Written Answers of 30 October 1981

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Bail Applications (Legal Aid)
  Mr. John Fraser asked the Attorney-General whether civil legal aid is now being made available for applications for bail to a judge in chambers.
  The Solicitor-General: Yes.

EMPLOYMENT

  Woodworking Machines (Accidents)
  Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many woodworking machinery accidents occurring on panel saws were reported to Her Majesty's Inspector of Factories in 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 and the first nine months of 1981; how many of these were as a result of the operator coming into contact with the saw blade; and, during the same period, how many accidents there were reported involving circular sawing machines as defined in regulation 2 of the Woodworking Machines Regulations 1974.
  Mr. Waddington: I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Benefits (Costs)
  Mr. Proctor asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the cost of administration of unemployment benefit, including costs of investigations of abuse and prosecutions for fraud; and what is the total value of unemployment benefits paid.
  Mr. Alison:
  I shall write to my hon. Friend.

  Keighley
  Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of redundancies notified to his Department for the Keighley travel-to-work area.
  Mr. Waddington: There are no comprehensive statistics of redundancies. The numbers of redundancies in the Keighley travel-to-work area, involving 10 or more employees, reported to the Manpower Services Commission as due to occur in the past three months are 29 for July, 26 for August and 76 for September. The figures for August and September 1981 are provisional.

  Youth Opportunities Programme
  Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will list in the Official Report the organisations which have written to him suggesting an increase in the youth opportunities programme allowance; and if he will make a statement;
  (2) if his Department has received any proposals for an increase in youth opportunities programme allowances by the Manpower Services Commission.
  Mr. Alison:
  A number of organisations have written to me, or to my predecessor, proposing an increase in the youth opportunities programme allowance this year. These include the Manpower Services Commission. The organisations are as follows:

  The Manpower Services Commission

  Age Concern

  Bann Area Training Services Ltd.

  Bramshaft and Liphook Parish Council

  BYC

  Chesterfield Borough Council

  Community Council for Wiltshire

  Council of Social Service for Wales

  Durham County Council

  Fox Brooks Marshall Ltd.

  London Borough of Lewisham

  Manchester City Council

  National Young Conservatives

  Neath Borough Council

  Newbottle Craft Youth Workshop

  Newham Community Renewal Council

  Newport Constituency Labour Party

  North Cornwall District Council

  Gateshead Community Service

  G and MWU

  Humberside Youth Association

  Institute of Careers Officers

  Irchester Parish Council

  Ivybridge Teachers center

  Kent Youth Club Work Project

  Kingston Training Workshop Ltd.

  Lancashire County Council

  North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council

  NACRO

  Phoenix Training Workshop, Peterborough

  St. Helens Metropolitan Borough

  St. Katherine's center, Aberdeen

  Southwark Special Programmes Board (MSC)

  Stirling District Council

  TUC

  Valley Community Service, Wales

  West Lancashire District Council

  Widnes Division Conservative Association

  Wolverhampton Community Service Agency

  Wolverhampton CCR

  Work Train SO-Newton Abbot

  An announcement about the level of the allowance will be made in due course.

DEFENCE

  Service Personnel (Boarding School Fees)
  Mr. George Cunningham asked the Secretary of State for Defence what were the nominal values of allowances paid to serving officers in respect of boarding school fees on 30 April 1979; whether the amounts actually paid were grossed up to ensure that the benefit actually received equalled the nominal allowance after tax; whether the scale of grossing up took account of the individual circumstances of each officer, including any investment income, to ensure that the full benefit of the nominal allowance was received in all circumstances; and if he will give comparable information for the latest available date.
  Mr. Wiggin: Boarding school allowance is paid, as a contribution towards the cost of boarding education, to those members of the Armed Forces who choose to ensure the continuity of their children's education in this way. The allowance provides for reimbursement of approved costs within a maximum. The maxima in force in April 1979 were:

  for the 1st and 2nd child at school

  £1,182

  for the 3rd child

  £1,407

  471

  for the 4th and subsequent children

  £1,464

  The current figures, introduced in September 1981, are:

  1st and 2nd child

  £1,995

  for the 3rd child

  £2,373

  for the 4th and subsequent children

  £2,472

  The allowance is paid tax free to those serving overseas. When the recipient is serving in the United Kingdom the allowance is taxable and is grossed for tax to preserve its nominal value. The grossing up procedure takes account of the recipient's income from Service sources, but not of other family income. The arrangements for taxation and grossing up of allowances have not changed in the period under discussion.

  Seawolf Missile
  Mr. Hoyle asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has now decided whether he favours the Seawolf VM40 ship defence missile or the Marconi Seawolf 805 SW; and if he has not yet decided, when he expects to announce his decision.
  Mr. Pattie: I have nothing to add to my reply of 22 October to the hon and learned Member for Leicester, West (Mr. Janner).—[Vol. 10, c. 186.]

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Battery Cage Units
  Mr. David Steel asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the recommendations of the British Veterinary Association and the Farm Animal Welfare Council concerning the phasing-out of battery cage units; and if he will make a statement.
  Mrs. Fenner: The Government are giving careful consideration to all views received on battery cages when preparing their formal response to the recent report of the agriculture committee on farm animal welfare.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Postgraduate Certification of Education
  Mr. Cant asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response he proposes to make to the interim recommendation of the Advisory Committee on the Education and Training of Teachers that there should be an immediate one year reduction of 25 per cent. in postgraduate certificate of education courses; and whether he will regard this as a matter of urgency.
  Sir Keith Joseph: I shall be writing within the next few days in reply to the letter I received from the chairman of the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers enclosing the committee's initial advice on the future size and shape of the teacher training system. Copies of my reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses as soon as possible.

  School Closures
  Mr. Cant asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether in order to avoid delay in dealing with proposals for school closures made by local education authorities in 1981–82 and subsequent years he will review the arrangements in his Department and if necessary increase the size of the unit responsible.
  Dr. Boyson: The Department's procedures for dealing with such proposals, and the complement of the branch concerned, are kept under constant review in the light of the need to avoid unnecessary delay and of the constraints imposed on Civil Service manpower.

  Universities (Student Intake)
  Dr. McDonald asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if universities which take on students over and above their target numbers will be penalised financially; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Waldegrave: The University Grants Committee has set targets for home student numbers which it regards as appropriate in the light of each university's grant allocation. The committee will consider what action, if any, should be taken if these targets are exceeded.

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Faulds asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Warley, East on 16 June, Official Report, c. 340, it still remains his policy that the admission of the public to the permanent collections of national museums and galleries ought in general to remain free of charge, while leaving the power to charge or not to charge unaltered, as a matter of unimpaired discretion on the part of the trustees or other authorities responsible for the individual institutions.
  Mr. Channon: Yes.

  Overseas Students
  Dr. McDonald asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will consider any reduction in overseas students fees, bearing in mind the communiqué and consultative document released at the Commonwealth conference in Melbourne concerning student mobility and assistance to Third world countries; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. William Shelton: the policy of full-cost for overseas students is an integral part of the Government's policy or reducing public expenditure. The Government are currently deliberating on the communiquéand consultative document released at the Melbourne conference.

CIVIL SERVICE

  Public Bodies (Appointments)
  Dr. McDonald asked the Minister for the Civil Service if she will publish in the Official Report the number of public bodies and committees existing in 1980 to which Ministers make appointments, the number of full-time and part-time posts, the number of paid appointments in each case and the total cost of each.
  Mr. Hayhoe:
  Up-to-date information is not available in the form requested, but I refer the hon. Member to "Non-Departmental Public Bodies: Facts and Figures 1980", which lists the non-departmental public bodies, as defined in Cmnd. 7797, in existence on 1 April 1980 with details of their expenditure and to the "Directory of Paid Public Appointments Made By Ministers 1978", which

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  provides full details of paid appointments by Ministers for that year. Both publications are in the Library of the House.

  Central Office of Information (Film Unit)
  Mr. Cryer asked the Minister for the Civil Service if she will estimate the contribution made by the Central Office of Information film unit to the sale of British goods and services abroad in the past 10 years; what is the annual cost of the unit; and if she will make a statement.
  Mr. Hayhoe:
  The COI provides a range of services in all media supporting export activities and the specific commercial return attributable to the output of films and television division is not identifiable. It is proposed from 1 April 1982 to buy in the film editing and directing functions hitherto conducted in-house, at an annual cost of £335,000, by the COI.

  Mr. Cryer asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the planned annual cost involved in transferring the work of the Central Office of Information film unit to private film producers; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Hayhoe:
  £260,000. Sufficient creative staff will be retained to maintain the quantity and quality of COI film output.

  Government Departments (Staff)
  Mr Chapman asked the Minister for the Civil Service what was the number of staff in post in Government Departments on 1 October.
  Mr. Hayhoe:
  At 1 October 1981 there were 679,800 in post—534,400 non-industrial and 145,400 industrial. There have been reductions of 4,600 since 1 July 1981 and 52,500 since the Government took office. The size of the Civil Service is now at its lowest for over 14 years. We are well on course for our planned reduction to 630,000 by April 1984, which will mean the smallest Civil Service since the end of the war.

ENVIRONMENT

  Commercial Rates
  Mr. George Cunningham asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any information is available in his Department or elsewhere in the Government which would show approximate variations between cash rates paid by commercial ratepayers per square foot in different parts of the country.
  Mr. King:
  I regret that such information is not available.

  Council House Building
  Mr. Winnick asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what was the total number of local authority dwellings which were under construction in the West Midlands in 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980; and what are the latest figures for the current year;
  (2) what is the total number of local authority dwellings now under construction in the West Midlands; and where the construction is taking place.
  Sir George Young:
  The numbers of local authority and new town dwellings under construction in the West
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  Midlands region were 9,076 at the end of 1979, 5,376 at the end of 1980 and 2,980 at the end of June 1981. Dwellings were under construction in all districts except Cannock Chase and Tamworth at the end of June. End-year figures for 1975 to 1978 appear in table 5 of issues 37, 41, 45 and 49 respectively, of "Local Housing Statistics": copies are available in the Library.

  Enterprise Zones
  Mr. Steen asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree on 27 October, if he will set out in detail the questions to be asked in the study to monitor enterprise zones; why the estimated cost will be £273,130, excluding value added tax; and for what purpose the information obtained will be used.
  Mr. King:
  As my hon. Friend is aware, the enterprise zones initiative is an experiment. We shall wish to check on its progress, and to assess the importance of the various factors influencing any changes that take place. In the absence of many of the standard data sources in the zones, this study has been devised to obtain information while minimising inquiries to firms.

  The study will establish the extent and nature of economic activity in the zones. It will look at whether this activity would have happened anyway; whether it is genuinely new, or relocated; the relative contribution of different policy measures; and the specific effects of the relaxed planning regime, and the other non-fiscal measures.

  The figure of £273,130 relates to the three years of the contract. The main expenditure is on the detailed physical surveys to be made each year in all 10 British zones. The consultants will also carry out each year interview surveys with a limited sample of firms in and around each zone; and in addition they will complete a number of special studies on specific issues and particular areas.

  The consultants have prepared a note on the study; I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Local Authority Committees (Disabled Persons)
  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent study his Department has made of the response by local authorities to the provisions of section 15 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act; if he is satisfied with the response; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. King:
  My Department has no information on the nature of appointments of co-opted members to local authority committees concerned with the special needs of the chronically sick or disabled. These appointments are matters for individual authorities. I am not aware that councils are failing to respond to the requirements of the section.

  Rating
  Mr. Ted Fletcher asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities have written to him opposing his proposals for new rating procedures; and how many have written in support.
  Mr. King:
  Comments are still being received from local authorities on the proposals set out in the technical

  475
  memorandum issued by my Department on 30 September. These are still being evaluated. There has been a wide range of responses, many concentrating on the practical operation of the proposals. To date, a minority of authorities have written in support. My right hon. Friend will be taking account of the comments received in putting any proposals before the House.

  Countryside Review Committee
  Mr. Stephen Ross asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to give a considered response to the topic reports produced by the Countryside Review Committee between 1975 and 1980.
  Mr. Macfarlane: The Government do not propose to publish a formal response to the various "topic" papers published by the committee—which has now been wound up—but I am pleased to acknowledge the valuable contribution these have made to the continuing debate on the future of the countryside. In its final paper, published in 1979, the committee argued the case for a fundamental review of the landscape and habitat designation system. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already announced that the Government have no plans to undertake such a review.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Royal Ulster Constabulary (United States Arms Supplies)
  Mr. Michael Brown asked the Lord Privy Seal what further discussions he has had with the United States of America over the supply of arms to the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
  Mr. Humphrey Atkins: None.

  Iraq (French. Arms Sales)
  Mr. Moyle asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the French Government concerning the sale by the French Government of arms to Iraq; and, if so, what has been the French response.
  Mr. Hurd: Her Majesty's Government have made no representations to the French Government concerning the sale by the French Government of arms to Iraq.

  Sinai (Peacekeeping Force)
  Mr. Moyle asked the Lord Privy Seal whether an official request has been made to Her Majesty's Government to participate in the Sinai peacekeeping force; and whether Her Majesty's Government have made any reply.
  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 European policy towards the Middle East set out in the Venice declaration. No reply has yet been made to the request but a decision is expected shortly.

  Shanghai (Consulate)
  Mr. Parry asked the Lord Privy Seal if there are any plans to open a consulate in Shanghai.
  Mr. Hurd: There are no immediate plans to open a consulate in Shanghai. The question is, however, kept under review.

  Hong Kong (Governor)
  Mr. Parry asked the Lord Privy Seal if he can now announce the name of the next Governor of Hong Kong.
  Mr. Humphrey Atkins: Not yet.

WALES

  Unemployment
  Mr. D. E. Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the percentage of unemployed people for each travel-to-work area in Wales.
  Mr. Wyn Roberts: The following table gives the percentage rates of unemployment at 8 October 1981:

  Travel-to-work area

  Per cent.

  Ebbw Vale

  20…8

  Abertillery

  Brynmawr

  Tredegar

  Monmouth

  15.2

  Newport

  15…0

  Newbridge

  Risca

  Chepstow

  Pontypool

  15…7

  Abergavenny

  Blaenavon

  cwmbran

  Aberdare

  17…2

  Bargoed

  20…7

  Blackwood

  Pontlottyn

  Ystrad Mynach

  Merthyr Tydfil

  14…6

  Treharris

  Pontypridd

  15…7

  Femdale

  Llantrisant

  Tonypandy

  Tonyrefail

  Treorchy

  Cardiff

  14…0

  Barry

  Llantwit Major

  Penarth

  Caerphilly

  Neath

  16…1

  Resolven

  Port Talbot

  15…5

  Bridgend

  Cymmer

  Maesteg

  Porthcawl

  Swansea

  15…7

  Gorseinon

  Morriston

  Pontardawe

  Ystradgynlais

  Aberystwyth

  12.1

  Cardigan

  20.3

  Carmarthen

  6.7

  Fishguard

  14.5

  Llandeilo

  14.2

  477

  Travel-to-work area

  Per cent…

  Llanelli

  18…4

  Kidwelly

  Tumble

  Ammanford

  Garnant

  Lampeter

  22…3

  Llandysul

  Milford Haven

  14…5

  Haverfordwest

  Pembroke Dock

  19…3

  Tenby

  21…3

  Barmouth

  10…9

  Blaenau Ffestiniog

  15…8

  Caernarfon

  17…5

  Bangor

  Bethesda

  Penygroes

  Colwyn Bay

  11…7

  Conwy

  Llndudno

  Holyhead

  21…2

  Amlwch

  Beumaris

  Llngefni

  Llanrwst

  12…5

  Pwllheli

  12…5

  Porthmadog

  Rhyl

  19…1

  Denbigh

  9…8

  Llangollen

  13…1

  Shotton

  17…7

  Holywell

  Mold

  Wrexham

  19…6

  Cefn Mawr

  Brecon

  9…0

  Lndrindod Wells

  11…3

  Machynlleth

  11…5

  Tywyn

  16…1

  Newtown

  11…1

  Welshpool

  11…2

  The rates are based on the number of employees—employed and unemployed—at June 1977, the latest date for which numbers of employees in local areas are available.

SCOTLAND

  Unemployment and Health
  Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will evaluate the product-moment correlation coefficient between (a) the number of males out of work for one year or over and (b) the number of suicides amongst males in Scotland in each year since 1970; if the value is statistically significant; and if he will carry out a similar calculation assuming a one-year time lapse between (a) and (b);
  (2) if he will evaluate the product-moment correlation coefficient for both Dundee and Glasgow for the following: (a) the number of males out of work for one year or over and (b) the number of suicides amongst males in each city in each year since 1970; if the value is statistically significant; and if he will carry out a similar calculation assuming a one-year time lapse between (a) and (b);
  Mr. Allan Stewart:
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Private Dining Rooms
  Mr. Cryer asked the Lord President of the Council what was the deficit on the operation of the private dining rooms in the House for the financial year ended 31 March.
  Mr. Charles Irving: I have been asked to reply.
  There was no deficit on the operation of the private dining rooms in the House of Commons for the financial year ended 31 March 1981.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Inspector of Taxes (Pay)
  Mr. Morgan asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current annual remuneration of (a) district and (b) divisional inspectors of taxes, and the amount, in percentage terms, by which such remuneration has been increased in each case since the financial year 1974–75.
  Mr. Ridley:
  I regret that in the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested. I shall write to my hon. and learned Friend.

  Tax Collection (Costs)
  Mr. Richard Page asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the cost savings to the Inland Revenue of changing the basis of collecting tax on car and fuel benefits to PAYE and how these savings are made up.
  Mr. Ridley:
  I regret that in the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested. I shall write to my hon. Friend.

  Mr. B. Stone (Member's Correspondence)
  Mr. Latham asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the hon. Member for Melton may expect a reply to his letter to the previous Minister of State dated 22 July regarding problems arising out of sections 64 and 65 of the Finance Act 1980, raised by Mr. B. Stone of Bottesford, Leicestershire; and whether he will now expedite it, in view of the telephone call to his private office requesting a reply in late September.
  Mr. Ridley:
  A reply was sent on 29 October. I very much regret the delay in replying to my hon. Friend's letter.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Allan Roberts asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what future plans there are for the value added tax headquarters in Bootle, Merseyside and the 320 jobs it provides; and if he will consider the replacement of work being lost to the value added tax control division B (VCB) by the administrative transfer of other work to Bootle.
  Mr. Bruce-Gardyne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to two similar questions from the hon. Member for Ormskirk (Mr. Kilroy-Silk) on 28 October.

  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

  479
  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 [pursuant to his reply, 29 October 1981]: I regret that in the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested. I shall write to my hon. Friend.
  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: [pursuant to his reply, 29 October 1981]: I regret that in the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested. I shall write to the hon. Member.

  European Community (Membership Costs)
  Mr. Marlow asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost of the United Kingdom's membership of the European Economic Community as computed by net budget deficit plus unemployment costs arising from increased net deficit in manufactured trade since 1973 plus the cost of net imports of European foodstuffs against probable prices available at world market prices.
  Mr. Ridley [pursuant to his reply, 27 October 1981]: I regret that in the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested. I shall write to my hon. Friend.

  Television Programme Contractors (Revenue)
  Mr. Abse asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he can make of the likely reduction in revenue in the financial year 1982–83 arising from the proposed changes in the rates of additional payments to be made by television programme contractors of the Independent Broadcasting Corporation in that year announced by the Home Secretary on 22 July.
  Mr. Brittan [pursuant to his reply, 26 October 1981, c. 220]: I regret that in the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested. I shall write to the hon. Member.
  Mr. Gwilym Roberts asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes have taken place since May 1979 in the direct tax burden of an average family whose gross annual income is £100,000 and £20,000, £5,000 and £3,000 respectively; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Leon Brittan: For the percentage of gross income taken in income tax and national insurance contributions (at the contracted-in rate) for a married couple with two children where the husband alone earns the respective incomes specified, for the financial years 1978–79 to 1981–82.

  Gross Income

  £ 100,000

  £ 20,000

  £ 5,000

  £ 3,000

  1978–79

  74.9

  44.7

  26.8

  18.4

  1979–80

  54.7

  35.8

  24.9

  17.1

  1980–81

  54.2

  34.4

  23.9

  15.3

  1981–82

  54.4

  35.5

  24.9

  16.3

  It should be noted that the tax burden figures for 1978–79 only are affected by child tax allowances, which were phased out in April 1979 and replaced by child benefit which does not appear in the table.
  A comparison of tax burdens for families with constant money incomes over a period of time when average earnings have risen substantially is not representative of the population as a whole, since the incomes of such families will have declined relative to the overall income distribution.

PRIME MINISTER

  Sicartsa Steel Mill
  Mr. Montgomery asked the Prime Minister whether she is now in a position to confirm the likely distribution of work arising from the Sicartsa steel mill contract, which she reported to the House on 26 October.
  The Prime Minister: On 26 October I gave a broad breakdown of the overall contract value. I regret that my information was incorrect in respect of the electrical work involved, which should be worth around£35 million. GEC expects a significant share to go to its plants in Rugby, and about 15 per cent. to plants in the Greater Manchester area—but not Trafford Park. The remainder will be distributed around a number of plants.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Statutory Sick Pay Scheme
  Mr. Skinner asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what modifications and improvements he intends to make to the employers' statutory sick pay scheme to ensure that it is correctly administered by employers; and what safeguards are planned to prevent the non-payment of sick pay by unscrupulous employers.
  Mr. Rossi: It is intended that the scheme will impose a statutory liability upon employers to pay sick pay at a minimum level to employees who satisfy the conditions set out in the legislation. Once the provisions become law the Department will issue a detailed guide to all employers and DHSS local offices will be able to advise employees and employers as to their respective rights and liabilities. It is intended that an employee who thinks he has been wrongly refused payment will be able to seek a formal determination of his case by the statutory adjudicating authorities.

  Dependent Children (Benefits)
  Mr. Skinner asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now restore all benefits to dependent children; and if he will make a statement.
  Mrs. Chalker: Mext month's increase of 50p in child benefit is in line with the forecast of price increases at the time the uprating was announced and one-parent benefit, formerly known as child benefit increase, has been increased by more than the rise in prices since May 1979. In order to achieve a small contribution to savings, it was necessary, in 1980 and 1981, to restrict the uprating of the child dependency additions payable with national insurance benefits to the minimum permitted by law. Supplementary benefit scale rates have been uprated in

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  line with prices to ensure that this benefit for the poorest families continued to be protected against prices. In present economic circumstances we are unable to do more than this.

  European Community (Sick Pay)
  Mr. Skinner asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of estimated average weekly adult earnings is paid in statutory sick pay in each of the EEC countries.
  Mr. Rossi: As the information is not readily available, I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Population Statistics
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his best estimate as to the net increase in the United Kingdom population of New Commonwealth with Pakistan origin since 3 May 1979.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: Estimates of changes in the size of the population of New Commonwealth and Pakistani ethnic origin resident in Great Britain relate to mid-years only. Estimates will shortly be published for the twelve months from mid-1979 to mid-1980; they show a net increase in this population of 91,000, made up as follows:

  Population (thousands) by age

  Population of total population

  Year

  All ages

  60 or over

  65 or over

  75 or over

  60 or over

  65 or over

  75 or over

  Men

  1951*

  21,233

  2,920

  1,976

  604

  6 6

  4 5

  1 4

  1980*

  24,035

  4,088

  2,912

  904

  8 3

  5 9

  1 8

  2000?

  25,254

  4,086

  2,922

  1,124

  7 9

  5 7

  2 2

  2020?

  26,200

  4,779

  3,355

  1,174

  9 0

  6 3

  2 2

  Women

  1951*

  22,774

  4,073

  2,864

  977

  9 3

  6 5

  2 2

  1980*

  25,261

  5,834

  4,511

  1,907

  11 8

  9 2

  3 9

  2000?

  26,245

  5,641

  4,398

  2,188

  11-0

  8-5

  4-2

  2020?

  27,163

  6,343

  4,807

  2,136

  11-9

  9-0

  4-0

  Young Persons

  Persons of all ages

  0–15

  16–17

  18–20

  0–15

  16–17

  18–20

  1951*

  44,007

  10,293

  1,086

  1,715

  23 4

  2 5

  3 9

  1980*

  49,296

  11,113

  1,632

  2,328

  22 5

  3 3

  4 7

  2000?

  51,499

  12,009

  1,369

  1,945

  23 3

  2 7

  3 8

  2020?

  53,363

  11,519

  1,336

  2,081

  21 6

  2 5

  3 9

  * Mid year population estimates.

  †Mid 1979 based population projections.

  Deaf Persons ( Television Services)
  Mr. Heddle asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will undertake research into the future demand from registered deaf persons for the use of television, in particular for the services of Prestel, Teletext, and the Open University; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Rossi: Such research is a matter for the authorities directly concerned, all of which are aware of the needs of hearing impaired people. I understand that the BBC-Ceefax,-IBA-Oracle-and British Telecom-Prestel-are carrying out research on the extension of the Teletext facility.

  Thousands

  Births

  60

  Deaths

  6

  Natural increase

  54

  Net migration

  37

  Full information in respect of changes in the year mid-1980 to mid-1981 will not be available for some time, though some limited information on natural increase in the second half of 1980 was given in my reply to my hon. Friend on 22 October 1981.—[Vol. 10, c. 185.]
  Sir Brandon Rhys Williams asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing for each of the years 1950, 1980, 2000 and 2020, and expressing each figure as a percentage of total population, the estimated numbers of men aged over 60 years, over 65 years and over 75 years, women aged over 60 years, over 65 years and over 75 years and young people aged under 16 years, between 16 and 18 years, and between 18 and 21 years.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: Following is the available information for England and Wales. Estimates of persons aged 16 to 17 and 18 to 20 for 1950 are not readily available.

  Pensions
  Sir Brandon Rhys Williams asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many men are currently drawing dependency additions with their State retirement pensions on behalf of wives who are less than 65 years of age, and are either earning or have investment income of their own.
  Mrs. Chalker: I regret that information is not available in the form requested since, for the purpose of such payments, it is not necessary to ask for notification of earnings which are below the earnings limit, or of investment income. At November 1980 a total of 170,220 men were drawing dependency additions with their

  483
  retirement pension in respect of a wife or other adult dependant. A wife over pension age is entitled to a retirement pension in her own right.
  Sir Brandon Rhys Williams asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women aged between 60 and 65 years are in receipt of retirement pension (a) in their own right and (b) on the contribution record of their husbands.
  Mrs. Chalker: I refer my hon. Friend to table 13.34 on pages 75 and 76 of "Social Security Statistics 1980", a copy of which is in the Library.
  Sir Brandon Rhys Williams asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of expenditure in 1981–82 and at 1981 cash prices on retirement pensions paid to women aged between 60 and 65 years distinguishing between women who are entitled to pension on their own contribution record and those who are entitled through the contribution record of their husbands.
  Mr. Rossi: £570 million and £530 million. These figures include expenditure where the pension paid is based on both the woman's and her husband's insurance record.

  Inflation
  Mr. George Cunningham asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury on 27 October, what has been the rate of inflation in each of the countries listed in the last 10 years.
  Mr. Rossi: I refer the hon. Member to the table on consumer price indices in the OECD publication "Main Economic Indicators", a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library.

  Family Practitioner Committees
  Mr. Ted Fletcher asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if it is his intention to introduce legislation for the granting of employing authority status on a par with district health authorities for family practitioner committees.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: My right hon. Friend intends to announce a decision on the future status of family practitioner committees shortly.

  Drugs (Costs)
  Mr. Pavitt asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which 10 drugs purchased by the National Health Service attract the highest costs; and what percentage each cost represents of the total of pharmaceutical expenditure.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: Information about the total costs of medicines supplied to the National Health Service by individual companies is confidential between the Department and the companies concerned and could not be divulged without a breach of confidence.
  Pharmaceutical Company (Member's Correspondence)
  Mr. Pavitt asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will examine National Health Service expenditure with the pharmaceutical company, the name
  484
  of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Brent, South, which made profits in excess of £150 million in 1980.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: The figure quoted by the hon. Member relates to world-wide trade in both pharmaceuticals and other products. Supply of medicines to the NHS accounted for only a very small proportion of the total.

  Overseas Visitors (Medical Charges)
  Mr. Pavitt asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reply he has sent to the Commission for Racial Equality on its comments to him on proposals for health charges for overseas visitors.
  Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: The commission's views were contained in a memorandum that did not specifically require a reply. My hon. Friend the Minister for Health discussed its views with the chairman of the commission at a meeting on 2 July.

  Medicines Commission
  Mr. Douglas Hogg asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to receive the 1980 report of the Medicines Commission; and what arrangements he is making for this and related reports to be available to hon. Members.
  Dr Vaughan: We received the report today and copies have been laid before both Houses of Parliament in accordance with section 5(2) of the Medicines Act 1968. Copies have been placed in the Library and are available to hon. Members from the Vote Office. Copies are also available of the 1980 annual reports of the Committee on Safety of Medicines, the Veterinary Products Committee, the British Pharmacopoeia Commission, the Committee on the Review of Medicines, the Committee on Dental and Surgical Materials and the Committee on Radiation from Radioactive Medicinal Products.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Plastic Bullets
  Mr. Concannon asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the criteria for the use of plastic bullets in Northern Ireland.
  Mr. Prior: In broad terms baton rounds are only to be used where other methods of maintaining law and order are unlikely to succeed and where there is risk of loss of life or serious injury or widespread destruction of property. The operational instructions given to policemen and soldiers on their use are designed to minimise the possibility of injury.
  The disorders in Northern Ireland which have necessitated the use of baton rounds far exceed in scale and ferocity those recently seen in Great Britain. But the security forces in Northern Ireland are accountable under the law for their actions in the same way as in England and Wales.

  Ulster Defence Association
  Mr. Concannon asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the results of his inquiry into possible proscription of the Ulster Defence Association.
  Mr. Prior: I am keeping this matter under close review. But all those who break the law are liable to prosecution, regardless of the organisation, if any, to which they belong. In recent months the RUC has brought charges against considerable numbers of Loyalists as well as Republicans.

  Rating System
  Mr. Dunlop asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans to reform the rating system in Northern Ireland.
  Mr. John Patten: I shall be considering the implications for the rating system in Northern Ireland of the proposals for possible alternatives to domestic rates in Great Britain which will be published shortly in a Green Paper.

  Unemployed Young Persons
  Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of unemployed young people in the Province under 20 years of age at the latest date.
  Mr. Adam Butler: 27,036 young people under 20 years of age were registered as unemployed on 8 October 1981.

  Liverpool-Belfast Ferry
  Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with trade union representatives, management and Northern Ireland hon. Members concerning the proposed closure of the P and 0 Liverpool to Belfast ferry.
  (2) what companies have had discussions with his Department concerning the possible retention of the Liverpool to Belfast ferry.
  Mr. David Mitchell: The meeting took place on 21 October. The deputation urged the Government to intervene financially to save the existing service, in view of the importance of this link between the two cities. I made it clear that the decision to close had been taken by the operator on commercial grounds and that, while I regretted it, I had to accept it. I also made it clear that it was against Government policy to subsidise commercial shipping interests. I described the efforts being made by Government to interest other companies in the route and emphasised that, apart from normal safety factors, there were no licensing requirements to be met by a prospective operator. I expressed the hope that the ferry link between Belfast and Liverpool would soon be re-established on a commercial basis.
  Discussions between my Department and companies interested in the Liverpool to Belfast ferry service have been on the basis of commercial confidentiality. I cannot therefore divulge their names. They are, of course, free to declare their interest.

INDUSTRY

  Information Technology centers
  Mr. Cant asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is yet in a position to announce in which locations he proposes to establish the 62 information technology centers; and in what way they will be financed.
  Mr. Kenneth Baker: I hope to announce locations of the first information technology centers within a few weeks. MSC and the Information Technology center Consultancy Unit are at present processing and developing applications with sponsors. The initial commitment is to 25 or so centers and not the 62 to which the hon. Member refers. The centers will be financed by the Manpower Services Commission and Department of Industry. The normal Manpower Services Commission provision of trainee allowances, capital grant and salary assistance will apply. The Department of Industry will provide grant towards capital equipment, software development and some salary. Additionally, local sponsors will assist in cash and kind, along with assistance from high technology industry.

  "Policy for Industry"
  Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Industry what consideration he has given to the "Policy for Industry" of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce; what action he is taking in relation to the detailed proposals made; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. MacGregor: I have read with interest a copy of the association's paper. It contains a lot of useful points which deserve to be widely heeded, particularly in the importance it attaches to competitiveness, cost control and increased efficiency as a basis for growth.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Civil Defence
  Mr. Pawsey asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing how much each local authority is now spending on civil defence, how much this represents for each person in that area, and how that compares with 1980, 1975 and 1970.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  Expenditure by county councils accepted for civil defence grant in 1975–76 and unaudited figures for 1980–81 are shown below. This expenditure expressed on a per capita basis is shown in brackets against each figure. I regret that comparable information for 1970–71 is not available.

  Counties

  1975–76

  1980–81

  £

  (pence>

  £

  (pence)

  Avon

  21,100

  (2.28)

  48,638

  (5.26)

  Bedfordshire

  29,759

  (5.96)

  †70,356

  (14.01)

  Berkshire

  8,223

  (1.20)

  †60,000

  (8.79)

  Buckinghamshire

  27,119

  (5.06)

  54,755

  d>(10.21)

  Cambridgeshire

  39,402

  (6.80)

  116,256

  (20.06)

  Cheshire

  65,715

  (7.09)

  144,375

  (15.58)

  Cleveland

  38,419

  (6-75)

  81,339

  (14.30)

  Cornwall

  18,062

  (4.32)

  38,095

  (9.12)

  Cumbria

  47,245

  (10.05)

  117,629

  (25.03)

  Derbyshire

  47,947

  (5.33)

  94,974

  (10.57)

  Devon*

  *(—?)

  (—?)

  111,900

  (11.75)

  Dorset

  29,708

  (5-02)

  53,786

  (9-09)

  Durham

  31,894

  (5.28)

  86,960

  (1441)

  East Sussex

  33,394

  (5.10)

  54,818

  (8-37)

  Essex

  61,481

  (4.24)

  102,482

  (7.08)

  Gloucestershire

  35,533

  (7 ? 14)

  83,437

  (16-78)

  Greater London

  245,669

  (3.57)

  475,666

  (6.91)

  Greater Manchester

  57,205

  (2.16)

  214,092

  (8.08)

  Hampshire

  4,797

  (0.32)

  73,139

  (5.01)

  Hereford and Worcestershire

  34,657

  (5.60)

  55,005

  (8.90)

  487

  Counties

  1975–76

  1980–81

  £

  (pence

  £

  (pence)

  Hertfordshire

  38,210

  (4.01)

  72,846

  (7.65)

  Humberside

  33,529

  (3 94)

  131,621

  (15.49)

  Isle of Wight

  11,181

  (9.69)

  29,928

  (25 95)

  Kent

  64,225

  (4.41)

  146,832

  (10.08)

  Lancashire

  60,537

  (4.41)

  163,480

  (11.93)

  Leicestershire

  34,738

  (4.15)

  †109,199

  (13 05)

  Lincolnshire

  35,781

  (6 70)

  79,856

  (14.95)

  Merseyside

  71,163

  (4.64)

  159,760

  (10.43)

  Norfolk

  25,904

  (3 77)

  76,116

  (11.09)

  Northamptonshire

  31,041

  (5 93)

  64,856

  (12.39)

  Northumberland

  23,699

  (8.17)

  85,838

  (29 61)

  North Yorkshire

  59,452

  (8 96)

  105,942

  (15 97)

  Nottinghamshire

  55,003

  (5 64)

  128,415

  (13 18)

  Oxfordshire

  21,084

  (3 88)

  38,984

  (7 19)

  Shropshire

  17,083

  (4.62)

  43,973

  (11.90)

  Somerset

  33,699

  (8 11)

  80,256

  (19 31)

  South Yorkshire

  31,842

  (2.44)

  79,921

  (6 44)

  Staffordshire

  48,006

  (4.80)

  123,844

  (12 38)

  Suffolk

  28,866

  (4 83)

  68,561

  (11 47)

  Surrey

  60,400

  (6 07)

  127,743

  (12 85)

  Tyne and Wear

  29,554

  (2 55)

  31,215

  (2 70)

  Warwickshire

  32,405

  (6 91)

  59,732

  (12 73)

  West Midlands

  75,268

  (2.79)

  251,090

  (9.31)

  West Sussev

  21,098

  (3 27)

  54,094

  (8 40)

  West Yorkshire

  80,016

  (3 87)

  134,234

  (6 50)

  Wiltshire

  50,243

  (9 72)

  117,345

  (22 72)

  Clwyd

  23,081

  (5 99)

  47,335

  (12 29)

  Dyfed

  28,756

  (8 83)

  40,598

  (12 46)

  Gwent

  42,664

  (9 78)

  72,699

  (16 67)

  Gwynedd

  14,052

  (6 20)

  30,612

  (13 52)

  Mid Glamorgan

  29,027

  (5 40)

  47,218

  (8 78)

  Powys

  9,068

  (8 46)

  26,288

  (24 54)

  South Glamorgan

  20,883

  (5.34)

  86,208

  (22 07)

  West Glamorgan

  25,296

  (6 90)

  54,262

  (14 80)

  * Due to sale of assets the income exceeds expenditure.

  †Provisional.

  Illegal Immigrants
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give a breakdown of the 670 illegal immigrants given right of abode between 1 April 1979 and 30 June 1981 by (a) country of origin and (b) reasons for granting indefinite stay.
  Mr. Raison:
  I regret that this information is not available.

  Bomb Disposal Personnel
  Sir Frederick Burden asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what special financial provisions are made for the widows and children of men in bomb disposal units killed whilst carrying out their extremely dangerous duties.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  Bomb disposal personnel employed by the Metropolitan Police are civilian employees and the terms and conditions for the payment of awards in the event of injury or death on duty are the same as these which apply to civil servants. These include a continuing widow's allowance based on a minimum income guarantee of at least 45 per cent. of the husband's pensionable pay with the addition of 10 per cent. for each eligible child. Dependants are also eligible to make a claim for an exgratia payment under the criminal injuries compensation scheme.

  Nuclear War
  Mr. Ray Powell asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any estimates have been made of the casualties from nuclear war in the individual communities of Mid-Glamorgan.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  Possible casualties from any nuclear attack can be estimated only by reference to the weight of attack, targeting pattern and various other factors such as weather conditions. In the absence of prior knowledge of the targeting intentions of a potential enemy and of these other factors it is not possible to estimate casualties in individual communities.

  Mr. Ray Powell asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish details of preparations being made in respect of a nuclear war by (a) local authorities, (b) area health authorities, (c) the public utilities, such as gas, water and electricity and (d) any voluntary body being grant-aided from public funds.

  Mr. Mayhew:
  The Home Office issues advisory circulars to local authorities, which cover liaison with health authorities, public utilities and voluntary bodies. These circulars in the ES series are available in the Library of the House and may be obtained by members of the public free of charge on application to the Home Office—F6 Division.

  Mr. Ray Powell asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measure of protection will be afforded to the civilian population in the communities of Mid-Glamorgan in the event of a nuclear attack.

  Mr. Mayhew:
  Substantial protection against radiation may be obtained in the home by the fairly simple methods described in the booklet "Protect and Survive". Guidance on shelter construction is offered in the booklet "Domestic Nuclear Shelters" and the book "Domestic Nuclear Shelters Technical Guidance". All three publications are on sale to the public through Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

  Additionally, a national survey is proposed to identify existing structures which could serve as communal shelters. Discussions with the local authority associations are at present taking place on how best to achieve this survey.

  Police (Protective Clothing and Equipment)
  Mr. Wheeler asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received the report of the working group on protective clothing and equipment for the police, whose appointment he announced on 6 May; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Whitelaw:
  The working group has presented its report to me and I have had a copy placed in the Library of the House.

  The group was under Home Office chairmanship, with representatives from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, the Superintendents' Association, the Police Federation, the Association of County Councils and the Association of Metropolitan Authorities.

  The group's terms of reference were to review the work on protective clothing and equipment for the police that had been undertaken in recent years and to consider

  489
  whether any changes were necessary. Against the background of the civil disturbances in July, the group at my request extended its study to the use of more sophisticated anti-riot weapons as well as protective measures. The group accelerated its work because of those disturbances, and its main conclusions and recommendations were made available at the end of July. The full report has now been circulated to chief officers of police and police authorities in England and Wales and to the police and local authority associations.

  The provision of items recommended by the working group is a matter for chief officers of police and police authorities. Work is in hand in areas which the group identified for evaluation and development.

  John Hasse
  Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the health of John Hasse, who is on hunger strike in Strangeways prison.
  Mr. Mayhew:
  His condition is giving no cause for concern, but his health is being closely monitored.

  Citizens Band Radio
  Dr. Edmund Marshall asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when a reply will be sent to the letter addressed to the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Raison), by the hon. Member for Goole, dated 2 September about citizens band radio.
  Mr. Raison:
  I replied to the hon. Members letter yesterday.

  Detained Persons (Statistics)
  Mr. George Cunningham asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are currently held in custody in England and Wales who have been imprisoned for more than one year pending trial.
  Mr. Mayhew [pursuant to his reply, 22 October 1981, c. 175]: Precise information can be made available only at disproportionate cost. It is estimated that on 31 August 1981 about 50 persons awaiting trial in prison department establishments in England and Wales had been remanded in custody more than 12 months earlier; some of them had spent some time on bail.

TRADE

  Carpets
  Mr. Bulmer asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will set out the figures for monthly imports of carpets from Belgium for the latest available six-month period.
  Mr. Peter Rees:
  The information is as follows:

  United Kingdom imports of carpets from Belgium.

  Thousand square metres

  Value (£ thousand)

  September 1980

  1,021

  2,637

  October 1980

  1,104

  2,649

  November 1980

  1,029

  2,766

  December 1980

  1,049

  2,592

  January 1981

  908

  2,329

  February 1981

  1,329

  3,046

  490

  (Source: Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom, SITC (R2) 659 2 to 659 6 inclusive, excluding 659 63)

  Alcoholic Beverages (Imports)
  Mr. Sims asked the Secretary of State for Trade what were the volume and value of French-produced alcoholic beverages imported into the United Kingdom during 1980.
  Mr. Peter Rees:
  Import statistics for French-produced alcoholic beverages cannot be provided within acceptable limits of cost. In 1980 alcoholic beverages valued at £172 million were imported into the United Kingdom with France as the country of consignment. Volume statistics are not available.

  Children (Domestic Accidents)
  Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps have been taken by Her Majesty's Government since May 1979 with the aim of reducing the number of domestic accidents to children.
  Mr. Biffen:
  My Department's home accident surveillance system shows that a high proportion of accidents in and around the home involve children, especially small children. In many cases such accidents can be avoided by care on the part of the parents and children. For this reason, publicity campaigns have been launched on particular themes. For example, teaching aids on the subject of fire prevention have been produced for use in schools, short television "filler" films and radio tapes have been produced on child safety. The Government have provided help to organisations concerned with child safety, such as the Child Accident Prevention Committee and have supplied material for the BBC series "Play it Safe" and a forthcoming BBC programme on home safety. They have provided financial support for the home safety work of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. The Government have laid great stress on annual publicity campaigns to reduce firework accidents and the number of children injured in this way has declined each year from the peak of 1978.

  In certain cases, more needs to be known about the causes of accidents. That is why my Department's safety research section is conducting detailed investigations into areas of importance to child safety, such as severe burns and scalds and accidents involving nursery goods and glass. A study has just been started of what parents consider to be the dangers for children in the home and their relation to supervision.

  Legislation also has its role to play in ensuring that consumer goods are safe in the home if handled properly. Since May 1979 the Government have introduced safety regulations controlling the supply of "glitter lamps" containing dangerous solvents, upholstered furniture and certain novelties. They have played their part in extending the voluntary scheme for child resistant closures for solid dose medicines. Safety regulations are being prepared on carry-cots and the packaging and labelling of dangerous household products. The Government have contributed financially to the work of formulating safety standards for consumer goods carried out by the British Standards Institution. They have also participated in the drafting of standards on toys, nursery goods and architectural glass as well as the many articles used in the home, such as electrical equipment, which may give rise to accidents to children. The Government have also encouraged suppliers

  491
  to observe safety standards and to withdraw from the market, or modify, products likely to injure children—for example, dangerous ornamental dolls and novelties.

  Liverpool-Belfast. Ferry
  Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received concerning the proposed closure of the P and 0 Liverpool to Belfast Ferry; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Sproat:
  Since the closure was announced, in addition to representations made also to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I have received one from the Blackpool Hotel and Guest House Association and two from members of the public. I have nothing to add to the statements made by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 26 and 29 October.

  Manufactures
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list in the Official Report the five nations with which the United Kingdom had the largest positive balance of trade in manufactures in 1972 and 1980, respectively; and if he will also publish a table showing the five countries with which the United Kingdom had the largest negative balance of trade in manufactures in these years, respectively.
  Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to his reply, 20 October 1981, c. 106]: The information is as follows:

  Largest balances in United Kingdom Trade in manufactured goods

  (£ million)

  Imports cif (a)

  Exports fob (b)

  Crude Balance (b minus c)

  1972

  Australia

  71

  288

  +217

  United States of America

  829

  1,012

  +183

  Irish Republic

  172

  338

  +166

  South Africa

  136

  288

  +153

  New Zealand

  4

  137

  +132

  Federal Republic of Germany

  776

  468

  _307

  Japan

  284

  143

  _141

  Switzerland

  344

  228

  _115

  Hong Kong

  181

  88

  _93

  Italy

  261

  225

  _36

  1980

  Nigeria

  26

  1,086

  +1,060

  Irish Republic

  988

  1,782

  +793

  South Africa

  219

  899

  +680

  Saudi Arabia

  181

  747

  +567

  Australia

  250

  721

  +471

  Federal Republic of Germany

  5,147

  3,140

  _2,007

  United States of America

  4,700

  3,244

  _1,455

  Japan

  1,668

  480

  _1,187

  France

  2,989

  2,550

  𠁟439

  Italy

  1,847

  1,472

  _375

  Source: United Kingdom Overseas Trade Statistics

  Notes: (1) For maximum comparability, 1972 figures are on SITC(R1) basis, but incorporating current (1981) adjustments in respect of precious stones; 1980 figures are on SITC(R2) basis incorporating current (1981) adjustments in respect of precious stones and second-hand aircraft. This does not remove all statistical inconsistency between the two years in question, but the remajining differences are believed to be minor.

  (2) Because of rounding, columns (a) and (b) do not in all cases balance to column (c).

  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Trade 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 [pursuant to his reply, 29 October 1981]: The available information relates to the United Kingdom and is as follows:

  United Kingdom Trade in Manufactured Goods in September 1981

  £ million not seasonally adjusted

  Exports fob

  Imports cif

  Trade with:

  European Community

  1,047

  1,404

  Rest of World

  1,823

  1,568

  World

  2,870

  2,972

  Lined Glasses
  Mr. Gordon Wilson asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will now introduce the necessary order which will make it mandatory to use lined glasses for the serving of beer and cider in licensed premises.
  Mr. Biffen:
  What the hon. Member probably has in mind is an order to bring into operation section 19 of the Weights and Measures Act 1979. Such an order would require that, in measuring the quantity to be served, the gas comprised in any foam on the beer or cider should be disregarded. This would not require the mandatory use of lined glasses as there are other ways of ensuring a full measure. I have decided that in present economic circumstances I would not be justified in introducing an order.

  Hoover (UK) Ltd.
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for Trade, in view of the recent job losses at Hoover, whether he is satisfied at the reaction speed of European trading policies in those areas of manufacturing which Hoover propose to close; and whether he will take action to safeguard British industry from further job losses in these areas.
  Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to his reply, 27 October 1981, c. 317]: The problems which have led to Hoover's current rationalisation plans owe more I believe to trading conditions than to specific international trade isues. The European Commission has, however, instituted an antidumping investigation into imports of cylinder vacuum cleaners from certain East European countries. I am satisfied that when the Commission had the necessary evidence, it acted promptly in this matter but my officials will nevertheless be watching progress on this case very closely. We have made clear to the Commission the importance of taking action against dumped imports, which damage industry, as speedily as is consistent with the internationally agreed rules; and we have made sure that it is fully aware of the particular problems affecting the domestic electrical appliance industry.

  Balance of Trade
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether the balance of trade in manufactures with West Germany is in greater deficit than that with Japan.
  Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to his reply, 27 October 1981]: In absolute terms this was the case in 1980, but our trade with and notably our exports to the Federal Republic of Germany were also greater. The ratio of exports to imports for the United Kingdom's trade in manufactures with Germany was over 60 per cent. compared with less than 30 per cent. with Japan.
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will consider similar action with regard to West Germany as that he is considering with regard to Japan in order to achieve balanced trade.
  Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to his reply, 27 October 1981, c. 317]: The two cases are quite dissimilar. The Federal Republic of Germany is a fellow member State of the European Community and, moreover, constitutes the United Kingdom's largest single export market.

  Electrical Appliances (Imports)
  Mr. Gregor MacKenzie asked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received from manufacturers of domestic electrical appliances concerning imports of such goods; and what response he has given.
  Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to his reply, 28 October 1981, c. 350]: Representations have been received from a number of companies alleging that domestic electrical appliances imported from certain East European countries are being dumped. My Department's anti-dumping unit has assisted the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Electrical Appliances to lodge formal complaints with the European Commission in respect of imports of single door refrigerators and cylinder vacuum cleaners from these countries, and investigations by the Commission are now in progress. Anxiety has also been expressed to my Department that national State aids may have distorted competition to the benefit of imports from within the Community or may do so in future. The Commission has investigated the matter but has found no evidence that this is the case.

  Printing Equipment (Imports)
  Mr. Proctor asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the cost of equipment imported for the United Kingdom printing industry.
  Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to his reply, 28 October 1981, c. 351]: Information on imports of printing machinery may be found in table III of the Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom under SITC(R2) subgroups 726.3, 726.4, 726.7 and 726.9.

  Exports (Sudan)
  Mr. Lyell asked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received concerning risks to the continuance of the export trade by United Kingdom pharmaceutical manufacturers and other export trades to the Sudan as a result of the proposed withdrawal by the Export Credits Guarantee Department of cover other than
  494
  in cases where business is covered by confirmed irrevocable letter of credit; and if he will make a statement.
  Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to his reply, 28 October 1981, c. 352]: One representation has been received. ECGD has maintained cover for United Kingdom exports on credit terms up to 180 days since Sudanese debts to the United Kingdom were rescheduled in 1979, but the terms of cover for the Sudan are now being reviewed in the light of ECGD's deteriorating experience. It is probable that some restrictions will be imposed on future business with this market.

  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 [pursuant to his reply, 29 October 1981]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence discussed this issue with the Prime Minister of Malaysia on 5 October and the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is in close touch with Ministers and officials of the Malaysian Government.

  Trade Policy
  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether his statement in his speech to the Trade Policy Research center on 1 July, that there was no virtue in a trade policy which did riot 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 [pursuant to his reply, 29 October 1981]: The Government have always been prepared to consider recourse to protective measures against imports in particular cases where these are consistent with our international obligations; and we shall continue to consider individual cases on their merits. The firm line the Government are taking in the current international discussions on the problem of low-cost textile imports is evidence of our pragmatic approach to this difficult area of trade policy.
  Trade within the Community needs to comply with the competition rules of the Treaty of Rome. Where these rules have been observed, it is not possible for us to take protective action against imports from other member States, nor can they take action against our exports to them. We are always ready to examine any alleged breaches of the rules with a view to taking such cases up with the Commission.

  Imports and Exports
  Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Trade 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.
  Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to his reply, 29 October 1981]: This information may be derived from tables 11 and 15 of the press notice "The current account of the United Kingdom balance of payments" issued on 20 October and in the House Library. The figures relate to the United Kingdom and are on the overseas trade statistics basis.

TRANSPORT

  British Rail
  Mr. Moate asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest estimate of the total amount of Government financial support for, and investment in, British Rail in 1981–82.
  Mr. David Howell:
  Total Government financial support comprising grants and loans for British Rail in 1981–82 is estimated to be £860 million. The board's latest estimate of expenditure on investment is £325 million, within a Government ceiling of £427 million.

  Seat Belts
  Mr. John Fraser asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he proposes to make regulations for the compulsory fitting of seat belts in the rear of cars.
  Mr. David Howell:
  Some car owners already fit and use rear seat belts, and from 1 October 1981 all new cars must have anchorage points for them. But I have no plans at present to require compulsory fitting.

  Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will set out in the Official Report in tabular form the results of his assessment of the effects of seat belt legislation on the incidence of accidents in other countries.

  Mr. David Howell:
  The information which we received from other countries was neither complete enough nor in sufficiently comparable form to enable us to do more than reach the limited conclusions on fatalities which we have already made known. I regret, therefore, that I cannot provide information in the form requested. I shall, however, write to my hon. Friend giving him as much of the detailed background as I can.

  Worksop Southern Bypass
  Mr. Ashton asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to publish the side roads and compulsory purchase orders for the A57 Worksop southern bypass in November.
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke:
  The draft side roads order will be published on 6 November with the compulsory purchase order to follow shortly afterwards. I shall write to the hon. Member next week with more details of the draft orders and public exhibition.

  GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS: STAFF NUMBERS
  GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS: STAFF NUMBERS
  AMMUNITION TRANSPORTATION
  AMMUNITION TRANSPORTATION
  Royal Commission
  Royal Commission
  Prorogation: Her Majesty's Speech
  Prorogation: Her Majesty's Speech