Written Answers of 29 October 1981

PRIME MINISTER

  City of London
  Q2. Mr. Spearing asked the Prime Minister when she next expects to make an official visit to the City of London.
  The Prime Minister: On 16 November.

  Engagements
  Mr. Bidwell
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.

  Mr. Stanbrook
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.

  Mr. William Hamilton
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 29 October.

  Mr. Dixon
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.

  Mr. Newens
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.

  Mr. Lawrence
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 29 October.

  Mr. Joseph Dean
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.

  Mr. Chapman
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.

  Mr. Thomas Cox
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.

  Mr. Winnick
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 29 October.

  Mr. Ashley
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 29 October.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 29 October.

  Mr. Montgomery
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 29 October.

  Mr. Cunliffe
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 29 October.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.

  Mr. Neubert
  asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 29 October.

  Mr. Adley
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 29 October.

  Mr. Ray Powell
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.
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  Mr. Kenneth Lewis
  asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 29 October.

  Mr. Brinton
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.

  Mr. Greville Janner
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 29 October.

  The Prime Minister:
  I refer my hon. Friends and hon. Members to the reply that I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Lewisham West (Mr. Price).

  Northampton
  Mr. Marlow
  asked the Prime Minister whether she will visit Northampton.

  The Prime Minister: I have at present no plans to do so.

  TUC
  Mr. Renton
  asked the Prime Minister when she next expects to meet the leaders of the Trades Union Congress.

  The Prime Minister: I have at present no plans to do so.

  Secretary of State for Industry
  Mr. Gwilym
  Roberts asked the Prime Minister if she will dismiss the Secretary of State for Industry.

  The Prime Minister: No. The hon. Member may assume that I do not intend to make any changes in ministerial appointments or responsibilities unless or until I make a statement to the contrary.

  Minister for Health
  Mr. Freud asked the Prime Minister whether she will dismiss the Minister for Health.
  The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Cannock (Mr. Roberts).

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Ralph Howell asked the Prime Minister what is the percentage increase or decrease in expenditure in real terms in each Government Department (a) since May 1979 and (b) in the last year for which figures are available.
  The Prime Minister: Estimates of expenditure in constant prices, for each Government Department, were shown in the tables in part 2 of the public expenditure White Paper, Cmnd. 8175, published on 10 March 1981. The percentage increases in those estimates, between the financial years 1979–80 and 1980–81—the last complete year—were as follows for each main Government Department:—

  percentage increase

  Ministry of Defence

  + 4.9

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office (including ODA)

  + 2.0

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (including Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce and Forestry Commission)

  +13.9

  percentage increase

  Department of Industry

  +21.1

  Department of Energy

  + 7.3

  Department of Trade

  + 3.9

  Department of Employment

  +40.8

  Department of Transport

  -4.9

  Department of the Environment (including Property Services Agency)

  -10.8

  Home Office

  + 5.0

  Department of Education and Science

  -3.5

  Department of Health and Social Security

  Health and personal social services

  + 0.7

  Social Security

  + 3.5

  total

  + 2.6

  Liverpool
  Mr. Parry asked the Prime Minister if she has any further plans to visit Liverpool; and if she will make a statement.
  The Prime Minister: I have no immediate plans for a further visit to Liverpool. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has, of course, visited Liverpool a number of times since July, most recently on 27 October. He is keeping me closely informed of developments.

  Mexico Summit
  Mr. Hooley asked the Prime Minister how many letters she received on the subject of the Mexico summit in the four months before the meeting took place, including those transmitted by hon. Members and those sent in direct by individual citizens.
  The Prime Minister: In that period I received 217 letters from right hon. and hon. Members enclosing some 650 letters from constituents. A further 900 letters were sent to me direct by members of the public, together with two petitions containing 4,477 and 404 signatures respectively.

  European Economic Community (Presidency)
  Mr. Latham asked the Prime Minister whether she will make a statement on the achievements to date during the United Kingdom's Presidency of the European Economic Community.
  The Prime Minister: The United Kingdom Presidency still has two months to run, but already it is possible to point to achievements in a number of areas. In particular I would cite the following: decisions taken by the Foreign Ministers of the Ten earlier this month to improve European political co-operation; the advances made in the negotiations with Spain and Portugal on their accession; the launching of the negotiations on the Community's budget problems; the agreement on important elements of a common fisheries policy; the decision to make a third offer of Community food to Poland at special prices; the negotiation of an agreement with Australia giving the Community nuclear industry access to Australian uranium; the recent agreement on measures to limit the affect of oil shortfalls; the successful meeting in London at ministerial level between the European Community and the Association of South East Asian Nations; agreement in principle on proposals for a Community contribution to countering hunger in the world; and agreement that the
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  Commission should open discussions with the International Sugar Organisation with a view to Community membership of an improved agreement.

  Antigua and Barbuda (Independence Gift)
  Mr. Healey asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed that a gift be presented to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to mark the attainment of independence on 1 November.
  The Prime Minister: The House will, I feel sure, wish to send congratulations to Antigua and Barbuda on their independence, along with best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the people of that country. Her Majesty's Government propose to offer a suitable gift to mark the occasion.

ENERGY

  Petroleum and Continental Shelf Bill
  Mr. Skeet asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the Petroleum and Continental Shelf Bill still represents the policy of the Government; or whether he proposes to re-present the Bill in the new Session of Parliament, with substantial modifications.
  Mr. Gray:
  My statement of 19 October—[Vol. 10, c. 21]—reaffirmed the Government's policy towards BNOC. Details of the legislation will come forward in the normal way.

  British National Oil Corporation
  Mr. Skeet asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what consideration he gave to the disposal of an interest to the public in BNOC (Trading) Limited; why he has decided not to do so; and whether it is his intention to confine the privatisation of the British National Oil Corporation to the disposal of an interest in BNOC (Development) Limited;
  (2) whether he has considered the privatisation of the British National Oil Corporation as an integrated unit rather than dividing its upstream and downstream operations and the commercial advantages which would accrue from such an integrated unit.
  Mr. Gray:
  I have nothing to add to my statement of 19 October and my reply to the right hon. Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Dr. Owen).—[Vol. 10, c. 21—2.]

  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he intends to transfer the ownership of assets of the British National Oil Corporation by means of a Public Bill; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gray:
  I shall be introducing legislation to enable me to implement the policy which I announced on 19 October.—(Vol. 10, c. 21.]

  British Gas Corporation (Offshore Oil Interests)
  Mr. Skeet asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the British National Oil Corporation will be eligible to bid for the British Gas Corportation's offshore oil interests.
  Mr. Gray:
  Our intention is to introduce investment by the private sector, not by another public sector body, into BGC's offshore oil interests.

  Plutonium
  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the proportion of plutonium 239 normally contained in the plutonium extracted from Magnox spent fuel.
  Mr. John Moore:
  The average proportion of plutonium 239 in the plutonium currently extracted from magnox spent fuel is of the order of 70 to 75 per cent.

  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Energy, how much Magnox spent fuel is currently awaiting reprocessing; and approximately how much plutonium is due to be extracted from it.

  Mr. John Moore:
  The current unreprocessed irradiated civil Magnox fuel stock in the United Kingdom is approximately 2 million kilograms U which contains approximately 4,500 kilograms of plutonium—or isotopes.

  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions have taken place on the possibility of the United Kingdom supplying the United States of America with plutonium for its fast reactor programme; what is the amount of plutonium for civil purposes previously exported to the United States of America; what are the amounts currently being discussed; whether any assurances are being sought to ensure that any plutonium exported will not be used for military purposes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Moore:
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Mr. Mudd) on 19 October and the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Allaun) on 26 October. The quantity of United Kingdom origin civil material exported to the United States of America since 1971 totals approximately 50 kgs of plutonium. This material was subject to the relevant bilateral safeguards agreements.

  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Energy if, further to his reply of 3 March 1980, Official Report, c. 10, giving the yield of plutonium in tonnes per year from various types of nuclear power stations, he will clarify whether the figures given relate to 1,000 Mw gross or net electrical capacity.

  Mr. John Moore:
  The figures given in the previous answer were based on an annual average availability of between 74 per cent. and 75 per cent. for a station with an installed capacity of 1,000 Mw—gross.

  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Energy if, further to his answer to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central on 24 July, Official Report, c. 256, any Magnox station has been altered or programmed for military purposes for reasons other than to increase plutonium production; and, if so, which.

  Mr. John Moore:
  The reactors at Chapelcross are used to produce tritium for military purposes.

  Renewable Energy Sources
  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the total Government subsidy given to date to all forms of non—conventional renewable energy sources.
  Mr. Mellor:
  My Department does not give subsidies for renewable energy sources. It has, however, since 1975
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  been undertaking research and development to investigate the potential contribution which new and renewable sources of energy might make to United Kingdom energy supplies. Expenditure to March 1981 totals £19 million.

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Edwin Wainwright asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will list the number of pit closures that have taken place in the coal mining industry in each calendar year since 1965 up to and including 1980;
  (2) if he will give the manpower figures in the coal mining industry in each year from 1965 up to and including 1980.
  Mr. John Moore:
  The following information is derived from the National Coal Board's annual reports and accounts.

  Year ending in March

  Number of Collieries ceasing production in year

  Average manpower in industrial grades on colliery books

  1965

  40

  491,000

  1966

  52

  455,700

  1967

  46

  419,400

  1968

  51

  391,900

  1969

  55

  336,300

  1970

  19

  305,100

  1971

  6

  287,200

  1972

  3

  281,500

  1973

  8

  268,000

  1974

  18

  252,000

  1975

  10

  246,000

  1976

  50

  247,100

  1977

  3

  242,000

  1978

  5

  240,500

  1979

  9

  234,900

  1980

  5

  232,500

  1981

  9

  229,800

  Council of Energy Ministers (Meeting)
  Mr. Forman asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement about European Economic Community Council of Energy Ministers' meeting on 27 October.
  Mr. Lawson:
  The Council of Energy Ministers of the European Community met in Luxembourg on 27 October. I took the chair. The Under-Secretary of State for Energy—my hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor)—represented the United Kingdom.

  The Council had a wide-ranging discussion of a Commission paper on the development of an energy strategy for the Community. The paper identified five priorities: the need to ensure adequate investment in alternatives to oil and rational energy use; the development of a common approach to energy pricing and taxation; the establishment of measures to avoid instability on the oil market; the reinforcement of common policies in research, development and technological demonstration; and the further development of a common approach in external energy relations. The outcome of this discussion will be taken into account in the work leading to the European Council at the end of November.

  Three of the priority areas identified by the Commission—energy pricing, possible measures to meet a limited oil supply shortfall and demonstration projects—were considered further during the council.
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  On energy pricing, there was a substantial measure of agreement on draft conclusions based on Commission proposals to develop Community pricing principles and to improve price transparency. Further work is to be done as a matter of urgency with a view to reaching detailed agreement at an early date.

  The Council agreed in principle, subject to a Greek reserve, on guidelines for dealing with a limited shortfall in oil supplies as a basis for consultations with other industrialised countries. The Council will review the procedure and the range of possible measures to be taken in the light of these consultations.

  The Council considered Commission proposals for further funding of 160 million ECU for demonstration projects in new energy sources and energy savings. The Council could not agree on a figure, but asked the Commission to submit ideas on the balance between the schemes on the illustrative basis of further funding of 105 million ECU.

  The Council agreed to renew for two years ECSC decision 73/287/ECSC which established a Community scheme for subsidising intra-Community trade in coking coal. The Scrutiny Committee of the House had not considered this matter; but the United Kingdom interest in th decision is small and the United Kingdom did not believe it was right to prevent agreement at the Council. The Council also approved conclusions on oil refining capacity which noted that oil companies were already carrying out necessary rationalisation. In addition, it adopted a recommendation on electricity tariff structure and approved the seventh and latest round of Community projects in the hydrocarbons sector, totalling 26 million ECU and including two United Kingdom projects which represent about 25 per cent. of this sum. All these decisions were subject to Greek waiting reserves.

  Ministers reached general conclusions on a Commission paper about natural gas supplies.

  Prices
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give a general direction to the State owned energy boards that their price increases should not exceed the rate of inflation; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Lawson:
  I have no powers to give general directions of this nature to the boards.

  Denationalisation
  Mr. Meacher asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list those State owned assets for which his Department is responsible which have been already privatised with dates of the sale in each case; how much funding has been raised by their sale or is expected to be raised in future; what further plans he has for privatisation of publicly owned assets in future; and what sums he expects to raise in each case.
  Mr. Lawson:
  For receipts from special asset disposals in 1979–80 and 1980–81 I refer the hon. Member to the written reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to my hon. Friend the Member for Chertsey and Walton (Mr. Pattie) on 19 October 1981. The disposals for which my Department was responsible were British National Oil Corporation receipts of advanced
  402
  payments for oil and receipt of premiums for the seventh round North Sea licences. These receipts took place in March and December 1980, respectively.

  The decision to privatise Amersham International Limited was announced during the passage of the Atomic Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1981. I refer to the statement that I made on 19 October 1981—[Vol. 10, c. 10]—for the details of future privatisation of BGC and BNOC assets.

  It is not practicable to give a forecast of the likely proceeds.

  Gaseous Diffusion Enrichment Plant, Capenhurst
  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the initial capital cost of the modified gaseous diffusion enrichment plant opened at Capenhurst in 1968; what was the value of the subsidy provided by the Ministry of Defence in terms of the original defence diffusion plant; what was the nature of the modification carried out; and what was the expected and achieved throughput of the plant.
  Mr. John Moore:
  The modifications to the Capenhurst gaseous diffesion plant which opened in 1968 cost about £15 million. The modifications involved changes in design of the low enrichment stages in the plant to increase their capacity. The cost of the original stages involved in the modified plant had been fully recovered by the operator—at that time the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority—before its start—up. The plant will have generated some 4,000 tonnes of separative work prior to its closure in 1982, well in line with design expectations.

  Windscale
  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Energy, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central on 16 February, Official Report, column 26, whether the expansion at Windscale referred to in his answer is for civil or military purposes.
  Mr. John Moore:
  The expansion at Sellafield—Windscale—is primarily intended for civil purposes, but some residues arising from Ministry of Defence operations may also be treated in the complex.

  Nuclear Power Programme
  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the total cost of the United Kingdom's entire nuclear power programme to date.
  Mr. John Moore:
  Such information is not readily available.

  NATIONAL FINANCE
  Value Added Tax
  Mr. McQuarrie asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire East, of 23 October on the payment of value added tax by the Spastics Society, if he will consider granting relief to all charitable organisations which are engaged in working with the disabled.
  Mr. Bruce—Gardyne [pursuant to his reply, 28 October 1981]: No. I could not justify relieving only this type of charity from paying VAT, whilst a general relief for all charities would be costly and very difficult to administer.

  Avgas
  Mr. Onslow asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received from the general aviation industry about the level of taxation on avgas; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Bruce—Gardyne: Following the undertaking that my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave the House on 30 April that the case for a reduction in the duty on avgas would be properly

  403
  examined, we have received a number of representations on behalf of trade organisations and individuals in the general aviation industry. The review of the duty structure is continuing with the aim of reaching a decision in good time for next year's Finance Bill.

  Supplementary Measures Payments
  Mr. Marlow asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the United Kingdom budget refunds for supplementary measures from the European Economic Community for 1981 payable in 1982 are compulsory or non—compulsory.
  Mr. Ridley:
  Both the Council of Ministers and the Commission of the European Community regard the supplementary measures payments to the United Kingdom as compulsory expenditure.

  £ Sterling
  Mr. Craigen asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the value of the £ sterling now as compared with its purchasing power in May 1979.
  Mr. Bruce—Gardyne: Taking the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling as 100p in May 1979, its value in September 1981, the latest period for which information is available, was 72 pence.

  National Debt
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest estimate of the total size of the national debt, including debts on national savings; how much interest will be paid on these debts in the current financial year; and if he will express the total amount of debt as an amount per person in the United Kingdom and the total amount of interest as an amount per person per year.
  Mr. Brittan:
  I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

  Sports Equipment
  Mr. Craigen asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the position of sports trusts, sports councils and amateur sports clubs in terms of zero rating of value added tax charges for their capital costs in respect of equipment and so on.
  Mr. Bruce—Gardyne: I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  Beer Tax
  Mr. Lawrence asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the light of the substantial fall in beer sales since his last Budget, what is now his estimate of the total yield to the Exchequer, net of administrative costs, from beer tax for the current year; and how it compares with the total tax yield from beer in each of the past five years.
  Mr. Bruce-Gardyne: The Budget estimate of the yield in 1981–82 of excise duty on beer was £1,440 million and it is estimated that net receipts of VAT from the sale of beer will be about £800 million. It would be contrary to practice to publish revisions of the Budget estimates
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  during the financial year. Net receipts of beer duty and estimates of the amount of VAT charged on sales of beer in the last 5 years were as follows:

  £ million

  Excise Duty

  VAT

  1976–77

  808.3

  250

  1977–78

  892.7

  290

  1978–79

  892.9

  310

  1979–80

  916.4

  600

  1980–81

  *1,048.1

  750

  * Provisional

  The cost of administration of the Customs and Excise service is subdivided only into main functions. Deductions to take account of the costs of administering the excise duties on all alcoholic drinks and of VAT, as a whole, would now probably be of the order of 1 per cent. of the respective revenues.

  Valuation Rules (Ethane)
  Mr. Hal Miller asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to amend the present valuation rules which discriminate against deals not at arm's length in the case of ethane for petrochemical use.
  Mr. Ridley:
  I agree that the present rules cannot be justified in view of the special technical difficulties which exist in the case of ethane. We propose therefore to introduce legislation in the 1982 Finance Bill to put long term inter-affiliate deals in ethane for petrochemical use on to a similar basis, so far as possible, to comparable arm's length deals.

  The details of the proposed legislation will be subject to consultation between the Inland Revenue and the oil industry.

  Stamp Duty
  Mr. Adley asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of domestic property transactions were eligible for payment of stamp duty by individual purchasers in 1980; and what was the relevant percentage in 1950, 1960 and 1970.
  Mr. Ridley [pursuant to his reply 28 October 1981]: All such transactions were liable to stamp duty until 1958. After that date, no information is available on the percentage of all purchases of residential property by individuals that were liable. However, the following estimates for England and Wales are available. They relate to the number of properties sold taking (a) all residential property—irrespective of the status of the purchaser—and (b) all purchases by individuals—irrespective of the type of property. Corresponding information for years between 1958 and 1973 is not available.

  Percentage of sales of property liable to stamp duty

  Sales of residential property

  Purchases of all types of property by individuals

  October 1973

  33

  Not available

  October 1974

  13

  Not available

  November 1975

  16

  Not available

  November 1976

  17

  Not available

  November 1977

  23

  Not available

  November 1978

  37

  37

  November 1979

  58

  58

  November 1980

  35

  34

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Technical Assistance (British Personnel)
  Mr. David Steel asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) what will be the number of British teachers under contract with the Overseas Development Agency working in developing countries in 1981–82 compared with 1980–81;
  (2) what will be the number of agricultural and veterinary experts working on technical assistance in developing countries in 1981–82 compared with 1980–81.
  Mr. Neil Marten:
  Figures are not available on a financial year basis. The number of British personnel whose emoluments were paid wholly or partly from ODA technical co-operation funds as at October 1980 and October 1981 in the following disciplines were as follows:

  October

  Number

  Teachers

  1980

  1,023

  1981

  912

  Agriculture

  1980

  173

  1981

  84

  Veterinary

  1980

  137

  1981

  83

  Swaziland (British Teachers)
  Mr. David Steel asked the Lord Privy Seal what reduction is being made in British teachers of English in Swaziland under Overseas Development Agency contracts.
  Mr. Neil Marten:
  The ODA supports two English teachers at secondary schools and five posts at tertiary level institutions. The Swaziland Government will localise the secondary school posts by August 1983. Plans for localising the tertiary level posts at the university college and college of technology are less clear, but, depending upon Swaziland Government priorities, support for some of these posts may continue beyond 1984.

  Cajamarca Project
  Mr. Watson asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the current state of the rural development project at Cajamarca in Peru.
  Mr. Neil Marten:
  British involvement in the project will cease at the end of 1982 and plans for the gradual withdrawal of the British staff are now being implemented.

  Mr. Watson asked the Lord Privy Seal how much British money has to date been spent upon the rural development project at Cajamarca in Peru.

  Mr. Neil Marten:
  About £2.24 million to date.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Immigration
  Mr. Michael McNair—Wilson asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the latest figures for immigration from Commonwealth countries and Pakistan to the United Kingdom on a nation-by-nation basis over the past six months.
  Mr. Raison:
  The following table gives a detailed breakdown of the total number of Commonwealth citizens and nationals of Pakistan accepted for settlement on arrival in the first six months of 1981, which was published in table 2 of Home Office Bulletin, Issue No. 19/81 "Control of Immigration Statistics—Second Quarter 1981" issued on 6 September 1981, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Acceptances for settlement on arrival of Commonwealth citizens and nationals of Pakistan accepted by citizenship-nationality, 1 January to 30 June 1981

  Country or territory issuing passport or nationals of

  Number of persons

  Commonwealth citizens

  Australia

  1,000

  Bangladesh

  2,940

  Barbados

  10

  Canada

  190

  Cyprus

  30

  Ghana

  30

  Guyana

  30

  Hong Kong

  330

  India

  1,000

  Jamaica

  140

  Kenya

  120

  Malaysia

  30

  Malta

  30

  Mauritius

  40

  New Zealand

  870

  Nigeria

  20

  Sierra Leone

  Singapore

  10

  Sri Lanka

  40

  Tanzania

  60

  Trinidad and Tobago

  20

  Uganda

  West Indies Associated States

  10

  Zambia

  10

  Zimbabwe

  40

  United Kingdom passport holders

  1,140

  All other Commonwealth territories

  40

  Nationals of Pakistan

  3,490

  Total

  11,670

  — nil or negligible.

  The numbers have been rounded independently and so components do not add to the total.

  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will institute a review of the immigration appeals system.
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  Mr. Raison:
  A review is in progress. The Home Office issued a discussion document in April this year and the comments received on it are being considered.

  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were admitted to the United Kingdom from the Indian Sub-continent, and how many were refused entry in the past 12 months.

  Mr. Raison:
  In the 12 months ending 30 June 1981, about 300,000 citizens of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were admitted to the United Kingdom and about 2,300 were refused leave to enter.

  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many formal complaints of ill treatment by immigration officials were made by Indians seeking to enter the United Kingdom during the last 12 months.

  Mr. Raison:
  In the last 12 months up to 30 September, 10 Indian citizens made a formal complaint of their treatment by immigration officers.

  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will review the allocation of special vouchers to India.

  Mr. Raison:
  The allocation of vouchers to particular countries is kept under review. There are no present plans to increase the allocation to India.

  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is still the policy of his Department not to publish the allocation of special vouchers to particular countries.

  Mr. Raison:
  Yes.

  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now take steps to reduce the waiting time for United Kingdom passport holders to enter the United Kingdom from India.

  Mr. Raison:
  Waiting times could be reduced only by increasing the allocation of vouchers to India. As I indicated in answer to the hon. and learned Gentleman's question today, we have no present plans to do this.

  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will transfer those special vouchers allocated to British passport holders in East Africa which are not taken up by applicants in India.

  Mr. Raison:
  We have no present plans to do so.

  Police National Computer
  Mr. George asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that the information contained in the police national computer is available only to authorised personnel; and if he is satisfied that no information has been transmitted for commercial gain.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  As I said in the answer given on 26 October 1981 to a question by the hon. Member for Barking (Miss Richardson), the police national computer system has electronic, physical and procedural safeguards. I understand that information has been laid before the chief constable, Thames Valley police, alleging that information from the computer has been given corruptly to unauthorised persons. The chief constable has instituted an investigation into the allegations.

  Alcohol Education and Research Council (Chairman)
  Mr. Banks asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to announce the name of the chairman of the Alcohol Education and Research Council.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  I am pleased to announce that my right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Windlesham has agreed to accept this appointment and that I have appointed him to serve as the council's first chairman. I hope before long to be in a position to announce the names of the other council members.

  The Licensing (Alcohol Education and Research) Act 1981 came into operation on 1 October. I hope shortly to appoint the liquidator under the Act.

  Taxicabs (Advertisements)
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he has received any representations from public bodies and other organisations relating to advertisements on the outside of London cabs;
  (2) what representations he has received from the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association regarding advertisements on the outside of London cabs;
  (3) what discussions he has had, if any, with the Metropolitan Police regarding advertisements on the outside of London cabs.
  Mr. Raison:
  It is for the Assistant Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis, as the licensing authority, to decide whether advertisements should be permitted on the outside of London cabs. We have received no formal representations on this subject.

  Prisoners (Property)
  Mr. Soley asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the total value of prisoners' property that prisoners claimed had been damaged notified to his Department;
  (2) how many prisoners in Hull prison at the time of the riots there and who notified his Department of claim for damage to their property were offered payment; and how many prisoners who (i) did ask and (ii) did not ask were offered ex—gratia compensation;
  (3) how many prisoners in Hull prison at the time of the riots notified the Home Office of claim of damage to their property; how many have accepted ex—gratia payments for damage to their property; and what was the total amount of ex—gratia compensation paid.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  Two hundred prisoners held at Her Majesty's Prison Hull at the time of the riots in 1976 subsequently claimed compensation for property alleged to have been lost or damaged as a result of the disturbances. Ex gratia compensation totalling £3,816.71 was offered to and accepted by 69 inmates. Compensation was not offered to any inmate who had not claimed it. The total value of property claimed to have been lost or damaged is ascertainable only at disproportionate cost.

  Kensington Palace (Security)
  Mr. John Carlisle asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that adequate security is provided for the Royal Family in Kensington Palace.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  The necessary arrangements are kept under continuing review.

  Independent Broadcasting Authority Act 1974
  Mr. Frank R. White asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he intends to amend the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act 1974 as proposed by the interim action committee so that investment in feature film production can be regarded as relevant expenditure for deduction for the purposes of calculating excess profits tax.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so.

  British Broadcasting Corporation
  Mrs. Dunwoody asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that, in the light of the British Broadcasting Corporation's plans to establish a subscription television service relying mainly on feature films, the corporation will make a more positive financial contribution to film production in Great Britain.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  The financial contribution which the BBC makes towards film production in this country is a matter for the board of governors of the corporation. It is for them to decide how to allocate their resources in the light of their obligations under the corporation's Royal Charter and licence and agreement.

  The BBC has made arrangements with one of the recently authorised pilot schemes of subscription television by cable to provide programme material for the subscription service. The corporation has also put forward proposals for two services of direct broadcasting by satellite, one of which would be a subscription service. No decisions have yet been taken on the question of direct broadcasting by satellite for the United Kingdom.

  Firearms Offences (Statistics)
  Mr. Woolmer asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many indictable offences connected with firearms were committed in England and Wales in 1980; and what number and percentage involved air weapons.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  The information requested is published in paragraph 3.5 and table 3.3 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, 1980"—Cmnd. 8376.

  Charitable Status
  Mr. George Cunningham asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the light of the facts stated in articles which have appeared in the Daily Star, he will introduce legislation to alter the criteria on which bodies may be accorded charitable status by the Charity Commission, to prevent the recognition as charities of pseudo—religious cults.
  Mr. Raison:
  There is nothing in the articles which would justify amending the law relating to charitable purposes. If there is evidence of abuse in the case of a registered charity, the Charity Commission has power to take action in certain circumstances. If criminal offences are alleged, they can be dealt with under the criminal law.
  410
  Mr. George Cunningham asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many organisations claiming to be churches or religious orders are currently registered as charities by the Charity Commissioners.

  Mr. Raison:
  This information is not available.

  Air Weapons
  Mr. Woolmer asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many indictable offences were committed by children and young people with air weapons in 1980 in the age categories (a) under 14 years, (b) under 16 years, (c) under 17 years, (d) under 18 years and (e) under 21 years.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  The information available is given in the following table, including offences in which the age of offender was not known.

  Serious offences recorded by the police in which air weapons were reported to have been used, by age of principal suspect

  England and Wales 1980

  Number of offences

  Under 14

  268

  14 and under 16

  527

  16 and under 17

  257

  17 and under 18

  169

  18 and under 21

  239

  21 or over

  221

  Age not known

  3,351

  Total

  5,032

  Civil Disturbances
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out in the Official Report the following information as at the latest possible date with regard to the disturbances in Brixton, Toxteth and Southall earlier in 1981: (a) the total numbers charged for each location and the numbers charged by offence, (b) the numbers dealt with by the courts, (c) a breakdown of the penalties imposed, as set out in his letter to the hon. Member for Northampton, North of 8 September, and (d) the numbers still to be dealt with by the courts; what charges are involved; and when he anticipates that all cases will be finalised.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  The information requested is not readily available, but I shall reply as soon as possible.

  British Citizenship
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the child of an Irish citizen born in a British military hospital in Germany while his father was serving in the British Army will be a British citizen (a) after passage of the British Nationality Bill; or (b) if born after passage of the Bill; how this will be affected by (i) the child's present residence, (ii) the date of birth, (iii) the possession by the child of a United Kingdom passport; and (iv) the renunciation or not of United Kingdom nationality by father; and how this differs from the present circumstances.
  Mr. Raison:
  I shall write to my hon. Friend.

  Nuclear Shelters
  Mr. Dobson asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to his answer of 26 October to the

  411
  hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South, if he will list the 17 Ministers appointed as sub-regional commissioners who will have places in bunkers in the event of nuclear attack; and how they were chosen.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  Sub-regional commissioners are not appointed in peace time.

  Mr. Ray Powell asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to his answer to the hon. Member for Ogmore, Official Report, 26 October, what criteria have been used to select representatives of key Government Departments; which would be the key Government Departments; who would be the Minister appointed as the sub-regional commissioner; and whether chief executive officers of local authorities, mayors, councillors, hon. Members and other local government officers would be included in the selected representative list.

  Mr. Mayhew:
  Present plans provide for the following Government Departments to be represented at sub-regional headquarters in a war emergency:

  Home Office

  Department of Employment

  Department of Energy

  Department of the Environment

  Department of Health and Social Security

  Department of Industry

  Department of Trade

  Department of Transport

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Central Office of Information.

  Each Department is responsible for nominating, from its staff, officers with the necessary expertise to undertake the duties that would be required of them.

  Sub-regional commissioners are not designated in normal peace time. Local authorities are responsible for manning their own war time headquarters; their members and staff are not nominated for duty at sub—regional headquarters.

  Information about the machinery of regional government in war is contained in Home Office circular ES7/1973, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Dr. Summerskill asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department from which Government Departments and which ministerial level the 17 Ministers who will act as sub—regional commissioners in the event of a nuclear attack will be chosen.

  Mr. Mayhew:
  Sub—regional commissioners would be appointed by the Prime Minister at a time of war crisis. They are not designated in normal peace time.

  Assaults on Police
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were assaulted in the course of their duties in 1980; and what were the comparable figures in each of the previous 10 years.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  Information in the form requested is not collected centrally, but information on the numbers of persons prosecuted for the offence of assault on a constable is published annually in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales"—offence classification 104 in table S1.1A of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales Supplementary Tables 1980, Vol 1", proceedings in magistrates' courts.

  Drug Addiction
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has about the extent of drug addiction in the United Kingdom; whether such addiction is increasing; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  Statistics on the misuse of drugs in the United Kingdom for the years 1970 to 1980 are contained in Home Office Statistical Bulletin 15–81, published on 7 July 1981. Reports from a number of sources suggest that the trend of increasing abuse of controlled drugs indicated by those statistics is continuing in 1981.

  The United Kingdom is participating actively in efforts to improve international co-operation to combate drug trafficking under the auspices of the Council of Europe, the International Criminal Police Organisation, the Customs Co—operation Council and the United Nations.

  Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and the police service continue in their efforts to bring to justice those who are engaged in drug trafficking, with considerable success.

  The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is currently reviewing the effectiveness of the present arrangements for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.

  Film Production
  Mr. Dormand asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to the reply of the right hon. Member for Gloucester (Mrs. Oppenheim) 29 June, c. 564, Official Report, what contribution his Department has secured from the television industry towards indigenuous film production for the cinema.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  As regards the BBC, I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply of today's date to a question from the hon. Member for Crewe (Mrs. Dunwoody) and to the description of the BBC's seed money scheme in the fourth report of the Interim Action Committee on the Film Industry—Cmnd. 8227. That report also referred to the increased activity by the ITV companies in film production in recent years. The companies make a contribution to the finances of the National Film School.

  Authorship
  Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions in the last three years on which members of his Department including the prison department, have been prevented from publishing articles or book reviews under their own names, giving the reason in each case.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  The information requested is not readily available. I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances civil servants from his Department are authorised to prevent their subordinates from contributing articles or book reviews to professional journals.

  Mr. Whitelaw:
  In accordance with general Civil Service rules, no officer of the Home Office may publish any book, article or paragraph touching on the business of

  413
  the Home Office or another Government Department without first obtaining official permission. Applications are dealt with under the terms of paragraph 9911 of the Civil Service Pay and Conditions of Service Code, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Sex Discrimination Act
  Dr. Summerskill asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to the amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act suggested to him by the Equal Opportunities Commission; and whether he will make a statement.
  Mr. Raison:
  The proposed amendments, some of which have far—reaching implications, are receiving the careful consideration they deserve. Earlier this year my right hon. Friend discussed them with the commission's chairman, and consultations have taken place between the commission, the Home Office and other Government Departments. I understand that the commission is now giving further consideration to its proposals and consulting other organisations on their implications.

  Cannabis
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further evidence there is that cannabis causes no physical damage or dependency; what action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  We expect to receive advice on this matter shortly from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. That advice will be published and will, of course, receive our careful consideration.

  Tougher Regimes Pilot Project
  Mr. Whitney asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement about the extension of the tougher regimes pilot project to two more detention centers.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  In the light of experience at New Hall and Send, I announced earlier this year that the tougher regimes pilot project would be extended to two more detention centers. It came into operation at Foston Hall and Haslar detention centers on 7 September. Their regimes are substantially the same as those at New Hall and Send, but slightly more emphasis is placed on the first two weeks of sentence, during which trainees carry out additional drill, parades and inspections and work on closely supervised jobs. Copies of the Department's guidance to staff at Foston Hall and Haslar about the pilot project have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Bailed Persons (Offences)
  Mr. Edward Gardner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what statistics are available on offences committed while on bail.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  A study has now been completed of offending by those first bailed by magistrates in the period May to October 1978, the first six fulls months of operation of the Bail Act 1976. This shows that an estimated 7 per cent. were identified as having committed a serious type of offence while on bail awaiting a further appearance at magistrates' courts and an estimated 9 per
  414
  cent. while on bail after committal for trial. The incidence of offending on bail varied according to a number of factors—the age of the person bailed, the charge in respect of which bail was granted, the time spent on bail and the area of the country. Further details of this study are given in Home Office Statistical Bulletin 22/81 published today, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Policy Review (Deed Poll)
  Mr. Stephen Ross asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he initiated a policy review on whether prisoners should be allowed to change their names by deed poll; whether this review has now been completed; and if he will state the results.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  November 1980. The review has not yet been completed.

  Foxhunts
  Miss Maynard asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the cost to public funds in the last year of attendance by police officers carrying out public order duties at meets of foxhounds.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  This information is not available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

  Miss Maynard asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department who pays for the police who are called out for foxhunts when there are demonstrations by antibloodsport bodies and others.

  Mr. Mayhew:
  Attendance at public demonstrations is a normal police duty funded in the usual way through police grant arrangements.

  Miss Maynard asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the police receive payment for attending foxhunts on the same basis as they do for attending football matches.

  Mr. Mayhew:
  No.

CIVIL SERVICE

  Government Car Service
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Minister for the Civil Service if she is satisfied with the present rules and regulations governing the use of the Government car service by (a) members of Her Majesty's Government, (b) members of Her Majesty's Opposition and (c) members of the Civil Service.
  Mr. Hayhoe:
  I am not aware of any problems with the present rules and regulations.

  Women (Employment Opportunities)
  Mrs. Renພ Short asked the Minister for the Civil Service, pursuant to her reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East on 28 July, Official Report, column 424, if the internal inquiry into employment opportunities for women in the Civil Service has yet been concluded; and if she will make a statement.
  Mr. Hayhoe:
  Not yet. The broad aim of the joint review group on employment opportunities for women in the Civil Service is to complete its work by mid—1982 with the report being published late 1982.

  Statistical Services
  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Minister for the Civil Service what response has been made by the Equal Opportunities Commission to the White Paper on Government statistical services; what action is being taken; and if she will make a statement.
  Mr. Hayhoe:
  I have received representations from the Equal Opportunities Commission about a number of points arising from Cmnd. 8236. I met the chairman, deputy chairman and some of the commissioners on 5 October. We had a constructive discussion. The commission does, of course, have statutory responsibilities; and its particular needs will be taken into account in the implementation of the measures outlined in the White Paper.

  Civil Servants (Defamation Proceedings)
  Mr. Anderson asked the Minister for the Civil Service in what circumstances civil servants may be assisted from public funds in commencing or defending defamation proceedings.
  Mr. Hayhoe:
  If a civil servant is injured by the wrongful act of a third party, it is open to him to institute proceedings against the third party. If he applies to his Department for financial assistance in taking proceedings, assistance may be given to him if the Department decides, after consultation with its legal advisers, that it is in the Department's interests that proceedings should be instituted. In determining whether or not a civil servant should be allowed financial assistance or legal representation, Departments are required to consider, in consultation with their legal advisers, whether the act in question was committed within the scope of his employment and whether it is in the interests of the Department to grant assistance.

  Mr. Anderson asked the Minister for the Civil Service on how many occasions over the past 10 years civil servants have been assisted from public funds in (a) initiating and (b) defending defamation proceedings.

  Mr. Hayhoe:
  I regret that I am unable to provide the information requested in the time available, but I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Wardale Report
  Mr. John Garrett asked the Minister for the Civil Service if she will publish the Wardale report on grading in the open structure of the Civil Service and the Government's response to it; and, if she will state the date of publication.
  Mr. Hayhoe:
  Yes; soon.

TRADE

  Shipping Conference (Windsor)
  Mr. Clinton Davis asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the conference which took place at Windsor on 22 and 23 October between the shipping trade unions, the General Council of British Shipping and himself, outlining the topics which were discussed and his reaction thereto; and whether he proposes to take any action arising therefrom to assist the shipping industry to recover from its present condition.
  Mr. Sproat:
  I am very grateful to the representatives of the maritime unions and the General Council of British Shipping who joined me in Windsor on 22 and 23 October for a seminar on some of the problems facing the shipping industry. The principal topics discussed were the factors affecting the international competitiveness of the United Kingdom fleet; why it is in the interests of the United Kingdom fleet and the jobs which depend on it to work to preserve open markets for shipping; and the potential damage to the United Kingdom fleet from the UNCTAD proposals on open registries. The pursuit of competitiveness is for all those who work in the industry. On my part, I shall take account of all the advice I received in continuing to work for the market environment most helpful to trading and job opportunities for our fleet.

  Imports and Exports
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what were the totals of the United Kingdom's imports and exports in September; and if he will provide separate figures for trade with the European Economic Community and the rest of the world;
  (2) what were the totals of the United Kingdom's imports and exports of manufactured goods in September; and if he will provide separate figures for trade with the European Economic Community and the rest of the world.
  Mr. Peter Rees:
  I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Malaysia
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what steps he has taken to improve trading relations with Malaysia;
  (2) if, in view of the benefits to the British economy of the preference traditionally given to the United Kingdom in trade and public purchasing by Malaysia, he will take steps to establish why this preference is now being removed.
  Mr. Peter Rees:
  I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Malaysian Airline (London Flights)
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Trade what explanation was given to the Federation of Malaysia for rejecting the application from the national airline of Malysia to undertake flights to London; and how this explanation was communicated.
  Mr. Sproat:
  Malaysian Airlines Systems (MAS) currently operates 4 services a week between Kuala Lumpur and London using DC—10 aircraft, but I understand that next year it may wish to change to Boeing 747s which carry more passengers. Within the framework of the air services agreement between the United Kingdom and Malaysia there is provision for British Airways and MAS to discuss capacity increases in the light of traffic on the route. That is what has been happening. No application has yet been received by my Department.

  Trade Policy Research center (Ministerial Statement)
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether his statement in his speech to the Trade Policy

  417
  Research center on 1 July, that there was no virtue in a trade policy which did not recognise that protection from imports might sometimes be necessary, was intended to apply to imports from the European Economic Community; and what measures he is considering to implement this trade policy.
  Mr. Peter Rees:
  I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Used Cars (Sale)
  Mr. Gordon Wilson asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will implement those recommendations of the Office of Fair Trading contained in its annual report 1980 which deal with the sale of used cars including recommendations regarding the provision of a written statement verifying the car's good condition at the time of sale, the augmented design of the vehicle registration document, the introduction of tamperproof odometers and the provision of statutory mileage information notices to accompany the sale of used cars.
  Mr. Eyre:
  My right hon. Friend is considering these recommendations in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, and will make a statement as soon as possible.

  Consumer Education Pack
  Mr. Brinton asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the cost to the taxpayer of the new consumer education pack for schools campaign which was launched recently.
  Mr. Eyre:
  The estimated cost of the pack is £37,000.

  Price Marketing (Bargain Offers) Order 1979
  Mr. David Atkinson asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has yet received the report from the Director General of Fair Trading about the Price Marketing (Bargain Offers) Order 1979, to which he referred in his reply to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East on 18 February; and if he will make a statement.
  Mrs. Sally Oppenheim:
  Yes. I am very grateful to the Director General for the full review which he has made of the order and for his advice about what changes should be made in the law. The Director General is publishing his report today and I have placed copies in the Library. I shall consider the report urgently and shall, of course, consult interested parties before deciding what action to take. Meanwhile, I hope that those affected by the order will consider and let me have their views on the Director General's recommendations.

  River Thames (Shipping Accidents)
  Sir Bernard Braine asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will state the number of ships involved in accidents on the River Thames and Estuary reported to the Port of London Authority in each of the years 1979 and 1980 and for the first six months in 1981, showing separately the number of cases where it was thought necessary to investigate, to call for a report, or to conduct an inquiry under the Merchant Shipping Act; and in how many such cases the ships involved were carrying cargoes of a hazardous or pollutant nature.
  Mr. Sproat [pursuant to his reply, 19 October 1981, c. 38]: Details of the number of accidents to ships on the River Thames and Estuary reported to the Port of London Authority for the years 1979–80 and the first six months of 1981 are not yet available to my Department. Under the Merchant Shipping Act my Department has investigated or called for reports on 32 (1979) and 29 (1980) shipping accidents, one of which was the subject of a preliminary inquiry. Four of these cases, all in 1979, were identified as ships carrying dangerous or pollutant cargoes. Corresponding figures for the first six months of 1981 are not readily available and cannot be produced without disproportionate cost.

  Paraffin (Price)
  Mr. Colvin asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the prices in the retail trade of one gallon of domestic heating paraffin on 1 October for the years 1974 to 1981, inclusive.
  Mr. Gray:
  I have been asked to reply.

  Standard grade and premium kerosene are the products sold as domestic heating paraffin. The retail price of these two products varies between outlets. Estimates of typical delivered prices are shown in the table below.

  Prices for standard grade kerosene are based on the oil marketing companies' schedule prices for a delivery load of 200 gallons in inner zone areas.

  The prices for premium kerosene until October 1978 are based on the statutory controlled maximum retail prices in inner zone areas. No firm consumer price data is available for 1979, 1980 or 1981. A representative range of prices based on a number of informal estimates is therefore shown. At some retail outlets prices may fall outside the range quoted.

  Estimated Retail Price of Kerosenes

  Standard Grade Kerosene Pence/Gallon

  Premium Kerosene Pence/Gallon

  1 October 1974

  21.5

  28.0

  1 October 1975

  23.0

  31.0

  1 October 1976

  31.0

  39.5

  1 October 1977

  39.0

  46.5

  1 October 1978

  39.0

  46.5

  1 October 1979

  56.0

  65—70

  1 October 1980

  70.5

  85—95

  1 October 1981

  93—0

  115—125

EMPLOYMENT

  Manpower Services Commission
  Mr. Charles Irving asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total cost of the Manpower Services Commission for the financial years ended in 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981; and what was the breakdown of expenditure as between professions, skills, work experience and apprentices, region by region in each of those years.
  Mr. Peter Morrison:
  I shall write to my hon. Friend.

  Job Vacancies (Leek)
  Mr. Knox asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of job vacancies in the Leek parliamentary constituency as notified to him by the local jobcenters at the most recent count; and what are the comparable figures for 1975 and 1970.
  Mr. Peter Morrison:
  164 job vacancies were notified to the employment offices and jobcenters of the Manpower Services Commission in the Leek parliamentary constituency in the 4-week period ending 4 September 1981. Comparable figures for 1975 and 1970 were 211 and 180 respectively.

  There are likely to have been a substantial number of vacancies in the area not notified to the employment offices and jobcenters. Nationally, the commission has estimated from a 1977 survey that about a third of vacancies are notified to it.

  Youth Opportunities Programme
  Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in order to ensure that every school leaver is in a job or in a training scheme by the end of 1981, he will make any detailed announcement of extended training on youth opportunities programme schemes as early as possible.
  Mr. Alison:
  The Government have asked the Manpower Services Commission to undertake to offer a suitable opportunity on the youth opportunities programme to all unemployed 1981 school leavers by Christmas 1981. To help meet this target the Government announced on 27 July an increase of £93 million for the programme. In addition, the employment services and the careers service have been asked to give priority to school leavers when placing people on the youth opportunities programme.

  As part of the resulting increased provision which has been created for young people under the programme, the commission has already introduced a number of 12—month training courses, known as work skills courses, designed for the more able young unemployed who have the potential to progress ultimately to semi—skilled levels and above.

  An announcement about the future development of schemes to help the young unemployed will be made in due course.

  Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to improve the standard and effectiveness of youth opportunities programme schemes, in particular to improve the proportion of trainees finding permanent employment.

  Mr. Alison:
  The Manpower Services Commission is already taking a wide range of steps to improve the quality of youth opportunities programme schemes including the injection of more training and further education and drawing in the training expertise of industry.

  Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to ensure that employers do not use youth training programmes as a source of cheap labour rather than training opportunities.

  Mr. Alison:
  The Manpower Services Commission, which administers the youth opportunities programme, takes a very serious view of any abuse by sponsors of
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  schemes. Stringent appraisal and monitoring procedures designed to prevent abuse already exist and are kept under constant review.

  Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will consider increasing the youth opportunities training allowance to the figure of £28 as recommended by the Manpower Services Commission, in order to encourage its being taken up by people who at the present allowance are hardly better off after paying travelling expenses than if in receipt of supplementary benefit and remaining idle.

  Mr. Alison:
  Yes. But I understand that over 14,000 young people are currently entering the youth opportunities programme every week and I do not therefore think the allowance is acting as a significant disincentive.

  Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Employment what communications he has received from young persons on the youth opportunities programme in Hull in relation to their youth opportunities programme allowance; and what reply he has sent.

  Mr. Alison:
  I have received letters from 40 young people in Hull all asking that the youth opportunities programme allowance be raised. My answer is that I am considering the level of allowance in the light of the advice I have received from the Manpower Services Commission and will be making an announcement shortly.

  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many representations his Department has had in the last three months about abuses of the youth opportunities programme; if he will list the abuses complained of; what action has been taken; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alison:
  No record is kept of allegations of abuse. All such allegations are investigated by the Manpower Services Commission and if abuse is found the scheme is withdrawn unless immediate steps can be taken to remedy it.

  Mr. Pendry asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, in view of the fact that more than 2,000 young people are injured each year while working in the youth opportunities programme, measures are now being considered to improve safety regulations on the scheme.

  Mr. Alison:
  The majority of accidents to young people on the youth opportunities programme are of a minor nature. The Manpower Services Commission, which operates the programme, is, however, very concerned to reduce any risks to young people on schemes and is keeping closely in touch with the Health and Safety Executive and other appropriate organisations on further measures to achieve this.

  Training Opportunities Scheme
  Mr. Onslow asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to ensure that staff of the Manpower Services Commission deal promptly and efficiently with all applications for grants under the training opportunities scheme, in the light of the case of a constituent of the hon. Member for Woking, details of which have been sent to him.
  Mr. Peter Morrison:
  Last year the Manpower Services Commission handled over 140,000 applications

  421
  under the training opportunities programme. I have taken up this case with the chairman of the MSC and the staff responsible, who share my regret at the time taken and the failure to keep the applicant informed.

  Construction Workers
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many construction workers at the latest available date were registered as unemployed in (a) the United Kingdom as a whole, (b) Wolverhampton and (c) the West Midlands.
  Mr. Alison:
  At 13 August, the latest date for which an industrial analysis is available, the number of people registered as unemployed in the United Kingdom who last worked in the construction industry was 380,698. The corresponding numbers for the Wolverhampton employment office area and the West Midlands region were 1,551 and 33,130, respectively.

  Short—time Working
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons were on the short—time working compensation scheme in the United Kingdom at the latest available date; and what is the regional breakdown of that number.
  Mr. Peter Morrison:
  The following table shows the figures requested. Information is obtainable for Great Britain only.

  September 1981

  Region

  Number of Potentially Redundant Jobs

  Number of Workers sharing Short Time Working

  Northern

  4,276

  9,711

  Yorkshire & Humberside

  26,482

  45,147

  Midlands

  65,058

  121,337

  North West

  27,279

  44,519

  London

  6,313

  8,720

  South East

  21,947

  36,523

  South West

  5,577

  11,832

  Wales

  8,487

  15,739

  Scotland

  13,245

  25,860

  Total for Great Britain

  178,664

  319,388

  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the breakdown by industry of the total number of workers on the short—time working compensation scheme at the latest available date.

  Mr. Peter Morrison:
  The following table, for Great Britain, shows the figures requested:

  September 1981

  SIC Order

  Industry

  Number of Potentially Redundant Jobs

  Number of Workers Sharing Short Time

  1

  Agriculture, Foresting, Fishing

  28

  51

  2

  Mining and Quarrying

  144

  402

  3

  Food, Drink and Tobacco

  2,597

  4,810

  4

  Coal and Petroleum Products

  98

  181

  5

  Chemicals and Allied Industries

  3,066

  5,122

  6

  Metal Manufacture

  17,310

  29,663

  7

  Mechanical Engineering

  33,126

  61,788

  8

  Instrument Engineering

  1,979

  2,777

  9

  Electrical Engineering

  15,596

  36,650

  422

  SIC Order

  Industry

  Number of Potentially Redundant Jobs

  Number of Workers Sharing Short Time

  10

  Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering

  945

  1,150

  11

  Vehicles

  24,635

  45,515

  12

  Metal Goods not elsewhere specified

  20,549

  38,664

  13

  Textiles

  13,045

  20,912

  14

  Leather, Leather Goods and Fur

  625

  699

  15

  Clothing and Footwear

  14,223

  18,672

  16

  Bricks, Pottery, Glass, Cement etc

  8,369

  14,963

  17

  Timber, Furniture etc.

  5,030

  8,568

  18

  Paper, Printing and Publishing

  3,112

  4,439

  19

  Other Manfacturing Industries

  4,368

  6,777

  20

  Construction

  2,626

  3,286

  21

  Gas, Electricity and Water

  57

  68

  22

  Transport and Communication

  1,720

  4,060

  23

  Distribution Trades

  3,795

  8,629

  24

  Insurance, Banking Finance and Business Services

  20

  42

  25

  Professional and Scientific Services

  319

  381

  26

  Miscellaneous Services

  1,282

  1,119

  27

  Public Administration and Defence

  Total Great Britain

  178,664

  319,388

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in view of the conclusions of the Home Office research study No. 68 "Ethnic Minorities in Britain", he will now take steps to remedy the high unemployment rates suffered by ethnic minorities and in particular by Asian women.
  Mr. Alison:
  The conclusions of the Home Office research study are based on an analysis of available information brought together from a number of earlier studies and data. Successive Governments have long been aware of evidence from surveys of higher unemployment rates amongst the ethnic minorities. The Government believe that their policy of establishing a sound economy as the basis for sustainable growth is the best course for the ethnic minorities as well as for the country as a whole. Experience has shown that the ethnic minorities have always benefited proportionately more than other workers when the economy has taken a turn for the better.

  The needs of the unemployed from the ethnic minorities are taken fully into account, along with other relevant information, in applying and when reviewing employment policies. Young people from the ethnic minorities are making good use of opportunities available under the Government's special measures to alleviate the worst effects of unemployment and they will of course be benefiting proportionately from the considerable expansion of these measures announced by the Prime Minister on 27 July.

  Professional and Executive Register
  Mr. Craigen asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to give the Manpower Services Commission his initial reactions to its current review of the professional and executive register services.
  Mr. Peter Morrison:
  My right hon. Friend expects to write to the commission about the review shortly.

  Blind Workers (Reader Allowance)
  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Employment why there has been no announcement of a date for the introduction of the Manpower Services Commission's projected reader allowance for blind workers; what has been the reason for the delay; and when the allowance is to be introduced.
  Mr. Alison:
  The Manpower Services Commission's document "Developing Employment and Training Services for Disabled People", published in 1978, proposed new forms of help to meet the reading needs of blind workers. That document indicated that a scheme might be introduced in the early 1980s, if resources were available.

  The Manpower Services Commission has had discussions with the Royal National Institute for the Blind about a scheme of this kind. It is unlikely to be possible to introduce a scheme in this financial year, but the commission will be considering whether a scheme can be introduced in the course of next financial year.

  Swansea
  Mr. Anderson asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures for male unemployment in the Swansea area; and how this compares with the average for special development areas in (a) Wales and (b) Great Britain.
  Mr. Alison:
  The following is the information at 10 September, the latest date for which figures for special development areas are available:

  Unemployed Number

  males Percentage rate

  Swansea travel—to—work area

  11,810

  19.0

  Special development areas in Wales

  35,308

  19.4

  Special development areas in Great Britain

  361,053

  20.6

  Young Persons (Merseyside)
  Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of young people under 20 years of age unemployed on Merseyside and in Liverpool, respectively, at the latest available date.
  Mr. Alison:
  At 9 July, the latest date for which the information is available, the numbers of young people under 20 years of age registered as unemployed in the Merseyside special development area and in the Liverpool travel—to—work area were 28,162 and 18,969, respectively.

  The youth opportunities programme has been expanded this year to provide help to over half a million unemployed young people, through courses of work experience and training.

  Liverpool
  Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of unemployed in the Liverpool, Scotland Exchange constituency at the latest available date.
  Mr. Alison:
  The information is not available for the parliamentary constituency. At 8 October the provisional
  424
  number of people registered as unemployed in the Liverpool employment office area, which is larger than the constituency, was 22,277.

  Male Unemployment
  Mr. Craigen asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many males aged between 60 to 65 years are presently registered as unemployed.
  Mr. Alison:
  At 9 July, the latest date for which the information is available, there were 205,186 males aged 60 to 64 years registered as unemployed in the United Kingdom.

  Equal Pay Act
  Dr. Summerskill asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consideration he has given to the amendments to the Equal Pay Act suggested to him by the Equal Opportunities Commission; and whether he will make a statement.
  Mr. Alison:
  I understand that, following discussions with my Department, the Equal Opportunities Commission is reviewing its proposals and hopes to complete its review by the end of the year. This is one of the matters which my right hon. Friend will be discussing with the chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission when he meets her on 27 November.

  Unemployment Relief Schemes
  Mr. Lawrence asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many adult and young people have been helped by the Government's unemployment relief schemes in (a) Burton on Trent and (b) Uttoxeter in the past year; and what has been the cost of providing this relief.
  Mr. Peter Morrison:
  I shall write to my hon. and learned Friend.

  European Community (Job Creation)
  Mr. Spearing asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report the calculations and assumptions that underlie 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 two and a half million; and if he will specify the industries and numbers concerned.
  Mr. Alison [pursuant to his reply, 22 October, 1981, c. 161]: I understand that my right hon. Friend referred to an estimate that about 2½ million jobs now depend on our exports to other countries in the Community. This was an illustration of the benefit we receive from trade with our partners in the Community and hence what we would put at risk if we left. This estimate rests on the reasonable assumption that exports to Europe have the same significance for the United Kingdom employment as for our gross domestic product, due account having been taken of the import content of these exports. It is not possible to be more precise in quantifying the detailed effects on employment which might result from withdrawal.

  West Midlands (Statistics)
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons aged (a) 16 to 18 years, (b) 18 to 25 years, (c) 25 to 40 years and (d) 40 to 65 years were unemployed in (i) Wolverhampton and (ii) the West Midlands at the latest available date.
  Mr. Peter Morrison [pursuant to his reply, 28 October 1981]: The following is the information for the age ranges nearest to those specified. The figures related to 9 July, the latest date for which they are available.

  Age

  Wolverhamp- ton employ- ment office area

  West Midlands re-gion

  Under 18 years

  2,847

  39,607

  18 to 24 years

  5,236

  89,328

  25 to 34 years

  3,364

  67,836

  35 to 44 years

  2,171

  42,580

  45 to 64 years

  4,429

  88,693

  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide a breakdown of those unemployed in (a) the West Midlands and (b) Wolverhampton by standard industrial classification at the latest convenient date.
  Mr. Peter Morrison [pursuant to his reply, 28 October 1981]: The following is the information at 13 August, the latest date for which an industrial analysis is available. The figures relate to the industries in which the unemployed persons last worked.

  Orders of the Standard Industrial Classification 1968

  West Midlands Region

  Wolverhampton employment office area

  Agriculture, forestry and fishing

  2,951

  57

  Mining and quarrying

  2,536

  15

  Food, drink and tobacco

  6,365

  195

  Coal and petroleum products

  128

  8

  Chemicals and allied industries

  2,295

  104

  Metal manufacture

  15,492

  793

  Mechanical engineering

  14,334

  421

  Instrument engineering

  618

  5

  Electrical engineering

  8,692

  479

  Shipbuilding and marine engineering

  167

  5

  Vehicles

  25,099

  290

  Metal goods not elsewhere specified

  39,572

  3,087

  Textiles

  3,426

  200

  Leather, leather goods and fur

  663

  5

  Clothing and footwear

  3,030

  190

  Bricks, pottery, glass, cement, etc.

  8,502

  43

  Timber, furniture, etc.

  2,512

  145

  Paper, printing and publishing

  2,670

  114

  Other manufacturing industries

  5,845

  465

  Construction

  33,130

  1,551

  Gas, electricity and water

  1,076

  31

  Transport and communication

  8,914

  416

  Distributive trades

  25,987

  1,054

  Insurance, banking, finance and business services

  5,095

  220

  Professional and scientific services

  9,069

  301

  Miscellaneous services

  24,411

  1,077

  Public administration and defence

  8,498

  303

  Not classified by industry (including school leavers)

  81,057

  7,147

  Orders of the Standard Industrial Classification 1968

  West Midlands Region

  Wolverhampton employment office area

  Total

  342,134

  18,721

ENVIRONMENT

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Pawsey asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report details of the number of houses sold by those housing associations who hold charitable status and by those without charitable status.
  Mr. Stanley:
  In the first 9 months of 1981 in Great Britain, apart from about 2,350 co-ownership sales, it is estimated there were about 1,000 other sales by housing associations, including improvement for sale, shared ownership sales and sales to sitting tenants. Of the other sales, roughly three-quarters were in categories relevant only to non-charitable associations, while the remainder could be made by either type of association.

  Detailed figures will not be available until housing associations' financial year returns can be analysed.

  Right to Buy (Sales)
  Mr. Pawsey asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authority houses have been sold under the right-to-buy legislation; and what are the similar figures for houses owned by housing associations.
  Mr. Stanley:
  To the end of June an estimated 12,700 sales were completed by local authorities and new towns in England and Wales under the right to buy provisions of the Housing Act 1980. Complete figures for right to buy sales by housing associations will not be known until associations annual returns for 1981–82 are available.

  Mr. Wilkinson asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses have been sold under the right-to&-buy provisions of the Housing Act 1980.

  Mr. Stanley:
  To the end of June an estimated 12,700 sales were completed by local authorities and new towns in England and Wales under the right-to-buy provisions of the Housing Act 1980.

  Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will change the rules governing the discounts which may be offered by local authorities to sitting tenants whose homes were acquired from other public sector bodies.

  Mr. Stanley:
  Yes. There are a number of local authority tenants whose homes were acquired from public bodies such as Government Departments, nationalised industries and statutory undertakers. Under the general consent dated 12 June 1981 for the sale of dwellings at the discretion of local authorities, only periods of tenancy since acquisition of the dwellings by the authority can count for discount purposes. We shall now be prepared, on application, to give authorities special consent to count for discount purposes the period which the purchaser of the dwelling spent in the same dwelling whilst a tenant of the previous public sector landlord, Similar consents will be available to new town development corporations.
  427
  It will be for local authorities and new towns to decide whether they are prepared to grant the additional discounts. There is no change in the statutory discount entitlement of tenants with the right to buy, although these tenants can benefit if the landlord so chooses. We shall be notifying all local authorities and new towns individually of this decision.

  Airey Homes
  Mr. Anderson asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he is offering local authorities on policies of repurchase or compensation in respect of individuals who have purchased Airey homes from the same local authority.
  Mr. Stanley:
  No advice has been offered. The question of statutory compensation depends upon whether the local authority exercises any of its powers for dealing with houses which are unfit for human habitation. Repurchase is a matter for individual local authorities to decide.

  "Beacons" Rent Investigation
  Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will publish his instructions to rent officers heading registration areas and to district valuers to provide information for the "Beacons" investigation of rents;
  (2) if he will make available to hon. Members the results of the "Beacons" investigation of rents;
  (3) why information about landlords' rates of return is being gathered by him.
  Mr. Stanley:
  I refer the hon. member to my Department's supplementary memorandum to the Select Committee on the Environment regarding the Committee's inquiry into the private rented housing sector, a copy of which I have placed in the Library. The memorandum includes the background to, and a description of, the Department's "Beacons" exercise together with the first results.

  Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will be ready to consider changes in policy or practice as a result of the "Beacons" investigation of rents.

  Mr. Stanley:
  "Beacons" implies no change in policy or practice by the Department, but contributes towards the background information against which policy is considered.

  Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will ensure that the "Beacons" exercise will not provide a basis for (a) increasing the general level of fair rents, (b) encouraging rent officers to adopt criteria in determining fair rents, specifically related to rates of return or (c) achieving consistency between registration areas in rates of return.

  Mr. Stanley:
  As under previous Administrations no advice is given to rent officers about how to fix rents.

  Manod Slate Quarry, North Wales
  Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) why two men are at present employed by the Property Services Agency at the disused Manod slate quarry, North Wales;
  428
  (2) why his Department has sought for an extension of the lease at Manod of several times the area of the present site of the quarry.
  Sir George Young:
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Heathrow Airport (Fifth Terminal)
  Mr. Shersby asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he has had any consultations with the Thames water authority; and if any estimate has been made of the costs of providing an alternative site to the Perry Oaks sludge works in the event of a fifth terminal being constructed at London Heathrow airport;

  (2) what estimate he has made of the urbanisation costs that would be involved in constructing a fifth terminal at Heathrow airport; and how these compare with the estimated urbanisation costs at Stansted, with particular regard to the housing needs that would have to be met in the area;

  (3) what consideration has been given by his Department to additional car parking and cargo facilities that would be required in conjunction with the Perry Oaks site in the event of a fifth terminal being constructed thereon as proposed by British Airways; whether any estimate has been made of what landscaping works would be required together with the costs involved; if consideration has been given as to what additional land to the west up to the M25 would be required; how much of this would be in the green belt; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) what estimate has been made by his Department of the additional noise that would be generated in the event of a fifth terminal being constructed on the Perry Oaks sludge work site at Heathrow to accommodate an additional 15 million passengers per annum; whether this volume of passengers would breach the ceiling of 275,000 air transport movements form the time the fourth terminal comes into operation in 1985; and if he will make a statement;

  (5) what estimate his Department has made of the cost of providing a rail link between Feltham and the proposed terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport;

  (6) what estimate he has made of the number of jobs that would be created by the development of Stansted airport from 1988 onwards.

  Mr. Giles Shaw:
  The planning application made by Uttlesford district council to build a fifth terminal at London Heathrow airport is being considered at a public inquiry being held concurrently with that into the British Airports Authority's planning application relating to development at Stansted 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.

  Anglia Water Authority
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether it is proposed to refer the Anglia water authority to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
  Mr. King:
  I am considering with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade the need for further water industry references to the commission.

  New Towns (House and Flat Sales)
  Mr. Proctor asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 26 October to the hon. Member for Basildon, how many houses and flats were sold by new town development corporations to sitting tenants between June 1981 and September 1981.
  Sir George Young:
  This information is not yet available; I shall write to the hon. Members when it is.

  Liverpool—Belfast Ferry
  Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the divisional office of the Association of Scientific, Technical and Managerial Staff, Liverpool, relating to the effect on his inner city policy of the proposed closure of the Liverpool to Belfast ferry; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. King:
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is the Minister principally concerned with this matter. I have had one letter from the Liverpool Branch of ASTMS dated 3 August; a reply was sent on 24 August. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has discussed the issue both with management and unions and is keeping me informed about developments.

  Disabled Persons Act 1981
  Mr. Wigley asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when his Department will be commencing consultations with interested organisations on section 6 of the Disabled Persons Act; and if he will make a statement.
  Sir George Young:
  The Departments concerned will shortly be issuing a joint circular on the implementation of the Disabled Persons Act 1981. The appropriate consultations can then begin.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the respective proportions of low, medium and high level radioactive wastes that have arisen due to (a) civil and (b) military activities in Great Britain.
  Mr. Giles Shaw:
  I regret that it would not be in the national interest to provide this information. However, the amounts of radioactive waste in all three categories arising from military activities are relatively small compared with those arising from civil activities. Figures for civil activities were given in the report of the expert group which reviewed Cmnd. 884 "The Control of Radioactive Wastes", and copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Charles R. Morris asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any evidence that local authority expenditure dealing with the incidence of child abuse has been reduced as a result of cut—backs in national and local Government expenditure; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: I have been asked to reply.
  Local authority expenditure on the prevention and treatment of child abuse cannot be separately identified. In 1980–81 total local authority expenditure on the personal social services increased by over 2 per cent. in real terms compared with 1979–80, and expenditure on field social work services rose by nearly 7 per cent. in the same period.

TRANSPORT

  Motorways
  Mr. Prescott asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many accesses there are on each of the motorways; and what is the total number.
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke:
  The information is as follows:

  Trunk Road Motorways in England

  Motorway

  Number of Accesses

  M1 (including M10 and M45 spurs)

  39

  M2

  7

  M3

  7

  M4 (including Airport spur)

  21

  M5

  29

  M6

  40

  M 11

  11

  M18

  2

  M20

  11

  M23 (including Airport link)

  4

  M25

  14

  M26

  1

  M27

  12

  M40

  8

  M42

  4

  M50

  4

  M53 (includes former M531)

  11

  M54

  3

  M55

  3

  M56 (including links)

  13

  M58

  4

  M61

  6

  M62

  29

  M63

  9

  M66

  4

  M67

  3

  M69

  4

  M180 (including M181 spur)

  5

  M621

  3

  Al(M)

  28

  A3(M)

  4

  A41(M)

  3

  346

  Local Authority Motorways in England

  M1

  5

  M32

  3

  M41

  1

  M57

  5

  M66

  5

  M275

  2

  M602

  1

  M606

  1

  M621

  3

  A38(M)

  2

  A40(M)

  3

  A57(M)

  5

  A58(M) and A64(M)

  4

  A102(M) East Cross Route Stages 1 and 2

  3

  A102(M) Blackwall Tunnel southern approach

  3

  A329(M)

  3

  A627(M)

  3

  A6127(M)

  4

  431

  Motorway

  Number of Accesses

  56

  Trunk Road and Local Motorways in Scotland

  M8

  30

  M9

  11

  M73

  2

  M74

  6

  M80

  2

  M90

  12

  M876

  2

  65

  Trunk Road Motorways in Wales

  M4

  26

  Motorways in Northern Ireland

  M1

  11

  M2

  9

  M12

  1

  M22

  1

  22

  The total number in the United Kingdom is 515.

  Mr. Prescott asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of motorways there are in the United Kingdom; and what is the total mileage expected by 1985.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke:
  There are 1,719 miles now. The total by the end of 1985 will depend on the progress made on new construction, but I would expect it to exceed 1,900 miles.

  Mr. Prescott asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he has estimated the number of toll stations that would be required to enforce a toll regime on the M1; and what would be the estimated building costs, operating costs and possible minimum toll cost;

  (2) what studies and estimates have been made of the installation costs of toll systems on the motorways.

  Mr. David Howell:
  I am considering possible methods of raising extra resources for road construction, but these do not at present include imposing tolls on existing motorways. I have not, therefore, estimated the installation or collection costs of a tolls system on the M1 and my Department has made no recent studies of the installation of toll systems on motorways.

  Denationalisation
  Mr. Meacher asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those State-owned assets for which his Department is responsible which have been already privatised with dates of the sale in each case; how much funding has been raised by their sale or is expected to be raised in future; what further plans he has for privatisation of publicly-owned assets in future; and what sums he expects to raise in each case.
  Mr. David Howell:
  Leases of 29 of the 38 English motorway service areas have so far been sold, raising £42 million. The total proceeds are expected to exceed £48 million.

  I have recently agreed terms for the sale of National Freight Company Ltd. to a consortium of management and
  432
  employees for £53.5 million. The net proceeds, after funding the company's pension deficiencies, will be about £6 million. Completion is expected in Janusry.

  I am proposing to offer to the public as soon as possible shares in the holding company of the reconstituted British Transport Docks Board. The proceeds will depend on market conditions at the time of sale.

  The British Railways Board is taking the lead, through a specifically formed subsidiary company, British Rail Investments Ltd.—BRIL—in the introduction of private capital into some of its operations. Three Scottish hotels owned by British Transport Hotels Ltd. have been put into a new company, Gleneagles Hotels Ltd., which began trading in June. BTH received £10.35 million, part of it in deferred payments, of which £4.5 million was used to purchase loanstock and shares in the new company.

  British Rail Hovercraft Ltd. merged with Hoverlloyd Ltd. on 23 October to form a new operating company, Hoverspeed Ltd.

  Proposals are currently being developed by BRIL for the introduction of private capital into Sealink (UK) Ltd., the rest of British Transport Hotels Ltd. and a portfolio of British Rail property. The proceeds will depend on the timing and form of each disposal.

  I hope to introduce legislation next Session for further privatisation. At this stage, it is not possible to state the likely proceeds which will arise.

  Road Service Licensing (Appeals)
  Mr. Iain Mills asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the attitude he will take on appeals to him against road service licensing decisions by traffic commissioners.
  Mr. David Howell:
  Under the Transport Act 1980 the traffic commissioners, having regard in particular to transport requirements, local authorities' transport policies and plans, and relevant objections or other representations are required to grant applications for road service licences unless they are satisfied that to do so would be against the interests of the public. If an appeal from their decision is made to me, I am bound by the same legislation as the commissioners, and shall decide each case on its own particular merits. There is no overriding principle that will govern my decisions on these issues.

SCOTLAND

  Social and Economic Deprivation (Dundee)
  Mr. Gordon Wilson asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will conduct a social and economic deprivation analysis survey in Mid-Craigie, Dundee, to determine the levels of urban support which might be appropriate; and if to that end he will publish the statistics of unemployment and take up of benefit in the area.
  Mr. Rifkind:
  No. Mid—Craigie is already recognised as suffering from deprivation. Tayside regional council's multiple deprivation working party has made a study of the area's needs and the council has sought and obtained from my right hon. Friend urban programme support for two projects there.

  Less—favoured Areas
  Mr. William Ross asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the survey into the less-favoured areas in Scotland has yet been completed; and when he now expects to put a case to the European Commission for an extension of the United Kingdom less-favoured areas.
  Mr. Younger:
  The land survey work in Scotland has been completed and the supporting economic and demographic data are now being assembled. My right hon. Friends and I hope to be able to put a case for an extension of the less-favoured areas in the United Kingdom to the European Commission at about the end of the year.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Mr. Beith asked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what method non-selective schools participating in the assisted places scheme in Scotland choose students for assisted places if more applicants are received than the number of assisted places available.
  Mr. Alexander Fletcher:
  Where there are more applications from eligible pupils than a school's allocation of fee remission grant would extend to, the choice of pupils is at the school's discretion.

  Air Weapons
  Mr. Woolmer asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many indictable offences connected with firearms were committed in Scotland in 1980; and what number and percentage involved air weapons.
  Mr. Rifkind:
  "Crimes" is the Scottish classification broadly equivalent to "indictable offences". There were 838 crimes involving the use of firearms in Scotland in 1980. Of these, 711–85 per cent.—involved the use of air weapons.

  Mr. Woolmer asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many (a) fatal, (b) serious, and (c) slight injuries were caused by air weapons in 1980.

  Mr. Rifkind:
  In crimes involving the use of air weapons in Scotland in 1980 the numbers of fatal, serious and slight injuries were nil, 36 and 154, respectively.

  Mr. Woolmer asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many indictable offences were committed in Scotland by children and young people with air weapons in 1980 in the age categories (a) under 14 years, (b) under 16 years, (c) under 17 years, (d) under 18 years and (e) under 21 years.

  Mr. Rifkind:
  "Crimes" is the Scottish classification broadly equivalent to "indictable offences". The information asked for is set out in the following table.

  Number of crimes involving the use of air weapons, Scotland, 1980

  Age of principal suspect

  Number of crimes

  Under 14

  31

  14—15

  60

  16

  18

  17

  17

  18 to 20

  22

  All ages under 21

  148

  Cancer
  Mr. Craigen asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will hold discussions with the Greater Glasgow health board and other health boards in the West of Scotland over the lack of facilities for the treatment of cancer patients; and whether he intends to give assistance to the Glasgow board to increase the present availability of beds.
  Mr. Allan Stewart:
  I do not propose to hold discussions with the Greater Glasgow health board and other health boards in the West of Scotland on the facilities for the treatment of cancer patients, since it is for these boards, which have detailed knowledge of the needs of their areas, to decide on their own priorities and how treatment services will be organised within the resources allocated to them. The report by the Cancer Programme Planning Group of the Scottish health Service Planning Council entitled "Cancer Services in Scotland" was issued to all health Boards in Scotland in May this year. The report gave guidance to health boards on the future planning of cancer services and boards were asked to take the report's recommendations into account when considering these services in the light of the general framework for all health services proposed in "Scottish Health Authorities Priorities for the Eighties".

  Petrol Prices
  Mr. David Steel asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest maximum variation in petrol prices between those stations retailing in. Edinburgh and those in the Borders; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Younger:
  The Government do not control petrol prices or keep detailed records of regional variations.

  I recognise the importance of transport costs to many who live and work in the Borders and understand the right hon. Member's concern over petrol price differences between rural and urban areas. These do, however, reflect commercial considerations such as additional delivery costs and low turnover.

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances
  Mr. David Steel asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that the current levels relating to the hill livestock compensatory allowances for the hills and uplands will not be diminished; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Younger:
  My right hon. Friends and I are currently reviewing the economic situation in the hills and uplands with a view to determining the rates of hill livestock compensatory allowances to be paid next year. We shall issue a decision as soon as possible.

  Gourock—Dunoon Ferry
  Mr. Dewar asked the Secretary of State for Scotland under what authority he instructed Caledonian MacBrayne to restrict its ferry operation between Gourock and Dunoon to pedestrian traffic.
  Mr. Rifkind:
  My right hon. Friend has given no instruction to Caledonian MacBrayne, which is now considering, and will be reporting on, the best means of providing a passenger service.

  Mr. Dewar asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what annual revenue subsidy he is proposing to make to

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  Caledonian MacBrayne as a contribution to the costs of operating a passenger ferry between Gourock and Dunoon; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Rifkind:
  My right hon. Friend's statement of 12 October made it clear that he was prepared to provide a subsidy, if necessary, for a passenger service between Gourock and Dunoon. Caledonian MacBrayne is now exploring urgently the best means of providing such a service and will be reporting to him. He will then be in a position to consider questions of subsidy.

  Mr. Dewar asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to the additional financing requirements of Caledonian MacBrayne attributable to the purchase of a suitable vessel by Caledonian MacBrayne for the carriage of pedestrian traffic; and if he plans to make any contribution.

  Mr. Rifkind:
  Caledonian MacBrayne is now considering how a passenger service might be provided on the Gourock—Dunoon route. My Department will be discussing with the company what financing arrangements will be necessary.

  Mr. Dewar asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with Caledonian MacBrayne about the implications for it of the sale of the vessels "Juno" and "Jupiter", and of any consequent redundancies, following his decision to restrict the company to the carriage of pedestrian traffic on the Gourock—Dunoon ferry.

  Mr. Rifkind:
  Discussions are continuing with Caledonian MacBrayne on these issues.

  Rating Review
  Mr. Dewar asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to confirm that the quinquennial rating review due to take place in 1983 will take place and that he will not be postponing or varying this by use of his powers in part 1 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1981.
  Mr. Rifkind:
  No. My right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement before long.

  Western Ferries (Argyll) Ltd.
  Mr. Dewar asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, in relation to the draft undertaking between himself and Western Ferries (Argyll) Ltd. approved by the House on 22 July; and in particular if he proposes to agree with the company an undertaking which differs in any respect from the text approved by the House.
  Mr. Rifkind:
  I have nothing to add at this stage to the statement made by my right hon. Friend on 12 October. That statement confirmed the intention to make a capital grant to Western Ferries towards the cost of another vessel.

  Sporting Organisations (Rates Relief)
  Mr. Craigen asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from amateur sporting organisations in Scotland concerning rates relief on their premises by means of extending charitable status to such bodies; and if he will review the rating position of these bodies.
  Mr. Rifkind:
  My right hon. Friend has not received any representations from amateur sporting organisations as such. He is reviewing the operation of the provisions under which discretionary rating relief can be granted, following the undertaking to the First Scottish Standing Committee on 22 January 1981, column 137.

  Teachers (Superannuation)
  Mr. Henderson asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to change the administrative arrangements for teachers' superannuation.
  Mr. Allan Stewart:
  The arrangements are kept under review to improve efficiency arid secure staff savings but my right hon. Friend has no plans at present for major changes.

INDUSTRY

  Telecommunications
  Mr. Grylls asked the Secretary of State for Industry what consultations he has had with British Telecom over the Government's proposals for liberalisation of telecommunications supply and for competing networks; and what comments critical of the Government's proposals have been conveyed to him.
  Mr. Wakeham: There were extensive consultations with British Telecom before my hon. friend the Minister for Information Technology made his statement on telecommunications liberalisation on 30 July; and my right hon. Friend has subsequently been in close touch with the chairman of BT on the implementation of this policy. The Government remain fully committed to liberalisation, and my right hon. Friend hopes to announce a detailed timetable for the liberalisation of attachments shortly.

  State—owned Assets (Sale)
  Mr. Meacher asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list those State—owned assets for which his Department is responsible which have been already privatised with dates of the sale in each case; how much funding has been raised by their sale or is expected to be raised in future; what further plans he has for privatisation of publicly owned assets in future; and what sums he expects to raise in each case.
  Mr. Wakeham: The net proceeds to the Government of the sale of 51 per cent. of the shares of BAe PLC in February 1981 were £43 million.
  The net proceeds to the Government of the sale of just under 50 per cent. of the shares of Cable and Wireless PLC which is currently taking place are expected to be about £183 million.
  In the two financial years ending March 1981 the NEB sold shareholdings in 12 companies for £120 million and proceeds from the sale of assets, including shareholdings, by the other corporations for which my right hon. Friend has responsibility totalled £83 million in the same period.
  It is not practicable to give a forecast of the likely proceeds of any further proposals for privatisation.

  H. Garner and Son
  Mr. Spence asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the grounds upon which repayment of a regional development grant given to H. Garner and Son, concrete block manufacturers, of Pickhill, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is now demanded; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. MacGregor: Details of payments and repayments of regional development grants are generally confidential between the Department and the applicant. I have just written to the company in response to its recent representations, and I have also just written to my hon. Friend in response to his separate representations.

  Industry (Financial Aid)
  Mr. Proctor asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the cost to public funds of present Government assistance to industry.
  Mr. Wakeham: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the member for Eastleigh (Sir D. Price) on 19 October.

  Loan Guarantee Scheme
  Mr. Ron Lewis asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will give details of the number of firms assisted, and the total amount guaranteed so far, under the Government's loan guarantees for small businesses scheme, for each of the counties respectively in the Northern region and for the other regions in England.
  Mr. MacGregor: The information is not available in respect of each county; figures for the first four months of the scheme's operation, 1 June to 30 September 1981, on the basis of the areas covered by the Department of Industry's regional offices, are:

  Region

  Guarantees Number

  issued Value(£ million)

  Northern

  25

  0.8

  North Western

  88

  3.0

  Yorkshire & Humberside

  64

  2.3

  West Midlands

  86

  2.4

  East Midlands

  57

  1.9

  South Western

  69

  2.4

  South Eastern

  333

  12.4

  Special Steels Industry
  Mr. Hal Miller asked the Secretary of State for Industry what was the outcome of the recent discussions his Department had with the European Commission about the United Kingdom special steels industry.
  Mr. Norman Lamont: The Department, in conjunction with the Bank of England and the British Independent Steels Producers Association, has made representations to the Commission about the difficulties facing special steels producers in the United Kingdom with particular regard to stainless tool and high speed steels.
  The Commission is examining measures to restore prices for special steels to a level which will ensure adequate profitability, and to check rigorously the application of producers' and distributors' price lists in conformity with the provisions of the ECSC Treaty.
  The Commission recognised the need for a reorganisation of the United Kingdom special steels industry. It has undertaken to lend the support of its services with the objective of ensuring a return to normal market conditions as soon as possible.
  I welcome the Commission's positive response to a difficult situation. The measures proposed should provide a breathing space for the industry, to reorganise itself so that it becomes profitable again.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Mr. Gordon Kirby
  19. Mr. Grimond asked the Lord Privy Seal what assistance out of public funds is being given to Mr. Gordon Kirby for the finance of his libel action against Private Eye; and what precedents exist for such assistance.
  Mr. Hurd: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has agreed to help Mr. Kirby from public funds to

  439
  reimburse his reasonable costs as a result of his legal action. The circumstances leading to his action arose from Mr. Kirby's performance of his official duties. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as a good employer, would not wish him to face unaided the very considerable expenses that may be involved. Mr. Kirby's decision to sue Private Eye was his and his alone and no promise of financial help was made to him before he took the decision. Financial help has been given in analagous cases.

  Immigration
  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Lord Privy Seal when he expects those United Kingdom passport holders who applied for entry to the United Kingdom from India in February 1976 will be called for interview.
  Mr. Luce: We are unable to predict when persons who applied on any particular date will be called for interview. A number of variable factors make it impossible to forecast likely waiting times.
  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's Government have considered the possibility of applicants for special vouchers requiring a medical examination before the issue of such vouchers being X—rayed and examined by a local doctor rather than having to travel to Bombay for such an examination.
  Mr. Luce: The appointment of panel doctors in Gujarat has been considered but was found to be unnecessary because applicants travel to Bombay for interview. However, posts are investigating the possibility of reducing the number of journeys to Bombay made by some applicants requiring periodical examinations.
  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Lord Privy Seal how many British passport holders are at present waiting in India to be admitted to the United Kingdom; how many have been waiting during each of the years during which a special voucher scheme has been in operation; and what was in each such year and what is now the waiting period before British passport holders are admitted to the United Kingdom.
  Mr. Luce: At 30 September, 4,782 British passport holders in India had applied for special vouchers and were awaiting interview. A voucher quota was allocated to India in 1972. The number of applications outstanding and the times waited by applicants at the end of that and subsequent years are given in the following tables:

  Year

  Applicants awaiting in-terview

  Waiting time years/months

  1972

  2,405

  4

  1973

  2,844

  3.2

  1974

  4,016

  2.6

  1975

  5,331

  2.2

  1976

  6,419

  2.8

  1977

  5,419

  3.5

  1978

  5,416

  4.1

  1979

  5,375

  4.8>

  1980

  5,144

  5.2

  1981 (September)

  4,782

  5.8

  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Lord Privy Seal when applications were lodged for those special vouchers which were most recently issued.
  Mr. Luce: Special vouchers were issued in September to those who had applied for them in early January 1976.
  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Lord Privy Seal in what exceptional compassionate circumstances the United Kingdom high commission in India considers requests for priority in the issue of special vouchers to enter the United Kingdom.
  Mr. Luce: There are no specific exceptional compassionate circumstances which carry an automatic entitlement to priority in the special voucher queue in India. Each case is considered on its merits. As from 1982, however, a certain measure of priority will be given to applicants aged 70 and over and to widows with children in this country to support them.
  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is still the aim of the Government to give an applicant for a special voucher six months' notice of when his or her voucher will be issued.
  Mr. Luce: No. Applicants now receive three months' notice of their interview date.

  Sovereign Base Areas (Cyprus)
  Mr. Christopher Price asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will define the status of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus in view of their categorisation as "colonies" in schedule 6 to the British Nationality Bill now before Parliament; and what relationship they have to the European Communities.
  Mr. Humphrey Atkins: The subheading "Colonies" has been deleted from schedule 6 to the British Nationality Bill. The status of the sovereign base areas is as set out in the Treaty of Establishment, Cmnd. 1252 of 1960. Article 227 of the Treaty of Rome stated that that Treaty does not apply to the sovereign base areas.

  Palestine Liberation Organisation
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Lord Privy Seal, pursuant to his reply of 26 October, if Her Majesty's Government will make it their policy not to permit meetings between Foreign Office Ministers and Mr. Arafat of the Palestine Liberation Organisation until such time as the Palestine Liberation Organisation recognises the right of the State of Israel to exist.
  Mr. Hurd: It is the present policy of Her Majesty's Government that Ministers should not hold meetings with the PLO. My right hon. and noble Friend has consistently made it clear that he would meet Mr. Arafat of the PLO only if such a meeting were to contribute to the cause of peace. We continue to urge on the PLO that it should make clear now its willingness to accept Israel's right to live in peace and security once Israel accepts the right of Palestinians to self—determination.

  General Dayan
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Lord Privy Seal why Her Majesty's Government were represented by a consular official at the funeral of the late General Dayan of Israel; and whether, having regard to the fact that France, West Germany and the United States of America were represented by senior Ministers, consideration was given by Her Majesty's Government to being represented by a Minister or by Her Majesty's ambassador.
  Mr. Hurd: The Government had wished to send a Minister to attend General Dayan's funeral, but this was unfortunately not possible to arrange. The British ambassador was absent from Tel Aviv on local leave. During the weekend in question he was out of contact with the embassy, in a remote part of the Southern Sinai. The Government were therefore represented at General Dayan's funeral by the British counsellor and consul—general.

  Israel
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps he is taking to improve relations with the State of Israel.
  Mr. Hurd: We are constantly looking for ways to improve our relations with Israel and to show her that we follow a balanced approach to a peace settlement in the Middle East.

  Sinai Peacekeeping Force
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government have been approached by the United States Government about providing armed forces to join the Sinai peacekeeping force provided for in the Camp David agreement; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Hurd: Along with a number of other Western countries we have been asked by the United States Government to provide a contribution to the Sinai peacekeeping force. We have been discussing this request with our European partners in the light of the common Eurpean policy towards the Middle East set out in the Venice declaration and later statements by the Ten. A statement will be made once a final decision has been reached. I hope this will be soon.

  European Democratic Union (Ministerial Statement)
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Lord Privy Seal if, pursuant to his reply of 26 October, Her Majesty's Governmment have advised the Government of Israel that the statements attributed to the Foreign Secretary at the meeting of the European Democratic Union on 3 July are wholly misleading and do not represent the views of Her Majesty's Government.
  Mr. Hurd: No. the report was indeed wholly misleading but we have no reason to believe that the Israeli Government gave any credence to it.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Stanground Comprehensive School, Peterborough
  Mr. Kinnock asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reply he has sent to Mr. Bernard Barker, head of Stanground comprehensive school, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, who wrote to inform him that he believes that the school is currently in breach of the Education Act 1944 due to failure to provide sufficient materials for teaching.
  Sir Keith Joseph: Mr. Barker's letter is being considered and a reply will be sent as soon as possible. I understand Cambridgeshire local education authority is
  442
  currently assessing the effects of its economy measures on individual schools, so as to be sure that there will be none with insufficient essential materials.

  Social Science Research Council
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what changes have been made in the last year in the membership of the Social Science Research Council; and if he will list the total current membership together with their qualifications.
  Mr. William Shelton: During the last year the terms of office of Professor A. H. Halsey, Professor A. Summerfield and Professor J. Wrigley ended. Professor J. G. Edwards, Mr. N. Johnson and Mr. M. Shock were appointed to fill the ensuing vacancies. (Two further members, who also reached the end of their terms of office in the last year, were re—appointed.)
  The present membership of the Council is as follows: CHAIRMAN
  Mr. M. V. Posner
  Member of the British Railways Board; Educated Balliol College, Oxford; Member of the Standing Committee on Energy and the Environment; Adviser to the Council for Energy Conservations former Economic Adviser Department of Energy (1974–75) and Deputy Chief Economic Adviser to Her Majesty's Treasury (1975–76).
  MEMBERS
  Mr. D. Brooks
  Personnel Consultant; Educated University College Cardiff; Member of the BBC Consultative Group on Social Effects of Television; Former Personnel Officer, Hoover Ltd. (1956–60).
  Professor S. J. Checkland
  Professor of Economic History, University of Glasgow; Educated Birmingham University; Associate Canadian Banker Association; Honorary Vice President of the Economic History Society (1980); Former Lecturer at Liverpool and Cambridge Universities.
  Mr. H. J. D. Cole
  Chief Economic Adviser, Departments of the Environment and Transport; Educated Trinity College Cambridge; Former Director General of Economics and Resources at the Department of the Environment (1972–76).
  Sir James Dunnett
  President, Institute of Manpower Studies; Educated University College Oxford; Former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transport (1959–62) and at the Ministry of Labour (1962–66), and Permanent Under Secretary of State Ministry of Defence (1966–74).
  Sir Goronwy Daniel
  H.M. Lieutenant for Dyfed; Director Commercial Bank of Wales; Educated University College of Wales, Jesus College Oxford; Former Vice Chancellor of University of Wales; Adviser Council on Energy Conservation (1974–79); Permannt Under Secretary of State at the Welsh Office (1964–69).
  Professor E. Gellner
  Professor of Philosophy, London School of Economics; Educated Balliol College.
  Mr. J. Gestetner
  Joint Chairman, Gestetner Holdings Ltd.; Educated Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Member of Maplin Development Authority (1973–74).
  Professor J. G. Edwards
  Professor of Addiction Behaviour, Institute of Psychiatry; Honorary Consultant at the Bethlem and Maudsley Hospitals; Medical Director Alcohol Education center; Educated Balliol College Oxford; Member of the Department of Environment Committee on Drinking and Driving (1974–75); Adviser to the Home Office Council on the Misuse of Drugs (1972).
  Mr. W. Hayes
  Executive Councillor, Electrical Electronic Telecommunication and Plumbing Union.
  Mr. N. Johnson
  Reader in the Comparative Study of Institutions, Nuffield College Oxford; Educated University College Oxford; Former Lecturer at Nottingham and Warwick Universities.
  Professor J. R. Sargent
  Group Economic Adviser Midland Bank; Honorary Professor of Economics, University of Warwick; Educated Christ Church Oxford; Economic Consultant Her Majesty's Treasury and Department of Economic Affairs (1963–65).
  Lord Sefton of Garston
  Vice Chairman of Warrington and Runcorn Development Corporation; Member of the New Town Commission; Former Chairman and Leader of Merseyside County Council (1974–77).
  Mr. M. Shock
  Vice Chancellor of Leicester University, Chairman of the University Authorities Panel; Educated Balliol College Oxford, St. Antony's College; Former Lecturer in Politics at Christ Church and Trinity Colleges Oxford.
  Professor P. J. Sloane
  Head of Department of Economics and Management, Paisley College; Educated Universities of Sheffield and Strathclyde; Former Economic Adviser, Unit of Manpower Studies, Department of Employment (1973–74); Lecturer at Strathclyde, Aberdeen and Nottingham Universities.
  Dame Ann Springman
  Chairman, National Union of Conservative and Unionist Associations (1980–81); Former Councillor, Bracknell District Council and Chairman of their Planning Committee (1968–76).
  Mr. W. B. Utting
  Chief Social Work Officer, DHSS; Educated New College Oxford; Former Director of Social Services, Kensington and Chelsea (1970–76).
  Professor D. E. C. Wedderburn
  Principal Bedford College, London; Educated Girton College Cambridge; Former Head of Department of Social and Economic Studies at Imperial College of Science and Technology (1965–81); Member of Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (1976—to date).
  Mrs. Mary Warnock
  Senior Research Fellow, St. Hugh's College Oxford; Member of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution; Educated Lady Margaret Hall Oxford; Chairman on the Committee of Inquiry into Special Education (1974–78).
  Professor M. J. Wise
  Professor of Geography, London School of Economics; President, Royal Geographical Society; Governor of Birkbeck College; Educated University of Birmingham.
  * Departmental members
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether any reorganisation is planned to the internal structure of the Social Science Research Council.
  Mr. William Shelton: A decision to reorganise the Social Science Research Council's committee structure was take n at the July meeting of the council. In early October the council published a document which is partly informative and partly consultative. It sets out the new committee structure and invites discussion on its detailed working methods and procedures. A copy of the document, which is entitled "A Change in Structure for Changing Circumstances", has been sent direct to the hon. Member by the council.

  Polytechnics and Local Authority Higher Education Colleges
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether he has any plans to cut the funds payable for the polytechnics and local authority higher education colleges; what reduction in the teaching force this would entail; and if he will make a statement;
  (2) whether he has any plans to cut the funds payable for non—advanced further education in the coming financial year; what reduction in the teaching force this would entail; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Waldegrave: The Government's plans for spending by local authorities in 1982–83, which will be embodied in the forthcoming rate support grant settlement, have yet to be settled. They will, however, take into account the announced plans—Cmnd. 8175—for a reduction in provision for higher education, including polytechnics and maintained colleges, as well as the additional £60 million for England—announced by the Prime Minister on 27 July to allow for increased numbers of 16 to 19—year—olds to continue full—time education in school or college. The implications of the final plans for the teaching force will be for discussion with the local authority associations in due course.

  State Education (Fee—paying)
  Mrs Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether consideration is being given to the introduction of a system of fee—paying in State education; and if he will make a statement.
  Dr. Boyson: My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to introduce charges in maintained schools. Fees are already charged in higher and further education.

  London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of the income of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has come from (a) Government funds, (b) student fees and (c) private sources for each of the past five years; if he will give the monetary figures as well; and if he will give the estimated figures for the next financial year.
  Mr. Waldegrave: The school's income during the last five years for which figures are so far available was constituted as follows:

  Total

  Government Funds

  Fees

  Private sources

  Other

  £,000s

  per cent

  £,000s

  per cent

  £,000s

  per cent

  £,000s

  per cent

  1975–76

  1,951

  1,684

  86

  86

  5

  22

  1

  159

  8

  1976–77

  2,216

  1,900

  86

  106

  5

  62 149

  2

  7

  1977–78

  2,383

  1,933

  81

  227

  10

  33

  1

  191

  8

  1978–79

  2,611

  2,092

  80

  256

  10

  36

  1

  227

  9

  1979–80

  3,366

  2,612

  78

  348

  10

  49

  1

  357

  11

  The above figures do not include income from research grants or contracts about which separate information is not readily available.
  The University of London itself decides how to allocate its recurrent grant between its constituent institutions. It is not therefore possible for me to predict the school's future income.
  Mrs Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to ensure the future viability of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Waldegrave: The Government have earmarked a sum of £3 million in the universities recurrent grant for 1981–82 to help ensure that uncertainty about prospective income from overseas students does not adversely affect selected postgraduate work of particular importance to the country. The University Grants Committee will decide how this money should be distributed to individual universities. The internal allocation of these resources is decided by the universities concerned.

  University Students (Statistics)
  Mr. Christopher Price asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will set out in the Official Report, for each United Kingdom university, the preliminary returns of student numbers for 1981—82 forwarded on 23 October, together with the target numbers recommended by the University Grants Committee.
  Mr. Waldegrave: The Department has not yet received any figures from the University Grants Committee of student numbers for 1981–82. Preliminary figures will be available shortly. The University Grants Committee has not recommended any target numbers for 1981–82 to universities.

  Higher Education (Student Numbers)
  Mr. Christopher Price asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate he has made of student numbers in public sector higher education in 1981–82; and how these compare with those hypothecated by the financial limits of the pool.
  Mr. Waldegrave: No estimate is yet available; the size of the 1981–82 advanced further education pool was determined in accordance with the Government's overall expenditure plans. The March 1981 White Paper—Cmnd. 8175—assumed that institutions would admit as many students as they could consistent with their academic judgement.

  Mandatory Grants
  Mr. Christopher Price asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to reply to the Public Accounts Committee's report on reasonable cash limits for mandatory grants; and whether he will lay before Parliament a Green Paper indicating the various means by which this objective could be achieved.
  Mr. Waldegrave: The Treasury minute responding to the Public Accounts Committee's tenth report will issue shortly and will deal with this recommendation.

  Overseas Students
  Mr. Christopher Price asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimates he has made about
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  the effect on the viability of the School of Tropical Medicines and Hygiene and the School of Oriental and African Studies of the Government's move to full cost overseas student fees.
  Mr. Waldegrave: The Government earmarked a sum of £3 million in the universities' recurrent grant for 1981–82 to help ensure that uncertainty about prospective income from overseas students does not adversely affect selected postgraduate work of particular importance to the country. The University Grants Committee will decide how this money should be distributed to individual universities. The internal allocation of these resources is decided by the universities concerned. It is therefore too early to say what the overall effect on individual institutions of the full—cost student fee policy will be.

  Education Vouchers
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which organisations have made representations to him regarding the introduction of education vouchers for schools; and if he will make a statement.
  Sir Keith Joseph: No organisation has made representations on this topic recently. The Government have long been committed to doing everything practicable to advance parental choice and parental influence in our school system. The parents' charter promised in our 1979 Manifesto and put on the statute book by the Education Act 1980 takes us a considerable way forward and sets the general scene for the foreseeable future. However, as I said at the recent party conference, I am intellectually attracted to the idea of eventually increasing parental power even further through a voucher system; though there would be great difficulties in making such a system deliver, in a way that could be commended, more choice than is given by the 1980 Act. It is now for the advocates of such a possibility to study these real difficulties to see whether proposals can be developed to cope with them. There would be no question of more than an experiment in a limited area as a first step even if a practicable scheme does eventuate.

  Student Unions
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list in the Official Report which organisations have made representations to him regarding voluntary student unions, and student union financing; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Waldegrave: I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Further Education (Visits)
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has been invited to visit any universities, polytechnics or colleges of further education; which organisations have invited him; and when he plans to visit them.
  Sir Keith Joseph: I have received invitations to visit the University of Durham, School of Education and Cranfield Institute of Technology, which I am considering; and invitations to visit the University of Bradford and University College at Buckingham, which it has not proved possible to accept. I have accepted an invitation to visit Cranfield School of Management in February 1982.

  National Union of Students and Federation of Conservative Students
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last met (a) the National Union of Students, and (b) the Federation of Conservative Students; what discussions took place; and if he will make a statement.
  Sir Keith Joseph: I have not met either the National Union of Students or the Federation of Conservative Students.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Broadmoor and Rampton
  Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons have absconded from Broadmoor and Rampton in the past 12 months; for what offences they were being held; and what disciplinary proceedings followed both for the prisoner and for the staff.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: Since 1 October 1980, two patients have absconded from within the secure perimeter of Broadmoor hospital and one patient has absconded whilst on an outside trip. In the same period, two patients have absconded from Rampton hospital whilst on outside trips. All of these patients were detained under section 60 of the Mental Health Act 1959. Patients detained in the special hospitals, including those sent there by the courts under section 60 of the 1959 Act, are in those hospitals for treatment of their mental disorders, not as a punishment for any offence they may have committed. Their status is that of patients, and the question of taking disciplinary proceedings against patients does not therefore arise.
  A working party is studying the circumstances of the two abscondings from within the secure perimeter at Broadmoor hospital. Its proposals for improved security are being put into operation as they arise and the findings and recommendations are expected to be complete by the end of the year. Reports relating to the other abscondings did not indicate any requirement for disciplinary proceedings against members of staff.

  Dental Therapists
  Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in the event of dental therapists ceasing to work in the State—provided dental community health service, whether he is considering allowing dental therapists to work in ordinary dental practice; and what steps he has in mind to encourage dentists to employ such useful expertise, particularly in areas where dental practitioners are in such short supply.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: I do not forsee dental therapists ceasing to work in the community dental service. In view of the provisions of the Dentist Act 1957, the General Dental Council's regulations do not permit the employment of dental therapists in general dental practice and there is little prospect of amending the Dentists Act in the immediate future. We shall be considering the future role of the dental therapist grade in the light of comments on the recommendation of the dental strategy review group that the New Cross training school should be closed, but no decision has yet been raised as the period of consultation has not ended.

  Consultants (Contracts)
  Mrs. Dunwoody asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations he has had with the new district health authorities about the decision to lodge consultants' contracts with the regional health authorities.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: As district health authorities have only just come into being in shadow form, consultation with them would have been inappropriate. Extensive consultations did take place with existing health authorities, the National Association of Health Authorities and other health service interests.

  Overseas Visitors (Medical Charges)
  Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that the proceeds from charging overseas patients for treatment will cover the administrative costs involved; and whether, in the event of any net cost, he will reconsider his policy of charging.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: Yes, but we are awaiting the report of the working party referred to in my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston, North (Mr. Atkins) on 20 October 1981—[Vol. 10, c. 95–96.]

  "Care in the Community"
  Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, following publication of his Department's report "Care in the Community", he will take steps to expand this aspect of medical care, particularly as regards the elderly, the mentally ill and the mentally retarded.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: Yes. The importance of developing community care for elderly, mentally ill and mentally handicapped people was emphasised in "Care in Action", our handbook of policies and priorities for health and personal social services; and the consultative document "Care in the Community" suggests ways of encouraging the transfer of patients and resources from hospital to the care of the personal social services. We shall be issuing further advice in due course.

  Unemployment and Health
  Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, following his replies on the relationship between unemployment and ill health, Official Report, 20 October, cols. 154–56, he will make financial support available for the related survey to be carried out by North—West Thames regional health authority.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: The Department has made inquiries of the North—West Thames regional health authority and it is not clear to what survey the hon. Gentleman is referring. If he would like to write to me with fuller details I will look into the matter.

  Kidney Patients
  Mr. Carter—Jones asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, as a result of his Department's recent report "The Respective Roles of the General Acute

  449
  and Geriatric Sectors in Care of the Elderly Hospital Patient"; he will take steps to encourage wider use of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for kidney patients; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: The use of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis—CAPD—has been growing steadily. The great majority of dialysis centers now make some use of it, and it is estimated that on 1 August 1981 nearly 700 patients in the United Kingdom were being treated in this way. Nevertheless, it has some disadvantages, particularly the risk of peritonitis. Figures compiled by the European Dialysis and Transplant Association for United Kingdom patients treated by CAPD show that only half of them were still receiving this form of treatment a year after starting it. Its role in the long—term treatment of chronic renal failure is therefore still to be determined.
  The choice of treatment for any patient is a clinical matter for decision by the consultant concerned.
  Mr. Carter—Jones asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the number of kidney patients who have died since 1978 because no specialised treatment was made available; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: The number of patients developing potentially treatable chronic renal failure in any year has been estimated, on the basis of surveys carried out in the United Kingdom, at about 40 per million total population. This is equivalent to an annual total of about 2,200 for the United Kingdom. The numbers of new patients actually starting treatment were as follows:

  Number of new patients

  Rate per million population

  1978

  1,182

  21.0

  1979

  1,206

  21.6

  1980

  1,373

  24.6

  The difference between these figures and the estimated need is not necessarily a reliable indication of the number of patients who would have survived if they had received specialised treatment. Mortality over two years among patients who have started treatment varies—according to age group—between 20 and 40 per cent. and the likely success of treatment will be one of the factors taken into account by a consultant in deciding whether a patient should be accepted. My hon. Friend referred to the steps being taken by the Government in this field in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Hannam) on 26 October 1981.

  Health Authorities (Confidential Material)
  Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether, when the reviews by health authorities of the procedures by which they dispose of confidential material are completed, he will institute an inquiry into this matter;
  (2) by what date he has asked health authorities to complete their review of the procedures by which they dispose of confidential material;
  (3) what steps he has taken to ensure that health authorities satisfactorily review procedures for the destruction of confidential material as requested by him.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: We have asked health authorities to review urgently their procedures for the destruction of confidential records, and it is now up to individual authorities to satisfy themselves that proper arrangements are made. I do not think that an inquiry is necessary, nor have I called for reports.

  Blood Supplies (Private Health Care)
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North—East on 28 July, Official Report, columns 435–6, if he will make provision to ensure that those who do not want the blood they have donated to the National Health Service to go to the private sector will have their wishes respected.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: Blood is donated to the national blood transfusion service for the benefit of any patient who may require it. It would not be practicable for donors to stipulate the use to which their donations should be put, nor do I believe the majority would wish to do so.
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North—East on 28 July, Official Report, c. 435–6, if he is yet able to report on the discussions he was holding with representatives of the National Health Service and the private sector with a view to introducing charges to cover the handling and processing costs incurred by the National Blood Transfusion Service in supplying blood to private hospitals and clinics.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: The Department is currently holding discussions with representatives of the National Health Service. The views of the private sector will be sought shortly.

  Smoking-related Disease
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East on 3 July, Official Report, c. 509, if, in statements about the number of premature deaths per annum from coronry heart disease, lung cancer, bronchitis and emphysema caused by smoking, he will in future use the figure of 95,000 calculated by Dr. Wald of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund epidemiology unit, in place of the figure of 50,000 which he has been accustomed to use; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: Numbers of premature deaths attributable to smoking cigarettes may be calculated in different ways, and the result will depend on, for example, the age groups reviewed, the extent to which smoking is regarded as the main factor causing death, and which deaths are considered to be "premature." The figure of 50,000 is based on assumptions made by the Royal College of Physicians and takes account only of deaths in the age range 35 to 74. I understand that Dr. Wald's calculations include deaths at age 75 and over, and that there are other differences in the assumptions he makes. I am satisfied that the figure of 50,000 premature deaths each year is a reasonable estimate of the death toll caused by smoking cigarettes.

  Benefits (Refusal)
  Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there are any circumstances in which a person can be refused social security benefits on the grounds that they cannot speak English sufficiently; and if he will make a statement.
  Mrs. Chalker: It is not a specific condition of entitlement to any social security benefit that the claimant should be able to speak English.
  However, persons claiming unemployment benefit are required to be available for work. Similarly, under section 5 of the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976 persons claiming that benefit who are of working age—with certain exceptions prescribed by regulations—are required to register and be available for employment. The generality of claimants are not exempted from these requirements solely because their command of English is poor, though under regulation 6(k) of the Supplementary Benefit (Conditions of Entitlement) Regulations, there are special and specific provisions for newly arrived refugees who need to attend classes for more than 15 hours per week in order to learn English so as to fit themselves for employment.
  It is for the independent adjudicating authorities to decide on the facts of each case whether a claimant is or is not available for work, and therefore whether the conditions imposed by this legislation are satisfied. There is a right of appeal to an independent appeal tribunal against any such decision, and a further right of appeal to the social security commissioners against the tribunal's decision.

  Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has had any recent request to use the powers available to him under section 28 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act; and whether he sees any present need to emphasise to local social services authorities that the provisions of the Act apply, wherever appropriate, as much to the mentally ill and the mentally handicapped as to the physically disabled.
  Mr. Rossi: My right hon. Friend has received no such request, nor have we any reason to think that local authorities are unaware that the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 applies to mentally handicapped and mentally ill people as well as to those who are physically disabled.

  Widows' Pension
  Mr. Dafydd Wigley asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what weekly pension has been payable to widows of persons who have died as a result of industrial disease, over and above the level of nominal widows pension or retirement pension, in each of the past 12 years; and if he will now take steps to increase payments.
  Mrs. Chalker: Throughout the past 12 years, the weekly pension payable to the widows of men who have died as a result of an industrial disease has exceeded the standard rate of the main scheme widows' pension and retirement pension by 55p.
  The Government will shortly announce their proposals for industrial death benefit resulting from the review of the industrial injuries benefit scheme.

  Disabled Persons (Report)
  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he now expects the report of the committee on restrictions against disabled people to be published.
  Mr. Rossi: My right hon. Friend expects to receive the report of the committee on restrictions against disabled people by the end of this year.

  Earnings—related Supplement (Abolition)
  Miss Richardson asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the latest estimate of the savings that will be made in a full year as a result of the abolition of the earnings—related supplement.
  Mr. Rossi: It was estimated at the time of the passage of the Social Security (No. 2) Bill 1980 that there would be a saving of £385 million in national insurance benefit expenditure in 1982–83, though there would be some additional expenditure on supplementary benefit. I shall write to the hon. Member when the latest estimates of the savings are available.

  Vibration White Finger.
  Mr. Marks asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take on the recommendations contained in Cmnd. 8350, the report of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council on vibration white finger.
  Mr. Rossi: The report is under consideration and the Government's response to its recommendations will be announced as soon as possible.

  Early Retirement (Cost)
  Mr. Craigen asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of giving the option of retirement to those men aged 60 to 65 years who are presently registered as unemployed.
  Mrs. Chalker: On the assumption that the numbers did not change, £200 million at average 1981–82 benefit rates.

  Schedule of Prescribed Diseases
  Mr. Dickens asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has yet received the report of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council on its review of the schedule of prescribed diseases and on the possibility of introducing an individual proof system for claims for compensation for occupationally induced diseases; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Rossi: The council's report entitled "Industrial Diseases: a Review of the Schedule and the Question of Individual Proof'—Cmnd. 8393—was published today. We shall be considering the council's recommendations very carefully, and the Government's response will be announced in due course.

  "The Silent Minority"
  Mr. Alexander asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is yet in a position to make a statement following his consideration of the Associated Television documentary "The Silent Minority".
  Mr. Fowler: I have now seen the ATV documentary "The Silent Minority" and considered the reports my predecessor called for from the health authorities concerned. I understand the authorities consulted appropriate members of staff in the preparation of the reports. The film criticised the, care of mentally handicapped residents in St. Lawrence's and Borocourt hospitals and used incidents portrayed in the film to question what was described as the Government's policy towards mentally handicapped people. I have placed in the Library a summary by my Department of the comments received from the health authorities concerned on the detailed incidents portrayed in the film.
  First, I should like to describe the general position. Most mentally handicapped people are cared for in the community—by parents or relatives or in homes or hostels—with the support of the health services, the social services and the voluntary services. The numbers in hospitals are falling and, in particular, the number of children in mental handicap hospitals has fallen from 7,000 in 1971 to 2,800 in 1979. Very few children at all are now being admitted for long—term care. The Government have accepted unequivocally that large mental handicap hospitals do not provide a suitable environment for children to grow up in. Authorities have been urged to ensure that, where the children's handicaps are such that they need continuous health care, this should be provided in small, homely units in the community. In June this year, my Department sponsored a conference at which feasible alternatives to large hospital care were demonstrated and discussed. These included a number of units similar to the one at Beech Tree House shown in the film, which are now being provided by health and local authorities and voluntary organisations in various parts of the country.
  I am glad to say that this conference prompted a number of inquiries from authorities and organisations which are interested in using one or other of the units demonstrated as a model for their own developments. We are arranging for a booklet describing these and other units to be distributed widely later in the autumn. Also, to encourage local initiative, we are offering a scheme to match £1 for £1 funds raised by voluntary organisations to get children out of hospital into suitable provision elsewhere.
  The film concentrated its attention on certain categories of the most severely handicapped in particular circumstances. In doing this, I believe it gave an unrepresentative picture both of the two hospitals and of the care given by National Health Service staff to mentally handicapped people in general. My particular concern must be to see that no programme gives a wrong impression of the nature of mentally handicapped people as a whole which would undermine the efforts of all those, including the Government, concerned to improve services for mentally handicapped people and to enable them to live, as far as possible, normal lives in the community. The summary of comments shows that the authorities concerned have considered the implications of the film very carefully and that they have reacted positively to the experience.
  However, the documentary did show very vividly why the Government's policy is to reduce and replace the large mental handicap hospitals even for people needing a high degree of care. Much smaller units are now being developed in the health and social services. These can more easily provide a homely atmosphere. We have urged
  454
  authorities to give priority to this policy. To help speed the process we issued on 16 July this year a consultative document—"Care in the Community"—which invites comments on a number of possible ways of transferring patients and resources from hospital to community care. This has had a very favourable reception and will, I hope, promote wide and constructive discussion.
  The advisory services of the development team for the mentally handicapped have been sought by most authorities in the country and the team has visited most areas at least once since its inception in 1975. The team visited St. Lawrence's before this programme was transmitted and, as the summary indicates, the health authorities have already started to implement some of the team's recommendations.
  It is necessary to bring the needs of mentally handicapped people more into the public eye. In this respect, the publicity generated by "The Silent Minority" elicited genuine compassion and concern from hundreds of viewers, and I welcome this. But I also want to place on record my recognition of the devoted work of the staff in these two hospitals and, indeed, throughout the National Health Service which has made possible the positive developments that are taking place.

  Blind Persons (Television Licence)
  Mr. Heddle asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what are the entitlements of registered blind people to reductions in the television licence fee;
  (2) what is the current amount in the reduction of the television licence fee for registered blind people.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer my hon. Friend to section 2(2) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, as amended by section 1 of the Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons) Act 1955. The amount of the reduction is £1.25.

  Mr. Heddle asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many registered blind people have applied for reductions in the television licence fee at the latest available date;

  (2) what was the estimated cost of reductions in the television licence fee for registered blind people over the last five years;

  (3) whether any proposals to increase the amount of the television licence fee allowance for registered blind people are being considered by him.

  Mr. Mayhew:
  I have been asked to reply. I shall write to my hon. Friend.

  Deaf Persons (Television Licence)
  Mr. Heddle asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from organisations representing registered deaf people asking him to look into the possibility of granting a rebate or reducing the television licence fee for registered deaf persons.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  I have been asked to reply. I shall write to my hon. Friend.

  Benefits (Take—up)
  Mr. Skinner asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he intends to make simplifying

  455
  information for claimants on the take—up of benefits; and whether he will ensure they involve no extension of means—testing.
  Mrs Chalker: I refer the hon. Gentleman to my replies to the hon. Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan) and my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kempton (Mr. Bowden) on 20 October 1981.—[Vol. 10, c. 151—3.]

  Orthopaedic Treatment
  Mr. Rees-Davies asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting time for inpatient orthopaedic treatment in hospitals, particularly for hip surgery in (a) the South-East Thames regional health authority and (b) the Canterbury and Thanet district health authority.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: The most recent information available for the South-East Thames regional health authority, based on a 10 per cent. sample, is for 1978, when the mean waiting times for patients resident in the region admitted from waiting lists were 34.7 weeks for all arthroplasty—joint replacement—operations and 23 weeks for all orthopaedic operations. Waiting times for individual operations, such as hip replacements, are not readily available. The information requested for the Canterbury and Thanet health district is not available centrally and my hon. Friend may like to seek it direct from the Kent area health authority.

  Private Supplier's (Contracts)
  Mr. John Garrett asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent the contracting out to private suppliers of health authority services has increased in the last year; and what scrutiny his Department exercises over the pricing policies of such private suppliers.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: The identifiable expenditure in England on contract services for the last two years for which figures are available is as follows:

  1979–80

  1980–81

  £

  £

  103,568,103

  135,237,490

  The Department does not scrutinise the pricing policies of the contractors. It is the responsibility of individual health authorities to ensure the cost effectiveness of any contracts into which they enter. The Department's auditors examine the range of services administered by health authorities, including contracts.

  Bowthorpe Maternity Hospital
  Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will give the full reasons which have caused him to reverse his 1979 decision to keep open the Bowthorpe maternity hospital;
  (2) what criteria in respect of staffing and infant mortality he follows in making a decision to close a maternity hospital; and how far from acceptable the staffing and safety at the Bowthorpe maternity hospital, Wisbech were when he ordered that deliveries and inpatient care be transferred forthwith;
  (3) if, in relation to the problem of the utmost urgency identified in his letter to the chairman of Norfolk area health authority in respect of the Bowthorpe maternity
  456
  hospital, he will indicate the period of time by which he expects there to be no more births or in—patient admissions at the hospital;
  (4) whether he will meet a delegation from Wisbech to discuss his letter to the chairman of Norfolk area health authority in respect of the Bowthorpe maternity hospital.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Perinatal Mortality
  Mr. Clement Freud asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what perinatal mortality rate per thousand births indicates to him an unacceptable level of efficiency in a maternity hospital; and which maternity hospitals or units have higher rates.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Maternity Units (Anaesthetists)
  Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the maternity units in England and Wales that do not have full-time consultant anaesthetist cover.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Hospital Closures
  Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in respect of which hospitals he has ordered partial or total closure without giving prior information to either the community health council or the hon. Member concerned.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Dementia
  Mr. Carter-Jones asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many health districts have a consultant geriatric psychiatrist for the treatment of elderly people suffering from dementia and other related illnesses.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg [pursuant to his reply, 26 October 1981]: I have obtained information from regional health authorities about districts with a consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in the elderly, and this is shown in the table below. The totals include some districts where less than a whole—time appointment has been made, and the figures should not be taken to imply that the need for consultant cover has been fully met in all the districts.

  Region

  Number of districts

  Number of districts with consultant psychiatrists with a special interest in the elderly

  Northern

  16

  6

  Yorkshire

  17

  11

  Trent

  17

  7

  East Anglia

  7

  3

  North—West Thames

  18

  5

  North—East Thames

  17

  14

  Region

  Number of districts

  Number of districts with consultant psychiatrists with a special interest in the elderly

  South—East Thames

  16

  7

  South—West Thames

  14

  13

  Wessex

  10

  9

  Oxford

  7

  6

  South Western

  10

  9

  West Midlands

  22

  6

  Mersey

  10

  4

  North Western

  18

  5

  England

  199

  105

  In addition, posts in a further nine health districts which at present have no consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in the elderly have recently been advertised or are being advertised, but no appointments have yet been made.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Political Parties (Consultations)
  16. Sir John Biggs-Davison asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he is holding with political parties in Northern Ireland; and with what object.
  Mr. Prior: Since taking office I have met representatives of the four main political parties in Northern Ireland, as well as virtually every other party with any significant following in the Province, to familiarise myself with their different points of view.

  Cross-border Co-operation
  17. Mr. Canavan asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he next plans to meet representatives of the Government of the Republic of Ireland to discuss cross-border co-operation.
  Mr. Prior: I refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney).

  Security
  18. Mr. Bradford asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland.
  Mr. Prior: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Orpington (Mr. Stanbrook) earlier today.
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the present security situation in Northern Ireland.
  Mr. Prior: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Antrim, South (Mr. Molyneaux).
  Mr. Latham asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the security situation.
  Mr. Prior: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Antrim, South (Mr. Molyneaux) earlier today.

  De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd.
  Mr. Concannon asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many De Lorean cars have been shipped to the United States so far in the current year; and how many of those cars have been sold.
  Mr. Adam Butler: I am informed by the company that at 26 October 1981 4,343 cars with an export value of $76 million had been shipped to the United States of America. Of these, 2,650 had been sold or were in the hands of dealers at 22 October 1981; the balance were in transit or undergoing customerisation.
  Mr. Concannon asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what would be the estimated cost to the Government of benefit payments to those now employed directly or indirectly by the De Lorean Motor Company if those people were unemployed.
  Mr. Adam Butler: I regret that in this as in any other instance relating to a specific group of workers it is not possible to provide a precise answer without incurring disproportionate cost. The total benefit payable would depend on the personal circumstances of the individuals concerned, marital status, number of dependants and so on. However, a recent sample of unemployed claimants receiving benefit revealed that the average weekly payment throughout Northern Ireland was £41.50, and if it is assumed that each employee of De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd. would receive this sum the weekly cost would be £106,115.
  I regret that it is not possible to estimate to an acceptable degree of accuracy the number of employees of other companies whose jobs depend on the De Lorean enterprise.

  Council for Educational Development
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total cost to public funds per annum of the Northern Ireland Council for Educational Development.
  Mr. Scott: The total cost to public funds for the Northern Ireland Council for Educational Development in the 1981–82 financial year is estimated at £38,000.
  Nurses (Meal Costs)
  Mr. Wm. Ross asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the cost of the same meal for a nurse in Altnagelvin hospital, the Tyrone county hospital and the Erner hospital is the same.
  Mr. John Patten: No. In general, the price of a meal in hospital depends on the local cost of ingredients. It is possible for nurses, however to take advantage of the meals provided for ancillary staff which, following an agreement with the ancillary and general staffs joint council, are provided at a standard price in all three hospitals.

  Maze Prison
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about developments at Her Majesty's prison, Maze since the end of the hunger strikes.
  Mr. Prior: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for Isle of Wight (Mr. Ross).
  Rev. Ian Paisley asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the effective differences between the concessions made to the IRA prisoners and their five demands which the Government have previously refused to grant; and whether these changes are to be extended to all prisoners.
  Mr. Prior: The changes I announced on 6 October are applicable to all prisoners and confer no special status or privileges on IRA prisoners or people convicted of terrorist offences.
  The government made clear throughout the hunger strike their intention to resume improvements in the prison regime once that element of duress was removed. Allowing prisoners to wear there own clothes is the only respect in which the changes coincide with the demands of the hunger strikers. The restoration of some lost remission to conforming prisoners only and minor changes in association do not compare with the sweeping demands for free association, full remission and freedom not to work which the protesting prisoners made.

  Youth Opportunities Programme
  Mr. Concannon asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many young persons in Northern Ireland are currently on placement with the youth opportunities programme.
  Mr. Adam Butler: 8,229 young people had places in schemes under the youth opportunities programme at 25 September 1981, the latest date for which the information is available.

  School Leavers
  Mr. Concannon asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many school leavers are currently registered as unemployed in Northern Ireland; how many were registered as unemployed last October; and what proportion of the total out of work in October 1981 and October 1980 these two figures represent.
  Mr. Adam Butler: The information is as follows:

  October

  Under 18

  Over 18

  Total

  Per cent. of total Un employed

  1981

  11,497

  8,442

  19,939

  17.8

  1980

  8,628

  5,329

  13,957

  15.5

  Mr. Concannon asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many young persons who left school last Easter are currently registered as unemployed in Northern Ireland.
  Mr. Adam Butler: I regret that this information is not at present available because of changes being made in the method of processing the statistics.

  Industrial Development Board
  Mr. Concannon asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many trade union representatives will sit on the new Industrial Development Board in Northern Ireland.
  Mr. Adam Butler: Planning of the structure, membership and modus operandi of the Industrial Development Board is still at a formative stage. I shall make an announcement in due course.
  Mr. Concannon asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to lay before Parliament legislative proposals for the new Industrial Development Board in Northern Ireland.
  Mr. Adam Butler: I hope to publish a proposal for a draft Industrial Development Board Order early next year, and to lay the draft before Parliament as soon as practicable after that.

  Northern Ireland Office (Staff)
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many civil servants at the Northern Ireland Office are on secondment from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; how many are in each administrative and executive grade; and what percentage they represent of the total number of United Kingdom civil servants at the Northern Ireland Office.
  Mr. John Patten: On 1 October 1981 there were six—one grade 3, two grade 4, one grade 8, one grade 9 and one grade S1—representing just under 3 per cent. of the total number of United Kingdom civil servants in the Northern Ireland Office.

  New Jobs (Statistics)
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new jobs have been promoted by the various Government agencies in Northern Ireland over the last five years; and what is the average cost of each job provided.
  Mr. Adam Butler: The number of jobs promoted by Government in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years and the average amount of assistance offered per job was as follows:

  Jobs Promoted

  Average assistance (1979 prices) offered per job promoted

  £

  1976

  3,678

  3,612

  1977

  5,873

  5,274

  1978

  7,634

  9,764

  1979

  6,802

  8,346

  1980

  6,858

  Not available

  Short Brothers Ltd.
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he proposes to sell the Government's holding in Short Brothers Ltd.
  Mr. Adam Butler: The Government have no immediate plans to sell their holding in Short Brothers Ltd., but, consistent with their policy towards publicly owned companies, this matter is kept under constant review.

  Special Political Adviser
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list in the Official Report the

  461
  duties and functions of his special political adviser, the terms and conditions of employment and the total cost to public funds per annum.
  Mr. Prior: I have appointed a special adviser to assist me in my responsibilities at the Northern Ireland Office. His terms and conditions of employment are based on those of civil servants and his service will last no longer than my present appointment. It is not possible to provide an estimate of the cost of his appointment to public funds as it is not the practice to publish details of individual salaries.

  Constitution
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress of the constitutional discussions on Northern Ireland.
  Mr. Prior: To familiarise myself with their different points of view I have had initial meetings with representatives of the four main political parties in Northern Ireland and with virtually every other party with any significant following in the Province. I am considering the position in the light of the views expressed. All that I would say now is that I am convinced of the need to try to encourage the local parties to move forward in the search for practical areas of co—operation.

DEFENCE

  Space Technology
  Mrs. Knight asked the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been taken to promote the investigation of the military implications of space technology; what consultations have been held in this respect between members of the Atlantic Alliance; and what was their outcome.
  Mr. Pattie: The military implications of space technology are under study in the defence research programme and there is a continuing dialogue between the scientific and military staffs of NATO member countries. The principal applications are seen to be in the field of communications and navigational satellites, on which there has been a substantial degree of co-operation within NATO.

  Armed Forces (Peace Time Role)
  Mrs. Knight asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will endorse Recommendation 365 of the Assembly of West European Union which asks the Council to entrust the International Secretariat of the Standing Armaments Committee with the research necessary for the preparation of a report on the role and contribution of armed forces in the event of natural or other disasters in peace time.
  Mr. Wiggen: The subject does not fall within the competence of the Standing Armaments Committee as defined by the Council of the Western European Union.

  Ulster Defence Regiment
  Mr. Wm. Ross asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the present members of the Ulster Defence Regiment are former Regular soldiers who
  462
  transferred to that regiment's full-time cadre; and, of these, how many there are in each battalion of the Ulster Defence Regiment.
  Mr. Wiggin: The information is not available within the time scale. I shall write to the hon. Member.
  Mr. Wm. Ross asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his policy to inform the clergyman of the Church to which a murdered member of the Ulster Defence Regiment belonged as soon as possible after the death; and if he is satisfied that such action is always prompt.
  Mr. Wiggin: It is the practice of the Ulster Defence Regiment to inform the next of kin of the death or injury of any member of the Ulster Defence Regiment as soon as possible. it is for the family to decide if, and when, the clergy should be told.

  Plutonium and Enriched Uranium (Export-Import)
  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the United Kingdom has been exporting plutonium to the United States of America for use in its weapons programme in exchange for importing highly enriched uranium; under what agreements of what duration such exchanges have taken place; over what duration the exchanges have actually taken place; whether they are currently taking place and what are the plans for the future; what quantities of plutonium and highly enriched uranium have been and are involved; for what purpose the United Kingdom has used, is using and is intending to use the highly enriched uranium; and what is the source of the plutonium involved, whether from Calder Hall and Chapelcross stations or other Magnox stations.
  Mr. Pattie: The 1958 agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States on co-operation on the uses of atomic energy for mutual defence purposes provides for transfers of special nuclear materials between the two countries, but it has been the normal practice of successive Governments not to reveal details of such exchanges.

  Cruise Missiles
  Miss Richardson asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any cruise missiles are already based at RAF Greenham Common; and if so, how many.
  Mr. Wiggin: No. The first cruise missiles are not scheduled to be deployed at RAF Greenham Common until 1983.

  Nuclear Waste (Windscale)
  Mr. Cook asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much spent fuel from nuclear submarines is currently stored at Windscale.
  Mr. Pattie: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 16 July 1981 in response to his general question on nuclear waste arising from military reactors.—[Vol. 8, c. 480.] It would not be in the national interest to provide information on the amount of spent fuel from nuclear submarines which is in storage.

  Lieutenant—Colonel Seward
  Mr. Christopher Price asked the Secretary of State for Defence, further to his reply to the hon. Member for

  463
  Lewisham, West on 26 October, what are the precise terms of the charges to be brought or which have been brought against Lieutenant-Colonel Seward.
  Mr. Wiggin: I have nothing to add at this stage to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 26 October.—[Vol.. 10, c. 232–33.]

  Canadian Officers (Prisoner of War Contributions)
  Mr. David Steel asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will inquire into recent evidence that the 555 Canadian officers who were in Stalag Luft 3 during the war contributed to the communal fund along with British officers and that their contributions have not been refunded; if he will make restitution to the officers concerned; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Wiggin: After the war the Government accepted responsibility for the balances of certain communal funds including the Stalag Luft 3 fund, in so far as they were contributed by United Kingdom personnel. Contributions by personnel of Dominion Forces were not the responsibility of the United Kingdom Government.

  Nuclear Weapons (Rail Transport)
  Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that cargoes of nuclear weapons which Her Majesty's Government originate are carried safely by British Rail; and if Her Majesty's Government have had any discussions with British Rail about the inclusion of cargoes of this nature in the British Rail computer system.
  Mr. Pattie: Great care is taken to ensure that all movements of nuclear weapons take place in the safest possible manner. As is well known, however, it is Government policy not to comment on the methods or routes used for the transport of such weapons for obvious security reasons.

  "Invincible" Class Through-deck Cruisers
  Mr. Wilkinson asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a further statement on the future of "Invincible" class through-deck cruisers in Royal Navy service; and say what negotiations and with which foreign Governments have taken place for the acquisition from the United Kingdom of any of these vessels.
  Mr. Wiggin: As stated in Cmnd. 8288, the new carrier "Ark Royal" will be completed as planned, but we intend to keep in service in the long term only two of the three ships of this class. We are discussing with the Australian Government their possible acquisition of one of these ships but no decision has yet been taken.

  Tornado Aircraft
  Mr. Wilkinson asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the production rate of the Tornado aircraft for the Royal Air Force has been slowed down in
  464
  1981 or whether any slowing down of the planned production rate of the aeroplane for the Royal Air Force in 1982 has been approved.
  Mr. Pattie: The production rate of the Tornado aircraft is related to the delivery requirements of all three partner countries in this project—United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. No decision has been taken to slow the production rate for deliveries of the Tornado to the Royal Air Force in 1981 or in 1982.

  Anglo-Italian Anti-submarine Helicopter
  Mr. Wilkinson asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the funding by his Department of the definition of the Anglo-Italian EH 101 anti-submarine helicopter project; and when he expects this process to be completed.
  Mr. Pattie: As Cmnd. 8288 indicates, a joint programme of work is in hand with Italy to explore the possibilities of collaborating on a new helicopter—designated the EH 101—which for the Royal Navy would be a Sea King replacement. The costs of this programme are being shared with Italy. It is not the practice to reveal the sums involved in such work. Results are expected in spring 1982.
  Mr. Wilkinson asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has provided funding for the joint development by Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca of a new engine to power the projected Anglo-Italian EH 101 anti-submarine helicopter.
  Mr. Pattie: The Ministry of Defence is not providing funding for the development of any new engine by the joint company Rolls-Royce-Turbomeca.

  Expenditure
  Mr. Dan Jones asked the Secretary of State for Defence what have been the total costs of defence expenditure from May 1980 to the most recent date for which figures are available.
  Mr. Wiggin: Actual defence expenditure between 1 May 1980 and the end of September 1981 was £16,400 million.

  AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

    Sheepmeat (Exports)
    Mr. Myles asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many sheepmeat carcases were exported in the months of July, August and September in 1980 and in 1981 and to what destinations.
    Mr. Buchanan—Smith: The information for 1980 is set out as follows in tonnes equivalent. Directly comparable figures are not yet available for the corresponding period in 1981, but preliminary estimates for September 1981 are available and are given to provide a general indication of trade levels.

    United Kingdom exports of sheepmeat and goatmeat, fresh, chilled or frozen

    Destination

    July 1980

    August 1980

    September 1980

    September 1981

    France

    27

    14

    9

    1,962

    Belgium-Luxembourg

    1,027

    968

    1,348

    545

    Netherlands

    63

    57

    86

    11

    Federal Republic of Germany

    1,171

    1,037

    1,177

    337

    Italy

    13

    132

    261

    45

    Denmark

    80

    1

    —

    —

    Ireland

    —

    —

    —

    13

    TOTAL EC

    2,381

    2,209

    2,881

    2,913

    Norway

    54

    —

    —

    —

    Switzerland

    174

    170

    207

    277

    Romania

    1

    —

    —

    —

    Algeria

    238

    195

    311

    583

    Ghana

    1

    1

    17

    7

    Djibouti

    3

    —

    —

    —

    Bahrain

    1

    —

    —

    —

    Dubai

    8

    12

    —

    —

    Singapore

    1

    —

    —

    Australia

    35

    —

    —

    —

    Malaysia

    —

    —

    16

    —

    Saudi Arabia

    —

    —

    34

    —

    Spain

    —

    4

    7

    1

    Gibraltar

    —

    3

    3

    4

    Niger

    —

    2

    —

    —

    Abu Dhabi

    —

    42

    —

    —

    Nauru

    —

    10

    —

    —

    Antigua

    —

    17

    39

    —

    Nigeria

    —

    —

    7

    —

    Canary Islands

    —

    —

    —

    1

    Ivory Coast

    —

    —

    —

    2

    United Arab Emirates

    —

    —

    —

    7

    TOTAL THIRD COUNTRIES

    516

    456

    643

    882

    TOTAL ALL DESTINATIONS

    2,897

    2,665

    3,524

    3,795

    Notes:

    (i)— signifies zero or less than 500 kg.

    (ii)September 1981 figures are estimates based on advance summary information. They are not directly comparable with the earlier figures and are subject to amendment.

    Source: Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

    Forestry Commission Workers (Rents)
    Mr. Beith asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the average percentage rent increase in houses rented to Forestry Commission workers since May 1979.
    Mrs. Fenner: The average increase to date in the rents paid by those workers occupying Forestry Commission houses is 82 per cent.

    Council of Fisheries Ministers (Meeting)
    Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Council of Fisheries Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg on 22 October; and if he will make a statement.
    Mr. Buchanan-Smith: I refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made in the House earlier today.

    Battery Cage Units and Slaughterhouses
    Mr. David Steel asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what Government aid is currently available for the construction of either battery cage units or slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement.
    Mr. Buchanan-Smith: There are no grants available for the construction of battery cage units. Grants are paid
    466
    under the redmeat slaughterhouse industry scheme for the improvement and construction of slaughterhouses. This scheme was introduced in 1976 and closed to new applications on 30 November 1980.

    British Aerospace (Coastguarder Aircraft)
    Mr. Wilkinson asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on his Department's recent evaluation of the British Aerospace Coastguarder aircraft for fisheries protection; and whether the Royal Air Force is involved in either the planning or the execution of this trial.
    Mr. Buchanan-Smith: The results of trials of the Coastguarder and other aircraft for fishery protection work are still being evaluated. Royal Air Force personnel have taken part in some of the trials and the Royal Air Force is informed of all flying programmes.

    Milk (Imports)
    Mr. Ray Powell asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what, if any, was the increase of imported ultra-heat treatment milk from 6 October 1980 to 6 October 1981; and what steps he is taking to ensure the imports are monitored.
    Mr. Buchanan-Smith: Detailed import statistics are not yet available for the period referred to by the hon. Member. However, my Department does have arrangements for monitoring imports of milk, and it has also sought, in conjunction with local authorities, to ensure that such imports comply with our public health regulations.

    Meat Regulations
    Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Minister of Agriculture,
    Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the proposed new meat regulations
    will not result in a reduction in the general consumption of home-produced meat
    products and in making the consumer less certain that the food bought is not of
    a generally inferior quality.
    Mrs. Fenner: I am confident that the proposed regulations would not reduce consumption of home
    468
    produced meat products; but all interests affected by the proposal are being
    consulted, and their views will be considered before regulations are laid.

    Fishing Vessels (Support Scheme)
    Mr. Michael Brown asked the Minister of Agriculture,
    Fisheries and Food what was the total cost to public funds of the fishing
    vessels temporary support scheme in 1980 and 1981.
    Mr. Buchanan-Smith: Payments made under the fishing vessels temporary support scheme 1980 amount to £14,198,970. A few payments are still to be made under the 1981 scheme, but the total expenditure is expected to be of the order of £24.7 million.

  POLICE OFFICERS: PREMATURE RETIREMENT
  POLICE OFFICERS: PREMATURE RETIREMENT
  ALCOHOL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH COUNCIL: CHAIRMAN
  ALCOHOL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH COUNCIL: CHAIRMAN
  EXTERNAL TRADE GUARANTEES
  EXTERNAL TRADE GUARANTEES
  GNP AND PHYSICAL QUALITY OF LIFE COMPARISONS
  GNP AND PHYSICAL QUALITY OF LIFE COMPARISONS
  THE UNEMPLOYED: BICYCLES
  THE UNEMPLOYED: BICYCLES
  ALBANIA: GOLD
  ALBANIA: GOLD
  IMMIGRATION CONTROL: CONSULTATION WITH RADIOLOGISTS
  IMMIGRATION CONTROL: CONSULTATION WITH RADIOLOGISTS
  SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFIT: CLAIMANTS WITH LANGUAGE DISADVANTAGE
  SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFIT: CLAIMANTS WITH LANGUAGE DISADVANTAGE
  BRITISH CITIZENS IN OVERSEAS PRISONS
  BRITISH CITIZENS IN OVERSEAS PRISONS
  BRITISH SUBJECTS DETAINED IN GAOL OVERSEAS
  BRITISH SUBJECTS DETAINED IN GAOL OVERSEAS
  ELIZABETH GARRETT ANDERSON HOSPITAL
  ELIZABETH GARRETT ANDERSON HOSPITAL
  HEALTH CARE FOR UK CITIZENS IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
  HEALTH CARE FOR UK CITIZENS IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
  SINAI: MEMBERSHIP OF PEACE-KEEPING FORCE
  SINAI: MEMBERSHIP OF PEACE-KEEPING FORCE
  SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFIT DISREGARD LEVELS
  SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFIT DISREGARD LEVELS
  HESTON MOTORWAY SERVICE AREA
  HESTON MOTORWAY SERVICE AREA
  HOUSING IN RURAL AREAS
  HOUSING IN RURAL AREAS
  ORGANO-CHLORINES: IMPORTS
  ORGANO-CHLORINES: IMPORTS
  ORGANO-CHLORINES: AGRICULTURAL USAGE
  ORGANO-CHLORINES: AGRICULTURAL USAGE
  DDE LEVELS IN SPARROWHAWKS AND KESTRELS
  DDE LEVELS IN SPARROWHAWKS AND KESTRELS
  CHLORDANE: CONTROL OF EARTHWORMS
  CHLORDANE: CONTROL OF EARTHWORMS
  AGRICULTURAL GRANT AID: SSSIs
  AGRICULTURAL GRANT AID: SSSIs