Written Answers of 9 December 1987

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Hill and Upland Areas
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if Her Majesty's Government have completed their review of the economic conditions in the hill and upland areas; and if he will make a statement on the rates of hill livestock compensatory allowances and associated scheme conditions for 1988.

  Mr. MacGregor
  My right hon. Friends and I have now completed the annual review of economic conditions in the hills and uplands.

  Even allowing for recent bad weather, the economic prospects for farmers in the less-favoured areas are currently looking significantly better than at this time last year. Most LFA livestock producers have benefited from a 35 per cent. rise in suckler cow premium and the green pound devaluations, which have provided increased support through the sheep annual premium and beef variable premium. The Government have decided that the rates of hill livestock compensatory allowances should be maintained at their present levels for 1988. The associated conditions will also remain unchanged, apart from some minor amendments to the scheme rules. We shall be laying a statutory instrument shortly to give effect to these changes, which will he explained to claimants when the application forms are dispatched.

  The Government continue to recognise the importance of the hill and upland areas in the United Kingdom and their reliance on the compensatory allowances for the economic well-being of livestock production. A healthy livestock sector in the hills and uplands makes a major contribution to agriculture, the rural economy and the environment. The Government are committed to providing appropriate support to meet the special needs of livestock producers in those areas. This commitment is demonstrated by the fact that total HLCA payments next year are expected to be over £110 million, virtually double the 1979 levels.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Tom Arnold
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the responsibilities of each of the deputy secretaries in his Department and the numbers and ranks of staff reporting to each.

  Mr. MacGregor
  Information on the five grade 2 posts, which include deputy secretary appointments, in my department and the number of staff reporting to them on 1 October 1987 is as follows:

  Post

  No. of Staff

  Deputy Secretary (Agricultural Commodities)

  222·0

  Deput) Secretary (Land and Resources)

  781·5

  Deputy Secretary (Fisheries and Food)

  1065·5

  Legal Adviser and Solicitor

  68·0

  158

  Post

  No. of Staff

  Director General of ADSAS and Regional

  Organisation

  6585·5

  Details of their responsibilities prior to 1 October 1987 are set out in the "Civil Service Year Book 1987", which is available in the Library of the House. From I October the Director General of ADAS took over responsibility for the regional organisation, although the Deputy Secretary (Land and Resources) retains responsibility for liaison on policy issues with that command.

  There are about 200 grades in my Department and a breakdown of staff in each grade by each of the grade 2 commands is not readily available. There are 24 grade 3 posts. For grades 4 in the open structure and below, the numbers by grade are given in Her Majesty's Treasury publication "Staff in Post: Civil Service: Departmental Totals by Sex: Non-Industrial Staff: Grade by Department Analysis on I April 1987", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Similar details are not available for industrial staff, of which there were 573·5 on 1 October 1987, mainly in the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service.

  The figures exclude staff in establishments, finance and management services groups, the secretariat and vacant posts.

  Butter
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has as to the average retail price of (i) Welsh, (ii) English, (iii) Danish and (iv) New Zealand butter.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  information collected for the purposes of the retail prices index indicates that, in October 1987, the average prices of butter were as follows:

  pence per gramme

  Home produced

  52p per 250g

  Danish

  56p per 250g

  New Zealand

  50p per 250g

  No separate information is collected on prices for Welsh or English butter.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his reply of 30 November, what has been the cost to the United Kingdom Treasury to date of the cost of disposing of the 97,190 tons of butter released between 1 December 1986 and 31 October 1987; and if this full amount will fall to be repaid by the Community after 1989 under the arrangements agreed in March 1987.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 7 December 1987]: Disposal of this butter has saved money for the Exchequer from reduced storage charges. Without the special scheme the butter would have remained in store and, as I explained in my previous reply, no reimbursements for loss on sale would have been received from the Community. Under the scheme these reimbursements will be paid, but delayed to the four years from 1989. Therefore, the Exchequer is no worse off in this respect. 97,190 tonnes occupy a considerable volume of cold storage, which would have cost about £7.5 million per year to provide.

  Poultry Farming
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations he has received over the past five years regarding the adverse environmental impact of the establishment of intensive poultry farming in England.

  Mr. Gummer
  Information is readily available only for the period from 1 January 1985 to date, during which my Department received 11 representations about environmental concerns in relation to poultry units.

  Tree Disease
  Mr. Warren
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the dangers of disease spreading from trees uprooted in the recent hurricane to other healthy trees; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. MacGregor
  There is no immediate danger of disease spreading from windblown trees, because the insects and fungi active in the rotting of wood are dormant during the winter months. The Forestry Commission will, however, be keeping a watch on the situation.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many environmentally sensitive areas have been or are being designated in Devon.

  Mr. Gummer
  [Holding answer 7 December 1987]: No environmentally sensitive areas have been or are about to be designated in Devon. The areas which have been chosen for designation now include all those in England shortlisted by the Countryside Commission and Nature Conservancy Council.

  Tomato Imports
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what system he has to ensure that on occasions when it is known that growing conditions in the Canary Islands are going to give rise to exports of tomatoes of poor intrinsic condition, the Horticultural Inspectorate is deployed to ensure that no out-of-grade fruit leaves the dockside in the United Kingdom or is admitted in roll on-roll off vehicles from the continent.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 8 December 1987]: When problems with quality of horticultural imports arise or are expected, it is the practice to redeploy horticultural marketing inspectors, so as to intensify quality control at main points of entry. Produce failing to meet minimum standards is outgraded. Although such intensive action has not so far been needed for the Canary Islands tomatoes, we would not hesitate to take action if necessary.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give details of expenditure in 1986–87 and 1987–88 by the agricultural departments on agricultural grants and subsidies, excluding market regulation, under the common agricultural policy.
  160
  Mr. MacGregor
  Details are given in the table of the outturn for 1986–87 and the latest forecast of outturn for 1987–88.

  (£ million)

  Outturn 1986–87

  Latest fore-cast of out-turn 1987–88

  Price Guarantees

  Wool

  8·1

  2·5

  Potatoes

  —

  —

  8·1

  2·5

  Support for capital and other improvements

  Environmentally sensitive areas

  —

  3·6

  Agriculture and Horticulture development scheme

  45·3

  43·1

  Guidance premiums

  3·2

  2·0

  Farm accounts

  0·7

  0·7

  Farm structure

  0·3

  0·2

  Northern Ireland agricultural development programme

  4·0

  2·2

  Agriculture and Horticulture grant scheme

  25·6

  1·9

  Agriculture improvement scheme (EC)

  7·5

  29·8

  Agriculture improvement scheme (National)

  8·9

  8·6

  Others

  0·2

  0·5

  95·7

  92·6

  Support for agriculture in special areas

  Hill livestock compensatory allowances

  121·7

  114·8

  Additional benefit to farmers in special areas under AHDS, NIADP, AHGS, AIS(EC) and AIS(nat)

  29·9

  25·3

  Others

  4·9

  3·8

  156·5

  143·9

  Other payments

  Milk outgoers scheme

  9·5

  10·9

  Weather aid 1985

  —

  —

  Sheep compensation scheme

  4·3

  1·0

  Cooperation grants

  2·7

  2·5

  Producer organisation

  1·0

  0·8

  Forage groups

  0·4

  0·4

  17·9

  15·6

  Grand total

  278·2

  254·6

  Some of this expenditure attracts contributions from the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund. These are mainly received in the following year. In 1987–88, £36.7 million is expected to be received from the fund, compared with £41.5 million in 1986–87.

  The individual figures may not add up to the totals shown due to roundings.

  Mr. Harris
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details of expenditure in 1986–87 and 1987–88 by the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce and the agricultural departments on market regulation under the common agricultural policy.

  Mr. MacGregor
  Details of the outturn for 1986–87 and the latest forecast of outturn for 1987–88 are as follows:
  161

  (£ million)

  Outturn 1986–87

  Latest forecast of outturn 1987–88

  (i) Expenditure by the intervention board for agricultural produce

  Cereals

  114·5

  191·1

  Beef and Veal

  229·7

  243·0

  Pigmeat

  -2·4

  -1·7

  Sugar

  114·9

  136·8

  Processed Goods

  41·6

  45·5

  Milk Products

  299·6

  282·1

  Oil Seeds

  118·4

  195·9

  Sheepmeat

  102·3

  124·7

  Others

  18·1

  28·8

  1,036·7

  1,246·2

  (ii) Expenditure by the agricultural departments

  Payments to milk producers giving up milk production

  —

  51·0

  Milk Non-Marketing Premiums

  —

  —

  Suckler Cow Premium Scheme

  26·9

  37·0

  Annual premium on ewes

  101·7

  143·8

  Small cereals producers

  —

  3·4

  Grand Total

  128·6

  235·2

  Expenditure includes the beef and sheepmeat variable premium schemes (net of clawback for sheepmeat and charges on beef exported and sold into intervention), the premium schemes for the non-marketing of milk and the conversion of dairy herds, suckler cow premium scheme, annual premium on ewes, payments to producers giving up milk production, scheme to aid small cereal producers, refunds on imports and exports (net of levies), the school milk subsidy, and the net cost of buying commodities into intervention less proceeds from sales. It also takes account of certain receipts treated as negative expenditure, namely monetary compensatory amounts levied on intraCommunity trade and the co-responsibility levies on cereals and milk producers and supplementary levy on milk producers. Of the estimated outturn for 1987–88 £1,333.1 million is expected to be financed from the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund (EAGGF), the balance being financed from Exchequer funds. In 1986–87, £1,439–3 million was financed from EAGGF. Some of the expenditure shown above benefits consumers and trade interests rather than United Kingdom producers.

PRIME MINISTER

  Japan (British Investment)
  Mr. Michael Marshall
  To ask the Prime Minister what information she has received regarding the Japanese Government's undertaking to license a second KDD international telecommunications consortium, including British investment through Cable and Wireless plc; and whether in the light of previous representations made by herself, other Ministers and parliamentarians of all parties, Her Majesty's Government will take a continuing interest in the progress of further negotiations.

  The Prime Minister
  I understand that Mr. Nakayama, the Japanese Minister for Posts and Telecommunications,162
  has now awarded a licence to the International Digital Communications consortium, of which Cable and Wireless is a member. I very much welcome this decision.

  The Government have expressed consistent support for Cable and Wireless's involvement in the IDC consortium and I raised the issue personally with Mr. Nakasone earlier this year.

  We shall continue to follow with close interest the progress of this project.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Soviet Studies
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much is being spent in the current academic year on Soviet studies in universities and polytechnics; and what proposals he has to increase such allocations.

  Mr. Jackson
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Student Grants
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many full-time students in higher education receive no maintenance grant from public funds.

  Mr. Jackson
  [holding answer 20 November 1987]: In 1985–86, some 89,000 students in receipt of mandatory or full-value discretionary awards received fee payments, but no maintenance, because of high parental or other income. In 1983–84, some 20,000 students in full-time higher education were estimated to be receiving neither maintenance nor fees from public funds. More recent estimates are unavailable.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Funerals
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what evidence he has of variations in prices for funerals, and of regional differences; and how many complaints have been received by his Department on this matter in the last five years.

  Mr. Atkins
  My Department has received around 70 representations concerning funeral prices in the last five years. In the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the acquisition by the Co-operative Wholesale Society Ltd. of the Scottish funerals business of House of Fraser plc, there is some discussion of regional differences in costs. I am not aware of other evidence of price variations.

  Belgian Carpet Imports
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will provide information, on a quarterly basis, showing total imports into the United Kingdom of Belgian carpets for 1985, 1986 and for the first three quarters of 1987.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The information is as follows:
  163

  United Kingdom imports of carpets from Belgium-Luxembourg

  Value:£000's

  Q1

  Q2

  Q3

  Q4

  1985

  20,610

  23,473

  25,335

  30,240

  1986

  24,402

  24,083

  29,354

  34,346

  1987

  26,283

  30,537

  32,280

  —

  Source: Overseas Trade Statistics.

  Notes:

  1. Carpets defined as Standard International Trade Classification Revision 2, Sub-group 659 less items 659.1, 63 and 7.

  2. Imports Country Whence Consigned; cif basis.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he intends to take in relation to low-cost Belgian carpets being imported into the United Kingdom; what representations he has made concerning Belgian state aid to their textile and carpet industry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The Government have made a number of representations in support of action by the European Commission against Belgian subsidies to their textile and carpet industry. Further representations will be made as appropriate in consultation with the United Kingdom industry.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received from within the United Kingdom concerning unfair competition resulting from the importing into the United Kingdom of low-cost Belgian carpets, and what share of the United Kingdom carpet market Belgian carpet suppliers now take.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I have received various representations from time to time concerning the provision of aid to the Belgian carpet industry but none recently relating specifically to low-cost imports into the United Kingdom. Belgian carpets accounted for 13 per cent. by value of the United Kingdom carpet market in 1986.

  Council of Industry Ministers
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a report on the outcome of the Council of Industry Ministers' meeting on 8 December.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I attended a meeting of the Council of Industry Ministers in Brussels on 8 December and took part in a discussion on the future of the steel market after the present quota arrangements end on 31 December 1987. I pressed for the earliest practicable return to a quota-free market in all categories of steel products and for progress with the further restructuring of the European industry that is necessary for the return to free market conditions to be orderly. I argued the case for steel users in British industry to be able to purchase steel at competitive and not artificial prices. I also underlined the point that the British Steel Corporation has carried out very extensive restructuring of its plants, has raised its performance and productivity, and is now inhibited by the present quota regime from taking full advantage of its competitive position. So far as the British position on further restructuring is concerned, I adhered to the position I outlined to the House in my statement on 3 December.

  The Council and the Commission are agreed on the need to restructure the European industry and to end the quota system at the earliest suitable moment. Considerable
  164
  discussion took place, however, on the pace of change and on the details, on which a wide range of views emerged. No final decisions could be reached, but the following conclusions were agreed unanimously as the basis for further discussion at another meeting of the Council on 22 December:

  (a) The Council will take a decision on the basis of a Commission proposal on 22 December 1987 on whether the quota system should be continued beyond 31 December 1987. It will take its decision in the light of the efforts that each member state concerned has undertaken to make in the meantime concerning reduction of excess capacity in each of the categories Ia and Ib, II and III. To that end the Commission will arrange for appropriate consultations of member states before 22 December 1987, with a view to producing clear and credible indications by 22 December 1987 of the willingness of Governments, after consultation with their industries, to undertake a sufficient reduction of capacity in both state and private sector undertakings by means of closures.

  (b) On 22 December the Council and the Commission will consider whether the result of the efforts referred to in (a) is satisfactory. Before 22 December 1987, the Commission will consider the situation of category I in the light of the comments of Ministers. If the results have been satisfactory the Council will consider the Commission's proposals for the extension of the quota system for categories I, II and III until 30 June 1988.

  (c) Before 10 June 1988, all member states concerned should produce specific and binding undertakings by Government and industries as to the share of their state-owned and private sector industries in the reduction of the surplus.

  (d) The reference of the quota system should be updated and simplified in the context of the decision to be taken before the end of June on the extension of the quota system.

  The extension covering categories II and III should run until 31 December 1990, provided the necessary undertakings on reduction of production capacity mentioned under (c) is achieved. As regards category I, the Commission will make proposals in the light of the situation in this category and of the undertakings of the industry concerning closures and in the perspective of parallel treatment of this category with categories II and III.

  (e) Should the above-mentioned procedure fail to produce the undertakings mentioned under (c), the quota system expires automatically by the end of June 1988.

  The Commission also made the following declaration to clarify the effect of point (a) of these conclusions, in terms accepted by the Council:
  "With regard to point (a) of the conclusions of the Council, the Commission confirms that 'sufficient reduction' means capacity reductions of the scale indicated by the Three Wise Men in their final report, and by the Commission in the communication to the Council."
  In my opinion, the progress of these negotiations so far poses no problem at all for the preparations for privatisation of the British Steel Corporation which I announced last week.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will examine the possibility of reclassifying as a child tax relief that part of child benefit received by families who pay more in income tax than they receive in child benefit.
  165
  Mr. Major
  No. Payments made by the Government are usually treated as public expenditure rather than negative taxation unless the payments are an integral part of the tax system. The definition of public expenditure used in the public expenditure White Paper follows in the main national accounting conventions which in turn follow international guidelines.

  Distribution of Income
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the figures on the distribution of income in the United Kingdom for 1984–85 will be published.

  Mr. Major
  The estimates for the distribution of income in the United Kingdom for 1984–85 are to appear in the November issue of Economic Trends, which is expected to be published on Friday 18 December.

  Overseas Assets
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the sterling value of British-owned assets held abroad(a) in the United States of America and (b) elsewhere, as at 16 October 1987, and on 7 December 1987.

  Mr. Major
  [holding answer 7 December 1987]: I regret that the information is not available.

  Job Creation
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his reply of 26 November,Official Report, column 293, how many of the jobs created between 1983 and 1986 were (a) in manufacturing industry and (b) in the services sector.

  Mr. Major
  [holding answer 7 December 1987]: For Great Britain, the figures of net changes in employment are as follows:

  Grew Britain employment (including self-employed): thousands, seasonally adjusted (changes on a year earlier in brackets)

  Manufacturing

  Services

  Total (Manufacturing, services and other)

  June 1983

  5,580

  14,485

  22,716

  June 1984

  5,496

  15,007

  23,166

  (-84)

  (+552)

  (+450)

  June 1985

  5,478

  15,445

  23,553

  (-18)

  (+438)

  (+387)

  June 1986

  5,360

  15,748

  23,666

  (-118)

  (+303)

  (+113)

  Change between

  June 1983 and

  June 1986

  -220

  +1,263

  +950

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Metropolitan Police (Manpower Wastage)
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he proposes to take any measures to reduce wastage of manpower from the Metropolitan police force.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We fully support the Commissioner's efforts to reduce wastage and to improve 166
  recruitment. Currently, about half the retirements from the Metropolitan police are voluntary resignations or transfers to other forces.

  The reasons for leaving the force are monitored, but most, such as domestic ties and the quality of life, are outside the control of the Commissioner. None the less, counselling and advice is given by divisional managers to officers seeking to leave the force early to see if their difficulties may be overcome and their decisions reversed. We hope, too, that the pay review which will be undertaken soon by the Police Negotiating Board will consider whether the remuneration package for officers in London needs revision to meet the problem of wastage.

  A special effort to recruit Londoners, who may be less likely to move away, is part of the current programme of recruitment, which is running at an all-time high., as is the strength of the force.

  Upholstery
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to amend the standard required for Home Office contract upholstery from BS5852 part 2 crib 5 to crib 7; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Home Department's draft guide to fire precautions in existing residential care premises advises that upholstered seating should satisfy as a minimum standard the cigarette and match ignitability tests to BS5852 part 1 and crib ignition source 5 of BS5852 part 2. There is no present intention to amend this to crib 7. The draft guide to fire precautions in places of entertainment (which is currently the subject of consultation) proposes that in temporary structures, tents, marquees etc. upholstery should satisfy ignition source 5 but that where there is a higher than normal risk to life in these premises, it may be necessary to require upholstery to satisfy ignition source 7.

  British Nationality Act 1981
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the extension of the time limit for registration under the British Nationality Act 1981.

  Mr. Renton
  We have received six letters from hon. Members and two from organisations.

  Prisons
  Mr. Chris Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were(a) the categories and (b) the numbers of individual doses of drugs administered to inmates at (i) Her Majesty's prison Pentonville, (ii) Risley remand centre and (iii) Appleton Thorn youth custody centre in the latest available year.

  Mr. John Patten
  The following table provides the information requested in respect of Her Majesty's prison Pentonville and Her Majesty's remand centre, Risley.

  The larger part of the medical services at Her Majesty's youth custody centre Thorn Cross (Appleton Thorn) are provided by one doctor. It is a long established policy not to publish information about the prescribing practice of individual doctors.
  167

  Number of doses of medicine administered to inmates (Year ended 31 March 1987)

  Prescription only medicines

  Establishment

  (1) Medicines available without prescription in the community

  (2) Psychotropic drugs1

  (3) Hypnotic drugs

  (4) Drugs acting on the central nervous system2

  (5) Other drugs and medicines

  (i) HMP Pentonville

  112,801

  20,863

  1,504

  20,185

  90,583

  (ii) HMRC Risley

  162,100

  24,814

  9,223

  22,667

  68,345

  1 ie antidepressants, sedatives and tranquillisers.

  2 Other than those shown in columns (2) and (3).

  Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984
  Mr. Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects Lord Colville's review of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984 to be completed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Lord Colville's report of his review of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984 is published today. We are very grateful to Lord Colville for his wide-ranging and detailed study. My right hon. Friend informed the House on 23 July at column 338 that he had decided that it would not be wise to discontinue the powers in sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Act. The Government have considered the recommendations made by Lord Colville on the use of these powers, and have concluded that the decision announced on 23 July should be confirmed. In considering their response to the report's other recommendations, the Government will wish to take full account of views which may be expressed in Parliament and elsewhere. Lord Colville's scrutiny of the operation of the Act in 1987 will be published in advance of the debates on the renewal of the Act.

  Nationality Registration
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those journals in which he has recently advertised details of how to apply for British nationality by registration; if information that such an option will cease on 31 December 1987 was included; and what steps he took to ascertain the level of readership by different ethnic minority groups of such journals.

  Mr. Renton
  Details of how to apply for British nationality by registration were advertised in 55 local newspapers and 11 ethnic minority papers in March of this year. A further advertisement was placed in 29 local papers and 10 ethnic papers in September of this year. Lists of the newspapers are as follows.

  The local advertising was placed in newspapers which cover areas with high concentrations of ethnic minorities, as indentified from data provided by the Office of Population Censuses and Survey.

  The local and the ethnic minority press serving these areas were identified in consultation with a specialist ethnic minority advertising agency.

  The advertisements drew attention to those options to apply for British nationality by registration which will cease on 31 December 1987.

  Advertisements in March 1987 appeared in:—

  Barnet Independent

  Birmingham Daily News

  Birmingham Evening Mail

  168

  Blackburn Citizen

  Bradford Star

  Bradford Telegraph & Argos

  Brent Leader

  Cardiff Post

  Coventry Citizen

  Coventry Weekly News

  Croydon Post

  Croydon Comet

  Derby Trader

  Ealing Leader

  Ealing Recorder

  Enfield Advertiser

  Greenwich Mercury

  Hackney Echo

  Hackney Gazette

  (Hammersmith) West London Leader

  Haringey Advertiser

  Haringey Independent

  Harrow Leader

  Hillingdon Leader

  Hounslow Informer

  Hounslow Chronicle Extra

  Ilford Independent

  Islington Gazette

  (Kirkless) Huddersfield Daily Examiner

  (Kirkless) Huddersfield Weekly News

  Lambeth Streatham Guardian

  Lewisham & Sydenham Comet

  Lewisham & Catford Mercury

  Leeds Weekly News

  Leicester Mail

  Leicester Trader

  Manchester Advertiser

  Manchester A.M.

  Merton and Wimbledon Informer

  Newham Recorder

  Nottingham Trader

  Preston Citizen

  Reading Standard

  Sandwell Trader

  Sheffield Weekly Gazette

  Slough Express Midweek

  Southwark Sparrow

  Stratford and Newham Express

  Streatham and Lambeth Comet

  Waltham Forest Extra

  Waltham Fellow Advertiser

  Wandsworth and Putney Guardian

  Harrow and Wembley Recorder

  Ilford Yellow Advertiser

  Barnet Borough Times

  Voice

  Gleaner

  Caribbean Times

  Asian Times

  New Life

  Surma Bengali News

  Daily Jang

  Guvari Gujarati

  Punjabi Times

  Amar Deep

  African Times

  169
  Advertisements on 10 September 1987 appeared in:

  Birmingham Daily News

  Glasgow Evening Times

  Daily Jang

  African Times

  Bristol Observer

  Barnet Independent

  Blackburn Citizen

  Bradford Star

  Cardiff Post

  Coventry Citizen

  Croydon Advertiser & Post

  Derby Trader

  Ealing Leader

  Edinburgh Advertiser

  Hackney Gazette

  Haringey Advertiser

  Harrow Leader

  Hounslow Informer

  Huddersfield News

  Leeds Weekly News

  Lewisham & Catford Mercury

  Leicester Mail

  Manchester Advertiser—West

  Nottingham Trader

  Putney & Wandsworth Guardian

  Slough Observer Midweek

  South London Press

  Stratford & Newham Express News

  Waltham Forest Extra

  Brent Leader

  Amar Deep

  Caribbean Times

  Garavi Gujarati

  Ravi Asian Newspaper

  Surma Bengali News Weekly

  Weekly Gleaner

  Des Pardes

  Stardust

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to extend the deadline of 31 December registration of British nationality in the event of interruption to the postal service.

  Mr. Renton
  We have no power to extend the deadline. There is, however, limited power to consider late applications on their individual merits.

  Immigration
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Horne Department (1) what was the number of dependants of men and women settled in the United Kingdom after 1973 who were refused entry clearance, under the immigration rule change, HC503, on the grounds that they would have recourse to public funds, in that they required provision of temporary accommodation by a local authority;

  (2) what is his estimate of the number of dependants of men and women settled in the United Kingdom after 1973 who will be refused entry clearance, if section 1.5 of the Immigration Act 1971 is repealed, on the grounds that they would have recourse to public funds, in that they would require the provision of temporary accommodation by a local authority.

  Mr. Renton
  In the period 26 August 1985 to 30 June 1987, 10 wives and children in the Indian subcontinent were initially refused entry clearance to the United Kingdom under the 1985 immigration rules (HC 503) solely because there was no adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds, and 40 were refused partly for this reason. These wives and children were not covered by section 1(5) of the Immigration Act 1971—ie 170
  their sponsor was not a man who had been a Commonwealth citizen settled in the United Kingdom on 1 January 1973. Corresponding information for other countries is not available centrally. Information is not available on which to estimate how many will fail to satisfy the accommodation requirement if section 1(5) is repealed.

  Prescriptions (Fraud)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for reports from the chief constables of the west midlands, Northumberland and west Yorkshire on the progress of police inquiries into the alleged offences involving fraudulent use of prescriptions, referred to in the questions from the hon. Member for Workington answered on 3 December by the Attorney-General.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from the chief constables of the West Midlands police, the Northumbria police and the West Yorkshire police that inquiries into the allegations referred to are now being made.

  British Shooting Sports Council
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he did not consult the British Shooting Sports Council between 20 August arid 22 September, the date on which he announced his initial proposals on firearms.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Following the tragic shootings at Hungerford and the level of public concern, it was right for the Government to make an early, considered response. In doing so, we took into account the well-known views of the various interests concerned, including those of the shooting community. We have since consulted widely on our proposals to improve firearms controls and this process is continuing.

  Firearms
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what will be the implications for the cost of a firearms certificate and a shotgun certificate, respectively, of implementing the proposals announced in the White Paper Cm. 261.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The proposals announced in the White Paper Cm. 261 will have no implications for the cost of a firearms certificate since the procedures for issue and renewal will remain as at present. The fee for the issue of a shotgun certificate will need to reflect the increased time and work involved in processing issues and renewals, but the level has not yet been determined.

  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional police man hours he estimates will be required if his proposals in White Paper Cm. 261 are implemented.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is not possible at this stage to calculate precisely the additional police man hours, because the exact number of weapons which will require certification under a new category is not known. However, the cost of additional manpower will be offset by increased fee revenue.

  Asylum
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the number of persons claiming asylum in Europe over the last three years and their nationalities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  The information readily available is:

  Numbers of asylum seekers from 1984–86 by country of application

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Total 1984–86

  Austria

  7,200

  6,700

  8,650

  22,550

  Belgium

  3,650

  5,300

  7,650

  16,600

  Denmark

  4,300

  8,700

  9,300

  22,300

  France

  15,900

  25,800

  23,400

  65,100

  Germany Federal Republic

  35,300

  73,850

  99,650

  208,800

  Netherlands

  3,600

  5,650

  5,850

  14,100

  Norway

  300

  850

  2,700

  3,850

  Sweden

  12,000

  14,450

  14,600

  41,050

  Switzerland

  7,450

  9,700

  8,550

  25,700

  United Kingdom

  3,850

  5,450

  3,900

  13,200

  Total

  92,550

  156,450

  184,250

  4,332,350

  Numbers of asylum seekers from 1984 to 1986 in Europe1 by country of origin

  Country of origin

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Total 1984–86

  Afghanistan

  1,550

  3,100

  3,450

  8,100

  Bangladesh

  700

  2,250

  3,400

  6,350

  Chile

  1,800

  2,800

  3,450

  8,050

  Czechoslovakia

  5,350

  4,800

  4,750

  14,900

  Ethiopia

  3,450

  4,300

  4,300

  12,050

  Ghana

  5,250

  8,600

  10,600

  24,950

  Hungary

  2,250

  3,150

  4,100

  9,500

  India

  1,750

  5,650

  8,050

  15,450

  Iran

  13,550

  23,500

  41,800

  78,850

  Iraq

  2,450

  2,950

  2,300

  7,700

  Lebanon

  3,450

  8,750

  12,350

  24,550

  Pakistan

  3,250

  4,800

  5,000

  13,050

  Poland

  11,200

  14,250

  20,700

  46,150

  Romania

  3,650

  4,500

  7,050

  15,200

  Sri Lanka

  13,650

  29,600

  10,250

  53,500

  Turkey

  10,900

  16,600

  19,750

  47,250

  Yugoslavia

  1,000

  2,050

  2,750

  5,800

  Zaire

  2,400

  3,600

  4,250

  10,250

  Others

  16,150

  24,850

  36,000

  77,000

  TOTAL

  103,750

  170,100

  204,300

  478,150

  1 Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Yugoslavia.

TRANSPORT

  Breath Tests
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the numbers of casualties in road accidents in which at least one driver or rider failed a roadside screening breath-test in (a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland, during the years 1975, 1978 and 1981, broken down between fatal and non-fatal injuries.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The information requested is as follows:
  172

  Casualties in accidents in which at least one driver or rider failed the roadside screening breath test:

  England and Wales, Scotland: 1975, 1978, 1981.

  England and Wales

  Scotland

  Total

  1975

  Fatal

  476

  38

  514

  Non-fatal

  19,882

  1,260

  21,142

  Total

  20,358

  1,298

  21,656

  1978

  Fatal

  432

  76

  508

  Non-fatal

  17,775

  2,036

  19,811

  Total

  18,207

  2,112

  20,319

  1981

  Fatal

  413

  48

  461

  Non-fatal

  16,961

  2,096

  19,057

  Total

  17,374

  2,144

  19,518

  Driving Tests
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to reduce the time of waiting for driving tests.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We have been recruiting examiners—the number has increased by 100 (7 per cent.) since September 1985, when waiting times peaked at a national average of 17 weeks—and we are continuing to do so as quickly as we can.

  The recently published review of driver testing has recommended additional measures for more rapid improvement in waiting times. These are being considered urgently and where appropriate will be put into effect as soon as possible in the new year.

  M1 Road Works
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) for how long road works will continue on the southbound carriageway of the M1 between junctions 3 and 4; and what is the average length of time taken for vehicles to pass through these road works during peak traffic times;

  (2) how many accidents have occurred on the southbound carriageway of the M I between junctions 3 and 4 during the period of road works on this section; what assessment he has made of the road safety implications of these works; and what steps have been taken to improve safety.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  These works should be completed by 18 December, but may be completed earlier if conditions permit. During peak traffic times, vehicles take 15 minutes on average to pass through the works. There have been no reported personal injury accidents on the MI southbound carriageway between junctions 4 and 3 during the period of the roadworks. One damage-only accident has been recorded, but its cause was unrelated to the works. There is no evidence that our standard safety measures are other than satisfactory here, with the advance warning signs provided.

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Sir Anthony Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to review the regulations concerning the safety of heavy goods vehicles and their enforcement; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We do have plans for improving the safety of heavy goods vehicles. I announced last month that we will be introducing requirements for heavy articulated vehicles to be fitted with anti-lock braking systems. Other improvements to lorry design and to enforcement will come from current work at the Transport and Road Research Laboratory and in the vehicle inspectorate.

  Rail Network
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of British Rail's total network will be continuous welded track in the years 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The proportion of railway track operated by British Rail that will be continuous welded track in the years listed is as follows:

  Per cent.

  1988–89

  61

  1989–90

  63

  1990–91

  64

  1991–92

  65

  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of the £1,020 million planned to be spent by British Rail on infrastructure improvement in the period 1987–88 to 1991–92, as set out in its current five-year corporate plan, he expects to authorise to be spent on replacing existing track and new track.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I understand that British Rail plans to spend about £700 million on track renewal and replacement in the period 1987–88 to 1991–92.

  British Rail Engineering Ltd.
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his reply of I December, Official Report, column 485, whether British Rail Engineering Ltd. has been allowed to submit a tender for the new class 60 locomotives; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The Railways Board issued invitations to tender to a number of British and overseas companies, but the only three tenders it has received are all from British firms. I understand that the Board did not invite BREL to tender as a lead contractor, but that BREL is involved with at least one of the tenders.

ENVIRONMENT

  Deputy Secretaries
  Mr. Tom Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the responsibilities of each of the deputy secretaries in his Department and the numbers and ranks of staff reporting to each.

  Mr. Ridley
  The responsibilities and staff of the deputy secretaries in my Department (other than in the Property Services Agency) are as follows:
  174
  Deputy Secretary, Planning, Inner Cities, Regional Development, Land and Property
  Planning, inner cities, regional development, land and property questions; and responsibility for the Department's regional organisation.
  At Headquarters, two Under Secretaries (Grade 3), two Grade 4s, 91/2 grade 5s and 244 other grades. In the Regional Organisation, nine Under Secretaries, one Grade 4, 191/2 Grade 5s and 8971/2 other grades.
  Of the Regional Directors eight (seven Grade 3s, and one Grade 4) are common servants of both DOE(C) and the Department of Transport.

  Deputy Secretary, Finance and Local Government
  Principal finance officer: and responsibility for policy on local government matters, including local government finance. Three Under Secretaries (Grade 3), one Grade 4, 15 Grade 5s and 4031/2 other grades.

  Deputy Secretary, Environment Protection (also Chief Scientist)
  Policy questions on environmental protection as a whole; Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution; air, noise and wastes; water supply and water privatisation; rural afffairs, countryside and wildlife conservation. As Chief Scientist, overview of science and research policy, and service as Head of Profession for scientific staff.
  Five Under Secretaries (Grade 3), one Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories, 19 Grade 5s and 4921 other grades.

  Deputy Secretary, Housing, Construction and the Built Heritage
  Housing policy and public expenditure; housing subsidy for local housing authorities; housing associations; house renovation; private rented sector; housing monitoring and analysis; new towns; building regulations; relations with the construction industry; ancient monuments and historic buildings; sport and recreation. Management responsibility for the Building Research Establishment.
  Seven Under Secretaries (Grade 3), one Grade 4, 28 Grade 5s and 2,186 other grades.

  Deputy Secretary, Solicitor and Legal Adviser
  Legal advice to the Department.
  Two Under Secretaries, 11 Grade 5s and 54 other grades including 25 non-professional staff, nine of whom also discharge some functions for the Department of Transport.

  Director General of Organisation and Establishments
  The Director General of Organisation and Establishments is the Department's Principal Establishments Officer who with his staff provides a common service to both the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment (Central). Management responsibility for the Planning Inspectorate.
  Four Under Secretaries, three Grade 4s, 16 Grade 5s and 1,9711/2 other grades. Many of the staff of this command are common servants of both DOE(C) and the Department of Transport.

  Chief Architectural Adviser on the Built Environment
  Chief Architectural Adviser to the Department. (The Chief Architectural Adviser also serves as the Director General of Design Services in the Property Services Agency.)
  In his capacity as Chief Architectural Adviser, supported by staff who also serve in the Housing command. As Director General of Design Services, supported by PSA staff.

  In the figures shown above, part time officers are shown as half posts. A further 158 departmental staff are not attached to any of the commands shown above.

  Water and Sewerage
  Mr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now in a position to announce a decision on the proposal in the consultation paper on water and sewerage law, that responsibility for unadopted sewers, except those connected to a private sewage works, should be transferred to the water authorities.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Final decisions are still to be taken on the various proposals in the consultation paper. An announcement will be made shortly.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether self-employed persons living on their own business premises will be liable for(a) community charge and (b) the unified business rate.

  Mr. Howard
  Self-employed people will be liable to the community charge in the normal way. Rates will be charged only on buildings and parts of buildings in non-domestic use. Thus, for example, a shopkeeper who lives over his shop will be liable for rates only on the shop, not on both parts as at present.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, using the latest statistical information available, he will publish in the Official Report the constituencies of England and Wales ranked accordingly to the percentage of (a) losers and (b) gainers under the community charge proposals showing these percentages alongside that ranking.

  Mr. Howard
  As I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on 26 October at column 38, it is not possible to produce estimates of gainers and losers by parliamentary constituency.

  Homes in Multiple Occupation
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards the proposal put forward in its newsletter on homes in multiple occupation by the Institution of Environmental Health Officers, to provide a local homes in multiple occupation sample survey service to local authority; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Roe
  It is for local authorities to decide whether they wish to use the proposed sample survey service. Any improved means of locating houses in multiple occupation is welcome if it provides a firm basis for policy making.

  No-Fines Properties
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his question on no-fines properties due for answer on 25 November.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I have answered these questions today.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice is to be given by his Department to the tenants of the Wimpey no-fines properties in Walsall, in the light of his Department's recognition of the 176
  unsatisfactory state of these properties, as to what action they should take during the winter months; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  [holding answer 25 November]: The Department has already issued general guidance to householders on remedies for condensation, damp and mould growth. Any tenants who have particular difficulties with heating should discuss these with Walsall metropolitan borough council, who have, I understand been able to help tenants of no-fines houses to apply to the Department of Health and Social Security for assistance.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if further consultations have taken place between his Department and Walsall metropolitan borough council regarding the financial aspects of bringing up to an acceptable standard the Wimpey no-fines properties in the borough; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what further consultations have now taken place between his Department and Walsall metropolitan borough council regarding the technical matters relating to bringing the Wimpey no-fines properties up to satisfactory standard;

  (3) if extra funding will now be given to Walsall metropolitan borough council in order that the Wimpey no-fines properties in the borough can be brought up to satisfactory standards; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  [holding answer 25 November 1987]: HIP allocations for 1988–89 will be announced shortly. These will take account of all the information provided by local authorities on technical and financial factors. Both aspects of the repair and improvement of Wimpey no-fines houses in Walsall were raised during the recent HIP round, and there has been no further consultation with Walsall metropolitan borough council since then.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if a Minister from his Department is now willing to receive a deputation from the tenants of the Wimpey no-fines properties in Walsall borough; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if a Minister from his Department now intends to visit the Wimpey no-fines properties in Walsall; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  [holding answer Wednesday 25 November]: Officials have provided Ministers with a full report of the earlier meeting with tenants. There would therefore be little purpose in receiving a further deputation at this stage, and there are no plans for Ministers to visit these properties.

  Crown Suppliers
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to privatise the Crown Suppliers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  I am considering various possibilities for the future of the Crown Suppliers, following two reports by consultants, one of which concerned the feasibility of privatisation. I have recently received detailed and comprehensive comments from representatives of the staff of the Crown Suppliers, and I do not propose to announce a decision until these have been fully considered.

  Nitrite Levels (Derogations)
  Mr. Allan Roberts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of derogations currently in force, issued by his Department, in respect of nitrate and nitrite levels above 50mg/1; and if he will list those areas, geographically and by water authority area, for which these derogations are in force.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Derogations have been given for 47 public water supplies where nitrate levels exceed 50mg/1, and for three supplies where nitrite levels exceed 0·1 mg/1. The Chief Medical Officer has advised that there is no danger lo public health from these supplies. The water authority areas, water undertakers and geographical areas served by the supplies are given in the following table.

  Nitrate Derogations

  WATER AUTHORITY AREA AND AREA OF SUPPLY

  Anglian

  Cambridge Water Company

  Parts of Huntingdon and South Cambridgeshire Districts

  Anglian Water Authority

  Dersingham and Snettisham

  Docking

  Heacham and Hunstanton

  Moulton and Kennet

  Wisbech

  Ha bough—part of Lincolnshire

  Aswarby—Saltersford—part of Lincolnshire

  Scunt horpe

  Binbrook—part of Lincolnshire

  Bully Hill—Barnoldby—part of Lincolnshire

  Bully Hill—Otby—part of Lincolnshire

  Clay Hill—Drove Lane, Sleaford

  Sleaford

  Potterhanworth—part of Lincolnshire

  Saltersford

  Waneham Bridge—Saltersford

  Bucklesham—part of Ipswich

  Ely and Littleport

  Habrough—Covenham, part of Cleethorpes

  Bowthorpe, part of Norwich

  Heigham—Thorpe part of Norwich

  Otby

  Otby—Waddingham

  Severn- Trent

  Severn-Trent Water Authority

  Parts of Leamington, Kenilworth, Warwick and Stratford District Council

  Parts of Rutland District Council

  Parts of South Derbyshire District Council

  Parts of Newark and Ashfield District Council

  Part of Stourbridge, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (Coalbournbrook Source)

  Part of Wychavon District Council area

  Part of Stourbridge Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (Millmeadow source)

  Parts of Wychavon District Council

  Malvern Hills and Wyre Forest District Council

  Parts of Wrekin District Council (Lilleshall source)

  Parts of Worksop, Bassetlaw District Council

  Parts of Worksop and Mansfield Woodhouse

  Part of South Shropshire District Council

  Part of Wrekin District Council (Puleston Bridge source)

  Parts of Bridgnorth and Wrekin District Council (Shifnal source)

  Bromley Lane area of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

  Parts of Newark District Council (Farnsfield source)

  Parts of Nottingham City Council area primarily Hucknall

  South Staffs Waterworks Company

  Parts of Lichfield District Council Sutton Coldfield
  178
  area

  North Warwickshire County Council and Walsale Metropolitan area

  Parts of Kingswinford, Pensnett and Brierley Hill Dudley Metropolitan area

  Parts of Lichfield and Whittington, Lichfield District Council

  Thames

  Lee Valley Water Company Part of Luton

  Yorkshire

  Area north east of Ripon North Yorkshire

  Nitrite Derogations

  WATER AUTHORITY AREA AND AREA OF SUPPLY

  Anglian

  Essex Water Company

  Part of London Borough of Redbridge (Seven Kings Well)

  Part of London Borough of Redbridge (Roding Well)

  Severn-Trent

  South Staffs Waterworks Company

  Parts of North Warwickshire District Council, Lichfield District Council, South Derbyshire

  District Council and East Staffordshire District Council

  Selective Rate Limitation
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has reached decisions on any applications by authorities subject to selective rate limitation in 1988–89 for their expenditure level to be redetermined at a higher amount; and if he will announce the proposed rate limits for all the selected authorities.

  Mr. Ridley
  Two of the 17 authorities designated for selective rate limitation in 1988–89 applied for a redetermination of their expenditure level. These were the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Southwark. After careful consideration of those applications and of other relevant matters, I have decided to redetermine the EL for Tower Hamlets at £126·033 million, an increase of £2 million on the original figure: associated with this increase is a requirement that the authority reports to me at intervals about the steps it is taking to improve its efficiency. In the case of Southwark I have decided to confirm the EL at the original figure of £134·193 million.

  I am also today sending notification to each of the 17 designated authorities of the proposed rate limit which I have determined for 1988–89. The figures are ac follows:

  Pence

  Camden

  115·41

  Greenwich

  125 72

  Hackney

  123·80

  Lambeth

  92·32

  Lewisham

  131·76

  Southwark

  98·02

  Tower Hamlets

  123·21

  Haringey

  214·69

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  270·01

  Basildon

  49·68

  Middlesbrough

  32·16

  Thamesdown

  51·10

  Ealing

  125·06

  Waltham Forest

  199·14

  Manchester

  285·63

  Liverpool

  268·17

  Kingston upon Hull

  47·51

WALES

  AIDS
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what contingency plans his Department has in the case of an AIDS epidemic amongst heterosexuals in Cardiff in the next five years.

  Mr. Grist
  In December 1985, the Welsh Office asked all district health authorities to establish AIDS coordinating teams to ensure that there was proper management of the response to AIDS in their areas. Earlier this year, district health authorities were asked to prepare district operational plans on AIDS. Planning guidelines were published to assist them in this task. The Welsh Office will be responding shortly to draft plans that have been received from all nine authorities.

  Along with efforts centrally to monitor the progress of AIDS and to ensure that the Government have access to the best available advice, these measures provide a firm foundation for dealing with the incidence of the syndrome.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether, in the light of the fact that they do not have a vote in local elections, he intends to exempt all the residents of Caldey Island, Pembrokeshire, from the community charge.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Singleton and Velindre Hospitals
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will detail the steps he has taken to implement the recommendations of the Welsh review of radiotherapy and oncology services in south Wales, with particular reference to (i) Singleton and Velindre hospitals, providing data on the same basis, (ii) the provision of scanning facilities at both radiotherapy centres, and (iii) the appointment of a fourth consultant radiotherapist and additional radiographers at Singleton hospital.

  Mr. Grist
  A report of the review has been made available to health authorities in South Wales and their views invited. These have been received and considered and an announcement on the implementation of the review's recommendations will be made as soon as possible. In advance of that, arrangements have been made for the early provision of computerised tomography scanning facilities at both hospitals.

  Maternity Services
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to improve maternity services in the rural areas of Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  The Welsh Office issued a circular to all Welsh health authorities and family practitioner committees in December 1986 which commended to them the recommendations of the perinatal mortality initiative report for improvements in maternity and neonatal services in all areas of the Principality. Progress in implementing the recommendations is being monitored by the Welsh Office.

  Farmers (Sites of Historical Interest)
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether CADW is considering adopting measures similar to English Heritage's plans to offer more money to farmers to preserve archaeological and other sites of historical interest.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  Yes. My right hon. Friend is considering the introduction of a carefully targeted scheme of management agreements involving payments to the owners of scheduled ancient monuments, including farmers.

  Gwynedd Health Authority
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date the last appointment was made to the Gwynedd health authority; and at what date he will next be required to make such appointments.

  Mr. Grist
  The last appointment was made by the Gwynedd county council in July 1987; during 1988, those appointments which are due to expire on 31 July will be considered.

  Flooding
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidance he is giving local authorities in Wales on the acceptability for financial assistance from his Department of schemes to alleviate flood dangers which not only reinstate the status quo prior to the October flood emergency, but go further in taking steps to avoid or limit flood incidents of this sort suffered last October.

  Mr. Grist
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend's statement to the House on 21 October in column 745. The Department's letter of 23 October, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House, detailed the provisions of the Bellwin scheme.

  Health Authorities (Members)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the basis of reimbursement of incurred expenses, or the payment of fees or salaries to(a) chairpersons, (b) vice-chairpersons and (c) members of health authorities in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  District health authority chairmen in Wales are paid a flat rate taxable honorarium of £11,259 per annum based on a notional three days a week commitment, together with travel and subsistence allowances. Vice-chairmen and members of health authorities do not receive an honorarium, but are entitled to travel and subsistence allowances and loss of earnings payments as appropriate.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report the terms of reference laid down by him for each of the chairpersons of health authorities in Wales; and on what date a change was last made to these terms of reference.

  Mr. Grist
  It is not the Department's practice to provide terms of reference as such for chairpersons of health authorities.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the human rights record of Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  We have seen the interim report by Dr. Ermacora, special rapporteur of the UN Commission on Human Rights, and we are also in regular contact with organisations providing relief to Afghan refugees. We supported a further resolution in the UNGA this year which condemned by an overwhelming majority the widespread violation of human rights in Afghanistan by the Kabul regime and Soviet troops.

  East-West Relations
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about East-West relations following the visit of Secretary Gorbachev.

  Sir Geoffrey Howe
  We welcome the results of the United States/Soviet summit in Washington and hope that the agreement on intermediate range nuclear forces will lead to progress on further measures of arms control. The opportunity is there to establish a healthier and safer relationship between East and West. But this requires lasting confidence which needs much greater Soviet respect for human rights and greater co-operation over the peaceful settlement of regional conflicts, including in particular the early withdrawal of all Soviet forces from Afghanistan.

  African National Congress
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the Government's policy towards meeting the African National Congress.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We have received a variety of representations from overseas, from hon. Members and from the public, some in favour of and some against the policy of the Government towards meeting the African National Congress.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to meet representatives from(a) the African National Congress of South Africa or (b) the South-West Africa People's Organisation of Namibia.

  Mrs. Chalker
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no present plans to do so.

  The Gulf
  Sir John Farr
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on the situation in the Gulf.

  Mr. Mellor
  There has unfortunately been little change since the answer given to my hon. Friend on 18 November. Attacks in the Gulf by both Iran and Iraq continue at a high level, including the two recent attacks by Iran on Danish and Singapore-registered tankers, with the loss of 182
  one life and the destruction of one ship, and a further missile attack on Kuwait which hit a decoy barge. We continue to press both sides to implement Security Council resolution 598 without further delay, and thus reduce the dangerous level of tension in the Gulf.

  Fiji
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what standing vis-a-vis the Commonwealth is afforded to Fiji by Her Majesty's Government; and what are the status and composition of the British mission there.

  Mr. Eggar
  We and other Commonwealth members acknowledged at Vancouver that Fiji's membership of the Commonwealth had lapsed. No Commonwealth Government have so far changed the designation of their diplomatic mission accredited in Suva. The British mission has seven United Kingdom-based officers in post.

EMPLOYMENT

  JTS (London)
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment which managing agents have been given contracts by the Manpower Services Commission to provide new job training scheme places in Greater London; how many contracted places each has been given; and in which London boroughs they are providing places.

  Mr. Cope
  The following table shows the managing agents contracted by the Manpower Services Commission to provide the new job training scheme in Greater London and the number of starts each agent has contracted to provide. It is not possible to say in which boroughs places will be provided.

  Contracted starts

  ADM

  650

  Barking Skillcentre

  1,200

  Bexley Training Services

  500

  Chelmer Training Association

  250

  Cranbrook Training Centre

  800

  Delta

  480

  Deptford Skillcentre

  1,200

  Enterprise Training

  250

  Focus

  400

  Forest Project

  250

  Future Framework

  1,000

  GWS Technical Training

  400

  Hotel and Catering ITB

  900

  J and J Consultants

  250

  JJP

  200

  Key Training Consortium

  750

  London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  1,200

  LEC

  156

  Microtech Training Ltd

  750

  Merton Training Consortium

  400

  Microtech (and Cable Training)

  1,400

  David Morgan Training Association

  200

  Open Learning

  250

  Park Royal Enterprise Trust

  100

  PCL Training Services

  400

  Personnel Consultancy Services

  500

  Personnel Development Association

  400

  Pitmans

  250

  Sight and Sound

  1,000

  SE Adult Training

  900

  Southern Training Services

  1,000

  183

  Contracted starts

  STC

  50

  Sumlock Calculating Services

  850

  Supreme Hairdesign

  200

  TEAM

  1,000

  Training for Jobs Ltd

  1,000

  Training International

  100

  VGA

  250

  JTS (Statistics)
  Ms. Short (Birmingham, Ladywood)
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, what are the industry and occupational categories of new job training scheme trainees who have entered work placements.

  Mr. Cope
  The information is not available. New JTS provides training. Trainees may undertake a variety of practical experience during training placements with employers.

  YTS
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report the number of YTS schemes correctly in operation in each London borough and the number of individuals (a) male and (b) female currently registered for each.

  Mr. Cope
  [holding answer 7 December 1987]: The following table gives the number of YTS schemes based in each London borough and the numbers of male and female trainees on such schemes as at 31 October 1987.

  Schemes may draw trainees living in other boroughs.

  London Borough

  Number of local YTS schemes

  Number in training—October 1987

  Male

  Female

  Harrow

  6

  189

  103

  Brent

  10

  315

  85

  Enfield

  5

  506

  308

  Barnet

  3

  18

  53

  Haringey

  15

  274

  253

  Newham

  7

  302

  179

  Barking

  8

  384

  225

  Havering

  8

  366

  300

  Redbridge

  11

  333

  533

  Waltham Forest

  3

  242

  140

  Table 1

  Total

  Environmental

  Building and land-scaping

  Home insulation

  Research and surveys

  Library

  Youth work

  Voluntary acts

  Other social services

  Cultural

  Local authority

  4,183

  3

  0

  81

  161

  264

  1

  2

  1

  100

  Local education authority

  2

  0

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  voluntary organisation

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Nationalised industry

  44

  0

  0

  2

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Private sector

  233

  0

  0

  25

  9

  7

  0

  0

  0

  8

  Health authority

  98

  0

  0

  1

  8

  10

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Government department

  44

  0

  0

  0

  0

  5

  0

  0

  0

  5

  Other

  18

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Education institution

  151

  0

  0

  0

  18

  35

  0

  0

  0

  24

  Ex-offenders organisations

  627

  1

  0

  65

  18

  8

  0

  0

  0

  4

  Churches

  481

  0

  0

  1

  1

  9

  8

  0

  0

  10

  Youth organisations

  249

  0

  1

  1

  4

  1

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Old peoples groups

  66

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Disability groups

  209

  0

  0

  0

  4

  1

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Ethnic groups

  86

  0

  0

  0

  4

  1

  0

  0

  0

  21

  Environmental and conservation groups

  467

  0

  0

  11

  25

  20

  1

  0

  0

  5

  Other voluntary organisations

  2,283

  0

  0

  114

  76

  116

  0

  0

  0

  79

  Quasi-commercial body

  665

  0

  0

  21

  22

  19

  0

  0

  2

  13

  Total

  9,963

  4

  1

  335

  365

  497

  2

  2

  3

  280

  184

  London Borough

  Number of local YTS schemes

  Number in training—October 1987

  Male

  Female

  Kensington & Chelsea

  15

  38

  70

  Hammersmith

  35

  220

  108

  Camden

  24

  289

  731

  Westminster

  55

  260

  161

  City of London

  17

  459

  139

  Islington

  20

  389

  352

  Hackney

  12

  146

  108

  Tower Hamlets

  11

  411

  163

  Bromley

  9

  272

  233

  Bexley

  7

  307

  284

  Croydon

  11

  436

  149

  Sutton

  38

  154

  488

  Merton

  21

  234

  114

  Lambeth

  62

  264

  232

  Southwark

  18

  256

  258

  Lewisham

  27

  290

  212

  Greenwich

  34

  232

  109

  Wandsworth

  44

  272

  200

  Hillingdon

  36

  355

  214

  Ealing

  34

  262

  123

  Hounslow

  37

  405

  251

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  13

  52

  56

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  22

  296

  123

  In addition there are 3,518 male and 1,384 female trainees in London in schemes negotiated with the Manpower Services Commission's large companies unit; information on the numbers in each borough is not readily available.

  Special Employment Measures
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish the most recently available tables to show the total number of community programme projects and places by type of project and type of sponsor.

  Mr. Cope
  [holding answer 4 December]: The total number of community programme projects and authorised places, by project and sponsor type, are as follows. Table 1 gives information about projects, and table 2 places as at 14 October 1987.
  185

  Workshop

  Community programme agent management

  Environmental and landscaping

  Building and construction

  Archaeological digs

  Children's services

  Young peoples services

  Services for the elderly

  Services for the disabled

  Centres for the unemployed

  Local authority

  147

  281

  1,263

  453

  53

  174

  319

  504

  312

  63

  Local education authority

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Voluntary organisations

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Nationalised industry

  1

  5

  7

  5

  0

  1

  2

  13

  7

  0

  Private sector

  10

  34

  53

  39

  0

  2

  10

  29

  7

  0

  Health authority

  Government department

  0

  3

  10

  2

  0

  0

  17

  2

  0

  0

  Other

  0

  2

  5

  2

  0

  0

  2

  4

  2

  0

  Education institution

  1

  6

  4

  2

  8

  6

  29

  6

  11

  1

  Ex-offenders' organisations

  48

  84

  135

  88

  2

  21

  30

  91

  30

  1

  Churches

  45

  41

  44

  68

  1

  30

  43

  124

  46

  1

  Youth organisations

  7

  16

  12

  18

  0

  20

  113

  45

  8

  0

  Old people's groups

  0

  4

  0

  4

  0

  0

  1

  54

  2

  0

  Disability groups

  9

  13

  11

  S

  0

  2

  5

  10

  144

  0

  Ethnic groups

  4

  6

  2

  3

  0

  3

  12

  25

  3

  2

  Environmental and conservation groups

  9

  39

  260

  41

  10

  17

  13

  0

  6

  0

  Other voluntary organisations

  115

  168

  273

  206

  8

  141

  253

  489

  234

  11

  Quasi-commercial body

  35

  44

  139

  67

  3

  18

  37

  190

  52

  3

  Total

  434

  759

  2,234

  1,020

  85

  442

  900

  1,620

  894

  84

  Table 2

  Total

  Environmental

  Building and Landscape

  Home in-sulation

  Research and surveys

  Library

  Youth work

  Voluntary acts

  Other social services

  Cultural

  Authorised places

  Local Authority

  96,508

  33

  —

  1,471

  1,628

  2,950

  13

  26

  3

  1,478

  Local education authority

  48

  —

  —

  48

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Voluntary organisation

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Nationalised industry

  1,083

  —

  —

  39

  17

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Private sector

  5,428

  —

  —

  490

  99

  74

  —

  —

  —

  140

  Health authority

  1,953

  —

  —

  4

  136

  144

  —

  —

  —

  67

  Government department

  745

  —

  —

  —

  —

  78

  —

  —

  —

  114

  Other

  405

  —

  —

  —

  —

  19

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Education institution

  2,288

  —

  —

  —

  —

  218

  539

  —

  —

  365

  Ex-offenders' organisation

  14,484

  17

  —

  1,374

  204

  73

  —

  —

  —

  96

  Churches

  11,745

  —

  —

  190

  77

  82

  —

  —

  —

  125

  Youth organisations

  4,871

  —

  —

  13

  11

  54

  5

  —

  —

  98

  Old people's groups

  1,892

  —

  —

  77

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Disability groups

  4,040

  —

  —

  —

  90

  11

  —

  —

  —

  52

  Ethnic groups

  2,248

  —

  —

  —

  115

  40

  —

  —

  —

  423

  Environmental and conservation groups

  9,101

  —

  —

  254

  354

  185

  10

  —

  —

  113

  Other voluntary organisations

  49,474

  —

  —

  2,344

  860

  1,202

  —

  —

  —

  1,384

  Quasi-commercial body

  18,081

  —

  —

  430

  215

  219

  —

  —

  35

  198

  Total

  225,514

  50

  13

  6,732

  4,132

  5,614

  23

  26

  33

  4,688

  Workshop

  Community programme agent management

  Environmental and landscaping

  Building and construction

  Archaelogical digs

  Children's services

  Young people's services

  Services for the elderly

  Services for the disabled

  Centres for the unemployed

  Authorised places

  Local authority

  2,779

  5,528

  37,815

  13,859

  1,179

  2,069

  4,929

  14,231

  5,785

  682

  Local education authority

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Voluntary organisation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  Nationalised industry

  27

  112

  230

  124

  —

  6

  21

  379

  128

  —

  Private sector

  257

  656

  1,082

  1,493

  —

  35

  161

  831

  110

  —

  Health authority

  58

  147

  63

  346

  —

  80

  124

  361

  423

  —

  Government department

  —

  38

  233

  40

  —

  —

  219

  23

  —

  —

  Other

  —

  51

  134

  57

  —

  —

  25

  78

  41

  —

  Education institution

  13

  95

  119

  22

  207

  94

  375

  101

  119

  21

  Ex-offenders' organisations

  1,465

  1,699

  3,693

  2,302

  23

  338

  380

  2,127

  671

  11

  Churches

  1,395

  818

  1,359

  2,669

  38

  430

  717

  2,868

  956

  21

  Youth organisations

  188

  263

  246

  408

  —

  414

  2,102

  912

  157

  —

  Old people's groups

  —

  61

  —

  148

  —

  —

  6

  1,585

  15

  —

  Disability groups

  235

  182

  316

  320

  —

  12

  64

  170

  2,582

  —

  Ethnic groups

  163

  190

  53

  133

  —

  42

  382

  634

  45

  22

  Environmental and conservation groups

  238

  490

  5,343

  1,132

  212

  218

  253

  193

  106

  —

  Other voluntary organisations

  3,303

  3,154

  7,347

  5,466

  145

  2,187

  4,201

  12,732

  4,852

  297

  Quasi-commercial body

  1,040

  1,093

  4,382

  2,497

  119

  414

  510

  5,746

  1,146

  37

  Total

  11,190

  14,619

  62,818

  31,274

  1,923

  6,366

  14,559

  43,084

  17,189

  1,115

  Job Training Schemes
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what at the latest available date is(a) the cumulative entrants total, (b) the cumulative leavers total, (c) the cumulative total of those who have completed their course, and (d) the numbers who have entered work
  186
  placements, for each new job training scheme managing agent contracted in (i) Scotland, (ii) Greater London and (iii) Great Britain as a whole.

  Mr. Cope
  [holding answer 4 December 1987]: The information requested for each of the 314 new job training scheme managing agents contracted in Great Britain including Scotland and Greater London could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

ENERGY

  Coal Industry (Private Investment)
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to create opportunities for private investment in coal mines at present in National Coal Board ownership.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  None at present.

  National Coal Board (Management Accounting)
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has received any representations concerning National Coal Board management accounting criteria.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have received no such representations.

  Bradwell Power Station
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what part the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate played in the selection of two firms of nuclear engineers selected by the Central Electricity Generating Board to examine the decommissioning of Bradwell nuclear power station; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate played no part in the selection of the four firms recently awarded contracts to carry out studies into various aspects of the decommissioning of Bradwell and Berkeley nuclear power stations.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the deadlines set by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate in respect of safety at Bradwell power station; to what those deadlines related; whether those deadlines due to be met in the last two months have been met; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The key requirements and completion dates for issues arising from the long-term safety review of the Bradwell nuclear power station are listed in the table in the Health and Safety Executive's report "The findings of NII's assessment of the CEGB's long term safety review" which was published in July 1987. Information required to date has been received and is being assessed by the Health and Safety Executive. A copy has been placed in the Library.

  Central Electricity Generating Board (Insurance)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has on the total insurance cover held by the Central Electricity Generating Board for(a) nuclear power stations and (b) other power stations in respect of (i) damage to property owned by the board, (ii) potential claims by employees of the board and (iii) potential claims by third parties; and what is the cost of this insurance cover in each case.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (as amended) nuclear power station operators must provide financial security of £20 million, by insurance or otherwise, to meet claims for injury or damage arising from a nuclear accident. The costs of this insurance cover and the extent and cost of insurance against other risks are matters for the Central Electricity Generating Board.

  CEGB (Decommissioning)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has as to the financial provision made by the Central Electricity Generating Board to cover the decommissioning of all its nuclear power stations; and in what years this expenditure is anticipated to occur.

  Mr. MichaaSpicer
  The annual report and accounts of the Central Electricity Generating Board show that at 31 March 1987 the board had made financial provisions of £462.9 million for the decommissioning of its nuclear power stations. The decommissioning of power stations is, however, a matter for the industry and I have asked the chairman of the CEGB to reply to the hon. Member about the years in which the expenditure is anticipated to occur.

  Electricity Boards (Advertising)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has on the amount spent by(a) the Central Electricity Generating Board and (b) each of the 12 area electricity boards on advertising in each year from 1983–84 to 1986–87 and projected spend in 1987–88 and 1988–89, showing in each case the sums spent on (i) television, (ii) newspapers, (iii) hoardings and billboards and (iv) others.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The amount spent by the electricity industry on advertising is a commercial matter for the industry. I have asked the chairman of the Electricity Council to write to the hon. Member.

  Electricity Boards (Borrowing)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (I) what rate of return he expects to receive from each of the 12 area electricity boards on the outstanding borrowing from him over the next 10 years;

  (2) what rate of return he expects to receive from the Central Electricity Generating Board on the outstanding borrowing from him over the next 10 years.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The funding requirements of the area electricity boards and the CEGB are met by the Electricity Council. The rates of interest payable on United Kingdom loans to the Electricity Council outstanding at 31 March 1987 vary between 5 per cent. and 16·75 per cent. Further details are set out on page 52 of the Electricity "Council Annual Report and Accounts 1986/87."

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any proposals to seek powers to compel the electricity industry to investigate the use of renewable energy powers before embarking on investment in nuclear, coal or oil-fired power stations.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have no plans to seek such powers. In co-operation with industry, the Government are supporting research into renewable energy sources with the object of ensuring that so far as possible they are developed to the stage where they can compete fairly with traditional energy sources.

  Electricity Boards (Profits)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what the profits were for(a) the Central Electricity

  189
  Generating Board and (b) each of the 12 area electricity boards for each of the last eight years; and what are the projected profits for the next two years.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The current cost profit after interest and taxation for the Central Electricity Generating Board and each of the 12 area electricity boards, for each of the last eight years, is given in the table.

  £ million

  Area Board

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  London

  (-)29·2

  (-)0·1

  17·0

  22·6

  41·2

  (-)41·1

  42·5

  32·9

  South Eastern

  (-)18·0

  (-)7·4

  (-)0·9

  2·7

  15·7

  (-)45·5

  21·7

  24·7

  Southern

  (-)21·1

  (-)5·8

  2·2

  10·6

  30·2

  (-)68·9

  26·8

  33·4

  South Western

  (-)13·3

  (-)0·2

  8·7

  9·2

  15·4

  (-)41·0

  23·9

  16·1

  Eastern

  (-)20·1

  21·1

  12·9

  20·5

  40·0

  (-)79·4

  43·2

  36·8

  East Midlands

  (-)9·2

  13·0

  9·8

  (-)5·6

  19·3

  (-)73·1

  14·0

  28·1

  Midlands

  (-)24·7

  0·2

  -2·0

  (-)3·5

  25·0

  (-)77·6

  28·8

  26·3

  South Wales

  (-)11·7

  (-)1·9

  7·1

  12·4

  9·9

  (-)33·2

  8·7

  11·4

  Merseyside and North Wales

  (-)12·0

  (-)1·6

  (-)1·4

  (-)6·4

  2·4

  (-)39·1

  4·4

  8·6

  Yorkshire

  (-)21·6

  (-)5·5

  11·4

  14·6

  16·0

  (-)86·7

  17·4

  17·5

  North Eastern

  (-)15·7

  (-)0·1

  8·7

  8·3

  13·9

  (-)47·9

  21·7

  14·0

  North Western

  (-)15·2

  (-)2·6

  8·3

  14·1

  16·2

  (-)78·9

  20·3

  19·4

  CEGB

  (-)287·6

  (-)281·3

  (-)167·4

  232·1

  219·1

  (-)1,945·0

  141·0

  317·8

  Note: In 1984–85, the figures for area boards include their share of a contribution of £933·7 million towards the additional costs of £2,020 million incurred by the CEGB as a result of the miners' strike. The CEGB's loss is before this contribution.

  Home Insulation
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many homes occupied by(a) pensioners and (b) other high-risk groups have been given financial grants for insulation of their homes by year since 1979.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The information is not available in the precise form requested.

  Financial assistance for insulation is provided through the homes insulation scheme (HIS), which provides a general grant at 66 per cent. and a means-tested grant at 90 per cent.: and the community insulation projects, which provide a free or low-cost basic insulation service for low-income households. The 90 per cent. grant under the HIS has been available to the elderly and severely disabled on supplementary benefit or housing benefit, and will be extended to all householders on those benefits. Separate figures are not available for the take-up of HIS grants by pensioner households. It is estimated that pensioner households account for some 60 per cent. of the homes insulated by the community insulation projects, but, again, firm figures are not available.

  The following data therefore relate to the vulnerable low-income groups assisted through the HIS 90 per cent. grant and the community insulation projects.

  Government assistance for low income households in Great Britain

  (a) Number of 90 per cent. HIS grants paid12

  (b) Number of households insulated by community insulation projects12

  1979

  —2

  410,000

  1980

  26,000

  1981

  94,000

  55,000

  1982

  110,000

  510,000

  1983

  94,000

  520,000

  1984

  72,000

  44,000

  190
  I announced financial targets for the industry for the next two years in my statement of 3 November 1987 in the House of Commons. It will be for the boards to earn sufficient profits to ensure that the targets are met.

  (a) Number of 90 per cent. HIS grants paid12

  (b) Number of households insulated by community insulation projects12

  1985

  78,000

  83,000

  1986

  68,000

  120,000

  Total

  6542,000

  6292,000

  1 Rounded.

  2 Homes insulation scheme statistics for England are compiled on a calendar year basis; for Scotland and Wales, on a financial year basis.

  3 Financial year basis.

  4 Estimate: very few projects were operating and statistics were not collected at the time.

  5 Estimates: statistics were only collected on a sampling basis.

  6 In addition to their draught-proofing work, some community insulation projects also do loft insulation using HIS grants claimed on behalf of their clients. For this reason simple addition of columns (a) and (b) would involve a limited degree of double counting.

  Licensed Coal Mining
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what grants have been made by British Coal Enterprise for licensed coal mining.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Loans made by British Coal Enterprise Ltd. are a matter for the company and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

SCOTLAND

  Devolution
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the financial effects of implementing proposals for devolution to Scotland involving an assembly with tax-raising powers.
  191
  Mr. Rifkind
  Since the election I have received 62 letters on the subject of devolution. Those correspondents who referred specifically to the financial effects of the creation of an assembly with tax-raising powers were almost unanimously opposed to the idea.

  Industrial and Tourist Developments
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the major new industrial and tourist developments announced for Scotland in the current year; and if he will estimate the number of new jobs created.

  Mr. Rifkind
  So far in 1987 total unemployment in Scotland has fallen by 55,000. This clearly shows the favourable effects of our policies in Scotland's economy. I am arranging for a table of the most important industrial and tourist developments to be placed in the Library.

  Roadworks (Tenders)
  Mr. Graham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on his proposals to reduce the threshold at which roadworks must be put out to tender; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has made known its opposition to increased competition for roads work undertaken by roads authorities' direct labour organisations. The Government's intentions will be announced once the second survey of the performance of Scottish roads authorities has been analysed.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has had from organisations concerned with mental health regarding the poll tax.

  Mr. Lang
  We have received a number of responses to our consultation document of 22 October on the procedure for identifying severely mentally handicapped people to be exempted from liability to pay the community charge. All the representations will be fully considered.

  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last discussed the poll tax with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend and I met the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities last Friday to discuss local government finance. At that meeting we announced the provision of additional resources to cover capital expenditure on the implementation of the community charge, both this year and next. My officials are in regular contact with the convention about the implementation of our proposals.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the increase in student grants in the first year of operation of the poll tax will be for their poll tax contribution, and how much for the normal yearly increase.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 provides that students undertaking a full-time course of education will be liable 192
  to pay only 20 per cent. of the community charge. That liability will not arise until 1989–90 and the detailed arrangements for students' grants in that year have not yet been determined.

  School Boards
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on his proposals for election and co-option to school boards.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  We have received a number of comments on these proposals and will announce our conclusions on them in due course.

  Housing
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give a list of organisations whom he intends to consult on the Government's White Paper on Scottish housing; and whether he intends to attend joint public meetings with critics of the Government's proposals.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The White Paper, "Housing, the Government's Proposals for Scotland", is a statement of our intent in regard to future housing policy. We have issued and will continue to issue consultation papers on particular aspects of that policy to a variety of interested bodies. The bodies consulted vary according to the subjects of the individual consultation papers. My right hon. and learned Friend and I will speak publicly about the proposals on a variety of appropriate occasions, including the debates which will take place in the House on the Housing (Scotland) Bill.

  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has so far received regarding his consultation paper on Scottish Homes; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  We received 247 responses to the consultation paper, "Scottish Homes—A New Agency for Housing in Scotland". In addition, a number of letters referring wholly or partly to Scottish Homes were received, but these have not generally offered any comment on the substance of the proposals contained in the consultation document.

  Mr. Millan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the White Paper on housing in Scotland (Cm 242).

  Mr. Rifkind
  We continue to receive a number of letters from individuals and organisations referring wholly or partly to the Government's housing proposals. The comments made on the White Paper cannot be identified separately from those made on the consultation papers issued about various of the proposals contained in the White Paper or those which are based on reports of the Government's proposals, rather than the proposals themselves.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities, housing associations and federations and charities have so far made representations on his consultation paper on housing, "Housing: The Government's Proposals for Scotland".
  193
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Comments have been received from 42 local authorities, 59 registered housing associations, (some of which have charitable status) and 72 voluntary groups and representative organisations.

  Enterprise Culture
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the effect in Scotland of implementing Her Majesty's Government's policy for the fostering of an enterprise culture; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  The growing spirit of enterprise which now exists in Scotland is already producing tangible results. For example, some 45,000 more people are now in self-employment than in 1979. Again VAT records show that there was a net increase of nearly 10,000 Scottish businesses between 1980 and 1985. As the enterprise culture takes deeper root in Scotland, so prosperity will grow further.

  Coal-burning Power Stations
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will next be meeting the Scottish director of British Coal to discuss the coal-burning Scottish power stations.

  Mr. Lang
  I have no plans at present to do so. However, my officials are in regular contact with officials of British Coal and as recently as 2 December they met the Scottish director to discuss matters of mutual interest.

  Industrial Disputes
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the most recent figures for the number of working days lost in industrial disputes in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  In 1986, 312,000 working days were lost in Scotland as a result of industrial stoppages. Apart from 1983, this is the lowest figure for 20 years.

  "The Way Forward"
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the Nirex discussion document "The Way Forward".

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No representations have been received on this document.

  School Management
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the timetable for the implementation of the school management proposals.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  We hope to announce our conclusions following the consultation period before the end of the year and to introduce a Bill in the new year. Assuming enactment by October 1988, the first board constitutions would be issued for consultation in March 1989 and the boards would begin to operate at the commencement of the 1989–90 school year.

  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has now received on his proposed reforms for the management of schools; and if he will make a statement.
  194
  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many responses he has received to his discussion document on Scottish education; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has how received on the proposals contained in his paper "School Management and the Role of Parents"; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the answer of Friday 20 November on the consultative paper "School Management and the Role of Parents", if he will specify under what headings and categories he has catalogued the responses received to date, with specific reference to those submissions commenting on the ceiling proposals; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responses have been divided into two categories; those requesting confidentiality and those available for public inspection. Copies of the latter are being placed on open file in the library of St. Andrew's house. I have arranged for further copies to be available in the House Library.

  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the responses so far to the school management consultation paper.

  Mr. Rifkind
  We have received some 7,600 responses. We are considering these carefully and hope to announce our conclusions shortly.

  Mr. Buchanan-Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to complete his consideration of the representations he has received on the consultation paper "School Management and the Role of Parents", and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Rifkind
  I hope to announce my conclusions before the turn of the year.

  New Towns
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the future of Scotland's new towns; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  The new towns continue to make a significant contribution to economic growth and employment opportunities in Scotland. The Government adhere to the decision, announced in 1984, that no Scottish new town development corporation should begin the wind-up process before 1 April 1990. It also remains our intention to reassess before that date the probable timing of wind-up of the five development corporations, taking account of developments since 1984 and the circumstances and prospects of each town.

  Regional Aid
  Mr. Lambie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to investigate alleged abuses in regional aid.

  Mr. Rifkind
  All projects in receipt of grant under regional aid schemes are closely monitored where abuse of the schemes is suspected. Cases are investigated thoroughly and reported to the appropriate authorities for consideration of prosecution.

  Industrial Investment
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to the current level of investment in industry in Scotland and its impact on the Scottish community, in particular in the Inverclyde area.

  Mr. Lang
  Recent CBI and Scottish business surveys report an improvement in investment intentions in Scottish manufacturing, and higher investment will enhance the competitiveness of Scottish industry. This can only benefit the Scottish community.

  As regards Inverclyde district, regional selective assistance offers of £3·4 million were made over the period 1 January 1985 to 31 October 1987. These were associated with project costs of £183·7 million and some 960 new or safeguarded jobs.

  Royal College of Nursing
  Mr. Harry Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to meet representatives of the Royal College of Nursing (Scotland).

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I met representatives of the Scottish board of the Royal College of Nursing on 15 October last.

  Public Sector House Sales
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what figures he has available on the sale of public sector houses in Scotland since 1980; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Over the period 1980 to June 1987 some 106,000 public sector sales have taken place; this includes sales of local authority, new town and Scottish Special Housing Association houses, both to sitting tenants and others. The yearly figures of sales are contained in the table:

  Number

  1980

  6,482

  1981

  11,170

  11982

  15,106

  1983

  18,315

  1984

  17,239

  1985

  15,630

  11986

  14,152

  1 21987

  7,848

  1 These figures are based on incomplete returns.

  2 These figures relate to the period January-June.

  Job Vacancies
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many job vacancies are registered at Scottish jobcentres; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  The number of vacancies notified and remaining unfilled on 2 October 1987 in Scottish jobcentres was 25,446 (including 3,421 community programme vacancies). It is estimated that only around one third of all vacancies are notified to jobcentres.

  The continuing upward trend in the level of unfilled vacancies is encouraging. The latest figures show an increase of 4,000 over the corresponding figure last year.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to meet the Glasgow Forum on disability to consider the full implementation of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 in Scotland and its input into joint planning in terms of the National Health Service (Amendment Act) 1986.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I have no plans at present to meet the Glasgow Forum on disability. As indicated to the hon. Member in my reply of 10 November, the timing of implementation of provisions in the Act not already commenced or, as in the case of section 13, proposed for commencement will depend on the availability of resources. Consultations on this will be held at the appropriate stage with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

  On joint planning, I refer to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 24 July 1987. Any involvement by the forum in joint planning in the Glasgow area would be a matter for local determination.

  Denmark (Ministerial Visit)
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the recent visit to Denmark by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Stirling (Mr. Forsyth).

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I visited Denmark between 23 and 25 November to study the system of school management and arrangements for parental involvement in education. I am most grateful to the Danish Government and to the authorities, organisations and schools which I visited and with whom I had discussions.

  Parents in Denmark are extensively involved in all aspects of the running of the school system at municipality and school level. In particular, every publicly managed school providing education for children undergoing compulsory education is supervised by a school board whose members are elected by and from the parents and guardians of children involved in the schools; the school principal and representatives of the teachers, pupils and the municipality attend meetings of the school board and participate in discussion but cannot vote. The school board can discuss, make proposals and comment on all matters relating to the school. In many areas they are substantially involved in staffing appointments and have delegated powers to decide on the use of a substantial share of the budget allocated to the school. The statutory powers of school boards include drawing up school rolls and approving the distribution of work among teachers, the weekly timetable and the educational materials which the school intends to use.

  The overriding purpose of the school board system is to further co-operation between the school and the homes of the pupils. The work of the boards appears to contribute substantially to securing a successful and responsive education service. Relationships between professional educators and parents appear to be greatly enhanced by the existence of formal mechanisms for involving parents closely with their schools.

  Electricity Industry (Privatisation)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet the chairman of the South of Scotland Electricity Board to discuss privatisation of the electricity industry.

  Mr. Lang
  I met the chairman of the South of Scotland Electricity Board on 17 November to discuss electricity privatisation and other related matters. My right hon. and learned Friend expects to have full discussions with the chairmen of the South of Scotland Electricity Board and the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board before taking decisions on the structure of a privatised industry in Scotland.

  Business Relocation
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many businesses have relocated from England to Scotland since 1979; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  The information requested is not available. Decisions to relocate are best determined within the constraints of companies' own commercial judgment.

  Scottish Parliament
  Mr. Favell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations calling for the establishment of a Scottish Parliament he has received from(a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland since 11 June.

  Mr. Rifkind
  In that period, I have received 40 letters in favour of some form of devolution, of which 38 were from Scotland and two from England.

  Small Firms
  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what figures he has available for the number of small firms operating in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  Comprehensive information on small firms is not available. Information for the period 1980–85 for Scotland and the other regions of the United Kingdom on the stock of firms registered for value added tax was published in "British Business" on 31 July 1987, and information for the period 1980–83 on changes in the stock by size of turnover was published in "British Business" on 2 November 1984. Copies of these publications have been placed in the Library.

  The Government have introduced a succession of measures to stimulate small business development, and these have gone a long way both towards lifting many of the administrative burdens faced by small companies and towards helping small companies to become more flexible and responsive to market pressures. In this context the small firms sector in Scotland has made an increasing contribution in recent years to employment and economic development.

  Local Government
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total administrative costs, including wages and salaries, of local government in Scotland in 1986–87.
  198
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The best available estimate of the costs classified by Scottish local authorities as central administrative costs, including wages and salaries, in respect of relevant current expenditure in 1986–87 is £14·13 million.

  Psychogeriatric Unit, Rutherglen
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the time scale for the provision of the proposed psychogeriatric unit at Rutherglen.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Provision of the proposed psychogeriatric unit will depend on the outcome of two strategic reviews which the Greater Glasgow health board is presently conducting on services for the elderly, and on psychiatric services (about which a consultative document has recently been issued).

  Financial Services
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current level of employment in the financial sector in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  The number of employees in employment in Scotland in division 8 of the standard industrial classification—which covers banking, finance, insurance, business services and leasing—totalled 165,000 in June 1987. This represents an increase of around 47,000 or 40 per cent. since 1977.

  Current employment estimates for the financial services sector alone are not available from official sources. The 1984 census of employment, which is the latest available, indicates that there were around 72,000 employees employed in financial services in Scotland in September of that year.

  The financial services sector makes a vital contribution to the Scottish economy both directly and indirectly, and it has been amongst the fastest growing employment sectors in recent years.

  Educational Facilities (Strathclyde)
  Mr. Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will be meeting officials of Strathclyde regional council to discuss educational facilities.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  No.

  Midlothian (Surgical Waiting Lists)
  Mr. Eadie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what communication he has received from Lothian health board regarding waiting times of patients requiring surgery who reside in the parliamentary constituency of Midlothian.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  None.

  Industrial Regeneration (Renfrew)
  Mr. Allen Adams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in the light of the announcement of' 500 redundancies at FKI (Halifax), formerly Babcocks, at its Renfrew plant, he has any plans to visit Renfrew and meet the local council to discuss industrial regeneration in the area; and if he will make a statement.
  199
  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans at present to visit Renfrew to meet Renfrew district council.

  I am confident that the proposed enterprise initiative for Renfrew, to which the district council and Strathclyde regional council will both be contributing, will help to create new and invigorated economic activity in the area, and improve the environment for those who live and work there.

  Primary Health Care
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the White Paper on primary health care in the National Health Service, as it relates to Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I have received 13 written representations since the White Paper "Promoting Better Health" was published on 25 November.

  Forestry Grants
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the direct cost to his Department of forestry grants for 1986–87.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The total amounts of grants paid to private woodland owners by the Forestry Commission in 1986–87, for new planting and restocking, were as follows:

  £

  Scotland

  4,592,669

  England

  2,232,757

  Wales

  386,459

  Glasgow District
  Mr. McTaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the value of the capital allocation to Glasgow district in(a) 1978 and (b) 1987; and if he will express these figures as a percentage in real terms.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Capital allocations for housing are issued on two blocks, to cover expenditure on local authority stock and on the private sector. Glasgow district council's capital allocations in 1978–79 totalled £66·924 million. For 1987–88, the council has received allocations totalling £137–65 million, which represents 101·2 per cent. of the 1978–79 figure in real terms.

  Data Protection
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to whether the Data Protection Registrar has used his powers under section 36(5) of the Data Protection Act to report on how the use of personal data collected for the community charge affects his functions of supervising the workings of the Data Protection Act.

  Mr. Lang
  In his third annual report to Parliament in July 1987, made in accordance with section 36(5) of the Data Protection Act 1984, the Data Protection Registrar commented at page 4 on community charge registers.

  Childhood Cancers
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to introduce case-control 200
  studies of childhood cancers in the areas around the Holy Loch, Hunterston and Chapelcross/Wigton Bay and Dounreay.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The study carried out by the information and statistics division of the Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service into the incidence of leukaemia in under 25 year olds throughout Scotland has been passed to the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment for its expert advice on how best to proceed. I shall be considering further investigations, such as case-control studies, on the basis of their advice.

  South of Scotland Electricity Board (Borrowing)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what rate of return he expects to receive from the South of Scotland Electricity Board on the outstanding borrowing from him over the next 10 years.

  Mr. Lang
  I am advised by the South of Scotland Electricity Board that at 30 November 1987 the average rate of interest on its outstanding borrowing was 11.8 per cent. The board's borrowings are expected to be repaid by instalments over periods ranging from one year to 21 years.

  South of Scotland Electricity Board (Advertising)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the amount spent by the South of Scotland Electricity Board on advertising in each year from 1983–84 to 1986–87 and projected spend in 1987–88 and 1988–89, showing in each case the sums spent on(a) television, (b) newspapers, (c) hoardings and billboards and (d) others.

  Mr. Lang
  This is a commercial matter for the board and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Gentleman.

  Salmonid Farming
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will outline the range and type of resources directed by his Department to the research into anti-predator devices and measures in the marine salmonid farming industry.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Part of the time of four scientists at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland's marine laboratory is currently allocated to this work. Three years ago these resources were estimated to amount to three quarters of a man year and at present the effort is in the region of one man year.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will outline the resources devoted by his Department to research programmes which examine the effects of predators on the transmission of diseases at marine salmonid farming sites.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland is not at present undertaking any such research projects.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is in a position to estimate the financial loss incurred by the marine salmonid in each of the past five years farming due to bird and seal predation.
  201
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The most recent estimate of damage by seals showed that in the 12 month period to July 1985 damage amounting to some £170,000 to £250,000 was caused. The estimate was prepared on the basis of returns made to a questionnaire issued in 1985 to the salmon industry. No corresponding estimate of financial loss due to bird predation is available.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will outline departmental responsibility, within his Department, for the provision of advice and research into the effects of predators in marine salmonid farms.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The marine laboratory of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland is charged with the responsibility for providing advice on and research into the effects of predators in marine salmonid farms.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many licences under section 10(1)(c)(i) of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 were granted to marine salmonid farmers in each of the past four years; and how many common and grey seals were killed under these licences for each of the past four years.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information is as follows:

  Licences granted

  Number reported killed under licence

  1984

  Common seals

  2

  4

  Grey seals

  —

  —

  1985

  Common seals

  10

  3

  Grey seals

  14

  3

  1986

  Common seals

  8

  10

  Grey seals

  7

  3

  1987

  Common seals

  17

  3

  Grey seals

  119

  2—

  1 To date.

  2 Figures not yet available.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how large the salmon farming industry in Scotland(a) was three years ago and (b) is at present.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The industry has increased from 129 sites in 1984 (comprising 46 freshwater sites and 83 saltwater sites) with a total production of 3,912 tonnes, to 307 sites at present (comprising 108 freshwater sites and 199 seawater sites). The forecast production for 1987 is around 16,000 tonnes. Manpower in the industry was 515 full-time (128 part-time) in 1984 and 733 full-time (206 part-time) in 1986. Figures for 1987 are not yet available.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what resources his Department(a) provided three years ago and (b) provides at present by way of advice and training to those engaged in the salmon farming industry.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland's marine laboratory has in hand a programme of research aimed at the development of acoustic devices to scare seals from marine salmon farms. It is understood that the fish farming industry is undertaking on-site evaluation of the effectiveness of several prototype devices.

  Common Seals
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the approximate number of common seals on the west coast of Scotland and around the Western Isles.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland obtains advice from the Natural Environment Research Council as to estimates of seal populations.

  The most recent estimates obtained from the council in respect of common seal populations in the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides and the west coast of Scotland were provided by surveys carried out by the Sea Mammal Research Institute in 1974 and 1980 respectively. These showed a minimum total population in these regions of some 5,800 animals comprising some 1,300 animals in the Outer Hebrides and some 4,500 animals in the Inner Hebrides and the west coast.

  Children (Alleged Abduction)
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland why no criminal charges have been brought against the three men alleged to have abducted three children, Craig Park, Mark Lane and John Love, from their home in Bornbrae street, Larkhill on 17 September.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Solicitor-General for Scotland has already written to the hon. Member about this case, and has explained that the Crown's reasons for declining to prosecutre are confidential. The hon. Member may however be assured that the matter was carefully considered, and that the Solicitor-General for Scotland fully agreed with the procurator fiscal's decision against prosecution.

  Forestry Commission (Regional Advisory Committee)
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the names of all the Forestry Commission's regional advisory committee members, together with details of the relevant background experience of each.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is as follows:

  Conservancy: North England

  Professor G. R. Dickson—Chairman. Farmer. Member of the Northumberland National Park Committee.

  J. Brown-Swinburne—Estate owner with forestry, farming and sawmilling interests.

  T. R. Fetherstonhaugh—Estate owner, with local authority experience.

  Professor B. Hackett—Professor of Landscape Architecture (retired). Chartered town planner. Chartered architect.

  T. N. Hammond—Trade Unionist.

  Lady Elizabeth Kirk—Countryside Commissioner 1979 to date. President of the Countryside Holidays Association. Member of various other recreational committees.

  W. W. Metcalf—Member of the RICS. Member of the North York Moors National Park Committee and Yorkshire Naturalists Trust.

  R. E. Shapland — Forest Manager, North West Water Authority.

  P. Townson—Wide forestry experience.

  Conservancy: East England

  W. E. Lane—Chairman, Planner. Involved in the work of NCC, National Trust, CPRE and other bodies.

  G. K. Agnew—Landowner with forestry, farming and local Government interests.

  T. Cook—Farmer.

  203

  P. H. Peck—Trade unionist.

  J. K. Royston — Agent to Duke of Buccleuch Boughton Estate.

  C. Stratton—Landscape Architect.

  J. Todd — President of the British Timber Merchants Association.

  L. Woodham—Governor of Plumpton Agriculture College.

  Councillor Mrs. M. P. Wright—Member of East Sussex County Council; Chairman of the Conservation and Countryside Committee.

  Conservancy: West England

  I. Mercer—Chairman, Dartmoor National Park Officer.

  Major D. J. C. Davenport—Woodland Owner and Farmer.

  C. A. Eade—Chartered Surveyor and Land Agent.

  A. East—Managing Director of a timber processing firm. Member of the British Institute of Management, Institute of Wood Science.

  A. Fooks—Trade Union official.

  D. W. Hildred—Retired Bank Manager. Field Naturalist.

  W. A. Isaac—Former County Chairman of the NFU. Vice-Chairman Wiltshire Farming, Forestry and Wildlife Advisory Group. Member of the CLA Executive Committee.

  R. Jarman — Adviser on Nature Conservation, National Trust. Member of a number of conservation bodies.

  J. M. B. Workman — Woodland Owner, National Trust Adviser. Forestry Consultant.

  Conservancy: Wales

  M. A. McLaggan—Chairman, Lawyer. Woodland owner.

  J. Lloyd Jones — Vice-Chairman County Branch NFU, Chairman Gwynned Farming, Forestry and Wildlife Advisory Group. Member Council for the Protection of Rural Wales.

  D. M. Raikes OBE, JP—Countryside Commissioner, Vice-Chairman Countryside Commission's Committee for Wales.

  S. K. Neale—Trade Unionist.

  Col. P. C. Ormrod — Past Chairman of TGUK (North Wales). Forestry and Land Use Consultant. Past Chairman of Flintshire Woodlands Ltd.

  Mrs. R. Rooney—Estate owner with woodland interests.

  D. W. Rowlands—Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, Royal Forestry Society, British Institute of Agricultural Consultants.

  J. W. Sutton — Purchasing Manager, Shotton Paper Co. Ltd.

  W. R. Williams JP—Estate owner with woodland interests.

  Conservancy: North Scotland

  Sheriff S. Scott Robinson—Chairman. Former Sheriff of Inverness. Former Vice-President Law Society of Scotland.

  E. J. Brodie — Estate owner. Farming/Forestry and Sporting interests.

  B. E. Crabtree—Trade Union official.

  J. Evans—Forestry Consultant.

  A. D. M. Farquharson—Land Agent. Manages a forestry estate.

  Professor C. Gimingham — Professor of Plant Science, Aberdeen University. Countryside Commissioner for Scotland.

  N. J. O. Graham—Vice-Chairman of Planning Committee — Highland Regional Council. Ex-Chairman of the RSPB Scottish Committee.

  W. W. MacAskill—Director of firm of timber merchants, and various commercial companies.

  M. Pottinger — Family livestock business. Part-time journalist. Former President of the local NFU.

  Conservancy: Mid Scotland

  Dr. Jean Balfour — Chairman — Ex-Chairman of the Countryside Commission for Scotland.

  B. S. Brookes — Former Warden; Scottish Field Studies Association. Member of the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

  P. Fairweather—Forestry Manager Argyll Estate.

  J. W. Hutchison — Landowner with extensive forestry interests.

  C. R. Langton—Wide forestry experience.

  204

  J. McNaughton—Hill farmer. Member of the British Wool Marketing Board, the Panel of Agricultural Arbiters, and the Red Deer Commission.

  G. Morton—Union official.

  P. S. Murray — Director of sawmilling company. Ex-President of Home Timber Merchants Association of Scotland.

  Cllr. T. Rae — Member of Strathclyde Regional Council. Served in fields of Education, Planning, Manpower Services.

  Conservancy: South Scotland

  H. A. Waterston — Chairman. Retired Deputy Principal West of Scotland College of Agriculture. Involved in Red Deer Societies.

  W. S. Brack—Trade Unionist.

  D. B. Crawford OBE—Forestry Consultant.

  T. Croft—Head of Policy Research Department, National Trust for Scotland.

  D. Hewitt—Director of a firm of Timber Merchants.

  D. I. Liddell-Grainger — Deputy Chairman TGUK (Scotland).

  R. A. McClymont — Member of NFUS and Wool Marketing Board. Interest in Hill Farming.

  D. R. Robinson — Chairman Wigtown District Council. Member of Dumfries and Galloway Regional Council. Director of an agricultural business.

  The Earl of Rosebery — Estate owner, with woodland interests.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Child Welfare
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to seek to increase the minimum and maximum sentences available for those found guilty of sexually interfering with handicapped children while entrusted with their care.

  Mr. Stanley
  There are no mandatory minimum penalties for sexual offences against children in any part of the United Kingdom and there are no plans to introduce such penalties in Northern Ireland.

  The maximum penalty for certain homosexual offences against children is life; for indecent assault it is 10 years, and for rape, it is life. It is proposed to increase the maximum sentence for attempted rape of a child and for indecent assault of a girl in a forthcoming Order in Council.

  The penalties for other sexual offences which may involve children are being kept under close review.

  Fair Employment
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he is to publish his White Paper outlining the Government's response to the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights report on fair employment.

  Mr. Viggers
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 12 November at column 308.

  Anthony Hughes
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when and where a post mortem was held on Anthony Hughes, who died at Loughall police station in County Armagh; and what was the result of the post mortem.
  205
  The Attorney-General
  [holding answer 1 December 1987]: I have been asked to reply as the Lord Chancellor is responsible for the work of coroners in Northern Ireland.

  A post mortem was held in Craigavon area hospital on 9 May 1987 and a full autopsy report will be available for the purposes of an inquest which is to be held in due course.

  Under-fives
  The Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to promote provision for under-fives throughout Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 3 December 1987]: In the personal social services field, services for the under-fives including social work support for families, childminders and day nurseries, are an integral part of the Government's overall preventive strategy on child care, whose development was identified as a specific objective for the next five years in the regional strategy published by the Department of Health and Social Services in August this year. A copy of this document is available in the Library.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Severe Weather Payments
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give details of arrangements for the payment of severe and cold weather payments to pensioners in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood) on 27 October at columns 468–9. The relevant regulations were laid before the House on 26 November.

  Eye Tests
  Mr Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the National League of the Blind and Disabled regarding abolition of free eye tests; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what reply he is sending to the representations made to him by the general secretary of the National League of the Blind and Disabled in regard to his proposal to abolish free eye tests; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  I understand that the league has writen to my right hon. Friend, but its letter has not yet been received.

  AIDS
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what contingency plans his Department has in the case of an AIDS epidemic among heterosexuals in the United Kingdom within the next five years.

  Mr. Newton
  The low rates of HIV infection currently found amongst heterosexuals in the United Kingdom suggest that it is very unlikely that there will be epidemic 206
  spread of heterosexually acquired HIV in the next five years. The public education programme on AIDS prevention is designed to ensure this situation is maintained. All health authorities in England have prepared plans for dealing with HIV infection and AIDS, and the costs of providing AIDS-related services are kept under close review in the light of the latest information available about the spread of HIV infection.

  Mrs. Susan Halligan
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when Mrs. Susan Halligan of 29 Worcester road, Birkenhead will receive the invalid care allowance for which she applied in September 1986.

  Mr. Scott
  I regret that the processing of Mrs. Halligan's claim has taken much longer than is usual. I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Multiple Births
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about the outcome of pregnancy following infertility treatment and in-vitro fertilisation, and on the extent to which these treatments may have contributed to the rise in the rates of multiple births.

  Mr. Newton
  The Department does not collect data on the outcome of pregnancy in relation to different infertility treatments. However, studies are being carried out at the national perinatal epidemiology unit, which is funded by the Department, and at the Medical Research Council which should shed light on the incidence of multiple pregnancies linked to these treatments. We expect both studies to be completed in about a year's time.

  Supplementary Benefit
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will detail for each year since 1979 the numbers of(a) pensioners and (b) other claimants who have drawn supplementary benefit for five or more years.

  Mr. Portillo
  The information is as follows:

  Supplementary pension claimants (thousands)

  Supplementary allowance claimants (thousands)

  November 1979

  1,053

  234

  December 1980

  1,054

  251

  December 1981

  1,087

  281

  December 1982

  1,090

  308

  December 1983

  1,057

  348

  December 1984

  1,041

  409

  February 1986

  1,026

  535

  Source: Annual statistical inquiries.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people, shown by age and marital status, are in receipt of the long-term rate of supplementary benefit for the latest date and for equivalent dates in each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Portillo
  I regret that I cannot give the hon. Member all the information that he requests. Such information as can be provided will not be available until the new year. I shall let the hon. Member have a further reply then.

  Unemployed Benefit Recipients
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many previously unemployed benefit recipients are not required to be available for work at the latest date and for equivalent dates in each of the past 10 years; and how many previously unemployed men aged 60 and over are in receipt of the long-term rate of supplementary benefit at the latest date and for equivalent dates over the same period.

  Mr. Portillo
  I regret that the information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However the following table shows the number of men aged 60–64 who receive supplementary benefit. These are the latest available figures.

  Number

  December 1981

  19,000

  December 1982

  40,000

  December 1982

  114,000

  December 1984

  131,000

  February 1986

  136,000

  Since May 1983 the long-term scale rate has been allowed in all cases of men over 60. Before that date it was used only for men not required to be available for work who had received benefit for over 12 months, or were over pension age.

  Men over pension age have been excluded from the table.

  Industrial Injuries
  Mr. Day
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when the industrial injuries advisory council's reports on halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons and non-ionising radiation are to be published; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  Both reports were published yesterday. The report on non-ionising radiation recommends that no changes be made to the existing legislation. The report on halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons and n-hexane recommends that the following conditions be added to the schedule of prescribed industrial diseases:

  (i) Damage to the liver or kidneys due to exposure to carbon tetrachloride.

  (ii) Damage to the liver or kidneys due to exposure to trichloromethane (chloroform).

  (iii) Central nervous system dysfunction and associated gastrointestinal disorders due to exposure to chloromethane (methyl chloride).

  (iv) Peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to n-hexane or methyl n-butyl ketone.

  The Government accept the council's recommendations and regulations will be laid on 11 December to bring them into operation on 4 January 1988.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Lord Privy Seal if he will list the current cost of answering(a) written and (b) an oral parliamentary question; and if he will list the total annual cost of answering parliamentary questions.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The cost of replying to parliamentary questions varies considerably, but the current average cost 208
  is estimated at £45 for written answers and £75 for oral answers. Records of the total annual cost of answering parliamentary questions are not kept.

DEFENCE

  British Military and Naval Presence
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list every country and dependency where there is a permanent British military or naval presence, the annual costs to public funds of each such presence, and the proportion that represents in each case of the total cost of such a presence.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Countries and dependencies (outside the NATO area except Gibraltar) where there is a permanent British military or naval presence, and the annual cost to United Kingdom public funds of those forces, together with the proportion of the total cost of the presence in each case which this cost represents, are as follows:

  Estimated Cost (1987–88) £ million

  Proportion of Total Cost per cent.

  Hong Kong

  55

  25

  British Indian Ocean Territory (Diego Garcia)

  1

  100

  Falkland Islands (including South Georgia)

  141

  100

  Gibraltar

  79

  100

  Cyprus (includes SBA and UNFICYP forces)

  112

  81

  Belize

  38

  100

  Brunei

  —

  0

  We do not maintain forces exclusively for operations in dependencies other than those listed, and costs are not separately identified. These details exclude loan service personnel stationed in a number of countries and dependencies throughout the world. All the costs shown include directly attributable expenditure on capital works and equipment and are running costs for materiel and manpower. The costs of operational headquarters, bases and general operational support have been attributed pro rata.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department takes to implement its equal opportunities employment policy; how many persons of ethnic minority origins are employed in his Department; what proportion that is of the total; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  An action plan has been developed to promote equal opportunities within the Ministry of Defence. Examples of actions taken or in hand are a trial to determine the demand for job-sharing and part-time working; women-only training courses; a survey of the ethnic origins of staff and applicants for employment; the placing of recruitment advertisements in the ethnic press; and initiatives to help people with disabilities. The voluntary survey of the ethnic origins of staff has not yet been completed. To date, of the 43,603 non-industrial staff who have so far responded, 834 or 2 per cent. were from ethnic minorities.

  Courts Martial
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the offences for which British soldiers have been convicted by courts martial in each of the last two years, and the sentences that were imposed.

  Mr. Freeman
  Full details of the offences for which Army service men and service women have been convicted by courts martial are not readily available and could be

  Convictions by Courts Martial of Army Servicemen and Servicewomen during 1985 Punishment Awarded

  Type of Offence

  Number Convicted

  Imprisonment

  Dismissal

  Detention

  Reduction in Rank

  Fine

  Reprimand

  Others

  Total

  807

  53

  284

  335

  52

  81

  2

  —

  Offences against person (excluding sexual)

  95

  13

  21

  50

  6

  5

  —

  —

  Sex Offences

  19

  6

  11

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug Offences

  51

  7

  27

  17

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Offences against property

  179

  13

  52

  76

  20

  18

  —

  —

  Desertion and AWOL

  268

  9

  107

  141

  7

  3

  1

  —

  Drunkenness

  18

  —

  5

  5

  1

  7

  —

  —

  Other offences against discipline

  147

  5

  59

  43

  17

  22

  1

  —

  Other Offences

  30

  —

  2

  1

  1

  26

  —

  —

  Convictions by Courts Martial of Army Servicemen and Servicewomen during 1986 Punishment Awarded

  Type of Offence

  Number Convicted

  Imprisonment

  Dismissal

  Detention

  Reduction in Rank

  Fine

  Reprimand

  Other

  Total

  608

  20

  223

  264

  52

  46

  2

  1

  Offences against person (excluding sexual)

  93

  8

  20

  52

  8

  4

  —

  1

  Sex Offences

  13

  7

  4

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug Offences

  18

  —

  16

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Offences against property

  158

  3

  61

  67

  16

  11

  —

  —

  Desertion and AWOL

  220

  2

  93

  114

  11

  —

  —

  —

  Drunkenness

  4

  —

  1

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  Other offences against discipline

  83

  —

  26

  24

  14

  19

  —

  —

  Other Offences

  19

  —

  2

  2

  2

  11

  2

  —

  Bullying
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many serious individual cases of bullying have been referred to his Department in the last year; and what is the total number of such cases which have been centrally recorded in the last 10 years.

  Mr. Freeman
  13 serious individual cases of bullying which have resulted in court martial action have been referred to my Department in the past year. 11 of these have been in the Army and two in the Royal Marines.

  A number of other cases are still under investigation. The relative seriousness of these, and the disciplinary action appropriate, cannot be judged until such investigations are completed. It is not possible to give details of such cases over the past 10 years, as records of these cases have been held centrally only since January 1986.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in the last year complaints involving bullying have been so numerous or so recurrent in a unit that the matter has been referred to his Department.
  210
  obtained only at disproportionate cost. The available statistics, which are shown below for 1985 and 1986, group offences into eight categories. When an individual was convicted of offences from more than one category, he or she has been counted against the most serious category, the order of severity being that shown in the tables. Punishments awarded are also shown in order of severity, decreasing from left to right. When multiple punishments were awarded, the most serious has been counted.

  Mr. Freeman
  During the last year, against the background of allegations in late 1986 about initiation ceremonies in 3 Royal Green Jackets—later proved to be largely baseless—all cases of alleged bullying in the Army have been referred to my Department. To date there have been some 89 cases in all, some of them relating to alleged incidents before this period. Their being reported to MOD is not a function of any marked increase in such incidents, but rather a reflection of how seriously this whole question is being treated.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 1984 no disciplinary action has been taken against soldiers who went absent without leave when on their return it was established that the absence was because of bullying.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer the right hon. Member to my letter of 3 December. I regret that the information the right hon. Member seeks is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many courts martial there have been in each of the last five years; in how many of these the charge was related to some form of bullying; and in how many there was a guilty verdict.
  211
  Mr. Freeman
  The numbers of courts martial held in the period 1982–1986 are as follows:

  Royal Navy

  Army

  Royal Air Force

  Total

  1982

  49

  1,148

  239

  1,436

  1983

  65

  844

  237

  1,146

  1984

  73

  853

  190

  1,116

  1985

  65

  845

  217

  1,127

  1986

  60

  644

  144

  848

  Details are not recorded in a way which would permit the ready identification of those cases in which the charges related to some form of bullying since no offence under the service discipline Acts is defined as such. It is, however, an offence under section 36A of the Naval Discipline Act 1957 and sections 65 of the Army and Air Force Acts 1955 for an officer, warrant officer of non-commissioned officer to strike or otherwise ill-treat a person of inferior rank; and the numbers of courts martial convictions for offences under these sections in the period 1982–1986 are as follows:

  Royal Navy

  Army

  Royal Air Force

  Total

  1982

  Nil

  3

  1

  4

  1983

  Nil

  17

  1

  18

  1984

  5

  8

  2

  15

  1985

  Nil

  15

  3

  18

  1986

  Nil

  4

  4

  8

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library details of those allegations of bullying given to newspapers which he reports in his letter of 2 December to the right hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South to have been found to be baseless; and what investigations were carried out to lead his Department to this conclusion.

  Mr. Freeman
  Yes. I shall do so shortly.

  Lieutenant Colonel Macmillan
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will investigate allegations made in a letter passed to him by the right hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South that men under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Macmillan have been fined excessively for trivial offences; and how many applications to leave his unit have been made in recent months.

  Mr. Freeman
  The anonymous letter passed to me by the right hon. Member relates to summary disciplinary action taken by Lieutenant Colonel Macmillan as commanding officer of 4th Armoured Division Field Ambulance. In dealing summarily with disciplinary cases, a commanding officer has the widest possible evidence available to him, and it has long been our practice to regard matters of this sort as confidential between the CO and the individual soldiers concerned.

  The punishments awarded in each of the cases mentioned in the letter were well within the commanding officer's powers and were correctly entered into unit disciplinary records — which are subject to regular inspection by higher military authority. None of the three cases of alleged excessive fining noted in the letter is as simple as the right hon. Member's correspondent has suggested. In the case of the fine imposed for "an untidy room", the NCO concerned was charged as a result of his
  212
  room being found, on a six-monthly accommodation check, in an indescribably filthy and unhygenic condition: the fine imposed was the equivalent of 18 days' pay. In another of the cases cited, the charge was not only that the NCO concerned failed to stop on a bicycle when ordered, but that he was riding at night without lights, and behaving in a disorderly manner in front of foreign visitors to the unit: the soldier concerned was fined the equivalent of 19 days' pay. In the third case cited, the NCO concerned was a persistent offender in the late settlement of mess bills, and had been specifically reminded of the due date of the bill in question: he was fined the equivalent of six days' pay. Each of the soldiers concerned had the option of electing to be tried by court martial on the same charges, and none of them has made any complaint or appeal about the summary punishment awarded.

  The letter alleges that there has been an undue number of NCOs or soldiers seeking premature transfer from the unit. This is simply not the case. Since the CO took command in January this year, two officers and 10 soldiers have applied for early release or premature posting, for a variety of reasons ranging from family circumstances, to offers of civilian employment, to their volunteering for the airborne or commando forces. The applications for PVR represent some 3·4 per cent. of the unit establishment. Some 70 other soldiers who were eligible to transfer under a trickle posting system have chosen to remain within the unit.

  Queen's Dragoon Guards
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will investigate allegations made to him in a letter passed to him by the right hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South that initiation ceremonies in the Queen's Dragoon Guards for new junior officers involve nakedness and drinking cocktails including urine; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  As the allegations made in the anonymous letter passed to me by the right hon. Gentleman give no specific dates of the alleged incidents or the names of those supposedly involved, it has not been possible to initiate a Special Investigation Branch inquiry, as would normally be the case.

  Nevertheless, the allegations have caused considerable disquiet, both in my Department and in the regiment and its higher command chain. Very careful inquiries have been carried out within the regiment, under the supervision of the brigade commander, into all aspects of the behaviour alleged in the letter. All available officers of the regiment have been interviewed as part of this process, and I can state that no evidence whatsoever has been found which supports the allegations that newly joined officers of the Queen's Dragoon Guards are initiated by their soldiers in revolting and unseemly drinking rituals.

  I have explained to the right hon. Member on previous occasions the difficulty of pursuing conclusively allegations that are unsupported by specific details. Our inquiries have established no accurate basis for the very harmful allegations in this particular letter, against a most distinguished regiment. However, if additional details were forthcoming I would of course be prepared to look further into the matter.

  Ministry Police
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list his precise responsibilities in relation to the Ministry of Defence police.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  As set out in the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has overall responsibility for the force and, therefore, has to determine policy for its roles, management and administration — including provision of the money, manpower and equipment necessary for it to operate efficiently.

  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the procedure for lodging complaints against the Ministry of Defence police.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Ministry of Defence police are required to follow the same complaints procedures as other United Kingdom civilian police forces. A leaflet explaining the complaints procedure entitled "Complaints against the Police" is available from any police station. A complainant may either write to the chief constable MOD police, or a local police force chief constable, or visit any police station where details will be taken. Alternatively an aggrieved person may authorise someone else to complain on his behalf.

  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will call for a report from the chief constable of the Ministry of Defence police as to the circumstances in which a young woman outside Greenham Common air base had her fingers deliberately trapped and crushed by an American service man; why no charges were brought against the service man; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No. I assume that the hon. Member is referring to an incident that occurred in the early hours of 13 November 1987. The individual concerned has lodged a complaint against the police in accordance with the usual procedure. The matter was immediately referred by the chief constable of the MOD police to the Police Complaints Authority in accordance with section 87 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, as the nature of the injuries fall within the category for mandatory supervision.

  An investigating officer, approved by the Police Complaints Authority, has been appointed and when the
  214
  results of his investigation are known appropriate action will be taken. This may include further investigation in conjunction with the USAF authorities.

  AWACS
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of the seventh AWACS aircraft.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 1 December 1987]: The cost of the seventh AWACS aircraft cannot be disclosed for reasons of commercial confidentiality. However, the favourable movement of the sterling-dollar exchange rate since March has meant that the price is lower than that agreed for each of the first six.

  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total value of contracts that must be placed by Boeing before 18 December 1994 now that seven AWACS aircraft have been ordered.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 1 December 1987]: The total value of contracts is expected to be in excess of 1·5 billion dollars.

  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the cost penalties if Boeing fail to honour the agreed AWACS 130 per cent. offset arrangements by 18 December 1994.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 1 December 1987]: The offset agreement with Boeing is an integral part of the contract for the purchase of the AWACS system. Any breach of the agreement would therefore constitute a breach of the contract and, although there are no express damages identified in the contract, the Government would have recourse to English law in respect of perceived damages.

  Howitzers
  Mr. Sean Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many 155 mm self-propelled howitzers are required by the Army.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 1 December 1987]: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 1 December, at column 569, on howitzer quantities.

  CONVENTIONAL STABILITY NEGOTIATIONS
  CONVENTIONAL STABILITY NEGOTIATIONS
  BINARY WEAPONS
  BINARY WEAPONS
  USED CAR MILEAGE RECORDS
  USED CAR MILEAGE RECORDS
  COUNCIL OF MINISTERS/EUROPEAN COMMISSION: DIVISION MECHANISM
  COUNCIL OF MINISTERS/EUROPEAN COMMISSION: DIVISION MECHANISM
  PRISONERS: SPECIAL VISITING ARRANGEMENTS
  PRISONERS: SPECIAL VISITING ARRANGEMENTS
  SPEEDING OFFENCES: FIXED PENALTY ARRANGEMENTS
  SPEEDING OFFENCES: FIXED PENALTY ARRANGEMENTS
  PREVENTION OF TERRORISM (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) ACT: REPORT
  PREVENTION OF TERRORISM (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) ACT: REPORT