Written Answers of 6 April 1987

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Bail
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  asked the Attorney-General if he has any proposals for pre-trial hail applications to be heard in open court; and if he will make a statement.

  The Solicitor-General
  No.

  Bail Act 1976
  Mr. Peter Bruinvels
  asked the Attorney-General what representations he has received concerning the operation of the Bail Act 1976 by judges in cases where the police have been known to object to bail applications.

  The Solicitor-General
  None recently. However, my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has received a small number of letters on the subject.

  Lord Rothschild
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Attorney-General when he now expects to reach a decision about the possible prosecution of Lord Rothschild under section 2 of the Official Secrets Act.

  The Attorney-General
  The police investigation remains incomplete and the Director of Public Prosecutions has as yet received no report.

  Wright Case (Appeal)
  Mr. Winnick
  asked the Attorney-General what information he has as to when the appeal by Her Majesty's Government in the Wright case is likely to be heard in Australia; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  It is expected the hearing will start on 6 July.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Lawrence
  asked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the progress of measures to improve the efficiency of the Crown prosecution service since his reply to the hon. and learned Member for Burton on 19 February, Official Report, column 766.

  The Attorney-General
  The Crown prosecution service will seek constantly to achieve improvements in efficiency. Improved arrangements for management and forward planning are being introduced; staff numbers are being increased for 1987–88; and continuous programmes for recruitment training, the use of computers and other efficiency work are being carried out. Good progress is being made, but more lawyers have still to be recruited in London and some other areas.

  Zeebrugge Ferry Disaster
  Mr. Greg Knight
  asked the Attorney-General whether he took any steps to ensure that the local authority which launched an appeal fund following the "Herald of Free Enterprise" disaster took account of his guidelines on disaster funds when framing its appeal; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  The Treasury Solicitor on my behalf was in touch with the relevant local authority shortly after the accident and satisfied himself that my guidelines were being followed and offered any further guidance that the local authority might find helpful.

  Family Courts
  Mr. Baldry
  asked the Attorney-General when he anticipates announcing further progress towards family courts.

  The Solicitor-General
  The Government are considering the responses to a consultation paper issued by the Lord Chancellor's Department in May 1986 and the resource implications of the various proposals which have come forward. Good progress is being made, but I cannot say when consideration will he complete.

  Raymond Kingsland
  Mr. Soley
  asked the Attorney-General if papers relating to the alleged laundering of Mafia heroin profits by companies and bank accounts connected with Raymond Kingsland have been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

  The Attorney-General
  No.

  Police National Computer
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Attorney-General what discussions he has had with, and what advice was received from, the Data Protection Registrar in relation to his policy on taking out prosecutions under the Official Secrets Act in preference to under the Data Protection Act in cases involving abuse of the police national computer.

  The Attorney-General
  The Director of Public Prosecutions has had general policy discussions with the Data Protection Registrar, but none on the specific point raised by the hon. Member. The director considers each case on its own merits.

  Master Bickford Smith
  Mr. Sedgemore
  asked the Attorney-General if he is now in a position to reply to the letter dated 23 November 1986 which he received from the hon. Member for Hackney, South and Shoreditch concerning the inquiry by the Lord Chancellor into Master Bickford Smith and others; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  I hope to be in a position to reply to him shortly.

  Privatisation (Multiple Share Applications)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Attorney-General (1) whether he will prosecute the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Mr. Best) under section 15 of the Theft Act 1968 for

  3
  obtaining property by deception by making multiple applications for British Telecom shares; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) whether he will prosecute the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Mr. Best) under section 16 of the Theft Act 1968 for obtaining pecuniary advantage by deception by making a multiple application for British Telecom shares; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  I understand that the police are investigating certain allegations made against the hon. Member for Ynys Môn. They will report in due course to the Crown prosecution service.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Technical Assistance
  Mr. Chapman
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the role and extent of technical assistance as part of the United Kingdom overseas aid programme.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Technical co-operation is an essential element in Britain's bilateral aid programme, providing recipient countries with training and expert advice in a wide range of disciplines which contribute to their development.

  Third World Debt
  Mr. Clay
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any further plans to assist the debt programme of the poorest developing countries.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We are already considering new initiatives and the next opportunity to take these further will be later this week at the spring meeting of the IMF and the World Bank.

  AIDS
  Mr. Stuart Holland
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further measures he has initiated to increase bilateral and multilateral assistance to combat the spread of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome in developing countries, and especially in Africa.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Subject to parliamentary approval, I have decided to give £3 million in the financial year 1987–88 to the World Health Organisation's special programme on AIDS. In addition, I have agreed to provide, over three years, about £1·6 million to the International Planned Parenthood Federation to help it develop its capability to combat the disease.

  Food Aid
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to increase bilateral aid and assistance to countries on the United Nations list facing abnormal food shortages.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  I announced last week some £11·3 million of emergency assistance to Mozambique, including up to 30,000 tonnes of food aid. I shall publish details of our aid to other countries on the list in the Official Report.

  Following is the information:
  4

  United Kingdom emergency and food aid in 1987 to countries facing abnormal food shortages

  Food aid £ million1

  Relief assistance £ million1

  Mozambique

  6·7

  3·9

  Sudan

  2·8

  2·0

  Bangladesh

  9·3

  —

  Nepal

  0·5

  —

  1 Estimated.

  Notes:

  (1) This table only includes allocations (and deliveries of food aid) made in the first three months of 1987.

  (2) Nepal has now been added to the FAD list of countries facing abnormal food shortages.

  Africa (Insect Pests)
  Mr. Key
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will increase the role played by the Overseas Development Agency's scientific units in combating insect pests in Africa.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Yes. In view of the importance I attach to promoting agricultural development in Africa, I have instructed the Tropical Development and Research Institute to increase its operations in that area. Project proposals estimated at some £7 million are now being prepared to tackle crop and storage pests, on which TDRI has much valuable expertise and experience.

  Nepal
  Mr. Soames
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the level of aid given by his Department to Nepal.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  As I informed my hon. Friend on 18 March, our aid disbursements to Nepal in 1986 are provisionally estimated at £9·9 million.

  The level of aid reflects the close and friendly relations between our two countries. Our aid is devoted to basic infrastructure, health and education, and to rural development in the hill areas of Nepal, in support of the Nepalese Government's efforts to improve the living conditions of their people.

  Brazil
  Mr. Kirkwood
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of Brazil's suspension of debt interest payments on development programmes in that country.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Brazil has suspended payment of interest on its commercial loans. This move will have no effect on Britain's modest aid programme of technical assistance to that country. Other bilateral donors, and the international financial institutions, will be making their own assessments.

  Water Aid
  Mr. Favell
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to visit projects sponsored by Water Aid; and if he will make a statement.
  5
  Mr. Chris Patten
  I am looking forward to visiting the London office of Water Aid on 19 May. I hope to have an opportunity to visit some of its projects in the future.

  Shatila and Bourj el Barajneh Refugee Camps
  Mr. Stuart Holland
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what initiatives are being taken by the Overseas Development Administration both on a bilateral basis and through the European Community to provide food, medical supplies and other relief to the Palestinian refugee camps of Shatila and Bourj el Barajneh in Lebanon; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  On 27 March 1 announced new emergency aid for the Lebanon totalling £550,000. Of this £250,000 is being channelled through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in response to its appeal for food, medical and other relief supplies for the camps. The remaining £300,000 will he used by the International Committee of the Red Cross for its relief programme in Lebanon.

  The European Community contributes annually— about £22 million in 1986—to the education and feeding programmes of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which mainly benefit Palestinians in Lebanon. In addition, it has allocated this year 2·7 mecu—about £2 million — to various international agencies working in the area. About 20 per cent. of the Community programme is met from the British aid budget.

  Pakistan
  Sir George Young
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the level and nature of United Kingdom assistance to Pakistan.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Our gross bilateral aid to Pakistan in 1986 is povisionally estimated at £20·7 million, compared to £16·6 million in 1985. It is concentrated in the main sectors to which the Pakistan authorities give priority: irrigation and agriculture; power; education and health; and population. I shall be discussing the progress of the programme with Prime Minister Junejo tomorrow.

  We also provide substantial assistance to the Afghan refugees in Pakistan—over £40 million since the Soviet invasion. Following my visit to the camps last November, when I was able to see for myself the good use to which these funds are put, I plan to allocate £5 million more for support of the refugees this financial year.

ENERGY

  British Coal
  Mr. Patchett
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give details of closures of British Coal workshops/ training establishments since 1979, giving in each case their geographical area.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Following are the closures of establishments since 1979:

  British coal area and workshops

  Industrial training centres

  Scotland

  Lugar

  Fordell

  6

  British coal area and workshops

  Industrial training centres

  New Battle

  Comrie

  Calder Head

  North East

  Whitburn

  Vane Tempest

  Tursdale

  Ashington

  North Yorkshire

  Monk Bretton

  Barnsley Main

  Allerton Bywater

  South Yorkshire

  Elsecar

  Bentley

  Birdwell

  Markham

  Carcroft

  Carcroft

  Fence

  Treeton

  Central

  Blackwell

  Annesley

  Ansley

  Swadlincote

  Bretby

  Western

  Walkden

  Valley

  Kirkless

  South Wales

  Tredegar

  Abernant

  Tondu

  Tondu

  Power Stations (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions his Department is having with British Coal over the price and terms of supply of coal to power stations in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My officials have had some discussions with officials from the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland about future international coal prices. The price and terms of supply of coal by British Coal to power stations in Northern Ireland are, however, commercial matters for negotiation between the corporation and Northern Ireland Electricity.

  Coal Industry (Pit Closures)
  Mr. Patchett
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give details of all pit closures which have occurred since 1979, giving in each case manpower levels at each pit concerned in the previous year, and giving an indication of its coalfield area.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 12 March at columns 279–280. Since then Newstead colliery in Nottinghamshire has closed. I will ask the chairman of British Coal to write to the hon. Member about manpower levels.

  Coal Industry (Accidents)
  Mr. Patchett
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will give details of all fatal accidents which have occurred in the coal industry for the year 1986–87, broken down according to coalfield areas;

  (2) if he will give details of all serious accidents which have occurred in the coal industry for the full year 1986–87 broken down according to coalfield areas.
  7
  Mr. David Hunt
  This information is not yet available.

  British Coal (Manpower)
  Mr. Patchett
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will give details of current manpower levels in British Coal by area, giving indications of categories of employment;

  (2) if he will give details of British Coal manpower levels by coalfield area for the full year 1986–87.

  Mr. David Hunt
  British Coal manpower by area for financial year 1986–87 is given below. A breakdown of manpower by category of employment is not available.

  British coal manpower on colliery books by area for financial year 1986–87

  Number

  Scottish

  4,524

  North East

  14,444

  North Yorkshire

  17,758

  South Yorkshire

  15,402

  North Derbyshire

  7,414

  Nottinghamshire

  20,594

  South Midlands inc. Kent

  7,431

  Western

  12,139

  South Wales

  10,238

  Total

  109,944

  Nuclear Power Stations
  Mr. Frank Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy when (a) Springfields, (b) Heysham A and B, (c) Hartlepool, (d) Wylfa, (e) Trawsfydd, (f) Oldbury, (g) Berkeley, (h) Hinkley Point A and B, (i) Winfrith, (j) Dungeness A and B, (k) Bradwell, (l) Sizewell and (m) Sellafield were connected to the national grid.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The CEGB, BNFL and the UKAEA as appropriate have advised me that the, first of the turbine generators at each station were synchronised to the grid on the following dates:

  Date

  Springfields

  1

  Heysham 1

  July 1983

  Heysham 2

  2

  Hartlepool

  August 1983

  Wylfa

  January 1971

  Trawsfyndd

  January 1965

  Oldbury

  November 1967

  Berkeley

  June 1962

  Hinkley Point A

  February 1965

  Hinkley Point B

  February 1976

  Winfrith

  December 1967

  Dungeness A

  September 1965

  Dungeness B

  April 1983

  Bradwell

  July 1962

  Sizewell

  January 1966

  Sellafield

  3

  1 The facilities at Springfields do not provide power to the grid.

  2 The reactors at Heysham 2 are undergoing engineering tests and no power has been provided to the grid.

  3 The Sellafield site includes the Calder Hall reactors the first of which provided electricity supplies to the grid in October 1956.

  Except for Winfrith, each of these stations has a number of turbines and these were synchronised to the grid at subsequent times.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police Traffic Patrols
  Mr. Knox
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the average national reduction in the strength of police traffic patrols since 1985.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  On 31 December 1985, 8,265 police officers were deployed on specialist traffic duties in police forces in England and Wales other than the Metropolitan police. On 31 December 1986 the equivalent figure was 8,357, an increase of just over 1 per cent. Similar figures are not yet available for the Metropolitan police.

  "Fresh Start"
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the implications for the probation service of the Prison Department's "Fresh Start" project.

  Mr. Mellor
  "Fresh Start" is a package of proposals designed to make fundamental changes in the working arrangements, organisation and pay systems for prison officers. It is too soon to say whether those proposals will have implications for the probation service but it is expected that, if there are any, they will be minor. They are, in any case, only likely to affect those probation officers working in prison service establishments. Review teams are visiting prison service establishments and will be drawing up recommendations for the operation of "Fresh Start" in each. Area chief probation officers will be given the opportunity to comment on their recommandations.

  Prison Population
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the prison population of England and Wales at the latest date available.

  Mr. Mellor
  On 27 March 1987 the total prison population in England and Wales, including Immigration Act detainees, was 49,071.

  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for the most recent date available, what was the certified normal accommodation and actual population of each of: Her Majesty's prison Bedford, Her Majesty's prison Birmingham, Her Majesty's prison Bristol, Her Majesty's prison Brixton, Her Majesty's prison Gloucester, Her Majesty's prison Leeds, Her Majesty's prison Lewes, Her Majesty's prison Lincoln, Her Majesty's prison Liverpool, Her Majesty's prison Manchester, Her Majesty's prison Nottingham, Her Majesty's prison Oxford, Her Majesty's prison Pentonville, Her Majesty's prison Reading and Her Majesty's prison Shrewsbury.

  Mr. Mellor
  On 27 March 1987 the certified normal accommodation of the establishments listed was as follows:

  Establishment

  Certified Normal Accommodation

  Population

  Bedford

  176

  305

  Birmingham

  573

  1,168

  Bristol

  552

  620

  9

  Establishment

  Certified Normal Accommodation

  Population

  Brixton

  725

  1,079

  Gloucester

  193

  311

  Leeds

  642

  1,312

  Lewes

  361

  568

  Lincoln

  359

  688

  Liverpool

  821

  1,307

  Manchcster

  968

  1,690

  Nottingham

  202

  294

  Oxford

  130

  253

  Pentonville

  834

  1,122

  Reading

  178

  332

  Shrewsbury

  169

  297

  On 31 December

  Authorised Police Establishment

  Police Strength

  Civilian Strength1

  Total Police and Civilian Manpower1

  1979

  1,182

  1,167

  312

  1,479

  1980

  1,182

  1,182

  336

  1,518

  1981

  1,182

  1,182

  334

  1,516

  1982

  1,182

  1,183

  332

  1,515

  1983

  1,183

  1,178

  335

  1,513

  1984

  1,183

  1,152

  333

  1,485

  1985

  1,183

  1,141

  309

  1,510

  1986

  1,183

  1,157

  318

  1,475

  On 28 February 1987

  1,183

  1,172

  313

  1,485

  Note

  1 Excluding traffic wardens and cadets.

  Including part-time civilian staff on a 2 for 1 basis.

  Animals (Experiments)
  Mr. Hancock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Departmemt (1) how many live animals were used by Oxford university for experimental purposes under licences issued by his Department in 1985;

  (2) how many animals were used by the department of physiology at Oxford for experimental purposes under licences issued by his Department in 1985;

  (3) how many and which breeds of primates have been used in licensed experiments at Oxford university since 1985;

  (4) how many dogs were used in licensed experiments at Oxford university in 1985;

  (5) how many cats were used in licensed experiments at Oxford university in 1985;

  (6) how many animals were used in licensed experiments by the department of psychology in Oxford university in 1985;

  (7) how many primates have been used, in licensed experiments, by the department of psychology at Oxford university in 1985;

  (8) how many primates were used by Messrs. Heddon, Sloper, Hiorns and Powell of the department of human anatomy and bio-mathematics at Oxford university in licensed experiments during 1985;

  (9) in what year Messrs. Heddon and Powell were first licensed to undertake animal experiments at Oxford university;

  (10) how many cats Messrs. Heddon and Powell of the department of human anatomy have used in licensed experiments since 1976;

  Lincolnshire Police Authority
  Mr. Leigh
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what were the authorised establishment manpower figures for the Lincolnshire police authority for each of the years 1979 to 1987 inclusive;

  (2) what were the actual establishment manpower figures for the Lincolnshire police authority for each of the years 1979 to 1987 inclusive.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information requested is as follows:

  (11) how many primates have been used by the department of psychology of Oxford university in licensed experiments since 1976;

  (12) how many animals have been used by Professor Weiskrantz, professor of experimental psychology at Oxford university, in licensed experiments, since 1977;

  (13) how many animals have been used by Professor Alan Connery in licensed experiments in the Oxford experimental psychology department since 1977;

  (14) how many animals have been used by R. Passingham in licensed experiments in the department of experimental psychology since 1977;

  (15) how many animals have been used in experiments by David J. Price of the department of physiology at. Oxford university, under licence from the Home Department, since 1976;

  (16) how many primates have been used in animal experiments under licence by his Department by Professor Colin Blakemore since 1976.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is not our practice to disclose the identity of establishments or departments where licensed experimentation is conducted, or to give details of such experimentation by reference to individuals, departments or establishments.

  Mr. Hancock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people at Oxford university currently hold licences to carry out animal experiments under certificate A.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is not our practice to disclose information of this nature. The Certificate A was a feature of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, which was repealed on 1 January this year.
  11
  Mr. Hancock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many visits were paid by his Department's inspectors to the department of physiology at Oxford university between 1980 and 1987;

  (2) how many visits were paid by his Department's inspectors to the departments of anatomy, psychology, the Nuffield department of anaesthetics, Nuffield orthopaedic centre, physiology and John Radcliffe hospital in 1985.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is not our practice to disclose information of this nature. However, all establishments where licensed experimentation is carried out are visited frequently by inspectors, usually unannounced.

  Mr. Hancock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider suspending Professor Blakemore's current licence to carry out animal experiments until the work is examined fully by the Animal Procedures Committee.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No. We are satisfied that Professor Blakemore's work should be allowed to continue.

  Mr. Hancock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Professor Colin Blakemore will be required to apply for a project licence for his work on primates and cats.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Project licence applications from persons working in universities and similar institutions are likely to be invited from October 1987 onwards.

  Mr. Hancock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications have been received for project licences, under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, since it came into force.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Five hundred and sixty.

  Mr. Hancock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many licence applications have been rejected since the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into force.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is not our practice to disclose this information.

  Video Recordings
  Mrs. Golding
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, following the statement made in the House on 31 March by the Minister of State about video recordings, Official Report, column 965, he will make a statement on his examination of the future use of video recordings in the legal system.

  Mr. Mellor
  As I said at column 967, my right hon. Friend proposes to make an announcement soon.

  Mr. Chan Hok Cheung
  Mr. Madden
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will defer the deportation of Mr. Chan Hok Cheung from Belfast to Hong Kong so that he is available to give further assistance to Royal Ulster Constabulary officers making inquiries into serious allegations against a senior Royal Ulster Constabulary officer and so that Mr. Chan Hok Cheung is subject to normal procedures whereby a person is permitted to remain in the United Kingdom pending an application for judicial review of his/her case.

  Mr. Waddington
  Following Mr. Chan's successful application to the court on 2 April for leave to move for 12
  judicial review of the decision to remove him as an illegal entrant, removal directions have been suspended pending the outcome of the proceedings.

  Nurses (Visas)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visas have been granted in the past 12 months to nurses intending to work in Newham; and how many are currently outstanding.

  Mr. Waddington
  Information on students applying for entry clearance who wish to train as nurses is not separately available. Qualified nurses need a work permit from the Department of Employment, and I understand that my right hon. and learned Friend the Paymaster General is replying to the hon. Gentleman's question about them.

  Deportation
  Mr. Alton
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deportation orders have been served on Iranians requiring that they be sent back to Iran in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and in how many of these cases the deportees have been deported to Iran.

  Mr. Waddington
  Deportation orders do not specify the country to which the person deported is to be sent. The information available relates to orders made and orders enforced and to the nationality which will normally be the country of destination. The following table gives the numbers in each of the last three years.

  Deportation order and trade and orders enforced against Iranian nationals, 1984–86

  Year

  Orders made

  Orders enforced1

  1984

  123

  11

  1985

  56

  10

  1986

  22

  11

  1 Orders enforced in a particular year were not necessarily made in the same year.

  Mr. Alton
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances and for what reasons his Department would consult a High Court judge over an order that a judge had made on an application for care and control made by a man whom his Department was attempting to deport; and whether, in those circumstances, the man or his legal representatives would be given an opportunity to make representations.

  Mr. Waddington
  I am aware of the particular case to which the hon. Member refers and will write to him.

  Salvador Mendoza and Renaldo Blanco
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Salvador Mendoza and Renaldo Blanco, members of the El Salvador Human Rights Commission, were stopped and searched by immigration officials when they arrived from Ostend on 29 March.

  Mr. Waddington
  The information is not readily available and I will reply as soon as possible.

  Firearms
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the percentage increase in the numbers of crimes and offences involving the use of firearms in the 10-year period ended 1965, and what were the total of convictions in courts for firearms offences of crimes and offences involving the use of firearms in the years 1955, 1965, 1975, 1985 and 1986 respectively.

  Mr. Mellor
  [pursuant to his reply, 26 March 1987, c. 229]: The number of offences recorded by the police in which firearms were reported to have been used is published annually in table 3.1 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales". Comparable figures are not available before 1969.

  It is not possible from central records of the results of court proceedings to identify all offences in which firearms were involved. The information available on findings of guilt for offences under the Firearms Act 1968 is shown in the table below: it relates only to cases in which this was the principal offence and excludes persons also found guilty of a more serious offence. Information on a similar basis is not available for earlier years.

  Persons found guilty of offences under the Firearms Act 1968

  England and Wales 1980, 1985

  Offence

  1980

  1985

  Possession of firearm with intent lo endanger life; use of firearms in resisting arrest

  65

  42

  Possession of a firearm at time of committing or with intent to commit an offence

  104

  101

  Possession of firearm without a certificate; trading in firearms without being registered; conversion of firearms; carrying loaded firearm in a public place etc.

  1,039

  875

  Non-possession of a certificate1 for a shotgun; trespassing with firearm on land; persons under 17 purchasing a firearm etc.

  5,490

  2,465

  6,698

  3,483

  1 Summary offences.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  GATT (Agriculture)
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he intends to be present at the GATT discussions relating to world agricultural problems; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Negotiation of international trade agreements is the responsibility of the European

  Net Capital Expenditure1 in manufacturing industry2 by standard region of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1985 at 1979 prices

  £ million

  Region

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  North

  613

  428

  284

  256

  279

  356

  403

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  625

  484

  360

  330

  354

  413

  435

  East Midlands

  478

  394

  316

  322

  323

  380

  435

  East Anglia

  210

  173

  133

  161

  161

  174

  193

  South East

  1,581

  1,357

  1,077

  1,040

  1,154

  1,373

  1,426

  South West

  377

  319

  272

  268

  308

  369

  384

  West Midlands

  705

  612

  423

  421

  425

  574

  571

  North West

  971

  864

  609

  566

  594

  666

  700

  14
  Community as a whole, represented by the Commission. My Department co-ordinates the United Kingdom input to that process. It will play a full part in preparing the Community position for the new round of GATT negotiations. These negotiations were launched in Uruguay in September 1986 at a meeting which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I both attended. The negotiations are to last four years. Among their most important tasks they will deal with the problems of international trade in agriculture, including the effects of all forms of direct and indirect subsidies. The negotiations are at an early stage, and no meetings in GATT at ministerial level are currently planned.

  A copy of the Uruguay declaration launching the new round of GATT negotiations has been placed in the Library of the House.

  AAH Holdings plc
  Mr. Skinner
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the proposed merger by AAH Holdings plc of the jointly-owned company with British Coal, namely, British Fuels Ltd. and Redland's Cawoods companies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Butcher
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced on 13 March that he had decided not to refer the setting up of a joint venture company— British Fuels Ltd — by Redland plc, AAH Holdings plc and British Coal to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. His decision was in accordance with the recommendation of the Director General of Fair Trading.

  Manufacturing Investment
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish details of investments by manufacturing industry by regions (i) at constant prices and (ii) for each year in constant prices as a percentage of 1979 prices, for each year for 1979 using the latest estimates where appropriate.

  Mr. Butcher
  The requested information is show in the tables:
  15

  Region

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  Wales

  471

  330

  295

  252

  251

  321

  360

  Scotland

  589

  568

  491

  404

  348

  425

  554

  Northern Ireland

  127

  125

  106

  92

  104

  126

  129

  United Kingdom

  6,750

  5,655

  4,367

  4,112

  4,299

  5,176

  5,590

  Net Capital Expenditure1 in manufacturing industry2 for each standard region of the United Kingdom as a percentage of net capital expenditure in the same region in 1979

  Percentage

  Region

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  North

  100

  70

  46

  42

  45

  58

  66

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  100

  77

  58

  53

  57

  66

  70

  East Midlands

  100

  82

  66

  67

  67

  79

  91

  East Anglia

  100

  82

  63

  77

  76

  83

  92

  South East

  100

  86

  68

  66

  73

  87

  90

  South West

  100

  85

  72

  71

  82

  98

  102

  West Midlands

  100

  87

  60

  60

  60

  81

  81

  North West

  100

  89

  63

  58

  61

  69

  72

  Wales

  100

  70

  62

  53

  53

  68

  76

  Scotland

  100

  96

  83

  69

  59

  72

  94

  Northern Ireland

  100

  98

  84

  73

  82

  99

  102

  United Kingdom

  100

  84

  65

  61

  64

  77

  83

  1 Excluding expenditure on assets leased from the financial industries.

  2 Divisions 2–4, Standard Industrial Classification, Revised 1980.

  Sources: Annual Census of Production and United Kingdom National Accounts.

  Steel
  Mr. Crowther
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions have taken place in the European Community Council of Ministers concerning reductions in steelmaking capacity in the independent sector.

  Mr. Giles Shaw
  None—beyond those upon which I reported in the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Teignbridge (Mr. Nicholls) on 23 March 1987, at column 23.

  British Medical Data Systems Ltd.
  Mr. Straw
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what approval has been given to British Medical Data Systems Ltd. for tendering for public sector contracts.

  Mr. Butcher
  The Department of Trade and Industry does not keep a list of approved suppliers of services or goods. Suppliers are chosen from firms and organisations known to have appropriate capabilities.

  Rolls-Royce plc
  Mr. Millan
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, further to his answer to the right hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan on 16 February, Official Report, column 438, he will now state the total cost to the Government of the RB211–22B programme of Rolls-Royce plc and the total Government receipts from that programme.

  Mr. Pattie
  The total cost of the RB211–22B programme to Government was £537 million. Under the arrangements applying to the programme, the Government took all receipts for the first 555 engines, totalling £334 million. Commercial exploitation levies are payable on subsequent sales of engines and sales of spares. Total receipts to date are approximately £340 million.
  16

  London Greek Radio
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times London Greek Radio has been the subject of raids by officers of his Department since 1983; and how many other stations have been raided over the same period, and how often.

  Mr. Butcher
  The unlicensed broadcasting station London Greek Radio first came to the attention of my Department's Radio Investigation Service in March 1984. Since that time the RIS has taken action against the station on 80 occasions. During the same period the RIS acted 563 times against 171 other unlicensed stations.

  Airbus
  Mrs. Renée Short
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has any proposals to increase the sum offered to British Aerospace for the A330-A340 Airbus Industries aircraft in view of the implications for jobs in Wolverhampton and elsewhere of the current level of finance offered.

  Mr. Pattie
  Discussions with British Aerospace about the question of launch aid for the Airbus A330-A340 project are continuing, and I am not able to comment at present on the proposals under discussion.

  Privatisation (Multiple Share Applications)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when his Department first became aware of the multiple applications for BT shares in the names of the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Mr. Best); and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Pattie
  On Wednesday of last week. The relevant papers have since been passed to the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider.

  South Africa
  Mr. Caborn
  asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in the light of the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 591 of 1986, Her Majesty's Government will review their decision to license the export to South Africa of the Plessey AR3D military radar system; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Allan Clark
  [pursuant to his reply, 3 April 1987, c. 650]: No.

WALES

  Milk Quotas
  Mr. Best
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales from where the extra 20 million litres of milk quota allocated to Northern Ireland have come; and if he will make a statement.

  Number of People Unemployed for every Parliamentary constituency in Wales

  At January 1987

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  (d)

  Up to six months

  Over six months and up to one year

  Over one year and up to two years

  Over two years

  Total number of people unemployed

  Alyn and Deeside

  1,988

  755

  584

  1,069

  4,396

  Clwyd North West

  2,609

  930

  913

  1,233

  5,675

  Clwyd South West

  1,976

  668

  549

  851

  4,044

  Delyn

  2,216

  791

  851

  1,357

  5,215

  Wrexham

  2,231

  870

  630

  1,244

  4,975

  Carmarthen

  2,062

  788

  597

  837

  4,284

  Ceredigion and Pembroke North

  2,143

  728

  650

  846

  4,367

  Llanelli

  2,119

  846

  684

  1,154

  4,803

  Pembroke

  4,322

  894

  840

  1,325

  7,381

  Blaenau Gwent

  2,168

  801

  879

  1,617

  5,465

  Islwyn

  1,719

  639

  711

  889

  3,958

  Monmouth

  1,456

  613

  457

  818

  3,344

  Newport East

  2,025

  877

  818

  1,380

  5,100

  Newport West

  2,121

  926

  961

  1,570

  5,578

  Torfaen

  2,281

  765

  768

  1,413

  5,227

  Caernarfon

  2,086

  563

  584

  952

  4,185

  Conwy

  2,098

  682

  561

  816

  4,157

  Meirionnydd Nant Conwy

  1,301

  373

  282

  360

  2,316

  Ynys Mon

  2,037

  830

  863

  1,278

  5,008

  Bridgend

  1,803

  699

  604

  832

  3,938

  Caerphilly

  2,149

  890

  924

  1,803

  5,766

  Cynon Valley

  1,794

  599

  724

  1,299

  4,416

  Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney

  1,898

  702

  691

  1,751

  5,042

  Ogmore

  1,873

  735

  857

  1,240

  4,705

  Pontypridd

  1,961

  734

  697

  1,323

  4,715

  Rhondda

  2,073

  737

  788

  1,592

  5,190

  Brecon and Radnor

  1,341

  464

  403

  518

  2,726

  Montgomery

  1,121

  377

  306

  386

  2,190

  Cardiff Central

  2,517

  1,140

  1,016

  1,709

  6,382

  Cardiff North

  1,198

  505

  361

  603

  2,667

  Cardiff South and Penarth

  2,063

  872

  891

  1,704

  5,530

  Cardiff West

  2,161

  952

  936

  1,887

  5,930

  Vale of Glamorgan

  2,429

  860

  740

  1,159

  5,188

  Aberavon

  1,939

  609

  627

  935

  4,110

  Gower

  1,576

  650

  481

  807

  3,514

  Neath

  1,832

  759

  604

  854

  4,049

  Swansea East

  1,968

  839

  807

  1,895

  5,509

  Swansea West

  2,098

  881

  878

  1,964

  5,821

  Source: NOMIS.
  18
  Mr. Nicholas Edwards
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, North-East (Mr. Thurnham) on 31 March by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, at columns 445–446.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will state the numbers of those people unemployed for (a) less than six months, (b) between six months and one year, (c) between one year and two years and (d) over two years, and the total number of people unemployed, for every parliamentary constituency in Wales.

  Mr. Nicholas Edwards
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Further Education
  Mr. Grist
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what change there has been in the staff-student ratio in further education in Wales since 1979; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholas Edwards
  The student-staff ratio on maintained establishments of further and higher education is as follows:

  Student-staff ratio

  1979–80

  7·6:1

  1985–86

  8·8:1

  Percentage change

  +15·8

  Mr. Grist
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what change there has been in the subjects studied by students in advanced and non-advanced further education in Wales since 1979;

  Number of student enrolments outside the university sector

  Advanced Full-time equivalent

  Subject of study

  1979–80

  1985–86

  Percentage change

  Education1

  2,557

  2,686

  +5·0

  Medical, Health and Welfare

  410

  487

  +18·8

  Engineering and technology

  1,788

  3,074

  +71·9

  Agriculture, forestry, veterinary studies

  141

  117

  -17·0

  Science

  697

  1,415

  +103·0

  Social, administrative and business studies

  1,712

  3,009

  +75·8

  Professional and vocational subjects

  762

  700

  -8·1

  Language, literature and area studies

  61

  80

  +31·1

  Arts other than languages

  239

  999

  +318·0

  Music, drama, art and design

  651

  1,460

  +124·3

  1 Includes teacher training.

  Number of students enrolments outside the university sector

  Non-advanced Full-lime equivalent

  Subject of study

  1979–80

  1985–86

  Percentage change

  Education1

  190

  501

  +163·7

  Medical, Health and Welfare

  1,013

  1.118

  +10·4

  Engineering and technology

  6,920

  5,412

  -21·8

  Agriculture, forestry, veterinary studies

  868

  968

  +11·5

  Science

  373

  757

  +102·9

  Social, administrative and business studies

  3,071

  4,726

  +53·9

  Professional and vocational subjects

  2,723

  3,585

  +31·7

  Language, literature and area studies

  23

  51

  +121·7

  Music, drama, art and design

  912

  970

  +6·4

  Other

  8,707

  10,408

  +19·5

  1 Includes teacher training.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of primary school children in each of the local education authority areas speak Welsh as their principal language.

  Mr. Nicholas Edwards
  The percentages of pupils, aged five and over, in maintained primary schools and whose principal language is Welsh are given in the table. The figures as at September 1985 exclude pupils who are fluent in Welsh but whose home language is not Welsh.
  20
  (2) what change there has been in the numbers of students enrolled in part-time and full-time advanced and non-advanced further education courses in Wales since 1979.

  Mr. Nicholas Edwards
  The information is given in the following tables:

  Number of students enrolments outside the university sector

  Advanced

  Non-advanced

  Part-time1

  Full-time2

  Part-time1

  Full-time2

  1979–80

  5,644

  7,498

  46,017

  16,190

  1985–86

  7,048

  12,192

  45,645

  20,225

  Percentage change%

  +24·9

  +62·6

  -0·8

  +24·9

  1Including evening only modes of attendance.

  2Full-time, short full-time and sandwich modes of attendance.

  Per cent.

  Clwyd

  4·9

  Dyfed

  20·6

  Gwent

  0·1

  Gwynedd

  41·4

  Mid Glamorgan

  0·6

  Powys

  5·7

  South Glamorgan

  1·0

  West Glamorgan

  2·7

  Food Aid
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the operation in Wales of the European Community food aid scheme for the needy and the elderly.

  Mr. Nicholas Edwards
  In Wales, as elsewhere in the United Kingdom, procurement of products and distribution to individuals was carried out under the auspices of certain recognised charitable organisations. The scheme, which ended in the United Kingdom on 31 March 1987, had to be introduced quickly and I appreciate the work done by the charities concerned in discharging this very considerable task for the benefit of the needy in Wales.

  Margam Mine
  Mr. Barry Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give regional aid to the Margam new mine project; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholas Edwards
  The Government consider that on the basis of six-day working the Margam project is sufficiently attractive to go ahead without Government grant. British Coal is aware that a coal mining project such as Margam would not be a qualifying process for the purpose of regional development grant. British Coal is also fully aware that under successive Governments regional selective assistance has not been available towards the mainstream activities of nationalised industries.

  Urban Aid
  Mr. Raffan
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he proposes to introduce the new urban regeneration grant scheme in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mark Robinson
  I am pleased to say that we have today launched the urban regeneration grant scheme in Wales. This new grant mechanism is available to help bring forward significant new developments by the private sector on large sites in inner urban areas. The mechanism will work in broadly the same way as urban development grant, although URG does not need to be submitted through a local authority. Although approved URG projects may be relatively few in number, they will be an important adjunct to those existing funding sources which already contribute to the rejuvenation of the inner urban environment in Wales.

PRIME MINISTER

  Official Publications
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's practice with regard to the balance between the provision of Government information and the presentation of party policy in official publications.

  The Prime Minister
  The conventions which successive Governments have applied to the use of public funds for publicity and advertising were set out in a note provided to the Widdicombe committee in April 1985. A copy of that note was placed in the Library of the House at the time.

  Green Pound
  Mr. Maclennan
  asked the Prime Minister if the remarks of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Calder Valley (Mr. Thompson) in Exeter on 12 March, concerning Government moves for a 16 per cent. devaluation in the green pound represent the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government's reaction to the Commission's proposal for a four percentage point devaluation of the green pound will be decided in the light of developments on the price fixing negotiations as a whole. We shall weigh carefully all the relevant considerations.

  Land Drainage
  Miss Maynard
  asked the Prime Minister when Her Majesty's Government intend to issue the revised Department of the Environment/Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Welsh Office Agricultural Department land drainage and conservation guidance notes for water authorities, internal drainage boards, the Nature Conservancy Council and the Countryside Commission; and whether the revised guidelines will be addressed to local authorities in respect of their land drainage responsibilities under the Land Drainage Act 1976.

  The Prime Minister
  We plan to issue the revised guidelines in the summer. 'They will apply to local authorities, which are subject to the same restrictions and liabilities as a drainage authority in carrying out their functions under the Land Drainage Act 1976. Local authorities have been informed through their representative associations.

  Colonel Oliver North
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Prime Minister if she or any Ministers had any postal, telephone, videolink or other written or verbal contact with Colonel Oliver North during (a) 1985 or (b)

  The Prime Minister
  I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on Monday 30 March at column 340.

  Mr. William Casey (Meetings)
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Prime Minister what was discussed at her meetings with William Casey in London and Washington during 1986.

  The Prime Minister
  In the course of my official duties I meet senior members of the United States Administration from time to time to discuss matters of common concern. It is not my practice, any more than that of previous Governments, to disclose the details of any such discussions.

  Ministerial Speeches
  Dr. Owen
  asked the Prime Minister how much it cost to central funds to have copies of the Secretary of State for Social Services' speech to the 1986 Conservative party conference printed and circulated to administrators of family practitioner committees.

  The Prime Minister
  The cost was £35·22.
  23
  Dr. Owen
  asked the Prime Minister if she will make it her policy that civil servants should not circulate within or outside their Departments copies of speeches made by Ministers to party conferences, following the circulation to administrators of family practitioner committees of the speech by the Secretary of State for Social Services to the 1986 Conservative party conference.

  The Prime Minister
  It is a standing instruction that press releases of speeches made by Ministers in a party political context should be distributed to the media through the party machinery only. Any distribution of such speeches to other recipients is for decision having regard to the particular circumstances of the case. There could well be circumstances in which it was appropriate for a Department to make sure that officials concerned with a particular activity or service were informed of policy statements about that activity or service made by their Minister, even in the case of a statement made in a political context.

  Test Ban Treaty
  Mr. Strang
  asked the Prime Minister what discussions she has had with Mr. Gorbachev on her recent visits to the Soviet Union on a comprehensive test ban treaty and verification procedures; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The matter was touched on only briefly. Verification procedures were not discussed in detail.

  Scottish and Border Television Companies
  Mr. Sedgemore
  asked the Prime Minister for what purpose she proposes to meet producers and executives from Scottish and Border television companies.

  The Prime Minister
  I have invited news and current affairs executives from a number of broadcasting and newspaper interests in Scotland for a discussion about Scottish affairs as they see them.

  Soviet Union (Visit)
  Dr. M. S. Miller
  asked the Prime Minister what facilities were provided by Her Majesty's Government and the British embassy in Moscow to the British press and media party who travelled with her on her aircraft on her recent visit to the Soviet Union; what payment those journalists were expected to make; what facilities were provided to those British journalists who were excluded from the party travelling with her; what criteria were used in determining which members of the press and other media should accompany her on her aircraft; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The facilities provided for the media covering my visit to the Soviet Union were similar to those made for earlier official tours. All journalists, British and foreign, had equal access to briefing, telephone and telex facilities which were laid on by the Soviet authorities at the instigation of the British embassy in Moscow. Arrangements were similarly made for road and air travel inside the Soviet Union for all journalists who sought visas and accreditation with the Soviet Government through No. 10 Press Office. Limitations on seats restricted the number of media seats available on my plane to 24. In addition to the two still photographers 24
  selected by the Newspaper Publishers Association to provide a pool picture service to the press generally, seats were allocated to the first 22 members of the Parliamentary Lobby to apply for them. All journalists were responsible for their own transport, hotel, telephone and other communications and incidental costs.

  Central Scrutiny Programme
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  asked the Prime Minister what topics were covered in the efficiency unit's central scrutiny programme in 1986–87.

  The Prime Minister
  A strong programme of efficiency scrutinies was carried out in association with Sir Robin Ibbs and the efficiency unit in the year ended 31 March 1987. Scrutinies in the programme were as follows:

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Meat and Livestock Commission

  Her Majesty's Customs and Excise

  Patterns of Attendance

  VAT Control Officers' Skills

  Ministry of Defence

  Administrative Movement in British Forces Germany

  Project Management

  Department of Education and Science

  Procedures under the Education Act for the

  Reorganisation of Schools in England

  Department of Energy

  Publications

  Department of the Environment

  Planning Enforcement Appeals

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Overseas Information Services Funded by the FCO

  Department of Health and Social Security

  Liable Relative Procedures

  Competitive Tendering

  Home Office

  Probation Inspectorate

  Supervision of Charities

  Inland Revenue

  Leaflets and Booklets

  Taxation of Unemployment Benefit

  Northern Ireland

  Prison Maintenance

  Overseas Development Administration

  Identification, Design, Appraisal and Approval of Bi-lateral Aid Projects and Programmes

  Property Services Agency

  Professional Services in the PSA

  Project Management

  Scottish Office

  Sea Fisheries Protection

  Department of Trade and Industry

  National Measurement System

  Dissemination of Patent Information (jointly with Office of Arts and Libraries)

  Department of Transport

  Marine Survey Service

  Chief Highway Engineer's Directorate

  Welsh Office

  Community Care

  The scrutiny programme is a continuous one—some of the above scrutinies began late in the period and are still in progress.

  In addition the efficiency unit itself conducted a wide ranging scrutiny on improving management in the Civil Service.

  A number of other scrutinies were also conducted according to full scrutiny disciplines and with guidance from the efficiency unit. These were:

  Metropolitan Police Force

  The Metropolitan Police Band

  Police Overtime

  25
  In addition, the programme of second round scrutinies in the National Health Service is now nearing completion.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND

  Road Accidents (Statistics)
  Mr. Millan
  asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many fatal accident inquiries there have been in each of the last 10 years into deaths caused by road accidents.

  The Solicitor-General for Scotland
  Figures are not available for each of the last 10 years. However, as far as can be ascertained, the figures for the years 1985 and 1986 are 27 and 13 respectively. These figures include inquiries which were mandatory under the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976.

  Children (Summary Prosecution)
  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if the Lord Advocate has issued directions to procurators fiscal regarding the summary prosecution of children under 16 years of age; and if he will make a statement.

  The Solicitor-General for Scotland
  Procurators fiscal have been issued with detailed directions from the Lord Advocate about the prosecution of children under 16 years of age, and these include directions about summary prosecution. They were issued most recently in 1984 but are currently under review.

  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many children under 16 years of age were prosecuted under summary procedure in 1986.

  The Solicitor-General for Scotland
  The provisional figure for the number of children under 16 years of age who were proceeded against in summary prosecutions in Scotland in 1986 is 443.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  EC (Developments)
  Mr. Hanley
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Government intend to publish the White Paper on developments in the European Community July-December 1986.

  Mrs. Chalker
  A White Paper — Cm. No. 122 — covering the period of the United Kingdom's presidency of the Council was published on 6 April 1987 in accordance with normal Government practice. The White Paper highlights the many achievements of the Community during the United Kingdom presidency including substantial progress towards the completion of the Common Market and the removal of barriers to trade in goods and services; radical decisions on reform of the milk and beef sectors constituting the single largest measure of reform so far achieved of the CAP; a wide ranging action programme to help stimulate employment; and intensified co-operation against terrorism, drugs and illegal immigration; in external relations the maintenance and strengthening of the open trading system reflected in the launching of the new GATT round, implementaion of a new multi-fibre arrangement and the settlement of disputes with the United States; an agreement over continued access for New Zealand dairy products;26
  progress in normalisation of Community relations with Turkey; agreement to make food aid policy more responsive to the needs of recipient countries; and, in political co-operation, common positions vis-à-vis South Africa and Syria.

  Team Spirit Manoeuvres
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will have any representatives at the United States of America —South Korean Team Spirit manoeuvres; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Renton
  As I told the hon. Member on 14 April 1986, at column 245, our defence attaché at Seoul observes the team spirit exercises as part of his normal duties.

  South Korea (Military Observers)
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there are any plans to withdraw the British military observers from South Korea; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Renton
  There are no British military observers in Korea. Her Majesty's ambassador has a defence attaché, who is also Commander of the Commonwealth Liaison Mission to the United Nations; Command and Permanent Commonwealth member of the Military Armstice Commission. In addition to his staff, the United Kingdom provides a platoon on rotation from Hong Kong for the United Nations Honour Guard.

  Syria
  Dr. M. S. Miller
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether King Fahd brought with him any specific proposals from President Assad aimed at renewing or improving diplomatic ties with Syria.

  Mr. Renton
  No.

  Overseas Missions (Communications Officers)
  Mr. George Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Hamilton of 18 March, Official Report, column 551, if he has any plans to reduce the number of communications officers in missions overseas; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  The staffing levels at all diplomatic service missions overseas are reviewed regularly by the diplomatic service inspectors. Decisions on the number of staff employed on communications duties are taken as part of that process taking all factors, including cost, workloads and changes in communications techniques into account.

ENVIRONMENT

  Unleaded Petrol
  Mr. Kennedy
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to encourage the establishment of a reasonable network of supplies of unleaded petrol.
  27
  Mr. Meadowcroft
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further measures he will take to stimulate greater use of lead-free petrol.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Department continues to promote unleaded petrol by measures designed to increase public awareness, to stimulate demand, and to ensure general availability by 1988. Unleaded petrol is already sold at over 200 stations throughout the United Kingdom. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget has now removed the price barrier for the motorist. I expect this to stimulate both the use and the availability of unleaded petrol.

  Docklands Urban Development Area
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many firms have moved out of the docklands urban development area or have closed down since 1981; and how many people were employed in these firms.

  Mr. John Patten
  LDDC's records, based on statutorily recorded redundancies, show that 28 firms providing 1,783 jobs closed down between 1 April 1981 and 31 March 1987.

  An estimated 85 docklands firms have been relocated outside their area by the LDDC, generally within reasonable travel to work distance.

  Details of firms which have otherwise moved out of the area will be available after a further survey in the course of this year. This will, however, only cover the period between 1985 and 1987.

  Water Safety (Cheshire)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to whether the North West water authority has sufficient equipment to monitor the radioactivity level of water supplies from Wales being used by people in Cheshire.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The North West water authority has sufficient monitoring equipment to measure the gross beta activity of the water supplied by the Huntington water treatment plant to Cheshire. The authority advises me that equipment to measure gamma activity is on order.

  Her Majesty's radiochemical inspectorate also carries out a national programme of radiochemical monitoring of drinking water sources. The Dee is one of the sources monitored.

  London Docklands Development Corporation
  Mr. Mikardo
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what percentage of the houses and flats on London Docklands Development Corporation land which were sold between July and December 1986 were sold for more than £70,000;

  (2) what percentage of the houses and flats on London Docklands Development Corporation land which were sold between July and December 1986 were sold for more than £40,000;

  (3) whether he will take steps to ensure that the auditor's reports on the London Docklands Development Corporation of 1985–86 and for 1986–87 will be published;

  (4) what is the present average value of land held by the London Docklands Development Corporation for
  28
  purposes of (a) housing, (b) offices and (c) industry in each of (i) the enterprise zone, (ii) the Isle of Dogs outside the enterprise zone, (iii) Southwark and (iv) Newham.

  Mr. John Patten
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 30 March 1987 at column 414.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which organisations and individuals were consulted by the London Docklands Development Corporation in drawing up its proposals for the redevelopment of the Royal docks.

  Mr. John Patten
  The list of consultees is a lengthy one, and I will arrange for it to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to his reply of 31 March to the hon. Member for Brigg and Cleethorpes (Mr. Brown), he will state how the London Docklands Development Corporation arrived at the figures of 48,000 jobs arising from the redevelopment of the Royal docks; and if he will provide an analysis by occupation of the 48,000 jobs.

  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to his answer of 31 March concerning development strategy for the Royal docks, he will state the assumptions and calculations on which he expects 48,000 jobs to be located in the Royal docks area, together with his, or other, estimates of the broad categories of employment.

  Mr. John Patten
  The estimate of jobs provided in my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's answer to his hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Cleethorpes (Mr. Brown) was indicative of the scale of development likely to result from LDDC's broad development strategy. It is based upon the quantity of land available, its suitability for various types and densities of development, and the interest already shown by the private sector. The range of occupations represented in this total will depend upon the nature of the specific developments which eventually take place.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply of 31 March to the hon. Member for Brigg and Cleethorpes (Mr. Brown), regarding 7,000 homes in the London Docklands Development Corporation area, how many of the homes will be (a) for rent and (b) for sale; and what estimate he has made of the average sale price.

  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if, pursuant to his answer of 31 March concerning development strategy for the Royal docks, he will give an estimate of the breakdown of the 7,000 dwellings into (i) freehold, (ii) private rented, (iii) housing association rented, (iv) housing association, low rent, (v) public rented and (vi) other tenures;

  (2) what investment in transport infrastructure other than the Beckton extension of the dockland light railway he expects to be necessary to serve the 7,000 additional dwellings and 48,000 jobs which he expects to see in the Royal docks development area;

  (3) what estimate he has made, pursuant to his answer of 31 March, Official Report, concerning development strategy for the Royal docks, of the effects of new retail facilities now authorised in the area of the Royal docks on the existing retail centres in east London and south Essex;
  29
  (4) what consideration he has given to the implications of, and what conclusion he has reached on, the location of his planned 7,000 additional dwellings and 48,000 jobs near the flightpath of the London city airport in the Royal docks; what consultations he or the London Docklands Development Corporation has had with the Civil Aviation Authority concerning safety aspects of these proposals; and what limitation, he expects to make on the height of buildings in the redevelopment area;

  (5) what consultations he has had with local authorities concerning additional health facilities in Newham consequent to his strategy to build a further 7,000 dwellings and locate 48,000 jobs in the redevelopment area of the Royal docks;

  (6) if he will tabulate in the Official Report the approximate areas of floor space he expects to be built in the Royal docks, Newham for each of (a) housing, (b) exhibition and sports, (c) commercial, (d) industrial and (e) retail purposes.

  Mr. John Patten
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's answer to his hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Cleethorpes (Mr. Brown) indicated the type of development which would be carried out under the approved strategy. It is too early for detailed decisions.

  They will be taken in the light of the actual private sector development proposals which come forward.

  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what bodies or persons were invited to the presentation or press conference arranged by his Department to announce his approval for, and details of, the London Docklands Development Corporation's strategy of development for the Royal docks; and what steps he took to inform elected public representatives of his decisions.

  Mr. John Patten
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made his approval of the strategy known to the House in answer to a question from his hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Cleethorpes (Mr. Brown) on 31 March. A press briefing was held subsequently.

  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library all information, including maps and diagrams, on his proposals and those of the London Docklands Development Corporation for his approved strategy for redevelopment of the Royal docks in Newham.

  Mr. John Patten
  Appropriate documents are being assembled and will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what decisions were taken by the board of the London Docklands Development Corporation at its meeting on Thursday 26 March; and what opportunity will be given by them for applications to purchase land by developers who wish to implement the strategy he has recently approved for the Royal docks redevelopment area.

  Mr. John Patten
  The proceedings of the board of the London Docklands Development Corporation are confidential.

  No commitments for the sale of land in the Royal docks have been entered into for major sites and the LDDC can consider applications for purchase.

  Inner City Lighting (Exhibition)
  Sir George
  Young asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has considered an application for an exhibition relating to inner city lighting to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

  Mr. Tracey
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Services Committee, arrangements have been made with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from 29 June to 3 July.

  Public Water Supplies (Nitrate Content)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Southend, East (Mr. Taylor) on 4 March, Official Report, column 639, if he will now make a further statement on his talks with the water authorities on reducing nitrate content in public water supplies.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Progress is being made, but I am not yet in a position to make a further statement.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Corbett
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list by name and location in the west midlands those sites considered for the storage of low-level nuclear waste by means of shallow burial repository but not selected for geological drilling by UK NIREX Ltd.

  Mr. Nellist
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many of the original 1,500 sites considered by his Department and by NIREX to be potentially suitable for shallow burial of low level waste were in Coventry and Warwickshire; and if he will list their locations.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The selection of sites for geological investigation as a possible shallow burial repository for the disposal of low-level nuclear waste was a matter for UK NIREX Ltd. Neither the Government nor NIREX considers it would be appropriate to release details of all the sites considered before the four sites currently under investigation were selected.

  Miss Maynard
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any sites within the Sheffield, Brightside constituency and the adjoining constituencies are being considered as a possible repository for intermediate level nuclear waste; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  This is a matter for UK NIREX Ltd. It is currently considering possible options for the disposal of intermediate level wastes, including deep burial in a repository on land, tunnelling beneath the seabed from the shore, and disposal into the seabed from a sea-based rig.

  Mr. Faulds
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if any of the 1,500 sites investigated for low-level radioactive waste or for intermediate-level waste repositories are sited within Sandwell; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers give today to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Corbett) and the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Miss Maynard).

  "Rural Enterprise and Development"
  Dr. Owen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much it cost his Department to produce the pamphlet, "Rural Enterprise and Development"; how many copies have been printed and what were their production costs; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ridley
  It is not possible to identify, separately from their other work, the time spent by officials in preparing the pamphlet "Rural Enterprise and Development". Eight thousand copies were printed at an estimated total production cost of £25,853. The pamphlet was produced for sale to the public through Her Majesty's Stationery Office at a cost of £3·95 per copy.

  Thamesmead
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what steps he has taken to ascertain if there have been any changes in the value of Thamesmead since the district valuer's valuation on 31 March 1986;

  (2) what is the value placed on fixed plant, machinery and equipment. vehicles and mobile plant, stocks and stores and other corporeal moveable property held by the London residuary body for the purpose of Thamesmead.

  Mr. Chope
  We intend to publish an explanatory paper in due course showing how the financial terms for the transfer of Thamesmead have been arrived at.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if tenants and other residents of Thamesmead were told of the need for sales of properties at vacant possession during the consultation organised by his Department in September and October 1985; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  Residents of Thamesmead were told that tenants would retain security of tenure and the right to buy. The question of sales of vacant dwellings is a matter for management decision by Thamesmead Town Ltd.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how he arrived at the sum of £2·5 million payable for Thamesmead Town Ltd. to the London residuary body; and how many vacant possession sales of property at Thamesmead it assumes.

  Mr. John Patten
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Chope) today.

  Docklands Light Railway
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to his answer of 31 March concerning development strategy for the Royal docks, he will set out the calculations on which Her Majesty's Government based their judgment that the cost of £140 million of the Beckton extension of the docklands light railway can be funded from the sale of land currently owned by the London Dockland Development Corporation.

  Mr. John Patten
  The financial appraisals carried out by LDDC are subject to commercial confidentiality. They examine different options, assessing expected receipts 32
  from the sale of LDDC's land against the phased payments which would be required for the construction of the eastern extension. They demonstrate that the increased land values which should result from the proposed extension and other infrastructure works generate sufficient funds for the construction of the extension.

  Royal Docks
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to his answer of 31 March concerning development strategy for the Royal docks, he will state the total cost to the London Docklands Development Corporation of land acquired for development in the Royal docks strategy area and the expected future sale value of such land on completion of his announced redevelopment and the purposes to which he expects the surplus funds to be devoted, other than the estimated £140 million cost of the Beckton extension of the docklands light railway.

  Mr. John Patten
  By 28 February 1987 the LDDC had paid out £18·7 million for land acquired in the Royals area. Final payments for some acquisitions have yet to be made. Payments have also been made for land statutorily vested in the corporation throughout its area, but these are not specifically attributed to particular areas. The expected future sale value of land is a matter of commercial confidentiality.

  To the extent that further surplus funds are available, while precise purposes have not been decided, they will include other infrastructure.

  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the total investment out of public funds in the Royal docks redevelopment area since the creation of the London Docklands Development Corporation; for what major purposes; at what sum for each such purpose; and what further sums of public money, together with the principal items, he expects to be invested in order to achieve his recently announced planning strategy for the area.

  Mr. John Patten
  The total LDDC investment in the Royal docks area, including Beckton, between 1 July 1981 and 28 February 1987, excluding acquisition of land, is as follows:

  £ million

  Environmental improvement

  10·8

  Land reclamation and relocations

  3·8

  Roads and utilities

  21·5

  Other expenditure

  4·7

  40·8

  LDDC's strategy for the regeneration of the Royals area is estimated to cost £446 million at 1986–87 prices, including funding on the proposed eastern extension of the docklands light railway, new roads, utilities, reclamation and environment works.

  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made, in addition to the 48,000 jobs he envisages in the Royal docks redevelopment area, of additional jobs indirectly attributable to the scheme; and if he will state what occupations he expects them to be.
  33
  Mr. John Patten
  An estimated 14,000 jobs will be indrectly attributable to the scheme in the wider economy. It is not possible to state the likely range of occupations that they might include with any certainty.

  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, following his recently announced strategy for the London docklands from Brunswick wharf to the proposed east London river crossing, he will now publish the report of his inspectors following the public inquiries into the compulsory purchase orders for the Royal docks and adjacent areas and the Leamouth area, respectively.

  Mr. John Patten
  No. The inspector's report following the public inquiry into the London Docklands Development Corporation's east docklands compulsory purchase order will be published when the Secretary of State issues his decision on the order.

  Public Expenditure (Departmental Publications)
  Mr. Couchman
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to make available his Department's publications, "Grant Related Expenditure 1987–88" and "The Technical Handbook of Grant Related Expenditure 1987–88."

  Mr. Chope
  My right hon. Friend has today placed copies of these documents in the Library of the House. Copies have also been sent to every local authority in England, and to the local authority associations.

  Cow Pasture Mine
  Mr. Richard Shepherd
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has completed his consideration of the Black Country Limestone Advisory Panel's report on the Cow Pasture mine; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ridley
  I have given careful consideration to the report of the Black Country Limestone Advisory Panel on Cow Pasture mine. I have also taken careful account of the views expressed by Sandwell MBC and other local authorities in the west midlands and of the representations made to me by hon. Members.

  Whilst I can understand Sandwell MBC's continuing desire for an engineering solution to remove the risk of subsidence from the Cow Pasture mine, I do not think that this would he an appropriate use of Government funds because of the uncertainty as to the extent and effects of any subsidence that may arise and the doubts expressed by the panel about the technical feasibility of the solutions considered, together with the high costs involved. I therefore accept the report's conclusions that the most sensible and cost-effective approach is a programme of monitoring and repair as and when necessary. Whilst this will not prevent subsidence occurring at the Cow Pasture mine, it will provide advance warning of the possibility of damage to property and of any necessary precautions to minmise the very small risk of personal injury. The Government will continue to fund the monitoring programme.

  Should subsidence occur damaged property will need to be repaired. I have given very careful consideration to how the costs of such damage might be met, particularly in view of the wider implications for other areas of limestone mines in the Black Country.

  I am not persuaded that a publicly-funded damage repair scheme is justified. The insurance industry already
  34
  provides protection in respect of subsidence damage under normal household building insurance contracts. It would be inappropriate for central Government to fund any such scheme. Government are already making a proper and significant contribution towards the solution of the problems arising from abandoned limestone mines in the Black Country by providing substantial resources for investigation, monitoring and remedial action where appropriate. The Government will continue to provide financial support for that work. £11·9 million has been allocated to date and a further £5·0 million earmarked for the 1987–88 financial year. A large number of mines have already been investigated in all four Black Country boroughs as well as in the Wrekin district of Shropshire. As a result of these investigations, important progress has been made. Substantial areas.—some 61 hectares—have now been removed from the consideration zones for limestone mines, either because the mines have been found to be totally collapsed and therefore not liable to further subsidence or because the limits of mining have been more accurately defined than was possible on the limited information available when the zones were established. Infilling operations have already been carried out on a trial basis at the Castlefields mine, Dudley, and are about to commence at the Littleton Street mine, Walsall. Infilling of part of the Castlefields mine underlying Birmingham road and the Dudley Town football club, and of part of the Lincoln Hill mine, Ironbridge will also commence shortly. Thus engineering solutions have been adopted where appropriate and this will continue to be the case. Additionally, some £1·7 million has been spent so far by the Government on related research to evaluate surface land use in the general economic and planning context of the Black Country, to develop new techniques of monitoring the mines and the ground movements arising from them, and to develop new methods of analysis to aid decision making.

  Private sector financial institutions have an essential role in ensuring that people living within the limestone consideration zones are not disadvantaged. To this end, the Government have consulted the Association of British Insurers, the Building Societies Association and the National House Building Council. Insurance companies, representing the bulk of the household insurance market, have stated that they cannot give an unconditional guarantee that insurance cover will be provided or renewed because this depends on the circumstances of individual applications. However, they have confirmed that they will not discriminate solely on the grounds that property is in a limestone area. Insurers will continue to accept household business, including limestone subsidence, in affected areas provided there is no evidence of existing damage to the property involved. This means that each risk will be considered on its merits and that subsidence cover will be available at standard terms and conditions subject to normal underwriting considerations. These assurances should provide the necessary confidence to owner-occupiers and property investors within the Cow Pasture mine area and other consideration zones in the Black Country.

  Following on from this understanding with insurers. the Building Societies Association has stated, on the basis of its contacts with building societies operating in the limestone area, that it is not aware of any general bar against lending on properties in the area. Societies will consider mortgage applications on their merits in the same

  35
  way as they would for other areas. As far as new building is concerned, the NHBC has stated that, provided its normal requirements for mining areas are met, it will issue its normal 10-year warranty for major structural damage to houses erected by registered builders. These requirements would include the provision of a mining/geology report which establishes the design critieria for subsidence and the foundation details, with calculations and details of any specialist works necessary to cater for the subsidence levels predicted.

  These positive assurances are an indication of the responsible attitude being taken by the private sector and will do much to bolster confidence in the property market in the limestone areas. For their part, local authorities and statutory undertakers will need to act promptly and take any action necessary to maintain roads, public services and facilities in the event of any subsidence damage arising. They will also need to carry out any necessary environmental improvements and repairs to their own housing stock.

  In addition to the Government's existing commitments, there are other important Government measures which will assist in alleviating the situation in the Black Country limestone mines area generally. These are:

  i. The use of HIP resources to enable local authorities to carry out any repairs necessary following subsidence damage to their own housing stock. HIP allocations for 1987–88 have already been made; in making allocations for subsequent years, the Department will take into account any additional expenditure which may arise on essential remedial work on the local authority owned housing situated over these old mines.

  ii. Where owner-occupiers of houses suffer hardship because they cannot sell by reason of the risk of subsidence I will consider, in exceptional cases, granting consent to enable local authorities to acquire the property.

  iii. Continuing expert advice. I have asked the Black Country Limestone Advisory Panel to examine carefully the overall strategy for dealing with the limestone problem and, in particular, to devise a programme for the completion of investigatory works and the identification of necessary remedial action in the remaining areas affected.

  iv. The Black Country is one of the areas where the local authorities have been invited to put forward projects for urban development grant and the new urban regeneration grant introduced under part III of the Housing and Planning Act 1986 is also available there. These grants may be relevant where development is proposed on sites affected by limestone working.

  The limestone problem is a complex one and there is no single easy solution to it. We have developed the package of measures outlined above in response to the various elements of the problem. Continuing Government action, coupled with the assurances given by the insurance industry, building societies and the NH BC, and the local authorities' commitments, should go a long way towards restoring confidence in the local property market and to relieving the concern that has arisen due to a greater appreciation of the problems which might develop in areas affected by abandoned limestone mines.

  Dartmoor (Ring Road)
  Sir Peter Mills
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the current transport difficulties experienced by rescue teams on Dartmoor, he will take steps to repair the ring road on Dartmoor near Okehampton; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I have been asked to reply.
  36
  This road is understood to be a private road and is not the responsibility of the Department.

  Trees (Mechanical Flails)
  Mr. Harrison
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the environmental implications of the use of mechanical flails to cut down trees on railway embankments; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moore
  I have been asked to reply.

  One, in the last year, which I have drawn to the attention of British Rail.

EMPLOYMENT

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Alton
  asked the Paymaster General if he will provide for each year since 1979 the numbers of people being unemployed on Merseyside, and the number of vacancies available at job centres.

  Mr. Lee
  The following is the available information. Unemployment on-flow statistics—which are also in the Library—are available only from October 1982.

  Numbers of people becoming unemployed claimants in the Merseyside Metropolitan Area

  Number

  1983

  147,277

  1984

  138,929

  1985

  144,326

  1986

  145,855

  Note:

  Figures only include computerised claims. The 1983 figure relates to jobcentres closely corresponding to the Merseyside Metropolitan area.

  Average numbers of unfilled vacancies at jobcentres covering the Merseyside Metropolitan Area

  Number

  1979

  2,937

  1980

  1,834

  1981

  2,203

  1982

  1,833

  1983

  2,499

  1984

  2,741

  1985

  2,836

  1986

  3,345

  Note:

  Figures for 1979–81 include a small number of vacancies for the Special Temporary Employment Programme, and from 1981 to 1983 vacancies on the Community Enterprise Programme. The 1981 figure includes temporary vacancies for work on the 1981 census.

  Mr. Blair
  asked the Paymaster General if he will publish the total effect on the numbers on the unemployment register of those working in special employment and training measures, for each month from February 1986.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Mr. Crowther
  asked the Paymaster General if he will state the number of those people unemployed for (a) less than six months, (b) between six months and one year, (c)

  37
  between one year and two years and (d) over two years and the total number of people unemployed for every constituency in Yorkshire and Humberside region.

  Mr. Lee
  I am sending the hon. Member a computer printout showing the information requested, which is available in the Library. The information relates to numbers of claimants in the parliamentary constituencies of the Yorkshire and Humberside region who had been unemployed for the durations requested on 8 January 1987, the latest date for which an analysis of unemployment by duration is available.

  Job Splitting Scheme
  Mr. Macfarlane
  asked the Paymaster General whether he is proposing to make any further changes to the job splitting scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  The job splitting scheme will continue with improvements designed to encourage changes in working patterns and to help in reducing unemployment. From 1 April the main changes are:

  to increase the grant available to employers from £840 to £1,000, payable in three installments of £500, £200, and £300;

  part-time employee places to be open to anyone claiming at an unemployment benefit office;

  to change the name of the scheme to jobshure, a title which more accurately reflects the principle behind the provision and the name most commonly used by the public when describing the job splitting scheme.

  New booklets giving details of the changes, together with a simplified application form, will be available from the employment measures units of the Department of Employment and jobcentres shortly.

  Sheltered Placement Scheme
  Mrs. Peacock
  asked the Paymaster General what provision is made in Batley and Spen under the sheltered placement scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  On 31 March 1987, two severely disabled people were employed under the sheltered placement scheme in Batley and Spen. The scheme is now well established nationally as a means of providing employment for severely disabled people in open conditions in a

  Work permits approved

  Work permits refused

  Applications under consideration

  1984 (1 April-31 December inclusive)

  10

  1

  —

  1985

  23

  —

  —

  1986

  20

  1

  —

  1987 (1 January-31 March inclusive)

  —

  1

  3

  Miss McInnes, Barnfinstown, Orkney
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Paymaster General for what reasons the Orkney office of his Department refused to grant Miss McInnes of Barnfinstown, Orkney, her request in February 1987 for information about job vacancies in Orkney; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  Staff at Kirkwell jobcentre have no recollection of any request from Miss McInnes for 38
  wide range of jobs. I am glad that we have been able to find resources to enable the scheme to expand substantially in the financial year 1987–88.

  Jobcentres
  Mrs. Peacock
  asked the Paymaster General how jobcentres define an unemployed building worker: and whether separate records are kept in jobcentres of (a) labourers and (b) craftsmen available for work.

  Mr. Lee
  Jobcentres define unemployed building workers as those unemployed jobseekers who use jobcentre services to seek work in construction and allied occupations. Individual records of unemployed building workers are held at the discretion of the local jobcentre manager in those areas where known labour skill shortages exist or where the unemployed job seeker has indicated that he is willing to move. Very many unemployed building workers who are actively seeking jobs both through jobcentres and in other ways are not registered. It would be unlikely that jobcentres would keep a register of unemployed and unskilled labourers as these jobs are generally filled very quickly by the jobcentre self-service section.

  Mrs. Peacock
  asked the Paymaster General how many building trade craftsmen are at present registered with jobcentres; and if he will list them by geographical area and by skill or craft.

  Mr. Lee
  The information requested is not available centrally. It could be obtained only by asking all jobcentres to identify and count the number of registrations for building craftsmen from each jobcentre. This would involve disproportionate cost.

  Nurses (Newham)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Paymaster General how many work permits for nurses have been granted from applicants intending to work in Newham during each of the past five years; how many have been refused; and how many are currently outstanding.

  Mr. Lee
  Figures prior to 1 April 1984 are not available except at disproportionate cost. The following information relates to the period 1 April 1984–31 March 1987:

  information about vacancies in Orkney. I have asked the jobcentre manager, Marion McLeod, to get in touch with Miss McInnes to discuss her requirements.

  Availability for Work Test
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  asked the Paymaster General how many people have been interviewed under the new availability for work procedures; how many have had their claims for benefit stopped; how many appeals have been made; and how many have been successful.
  39
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Mr. Janner
  asked the Paymaster General how many people have been refused full or partial unemployment benefit as a result of information obtained by the new availability for work test in Leicester and the United Kingdom as a whole.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I shall reply to the hon. and learned Member as soon as possible.

  Construction Industry Training Board
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Paymaster General (1) what recent representations he has received concerning the future of the Construction Industry Training Board's involvement in the youth training scheme;

  (2) if he will publish in the Official Report the text of the letter which he has recently received from Mr. Derek Gaulter of the Construction Industry Training Board on the subject of the Construction Industry Training Board's involvement in the YTS; and if he will also arrange for his reply to that letter to be published;

  (3) how many trainees have so far been affected in each year by the involvement of the Construction Industry Training Board in the YTS;

  (4) how many trainees the Construction Industry Training Board has proposed to involve in future years on its YTS;

  (5) if he will make a statement on the record of the Construction Industry Training Board's past involvement in the YTS;

  (6) if he will make a statement on the placement record of youngsters who have taken part in the Construction Industry Training Board's YTS;

  (7) how many individual construction companies have so far been involved in the Construction Industry Training Board's YTS;

  (8) if he will give a regional breakdown for each of the years for which the scheme has existed of the number of youngsters taking part in the Construction Industry Training Board's YTS.

  Mr. Trippier
  I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Open College
  Mr. Knox
  asked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the progress of the Open college.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I announced plans for the Open college on 18 July last year. Much progress has been made since then. The college has been set up as a company limited by guarantee and will shortly be registered as a charity. Mr. Michael Green, chairman of Carlton Communications plc, was named as chairman of the college, Sheila Innes, controller of BBC educational broadcasting, has been appointed as chief executive and other senior staff are now in post. Detailed consultations have been undertaken with representatives of all the main interested parties to advise the college on the course and student services it should develop.

  Preliminary market research has confirmed the general enthusiasm for the concept of the Open college and the outline of courses for the college's opening prospectus; more detailed research is now under way to help the college determine its future plans. The college has begun
  40
  to commission course material and will have available from this September a spread of courses aimed at improving working skills, using high quality broadcast and written materials to catch the attention of industry, of the general public and of potential sponsors. An agreement has been reached with Channel 4 for the commencement of Open college programmes from 21 September with, initially, one hour's programme each weekday for 30 weeks in the year up to August 1987. Discussions are under way with other broadcasters and the college hopes shortly to be able to announce programme plans on other channels.

  Extensive discussions are also under way with potential providers of services for Open college students, including further education colleges, private training organisations, companies and industry bodies and voluntary organisations in order that the college should have an effective and well motivated support network in place to give students and employers the local back-up which they need.

  One of our primary objectives has been to make the college self-supporting as soon as possible by generating sufficient income from sponsorship, sale of course materials and student fees to cover its expenditure. Given the development costs of open learning materials, this will involve an initial investment from Government. Detailed objectives for the college have now been agreed and I have asked the Manpower Services Commission to review progress against them. Accordingly, I have agreed to make up to £15 million available from within existing resources over three years to enable the college to prove its attractiveness to commercial sponsors and students and to become self-financing with that period.

  The objectives set for the college are demanding, but I am confident that with the support of industry and commerce and with the initial funding the Government are making available that they can be met and that the college can play a lasting and vital role in contributing to the training and upgrading of skills in the workplace.

  Work Force
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  asked the Paymaster General if any Manpower Services Commission officials are studying the United States experience of work force; and if any have paid visits to the United States.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  [pursuant to his reply, 26 March 1987, c. 241]: Manpower Services Commission officials monitor labour market issues and developments in many other countries as a matter of course. In the past six months four MSC officials have paid visits to the United States on personal employment fellowships.

TRANSPORT

  London Roads
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to improve the maintenance of London roads for which he has responsibility.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The national code of practice for routine maintenance on trunk roads has recently been amended to take into account the special needs in London. The major maintenance programme is also being kept under reivew to ensure a proper level of maintenance for trunk roads in London.

  Rail Freight (Scotland)
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the policy of his Department towards expansion of the use of rail freight in Scotland.

  Mr. Moore
  The Government's objectives for BR endorse the long-standing policy that the rail freight business should act commercially in unsubsidised competition with other modes. The Channel tunnel will provide the best opportunity for many years for increasing rail freight in Scotland as elsewhere.

  Air Services
  Mr. Evans
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement concerning present Government policy towards price fixing by airlines operating between European Community member states.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The Government are determined to ensure that the competition rules of the treaty of Rome are applied to airline price fixing arrangements within the European Community. Good progress was made at the last Council of Ministers on proposals to make cheaper fares available.

  Driving Licences
  Mr. Peter Bruinvels
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to require all provisional and full driving licences to bear the photograph of the holder in order to control driving licence abuse.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  As my hon. Friend is aware, this has been considered on several occasions. The lack of evidence of any major driving licence abuse means that we could not justify the effective introduction of an identity card which would involve substantial cost.

  Ferry Safety
  Mr. Deakins
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with European Economic Community Transport Ministers concerning ferry safety.

  Mr. Moore
  At the Council of Transport Ministers held on 23 March 1 expressed my thanks to those involved in the rescue following the Zeebrugge disaster, and I undertook to keep the Commission and the Council informed of the results of our inquiries. I have also circulated to the Council a copy of a preliminary paper about the disaster which my Department submitted to the International Maritime Organisation.

  Dr. Godman
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department has received any approaches seeking funding to research ferry safety.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Requests for the funding of research are received from different sources, including the Department's own professional staff. In many cases, the research is applicable to all types of ships including ro/ro ferries. Requests for research funding specifically applicable to ro/ro ferries since 1980 and the current positions on the projects are: assessment of toxic concentrations in car decks—completed; assymmetrical flooding of compartments—phase 1 completed, phase 242
  approved; safety assessment of ro/ro vessels — completed; Survivability of ro/ros—completed; centrifugel forces and wind forces on ro/ros—completed.

  Leighton-Linslade Bypass
  Mr. Madel
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any further information as to the likely starting date for the construction of the Leighton-Linslade bypass; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  My right hon. Friend's decision to confirm Bedfordshire county council's orders for the bypass is the subject of an application to the High Court by an objector to the scheme. Until this is determined no work can begin.

  Transport Ministers (Meeting)
  Mr. Greg Knight
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the meeting of the European Community Transport Ministers on 23 and 24 March.

  Mr. Moore
  Further useful progress was made on aviation. There is now unanimous agreement that unnecessarily restrictive fare conditions should be dropped. The Council also discussed a number of inland transport issues including road haulage liberalisation and transport infrastructure. I gave a full account of the outcome of the Council in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale (Sir F. Montgomery) on 27 March.

  Pedestrian Casualties (Leicester)
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many pedestrians were killed on roads in the city of Leicester during each of the last three years for which figures are available.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Twenty-one in 1983, 13 in 1984 and six in 1985.

  National Bus Company
  Mr. Dixon
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make an interim statement on the progress of National Bus Company sales.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Eighteen of the National Bus Company's bus and coach operating subsidiaries have been sold to their managements and three to outside purchasers. National Holidays and eight engineering subsidiaries have also been sold to outside purchasers.

  In most cases provision has been made for employees to be given the opportunity to acquire shares in the businesses. I look forward to approving further sales shortly.

  Mr. Cunliffe
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether any National Bus Company subsidiaries have been sold for less than the value of their assets.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  From the outset of the disposal programme it has been made clear that information on sale prices will remain confidential while sales are in progress. A report will be made to the House in due course on the aggregate proceeds of sale.

  Infrastructure (Expenditure)
  Mr. Charles Wardle
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what increase in constant terms there has been in capital spending on transport infrastructure since 1982.

  Mr. Moore
  In constant terms, the increase in capital expenditure between 1982–83 and 1985–86, the latest year for which figures are available was 11 per cent.

  Vehicle Insurance
  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received seeking the introduction of legislation to make compulsory the display in a motor vehicle of a certificate that the vehicle has third-party insurance cover.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  No. Such display would not give conclusive evidence of insurance and in some circumstances could be positively misleading.

  M40 (Waterstock-Wendlebury)
  Mr. Baldry
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he anticipates the start of the public inquiry on the Waterstock to Wendlebury section of the M40 extension.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Draft orders for this section of the M40 were published on 3 April. If, as seems likely, a public inquiry is needed, it could take place this autumn.

  Research and Development
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with the chairman of British Rail the level of research and development by the British Railways Board.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  My right hon. Friend and I have no current plans to raise this subject with the chairman.

  Docklands Light Railway
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects his Department's inspector of railways to report on the safety standards of the docklands light railway.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  A report to the Secretary of State will be made by the railway inspectorate soon after it has completed its inspection of the railway on 22 April.

  Mr. Mikardo
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects that his Inspectorate of Railways will report on the fitness for public traffic of the London docklands light railway; and if he will make a statement concerning the recent accident during trials on the Isle of Dogs.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) earlier today. The recent accident at Island Gardens stations on the Isle of Dogs has been thoroughly investigated by the companies who are building the railway under contract. The railway inspectorate has been closely involved in this investigation. The contractors will be issuing a statement after some further tests have been carried out. I have no reason to believe that the railway will not be ready to open for public use by the summer, as planned.

  Dornoch Firth Rail Bridge
  Mr. Allen Adams
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what further discussions his Department has had with British Rail concerning the Dornoch Firth rail bridge.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  None.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met representatives of the Eurotunnel company to discuss the progress of the Channel tunnel project; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Ministers are kept informed about Eurotunnel's progress. Most recently my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, my noble friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I have all visited Eurotunnel exhibitions, and later this week I shall be opening Transmanche Link's selection and training centre in Ashford.

  Freightliner
  Mr. Robert Hughes
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what further information he has received from British Rail concerning the future of Freightliner.

  Mr. Moore
  None.

  East Anglia (Airports)
  Mr. William Powell
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what investment has been approved for regional airports in East Anglia since 1979.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Investment of some £4 million has been approved for the development of Norwich and Southend Airports in the period. Further approvals are planned to enable Norwich airport to complete its terminal.

  Air Services
  Mr. Lilley
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what prospects there are for liberalisation of air services within Europe following the European Community Council of Transport Ministers on 23–24 March.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  At last week's Council of Transport Ministers real progress was made on the question of cheaper fares. The Council at last accepted our view that cheap "off-peak- fares should be available to everyone without absurdly restrictive conditions. The Council is also close to agreement on ways of introducing greater competition for business fares. The prospects of agreement, by the Commission's deadline of 30 June have thus clearly improved, although considerable work is still needed, particularly on the vital question of market access.

  Speed Humps
  Mr. Chapman
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress in the introduction of speed humps on appropriate roads.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Local highway authorities may install road humps under the Highways (Road Hump) Regulations without reference to the Department. We do not keep central records of the numbers installed.

  London Underground (Tickets)
  Mr. Greenway
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with the chairman of London Regional Transport the possibility of selling Underground tickets other than at tube stations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Travelcards and Capitalcards have for some time been on sale at selected newsagents, and travel agents, and at bus garages and British Rail Stations throughout London. This has been a welcome development for passengers. It is a matter for the Board and management of London Underground Ltd. to decide whether the range and number of retail outlets should be further extended.

  Travel Agents (Commissions)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from travel agents concerning the reduction in British Rail commissions.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I have received over 100 letters from travel agents on this matter.

  Rail Freight
  Mr. Snape
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has discussed with Eurotunnel plc the use of section 8 grants as a method of increasing demand for international rail freight.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  No. I have not been asked for a meeting.

  Zeebrugge Ferry Disaster
  Mr. Alton
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to receive the report into the Zeebrugge ferry disaster.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The public inquiry into the loss of the Herald of Free Enterprise will open on Monday 27 April in Church house, Westminster before the hon. Mr. Justice Sheen and is expected to last for several weeks. It is not possible for me to say when the court will report but I have no doubt that it will do so without undue delay.

  Devon (Roads)
  Mr. Speller
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress on the building programme for the north Devon link road and when he expects stage 2A, Tiverton to South Molton, and stage 2B, South Molton to Barnstaple, to start and to be completed.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Work on stage 2A of the link Road started on 30 March and work on stage 2B will start later this year. Both stages are expected to be completed in summer 1989.

  Railways (Job Losses)
  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many jobs have been cut by the British Railways Board since 1979.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The reduction in the board's staff between 31 December 1979 and 31 March 1986 is estimated at about 54,000, which is equivalent to some 22 46
  per cent. excluding jobs in the boards former hotels, ships and hovercraft activities which have been transferred to the private sector during that period.

  Railways (Electrification)
  Mr. Madden
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the electrification of the Bradford-Leeds railway.

  Mr David Mitchell
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on Monday 23 February 1987 at columns 19–20.

  Woolwich Ferry
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will state the cost during 1986 of maintaining the Woolwich ferry, the number of vehicles carried, an estimate of the number of passengers carried, and the average cost per crossings per vehicle.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Figures for 1986–87 are distorted by strike action early in the year. The cost of operating the Woolwich ferry in 1986–87 is estimated to be £2·1 million. Estimates of typical yearly traffic are 1·05 million vehicles and 250,000 foot passsengers. Average cost per vehicle crossing is approximately £2.

  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he received the consultants' report on the future operation of the Woolwich ferry; what consultations he has undertaken about its recommendations; and when he plans to announce his decisions on the future level of ferry services.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The consultants have still to finalise their report. The London borough of Greenwich has failed to provide the input expected from it.

  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current estimate of the number of passengers being carried on the Woolwich ferry each week; and how this compares with the numbers for each of the past five years for which figures are available.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  This information is not collected on a regular basis. Spot surveys conducted by the London boroughs of Newham and Greenwich in 1983 and 1985 identified about 300 foot passengers daily using the ferry in each direction.

  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what opportunity he has provided for the Woolwich ferry work force to comment on the consultants' report on its future level of operation.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  This is a matter for our agents, the London borough of Greenwich, to arrange at the appropriate time.

  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, pursuant to his written answer of 30 March, Official Report, column 370, concerning consultants' proposals to change the hours of operation of the Woolwich free ferry, he will consult the London borough of Newham and representatives of users of the ferry, prior to making any decision on changed hours of operations.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The London borough of Newham and road haulage interests have already been consulted. I shall take account of the needs of all users of the ferry in reaching my decisions.

  British Rail
  Mr. Dykes
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has had discussions recently with the management of British Rail on dining car procedures and services on main line trains including Pullman services.

  Mr. Moore
  These are management matters for the Railways Board, but I would welcome the increased involvement of the private sector in managing food production and services for train catering under the board's new catering policies. Following successful trials on London — Manchester services, these new arrangements are being extended progressively to a wider range of inter city services, starting later this year on the west coast main line for which the board recently awarded contracts worth around £4 million per year to private caterers.

  Roads (Lighting)
  Mr. Mudd
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what evidence exists on the cost-effectiveness of the lighting of trunk roads and motorways; and if he will explain the method of cost-benefit analysis applied to assessing the cost-effectiveness of such lighting.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  When new or improved lighting is proposed for a trunk road or motorway, a full cost benefit analysis is undertaken to demonstrate that it is worthwhile. The evidence for the expected benefits from the saving in accidents is derived from Transport and Road Research Laboratory studies, which support the claim of approximately 30 per cent. night-time accident savings for road lighting.

  The method for the analysis is set out in the departmental advice note TA 49/86, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Where lighting is replaced to a similar standard there is no likely improvement to the night accident situation —for example, where a lighting system at the end of its useful life is replaced. Then a cost effective approach is adopted to identify the least whole-life cost solution.

  Roads (Edgelines)
  Mr. Mudd
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if any figures are available from highway authorities which have assessed the cost-effectiveness of edgelines for maintenance savings; and if he will consider collating centrally details published by highway authorities of all engineering improvements using road markings.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Department commissioned a study in 1980 on this subject but it was inconclusive. I am unaware of any such studies by other highway authorities.

  I am not prepared to consider centrally collating the information on road markings; this would be a major exercise and I am doubtful about the benefits to be gained from such an initiative.

  Traffic Statistics
  Mr. Mudd
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the number of vehicles using the roads of England and Wales, as a proportion of the 24-hour traffic count, in hours of darkness, in proportion to the number of
  48
  accidents that occur during the same hours at night in two-lane roads; and if he will categorise these statistics by the type of accident.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The proportion of traffic in the hours of darkness varies with the type of road and with the time of year. Here is an illustrative example:

  Principal roads in non built-up areas:

  October: England and Wales

  Per cent.

  Estimated proportion of dark hours traffic Proportion of accidents occurring in darkness (1985):

  27

  Fatal

  43

  Serious

  32

  Slight

  27

  All

  29

  Road Safety
  Mr. Mudd
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many local authorities, representing what percentage of the whole, have now set up road accident analysis and prevention units; if he will identify them; and what steps he is taking to encourage others to follow suit.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Setting up accident analysis and prevention units is the responsibility of local highway authorities: they do not have to report to me. My understanding is that about one third of authorities have no such arrangements. I have asked the TRRL to make a survey later this summer. The Department published a new manual of advice in December 1986 and supports training courses run by RoSPA. I welcome the current encouragement of road casualty reduction measures being offered by the local authority associations.

  Freightliner Terminal (Edinburgh)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate has been made of the increase in road traffic that will result from the closure of the Freightliner terminal in Edinburgh; and what proportion of any such increase would be routed south via the A7, the A68 or the A1.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  It is not possible to make reliable estimates of the effects of the closure of the Edinburgh terminal on individual roads. Lorry traffic in the United Kingdom is expected to increase by less than half a percent as the result of all Freightliners' decisions to rationalise their business.

  Traffic Flows (Islington)
  Mr. Corbyn
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the traffic flow figure for Holloway road and Archway road in the borough of Islington for January 1987, July 1986, January 1986, July 1985 and January 1985.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Esitmates of weekday flows are shown on map 7 of the East London assessment study report. A copy was sent to the hon. Member on 12 December.

  There are no traffic counters on Holloway road or Archway road in Islington. Traffic counts for that corridor

  49
  are taken at Aylmer road and Great North road in Haringey. The available figures for those locations for the dates requested are:

  Aylmer Road

  Great North Road

  Month

  South

  North

  South

  North

  January 1985

  15,681

  —

  —

  —

  July 1985

  18,763

  17,454

  10,377

  15,701

  January 1986

  15,559

  15,181

  9,321

  10,116

  July 1986

  —

  —

  10,030

  11,031

  Severn Bridge
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps are being taken to alleviate the traffic problems of south Wales and the west of England following the difficulties experienced through the recent closure of the Severn bridge due to bad weather and the expected hold-ups and delays due to the replacement work on the bridge hangers.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The complete closure of the Severn crossing is rare—it has happened twice since the crossing was opened in 1966. Hanger replacement and other strengthening works on the crossing have been planned in such a way as to keep all traffic lanes open all day during the summer and at all peak periods throughout the year. One lane in each direction will remain open at all times, except for four occasions in the early hours of Sunday mornings in the winter, when full closure of the crossing is planned. Plenty of advance notice will be given of the actual dates. Plans have been made for diverting traffic on these occasions.

  Air Service Agreements
  Mr. Robert Atkins
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has had about air service agreements involving British and Hong Kong airlines and the People's Republic of China; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have received a number of proposals for expanding air links between the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China and also between Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China. I shall be discussing these matters when I visit Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China in the weeks of 27 April and 4 May respectively.

  Road Construction
  Mr. Corbyn
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the cost-benefit analysis formula for urban and rural major road building.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The formulae used in assessing major rural trunk roads are given in the COBA 9 and the QUADRO manuals which are published by the Department of Transport. For major urban road schemes there is no single set of formulae which adequately cope with all the circumstances and complexities of urban road appraisal. A more flexible approach, in line with the SACTRA recommendations, is used in urban road appraisal.

  I am placing copies of the COBA 9 and QUADRO manuals in the Library.

  Light Dues
  Mr. Sayeed
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has had, or intends to have, discussions with the United Kingdom's European partners on a common light fund paid for by a levy on each merchant ship calling at a Community port; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  It is unlikely that common funding could he negotiated. I do not think therefore such discussions would be fruitful.

  Designated Roads
  Mr. Shersby
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he proposes to review the designated road network and the associated procedures under which London boroughs notify his Department of traffic management proposals affecting designated roads.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Department of Transport circular No. 4–86 sets out the manner in which a London borough council should notify my Department of any proposals to use powers which would affect traffic or the use of parking places on a designated road. It states that the arrangements will be reviewed after a suitable period.

  I intend to review the extent of the designated road network and the associated procedures later in the year when the results of a full 12 months of their operation will be available.

  I shall consult local authorities and organisations concerned with the movement of traffic in London before making any changes.

  Mr. Shersby
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many designated road proposals from London borough councils have been received which involve closure of a local road; and what were his decisions.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I have received 21 proposals from London borough councils for traffic management schemes involving road closures aimed at removing through traffic from residential areas. I have approved eight schemes. I look forward to receiving further information on six schemes before I can take a decision. In seven cases I objected to the proposals because, although sympathising with the aims of the scheme, I considered that they would not facilitate the movement of traffic on the designated roads concerned. In all such cases I am always willing to consider sympathetically any other proposal which would not increase congestion on the designated roads in the area.

  Air Traffic Control
  Mr. O'Brien
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the Civil Aviation Authority about the overloading of the air traffic control system; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for the safety of air traffic control in the United Kingdom. I am advised by the authority that it would not allow the system to become overloaded and unsafe. If necessary, procedures would be introduced to control the flow of traffic at peak periods to prevent overloading.

  Train Timekeeping
  Dr. Marek
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what statistics he has available on passenger train timekeeping.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The board now provides me with quarterly reports on punctuality for each of its passenger sectors. It will be publishing the results for 1986–87 in its annual report and accounts.

  Accident Black Spots
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many accident black spots have been identified in London by his Department; if he will list them by borough; and what estimate he has of the total costs of remedial work necessary to remove the need for such identification.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The London accident analysis unit, as the body responsible for processing and making available the accident data collected by the police, can provide the hon. Member with particular analysis of borough accidents he needs.

  The Department works closely with the unit to make London's trunk roads as safe as possible.

  We are expanding our programme of accident prevention schemes and our current studies are pinpointing locations where measures will be most effective. The kind of estimate the hon. Member seeks is not practicable.

  Cars (Lighting)
  Mr. Speed
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance and advertising has been issued by his Department on the introduction and proper use of dim-dip lighting.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  None at present. I shall keep the matter under review and issue appropriate guidance if necessary. As the system does not demand any change in people's driving habits—they can use their sidelamps, automatically enhanced by dim-dip when the engine is running, or their headlamps as they choose in dull weather, twilight or in lit streets. Headlamps remain a legal obligation at night on an unlit road or in seriously reduced visibility.

  Railways (Electrification)
  Mr. Brandon-Bravo
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when the electrification of the London to Cambridge railway line will be completed.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The line between Bishops Stortford and Cambridge was energised in December of last year. A full electric service is due to be introduced on 11 May. A second electrified service from Kings Cross to Cambridge should be completed about a year from now.

  Traffic Management
  Mr. Silkin
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many environmental traffic management schemes which include or included a street closure have been submitted to his Department since April 1986; when his Department took power over designated and trunk roads
  52
  from the Greater London council; and how many such schemes have been (a) accepted and (b) rejected, showing to which of the London boroughs the acceptance or rejection refers.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 March 1987, c. 429]: I have received 21 proposals from London borough councils for traffic management schemes involving road closures aimed at removing through traffic from residential areas. I have approved eight schemes. I look forward to receiving further information on six schemes before I can take a decision. In seven cases I objected to the proposals because, although sympathising with the aims of the scheme, I considered that they would not facilitate the movement of traffic on the designated roads concerned. In all such cases I am always willing to consider sympathetically any other proposal which would not increase congestion on the designated roads in the area.

SCOTLAND

  Heritage (Grants)
  Mr. Millan
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the organisations which are being granted financial assistance for 1987–88 under section 23 of the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985 and the amount of grant in each case.

  Mr. Rifkind
  Grants available under section 23 of the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985 are as follows:

  £

  Scottish Museums Council

  440,000

  Royal Society of Edinburgh

  273,000

  Royal Scottish Geographical Society

  3,000

  Cultural organisations formerly grant aided under the Further Education (Scotland) Regulations 1959

  National Youth Orchestra of Scotland

  23,000

  Scottish Youth Theatre

  39,500

  Scottish Community Drama Association

  24,000

  Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association

  5,000

  Scottish Council for Dance

  4,000

  An Comunn Gaidhealach

  35,000

  Sabhal Mor Ostaig

  40,000

  Comunn na Gaidhig

  45,000

  Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich

  32,000

  Mr. Lambie
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the successful applicants for grant assistance in 1987–88, under the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985.

  Mr. John MacKay
  Grants available under the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985 for the financial year ending 31 March 1988 are as follows:

  £

  National Library of Scotland

  4,132,000

  National Museums of Scotland

  5,017,000

  National Galleries of Scotland

  3,417,000

  Scottish Museums Council

  440,000

  Royal Society of Edinburgh

  273,000

  Royal Scottish Geographical Society

  3,000

  Cultural Organisations formerly grant-aided under the Further Education (Scotland) Regulations 1959

  National Youth Orchestra of Scotland

  23,000

  Scottish Youth Theatre

  39,500

  53

  £

  Scottish Community Drama Association

  24,000

  Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association

  5,000

  Scottish Council for Dance

  4,000

  An Comunn Gaidhealach

  35,000

  Sabhal Mor Ostaig

  40,000

  Comunn na Gaidhlig

  45,000

  Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich

  32,000

  "Rural Scotland"
  Dr. Owen
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much it cost his Department to produce the document, "Rural Scotland"; how many copies have been printed and what were their production costs; and how many he expects to be issued to the public.

  Mr. Rifkind
  I shall reply to the right hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Blood Donors
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what restrictions are being placed on blood donors who have visited Africa and for what reasons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John MacKay
  In order to reduce the chance of transmitting certain tropical diseases, such as malaria, potential donors who have visited certain parts of Africa are asked not to donate blood until 12 months after their return to the United Kingdom.

  In addition, as a precaution against the transmission of AIDS, potential donors are asked to not to give blood if they have visited certain parts of Africa since 1977 and in addition have had sexual relations with men or women living there.

  Abortions
  Mr. Thurnham
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the numbers of National Health Service abortions performed in Scotland on women resident in each health board area in Scotland in 1984 and 1985.

  Mr. John MacKay
  The number of abortions performed in National Health Service hospitals in 1984 and 1985 on women resident in each health board area is set out in the table. The figures for the island health boards have been grouped together because of the small number of terminations performed.

  Health Board

  1984

  1985

  Argyll and Clyde

  545

  484

  Ayrshire and Arran

  638

  601

  Borders

  135

  135

  Dumfries and Galloway

  252

  233

  Fife

  696

  721

  Forth Valley

  414

  439

  Grampian

  1,098

  1,038

  Greater Glasgow

  1,469

  1,491

  Highland

  406

  401

  Lanarkshire

  663

  642

  Lothian

  1,628

  1,699

  Islands1

  81

  71

  Tayside

  898

  933

  Total

  8,923

  8,888

  1 Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles health boards.

  Forestry
  Mr. Rogers
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (l) what is the predicted average yield class of the forestry plantations established in the flow country of Sutherland and Caithness in the last five years;

  (2) what response the Forestry Commission has made to the findings regarding the internal rates of return from various forestry plantations outlined in appendix 4 of the recent report by the National Audit Office on "Forestry Commission Objectives and Achievements"; and if he will make a statement.

  (3) if he will estimate the average windthrow hazard class of the land in the flow country of Sutherland and Caithness approved for afforestation in the last five years.

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

  Motoring Offences (Deaths)
  Mr. Millan
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) in how many cases of disposal of charges relating to causing death by reckless driving in each of the last 10 years the sentences have been passed in the sheriff court and the High Court, respectively:

  (2) in how many cases in each of the last 10 years, in which a driver has been charged with careless driving, a death was involved in the charge;

  (3) how many motorists alleged to have caused death by reckless driving have been charged with that offence and how many with culpable homicide in each of the last 10 years.

  Mr. Rifkind
  I shall reply to the right hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Children (Summary Convictions)
  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many summary convictions there were, and what were the modes of disposal, of children under 16 years of age in 1986.

  Mr. Lang
  Provisional figures are given in the table.

  Children under 16 years of age with a charge proved in a summary court in Scotland, 1986

  Disposal

  Number of children

  Absolute discharge

  8

  Probation

  30

  Detention of child

  42

  Remit to children's hearing

  89

  Fine

  99

  Ordered to find caution

  1

  Admonished

  99

  Compensation order

  2

  All children with a charge proved in a summary court

  370

  Dr. John Forbes-Proctor (Patients)
  Mr. Maclennan
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure that those patients of Dr. John Forbes-Proctor of Tongue, Sutherland, who wish to register with another doctor are enabled to do so.

  Mr. John MacKay
  I understand that patients of Dr. Forbes-Proctor, who wished to register with another
  55
  doctor and who had not been able to do so, applied to Highland health board to be assigned to a neighbouring practice but that the board concluded that it was not possible to meet their request.

  Police Interviews (Tape Recording)
  Mrs. McCurley
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the outcome of the consultation exercise on tape recording of police interviews with suspects.

  Mr. Rifkind
  Yes. I am most grateful for the very thorough responses which were received to the consultation paper on tape recording. All but one of the organisations responded and were clearly well aware of the importance of this development. The replies revealed a general consensus on most of the key issues. This showed the value of an extended experiment in providing sound experience to inform the next stage of policy development.

  Virtually all respondents supported the introduction of tape recording for CID interviews with suspects where the case was serious enough to be taken in the High Court or sheriff court (including serious cases heard in a district court before a stipendiary magistrate). The majority also shared my own longer term objective for the extention of tape recording to all police interviews. In the light of these replies, and following consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate, I am asking chief constables throughout Scotland to begin the necessary preliminary work on buildings, equipment and training with a view to a rolling programme of implementation beginning on 1 April 1988 and concluding two years later. This initial introduction of tape recording will apply only to CID interviews; any further extentions of tape recording will depend on the outcome of its use in CID interviews.

  There was some divergence of view on whether those aged under 16 should have their interviews recorded on tape. The majority argued powerfully that such persons were particularly in need of the protection afforded to a suspect by tape recording and commented on the inequity if such protection were to be denied to an individual purely on the basis of age. I have considered this matter very carefully and have decided to accept the majority of respondents' views, that tape recording should apply to all CID interviews, regardlss of the age of the suspect. Only those cases which are serious enough to warrant prosecution in at least the summary sheriff court will be affected by this decision but it represents a significant additional safeguard for the children concerned.

  My officials are already discussing with chief constables what resources are required to implement this development.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances
  Mr. John
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the change in real terms of the hill livestock compensatory allowance payable in the original less favoured areas and the new less favoured areas for the current year, based on the rates announced on 17 December 1986.

  Mr. Jopling
  The rates for the hill livestock compensatory allowances were increased for the 1986 year 56
  and held unchanged for the 1987 year. As a result the real value of the allowances in January 1987 was 4·2 per cent. above their value in January 1985; and their value in January 1986 was 8·3 per cent. above their value in January 1985.

  Land Drainage
  Miss Maynard
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether consideration of the responses to the consultation document on the financing and administration of land drainage, flood protection and coast protection in England and Wales has been completed; and whether he will make a statement as to the future financing and administration of land drainage.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Consideration of the responses to the Green Paper is complete, but I can make no comprehensive statement as yet. Some of the matters dealt with concern administrative and financial arrangements which cannot sensibly be recast until it is clear how flood defence and land drainage should be organised following privatisation of the water authorities.

  On other matters, action was announced on 5 February 1987 to introduce new arrangements to provide the water authorities with a firmer basis for planning their flood defence work. This was achieved through the replacement of the system of grants whose rates were recalculated annually by a scheme under which each water authority —or, as appropriate, local land drainage committee — qualified for one of four grant rates depending on its resources and flood defence requirements.

  The Green Paper also drew attention to the desirability of integrating the separate schemes that apply to sea defence and coast protection. There is no early prospect of being able to introduce the primary legislation that would be required for this.

  The Green Paper pointed also to the need for some changes in the administration of internal drainage boards. However, I think it desirable to consult further with the interests concerned before embarking on the necessary primary legislation. It would not he sensible to undertake such consultations too far in advance of the prospect of legislation. I will, however, issue a consultation paper as soon as this seems likely to be useful.

  "Farming UK"
  Dr. Owen
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much it cost his Department to produce the document "Farming UK"; how many copies have been printed and what were their production costs; and how many have been issued to the public.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The time spent by my officials in preparing "Farming UK" cannot be identified separately from their other work and so no estimate of overall cost is possible. Eight thousand copies of the document were printed at a production cost of £23,396. The document was produced for sale through Her Majesty's Stationery Office at £3.95 and is not being issued free to the public. I understand that because of the large number of sales outlets it would not be possible except at disproportionate cost to say exactly how many copies have so far been bought.

  Food Additives
  Mr. Freud
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he has any plans to introduce legislation to require caterers to declare the presence of non-dairy whitener as a milk substitute;

  (2) whether he will seek to amend the law so that beverages containing tea powder and non-dairy whitener will cease to be able to be sold as tea; and what representations he has received regarding the sale of such a beverage as British Rail tea.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The labelling of food is already covered by the provisions of the Food Labelling Regulations 1984; regulations 28 and 29 relate to food sold at catering establishments. Section 6 of the Food Act 1984 makes a false or misleading description of food an offence. Enforcement is a matter for local authorities. I have had no representations about the beverages sold by British Rail.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Professor Colin Blakemore
  Mr. Hancock
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if Professor Colin Blakemore has received any support from the Medical Research Council since 1976.

  Mr. Walden
  I shall reply as soon as possible.

  Primary and Secondary Schools
  Mr. Radice
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list by local education authority the number of (a) primary and (b) secondary schools closed since 1979.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  Information is not available in precisely the form requested. The table shows, by local education authority, the number of primary and secondary schools approved for closure by me or my predecessors or determined by local education authorities, in the period from August 1980, when the Education Act 1980 came into force, to December 1986.

  School Closures

  (August 1980—December 1986)

  LEA

  Primary

  Secondary

  Total

  Avon

  16

  2

  18

  Barking

  —

  —

  —

  Barnet

  —

  1

  1

  Barnsley

  11

  —

  11

  Bedfordshire

  16

  1

  17

  Berkshire

  9

  8

  17

  Bexley

  2

  3

  5

  Birmingham

  14

  20

  34

  Bolton

  4

  6

  10

  Bradford

  8

  —

  8

  Brent

  1

  —

  1

  Bromley

  4

  4

  8

  Buckinghamshire

  15

  4

  19

  Bury

  3

  3

  6

  Calderdale

  4

  1

  5

  Cambridgeshire

  21

  2

  23

  Cheshire

  24

  5

  29

  Cleveland

  15

  5

  20

  Cornwall

  12

  —

  12

  Coventry

  8

  2

  10

  Croydon

  1

  9

  10

  58

  LEA

  Primary

  Secondary

  Total

  Cumbria

  21

  3

  24

  Derbyshire

  16

  2

  18

  Devon

  7

  8

  15

  Doncaster

  7

  —

  7

  Dorset

  9

  3

  12

  Dudley

  8

  2

  10

  Durham

  14

  3

  17

  Ealing

  2

  3

  5

  East Sussex

  6

  —

  6

  Enfield

  1

  4

  5

  Essex

  18

  1

  19

  Gateshead

  2

  1

  3

  Gloucestershire

  14

  3

  17

  Hampshire

  39

  5

  44

  Haringey

  —

  —

  —

  Harrow

  —

  2

  2

  Havering

  —

  1

  1

  Hereford and Worcester

  25

  —

  25

  Hertfordshire

  16

  10

  26

  Hillingdon

  —

  2

  2

  Hounslow

  —

  —

  —

  Humberside

  42

  4

  46

  ILEA

  9

  14

  23

  Isle of Wight

  2

  —

  2

  Isles of Scilly

  —

  —

  —

  Kent

  11

  5

  16

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  2

  1

  3

  Kirklees

  9

  1

  10

  Knowsley

  2

  14

  16

  Lancashire

  23

  6

  29

  Leeds

  5

  3

  8

  Leicestershire

  14

  2

  16

  Lincolnshire

  50

  1

  51

  Liverpool

  5

  31

  36

  Manchester

  26

  14

  40

  Merton

  1

  2

  3

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  3

  4

  7

  Newham

  1

  —

  1

  Norfolk

  57

  1

  58

  North Tyneside

  3

  1

  4

  North Yorkshire

  25

  8

  33

  Northamptonshire

  5

  —

  5

  Northumberland

  9

  2

  11

  Nottinghamshire

  17

  6

  22

  Oldham

  7

  2

  9

  Oxfordshire

  16

  6

  22

  Redbridge

  2

  2

  4

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  2

  —

  2

  Rochdale

  2

  1

  3

  Rothcrham

  1

  2

  3

  Salford

  4

  3

  7

  Salop

  17

  1

  18

  Sandwell

  2

  2

  4

  Sefton

  6

  3

  9

  Sheffield

  13

  8

  21

  Solihull

  4

  4

  8

  Somerset

  8

  —

  8

  South Tyneside

  11

  3

  14

  Staffordshire

  35

  8

  43

  St. Helens

  5

  3

  8

  Stockport

  5

  2

  7

  Suffolk

  18

  —

  18

  Sunderland

  6

  5

  11

  Surrey

  18

  8

  26

  Sutton

  —

  2

  2

  Tameside

  2

  4

  6

  Trafford

  6

  —

  6

  Wakefield

  11

  1

  12

  Walsall

  3

  —

  3

  Waltham Forest

  1

  8

  9

  Warwickshire

  11

  2

  13

  West Sussex

  1

  1

  2

  Wigan

  8

  4

  12

  Wiltshire

  13

  —

  13

  Wirral

  9

  7

  16

  Wolverhampton

  4

  1

  5

  59
  Mr. Radice
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a table showing expenditure per pupil for (a) primary and (b) secondary schools for each local education authority for 1979, 1983 and the latest date for which figures are available.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  The information requested is given in the following tables. Where n.a. appears in the 1985–86 column, it means that the Department has not yet received a report of the Authority's actual expenditure in that year.

  Net institutional expenditure per pupil

  Primary schools

  1979–80 £

  1983–84 £

  11985–86 £

  Barking

  495

  815

  915

  Barnet

  475

  830

  930

  Bexley

  420

  710

  815

  Brent

  590

  980

  n.a.

  Bromley

  435

  760

  855

  Croydon

  450

  745

  865

  Ealing

  555

  975

  1,050

  Enfield

  425

  705

  775

  Haringey

  605

  1,095

  1,160

  Harrow

  465

  760

  875

  Havering

  435

  740

  825

  Hillingdon

  460

  825

  895

  Hounslow

  500

  890

  965

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  450

  715

  825

  Merton

  520

  780

  n.a.

  Newham

  560

  950

  n.a.

  Redbridge

  435

  745

  835

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  480

  800

  900

  Sutton

  410

  680

  750

  Waltham Forest

  490

  875

  980

  ILEA

  695

  1,210

  n.a.

  Birmingham

  410

  665

  745

  Coventry

  440

  785

  850

  Dudley

  360

  650

  735

  Sandwell

  435

  765

  875

  Solihull

  385

  690

  755

  Walsall

  415

  785

  830

  Wolverhampton

  465

  815

  920

  Knowsley

  415

  770

  845

  Liverpool

  470

  830

  n.a.

  St. Helens

  385

  675

  770

  Sefton

  405

  685

  740

  Wirral

  400

  675

  720

  Bolton

  380

  640

  720

  Bury

  415

  645

  715

  Manchester

  520

  785

  905

  Oldham

  405

  700

  815

  Rochdale

  415

  705

  795

  Salford

  400

  725

  790

  Stockport

  375

  670

  740

  Tameside

  405

  715

  815

  Trafford

  400

  685

  735

  Wigan

  390

  690

  785

  Barnsley

  455

  795

  865

  Doncaster

  460

  785

  870

  Rotherham

  395

  700

  800

  Sheffield

  465

  880

  980

  Bradford

  455

  745

  850

  Calderdale

  410

  725

  800

  Kirklees

  390

  665

  785

  Leeds

  480

  720

  795

  Wakefield

  420

  765

  875

  Gateshead

  460

  805

  900

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  520

  875

  930

  North Tyneside

  460

  780

  900

  South Tyneside

  490

  815

  865

  Sunderland

  440

  700

  775

  Isles of Scilly

  630

  1,065

  1,210

  Avon

  420

  700

  780

  Befordshire

  470

  745

  815

  Berkshire

  400

  690

  790

  60

  Primary schools

  1979–80 £

  1983–84 £

  11985–86 £

  Buckinghamshire

  410

  665

  755

  Cambridgeshire

  400

  635

  730

  Cheshire

  400

  680

  760

  Cleveland

  430

  710

  795

  Cornwall

  370

  640

  710

  Cumbria

  405

  715

  775

  Derbyshire

  395

  690

  780

  Devon

  390

  645

  725

  Dorset

  400

  685

  770

  Durham

  440

  715

  825

  East Sussex

  415

  690

  760

  Essex

  380

  645

  730

  Gloucestershire

  400

  660

  740

  Hampshire

  380

  645

  730

  Hereford and Worcester

  385

  640

  745

  Hertfordshire

  440

  695

  780

  Humberside

  415

  775

  865

  Isle of Wight

  415

  695

  730

  Kent

  375

  620

  695

  Lancashire

  365

  635

  720

  Leicestershire

  400

  725

  805

  Lincolnshire

  385

  635

  720

  Norfolk

  410

  680

  760

  North Yorkshire

  420

  705

  775

  Northamptonshire

  380

  670

  740

  Northumberland

  420

  690

  755

  Nottinghamshire

  385

  760

  840

  Oxfordshire

  420

  730

  815

  Salop

  370

  675

  765

  Somerset

  370

  630

  700

  Staffordshire

  430

  755

  815

  Suffolk

  420

  700

  770

  Surrey

  400

  655

  730

  Warwickshire

  385

  670

  765

  West Sussex

  375

  610

  705

  Wiltshire

  390

  645

  745

  1 Provisional.

  Net institutional expenditure per pupil—Secondary schools

  1979–80 (£)

  1983–84 (£)

  11985–86 (£)

  Barking

  715

  1,090

  1,260

  Barnet

  690

  1,190

  1,330

  Bexley

  630

  1,030

  1,195

  Brent

  785

  1,365

  n.a.

  Bromley

  660

  1,090

  1,255

  Croydon

  670

  1,140

  1,355

  Ealing

  720

  1,220

  1,460

  Enfield

  605

  1,055

  1,245

  Haringey

  760

  1,475

  1,710

  Harrow

  745

  1,200

  1,340

  Havering

  670

  1,135

  1,325

  Hillindon

  665

  1,175

  1,315

  Hounslow

  685

  1,140

  1,405

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  630

  1,055

  1,325

  Merton

  660

  970

  n.a.

  Newham

  730

  1,340

  n.a.

  Redbridge

  660

  1,125

  1,290

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  630

  1,040

  1,200

  Sutton

  605

  1,000

  1,135

  Waltham Forest

  785

  1,305

  1,540

  ILEA

  925

  1,755

  n.a.

  Birmingham

  615

  980

  1,175

  Coventry

  630

  1,065

  1,310

  Dudley

  545

  935

  1,125

  Sandwell

  630

  1,045

  1,230

  Solihull

  570

  915

  1,115

  Walsall

  600

  1,055

  1,185

  Wolverhampton

  635

  1,070

  1,225

  Knowsley

  640

  1,140

  1,320

  Liverpool

  675

  1,105

  n.a.

  St Helens

  605

  990

  1,150

  Sefton

  590

  985

  1,125

  61

  1979–80 (£)

  1983–84 (£)

  11985–86 (£)

  Wirral

  580

  990

  1,125

  Bolton

  575

  965

  1,115

  Bury

  595

  1,010

  1,175

  Manchester

  770

  1,190

  1,425

  Oldham

  575

  925

  1,095

  Rochdale

  650

  1,115

  1,275

  Salford

  630

  1,025

  1,200

  Stockport

  560

  945

  1,115

  Tameside

  580

  975

  1,160

  Trafford

  550

  965

  1,140

  Wigan

  610

  1,045

  1,230

  Barnsley

  620

  990

  1,165

  Doncaster

  630

  995

  1,145

  Rotherham

  570

  925

  1,070

  Sheffield

  635

  1,115

  1,260

  Bradford

  540

  890

  1,085

  Calderdale

  565

  940

  1,110

  Kirklees

  540

  870

  1,055

  Leeds

  490

  920

  1,060

  Wakefield

  540

  915

  1,090

  Gateshead

  600

  975

  1,185

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  695

  1,195

  1,345

  North Tyneside

  610

  1,060

  1,295

  South Tyneside

  650

  1,050

  1,255

  Sunderland

  615

  970

  1,150

  Isles of Scilly

  920

  1,360

  1,875

  Avon

  580

  1,020

  1,160

  Bedfordshire

  610

  985

  1,140

  Berkshire

  575

  980

  1,150

  Buckinghamshire

  625

  1,010

  1,140

  Cambridgeshire

  590

  920

  1,040

  Cheshire

  580

  940

  1,090

  Cleveland

  610

  1,005

  1,175

  Cornwall

  555

  915

  1,045

  Cumbria

  585

  990

  1,095

  Derbyshire

  565

  950

  1,125

  Devon

  545

  925

  1,095

  Dorset

  560

  930

  1,030

  Durham

  570

  905

  1,095

  Pupil/Teacher Ratios1

  Primary Schools

  Secondary Schools

  1979

  1983

  1986

  1979

  1983

  1986

  Barking

  22·3

  21·6

  21·1

  18·6

  15·9

  15·8

  Barnet

  21·5

  20·2

  20·1

  18·1

  14·6

  14·5

  Bexley

  25·1

  24·3

  23·3

  20·6

  16·8

  16·5

  Brent

  18·7

  18·4

  18·5

  16·0

  13·5

  12·0

  Bromley

  24·5

  23·4

  22·9

  20·0

  16·4

  16·2

  Croydon

  23·0

  22·0

  22·0

  19·2

  15·8

  15·2

  Ealing

  20·4

  19·0

  19·7

  18·3

  15·1

  14·6

  Enfield

  24·0

  22·4

  23·0

  19·9

  15·8

  15·3

  Haringey

  20·9

  19·0

  18·6

  18·3

  14·1

  12·6

  Harrow

  22·1

  20·8

  21·1

  18·7

  14·6

  14·6

  Havering

  23·6

  22·9

  22·6

  19·9

  15·7

  15·3

  Hillingdon

  23·0

  22·6

  22·5

  19·4

  16·1

  16·9

  Hounslow

  21·9

  20·1

  19·8

  18·5

  15·5

  15·2

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  22·1

  22·4

  22·1

  18·8

  16·4

  14·9

  Merton

  22·2

  22·4

  21·8

  19·1

  17·5

  17·0

  Newham

  21·4

  21·1

  20·4

  18·6

  15·1

  13·5

  Redbridge

  24·1

  23·5

  23·9

  20·2

  16·2

  15·9

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  22·2

  21·1

  20·8

  19·6

  16·5

  15·8

  Sutton

  24·0

  24·7

  24·9

  20·0

  17·1

  16·9

  Waltham Forest

  22·4

  21·1

  20·9

  18·1

  14·0

  13·6

  Inner London

  18·7

  17·4

  17·2

  16·7

  13·8

  12·8

  Birmingham

  23·9

  24·0

  22·7

  19·8

  17·4

  16·3

  Coventry

  22·7

  22·3

  22·1

  19·1

  16·6

  15·2

  Dudley

  25·5

  23·2

  22·8

  21·6

  16·5

  14·9

  Sandwell

  24·4

  22·7

  22·4

  19·7

  15·7

  14·9

  Solihull

  23·5

  23·0

  22·8

  19·5

  16·9

  16·1

  Walsall

  22·6

  20·8

  20·6

  18·9

  15·0

  14·6

  Wolverhampton

  21·1

  19·3

  19·3

  18·2

  15·2

  14·7

  Knowsley

  23·4

  22·1

  21·3

  19·4

  15·8

  14·5

  Liverpool

  21·1

  20·7

  20·6

  18·4

  16·6

  14·9

  62

  1979–80 (£)

  1983–84 (£)

  11985–86 (£)

  East Sussex

  600

  950

  1,085

  Essex

  570

  955

  1,115

  Gloucestershire

  555

  950

  1,095

  Hampshire

  565

  930

  1,065

  Hereford and Worcester

  560

  865

  1,060

  Hertfordshire

  650

  1,020

  1,180

  Humberside

  570

  975

  1,125

  Isle of Wight

  535

  895

  1,030

  Kent

  545

  895

  1,015

  Lancashire

  575

  940

  1,095

  Leicestershire

  585

  1,025

  1,205

  Lincolnshire

  580

  935

  1,025

  Norfolk

  575

  960

  1,095

  North Yorkshire

  590

  970

  1,110

  Northamptonshire

  570

  960

  1,110

  Northumberland

  570

  925

  1,075

  Nottinghamshire

  575

  1,030

  1,220

  Oxfordshire

  590

  1,010

  1,190

  Salop

  575

  965

  1,125

  Somerset

  530

  890

  1,040

  Staffordshire

  600

  970

  1,125

  Suffolk

  525

  915

  1,030

  Surrey

  590

  965

  1,110

  Warwickshire

  570

  930

  1,085

  West Sussex

  540

  900

  1,060

  Wiltshire

  560

  935

  1,055

  1 Provisional.

  Mr. Radice
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish the pupil-teacher ratios for each local education authority for 1979, 1983 and 1986 for (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  The pupil-teacher ratios within maintained primary and secondary schools in each local education authority in England in 1979, 1983 and 1986 were as follows:
  63

  Primary Schools

  Secondary Schools

  1979

  1983

  1986

  1979

  1983

  1986

  St. Helens

  23·8

  23·1

  22·2

  19·9

  15·8

  15·1

  Sefton

  23·6

  22·2

  23·3

  20·1

  16·7

  16·6

  Wirral

  24·2

  23·1

  23·6

  20·4

  16·2

  16·0

  Bolton

  25·2

  24·0

  23·8

  20·6

  16·2

  15·6

  Bury

  23·5

  23·0

  22·3

  19·8

  15·8

  15·2

  Manchester

  21·9

  22·6

  21·5

  18·0

  15·4

  13·8

  Oldham

  25·2

  23·6

  22·8

  21·3

  17·4

  16·4

  Rochdale

  22·9

  22·4

  22·2

  18·6

  15·0

  14·6

  Salford

  23·5

  21·5

  21·6

  19·3

  15·7

  15·0

  Stockport

  26·3

  23·5

  23·0

  21·4

  16·4

  16·0

  Tameside

  24·1

  23·2

  23·3

  20·1

  16·2

  15·8

  Trafford

  22·2

  23·0

  22·9

  19·1

  16·5

  16·3

  Wigan

  22·6

  21·3

  21·1

  19·0

  15·3

  15·0

  Barnsley

  23·6

  21·5

  21·6

  20·0

  16·7

  15·8

  Doncaster

  22·2

  21·3

  21·5

  19·3

  16·3

  16·5

  Rotherham

  24·0

  22·7

  21·3

  20·4

  17·0

  16·3

  Sheffield

  21·8

  20·7

  20·0

  19·1

  15·9

  15·1

  Bradford

  20·4

  20·3

  20·5

  18·7

  18·2

  16·4

  Calderdale

  23·7

  21·7

  21·8

  20·6

  17·2

  16·1

  Kirklees

  23·6

  22·1

  21·9

  20·5

  17·3

  16·3

  Leeds

  24·6

  23·0

  21·4

  20·3

  16·8

  16·0

  Wakefield

  23·3

  22·9

  21·4

  20·3

  17·8

  16·3

  Gateshead

  21·2

  19·3

  19·5

  18·8

  16·7

  15·2

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  18·7

  18·2

  19·1

  16·4

  14·3

  14·5

  North Tyneside

  21·1

  20·1

  18·6

  17·9

  15·0

  13·8

  South Tyneside

  20·3

  19·9

  20·7

  18·0

  15·4

  14·4

  Sunderland

  23·5

  22·3

  22·0

  19·8

  16·3

  15·6

  Isles of Scilly

  15·3

  14·2

  12·3

  13·3

  11·5

  10·0

  Avon

  24·2

  23·9

  24·2

  20·1

  16·7

  16·6

  Bedfordshire

  21·6

  22·9

  22·5

  18·8

  17·6

  17·4

  Berkshire

  23·8

  22·9

  23·3

  19·9

  16·4

  16·0

  Buckinghamshire

  24·2

  24·1

  24·4

  20·8

  16·4

  16·2

  Cambridgeshire

  23·3

  23·6

  23·4

  19·7

  16·8

  16·7

  Cheshire

  23·5

  22·6

  22·7

  20·0

  16·8

  17·0

  Cleveland

  23·4

  21·8

  22·3

  20·3

  16·4

  15·9

  Cornwall

  24·2

  23·6

  23·5

  20·2

  16·9

  16·6

  Cumbria

  23·1

  21·5

  21·2

  19·5

  16·2

  15·5

  Derbyshire

  23·7

  22·3

  22·3

  20·4

  17·2

  16·2

  Devon

  24·3

  23·3

  23·6

  20·9

  17·0

  16·6

  Dorset

  23·7

  23·4

  23·4

  20·2

  17·1

  16·9

  Durham

  21·5

  21·7

  22·1

  19·1

  17·0

  16·7

  East Sussex

  23·4

  22·0

  22·9

  20·1

  17·3

  16·9

  Essex

  24·8

  24·1

  23·9

  20·9

  17·3

  17·0

  Gloucestershire

  23·4

  23·0

  22·9

  20·1

  17·1

  16·6

  Hampshire

  24·6

  24·0

  23·5

  20·4

  17·0

  16·8

  Hereford and Worcester

  24·2

  25·0

  24·0

  20·2

  18·0

  16·9

  Hertfordshire

  22·5

  22·4

  22·2

  18·8

  16·2

  15·9

  Humberside

  22·1

  20·9

  21·3

  19·0

  16·3

  15·9

  Isle of Wight

  23·9

  23·0

  23·9

  20·3

  18·1

  17·6

  Kent

  24·3

  23·9

  23·9

  20·6

  17·3

  16·8

  Lancashire

  24·7

  23·8

  23·7

  20·2

  16·6

  16·4

  Leicestershire

  23·3

  22·8

  23·1

  19·3

  16·3

  15·6

  Lincolnshire

  23·7

  24·8

  24·3

  20·2

  17·1

  16·9

  Norfolk

  22·8

  22·2

  22·3

  20·4

  16·7

  16·4

  North Yorkshire

  22·5

  22·0

  22·1

  19·5

  16·7

  16·5

  Northamptonshire

  24·4

  22·3

  22·2

  20·1

  16·7

  15·9

  Northumberland

  23·4

  23·0

  23·3

  19·5

  17·6

  16·5

  Nottinghamshire

  24·7

  21·6

  20·8

  20·3

  16·2

  15·4

  Oxfordshire

  24·2

  24·2

  23·3

  20·5

  17·4

  17·0

  Shropshire

  23·8

  21·9

  21·8

  19·9

  16·3

  15·8

  Somerset

  24·6

  24·6

  23·9

  21·3

  18·3

  17·4

  Staffordshire

  23·2

  22·0

  22·8

  19·8

  16·4

  16·5

  Suffolk

  23·4

  22·2

  22·4

  20·2

  17·2

  17·0

  Surrey

  21·9

  22·1

  21·8

  19·2

  16·4

  16·0

  Warwickshire

  23·1

  22·4

  22·4

  20·2

  17·1

  16·7

  West Sussex

  24·3

  23·3

  23·3

  20·9

  17·2

  16·7

  Wiltshire

  23·9

  23·7

  23·2

  20·6

  17·2

  17·2

  1 Within schools. Middle schools are included with primary and secondary schools as deemed.

  School Playing Fields (Sale)
  Mr. Radice
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list by local education authority the number of schools which have sold playing fields following his Department's circular 909 (1981).
  64
  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  My Department does not collect information about the disposal of playing fields attached to schools and other educational establishments.

  Teachers' Dispute
  Mr. Thurnham
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the total cost of resources available in schools but unused as a result of the teachers' strike, since the strike began.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  This information is not available. In each of the last two weeks, between 1 and 2 per cent. of schools have been affected by strike action.

  Handicapped Pupils
  Mr. Radice
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list in the Official Report the numbers of ancillary staff provided in schools by local education authorities to look after the special needs of handicapped pupils for each year since 1981.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  The information requested is collected only for special schools. The numbers of full-time and part-time ancillary staff employed in maintained special schools in England in each year since 1981 are as follows:

  January each year

  Number of ancillary staff

  1981

  8,268

  1982

  8,036

  1983

  8,308

  1984

  8,693

  1985

  9,086

  1986

  110,577

  1 Child care staff in residential schools and non-teaching assistants

  GCSE
  Mr. Rogers
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Wentworth (Mr. Hardy) on 26 February, Official Report, column 351, the discussions which are being held with GCSE examining groups, local education authorities and teachers' associations have been concluded; and if additional expenditure for future funding of the GCSE directly has been specified.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The first round of discussions with the teachers' associations has now been completed. The information obtained from these, meetings with LEA officers, and monitoring exercises conducted by Her Majesty's Inspector is being analysed. There will be further discussions later in the year to update the information. At this stage it is too early to judge whether resources are needed additional to the substantial provisio for GCSE already made, as detailed in my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Evennett) on 31 March at columns 447 and 448.

  School Governors (Annual Report)
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received regarding the refusal of certain local education authorities to pay the incidental expenses, such as paper, typing and duplication, incurred by school governors in producing and distributing the annual report to parents.

  Mr. Dunn
  I have received one such representation, which is currently being investigated.

  Teachers (Cost)
  Mr. Greenway
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the notional cost of a teacher on 1 September 1986; what is the current cost; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The average cost of a teacher—salary including allowances, and employers national insurance and superannuation contributions — in maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools in England and Wales on 1 September 1986 is estimated to be £13,240 per annum.

  The Government's pay proposals would increase that figure to £14,330 from 1 January 1987, and to £15"410 from 1 October 1987.

  Ealing (Schools)
  Mr. Greenway
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will direct the Ealing education authority under section 68 of the Education Act 1944 to take steps to reopen borough schools; and it- he will make a statement.

  Mr. Dunn
  The department has been monitoring the effects on educational provision in this area of the Ealing local education authority's dispute with NALGO. We understand that this dispute has now been settled and that the situation is returning to normal. Therefore the question of a direction does not arise.

  Incentive Allowances
  Mr. Hickmet
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he will give local education authorities the relevant rules, or information from which they can draft such rules, for the allocation of incentive allowances amongst schools following the ending of the Burnham negotiations.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  My right hon. Friend will be issuing a paper about the new £500 incentive allowances before Easter.

  Higher Education
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has about the percentage of students in higher education who are living other than in the parental home in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) other OECD countries.

  Mr. Walden
  [pursuant to his reply, 1 April 1987, c. 527]: Information is not available for the whole of higher education. In 1984–85, 92 per cent. of mandatory award-holders (excluding those with minimum awards for whom the information is not collected) from England and Wales studying in the United Kingdom, were living away from the parental home. The figure for Scotland for all mandatory award holders was 62 per cent. Comparable information is not available for OECD countries.

THE ARTS

  National Maritime Museum
  Mr. Faulds
  asked the Minister for the Arts (1) why the office of the director of the National Maritime museum was redecorated twice in the last two years; and what was the cost of each redecoration:
  67
  (2) how many National Maritime museum posts, in which appointments and in which specialities, have been disbanded in the last two years;

  (3) how many National Maritime museum posts, in which appointments and in which specialities, are to be disbanded in the present year;

  (4) which National Maritime museum appointments, and in which specialities, navigation, charts, ship plans, are being abandoned and which amalgamated; and whether he will take steps to ensure that any such amalgamations do not damage the specialist work in the respective areas.

  Mr. Luce
  I am in touch with the director of the National Maritime museum and will write to hon. Member shortly.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Taxation
  Mr. Ralph Howell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer of raising the tax threshold to (a) supplementary benefit levels, (b) supplementary benefit levels, including housing costs and (c) family income supplement levels.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Broad estimates of the direct revenue effect—in a full year at 1987–88 levels of income —of changing tax thresholds are as follows:

  Taxpayers and income lax payable by range of total income1, 1987–88

  At basic rate

  At rates in excess over basic rate

  Total income1 Lower limit

  Number of tax units2 3

  Amount of tax4

  Number of tax units2

  Amount of tax

  Average rate of tax on all incomes

  Average tax on all incomes

  £ pa

  millions

  £ billion

  millions

  £ billion

  per cent.

  £ thousand

  2,425

  3·2

  0·9

  0

  0

  7·5

  280

  5,000

  3·2

  2·4

  0

  0

  12·5

  740

  7,000

  4·4

  5·2

  0

  0

  140

  1,200

  10,000

  5·3

  9·7

  0

  0

  15·0

  1,850

  15,000

  2·7

  7·5

  0

  0

  16·5

  2,800

  20,000

  1·6

  7·3

  0·6

  0·2

  19·5

  4,650

  30,000

  0·8

  7·6

  0·6

  2·9

  31·0

  14,150

  All ranges

  21·2

  40·6

  1·2

  3·1

  17·5

  2,080

  1 Total income for income tax purposes.

  2 Counting married couples as one and combining their incomes.

  3 Including taxpayers who also pay at higher rates.

  4 Includes tax at composite rate.

  Dr. McDonald
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update, to take account of the 1987 Budget, the information on tax changes contained in his reply of 28 April 1986 to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher), Official Report, columns 326–8.
  68

  Yield/Cost

  (a) to supplementary benefit ordinary scale rates plus appropriate child additions

  Yield £6 billion

  (b) to supplementary benefit ordinary scale rates plus appropriate child additions and average housing costs

  Cost £2¼ billion

  (c) to family income supplement prescribed amounts for families with children and to levels increased by the same proportion for families without children

  Cost £6½ billion

  Detailed costs of the changes relating to supplementary benefit could be made only at disproportionate cost because entitlement to supplementary benefit depends upon a range of factors related to individual family circumstances. In the above costings, income tax reliefs other than personal allowances have been assumed to remain unchanged.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing his forecast for 1987–88 of the amount of income tax payable by range of income on the same basis as that shown in table 5.11 of the latest edition of "Social Trends"; and if he will add a table for all indirect taxes, including rates.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The latest estimates are given in the table below. They are based on a projection of the 1984–85 survey of personal incomes and are therefore provisional. I regret that it is not possible to provide reliable estimates by income range in respect of indirect taxes or rates.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 25 March 1987, c. 216]: The information is given in the table.
  69

  Gains from the Budget proposals for income tax allowances, rates, and thresholds compared with indexation by range of income

  1Range of gross income

  2Tax units as percentage of total liable to tax

  Reduction in income tax liability in 1987–88 from Budget proposals compared with indexation

  £ per year

  Per cent.

  Amount £ million

  As percentage of total Per cent.

  Under 5,000

  15

  60

  3

  5,000 to 7,500

  19

  220

  9

  7,500 to 10,000

  17

  310

  12

  10,000 to 12,500

  14

  360

  14

  12,500 to 15,000

  11

  330

  13

  15,000 to 20,000

  13

  530

  21

  20,000 to 30,000

  7

  490

  19

  30,000 to 50,000

  3

  200

  8

  Above 50,000

  1

  30

  1

  All

  100

  2,530

  100

  1 Income for income tax purposes

  2 That is counting married couples as one and combining their incomes.

  Sir Russell Johnston
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost in lost tax revenue of an individual male and an individual female unemployed person in each of the past five years.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  It is not possible to estimate the cost in lost tax revenue.

  Personal Incomes
  Mr. Ralph Howell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table for each year since 1971 showing the tax-free income for each of a one-, two-, three-and four-child family, including chidren aged between 11 years and 16 years and over 16 years, family income and supplementary beneft entitlement levels, including average housing costs.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The tables show break-even points measured as a percentage of family income supplement prescribed amounts and supplementary benefits ordinary scale rates — plus average housing costs. Break-even points are the levels of taxable income at which a net liability to tax arises after deducting receipt of child benefit from payment of income tax.

  Weekly break-even points as a percentage of FIS prescribed amounts in April of each year5

  1 earner couple

  with one child1

  with two children2

  with three children3

  with four children4

  1971–72

  85·1

  101·1

  117·9

  134·5

  1972–73

  93·4

  107·0

  122·0

  137·1

  1973–74

  89·3

  100·2

  112·5

  124·6

  1974–75

  98·8

  111·2

  124·6

  137·6

  1975–76

  91·9

  104·9

  117·6

  129·8

  1976–77

  84·6

  97·7

  110·2

  122·0

  1977–78

  89·0

  99·7

  110·3

  120·5

  1978–79

  95·2

  109·7

  121·3

  132·2

  1979–80

  110·1

  128·0

  143·2

  156·2

  1980–81

  99·1

  115·2

  129·2

  141·3

  1981–82

  86·1

  100·2

  111·8

  121·6

  1982–83

  88·2

  101·8

  113·0

  122·4

  1983–84

  89·7

  103·1

  114·1

  123·2

  1984–85

  96·8

  110·4

  121·5

  130·7

  1985–86

  99·4

  112·5

  123·2

  132·1

  1986–87

  97·1

  109·2

  118·0

  124·3

  1987–88

  99·1

  112·5

  122·3

  129·3

  70
  1 Aged under 11.

  2 Two children aged under 11.

  3 Two children aged under, one aged 11–15.

  4 Two children aged under 11, one aged 11–15, one aged 16.

  5For 1971–72, the FIS prescribed amounts relate to the introductory levels of FIS in August 1971.

  Weekly break-even points as a percentage of supplementary benefit ordinary scale rates (plus average housing costs) in April of each year.

  1 earner couple

  With one child1

  With two children2

  With three children3

  With four children4

  1971–72

  120·3

  139·0

  155·0

  163·2

  1972–73

  133·5

  147·2

  158·7

  161·7

  1973–74

  122·1

  133·7

  143·7

  145·5

  1974–75

  119·9

  132·3

  142·5

  144·7

  1975–76

  95·9

  107·8

  116·5

  118·6

  1976–77

  97·5

  110·0

  118·9

  120·9

  1977–78

  110·4

  118·5

  123·4

  122·0

  1978–79

  118·7

  130·8

  136·0

  133·9

  1979–80

  132·9

  147·5

  154·8

  152·4

  1980–81

  120·7

  133·4

  140·1

  138·0

  1981–82

  102·0

  116·1

  121·2

  121·8

  1982–83

  105·2

  119·3

  124·3

  124·7

  1983–84

  109·0

  123·0

  127·6

  127·7

  1984–85

  114·0

  128·2

  133·0

  133·1

  1985·865

  116·8

  130·5

  134·8

  134·5

  1986–875

  117·7

  131·5

  135·8

  135·5

  1987–885

  119·9

  135·3

  140·5

  140·9

  1 Aged under 11.

  2 Two children aged under 11.

  3 Two children aged under 11, one aged 11–15.

  4 Two children aged under 11, one aged 11–15, one aged 16

  5 Provisional.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for (a) two-earner families with a wife's earnings election and (b) other higher-rate taxpayers by tax category, his estimate of the number and distribution of incomes, together with the average unearned income and average amount of mortgage interest relief in each income band in each category in the next financial year.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 25 March 1987, c. 213]: Information is given in the tables. The estimates are based on a projection from the 1984–85 survey of personal incomes and are therefore provisional.
  71

  Distribution of total income, 1987–88 For Higher Rate Tax Payers1

  Single people

  Married couples without wife's earnings

  Range of total income Lower limit

  Number of incomes

  Average amount of investment income2

  Average amount of mortgage interest relief2

  Number of incomes

  Average amount of investment income2

  Average amount of mortgage interest relief2

  £ pa)

  ('000s)

  (£)

  (£)

  ('000s)

  (£)

  (£)

  20,000

  65

  9,100

  610

  60

  5,300

  350

  25,000

  55

  9,600

  1,160

  100

  3,400

  950

  30,000

  25

  12,300

  1,390

  50

  4,600

  1,250

  35,000

  10

  13,000

  1,430

  35

  7,200

  1,400

  40,000

  20

  14,700

  1,220

  45

  7,300

  1,550

  50,000

  25

  34,700

  1,770

  55

  19,900

  1,750

  Two-earner married couples

  Without a wife's earnings election

  With a wife's earnings election

  Range of total income Lower limit

  Number of incomes

  Average amount of investment income2

  Average amount of mortgage interest relief2

  Number of incomes

  Average amount of investment income2

  Average amount of mortgage interest relief2

  (£pa)

  ('000s)

  (£)

  (£)

  ('000s)

  (£)

  (£)

  20,000

  55

  3,200

  300

  0

  0

  0

  25,000

  225

  2,300

  750

  50

  1,450

  300

  30,000

  90

  3,700

  1,200

  110

  1,800

  800

  35,000

  40

  5,300

  1,300

  70

  3,500

  950

  40,000

  30

  6,000

  1,500

  50

  4,100

  1,200

  50,000

  30

  14,200

  1,800

  50

  10,600

  1,550

  1 Includes some 130 thousand tax units that are taken out of higher-rate tax following the wife's earnings election.

  2 Average based on those having investment income or mortgage relief as appropriate.

  TUC and National Insurance
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for 1978–79, an estimate for 1986–87 and a forecast for 1987–88 of the percentage of income paid in income tax and national insurance on the same basis as in table 5.12 of the latest edition of "Social Trends".

  Percentage of income paid in income tax and national insurance contributions1

  Half average earnings2

  Average earnings2

  Twice average earnings2

  Tax

  NIC

  Tax

  NIC

  Tax

  NIC

  Single Person

  1978–793

  15·8

  6·5

  24·4

  6·5

  28·7

  4·5

  1986–87

  14·6

  7·0

  21·8

  9·0

  25·4

  7·1

  1987–88

  13·9

  7·0

  20·3

  9·0

  23·7

  6·9

  Married couple*

  1978–793

  7·8

  6·5

  20·3

  6·5

  26·7

  4·5

  1986–87

  6·4

  7·0

  17·7

  9·0

  23·4

  7·1

  1987–88

  6·5

  7·0

  16·8

  9·0

  21·9

  6·9

  1 Employee's contributions. Assumes contributions at Class 1, contracted in standard rate.

  2 Earnings are average earnings for full-time adult male manual employees working a full week.

  3 Average earnings for 1978–79 are based on males aged 21 or over, and on males paid at adult rates for 1986–87 and 1987–88. Average earnings for 1986–87 and 1987–88 are estimated by assuming increases of 7½ and 6½ per cent, respectively on the previous years in line with the assumptions used by the Government Actuary for reviewing national insurance contributions (paragraph 3.02 autumn statement).

  4 Assuming no wife's earnings.

  72
  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The information is contained in the table. As requested, the figures are on the same basis as those in table 5.12 of "Social Trends", No. 17, and therefore the estimates for 1978–79 are not strictly comparable with those for 1986–87 and 1987–88 because of the change in the definition of a manual worker (see footnote 3).

  Personal Incomes
  Mr. Maples
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the disposable income of a married man with two children and a wife who does not work at constant prices in 1978–79; and what is the predicted figure for 1986–87 (i) at half average earnings, (ii) at 75 per cent. average earnings, (iii) at 100 per cent. average earnings, (iv) at 150 per cent. average earnings and (v) at 200 per cent. average earnings.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The information is given in the table below. Average earnings are those for a man in full-time work paid at adult rates whose pay is not affected by absence. It has been assumed that the only tax relief or allowance available to the married couple is the married man's allowance. Net disposable income is taken to be gross income plus child benefit less income tax and national insurance contributions, assumed to be at the contracted-in rates.

  Net disposable income of a married man with two children and a wife who does not work (£ per week) Multiple of Average Earnings

  1978–79 £ per week

  1986–87 £ per week

  0·5

  At current prices

  45·27

  100·68

  At 1986–87 prices

  87·53

  100·68

  0·75

  At current prices

  59·41

  133·75

  At 1986–87 prices

  114·97

  133·75

  1

  At current prices

  73·45

  166·83

  At 1986–87 prices

  142·02

  166·83

  1·5

  At current prices

  102·77

  236·14

  At 1986–87 prices

  198·71

  236·14

  2

  At current prices

  133·86

  309·07

  At 1986–87 prices

  258·82

  309·07

  Benefits (Taxation)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the revenue yields in 1987–88 of the taxation of benefits other than unemployment benefit and supplementary benefit.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The direct revenue yield from the taxation of retirement pension, widows' benefits and invalid care allowance is estimated to be £1,500 million for 1987–88.

  Mortgage Interest Relief
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for those with and those without investment income in 1985–86 the numbers in each income band benefiting from mortgage interest relief; and if he will provide an estimate for 1987–88.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The information is in the tables. The estimates are based on projections of the 1983, 1984 and 1985 family expenditure surveys and are therefore provisional.
  74

  Tax units1 receiving mortgage interest relief by range of total income—1985–86

  (thousands)

  Range of total income (£'000)

  Without investment income

  With investment income

  Total

  Under 4

  330

  360

  690

  4 to 5

  40

  70

  110

  5 to 6

  70

  140

  210

  6 to 7

  100

  220

  320

  7 to 8

  130

  310

  440

  8 to 9

  160

  420

  580

  9 to 10

  160

  470

  630

  10 to 12

  300

  950

  1,250

  12 to 15

  310

  1,180

  1,490

  15 to 20

  210

  1,130

  1,340

  20 to 25

  40

  390

  430

  25 to 30

  20

  210

  230

  Over 30

  20

  260

  280

  All

  1,890

  6,110

  8,000

  1 Single persons and married couples and including about 500,000 non-taxpaying units.

  Tax units1 receiving mortgage interest relief by range of total income—1987–88

  (thousands)

  Range of total income (£'000)

  Without investment income

  With investment income

  Total2

  Under 4

  310

  340

  650

  4 to 5

  30

  70

  100

  5 to 6

  40

  100

  140

  6 to 7

  70

  140

  210

  7 to 8

  80

  190

  270

  8 to 9

  100

  270

  370

  9 to 10

  120

  360

  480

  10 to 12

  280

  870

  1,150

  12 to 15

  340

  1,260

  1,600

  15 to 20

  300

  1,600

  1,900

  20 to 25

  70

  660

  730

  25 to 30

  30

  300

  330

  Over 30

  30

  440

  470

  All

  1,800

  6,600

  8,400

  1 Single persons and married couples.

  2 Including about 500,000 non-taxpayers.

  Personal Equity Plans
  Mr. Bright
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received any representations about the administrative charges and fees levied by the managers of personal equity plan funds.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I have received a small number of letters on this subject. Plan managers' charges can differ significantly, and potential investors would be well advised to shop around.

  Experimental Performance Bonus Scheme
  Mr. Speller
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer., pursuant to the answer of 10 March, Official Report, column 142, if he will detail the terms and criteria for payments available under the experimental performance bonus scheme to Inland Revenue officers who are in direct contact with the public; how much has been actually paid out in 1986–87; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  There are no special terms or criteria for bonus payments to officers who are in direct
  75
  contact with the public. Most eligible staff have contacts with the public to some extent. I am arranging to place in the House of Commons Library a copy of a statement setting out details of the performance bonus scheme as operated in the Inland Revenue in 1986–87 across the whole field of eligible staff. The total amount paid out in awards in 1986–87 was £508,740.

  Students
  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward legislation to remove the difference in tax treatment of students supported by grants and students supported by parental contribution while on higher education courses.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  In the normal way there is no difference in the tax treatment of students who receive grants either from their parents or from local authorities. Local authority maintenance grants to students are not liable to tax; nor are ordinary — non-covenanted —parental contributions to students' maintenance.

  If the parent makes his contribution in the form of payments under a deed of covenant, the tax position is that the parent normally obtains tax relief for the payments by deducting basic rate tax from them. The payments form part of the student's taxable income, and by setting his personal allowances against them he may be entitled to repayment of the tax deducted at source.

  European Commission (Infrastructure Strategy)
  Mr. Alton
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the European Commission medium term infrastructure strategy will include powers to enable the Commission to guarantee loans to major construction projects.

  Mr. Brooke
  A recent European Commission communication on the financing of major Community infrastructure projects includes a proposal on Community budget guarantees for loans from the European Investment Bank. No date has yet been set for a discussion on the communication.

  VAT
  Mr. David Atkinson
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate by how much the standard rate of value added tax could be reduced to produce the same revenue if all current zero rated and exempted items were liable.

  Mr. Brooke
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Solihull (Mr. Taylor) on 23 January at column 707.

  Financial Services (VAT)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the yield in 1987–88 of extending value added tax to all financial services at present exempt under (a) European Economic Community rules and (b) otherwise; and if he will provide a breakdown by service.

  Mr. Brooke
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  Allowances
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the cost to the Exchequer of an increase of £100 in each of the allowances at the standard rate of income tax.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  VAT Inputs Frauds
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is able to give the latest information with regard to the precise or estimated amounts of value added tax inputs frauds; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

  Forestry
  Mr. Rogers
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assistance was given to the National Audit Office by the Forestry Commission in compiling the details of expected internal rates of return for various types of forest plantation published as appendix 4 of the NAO report, "Review of Forestry Commission Objectives and Achievements"; and what economic model was used to calculate these returns.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Paragraphs 4.3 and 4.4 of the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, "Review of Forestry Commission objectives and achievements" (HC 75), to the Public Accounts Committee, of which the hon. Gentleman is a member, made clear that the Forestry Commission provided the National Audit Office with planting and restocking models representative of the current planting programme. Appendix 4 of the report summarises the returns likely to be achieved for typical plantations.

  Allowances and Reliefs
  Mr. Clay
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update for 1987–88 the information on the extra revenue resulting from allowing all tax allowances and reliefs at the standard rate only, provided in his reply of 1 May 1986 to the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field), Official Report, column 479–80.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  Central Office of Information (Survey Research)
  Mr. Gregory
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the sum expended on survey research by the Central Office of Information in each year since 1982.

  Mr. Brooke
  I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

  Married Couples (Taxation)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing in the case of the wife's earnings election the estimated cost to the Exchequer in the next

  77
  financial year, together with tables showing (a) the estimated loss of tax in terms of each combined gross income band and (b) for (i) husbands and (ii) wives, the numbers assessed separately by range of income together with the gross amount of income and the gross amount of unearned income;

  (2) whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for the next financial year information concerning wife's earned income allowance on the same basis as given in his reply of 24 July 1986, Official Report, at column 467.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his replies of 23 March 1987, c. 41 and 27 March 1987. c. 307]: I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the information on the wife's earnings election in column 467 of the Official Report of 24 July 1986.

  Estimates for 1987–88 of the numbers of elections, the direct revenue costs, and the levels of incomes expected are in the tables. Estimates are based on a projection of the 1984–85 survey of personal incomes and are therefore provisional.

  Table 1—Wife's earnings elections, 1987–88

  Range of joint total income (lower limit) (£ per annum)

  Elections (thousands)

  Direct revenue costs (£ million)

  20,000

  —

  —

  25,000

  50

  10

  30,000

  175

  125

  40,000

  55

  80

  50,000

  50

  185

  Total

  330

  400

  Table 2—Wife's earnings elections, 1987–88 by husband's income

  Range of husband's total income' (lower limit) (£ per annum)

  Elections

  Husband's income

  (thousands)

  Aggregate total income1 (£ million)

  Aggregate investment income (£ million)

  10,000

  10

  160

  15

  15,000

  80

  1,350

  75

  20,000

  160

  3,900

  270

  30,000

  60

  2,070

  220

  50,000

  20

  1,560

  230

  1 Total income is husband's earned income plus husband's investment income.

  Table 3—Wife's earnings elections, 1987–88 by wife's income

  Range of wife's total income1 (lower limit) (£ per annum)

  Elections

  Wife's income

  (thousands)

  Aggregate total income1 (£ million)

  Aggregate investment income (£ million)

  5,000

  100

  810

  15

  10,000

  140

  1,690

  45

  15,000

  50

  860

  55

  20,000

  30

  640

  60

  30,000

  10

  530

  55

  1 Total income is wife's earned income plus wife's investment income.

  Taxable Benefits
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate for 1987–88 of the taxable value of benefits subject to (i) special and (ii) general rules, together with the estimated revenue therefrom.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 25 March 1987, c. 215]: Available information, based on projections from 1983–84, the latest year for which detailed data are available, is as follows:

  1987–88,

  Benefit provided by employer

  Taxable value

  Tax yield

  Cars and free fuel for private use

  1,300

  460

  Private medical insurance

  130

  50

  Other expense payments and benefits

  320

  120

  Total

  1,750

  630

  Married Man's Allowance
  Dr. McDonald
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update, in the light of the 1987 Budget, the information on the married man's allowance provided in his reply of 14 April 1986 to the hon. Member for Thurrock, Official Report, column 315.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 25 March 1987, c. 215]: The direct revenue cost of the married man's allowance in excess of the single person's allowance is estimated to be £4·6 billion in a full year at 1987–88 income levels of which £3·9 billion is attributable to those aged under 65. The extra relief is worth £7·11 per week in 1987–88 to a basic rate taxpayer not entitled to age allowance.

  Income Tax
  Dr. McDonald
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update to 1987–88 the information on real net earnings provided in his reply of 10 April 1986 to the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field), Official Report, columns 193–94.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 25 March 1987, c. 215]: The infomation is as follows :

  Changes in real net earnings after Income Tax and NIC (1956–57 = 100)

  Multiples of average earnings

  ⅔

  1

  2

  5

  10

  Single

  1978–79

  124·9

  125·3

  132·8

  120·1

  108·3

  1987–88

  151·8

  154·9

  165·8

  166·0

  191·0

  Married

  1978–79

  126·8

  123·9

  132·4

  121·1

  109·0

  1987–88

  152·3

  151·8

  165·6

  165·7

  189·6

  Excise Duties
  Mr. Gardiner
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the estimated receipts in 1986–87 and the forecast receipts in 1987–88 from excise duties on spirits, beer, wine, made wine, cider and perry, respectively; and if he will explain any differences or special factors.

  Mr. Brooke
  [pursuant to his reply, 3 April 1987, c. 630]: The information is as follows:

  79

  1986–87 £ million1

  1987–88 £ million2

  Spirits

  1,500

  1,530

  Beer

  1,970

  2,010

  Wine

  640

  685

  Made wine

  60

  65

  Cider and Perry

  50

  55

  Total

  4,220

  4,345

  1 Latest estimates.

  2 Forecast.

  Companies (Depreciation)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each year since 1957 the amount set aside by industrial and commercial companies out of profits for depreciation and the amount spent on new plant and equipment.

  Mr. MacGregor
  [pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 395]: Information, taken from the DTI's analysis of the published accounts of industrial and commercial companies in Great Britain, on the amounts set aside for depreciation is given in the table below. There are a number of breaks in the series; the analysis has only covered the whole industrial and commercial company sector since 1977. The accounts used in the analysis are the consolidated annual accounts of industrial and commercial company groups, which may include financial and overseas subsidiaries, and the accounts of independent companies registered in Great Britain. Great Britain subsidiaries of companies registered in Northern Ireland or overseas are also included. Fuller notes on coverage are given in the references.

  Figures of gross domestic fixed capital formation in plant and machinery by industrial and commercial companies are given in the table below. These figures, which are mainly based on inquiries by the Business Statistics Office, include the purchase of new and secondhand assets whereas sales of plant and machinery are deducted. The figures relate to assets located in the United Kingdom and are published annually in the CSO Blue Book—table 10.3 of the 1986 edition. Figures are not available for years prior to 1965.

  Amounts set aside by industrial and commercial companies for depreciation

  £ million

  1957

  393

  1958

  443

  1959

  486

  1960

  560

  1961

  621

  1962

  683

  1963

  749

  1964

  905

  1965

  1,012

  1966

  1,097

  1967

  1,124

  1968

  1,254

  1969

  1,323

  1970

  1,431

  1971

  1,591

  1972

  1,754

  1973

  1,992

  1974

  2,222

  1975

  2,513

  1976

  2,896

  80

  £ million

  1977

  3,217

  New series:

  1977

  5,348

  1978

  6,525

  1979

  7,749

  1980

  8,967

  1981

  10,569

  1982

  10,600

  Large Companies only:

  1983

  9,245

  1984

  11,755

  1957–59:

  Quoted companies only.

  Source: Economic Trends No. 102 April 1962.

  1960–64:

  Quoted and unquoted. All public and some private companies with net assets of £500,000 or more or gross income of £50,000 or more in 1960.

  Source: Business Monitor 2nd and 4th Issues.

  1965–68:

  Based on all public and some private companies with net assets of £500,000 or more or gross income of £50,000 or more in 1964.

  Source: Business Monitor, Misc. 3, 2nd and 4th Issues.

  1969–74:

  Based on companies with net assets of £2 million or more or gross income of £200,000 or more in 1968.

  Source: Business Monitor, Misc. Annual MA3, 11th Issue.

  1975–77:

  Based on net assets of £5 million or more or gross income of £500,000 or more in 1973.

  Source: Business Monitor, MA3, 11th Issue.

  1977–84:

  Based on representative sample of all industrial and commercial companies. Figures for 1983–84 are preliminary estimates based on large companies only and include write-offs.

  Source: Business Monitor, MA3, 12th and 17th Issues.

  Gross Domestic Fixed Capital Formation in Plant and Machinery by Industrial and Commercial Companies

  £ million

  1965

  1,313

  1966

  1,392

  1967

  1,397

  1968

  1,545

  1969

  1,688

  1970

  1,957

  1971

  2,013

  1972

  1,980

  1973

  2,315

  1974

  2,899

  1975

  3,525

  1976

  4,446

  1977

  5,502

  1978

  6,839

  1979

  8,094

  1980

  8,507

  1981

  8,174

  1982

  8,825

  1983

  9,458

  1984

  11,244

  1985

  14,611

  1986

  15,632

  North Sea Oil
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, on the same basis as table 5.1 in the 1986 edition of the United Kingdom national accounts, he will publish in the Official Report separate figures for North sea oil companies showing tax paid on profits due abroad and tax paid on other income.
  81
  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 395]: I regret that this information is not available for all taxes.

  Double Taxation Relief

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the effect of an increase in the rate of corportion tax on double taxation relief on the overseas earnings of company profits; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the amount of double taxation relief in the latest year for which information is available, the amount of tax on which relief was given, and the change in relief consequent on a 1 per cent. increase in corporation tax.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 396–7]: An increase in the rate of corporation tax would increase the ceiling of United Kingdom tax against which double taxation relief could be claimed and would therefore, depending on the level of the overseas tax, entitle companies to a greater measure of relief.

  The latest year for which information is available on the amount of double taxation relief and foreign taxes paid is

  Females with investment income in 1986–87 by range of total income of female

  Single females

  Married females

  Gross investment income greater than or equal to £1,000 pa

  Gross investment income less than £1,000 but greater than £0 pa

  Gross investment income greater than or equal to £1,000 pa

  Gross investment income less than £1,000 but greater than £0 pa

  Total income lower limit

  Numbers

  Average investment income

  Numbers

  Average investment income

  Numbers

  Average investment income

  Numbers

  Average investment income

  (£pa)

  ('000s)

  (£pa)

  ('000s)

  (£pa)

  ('000s)

  (£pa)

  ('000s)

  (£pa)

  2,000

  210

  1,950

  430

  300

  140

  2,060

  290

  240

  5,000

  250

  3,450

  220

  300

  110

  3,720

  220

  230

  10,000

  90

  6,600

  45

  300

  40

  4,360

  90

  260

  15,000

  50

  7,650

  10

  280

  20

  5,970

  15

  350

  20,000

  45

  21,500

  10

  200

  15

  18,300

  5

  290

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report his estimate of the distribution of gross unearned incomes, including tax credits, in the coming financial year by range of income in steps to £1,000 to £20,000 divided between elderly and other taxpayers and between single persons and one-earner and two-earner households.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 25 March 1987, c. 214]: The latest available estimates are given in the

  Distribution of investment income 1987–88

  Numbers

  Taxpayers aged under 65

  Taxpayers aged over 65

  Range of total investment income lower limit

  Single people

  Married couples without wife's earned income

  Married couples with wife's earned income

  Single people

  Married couples without wife's earned income

  Married couples with wife's earned income

  (£pa)

  ('000s)

  ('000s)

  ('000s)

  ('000s)

  ('000s)

  ('000s)

  1,000

  320

  140

  330

  165

  100

  60

  2,000

  160

  60

  130

  75

  55

  50

  3,000

  60

  40

  90

  70

  35

  20

  4,000

  30

  20

  70

  40

  25

  30

  5,000

  35

  25

  35

  30

  15

  25

  6,000

  20

  10

  25

  30

  15

  5

  7,000

  10

  10

  25

  20

  5

  5

  8,000

  5

  5

  20

  15

  5

  5

  9,000

  10

  10

  15

  20

  5

  5

  82
  1983 and figures have already been provided to the hon. Member for that year in my reply of 23 March 1987, at column 43. No estimate is available of the effect of a one percentage point change in the main rate of corportion tax on the amount of relief which can be claimed.

  Unearned Income
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing by personal category and range of income the number of women with gross unearned income of £1,000 a year or more, and those with less, together with the average amount of unearned income in each category.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 23 March 1987, c. 41]: The estimates given in the table below are based on a projection from the 1984–85 survey of personal incomes and they are therefore provisional. Since the survey does not provide comprehensive coverage of investment income on which the liability to basic rate tax has been satisfied at source, the estimates for the ranges other than the higher income ranges are likely to be incomplete.

  table. They are based on a projection from the 1984–85 survey of personal incomes and are therefore provisional. Some income ranges have been combined in order to provide reliable estimates. Since the survey does not provide comprehensive coverage of investment income on which the liability to basic rate tax has been satisfied, the estimates for the ranges other than the higher income ranges are likely to be incomplete.
  83

  Taxpayers aged under 65

  Taxpayers aged over 65

  Range of total investment income lower limit

  Single people

  Married couples without wife's earned income

  Married couples with wife's earned income

  Single people

  Married couples without wife's earned income

  Married couples with wife's earned income

  (£ pa)

  ('000s)

  ('000s)

  ('000s)

  ('000s)

  ('000s)

  ('000s)

  10,000

  10

  10

  25

  20

  10

  15

  12,000

  10

  10

  20

  15

  5

  10

  15,000

  10

  5

  15

  20

  10

  5

  20,000

  15

  10

  15

  25

  15

  10

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. McCrindle
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects of his proposals relating to corporation tax on the capital gains of companies on life assurance companies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 2 April 1987, c. 560]: The Budget proposals for changes in the taxation of companies' gains will apply to life assurance companies. For disposals made by life assurance companies on or after 17 March 1987, the rate of tax will be 35 per cent.

  The effects of this change on such companies will vary according to the level of chargeable gains realised and the basis on which tax provisions are attributed to policyholders. The proceeds on maturity or surrender of policies often reflect provision for future tax liabilities which may arise when the life company realises assets. The extent to which such provision is made varies widely and is entirely a matter for each company. Many make a heavily discounted provision, computed on the basis that chargeable gains are unlikely to be realised for many years.

  Moreover, substantial deductions *— for example, for management expenses — can be set against life companies' gains and a significant proportion of such tax as life companies pay on their gains is on gains reserved for shareholders and does not affect returns on policyholders' funds.

  There is no reason, therefore, why the change proposed need have a substantial general impact on policyholders' returns.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing his forecast of the increase in revenue from corporation tax and advance corporation tax in the current year and in the next financial year; and if he will provide separate figures for (a) North sea oil and gas companies, (b) other industrial and commercial companies and (c) financial companies and institutions.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 395]: Information is in the following table. A reliable breakdown of tax receipts between industrial and commercial companies and financial institutions is not available for 1986–87 and 1987–88.

  Receipts of corporation tax (CT)

  (£ million)

  All companies and financial institutions1 of which

  North sea

  Total CT

  ACT

  CT

  ACT Set-off2

  1985–86

  10,708

  3,808

  2,923

  1,092

  1986–873

  13,400

  4,400

  2,700

  1,100

  1987–884

  15,000

  4,700

  1,400

  800

  84
  1 Including North sea companies.

  2Liability to corporation tax arising in respect of North sea production may be satisfied by setting off ACT arising on dividends paid in previous periods in respect of both onshore and offshore activities. Dividends and ACT associated with North sea activities alone cannot be identified.

  3 Provisional outturn.

  44 Forecast.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the yield of an increase of 1 percentage point in the rate of corporation tax at the present rate of profitability, all other things remaining unchanged.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 395]: An increase of one percentage point in the 35 per cent. main rate of corporation tax would yield approximately £400 million in a full year at 1986–87 levels of income.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has about the rate of corporation tax in or equivalent company taxes in other industrial countries.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 395]: The information requested is given in the table, which covers EEC countries and major industrial OECD countries outside the EEC.

  Basic rate of central government corporation tax

  Rate percentage

  EEC

  Belgium

  43·0

  Denmark

  50·0

  France

  45·0

  Germany

  56·0

  Greece

  44·0

  Ireland

  50·0

  Italy

  36·0

  Luxembourg

  40·0

  Netherlands

  42·0

  Portugal

  45·0

  Spain

  35·0

  United Kingdom

  35·0

  OECD outside EEC

  Australia

  46·0

  Austria

  55·0

  Canada

  36·0

  Japan

  43·3

  Sweden

  52·0

  United States of America

  46·0

  Notes:

  1. The rates shown apply to undistributed profits. Lower rates apply to distributed profits in Germany, Austria and Japan. No tax is charged on distributed profits in Greece.

  2. There are lower rates for smaller companies in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, United Kingdom, Austria, Canada, Japan and the United States of America.
  85
  3. There are local income taxes on companies in Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Austria, Canada, Japan and the United States of America. These increase the tax burden on companies in these countries.

DEFENCE

  Defence Contracts
  Mr. Watts
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy not to award defence contracts to prime contractors who do not observe the code of practice for competitive subcontracting in their terms of payment to subcontractors.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 24 March 1987, at column 141. The code of practice is a guidance document and it would be inappropriate to make it mandatory, particularly as the relationship between contractors and their subcontractors is a matter for the parties themselves and one in which the MOD should not he directly involved. Having said that, I am very willing to look into any particular case of difficulty which my hon. Friend cares to draw to my attention.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will specify all contracts or agreements between his Department's Porton Down establishment and universities and polytechnics.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down, has currently 76 research agreements with 36 institutions of higher education. It is not our policy to give details of these agreements.

  Weekly Temperatures
  Dame Judith Hart
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the weekly mean temperature for the weather stations of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and of the official meteorological record for Carnwater, for each week of January in each of the years 1982 to 1987 inclusive.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I assume the right hon. Member is referring to Carnwath. Tabulated data for Glasgow airport, Edinburgh airport and Carnwath for each week in the months of January from 1982 to 1987 inclusive are provided below:

  Weekly Mean Temperature °C)

  Week Monday to Sunday

  Carnwath

  Glasgow Airport

  Edinburgh Airport

  28 December 1981– 3 January 1982

  1·3

  3·0

  2·7

  4 January 1982– 10 January 1982

  -7·7

  -4·6

  -4·7

  11 January 1982– 17 January 1982

  -4·7

  -2·0

  -3·7

  18 January 1982– 24 January 1982

  4·6

  6·4

  5·4

  25 January 1982– 31 January 1982

  5·7

  7·3

  7·3

  27 December 1982– 2 January 1983

  4·5

  6·1

  5·9

  3 January 1983– 9 January 1983

  3·8

  5·2

  5·0

  Ministry of Defence

  Monday 6 April 1987
  86

  Weekly Mean Temperature (°C)

  Week Monday to Sunday

  Carnwath

  Glasgow Airport

  Edinburgh Airport

  10 January 1983– 16 January 1983

  5·3

  7·0

  7·0

  17 January 1983– 23 January 1983

  2·1

  4·9

  4·2

  24 January 1983– 30 January 1983

  4·4

  6·2

  5·9

  2 January 1984– 8 January 1984

  2·0

  4·0

  3·3

  9 January 1984– 15 January 1984

  1·7

  3·5

  3·5

  16 January 1984– 22 January 1984

  -3·9

  -1·1

  -0·8

  23 January 1984– 29 January 1984

  -1·0

  -0·0

  0·2

  30 January 1984– 5 February 1984

  1·2

  3·4

  3·4

  31 December 1984– 6 January 1985

  0·2

  1·5

  2·1

  7 January 1985– 13 January 1985

  -2·5

  -0·8

  -0·0

  14 January 1985– 20 January 1985

  -1·7

  0·5

  0·7

  21 January 1985– 27 January 1985

  -4·1

  -1·5

  -1·6

  28 January 1985– 3 February 1985

  4·6

  5·7

  5·4

  30 December 1985– 5 January 1986

  -1·8

  0·2

  0·4

  6 January 1986– 12 January 1986

  0·9

  2·4

  2·3

  13 January 1986– 19 January 1986

  2·0

  3·9

  3·3

  20 January 1986– 26 January 1986

  0·6

  2·4

  2·3

  27 January 1986– 2 February 1986

  0·6

  1·7

  1·9

  29 December 1986– 4 January 1987

  1·6

  2·9

  3·5

  5 January 1987–11 January 1987

  -2·7

  -0·6

  -1·2

  12 January 1987– 18 January 1987

  -2·7

  -1·2

  -1·3

  19 January 1987– 25 January 1987

  2·3

  4·5

  4·9

  26 January 1987 –1 February 1987

  -1·8

  -0·8

  0·5

  Ministry of Defence

  Monday 6 April 1987

  Mozambique
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many United Kingdom military personnel are currently based in Mozambique; if he will publish details of their duties; and what is the total cost to the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Stanley
  There are no United Kingdom military personnel currently based in Mozambique. However, at the request of the Government of Mozambique, and with the agreement of the Zimbabwean Government, the British military advisory and training team in Zimbabwe is providing a limited programme of training to members of the Mozambican army.

  "20 Questions on Defence"
  Dr. Owen
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much it cost his Department to produce the leaflet, "20 Questions on Defence"; how many copies have been printed; what were their production costs; and how many copies have been issued to the public.

  Mr. Stanley
  I will answer shortly.

  Dr. Owen
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide the evidence on which he bases the second sentence in the 13th section of his Department's leaflet "20 Questions on Defence", dealing with cruise missiles.

  Mr. Stanley
  The unclassified evidence for this statement is set out in the course of paragraphs 3 to 18 of Defence open government document 87/1 "Trident and the Alternative". The unclassified evidence is in turn based on a recent classified updating by the Department's senior civilian and service staffs of material in Defence open government documents 80/23 and 82/1.

  "Trident and the Alternatives"
  Dr. Owen
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much it cost his Department to produce the document "Trident and the Alternatives"; how many copies have been printed; what were their production costs; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stanley
  I will answer shortly.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Nellist
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has as to the supply to the Indonesian armed forces of 5 Battery Command post processor computer software systems, manufactured by British Aerospace; on what date the end-user certificates were issued; what discussions his Department has had to ensure such equipment is not destined for military use in East Timor; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Battery Command post processor is a part of the British Aerospace Rapier low level air defence system, and acts as an aid to the Battery commander to enable him to site his fire units in the most effective position. The BCPP is a non-critical part of the Rapier system, and has no use outside the context of Rapier.

  I understand that Rapier is not intended to be based in East Timor—in any event, as an air defence system, it would have no role in the current internal security difficulties in that state.

  Defence Budget
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 1987, Official Report, column 602, why the savings made in his budget during 1986–87 are not expected for 1987–88; what criteria he uses for the selection of priorities; what assessment he has made of the implications for progress towards the Government's energy efficiency targets of the reduction in the budget for 1987–88; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I will answer shortly.

  Nuclear Waste (Gillingham)
  Mr. Couchman
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has yet considered the several representations made by the hon. Members for Gillingham and for Medway (Dame P. Fenner) regarding the storage of additional nuclear waste at Ministry of Defence, Gillingham; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I have carefully considered the proposal to transport nuclear material to MOD Gillingham for temporary storage. I have concluded that alternative arrangements can be made which do not involve the storage of any further material in MOD Gillingham. I can assure my right hon. friend, therefore, that no nuclear material will be transported to MOD Gillingham for storage.

  Eastern Europe
  Mr. Strang
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has on the changes in the total number of Soviet troops deployed in Eastern Europe since 1979.

  Mr. Stanley
  [pursuant to his reply, 31 March 1987, c. 454]: The total number of Soviet ground forces deployed in Eastern Europe has since 1979 been consistently above 500,000. At the beginning of 1979, this represented 31 motor rifle and tank divisions but, following the withdrawal that year of one motor rifle division from the German Democratic Republic to the Soviet Union, the total number of divisions has since remained constant at 30. The considerable qualitative improvement in Soviet ground and air forces in Eastern Europe over this period are referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 of annex A of volume 1 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1986".

  Cruise Missiles
  Mr. Strang
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his policy on the future role of dual-capable United States Air Force F-111 aircraft based in Britain in the light of the proposal by the commander-in-chief of the United States Strategic Air Command that these aircraft should be converted to carry air-launched cruise missiles in the event of all intermediate range nuclear force missiles being removed from Europe;

  (2) what consideration is being given by his Department to the role of nuclear-armed air-launched cruise or standoff missiles in the event of the complete removal of intermediate range nuclear force missiles from Europe.

  Mr. Stanley
  [pursuant to his reply, 31 March 1987, c. 453–54]: The implications of removing LR I N F. missiles from Europe for the remaining theatre nuclear stockpile are under review in NATO. No conclusions have yet been reached.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Burnley General Hospital
  Mr. Pike
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects phase III of Burnley general hospital to be fully operational.
  89
  Mr. Newton
  The first patients were admitted to phase III of Burnley general hospital in December 1986. The hospital will be fully operational in the next few months.

  Benefits
  Ms. Harman
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the number of people estimated to be eligible for housing benefit who do not claim it in both certificated and standard cases.

  Mr. Clay
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he can now provide the latest estimates for the take up of family income supplement and housing benefit broken down by numbers entitled to claim, proportion receiving benefit and estimated amount of unclaimed benefit per annum and per week.

  Mr. Lyell
  Updated estimates of the take-up of family income supplement and new estimates of the take-up of housing benefit, are expected to be published shortly.

  Mr. Raynsford
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the extent of losses affecting recipients of housing benefit as a result of changes to the scheme effective from April in the current year and the proposed change to the scheme in April 1988.

  Mr. Lyell
  The effects of this April's changes to the housing benefit scheme were outlined during my right hon. Friend's uprating statement on 22 October 1986 at columns 1174–75, and have since been amplified in a number of written answers to hon. Members. The effects of next April's changes were extensively illustrated in the technical annex to the White Paper "Reform of Social Security", Cmnd. 9691, and also amplified in a number of subsequent written answers, but cannot be finally judged until the various benefit rates are set later this year.

  Mr. Ernie Ross
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claims arc outstanding for social security benefits at the Dundee local offices of his Department; and if he will disaggregate the claims per benefit.

  Mr. Lyell
  The table sets out the information requested about outstanding claims to social security benefits. Figures are for 10 March 1987:

  Number

  Dundee East

  Sickness/invalidity benefit

  51

  Maternity allowance

  29

  Retirement pension

  119

  Severe disablement allowance

  38

  Supplementary benefit

  119

  Dundee West

  Sickness/invalidity benefit

  89

  Maternity allowance

  32

  Retirement pension

  98

  Severe disablement allowance

  25

  Supplementary benefit

  155

  Mr. Ernie Ross
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will indicate the number of people in receipt of supplementary benefit in (a) Dundee, (h) Aberdeen, (c) Glasgow and (d) Edinburgh in 1979; and what are the latest available figures.

  Mr. Lyell
  Dundee is covered by two of the Department's offices, Aberdeen by two, Glasgow by 13 90
  and Edinburgh by five but their boundaries are riot conterminous with those of the cities. The numbers of people receiving supplementary benefit from offices in those cities on 20 February 1979 and 10 February 1987 —the latest date for which information is available—are shown in the table.

  20 February 1979

  10 February 1987

  Dundee

  16,074

  22,995

  Aberdeen

  12,211

  19,612

  Glasgow

  77,527

  147,935

  Edinburgh

  30,035

  55,589

  Source: 100 per cent. count of cases in action.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the operation of the housing benefit system where changes in benefit take place on the death of a spouse and the difficulties which may arise; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lyell
  We are not aware of any particular difficulties which arise when a spouse dies and no alterations are planned in this area of the housing benefit scheme. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, perhaps he would like to put the details in a letter to me.

  AIDS
  Mr. Deakins
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what additional funds are being made available to the Brighton health authority for coping with the problems of AIDS victims and for improving and upgrading the hospital ward used for treating them.

  Mr. Newton
  I regret that this information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to make enquiries directly to the South East Thames regional health authority.

  Care in the Community Programme
  Mr. Dubs
  asked the Secretary of' State for Social Services how many hospitals have been (a) closed arid (b) partially closed; and how many beds are affected under the care in the community programme in each of the following categories: (i) mentally ill, (ii) mentally handicapped and (iii) elderly.

  Mrs. Currie
  Information is not available in exactly the form requested. The table gives figures for approvals, following public consultation, of hospital closures given since the beginning of 1983, the year in which the Department's "Care in the Community Initiative" was launched. Records are not held centrally of the dates on which closures so approved are implemented; actual closures since 1983 have included some approved before then and some of the approvals recorded in the table may not yet have been implemented. There are a number of reasons why hospital beds are closed and not all of the approvals recorded in the table were consequent upon the development of community based facilities. Indeed, in many cases in the geriatric and psychiatric services, beds in new units are replacing those closed.
  91

  Number of hospitals

  Number of beds affected in these hospitals

  (a) Approvals for total closure given since 1 January 1983

  Mental illness

  14

  2,199

  Mental handicap

  16

  912

  Geriatric

  35

  2,852

  Other hospitals in which there were mental illness, mental handicap or geriatric beds

  13

  1,135

  (b) Approvals for partial closure given since 1 January 1983

  Mental illness

  6

  354

  Mental handicap

  3

  196

  Geriatric

  1

  80

  Other hospitals in which there were mental illness, mental handicap or geriatric beds

  5

  254

  Hospital Waiting Lists (East Berkshire)
  Mr. Dubs
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are on the waiting list for inpatient treatment for each specialty in each hospital in east Berkshire; and what were the comparable figures in January 1986.

  Mr. Newton
  I am sorry I cannot give the hon. Member all the information he seeks in precisely the form requested. The information available centrally is given in the table. For current information the hon. Member may wish to write to the chairman of the East Berkshire district health authority.

  NHS hospitals in East Berkshire district health authority

  Hospital/specialty

  Number1

  Wexham Park, Slough

  General surgery

  795

  Ear, nose and throat

  1,141

  Traumatic and orthopaedic

  312

  Plastic surgery

  1,695

  Oral surgery

  309

  Gynaecology

  430

  Total

  4,682

  King Edward VII, Windsor

  General surgery

  396

  Ophthalmology

  825

  Oral surgery

  182

  Gynaecology

  232

  Total

  1,635

  Heatherwood, Ascot

  General surgery

  410

  Traumatic and orthopaedic

  270

  Gynaecology

  409

  Total

  1,089

  Church Hill House, Bracknell

  Mental handicap

  8

  Total

  8

  Farnham Park Rehabilitation Centre, Slough

  Rehabilitation (Physical Medicine)

  117

  Total

  117

  1 Cases on in-patient waiting list at 31 December 1985.

  Nurses (Pay)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about his policy on the 1987 recommendations of the review board for nurses' and midwives' remuneration.

  Mr. Willie W. Hamilton
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the progress made by the pay review board dealing with nurses' pay.

  Mr. Dubs
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to receive the report of the pay review body for nursing and midwifery and health visitors.

  Mr. Newton
  The Pay Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine will submit its report for 1987 to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister for consideration in due course.

  As has been the case with all Governments since the review body system was established, review body reports are implemented except where there are clear and compelling reasons not to do so.

  Nursing Homes
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give for each district health authority in England the total number of beds in institutions registered under the Nursing Homes Act 1984 for 1984 and 1985; and what percentage change this represents.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Total number of beds in institutions registered under section 23 of the Registered Homes Act 19841

  Region and District Health Authorities

  Total beds

  Percentage change

  1984

  1985

  Northern Regional Health Authority

  Hartlepool

  12

  45

  275·0

  North Tees

  36

  44

  22·2

  South Tees

  99

  123

  24·2

  East Cumbria

  102

  98

  -3·9

  South Cumbria

  151

  172

  13·9

  West Cumbria

  30

  30

  0·0

  Darlington

  264

  322

  22·0

  Durham

  39

  35

  -10·3

  North West Durham

  0

  0

  —

  South West Durham

  0

  20

  —

  Northumberland

  70

  68

  -2·9

  Gateshead

  40

  40

  0·0

  Newcastle

  79

  118

  49·4

  North Tyneside

  0

  0

  —

  South Tyneside

  0

  0

  —

  Sunderland

  0

  0

  —

  RHA Total

  922

  1,115

  20·9

  Yorkshire Regional Health Authority

  Hull

  91

  129

  41·8

  East Yorkshire

  53

  75

  41·5

  Grimsby

  33

  60

  81·8

  Scunthorpe

  67

  72

  7·5

  Northallerton

  125

  161

  28·8

  York

  328

  438

  33·5

  93

  Region and District Health Authorities

  Total beds

  Percentage change

  1984

  1985

  Scarborough

  176

  306

  73·9

  Harrogate

  655

  807

  23·2

  Bradford

  196

  252

  28·6

  Airedale

  302

  462

  53·0

  Calderdale

  168

  272

  61·9

  Huddersfield

  36

  69

  91·7

  Dewsbury

  23

  28

  21·7

  Leeds Western

  186

  202

  8·6

  Leeds Eastern

  375

  391

  4·3

  Wakefield

  0

  25

  —

  Pontefract

  0

  0

  —

  RHA Total

  2,814

  3,749

  33·2

  Trent Regional Health Authority

  North Derbyshire

  109

  110

  0·9

  Southern Derbyshire

  271

  374

  38·0

  Leicestershire

  507

  599

  18·1

  North Lincolnshire

  472

  642

  36·0

  South Lincolnshire

  112

  158

  41·1

  Bassetlaw

  0

  23

  —

  Central Nottinghamshire

  88

  166

  88·6

  Nottingham

  636

  857

  34·7

  Barnsley

  0

  0

  —

  Doncaster

  102

  144

  41·2

  Rotherham

  35

  38

  8·6

  Sheffield

  264

  326

  23·5

  RHA Total

  2,596

  3,437

  32·4

  East Anglian Regional Health Authority

  Cambridge

  150

  234

  56·0

  Peterborough

  55

  85

  54·5

  West Suffolk

  160

  174

  8·8

  East Suffolk

  162

  203

  25·3

  Norwich

  332

  392

  18·1

  Great Yarmouth and Waveney

  49

  49

  0·0

  West Norfolk and Wisbech

  80

  115

  43·8

  Huntingdon

  33

  54

  63·6

  RHA Total

  1,021

  1,306

  27·9

  North West Thames Regional Health Authority

  North Bedfordshire

  129

  177

  37·2

  South Bedfordshire

  22

  22

  0·0

  North Hertfordshire

  161

  188

  16·8

  East Hertfordshire

  174

  174

  0·0

  North West Hertfordshire

  97

  131

  35·1

  South West Hertfordshire

  153

  153

  0·0

  Barnet

  357

  361

  1·1

  Harrow

  122

  122

  0·0

  Hillingdon

  132

  135

  2·3

  Hounslow and Spelthorne

  136

  136

  0·0

  Ealing

  288

  292

  1·4

  Brent

  66

  66

  0·0

  Paddington and North Kensington

  45

  42

  -6·7

  Riverside2

  653

  713

  9·2

  RHA Total

  2,535

  2,712

  7·0

  94

  Region and District Health Authorities

  Total beds

  Percentage change

  1984

  1985

  North East Thames Regional Health Authority

  Basildon and Thurrock

  0

  0

  Mid Essex

  169

  182

  7·7

  North East Essex

  243

  325

  33·7

  West Essex

  152

  163

  7·2

  Southend

  263

  322

  22·4

  Barking, Havering and Brentwood

  213

  215

  0·9

  Hampstead

  241

  241

  0·0

  Bloomsbury

  1,271

  1,175

  -7·6

  Islington

  0

  30

  —

  City and Hackney

  112

  108

  -3·6

  Newham

  0

  0

  —

  Tower Hamlets

  0

  14

  —

  Enfield

  161

  157

  -2·5

  Haringey

  195

  185

  -5·1

  Redbridge

  107

  120

  12·1

  Waltham Forest

  0

  0

  —

  RHA Total

  3,127

  3,237

  3·5

  South East Thames Regional Health Authority

  Brighton

  1,233

  1,352

  9·7

  Eastbourne

  1,065

  1,134

  6·5

  Hastings

  951

  965

  1·5

  South East Kent

  386

  454

  17·6

  Canterbury and Thanet

  501

  583

  16·4

  Dartford and Gravesham

  50

  76

  52·0

  Maidstone

  253

  256

  1·2

  Medway

  65

  65

  0·0

  Tunbridge Wells

  681

  739

  8·5

  Bexley

  57

  100

  75·4

  Greenwich

  40

  40

  0·0

  Bromley

  491

  501

  2·0

  West Lambeth

  47

  64

  36·2

  Camberwell

  19

  19

  0·0

  Lewisham and North Southwark

  210

  250

  19·0

  RHA Total

  6,049

  6,598

  9·1

  South West Thames Regional Health Authority

  North West Surrey

  264

  312

  18·2

  West Surrey and North East Hampshire

  182

  342

  87·9

  South West Surrey

  697

  717

  2·9

  Mid Surrey

  234

  399

  70·5

  East Surrey

  434

  504

  16·1

  Chichester

  524

  591

  12·8

  Mid Downs

  499

  594

  19·0

  Worthing

  890

  995

  11·8

  Croydon

  467

  561

  20·1

  Kingston and Esher

  145

  187

  29·0

  Richmond, Twickenham and Roehampton

  427

  458

  7·3

  Wandsworth

  0

  302

  —

  Merton and Sutton

  530

  561

  5·8

  RHA Total

  5,293

  6,523

  23·2

  Wessex Regional Health Authority

  East Dorset

  1,258

  1,584

  25·9

  West Dorset

  158

  181

  14·6

  95

  Region and District Health Authorities

  Total beds

  Percentage change

  1984

  1985

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

  575

  652

  13·4

  Southampton and South West Hampshire

  427

  444

  4·0

  Winchester

  248

  319

  28·6

  Basingstoke and North Hampshire

  115

  120

  4·3

  Salisbury

  253

  266

  5·1

  Swindon

  120

  124

  3·3

  Bath

  460

  506

  10·0

  Isle of Wight

  158

  162

  2·5

  RHA Total

  3,772

  4,358

  15·5

  Oxford Regional Health Authority

  East Berkshire

  486

  587

  20·8

  West Berkshire

  177

  304

  71·8

  Aylesbury Vale

  116

  171

  47·4

  Wycombe

  304

  299

  -1·6

  Milton Keynes

  94

  114

  21·3

  Kettering

  0

  12

  —

  Northampton

  694

  642

  -7·5

  Oxfordshire

  443

  589

  33·0

  RHA Total

  2,314

  2,718

  17·5

  South Western Regional Health Authority

  Bristol and Weston

  769

  1,043

  35·6

  Frenchay

  117

  117

  0·0

  Southmead

  299

  460

  53·8

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  592

  680

  14·9

  Exeter

  509

  591

  16·1

  North Devon

  259

  286

  10·4

  Plymouth

  522

  777

  48·9

  Torbay

  577

  659

  14·2

  Cheltenham

  293

  336

  14·7

  Gloucester

  215

  309

  43·7

  Somerset

  275

  416

  51·3

  RHA Total

  4,427

  5,674

  28·2

  West Midlands Regional Health Authority

  Bromsgrove and Redditch

  70

  86

  22·9

  Herefordshire

  132

  161

  22·0

  Kidderminster and District

  112

  130

  16·1

  Worcester and District

  498

  638

  28·1

  Shropshire

  93

  134

  44·1

  Mid Staffordshire

  208

  294

  41·3

  North Staffordshire

  126

  145

  15·1

  South East Staffordshire

  81

  144

  77·8

  Rugby

  18

  28

  55·6

  North Warwickshire

  82

  113

  37·8

  South Warwickshire

  462

  472

  2·2

  Central Birmingham

  287

  270

  -5·9

  East Birmingham

  86

  106

  23·3

  North Birmingham

  187

  188

  0·5

  South Birmingham

  79

  109

  38·0

  West Birmingham

  53

  53

  0·0

  Coventry

  22

  22

  0·0

  Dudley

  21

  21

  0·0

  Sandwell

  30

  51

  70·0

  96

  Region and District Health Authorities

  Total beds

  Percentage change

  1984

  1985

  Solihull

  84

  84

  0·0

  Walsall

  0

  41

  —

  Wolverhampton

  145

  153

  5·5

  RHA Total

  2,876

  3,443

  19·7

  Mersey Regional Health Authority

  Chester

  91

  146

  60·4

  Crewe

  85

  100

  17·6

  Halton

  0

  0

  —

  Macclesfield

  285

  359

  26·0

  Warrington

  0

  8

  —

  Liverpool

  254

  365

  43·7

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  225

  226

  0·4

  Southport and Formby

  647

  733

  13·3

  South Sefton

  200

  226

  13·0

  Wirral

  662

  838

  26·6

  RHA Total

  2,449

  3,001

  22·5

  North Western Regional Health Authority

  Lancaster

  98

  108

  10·2

  Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde

  370

  506

  36·8

  Preston

  124

  80

  -35·5

  Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley

  147

  147

  0·0

  Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale

  87

  108

  24·1

  West Lancashire

  18

  18

  0·0

  Chorley and South Ribble

  252

  321

  27·4

  Bolton

  100

  134

  34·0

  Bury

  86

  105

  22·1

  North Manchester

  52

  51

  -1·9

  Central Manchester

  0

  0

  —

  South Manchester

  170

  214

  25·9

  Oldham

  8

  8

  0·0

  Rochdale

  201

  203

  1·0

  Salford

  56

  78

  39·3

  Stockport

  756

  821

  8·6

  Tameside and Glossop

  0

  0

  —

  Trafford

  168

  188

  11·9

  Wigan

  10

  24

  140·0

  RHA Total

  2,703

  3,114

  15·2

  1 Formerly institutions registered under section 3 of the Nursing Homes Act 1975, as amended.

  2 Formerly Hammersmith & Fulham and Victoria Health Authorities.

  Maternity Payments
  Ms. Richardson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many letters he has received in the last six months condemning the reductions in maternity benefits introduced in the Social Security Act 1986.

  Mr. Lyell
  We have received approximately 240 letters concerning the new maternity benefit arrangements during the last six months. Precise information about the number of these letters which condemn reductions in maternity benefits is not available.
  97
  Mr. Norman Hogg
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency claimed maternity grant in the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Major
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 11 February at column 274.

  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women in Leicester claimed maternity grant in the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Major
  Information is not available in the form requested.

  The numbers of claims for maternity grant received at the Department's four Leicester local offices during the 1986 calendar year were as follows:

  Number

  Leicester (Burley's Way)

  1,775

  Leicester (Lower Hill Street)

  2,099

  Leicester (Norton Street)

  2,581

  Leicester (Yeoman Street)

  3,022

  Mr. Clay
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women in the Langbaurgh constituency claimed maternity grant in the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Major
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Redcar (Mr. Tinn) on 12 February at column 357.

  Mr. Clay
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women in Sunderland, North constituency claimed maternity grant in the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Major
  Information is not available in the form requested.

  Sunderland, North constituency is covered by the Department's offices at Sunderland, South and Sunderland, North although their boundaries are not conterminous with the constituency. The number of claims received for maternity grant in the two local offices in the 1986 calendar year was as follows:

  Number

  Sunderland South

  1,442

  Sunderland North

  2,097

  Number of deaths from twenty major causes of death in the United Kingdom, by sex, all ages, 1985

  ICD1 number

  Cause of Death

  Number of deaths

  Males

  410–414

  Ischaemic heart disease

  104,467

  430–438

  Cerebrovascular disease

  31,597

  160–165

  Malignant neoplasm of respiratory and intrathoracic organs

  30,790

  150–159

  Malignant neoplasm of digestive organs and peritoneum

  24,130

  390–405,415–429,440–459

  Other diseases of the circulatory system

  23,217

  490–496

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and allied conditions

  22,971

  480–486

  Pneumonia

  12,670

  179–189

  Malignant neoplasm of genitourinary organs

  12,668

  520–579

  Diseases of the digestive system

  8,722

  Benefits (Scotland)
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting time for outstanding claims for social security benefits in Scotland; and what is the average waiting time by type of benefit.

  Mr. Lyell
  The average time taken by local offices in Scotland to deal with claims to social security benefits is shown in the table. Figures are for the four weeks ending 10 March 1987.

  Benefit

  Number of days

  Supplementary benefit

  4

  Sickness/Invalidity benefit

  8

  Maternity Allowance

  10

  Retirement Pension

  22

  Runaway Children
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the action taken by Her Majesty's Government on the problem of runaway children since the statement to the House by the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Wycombe (Mr. Whitney), on 27 March 1986, Official Report, columns 1137–42.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Department has continued to provide some professional and revenue support to the Central London Teenage Project, a safe house run by the Children's Society, which offers short-term accommodation, care and counselling to young people who run away to London. A £20,000 grant was paid in 1986–87 and a grant of the same level has been approved for 1987–88.

  The White Paper on The Law on Child Care arid Family Services, Cm. 62, proposes that certain specified organisations who look after children who have run away should, in defined circumstances, be exempt from liability for an offence of detaining or harbouring a child.

  Death (Causes)
  Mr. Forth
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the 20 major causes of death in the United Kingdom for the most recent period for which figures are available.

  Mrs. Currie
  The table shows, separately for males arid females, in descending order of magnitude, the 20 major causes of death in the United Kingdom in 1985. The list of causes is that used in compiling statistics for the Chief Medical Officer's annual report "On the State of the Public Health for the year 1985".
  99

  ICD1 number

  Cause of Death

  Number of deaths

  190–199

  Malignant of other and unspecified sites

  7,232

  320–389

  Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs

  5,989

  E800–E807, E830–E949, E960–E999

  Other causes of injury and poisoning

  5,957

  200–208

  Malignant neoplasm of lymphatic and haematopoietic tissue

  5,270

  290–319

  Mental disorders

  4,520

  240–279

  Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases and immunity disorders

  4,355

  580–629

  Diseases of the genitourinary system

  4,245

  E810–E829

  Road vehicle accidents

  4,044

  E950–E959

  Suicide and self-inflicted injury

  3·421

  460–478, 487, 500–519

  Other diseases of the respiratory system

  3,263

  740–759

  Congenital anomalies

  1,687

  Females

  410–414

  Ischaemic heart disease

  82,131

  430–438

  Cerebrovascular disease

  52,068

  390–405, 415–429, 440–459

  Other diseases of the circulatory system

  33,924

  150–159

  Malignant neoplasm of digestive organs and peritoneum

  22,300

  480–486

  Pneumonia

  20,792

  170–175

  Malignant neoplasm of bone, connective tissue, skin and breast

  16,298

  520–579

  Diseases of the digestive system

  11,884

  160–165

  Malignant neoplasm of respiratary and intrathoracic organs

  11,689

  179–189

  Malignant neoplasm of genitourinary organs

  11,396

  490–496

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and allied conditions

  11,255

  290–319

  Mental disorders

  8,469

  190–199

  Malignant of other and unspecified sites

  7,549

  320–389

  Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs

  6,401

  240–279

  Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases and immunity disorders

  6·285

  E800–E807, E830–E949, E960–E999

  Other causes of injury and poisoning

  5,730

  580–629

  Diseases of the genitourinary system

  4,968

  200–208

  Malignant neoplasm of lymphatic and haematopoietic tissue

  4,873

  710–739

  Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

  4,388

  460–478, 487, 500–519

  Other diseases of the respiratory system

  3,323

  780–799

  Symptons, signs and ill-defined conditions

  1,824

  1 International Classification of Diseases 9th revision.

  Mrs. Edith Bird
  Mr. Heddle
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will investigate the reasons why Mrs. Edith Bird of 14 Birkholme Drive, Meir Heath, Stoke on Trent, has not received her £10 Christmas bonus.

  Mr. Lyell
  The local office's records show that proper arrangements had been made for Mrs. Bird to receive the Christmas bonus during week commencing 1 December 1986. Subsequent investigations have failed to establish why she did not receive it at the proper time and a girocheque for £10 has now been sent to her.

  Food Poisoning
  Mr. Shersby
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many deaths occurred in the United Kingdom as a result of food poisoning in each of the past five years for which figures are available; and how many of them are attributed to the presence of salmonella in poultry.

  Mrs. Currie
  The table shows the number of deaths registered with an underlying cause as food poisoning, (excluding typhoid and paratyphoid fever which are caused by forms of salmonella bacteria, and toxic effect of noxious substances eaten as food), in the United Kingdom for each of the latest available five years.
  100

  Numbers of deaths with underlying cause as food as food poisoning, excluding typhoid and paratyphoid fever, and toxic substance take as food.

  Person, all ages 1981–85 United Kingdom

  Cause

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  ICD(9)1OO3

  Other salmonella infections

  43

  74

  54

  62

  53

  1CD(9)1005

  Other food poisoning (bacterial)

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1 International Classification of Diseases 9th revision.

  It is not possible from the registration of these deaths to identify specifically the source of the infection.

  Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 (Contraventions)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of alleged breach by local authorities of section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 are currently under investigation by his Department, how long each case has been under investigation; and when a decision will be made as to whether any of the cases currently under investigation constituted default by the local authority.

  Mr. Major
  Six cases of alleged breach of section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 are currently outstanding. In three cases investigations have been under way for seven months, in one case for one year and four months, in one case for one year and five months,
  101
  and in one case for two years and seven months. Decisions as to whether any of the cases constitute default by local authority will be made as soon as possible.

  RAWP Formula (Teaching Hospitals)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the purpose of review of the resources allocation working party formula with respect to teaching authorities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The review of the resource allocation working party formula was established to explore the scope for improving the way in which the formula estimates relative need for health services across the country. The allowance made in the formula for the additional service costs of teaching hospitals — the service increment for teaching — was among the issues identified for examination.

  The NHS Management Board's initial Report on the Review concluded that there was scope for improvement in a number of aspects of the formula, but a further programme of analysis and research was required. This work is now under way, and includes an attempt to estimate all the elements in the additional costs of teaching hospitals in providing health services, including case mix and the service implications of teaching and research and development. Full details are set out in the report, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Breast and Cervical Cancer
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much additional money has been made available to individual health authorities following his recent announcement concerning breast and cervical cancer screenings; and if he will give details by authority.

  Mrs. Currie
  Funds will be provided for a national breast cancer screening service to be established in England over the next three years on the basis of centres each serving a population of approximately half a million. It is for regional health authorities to decide in which districts the centres should be located and how the special allocations provided to establish them should be deployed. In 1987–88 each Region will be allocated £356,000 to cover the capital and revenue costs of establishing its first centre.

  Leukaemia
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give for each year since 1979 the total amount spent by his Department on (a) research into and (b) the treatment of leukaemia.

  Mr. Newton
  Since 1975 the Department has directly funded a rolling programme of research at the Childhood Cancer Research Group, Oxford which includes research into leukaemia; total expenditure from 1979–80 to 1986–87 was about £1·16 million (1986–87 prices). In addition three further studies have been funded since 1983 arising from the Report on the investigation of the possible increased incidence of Leukaemia in West Cumbria at a total cost of about £158,000. The main Government agency for the promotion of medical research in the United Kingdom is the Medical Research Council which receives its grant-in-aid from the Department of Education and Science.

  The Department of Health and Social Security has since 1986 allocated an additional £385,000 per annum to
  102
  health authorities providing nursing support for the MRC's trials of intensive chemotherapy for childhood leukaemia.

  National Health Service expenditure is not analysed in such a way as to enable spending on the treatment of leukaemia to be separately identified.

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will publish in the Official Report a table giving the number of people on the in-patient waiting list in September 1986 as a percentage of the number of acute in-patient deaths-discharges in the latest year for which figures are available for each district health authority, also giving each district health authority's national ranking by this criterion;

  (2) if he will publish in the Official Report a table giving for each district health authority the percentage rise or fall in the hospital waiting lists between September 1982 and September 1986, also giving each district health authority's national ranking by this criterion;

  (3) if he will publish in the Official Report a table giving for each district health authority the percentage rise or fall in the hospital waiting lists between September 1985 and September 1986, also giving each district health authority's national ranking by this criterion.

  Mr. Newton
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  West Midlands RHA
  Mr. Conway
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will give by health authority district within the West Midlands regional health authority the number of beds in 1978 and 1987;

  (2) if he will list the number of patients given treatment annually since 1978 in each health authority district within the West Midlands regional health authority.

  Mr. Newton
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  Mr. Conway
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list by health authority district within the West Midlands regional health authority those proposing reductions in non-emergency general medical and general surgical facilities;

  (2) what has been the growth in capital allocations for each health authority district in the West Midlands regional health authority since 1978.

  Mr. Newton
  This information is not held centrally. My hon. Friend may therefore wish to write to the chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority who may be able to help him.

  Mr. Conway
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what he estimates to be the impact upon medical services in Shropshire if the proposal to close six wards at the Royal Shrewsbury hospital is implemented; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will list the district health authority areas within the West Midlands regional health authority in which the general surgical waiting list is expected by the relevant health authority to double over the next three years.

  Mr. Newton
  As my hon. Friend is aware, Shropshire health authority is considering a number of options to
  103
  enable it to stay broadly within its cash limits, taking account of the important service developments due to take place in the county during the next few years. In reaching a decision about its spending, Shropshire health authority will, I am sure, consider carefully the impact on services including waiting lists. It is currently discussing with the West Midlands regional health authority how it can best deploy its share of the waiting list fund announced by my right hon. Friend in November 1986.

  Mr. Conway
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will state the waiting lists in each health authority district within the West Midlands regional health authority;

  (2) if he will list by health authority district within the West Midlands regional health authority the current waiting lists for treatment.

  Mr. Newton
  For the latest centrally available information I refer my hon. Friend to hospital in-patient waiting list, England at 30 September 1986, national, regional and district summaries, copies of which have been placed in the Library. For current figures he may wish to write to the chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority.

  Mr. Conway
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the annual expenditure of the West Midlands regional health authority since 1978.

  Mr. Newton
  Following are the total expenditure figures recorded in the annual financial accounts of the West Midlands regional health authority and those of district health authorities (area health authorities prior to 1982–83) within that region:

  Hospital and community health services

  £ million

  1978–79

  460·7

  1979–80

  571·4

  1980–81

  742·0

  1981–82

  817·3

  1982–83

  868·6

  1983–84

  927·7

  1984–85

  1,005·8

  1985–86

  1,092·1

  Expenditure on family practitioner services is excluded although the figures for the years 1978–79 to 1984–85 include a small element representing family practitioner committees' administration expenses.

  Mr. Conway
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list the members of the Shropshire health authority, the date of their appointment and projected termination date;

  (2) if he will list the members of the West Midlands regional health authority, the date of their appointment and projected termination date.

  Mr. Newton
  I regret that information about members of Shropshire health authority is not held centrally. They are appointed by West Midlands regional health authority and the appropriate local authorities. The hon. Member may therefore wish to seek this information from the chairman of West Midlands regional health authority. The information requested about members of the regional health authority is as follows:104

  Date first appointed

  Date appointment due to expire

  Mr. J. G. Ackers (Chairman)

  1 August 1982

  31 July 1990

  Cllr. F. A. Betteridge

  1 October 1980

  30 September 1988

  Ms. M. E. Bielawski

  19 March 1987

  30 September 1990

  Mrs. M. A. Blackhouse

  13 June 1982

  30 September 1988

  Mrs. M. J. T. Hadley, OBE

  1 October 1984

  30 September 1988

  Mr. G. Holroyde

  1 October 1986

  30 September 1990

  Cllr. D. G. Lloyd, MBE

  1 October 1984

  30 September 1988

  Mr. J. Mottram

  2 June 1986

  30 September 1988

  Mr. A. D. Owen

  1 October 1982

  30 September 1990

  Mr. A. J. Parkinson

  1 October 1974

  30 September 1988

  Dr. R. Pomeroy

  1 October 1984

  30 September 1988

  Prof. N. K. Shinton

  1 October 1978

  30 September 1990

  Mr. S. B. Shuttleworth

  1 October 1980

  30 September 1988

  Mr. B. Stoten

  1 October 1986

  30 September 1990

  Mr. A. G. Ward, JP

  1 October 1974

  30 September 1990

  Mr. E. M. Worley, JP

  1 October 1982

  30 September 1990

  Lady Jean Young, JP

  1 October 1984

  30 September 1988

  There is currently one vacant place on West Midlands regional health authority.

  Mr. Conway
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the additional resources allocated to the West Midlands regional health authority for reduction of waiting lists; what steps he has taken to monitor its equitable distribution to the district health authorities within the region; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  West Midlands regional health authority is to receive £2·88 million from the first year's allocation of the waiting list fund. Full details of the projects to be supported in all regions have been placed in the Library. The projects supported were submitted to the Department by the Region on behalf of its Districts and took account of the magnitute of the problems, the likely impact of the projects and the extent to which the districts were already making effective use of existing resources.

  Mr. Conway
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the growth in population to date, and projected population growth, for each health authority district within the West Midlands regional health authority.

  Mr. Newton
  The mid-year population estimates for 1981 and 1985 and the change between those years for each of the district health authorities within West Midlands regional health authority are shown in table 1. These data were published by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys in its Monitor reference PP 186/2, a copy of which is available in the Library. The projected population change between 1985 and 1995 is shown in Table 2. The projections for 1995 were prepared by OPCS from a 1981 base and the data can only represent a view of the most likely way forward at the time of preparation.

  Table 1

  Mid year population estimates

  Persons (thousands)

  Change 1981–85

  Area

  1981

  1985

  Per cent.

  Bromsgrove and Redditch

  155·9

  162·7

  4·4

  Herefordshire

  149·7

  152·7

  2·0

  Kidderminster and District

  99·8

  101·1

  1·3

  Worcester and District

  231·0

  234·3

  1·4

  Shropshire

  380·6

  390·3

  2·5

  Mid Staffordshire

  299·8

  306·1

  2·1

  North Staffordshire

  468·6

  463·0

  -1·2

  South East Staffordshire

  250·4

  251·3

  0·4

  Rugby

  87·5

  85·6

  -2·2

  North Warwickshire

  173·9

  172·7

  -0·7

  105

  Persons (thousands)

  Change 1981–85

  Area

  1981

  1985

  Per cent.

  South Warwickshire

  215·8

  221·4

  2·6

  Central Birmingham

  185·4

  179·9

  -3·0

  East Birmingham

  203·8

  201·7

  -1·0

  North Birmingham

  167·6

  163·4

  -2·5

  South Birmingham

  255·2

  249·1

  -2·4

  West Birmingham

  208·8

  213·4

  2·2

  Coventry

  319·4

  312·2

  -2·3

  Dudley

  300·8

  300·8

  0·0

  Sandwell

  309·8

  303·3

  -2·1

  Solihull

  198·1

  201·9

  1·9

  Walsall

  267·7

  262·9

  -1·8

  Wolverhampton

  256·6

  253·2

  -1·3

  Table 2

  Mid year population estimates and 1981-based projections

  Persons (thousands)

  Change 1985–95

  DHA

  1985

  1995

  Per cent.

  Bromsgrove and Redditch

  162·7

  177·3

  9·0

  Herefordshire

  152·7

  160·5

  5·1

  Kidderminster and District

  101·1

  104·3

  3·2

  Worcester and District

  234·3

  259·7

  10·8

  Shropshire

  390·3

  410·1

  5·1

  Mid Staffordshire

  306·1

  337·7

  10·3

  North Staffordshire

  463·0

  458·2

  -1·0

  South East Staffordshire

  251·3

  269·6

  7·3

  Rugby

  85·6

  92·0

  7·5

  North Warwickshire

  172·7

  184·7

  6·9

  South Warwickshire

  221·4

  226·6

  2·3

  Central Birmingham

  179·9

  168·6

  -6·3

  East Birmingham

  201·7

  190·9

  -5·4

  North Birmingham

  163·4

  168·2

  2·9

  South Birmingham

  249·1

  250·7

  0·6

  West Birmingham

  213·4

  212·5

  -0·4

  Coventry

  312·2

  307·5

  -1·5

  Dudley

  300·8

  307·9

  2·4

  Sandwell

  303·3

  303·1

  -0·1

  Solihull

  201·9

  196·9

  -2·5

  Walsall

  262·9

  260·2

  -1·0

  Wolverhampton

  253·2

  251·6

  -0·6

  Shropshire Health Authority>
  Mr. Conway
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the annual expenditure of Shropshire health authority from 1978.

  Mr. Newton
  Following is the information:

  Revenue Expenditure £ million

  Capital Expenditure £ million

  1978–79

  29·1

  1·0

  1979–80

  35·1

  1·5

  1980–81

  44·5

  1·5

  1981–82

  48·9

  2·8

  1982–83

  52·3

  3·7

  1983–84

  55·0

  2·6

  1984–85

  58·7

  3·2

  1985–86

  61·3

  10·3

  Notes:

  1. The figures for revenue expenditure are those shown in the annual financial accounts of the health authority. Those for capital expenditure also include expenditure specifically on behalf of Shropshire shown in the annual accounts of the West Midlands Regional Health Authority.

  2. Expenditure on family practitioner services is excluded although the figures for the years 1978–79 to 1984–85 include a small element representing family practitioner committee administration expenses.

  Hospital Radio Stations (Public Service Tapes)
  Mr. Shersby
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the public service message tapes distributed by his Department to hospital radio stations were last reviewed; what plans he has for preparing new tapes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The last tape distributed by the Department to hospital radio stations was produced at the end of 1984 and withdrawn a year ago. Proposals for further tapes are being considered.

  NHS (Private Medicine)
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what scale of charges health authorities were expected up to 31 March 1987 to levy on hospital equipment borrowed from National Health Service hospitals; and what charges they were expected to levy for clerical or administrative work on private patients carried out by hospital staff.

  Mrs. Currie
  Administrative costs were included in the calculation of the National Health Services private patient charges which applied up to 31 March 1987. There is no set scale of charges for hospital equipment borrowed from the NHS. Where they exist such arrangements have been arrived at locally and often involved reciprocal exchanges of equipment.

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mr. Freud
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the highest 10 payments of arrears of invalid care allowance paid by his Department in the last six months.

  Mr. Major
  The 10 largest payments of arrears of invalid care allowance made in the last six months were each for £2,717·75.

  District Health Authorities (Patients)
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will seek to amend the law so that district health authorities retain legal responsibility for the patients referred by them to non-National Health Service centres with whom they have contractual arrangements.

  Mrs. Currie
  No. A patient treated under contractual arrangements remains a National Health Service patient and the health authority retains responsibility for ensuring that the treatment needed is received.

  NHS (Annual Report)
  Dr. Owen
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much it cost his Department to produce the document, "The Health Service in England Annual Report 1985–86"; how many copies have been printed and what were their production costs; and what were the comparable figures for the reports of each of the two previous years.

  Mrs. Currie
  The printing costs and the number of copies printed for each of the three Health Service annual reports are set out in the table. The costs quoted included materials. The full printing costs, and distribution costs of sale copies, were borne by Her Majesty's Stationery Office
  107
  with recovery in the usual way from the proceeds of sales. It would not be possible to calculate the Departmental costs of preparation, promotion and distribution without disproportionate cost.

  Annual Reports

  1984

  1985

  1985–86

  Cost of Printing

  £9,300

  £8,500

  £15,000

  Number of copies

  3,830

  4,000

  4,200

  Blood Donors
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what restrictions are being placed on blood donors who have visited Africa and for what reasons: and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  Potential donors who have visited certain parts of Africa are asked not to donate blood until an appropriate time after their return to the United Kingdom. This precaution is taken to reduce the chance of transmitting certain tropical diseases such as malaria.

  As a precaution against the transmission of the AIDS virus potential donors are asked not to give blood if they have visited certain parts of Africa and have also had sex with men or women living there.

  Social Security (Expenditure)
  Mr. Clay
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide a breakdown of the rise in real expenditure on social security between 1978–79 and 1986–87 in the same form as the table in the Government's "Expenditure Plans 1987–88 to 1989–90" II, Cm. 56, page 248, paragraph 39.

  Mr. Major
  Over the period 1978–79 to 1986–87 the social security programme increased by £12½ billion (at 1986–87 prices) or by 39 per cent. in real terms. The main reasons for the increase were:

  (i) £4¾ billion due to real increases in the average amounts of benefit paid (whether due to changes in the basic rate of benefit or other factors);

  (ii) £2 billion due to increased numbers of retirement pensioners:

  (iii) £1¾ billion due to increased numbers receiving disability benefits;

  (iv) £4¼ billion due to increased numbers of unemployed people receiving benefit;

  (v) £1 billion due to increased numbers of single parents receiving benefit:

  (vi) £ ½ billion reflecting the increased costs of administering a larger number of claims for benefits;

  offset by reductions of:

  (vii) £1¼ billion reflecting the introduction of statutory sick pay and a decrease in the incidence of short term sickness;

  (viii) £½ billion from reductions in the numbers of widows and children.

  Supplementary Benefit
  Mr. Clay
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a table which provides the same information on supplementary benefit single payments for the same time period for each year since 1979 as that provided in his reply of 17 March to the hon. Member for Stockton, North (Mr. Cook) Official Report, columns 479–80.

  Mr. Major
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  Abortions
  Mr. Thurnham
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the numbers of legal abortions performed in England and Wales from 1981 to 1986 (a) between 13 and 16 weeks gestation inclusive and (b) by main procedure cross tabulated by category of premises.

  Mr. Newton
  The information requested is published in "Abortion Statistics: series AB" (1981–1985) nos. 8–12,(a) Table 9, (b) for residents only Table 14. Copies of these volumes may be found in the Library.

  It should be noted that the correct figures of table 9 of the 1981 volume can be found in the 1982 volume.

  Mr. Thurnham
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the numbers of legal abortions performed in England and Wales on women resident in each health and social services board area in Northern Ireland in 1984, 1985 and 1986.

  Mr. Newton
  I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

  Social Workers
  Mr. Rowe
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the numbers of qualified social workers employed by local authority social services departments and health authorities in England in 1959, 1969, and in each year between 1979 and 1986.

  Mr. Newton
  Information on the number of qualified social workers is not collected centrally. Numbers of field social workers, qualified and unqualified, employed by local authority social services departments in England, expressed as whole-time equivalents, in each year between 1979 and 1985 (the latest year for which figures are available) are given in the table. The figures include hospital based social workers. Social services departments did not come into existence until 1 April 1971 and comparable figures for 1959 and 1969 are not available. From a sample survey completed in 1986 by the local government training board it is estimated that about 85 per cent. of all field social workers in Great Britain hold a qualification approved by the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work.

  Field social workers of social services departments expressed as whole-time equivalents, 1979–85, England

  As at 30 September

  Thousands

  1979

  22·7

  1980

  23·0

  1981

  23·0

  1982

  23·0

  1983

  23·7

  1984

  24·3

  19851

  24·8

  1 Provisional

  Social Services Departments
  Mr. Rowe
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the budget expenditure of local authority social services departments in 1959, 1969 and in each year between 1979 and 1986.

  Mr. Newton
  Gross current expenditure by English local authority social services departments for each of the
  109
  years 1978–79 to 1986–87 is shown in the table at cash and at 1986–87 prices. Revaluation to 1986–87 prices has been carried out by reference to the Gross Domestic Product deflator. Social services departments as such did not exist prior to 1 April 1971 so it is not possible to give comparable expenditure figures for years before then.

  Gross current expenditure (£ million)

  Cash

  1986–87 prices

  1978–79

  1,263

  2,459

  1979–80

  1,537

  2,561

  1980–81

  1,893

  2,658

  1981–82

  2,098

  2,683

  1982–83

  2,304

  2,747

  1983–84

  2,486

  2,838

  1984–85

  2,638

  2,886

  1985–861

  2,795

  2,879

  1986·872

  3,131

  3,131

  1 Provisional.

  2 Estimate based on local authority budgets.

  Mr. Rowe
  asked the Secretary, of State for Social Services what were the total staff numbers of local authority social services departments in 1959, 1969, and in each year between 1979 and 1986.

  Mr. Newton
  The total numbers of staff of local authority social services departments, expressed as whole-time equivalents, in each year between 1979 and 1985 (the latest year for which figures are available) are given in the table. Social services departments did not come into existence until 1 April 1971 and comparable figures for 1959 and 1969 are not available.

  Staff of social services departments, expressed as whole-time equivalents 1979–85, England

  As at 30 September

  Thousands1

  1979

  193·6

  1980

  199·0

  1981

  201·0

  1982

  203·4

  1983

  210·0

  1984

  212·9

  19852

  217·0

  1 Some figures include estimates from information for earlier years.

  2 Provisional.

  Newham General Hospital
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many times, and on what dates, in the past six months the accident and emergency department at Newham general hospital has been partially or entirely closed; and what were the reasons given in each case.

  Mrs. Currie
  This is essentially a local matter and the hon. Member may care to approach the chairman of the Newham health authority.

  Death Grant
  Ms. Harman
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many death grant payments were made in the London borough of Southwark in each of the last three years; and how many of those who received the payments will be eligible for the new means tested death grant;
  110
  (2) what information he has as to what percentage of the residents of the London borough of Southwark will be eligible for the new means tested death grant.

  Mr. Major
  I shall let the hon. Member have replies as soon as possible.

  Health Authorities (Beds)
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will request health authorities to cease the practice of double use of beds; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The way in which health authorities plan the use of their beds is a matter for them, but they must ensure that intensive use of beds does not adversely affect the quality of care provided for the patients concerned.

  Health Authorities (Vacancies)
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the number of unfilled vacancies in nursing in each of the four London regional health authorities and the number of such vacancies in each district of the North East Thames regional health authority.

  Mr. Newton
  I regret that this information is not collected centrally.

  Accident and Emergency Units (London)
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the names of those accident and emergency units in each of the four London health regions that were closed for any parts of March 1987 together with the period or periods of closure and the respective reasons.

  Mrs. Currie
  Provision of accident and emergency services is a matter for the relevant health authorities. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairmen of the four Thames regional health authorities for information on the local position in their regions during March 1987

  Organ Transplants
  Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he proposes to make any changes in the level of funding for kidney and other transplants.

  Mrs. Currie
  Funding levels for kidney transplantation are for health authorities to determine within their overall cash allocations. The protected funding in 1986–87 for heart and liver transplantation, which falls within the supra-regional services arrangements, was £5·023 million. An additional £2·315 million, a real term increase in total revenue funding of 44 per cent., has been allocated to these services in 1987–88.

  Attendance Allowance
  Mr. Colvin
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy concerning the availability of attendance allowance for people using self-care renal dialysis units in hospital.

  Mr. Major
  I am pleased to announce that we intend to make attendance allowance available to people using self-care dialysis units on hospital sites on the same basis as is available to those who dialyse at home.
  111
  At present there are only a small number of such self-care units, in hospitals in the Wessex Region, where they are perceived to be an acceptable and economical way of enabling people with kidney failure to dialyse just as they would in their own homes, with assistance from another person who is not employed by the hospital. At present these people are denied attendance allowance.

  We think it is wrong that the attendance allowance regulations should inhibit what some doctors believe to be a helpful extension in the availability of renal dialysis, unforeseen when the regulations were drafted. We shall therefore bring forward an amendment to the regulations following formal consultation with the Attendance Allowance Board.

  Basildon Hospital
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the funding of Basildon hospital.

  Mrs. Currie
  I understand that the North East Thames regional health authority has agreed to provide £2·1 million commencing in 1987–88 for the centralisation of maternity, gynaecology, and neo-natal inpatient services at Basildon hospital.

  The funding of services at Basildon hospital is a matter for Basildon and Thurrock health authority. I was pleased to meet recently a delegation from the authority, led by my hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mr. Proctor), informing me of its plans to improve services in Basildon and Thurrock. My hon. Friend may wish to write to that authority about any other matter concerning the services provided there.

  Novopen
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make the disposable needle used in Novopen available free for diabetics on prescription through general practitioners.

  Mrs. Currie
  We have no plans to do so at the present time. I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 26 March at column 258.

  NHS (Expenditure)
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will place in the Library tables showing total revenue expenditure and capital expenditure in each health district from 1982–83 (a) in cash terms, (b) 1982–83 prices, using the gross domestic product deflator and (c) at 1982–83 prices, using the National Health Service pay and prices/National Health Service capital deflator;

  (2) whether he will place in the Library tables showing total revenue expenditure and capital expenditure in each National Health Service region in each year from 1974–75 (a) in cash terms, (b) at 1974–75 prices using gross domestic product deflator and (c) at 1974–75 prices using National Health Service pay and prices/National Health Service capital deflator.

  Mr. Newton
  [pursuant to his reply, 9 February 1987, c. 139]: Tables showing regional health authority expenditure for the years 1974–75 to 1984–85 and district health authority expenditure for the years 1982–83 to 1984–85
  112
  were placed in the Library as stated in my predecessor's reply to the hon. Member on 13 January 1986 at column 507. The cash figures in these tables were adjusted to 1983–84 prices using the gross domestic product deflator and the regional figures were also adjusted to a 1983–84 base by reference to centrally assessed movements in NHS pay and prices for revenue and in construction prices for capital. The cost of recalculating the regional figures to a 1974–75 base and the district figures to a 1982–83 base would be disproportionate but tables have now been placed in the Library showing regional and district figures for 1985–86 in the same form as those given previously.

  As stated in my predecessor's reply, it is inappropriate to revalue district health authority expenditure by reference to centrally assessed movements in NHS pay and prices, because the composition of that expenditure can differ substantially from the national average. Capital expenditure on major schemes is charged to regional health authority accounts and to that extent comparisons cannot usefully be drawn between district health authority capital expenditure figures.

  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to answer the questions about National Health Service expenditure to which a holding reply was given on 9 February, Official Report, column 139.

  Mr. Newton
  I replied to the hon. Member today.

  Energy Saving
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what arrangements he has made to ensure his Freephone DHSS service can promote the work of local neighbourhood energy action projects by way of local referrals;

  (2) what plans he has to ensure that those claiming severe weather payments can also claim single payments for draughtproofing where the work can be done by local neighbourhood energy action groups.

  Mr. Major
  [pursuant to his reply, 4 March 1987, c. 624–25]: People who ring the Department's freephone service are informed of the availability of single payments for draughtproofing materials where appropriate. In addition two leaflets (SB16 and SB17) refer to the availability of such single payments. One of these, entitled -Help with Heating Costs" specifically mentions the work of voluntary organisations in this area.

  Whilst there are at present no special arrangements to promote the work of local neighbourhood energy action groups, officials are, in consultation with national charities looking at what might be done in this respect.

  GPs (Retirement Payments)
  Mr. Willie W. Hamilton
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing what payments a general practitioner in the National Health Service receives on retirement, assuming that his length of service was 30 and 40 years, respectively, and that he earned average general practitioner's earnings.

  Mr. Newton
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 March 1987, c. 480–81]: The superannuation benefits of general medical practitioners are assessed as a proportion of total superannuable earnings throughout their careers. The earnings for each financial year are uprated by percentages

  113
  reflecting the pay increases agreed following the recommendations of the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration over the years of the practitioner's service. This "dynamising" process converts the practitioner's career remuneration to a monetary value equivalent to remuneration levels current at the end of his or her service. The retirement benefits payable are a pension, assessed as 1·4 per cent. of the practitioner's dynamised career earnings, and a tax free lump sum of up to three times the pension.

  The following table shows the retirement benefits of a married male practitioner based upon the intended average net income recommended by the review body each year since 1971–72, and equivalent figures back to 1948. Since no practitioner has yet served 40 years in the National Health Service scheme, a maximum of 39 years has been used. Column A shows the benefits which would accrue to a practitioner who opted to purchase credit for his service prior to 24 March 1972. Colum B represents a practitioner who did not so opt.

  A

  B

  With 30 years' service £

  With 39 years' service £

  With 30 years' service £

  With 39 years' service £

  Annual pension

  10,343

  13,453

  10,343

  13,453

  Lump sum retiring allowance

  31,029

  40,359

  20,677

  23,787

  Amnesia
  Mr. Ashley
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will encourage local authority social service departments to provide funds for the rehabilitation of sufferers from severe amnesia;

  (2) whether any residential accommodation is provided by the National Health Service for those suffering from severe amnesia;

  (3) if he will request the National Health Service regions to assess the adequacy of their provision for those suffering from severe amnesia; and if he will encourage the establishment of regional centres;

  (4) what information he has on (a) the number of cases of severe amnesia that occur annually and (b) the National Health Service provision for such cases.

  Mrs. Currie
  [pursuant to her reply, 2 April 1987, c. 619]: Severe amnesia can be a symptom of a range of medical conditions, including head injury and Alzheimer's disease. The National Health Service organises its services to treat medical conditions rather than specific symptoms. There is, therefore, no special provision, nor have we any plans to provide any, for treating severe amnesia or accommodating patients with this condition separately. Patients may be treated in a number of settings such as neurological, mental illness or geriatric units. Similar considerations apply to the provision of social services to people suffering from severe amnesia by local authorities. We do not collect statistics from either health or local authorities on severe amnesia.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Tourist Board
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what grant aid and other assistance the
  114
  Northern Ireland Tourist Board receives from public funds; and what are the subventions comparable with those made to the tourist boards in Great Britain.

  Mr. Viggers
  In the financial year 1986–87 the Northern Ireland Tourist Board received grant-in-aid of £2·65 million from the Department of Economic Development. I understand that in the same year the following provision out of public funds was made to the other Tourist Boards in the United Kingdom.

  Grant-in-Aid £ million

  Development of Tourism Act 1969 £ million

  Total £ million

  English Tourist Board

  10·76

  9·5

  20·26

  Scottish Tourist Board

  6·25

  2·83

  9·08

  Welsh Tourist Board

  5·35

  2·54

  7·89

  In comparing these figures it should be noted that in Northern Ireland schemes for grant aid to the private sector for the provision of approved tourist accommodation and to the public sector for the provision of approved tourist amenities are administered directly by the Department of Economic Development, whereas in the rest of the United Kingdom the tourist boards administer such schemes under section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969. The amount spent by the Department of Economic Development on such schemes in 1986–87 was £2·99 million.

  Supplementary Benefit
  Mr. Hume
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether there has been any consideration given to amending the five-year residence requirement for supplementary benefit in the light of judgments concerning access to state-provided assistance for citizens of European Community member states.

  Mr. Needham
  The question is currently being considered.

  Mr. Chan Hok Cheung
  Mr. Madden
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary about how many times Mr. Chan Hok Cheung has been interviewed by Royal Ulster Constabulary officers in connection with the inquiry pending which an officer was suspended on 18 March; and for what further assistance Mr. Chan is required by the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

  Mr. Scott
  The extent, direction and control of the investigation and any subsequent proceedings is a matter for the Chief constable and the Director of Public Prosecutions. However, I understand that Mr. Chan has been interviewed by officers from the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

  Electricity Supply Industry
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list in the Official Report the criteria for evaluating forecasts of the price of coal and the price of lignite for the next 30 years, in considering the construction of a new power station in Northern Ireland.
  115
  Mr. Viggers
  In evaluating forecasts of the price of coal and lignite my officials will be seeking the least cost source of secure supply taking due account of the forecast of variations in that cost. The forecast of the price of coal will be related to the price of internationally traded coal. The forecast of prices of lignite will be based on terms of supply offered by prospective miners.

  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish in the Official Report the current price of lignite and the terms of supply which are currently being offered in his discussions with British Petroleum Coal.

  Mr. Viggers
  No. While the Department of Economic Development has been kept informed of negotiations on price and terms of supply between BP Coal Limited and NIE and the groups putting forward proposals to building a lignite-fired power station, these negotiations are commercially confidential.

  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will state in the Official Report the cost to public funds to date of examining (a) coal or dual oil/coal-fired plant at Kilroot, (b) interconnection with Scotland, and (c) lignite-fired power station options for new generating capacity in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  The various future generation proposals were submitted to the Department of Economic Development on 19 November 1987. Since that time the cost to public funds of evaluating these options has amounted to approximately £305,000.

  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he or any of his Ministers have to visit power stations in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  None at present.

  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he, or any of his Ministers, visited the lignite excavation site at Crumlin, Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  Visits were made by my right hon. Friend the Member for Bosworth (Sir A. Butler). Minister of State, on 22 August 1984, and my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, North (Dr. Boyson), Minister of State, on 6 November 1984.

  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings, and on what dates, have been held during the last 12 months with British Petroleum Coal to discuss the price and terms of supply of lignite to power stations in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  Officials have held 12 meetings with BP Coal Ltd. on the following dates when the price and terms of supply of lignite to a power station were among the matters discussed.

  30 May 1986

  3 July 1986

  22 August 1986

  23 September 1986

  21 October 1986

  30 October 1986

  12 December 1986

  6 February 1987

  23 February 1987

  16 March 1987

  26 March 1987

  30 March 1987

  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings, and on what dates, have been
  116
  held during the last 12 months with Northern Ireland Electricity to discuss future generating capacity in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  Nine, on the following dates:

  8 April 1986

  14 May 1986

  17 June 1986

  6 August 1986

  20 August 1986

  29 October 1986

  5 November 1986

  4 February 1987

  26 March 1987

  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings, and on what dates, have been held during the last 12 months with the Antrim Power Company to discuss future generating capacity in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  There have been 17, on the following dates:

  19 May 1986

  12 June 1986

  26 June 1986

  28 August 1986

  12 September 1986

  3 October 1986

  14 October 1986

  28 October 1986

  26 November 1986

  13 January 1987

  14 January 1987

  15 January 1987

  16 January 1987

  6 February 1987

  16 March 1987

  19 March 1987

  20 March 1987

  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings, and on what dates, have been held during the last 12 months with British Coal to discuss the price and terms of supply of coal to power stations in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  The price and terms of supply of coal to power stations are matters for which Northern Ireland Electricity has responsibility and upon which they directly negotiate with British Coal. However, officials of the Department of Economic Development have had one meeting, on 24 February 1987, with British Coal to seek their views on the long-term forecast price of coal and to discuss their future contractual arrangements with Northern Ireland Electricity.

  Mr. Bell
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated cost to public funds of the construction of a lignite-fuelled power station, the completion of a dual-fired Kilroot phase II, the construction of a new coal fired power station, the construction of an interconnector with Scotland and the reintroduction of the interconnector with the Irish Republic, respectively.

  Mr. Viggers
  Northern Ireland Electricity has submitted estimated costs for; the construction of a lignite-fuelled power station, the completion of a dual-fired Kilroot phase II and the construction of an interconnector with Scotland. Two private sector consortia have also submitted proposals for the construction of a lignite-fuelled power station. Officials are now assessing the estimates received for these options and it would be
  117
  improper to disclose the cost involved while this assessment is continuing. A proposal for a new coal-fired power station has not been received and therefore no cost estimate is available. The Department of Economic Development does not have a current estimate of the cost of re-establishing the interconnector with the Republic of Ireland.

  Mr. Bell
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the trades unions on the construction of a lignite-fuelled power station in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  I have not as yet had any specific discussions with trade union representatives on this subject but plan to meet representatives from the Federation of Union Supplying Electricity and the Electrical Power Engineers Association in the near future.

  Mr. Bell
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list in the Official Report which power stations, and on what dates, he has visited in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  I visited the Kilroot power station on 18 March 1987.

  Mr. Bell
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the likely environmental impact of the construction of a lignite-fuelled power station in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  Officials in the Department of Economic Development and the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) have discussed the environmental implications of a lignite-fired station. However, a full assessment of the likely environmental impact of such a station would depend upon is location and detailed plans.

  Mr. Bell
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to ensure the development and maintenance of electricity generation in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  Northern Ireland Electricity has advised the Department of Economic Development that additional generating capacity will be required by the mid-1990s. The Department is currently evaluating a number of future generation options and a decision will be taken on these as soon as possible to ensure the development and maintenance of electricity generation in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Bell
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the future generation of electricity in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  The then Secretary of State made a statement on this subject on 22 May 1985 at columns 418–19. The Department of Ecomomic Development is currently evaluating a number of future generation options and no decision has yet been taken on future generation strategy in Northern Ireland.

  Lignite
  Mr. Bell
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what studies have been carried out into the amount of reserves of lignite in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  Under a prospecting licence granted by the Department of Economic Development originally in 1978 a subsidiary of Burnett & Hallamshire plc established that there were significant reserves of lignite near Crumlin.118
  In 1983, the Department commissioned a programme of shallow drilling and discovered further substantial reserves of lignite in East Tyrone, and around Ballymoney. Exploration work, including further drilling, to determine the size of these reserves has been carried out under licence during 1986 by BP Coal Ltd Meekatharra Minerals (NI) Ltd and subsidiary companies of Anglo United.

  Royal Ulster Constabulary
  Sir Eldon Griffiths
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has of the total cost to date of the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary's legal actions before (a) industrial tribunals in Northern Ireland and (b) the European Court in respect of the actions of those full-time and part-time reserve women police officers who received compensatory awards for discrimination; and whether any further liability to public funds may be expected to arise.

  Mr. Scott
  The cost of the compensation agreed to date has been £236,920. Further claims have been made and if these are ruled admissible by the president of the industrial tribunal they may result in an increase to this figure. I have nothing to add on legal costs to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 2 April at column 612.

  Housing Executive
  Mr. Mallon
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what was the allocation of funds to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for capital works to existing dwellings as at 1 April 1986;

  (2) what was the outturn figure for capital works carried out to existing dwellings owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive as at 31 March 1987;

  (3) what was the funding allocation to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for capital works to existing dwellings in the south region as at 1 April 1986;

  (4) what was the outturn figure for capital works to existing dwellings in the south region of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive as at 31 March 1986;

  (5) if the normal accounting procedures of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive were implemented in relation to a payment from the Masonic Housing Associaton an respect of a housing development in Donaghadee; and if he will make a statement;

  (6) what was the approved budget of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive nursery at Dundonald between 1983 and 1985;

  (7) how great was the loss to public funds deriving from overspending of the approved budget during 1983 to 1985 at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive nursery at Dundonald;

  (8) what was the period of the delay in a payment from the Masonic Housing Association to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for a housing development in Donaghadee established by a local government audit; and if he will make a statement;

  (9) what increased funding was requested by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for capital expenditure to existing dwellings at the last autumn review; and what increase was allocated;

  (10) what increased funding was requested by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for the south region at the last autumn review; and what increase was allocated;
  119
  (11) by how much the approved budget of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive nursery at Dundonald for 1983 to 1985 was exceeded.

  Mr. Needham
  These are matters for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chairman that the information is not readily available; I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Special Category Status
  Mr. J. Enoch Powell
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what response he has made to the order of the High Court in Belfast in December 1986 to provide information relating to the introduction and withdrawal of special category status.

  Mr. Scott
  The order was made in connection with an application brought by a prisoner for judicial review of a prison adjudication. The action is in its preliminary stages and has not yet come to trial; it would not therefore be appropriate for me to comment further.

  Farmers
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the approximate number of Northern Ireland farmers and the value of monetary compensation amounts payments owed them in connection with cattle purchases in the Irish Republic; for how long these payments have been outstanding; what representations have been made to the Irish authorities; with what result; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  [pursuant to his reply, 3 April 1987, c. 647]: Information from the authorities in the Republic of Ireland is that at the end of February around £1 million was outstanding in relation to MCA payments on cattle imported from the Republic of Ireland. It is understood that almost 200 Northern Ireland importers are affected. A number of these payments have been outstanding for six months. Meetings have been held between United Kingdom officials and those of the Irish Department of Agriculture as a result of which urgent action is being taken by the latter to clear the outstanding payments.

  It is hoped that claimants will be paid more promptly in future.

  NCC PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY
  NCC PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY
  SSSIs: COLLECTION OF DATA
  SSSIs: COLLECTION OF DATA
  WATER AUTHORITIES AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
  WATER AUTHORITIES AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
  GRANT RELATED EXPENDITURE: DOE PUBLICATIONS
  GRANT RELATED EXPENDITURE: DOE PUBLICATIONS
  EC: DEVELOPMENTS UNDER UK PRESIDENCY
  EC: DEVELOPMENTS UNDER UK PRESIDENCY
  NURSES: UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
  NURSES: UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
  BRITISH CITIZENSHIP FEES 1987–88
  BRITISH CITIZENSHIP FEES 1987–88
  THE OPEN COLLEGE
  THE OPEN COLLEGE