travel-to-work area was 89,583 and the unemployment rate was 18.8 per cent. Percentage rates of unemployment for specific age groups are not available below national level in the absence of employee estimates by age for local areas. An analysis by duration of unemployment is made quarterly and the latest at present available is for July. The analysis includes, but does not separately distinguish, those unemployed for four years or over. The following is the available information for the Liverpool travel-to-work area at 9 July.

    Duration in weeks

    Number unemployed

    Over 52 and up to 104 weeks

    15,771

    Over 104 and up to 156 weeks

    5,753

    Over 156 weeks

    10,329

    Information about the number of the current year's school leavers who have found jobs is not available.
    Sir Patrick Wall asked the Secretary of State 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 [pursuant to his reply, 22 October 1981]: Estimates of total employment are only available quarterly, relating to March, June, September and December. The following table gives seasonally adjusted estimates of the employed labour force for the United Kingdom for September from 1967 to 1980 and for June 1981: figures for September 1981 are not yet available.
    The employed labour force consists of employees in employment, the self-employed and Her Majesty's Forces.

    Thousands

    September 1967

    24,992

    September 1968

    24,833

    September 1969

    24,831

    September 1970

    24,712

    September 1971

    24,218

    September 1972

    24,499

    September 1973

    25,006

    September 1974

    25,142

    September 1975

    24,886

    September 1976

    24,764

    September 1977

    24,843

    September 1978

    24,992

    September 1979

    25,101

    September 1980

    24,384

    June 1981

    23,399